Excerpt #2 from my forthcoming sequel

A touch of humor from Chapter 2 of my forthcoming MORNING'S JOURNEY (sequel to DAWNFLIGHT).

“Some things never change.” Ygraine flicked a hand at Merlin’s legion badge. “Including you. Still playing soldier, I see.”

“Your son refuses to let me retire.” Merlin glanced, smiling, at Arthur before returning his gaze to Ygraine. “He has his father’s single-mindedness of purpose.” The smile widened. “And his mother’s powers of persuasion.”

As Ygraine returned the smile, Gyan got the distinct impression that she and Merlin shared a private jest.

Arthur exchanged a look with Bedwyr that bordered on consternation. “If this is true,” Arthur said, “then I must persuade you both to continue your reunion elsewhere so I can start the cavalry games.” He motioned at the restive crowd. “Before we have a riot on our hands.”

Ygraine laughed lightly. “A pleasure to see you too, Arthur.”

“Forgive me, my lady mother. Of course I’m glad—and honored—to see you. It’s only, well…forgive me.”

Gyan arched an eyebrow. Though she found it highly amusing that the conqueror of thousands could be bested in a single verbal stroke by his mother, she decided she’d be a poor wife indeed if she failed to come to his defense. She clasped his hand.

“Chieftainess Ygraine, your son is a man of single purpose. He does whatever is best for his people. And now, my people as well.” Gazing at Arthur, Gyan infused her expression with love. Her pulse quickened as he rewarded her in kind. “It is but one of the reasons I love him so.” She reached behind his head and drew his face to hers. Closing her eyes, she blotted out all other sensations as her tongue probed and twined with his.

The crowd’s impatient chants soon gave way to ribald shouts.

“Now who’s inciting a riot?” Merlin asked with mock asperity.

(Re-blogged from Kim Headlee's Maze of Twisty Passages on Facebook, first published 05/15/2013)