As the second in line for the throne of Chelyana, Kaelyn grew up sheltered from the harsh reality of the impending galactic war.
Suddenly the fate of her people is in Kaelyn's hands. She races across the stars in a small star fighter, toward the only man powerful enough to save her people, her fiancé, Chord.
There’s only one problem, Kaelyn's pilot is the love of her life…
As the second in line for the throne of Chelyana, Kaelyn grew up sheltered from the harsh reality of the impending galactic war.
Then one day, Chelyana's attacked by a hostile race determined to devour the planet. Suddenly the fate of her people lies in Kaelyn's hands. She races across the stars in a small starfighter, toward the only man powerful enough to save her people, her fiancé, Chord.
With mysterious warriors close on her heels, she fights to stay alive long enough to save her planet.
There’s only one problem, Kaelyn's pilot is the love of her life…
Excerpt
Kaelyn cupped his chin and turned him to face her. He wouldn’t meet her eyes. She moved closer until her face was inches from his and added, “If you can look me in the eyes and tell me you have no feelings for me, I’ll stop. If you can tell me to my face that you don’t want to kiss me, that you’ve never wanted to kiss me, then I won’t ever ask you again.”
When his eyes rose to meet hers, Kaelyn felt a rush of heat course through her. Her heart pounded as his eyes searched hers. His breathing grew deep and quick. Rein touched her hand, pulling it away from his face. He ran his fingers up her arm to her shoulder, then along her collarbone, and caressed her face with his fingertips. He whispered hoarsely, “I’ve wanted to kiss you for such a long time, Kaelyn, it hurts.”
His mouth was on hers in an instant, warm and moist. His tongue slid inside her mouth. A soft gasp escaped her lips. He pulled her against him. She slipped her arms around his neck and melted into him. Then, just as suddenly at it began, Rein released her.
He rose abruptly and announced, “We should get back to the dance. Your presence will be missed.”
“No, Rein,” she protested, rising to face him. “That ball is for everyone except me. I don’t want to dance until I get blisters on my feet just to please all those boys. I just want to be with you. We don’t have much time left before you leave, Rein. I want to spend every moment of it kissing you.”
“No.” Rein turned back and grabbed her hand, pulling her along behind him toward the steps. “We can never do that again. I told you, it’s not my place. I had no right to kiss you. It was a mistake.”
“Please, Rein.” She resisted, trying to pull her hand from his. “It was wonderful. It was everything I ever dreamed it could be. Don’t you see, we’re meant to be together?”
He spun to face her. “We can never be together, Kaelyn!
“I’ll talk to my father,” she stammered. “He’ll understand.”
Rein took a deep, calming breath. The anger vanished from his eyes, and he added in a soft voice, “Kaelyn, you said so yourself. You’ve led a sheltered life. You keep your head buried in your science books and ignore the outside world. Your science studies are your only rebellion. Don’t you see why they let you continue those studies? Not because they want you to excel in the world of science, but because it kept you busy while they planned your life.
“You’ve allowed everyone to guide your public life, to show you how to live your personal life, to tell you what to say, where to go, and how to act. That’s exactly what you were supposed to do. There’s a reason your father raised you to be compliant instead of independent like Miras. He wasn’t grooming you to be a leader; he was grooming you to be submissive. He was grooming you to accept your fate as it’s chosen for you. I promise you, your father’s already chosen your future husband. It’s only a matter of time before you’re told. And it won’t be me. You have no idea how it pains me to say this, but it can never be me. You have to see that. It doesn’t matter what we want. Kaelyn, you need to face reality.”
“I love you, Rein,” she whispered. Tears streamed down her face.
“Love has nothing to do with your life, Kaelyn.” he snapped. “Grow up.”
Her slap left a crimson mark to his cheek that echoed the pain in his eyes.
Professional Reviews
Spectacularly wrought tale of growth
As a girl becomes a woman her eyes are forced to see the truth. A Royal born has their life's path set. Yet how they carry the responsibility truly defines them. Love the intricacies of this story. It is inspiring to see such strength in the face of adversity.
A fast paced adventure with imaginative aliens
If you're looking for a quick read that keeps the pressure on and moves at breakneck speed, look no further. I found the story line intriguing and the interactions between characters interesting. The worlds and aliens in this book are not abstract and it is easy to relate them. Definitely the book for you if you like 'happily-ever-after's".
Wonderful Story
This story is fast paced but full of intrigue, facing adversity and strength of character with a HEA added to the mix. A very enjoyable read.
Pegasus is the symbol of wisdom and inspiration. This book, although a dystopia, is meant to inspire people to search for a greater future through wisdom. We have the technology to create a Garden of Eden here on Earth, if only we are wise enough to
Pieces of Eight, Part III is a collection of eight novellas to complement the eight in Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight, Part II and Pieces of Eight, Part IV.
