I cannot believe a year has passed since my debut novel released. What an amazing year it has been! The support, the new friendships I have made, the things I have learned are all invaluable.
Since its release, the rest of the trilogy has also become available, and I've gone on to contract several more books. It's available as ebook, paperback, audio book and soon in hardback as well. Kiya has done an incredible job at kick starting my writing career. To to celebrate, and say thank you, I am hosting this blog hop with prizes to find along the way. I will giveaway copies of Kiya and critiques to participants of the hop. For the details, go here
For my 500 word short story, I'm going to do a short Horemheb perspective. As per the game, please add to it in the comments in 365 words or less. Commenters go in the running for prizes!
He paused outside, knowing if he entered prematurely he
could face possible execution. But with Kiya gone, he didn’t feel like he had
much else to lose. He burst through the door, and found himself looking across
a round courtyard with a pool in the middle. Women gathered in, whispering to
each other, and across the other side of the room, he saw Ay with Nefertiti. That
meant Akhenaten was somewhere nearby.
“Where’s the king?” he demanded.
One of the concubines turned to him and pointed down a
hallway.
He rushed down it, and near the end, found Gerlind sobbing
in Abi’s arms. Abi held onto her, her cheeks wet, but she remained composed.
“What has happened?” Horemheb asked.
Gerlind jumped and looked up at him. “You!”
Abi pulled her behind her. “Commander, Mordad is dead.”
“What? How?”
Akhenaten stepped out of the dark room beside them. His head
hung, as he spoke in a low voice. “My wives have turned against one another. My
beloved Kiya is gone, and my dear Mordad now lies dead from an asp planted to
kill Kiya.”
“My lord.” Abi hurried over and touched his face. “Gerlind
and I remain.”
Gerlind nodded and grabbed his hand. “Yes, we will remain at
your side.”
He half smiled, but his head fell. “Commander?”
“Yes, my lord?”
“How do I know what love is when my heart is torn from me by
the very people who claim to love me?”
Horemheb didn’t know how to answer. He shook his head. “No
man knows love like you, my lord.”
Akhenaten lifted his head and glared down the hall. “I wish
I could…” He huffed. “Why do I still love her?”
“Who?”
Akhenaten lowered his voice. “That vicious creature
Nefertiti.” He ran his hand over his face and tossed his crown to the ground.
Horemheb flinched and plucked it up. “My lord―”
“Did you see Kiya flee, Horemheb? Is she safe?”
He nodded. “She disappeared before the horn sounded―”
“And why didn’t you go with her? Hmm?”
Horemheb paused, seeing the ice in Akhenaten’s eyes. He knew
how he felt for her, he had to know. “I need to remain here with you.”
Akhenaten sneered. “Ah yes, loyal to the crown aren’t we,
Commander? I bet you only stayed to ensure her son gets that once I die.” He
motioned at the crown in Horemheb’s hand.
Horemheb lifted it to him. “He’s your son, my lord.”
Akhenaten snatched it from him. “I have no one left to
trust. Kiya kept everything together. She gave me love and devotion where
everyone else feigned it. I am alone. Completely alone to bear this burden.” He
waved the crown in the air.
Horemheb shook his head. “My lord, I still…”
Akhenaten shoved his chest. “You desire my Kiya. You only
remain loyal for her.”
Now add away!!!
Here's the linky code:
