Handfasting really spills up the games. “She’ll be a stunning prize for whoever wins,” Jude said, munching away.“So, who are the knights?” Gelo asked, scanning the room.“Anyone with a horse can join in, but Aurora’s crew always comes out on top. Most of these weekend warriors don’t really know how to play like knights do.”Thomas and Gelo shared a knowing glance and a quick nod.“I need to chat with my friend alone,” Hera said to the Neanderthal, but he didn’t move an inch. “If I’m going to go along with this, I need some space.” He didn’t even crack a smile. “Listen, as your queen, princess, or whatever, I command you to leave,” she insisted, pointing toward the tent’s entrance.Realizing she was losing her grip on the situation, Keia chimed in, “Hey Bruce?” She tugged on his arm. “Ever heard of PMS?” That finally got him to step outside. “There,” Keia said, brushing her hands together. “You just have to know the right words.”“I thought he’d never budge.”“It’s not too bad,” Keia
Or maybe they messed up her plans. Thomas couldn’t shake his father’s warning from his mind. “Don’t underestimate Gitana. She’s been around for five hundred years before going into hiding. She’ll want youth like a lover who wants freedom. And she won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get it. With her powers back, thanks to the virgin, she could wipe you out with just a thought. Gitana will come back here and wipe us all out if she gains strength from your death.”This time, Thomas realized they were playing Gitana’s chess game, and unlike before, she already had the bishop on her side. While Gelo rode into the woods to fetch their armor, Thomas talked with the fairgoers.The women were practically swooning over his accent. His smile had them stumbling over their words. Once he figured out where Hera’s tent was, he focused on finding its vulnerabilities. He created an entry point or, more importantly, an escape route for her. Then he set off to find Hera again. He spotted her in th
They came to a halt when they stumbled upon a stream. The water flowed gently, creating a soft, soothing sound. Trees provided shade from the afternoon sun, and wildflowers flourished along the banks. He got off the horse and effortlessly lifted her down.“Damn, we lost them!” Hera exclaimed, doing a little jig. “That was awesome!”“Happy to help, my lady.” He took a pack off his horse and led it to a grassy spot to munch.“You can drop the formalities. I’m Hera, not ‘my lady.’” She handed back the cape she had been wearing.“Right, I know your name.”“Then why call me ‘my lady’?” She watched him spread the cape on the ground for them to sit on.“It’s tough to call you anything else with that outfit.”“Is your accent for real?”“Nope, it’s genuine.”“So, you’re from Van Zanth?” Hera settled down, crossing her legs.“Yep.”“I guess all the women in Van Zanth dress like this, and you call them all ‘my lady’?”“Not all, but I respect those who deserve it.”He was a bit odd but incredibly
“The ultimate compliment.” Thomas pressed a quick kiss to Hera’s lips before stepping back. “We should get going. We don’t want Aurora’s guys to send out a search party for you.” Suddenly, nerves took over the moment. Thomas stood up and offered her his hand, helping her to her feet. “It’s getting late.” Hera fiddled with her dress, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles to seem casual. She couldn’t help but admire his toned physique from beneath her lashes while he packed their stuff. His broad shoulders tapered down to strong hips and an even better backside. She rolled her eyes and looked away. She really shouldn’t be thinking about his backside. Thomas’s horse snorted as Hera walked over. She spoke softly, stroking the horse’s cheek. “What a gorgeous animal. Is he yours?” Thomas secured his bag and moved around the horse to grab the bridle. “Yeah, I’ve had Tram for quite a while.” “So, do you live nearby?” She hoped for a positive answer. “I wouldn’t say nearby.” He was being va
The Gitana was sent five hundred years into the future, landing her in a world she barely understood. To lift the curse, she needed to track down a virgin woman of Augur lineage, as only the blood of a virgin could free her.For seventy years, Gitana had navigated this new era filled with technology and unfamiliar customs. Even without her Augur powers, she dabbled in dark magic, honing her skills in mind control and foresight. Her scheme to ensnare a virgin was clever—she would masquerade as a palm-reading Gitana at a Renaissance fair, using the event to attract her target.Thomas and Gelo were tasked to stop Gitana from finding the woman she sought. So far, Thomas had enjoyed his missions.No virgins meant no danger. Simple as that. As he approached the makeshift village, he wrapped his arm around Hera’s slim waist, inhaling her sweet fragrance. But things got complicated when the virgin in question was Hera Smith.Villagers watched as they rode by, and Thomas guided Tram to her ten
People were bowing, and kids giggled until their parents shushed them. Hera had to admit, it was kind of a blast. When she reached their table, someone handed her a glass of wine.“Wow, this is wild. You’d think we actually mattered to these folks.”“You said we wouldn’t enjoy ourselves,” Keia said, taking a big gulp from her glass. “So, what’s the deal with that mystery guy? I can’t remember much from last night.”“Seriously?” Hera replied with a smirk. “Maybe it’s because of how much of this...” She gestured to Keia’s drink. “...you downed last night.”Keia brushed off the jab and pressed on about Thomas and Hera’s time with him.“What’s he like?”“Well, he’s about this tall.” Hera held her hand up about six inches above her own height. “Broad shoulders, dark hair that goes down to his shoulders.” She paused; eyes closed for a moment. “I never thought I’d find long hair on a guy appealing.”Keia grinned, clearly enjoying the story. “When I realized his accent was genuine, I nearly m
"This is truly remarkable, Madame Aurora," Keia replied. The Gitana's gaze locked onto Thomas, her smile fixed in place. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your companions?" “Absolutely," Hera managed to say. "Thomas and Gelo meet Madame Aurora, the woman responsible for our newfound status." The Gitana reached out her hand. Thomas shook it briefly. "You put on a fantastic performance. How long have you been doing this?" Thomas inquired. "For several years now, Mr...?" She paused, waiting for his last name. He hesitated, unsure if she had any history with his family. Gelo, sensing the awkwardness, chimed in, "Several years? That must be exhausting at your age!" The Gitana shot him a disapproving look. Thomas discreetly kicked Gelo under the table. "What my friend means to say is, do you have plans to retire soon? Though I doubt anyone could manage this event as well as you do." “If all goes well, gentlemen, I’ll be retiring quite soon." Her attention shifted to Hera,
“Wow, you know a lot about medieval stuff, don’t you?" "That’s what I’ve been told," he replied, avoiding her gaze. "Looks like some guys are pretty eager to win tomorrow." He gestured toward the men practicing in the arena. Hera watched the horseback riders with a mix of excitement and nerves. "You’re competing, right?" Thomas touched her lower back as they leaned in for a better view. "Nope, Hera. I won’t be competing." She turned to him, surprised. "But I thought... since we’ve been..." His expression softened into a playful grin. "You’re kidding, right?" she asked, feeling relieved. "I won’t just compete; I’ll win," he said confidently. She let out a quick sigh and playfully tapped his chest. "Don’t freak me out like that." "Are you worried I wouldn’t fight for you?" "You’re the only guy I’ve kissed here! You better fight for me!" "I do like your kisses." "I’ll give you another if you win," she promised. He leaned in, looking to steal a kiss, but Bruce’