Today I am so pleased to welcome Zarina Aston to Joyfully Jay. Zarina has come to talk to us about her new release, Enchanter of Dragons. She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving a big welcome!
Exclusive Excerpt
Chapter 3: Jaega Ariake
“Grisden is so nice,” Fersen said once the servant left the tent. “You’re really lucky to have someone like him taking care of you.”
“I am indeed fortunate. I would be bereft without him.” It was not an understatement. “He has been with me through everything. I have come to rely on his sound judgment and wisdom as much as I do my lieutenants, if not more so.”
“King Decius used to bark orders at his servants and throw things at them when they displeased him,” Fersen said with a frown. “I’m glad to see they’re treated much better in Valzerna.”
“Thankfully, my brother is of the mindset that you get what you pay for. If you are generous with paying your servants, you will receive exceptional service and loyalty in return. As such, we have very little turnover in staff at the castle. It is shocking more rulers have not figured that out.”
Fersen looked at the general with a sense of awe. “Your people are really lucky.”
“My oldest brother may be a warlord, but at his core, he is a protector. He would sacrifice himself if he thought it would save the people of his kingdom. Few rulers can say that and mean it.”
“I hope it never comes to that,” Fersen said with a concerned expression.
“That is why he has me to help him protect our citizens and lands, along with my son, who is captain of the castle guards.”
“I’m surprised he doesn’t serve in the military with you.”
“I know it is selfish and hypocritical of me to keep him off the front lines when I ask so many others to make that same sacrifice, but—”
Fersen interrupted. “There’s not a single selfish or hypocritical thing about you. He is still serving his country and king by protecting him and the castle. I’m sure it’s not without its risks.”
“This is true, although it would take a damn fool to attack my oldest brother, who is more than capable of defending himself. But it gives me peace of mind that my son makes sure the castle is safe, not just for our king, but for everyone inside.”
“I’m sure he’s as remarkable as his father.”
Jaega chuckled at the compliment. “I would say even more so. He has always made me proud. And knowing he is at the castle waiting for me is the best incentive to make sure I come home from battle.”
Fersen smiled wanly. “That must be nice.”
Jaega’s heart hurt for the unicorn shifter. “From that comment, I take it you do not have anyone waiting for you in Morven?”
“No, I live alone in the forest, far away from the town. The owl shifter who took me in when I was a child found her fated mate a little over a century ago, and she moved to Kunushi to be with him. I’m happy she found her partner, but I miss her companionship. And it’s too dangerous for me to go visit by myself.”
Fersen wasn’t wrong. Given his status as the last remaining unicorn shifter, it put him in a great deal of danger to travel the treacherous roads alone on such a journey. It helped Jaega decide. “Agreed. That is why I will accompany you to Morven, to make sure you get home safe and sound.”
Fersen’s beautiful, color-changing eyes went wide. “You will?”
Blurb
Bonded Hearts, Prequel
A unicorn shifter is the last of his kind. Can a royal dragon shifter save him from being hunted?
Captured by a cruel king, Fersen is close to succumbing to the shadows of despair. But hope flickers to life when General Jaega is his unexpected savior.
After Jaega’s mate was murdered during the Necromancer War, the dragon prince had given up on love. The last thing he expects to discover is his new fated mate is the last living unicorn shifter.
Fersen is finally free, but the danger isn’t over yet. The sudden arrival of his heat makes a bad situation even worse.
Jaega knows he should keep his distance like a gentleman, but how can he resist his instincts demanding they consummate their mating bond?
Enchanter of Dragons is the prequel to the Bonded Hearts series and part of the Talwyn Saga universe. It is a complete story that can be read as a standalone.
Bio
With a pen as her wand and a heart full of mischief, Zarina Aston conjures up fantasy worlds where queer love knows no bounds. Her stories are like a kaleidoscope of emotions, filled with passionate encounters and heart-stopping adventures with shifters. From the first page to the last, Zarina’s books are a whirlwind of dramatic twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages long into the night.
But sometimes Zarina’s in the mood for something with a little less angst and drama. If you’re craving light-hearted fluffy works of heart, then check out her Ariella Zoelle books as well.
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Giveaway
To celebrate the release of Enchanter of Dragons, Zarina is giving away copies of the release! Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
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