Felice: Book one of the Shield-Mates fantasy romance with magic, mayhem, and family devotion. (Shield-Mates of Dar 1)
by D.V. StonePublish: Mar 19, 2017Paranormal RomanceBook Overview
Enter a fantasy world of exhilarating adventure, political intrigue, and fiery romance.Felice of Dar, a warrior and panther-shifter, is resilient, fighting for family and kingdom. She refuses to surrender to anyone or anything, but when a diplomatic mission to the human realm goes astray, she’s wounded and struggling for control.
Ayer is a man who thinks he is a charming prince. However, behind his back, people call him Prince Arrogant. When he meets Felice, Ayer resorts to deception about his true identity, setting off a chain of lies and mistrust. As he gets to know Felice, he desperately wants her respect and realizes he needs to earn it.
Sparks fly, and passions ignite. Will Ayer be able to get Felice to trust him again, or will his arrogance continue to get in the way? War is looming. Can the pair put their differences aside to save their people and, in turn, find loveepic enough to heal broken hearts?
Find out in this gripping tale of love, trust, and redemption.
Thick fog muffled the horses’ hoof beats on the final leg of their journey toward Sorota. An unnerving silence blanketed them as Felice’s bay mare followed behind Nolan’s dapple grey. There was no noise coming from the city. The hair on her neck stood up. “Lord Nolan, do you feel something amiss?”
He looked over his shoulder, with a bland, patient expression, and said, “Princess Felice, we do not act on feelings. We act on learning and knowledge. Feelings should never enter into diplomacy.”
Passing through the gates of Sorota, more humans joined the escort leading them down a narrow-cobbled street toward the Overseer’s dwelling. Through the thick fog, gas lamps cast shuttered houses and shops along the street in an eerie yellow glow. Other than the soldiers who escorted them, there were no other signs of the population.
Outwardly she assumed a placid demeanor, but she couldn’t tamp down her instincts. The panther in her hadn’t emerged yet, but Felice’s nerves clawed at her insides. Glancing from side to side, she kept a close eye on the men of Sorota. A bead of sweat rolled down the nearest, though the day was cool and damp. She smelled acrid anxiety in some and citrusy excitement in others.
Inside, her heart beat faster. Fingers itched to reach for her sword, unable to shake the feeling something was about to go wrong.
Her mare pranced sideways and snorted. Whirls of vapor rose from the horse’s nose into the chilled air.
“Easy, Arundel, I feel it too. We will keep our eyes open,”
The mare’s ears toggled, and she snorted again.
Nolan glared at Felice over his shoulder. “Control your emotions, Princess. They are affecting your horse.”
Waiting in the courtyard of the overseer’s manor were more soldiers. These were even rougher than the ones who escorted them through the city.
“Lord Nolan,” she whispered under her breath. “Something is not right. Do you not feel it?”
“Hush.” He shook his head, negating her worries.
“This way, Darrians, the overseer awaits.”
Nolan, who acted under the security of the king’s authority, didn’t question the large contingent of guards when they entered the cavernous hall of Overseer Gedeon. The arrogance of his position was their downfall. Not until they were behind the large, barred doors did his brow furrow in concern. Still, he said nothing.
Felice loosened the strap on her knife and reached behind under her cloak to slacken her sword leather.
After being more herded rather than led, Felice and Nolan, were pushed through a door into the Sorotan’s meeting room.
“That is not Gedeon, but his brother Dunbar,” Nolan whispered into her ear. “Be careful. He is a very dangerous man.”
