Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday - snippet from Grand Master's Pawn

Welcome to another Saturday of Science Fiction & Fantasy snippets exchanged by writers. 
My contribution this week is from Grand Master’s Pawn, which will be released on March 5th. The pawn, Violet, has just returned from her first mission to the planet of Erebus, where she acquired 3 crystals: two sapphires and an amethyst. 


Excerpt:A familiar ebullient voice called, “Hello, my fellow pawns!” and Gary sauntered from the stone path to their table. A large ruby glinted on his neckband, almost matching the fiery red of his hair. He touched a finger to the red jewel and boasted, “My Grand Master rewarded me with a valuable gem.” 
Violet blinked at the flash of red. “Very colorful!” she said, disgusted by his ostentation. An alarm rang in her mind and she stiffened. Did Gary have the crystal stolen from the Elyrians?
“You were correct about the diversity of the Grand Masters, Lira,” he said, nodding at the cat-like alien. “My Grand Master is female. She admires beauty above all else.”
His words struck a dissonant chord in Violet’s critical mind, while she said, “I am glad she treats you well.”
“Oh, she pampers me with riches,” Gary said with a disdainful smirk. “I’ll be able to retire in luxury after the first year of my contract.” He stared at Violet’s neckband and taunted, “Your pawn collar is still plain metal. Is your Grand Master a miser?” 

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM
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