The Nightmara Affair
Calatini Tales, Book 2
In the kingdom of Calatini, an enchanted ballgown and a magical evening can change everything.
Orphanage matron Kiera didn’t expect that sneaking into a masquerade wearing a bespelled ballgown would lead to a magical evening with the king, but for King Devon, it couldn’t be more perfect. Kiera is intelligent, compassionate, and strong, everything he longs to find in a wife… and a queen.
And Devon needs a queen now: a generations-old treaty with the nightmara herds is due for renewal, and the matriarchal nightmara deal only with women. Yet when he asks Kiera to marry him, she can’t believe he’s serious—he’s the king and far above her station. So to prove his love and win her heart, Devon convinces Kiera to act as his betrothed to negotiate with the nightmara for the good of the kingdom.
But once the treaty is signed, Kiera is certain their love affair will come to an end. She’ll return to her life at the orphanage, and Devon will find a suitable noblewoman to marry. Because surely a king couldn’t really marry a poor commoner like Kiera… right?
The Nightmara Affair is a warm-hearted Cinderella romance with a steel-willed heroine and a noble, kind hero. This rags-to-riches love story is part of the Calatini Tales series of Regency-inspired historical fantasy romance novels and is perfect for T. Kingfisher fans.
Excerpt:
Kiera glided toward the refreshments table to sample the sparkling wine Wren had mentioned. ‘Twas the one thing her shy friend liked about court events, and she’d never have another chance to taste it after tonight. But then an eddy further in the crowd captured her eye.
The dark-haired gentleman had stopped and was watching her with the same peculiar intensity consuming her.
She stilled. He’d noticed her, after all. Her heart surged as he strode straight toward her. She should leave. His scrutiny would shatter her disguise. Yet all she could do was stare at him as he approached.
He soon halted before her, his gaze riveted on her face. Goddess, he was even more handsome up close. His hair was the rich color of dark shokolat truffles, and his eyes were green like the ocean moss sailors sometimes brought back to port. But the expression in his eyes was more entrancing than their shade. Ardent, yet still chivalrous.
Kiera drew a ragged breath, her pulse pounding in her ears. He’d not want her if he knew she was but a poor orphan of unknown parentage. She must flee before he learned the truth. She began to step back.
The dark-haired gentleman raised a beckoning hand and rumbled, “Wait.”
* * *
When the mysterious mermaid shook her head without a word, Devon stepped closer and offered his hand. Now that they’d met, he mustn’t allow her to flee. He must discover if she was the lady meant to be his queen. “Dance with me.”
Her navy eyes wide behind her shell mask, the mermaid stilled like a doe before a tygris, the massive feline who ruled the torrid grasslands in the Tsarkan Empire south of Calatini. “I’m afraid my steps are inexpert, my lord.”
He blinked at her, his hand still outstretched. Didn’t she recognize him? Although he’d not bothered with a crown since his coronation, everyone at court always recognized him as the king. Yet he didn’t know her either, so perhaps she was new to court. He’d find out when they danced. “Allow me to lead, and all shall be well.”
Want more?
Buy The Nightmara Affair Now!
Other eBook Stores
Paperback: Amazon | B&N | Buy Local
Book Extras & Companion Short Story:
The Nightmara-Calatini Treaty is the tale how the first treaty between humans and magical creatures was signed four centuries ago, written by Calatini’s Queen Sarilee for future generations. A short story exclusive to my newsletter subscribers.
Sign up now!