'In The Land Of Nubia' is an Epic Journey through an ancient time of Royals, Palaces, intriguing happenstance, vengeful plotting...and a love that will go as far as it needs to. "Nubian Sun: A Royal Wedding" "Nubian Shadow: A Child Of The King", both available now. Coming in 2014, "Nubian Star: Heir To The Throne".
Volume Two in the Series: "In The Land Of Nubia"
At the end of "Nubian Sun", Love prevailed and The Royal Wedding went forth. Devaleh is now King, and Tyelah believes in her heart of hearts that all will be well.
Yet that is not Quite how matters are to proceed.
Six months into their not-quite-so-blissful existence as man and wife, she is discovering that she did not truly 'know' him to the degree she believed.
As proven by the appearance of his daughter in her Court Chamber. The
daughter which he sired in Ronia, with yet another woman. The daughter
which he has made absolutely no mention of in the nearly two years since his return to Nubia. The resulting chaos of his little secret may cost them their union, her sanity...and, his life...when he finds himself again embroiled in an issue with Tara, and the man determined to have the kingdom of Ovesi - or more directly, it's Army- as his own. And this time, Tara's influence will find itself coming directly into their home.
Excerpt
“You.” she sputtered at him, not truly considering his confusion as he continued to stare back blankly, wondering what new trouble.
And Trouble it was.
“Did you plan this?” She demanded of him. His head was going back and forth in new incredulity
“What?”Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully
“I informed you that she was here. Did…you…did you come here with intent to meet her here?”
“Of course not!” He needed to dislodge t-h-a-t thought from her mind immediately.“Tyelah, I vow…nothing was planned…I did not even consider my destination! I would not be here had I not met the Magistrate at the mountain inn. I could not very well say to him -” he allowed this to trail off as she waved a hand impatiently and turned back to Tara.
“I would wager that you, however, knew precisely what you came to do!” Alarmed at the return of that anger Tara stood and took a step away as she defended hastily
“No!No…I-I came seeking You…”
“Lies!” Tyelah spat, stepping forward and closing the distance between them again. Tara once more retreated, hands a loft in a gesture of pleading
“Tis true! I wished to seek your aid concerning Onu!”
“And that one!” Was Tyelah’s response “I am able to see now…first those children…and now-”
“No!” Tara refuted, understanding as Devaleh had done how dangerous this conclusion could be “I had nothing to do with any of his plots!” Tyelah again started forward, seemingly prepared to have at her this time. Tara mewled softly and retreated once more.
He would never afterward be able to explain why, but the words found voice before he could halt them
“Tylee…Janin has outright attacked her and threatens now both Ovesi and Nubia…and she-”
“Was presenting her ‘plea for aid’ directly to his Eminence,” She finished for him snidely – although she halted this did not make her next words any less true“…as he is ever prepared to sprint to her rescue…yes?” He shook his head and drew a breath. Admittedly, that had perhaps not been the best time to defend Tara.
Tyelah shot a look between the two of them and drew a breath of her own, seeming to genuinely take hold of her emotions. When she spoke again her tone and her voice seemed calm.
“It is done…we are only able to contend with it, and go on from this point. That is what we shall do.” So saying, she moved to seat herself in one of the chairs,indicating other seats as she suggested “Perhaps we had each best settle down a bit. We have much to discuss.” Tara obediently lowered herself again into the chair, intending to once more retreat into silence. He however was compelled to try yet again to convince his wife not to end their union.
“Tyelah…will you hear? Please?” She seemed about to say one thing, but with a resigned sigh(he would not feel justified without speaking his mind) lifted her eyes so that her gaze met his own. She said nothing, neither yea or nay. He thankfully accepted this to mean she would allow him his say.
“Hear me…when I departed Nubia…I had no true destination in mind. And surely was not feeling ‘festive’. I merely rode on. Had I not come up on the Magistrate I would have gone around Zabu and continued on. That is truth.” Her eyes said that she believed him.
And that it did not matter one whit.
He sighed in recognition of this and forced himself to go on.
“I…have no way to explain or deny what I have done. It seems a final measure to what has already become such a burden for you…I am aware of it. And I am…genuinely sorry.” He ignored – or attempted to – the brief flash of scornful skepticism and after a silent sigh went on again. “I know, too, that I have no right to seek your forgiveness …yet I ask you nonetheless. Allow me to try…and it will…I, will… change for the better. I vow it, by the Ancestors. I wish to return to our home…I wish to attempt to mend our Union.”
“I am entirely, utterly disinterested in your efforts Devaleh.” Was her cold reply. Not surprised, he lowered his gaze. Yet she was going on “My concern lies with my kingdom…and our son.”
Deafening silence reigned for a full minute. Tara dared not draw her cousin’s attention in any form. And Devaleh was struck speechless. Although his mouth began to move again, it was yet another several seconds before the sound he was attempting to make spewed forth in a stuttered, gasping croak
“S-Son?”Tyelah waited. He began to stand. Halted before clearing the chair…seated himself again. Glanced up at her, then down at the floor. With a shaky sigh which nearly seemed to border on a sob, he sought clarification without being able to meet that look again
“You…you are…we are to have a child?”
“A son.” She reiterated, reminding him of her sure ability to Know. But her next words cut more sharply than the finest saber. “Silly duck that I was…I believed it time…and hoped that matters were growing better.”
He understood her meaning. Yet at the moment he was having enough to do with taking it all in. He was to have a son. A Son! By no means could he allow this matter with Tara to separate him from his son!
~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt From “Nubian Shadow: A Child Of The King” by Lp Johnson -All Rights Reserved
Professional Reviews
From the Blog
Latrise Collier says:
Your books are so Real ( Alive) when I’m reading I really do feel like I am In The Land Of Nubia.
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