Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors!
Today I’m continuing with the first of my medieval romances, Betrothal, Book 1 of my Time Enough to Love series. Betrothal is currently on sale this month for .99 on Amazon, Smashwords and B & N .
BLURB:
Lady Alyse de Courcy has fallen in love with Lord Braeton, a nobleman in King Edward III’s court and a man to whom she has barely spoken. Fate, however, has decreed her betrothal to his best friend, Sir Geoffrey Longford—a handsome and imposing knight, yet hardly the man she wants to wed.
When Sir Geoffrey is bound in betrothal by his father, he could not have expected the beautiful stranger to win his heart the moment they meet. Nevertheless, the fascinating Lady Alyse has done exactly that, and his feelings for her only grow as he learns more of her gentle yet spirited nature. But Alyse’s infatuation with his friend casts doubt on whether she can ever return his regard and their wedding day is fast approaching…
Will he have time enough to win her love?
I’m starting a goodish way into the story. Lady Alyse de Courcy has been betrothed to a knight she has never met, a hulking warrior who she must wed in a matter of weeks before they accompany the Princess Joanna on her journey to Spain. Sir Geoffrey Longford has taken a liking to his little bride; Alyse, however, is slower to give her affection. This scene takes place just after the first banns have been read (banns–public announcement of the intention to wed– had to be read three times on successive Sundays before a wedding could take place) and Alyse’s shyness has become an issue.
We are in Alyse’s POV.
Some portions of this snippet may be changed from the book’s regular format to allow for WWW’s 10 line requirement. (Today’s punctuation is particularly wonky.)
SNIPPET:
They had reached the corridor outside the chapel, carried forward by the momentum of Alyse’s indignation, when she turned to him, her mouth open, a stinging retort on her lips, “’Tis not about—”
The sight of his face froze the words on her tongue; only the tight, thin line of his lips betrayed his anger–hurt, however, lurked deep in his eyes, summoned by his assumption of her continued rejection as he stood stoically ready to face her ire.
But it no longer existed.
Alyse sighed, her resentment draining away. “Nay, good my lord, never say that I have no regard for you, for ’tis false,” she spoke softly and avoided his eyes–shame at her thoughtless words eating at her–“I believe you an honorable man and I have accepted our coming marriage.” She risked a glance at him.
His gaze flicked over her face doubtfully as he said, “Then why, sweet lady, did you look like a heavy storm was brewing in your face–tell me what is wrong, sweetheart, if ’tis not the banns?”
“But it is the banns!”
He stepped back, his mouth pursing with impatience, saying “Alyse, we have but little time–I must attend the king yet I have news that will not wait.”
Betrothal is available for .99 on Amazon.
And now Book 2, Betrayal is also on sale for the month of March as well on Amazon, Smashwords, and B & N (price change coming soon).
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.
Time Enough to Love series by Jenna Jaxon
Check them out on my Amazon Author Page!
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
These books… Such a tragic love. So bittersweet. You know I love all of your books, but these ones have a place in my heart. 🙂
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I’m sure he will win her over. 😊
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I think she has him confused. I’m glad she tried to smooth things over.
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He doesn’t know her very well, although he’ll get a big piece of the puzzle soon.
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I have no doubt he’ll charm her eventually because he’s charmed me already! Excellently written, as always!
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Thank you so much, Julie! Yes, Geoffrey is quite the charmer, if a little rough around the edges.
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Here comes wonderful news although it makes a while before they settle down. Lovely snippet.
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Thank you, Charmaine. News arrives next week.
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I’m glad to see that she’d trying to be reasonable, even if he clearly doesn’t understand her.
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She has come to see the value in him, but no, he doesn’t understand her–yet.
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I think I have a crush on your hero. Brooding warrior felled by the soft words of a shy young miss. What’s not to love?
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Describes him to a T, Sue. 🙂 So glad you’re liking my hero!
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So she is not insensitive to him. But what is his news?
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She is warming to him. And his news will help that along!
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She’s in a pickle. I’m curious about his news.
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You’ll get the news when she does–next week!
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Alyse is her own worst enemy at some times! These are quite vivid stories and so well done. Enjoyed the snippet!
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She is that! Especially early on in the story. Thank you so much, Veronica!
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It may not be an ideal situation for either of them in different ways, but I think their concern for each other could make this work and eventually lead to love.
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Yes, she is at least trying to come to terms with the arranged marriage. And Geoffrey can be charming and is a powerful man, both as a warrior and in the political realm of the day. She has a lot to gain, if she can see it that way.
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