Sunday Snippet: Twilight Kingdom

The first week of June is in the books and I got a big chunk of my garage cleaned out, which makes me very happy.

Work projects are moving along and I'm hoping to line up another project or two in the near future. I love a full calendar!

I had a decent week of television even with the great garage cleanout. I'm not up to my regular schedule yet and I'm actually okay with that.

I finished up the second half of Silent Witness and actually liked the kind of twisty ending it had. Lots of red herrings in this episode.

Started a watch of Death in Paradise. I've never seen this series from the actual beginning and I'm excited to dive in.

Caught another episode of Only Murders in the Building and I loved having some Mabel backstory. The fact she loved The X-Files as a kid makes me so happy.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. "Resistance" is such a great episode … with the exception of introducing a character I absolutely disliked with intense passion.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats. The two segments were ones I had forgotten and I'm always happy to watch those.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Twilight Kingdom, a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jess Gillian heads to the outer rim planets to get away from his overbearing parents—the royal consorts of their home planet. When the heir is away, the evil Maniforti will play, luring Nareen Rhom, a palace ward, into a relationship so he can get close to the rulers. When Nareen gets wise, Maniforti casts a spell holding the entire kingdom in his thrall—until Jess returns and sets things straight.

And a preview snippet…

Jess woke up with a groan. "What the hell happened?" His last clear memory had the no-name bounty hunter saying something about making it worse.

A cool hand pressed against his forehead. "Damn. Glad you finally came to."

Jess blinked to clear his blurry vision and found the bounty hunter's face hovering over his. Shit. Not good.

He snagged her wrist and jerked her forward. "You bitch. Why are you trying to kill me?" The accusation flew past his lips before he could stop it.

She snatched her arm away. "I'm not—stupid man—if I made an attempt on your life, you'd be dead." She snorted. "I've been protecting you but trying not to interfere." She rolled her eyes. "That didn't work out well." Sarcasm came naturally to her.

Jess's eyes widened. "Protecting me? What the hell for?" He'd been fine until she showed up in that backwater bar.

The bounty hunter shrugged. "The prince consort hired me to keep tabs on you. But … I can't reach him. And that's concerning." A note of worry crept into her tone.

Jess grunted. "Because something's wrong. Nari reached out. Probably saved my life, actually … right before you got here." He paused, recalling the desperation in Nari's plea. "Dammit. How long have I been out?"

The bounty hunter lifted a shoulder. "Two days, but—"

Jess winced. "Shit!" He sat up and gasped in pain.

She shoved him back down. "Hold on. You're not gonna be worth anything if you undo everything I just did." She gathered up some nasty smelling herbs and packed them against his skin. "You need at least two more days—preferably three—before you're back in top form." Scooping the concoction into a leather pouch, she tucked it into her bag.

Jess grimaced, but very carefully sat up again. "Get me some clothes." He didn't have two or three days to waste.

She frowned. "Did you hear what I said?"

He lifted his chin. "Yeah. It'll take at least that long to get back home. I'll recuperate on the way." His gaze scanned the room, much cleaner than he'd remembered leaving it.

She made her displeasure known but did as he asked, going to the chest of drawers and retrieving a pair of pants and a shirt.

A thought crept into his head. Old magick. He blinked. Didn't feel telepathic but it did make an odd kind of sense.

The bounty hunter tossed the clothes to him. "I still think it's a good idea to wait." But she gathered her jacket and slid the messenger bag over her shoulder.

While he dressed, he questioned the bounty hunter. "What do you know about the ancient rites?" He only knew as much as Nari shared with him.

No-name's brows drew together. "Why?"

He shook his head. "Just a feeling, but it's like one that's not mine."

The bounty hunter blew out a harsh breath. "Geez, if we're dealing with the old guard shit, we need to go now."

Jess snorted. "Which is what I suggested in the first place."

I love this story! It has a few twists that are so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Twilight Kingdom

Well, July is off to a roaring start. Daughter's graduation party is scheduled for today and I'm hoping we have a good turnout but also spaced out over the three hours of the party. I'm filling out my blog post early and getting it ready to post beforehand.

Had a semi-busy week between work and the party prep, but I did get some solid television watched. I started out with Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. This is a rewatch for me but I love the show.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. The four-part Ark in Space episodes. Not a bad group.

Watched another episode of The Witcher and, ouch, kind of a heartbreaker episode. I did totally love the dragons though. Looking forward to the next episode.

Caught two more season three episodes of Danger Man. I don't remember either of them so I enjoyed watching.

And that's it for this week. I should have more time next week to dive into some of the shows I'm behind on. And I have to watch the finale of Arrow. I'll have at least two boxes of tissues on hand. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from Twilight Kingdom, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt and puts a twist on a fairytale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jess Gillian heads to the outer rim planets to get away from his overbearing parents—the royal consorts of their home planet. When the heir is away, the evil Maniforti will play, luring Nareen Rhom, a palace ward, into a relationship so he can get close to the rulers. When Nareen gets wise, Maniforti casts a spell holding the entire kingdom in his thrall—until Jess returns and sets things straight.

And a preview snippet…

Nareen Rohm threw her head back and planted her hands on Jess Gillian's chest. "Ah, Jess! So good." Her fingers curled into her palms, no doubt to avoid drawing blood on his skin.

Jess grasped her hips and thrust harder. Nari connected telepathically with his mind and the level of intimacy deepened. How it is possible for her to make the sex even hotter?

He had no idea because he didn't have her inherent mind gift. Probably a good thing or they'd burn the palace down whenever they got passionate. Which happened often.

She nudged his mind with her skill. "I'm close … you need to focus here." Her mental tone held no rancor, more like a desire to find release together.

He responded, "See if this helps." His lips found and closed over her nipple and he swirled his tongue around the pebbled tip.

Nari gasped then moaned. "Perfect. Don't stop." Her inner walls tightened around his shaft.

The increased friction pushed him to the edge. "Come with me, Nari." A ball of tension uncoiled at the base of his spine and spread outward but he held back.

Her breath rasped out between her lips then hitched in her throat before a shudder tore through her. "Now, Jess. Please, now." Her thighs quivered around his torso.

His control slipped and he toppled over the brink, his palms cupping her ass until the orgasmic wave crested. She collapsed atop his chest but angled her head to meet his mouth. The kiss spun out, her tongue dueling with his. Sated and spent, it still didn't take long to have him half-hard again.

He started to shift out from under her, intent on having her again, but a loud pounding at his door stopped their progress. Tangled up in the sheets, he heaved a sigh. Nari chuckled and helped him get unwrapped.

The knocking grew louder.

"Dammit, Jess. I'm coming in. I know you're in there." His father's bellow came through loud and clear.

Jess slipped from the bed, wrapping the sheet around him. Nareen sat up, pulling the duvet over her naked form. Jantzen Gillian, House of Gillian consort, entered the room in all his regal glory.

He stopped and rolled his eyes. "You know this has to end soon, don't you?" He pinned Jess with a stern look. "In fact, it ends tonight. I'm announcing Jess's betrothal to Lavica Premier." He focused on Nareen. "You're my ward and I love you like a daughter, but you'll not be marrying my son." He turned to leave as if he didn't expect an argument.

He should know better.

Jess stalked to his father's side. "Uh-uh. No way. We've talked about this. I'm not getting married any time soon." He tightened his grip on the sheet. "It'll be my choice when I do."

Jantzen's face took on a red hue of anger. "You know why I want this match. I won't accept argument." He shot his gaze toward the bed. "You're lucky I've let this go on as long as I have."

Jess chafed at the constraints his father tried to put on him. "You don't have a say, Dad. Nari and I are grown. We can think for ourselves." Did they have to have this same conversation over and over?

Jantzen waved a hand. "You play at being lovers because you're bored."

Jess's temper snapped. "And why are we bored, Dad? Maybe because you keep us confined all the time? Only trot us out when you need us or let us travel for official events." On a roll, he plowed forward. "Why wouldn't we fall for each other? We've been at each other's sides for ten years. We know each other inside and out." He met Nari's gaze. "And guess what, Dad? We wouldn't have it any other way." Her wide smile confirmed her agreement.

Jantzen huffed out a harsh breath. "Since you're being unreasonable, I'll give you three days to get your head around the idea of your betrothal. Be prepared for the announcement." Not bothering to wait for a response, he exited the room.

Jess did a slow ten count to keep from following. Getting into a heated discussion wouldn't change his dad's mind. A cooler head might prevail … later.

I'm having a ton of fun putting some twists on the Sleeping Beauty trope. Jess and Nareen are very cool characters and interesting to get a handle on.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Twilight Kingdom

Ugh, the rain continues and it's making the outdoors feel like a sauna. I'm not against saunas but, ugh, I'd rather not have one 24 / 7. Besides… you can't run around outside with only a towel on. Okay, I guess it's not impossible, but I won't be doing it anytime soon. LOL

I had a friend recommend Will for my viewing pleasure. I haven't started it yet, but I'll give it a go. She's in love with everything about the show.

Have to play catch up again on my Syfy Friday night shows. I hate being behind and it sucks that on Demand and the Syfy app won't show the latest episode immediately. I have a lot of growly, snarly words about that topic.

Great news! Wynonna Earp is renewed for season three. I'm soooo happy we'll have more demon-killing gun action in the town of Purgatory. Woo!

Lots of terrific trailer action coming from SDCC. I'm looking forward to The Defenders if only for the awesome snark potential.

The Last Ship's new trailer is making me very impatient for the season to start already. Less than a month away, but still feels way too long.

Also… the final episodes of Teen Wolf start next week and I'm excited to see how the series ends.

One final note… I'm actually excited for Doctor Who again! Nothing against Moffat, he's written a few of my very favorite episodes but, ugh, he almost ruined the series for me. The entire last season just rubbed me wrong. I wish him nothing but the best with whatever he's involved in from here on out.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Twilight Kingdom, a novella based on the prompt of writing a spin on Sleeping Beauty.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jess Gillian heads to the outer rim planets to get away from his overbearing parents—the royal consorts of their home planet. When the heir is away, the evil Maniforti will play, luring Nareen Rhom, a palace ward, into a relationship so he can get close to the rulers. When Nareen gets wise, Maniforti casts a spell holding the entire kingdom in his thrall—until Jess returns and sets things straight.

And a preview snippet…

Eric Maniforti paced his war room. "By the twilight, I will get those mineral rights." His assembled staff bobbed their heads up and down.

Their action—more like inaction—pissed him off.

He slammed a hand on the long table. "Do any of you moronic imbeciles have ideas?"

One of his more cutthroat directors sneered. "Take the consort out and you'll get whatever you want."

Eric considered but discarded the idea. "I want the Scandavar mineral rights not a full-scale scramble for power. Eliminate Jantzen and the vacuum created would suck every noble on every planet in the system into a mad gambol for the ruling spot." Something he wanted, but why fight a war when he could topple the consort by underhanded tactics?

A skittish cabinet member raised a hand. "It's rumored the consort is very attached to the queen and heir. You could use one to make Gillian back off."

Eric tilted his head to one side, pondering the suggestion. "Not bad." A quick succession of ways to implement the nefarious plan.

One stood out.

Maniforti snapped his fingers. "Poison. At the annual court dinner. I'll remove the heir and usurp the ruling position." A sneering smile twisted his lips.

Toppling the House of Gillian would be an accomplishment, open doors for Maniforti, and establish him as a true master of the political machine. He could unleash the old ways once again and no longer have to hide his true nature. Removing Jess Gillian from the mortal coil only added a layer of satisfaction for Eric. His animosity and rivalry with the other man carried through from their childhood years spent in scholar's chambers. Jess could do no wrong and Eric hated being second best.

Landau, the skittish member, cleared his throat. "You're going for the son instead of the wife?"

Eric pinned him with a glare. "Did I not just say that? The reigning queen can no longer bear children. Take the heir out and the line ends with Jantzen." A fitting end for the overbearing ruler.

Kirkus, the cutthroat director, smirked. "Motion for this meeting to be adjourned so our esteemed leader can finalize his plan." A round of seconds filtered through the room.

Eric rapped his fist on the table. "So be it."

Once the members filed out of the area, he settled down at the table and drew the needed materials to the spot directly in front of him. While he mixed the fatal concoction, he whispered words in an ancient language, weaving a spell around the ingredients. If caught, he'd suffer a torturous end. Consort Gillian had harsh laws against the use of magick, especially the old rituals. When Maniforti gained control of the courts, he'd bring back the glorious rites and watch Jantzen burn.

Soon. Very soon.

So far, I'm loving the ideas for putting my mark on the classic fairy tale.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Twilight Kingdom

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, no matter what you celebrate. And if you don't recognize a particular season, I hope you had a great week.

Happened to catch a teaser for Banshee, returning January 9. Gotta say, I can't wait. Also watched Pacific Rim about five more times. I love that movie. LOL

Other than waiting for a few more shows to return, I've been spending my holiday with The Doctor. I gripe about BBC America only showing Top Gear and Gordon Ramsey cooking shows all the time (seriously, it annoys the bejesus out of me), but I do love it when they marathon a favorite show.

Anyway, tonight's post is from Twilight Kingdom, a novella-length loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

Here's the tagline:

Jess Gillian heads to the outer rim planets to get away from his overbearing parents—the royal consorts of their home planet. When the heir is away, the evil Magnifica will play, luring Nareen Rhom, a palace ward, into a relationship so he can get close to the rulers. When Nareen gets wise, Magnifica casts a spell holding the entire kingdom in his thrall—until Jess returns and sets things straight.

And a preview snippet…

Jess stormed out of the palace and caught the closest tramline to the docking hub. He'd damned well do what he pleased. Nareen followed at a distance, slowly gaining on his location. He wouldn't let on about being aware of her shadow play. She'd reveal her motive, but only when she wanted to.

Two stops from the hub, she darted into his sights. "You're not leaving without me." She crossed her arms over her chest, facing him eye to eye.

Standing backwards on the tramline could prove dangerous. "And you'd better turn around or you'll get zapped by the drones." He grasped her shoulders and spun her to face forward.

She heaved a sigh. "I had a good five minutes before they reached us. Stop playing the protector." She angled her head around. "Unless that's your way of telling me I get to go with you." Her gaze pleaded for him to give her the okay.

He jerked his head back and forth. "No way, Nari. I'm going outer rim. Even if I know you can take care of yourself and you're handy to have in a fight, the slave traders would take one look at you and fight amongst themselves about who got to kill me to steal you." He shuddered. "I'm all for adventure, but I don't have a death wish."

She pouted. "I hate it when you're right." A calculating look crept into her gaze. "I could shave my head and wear commoner garb."

The note of hope in her voice stabbed him. "Nari…" He wrapped an arm around her waist. "No amount of altering your appearance will hide the beauty you have." He squeezed her close. "I'll be back… after my father and I have some time to be on opposite ends of the galaxy for a while." It might take a few years, but he'd keep that piece of information under wraps.

Nareen frowned. "I don't want you to go, but I get it, Jess. Your dad's kinda scary right now. Pushing you to marry so he can get his hands on the mineral rights of Scandavar." She cocked her head, sliding him a sideways glance. "No one should have that much power, not even the ruling consort of the planet."

Jess loved her for understanding his dilemma. "I'm glad you get it, Nari. Just remember that when he tries to make you wed for his gain. If he pulls anything before I get back, you know how to contact me. But don't… unless it's absolutely necessary." If she used telepathy to stay in touch, his father would send an army to drag him back.

She leaned into his side. "I won't, Jess. You have my word." She stepped off the tramline when it came to a stop. "But you are going to let me go as far as I can with you. You need a proper send off, regardless of why you're leaving." She laced her fingers with his, tugging him forward.

Jess let her lead him to the departure area. "You can go as far as the main boarding gate, that's it." He hated goodbyes, not that he'd had many.

But worse, he fought hard against the urge to let her come along. Leaving her behind might prove to be the hardest thing he'd ever do.

Fairy tale settings are so much fun to play around with and Twilight Kingdom is proving a complete joy to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye