Spotlight & Giveaway: Summer’s Celestial Plea by Leigh Ann Edwards

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Leigh Ann Edwards to HJ!

Hi Leigh Ann and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Summer’s Celestial Plea!

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

Summer’s Celestial Plea is the fourth installment in my fifth book, Maidens of the Mystical Stones series with Tule Publishing.
The story takes place in a village near Stonehenge in medieval Wessex before the individual kingdoms united to form England. It focuses on four young women–– friends since they were children, who’ve entered into a magical pact (in book one) that allows them to live one season in each woman’s life. In this fourth book, they experience the last physical transformation.
They’ve already discovered disturbing secrets about each other and learned their friends’ lives definitely aren’t as they’d hoped or imagined.
Broccan and Rhianwyn’s marriage is suffering as are all the women’s friendships. Broccan believes something supernatural has affected his wife and her friends and he’s determined to find out what’s going on. The four women agree they must be more diligent in behaving as who they appear to be. They can’t let Broccan learn the truth, for according to the magical old crone’s warning, that would endanger him.
Their kingdom is presently hosting a jousting tournament and weaponry challenges. Rhianwyn worries about Broccan taking part in brutal, life-threatening events. She’s also jealous knowing he and Lilliana will soon become lovers since she and the princess have switched bodies. Rhianwyn finally meets the mysterious Prince Tyven, who’ll be her husband for the next three months.
When Selena, Elspeth, and Lilliana do something very foolish there’ll be dire consequences. They expect Rhianwyn to help them out of the dangerous situation. Several plot twists are revealed along with many shocking events.
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

“Selena, you’re kind, gentle, and empathetic,” Rhianwyn praised. “You always see the best in people and are wonderfully forgiving, hence the reason why you remain friends with Elspeth.”

“It doesn’t feel wrong.” Broccan’s voice broke. “Holdin’ you, lyin’ beside you, bein’ with you, are the only things that’ve seemed right in a very long time.”

“Men are often swine,” Elspeth snickered. “Which is why I prefer women. Well… sometimes. In truth, I wouldn’t want to choose.”

Every instinct told him he was right, but maybe he was as mad as a bloody March hare.

“Instead of trying to behave like the woman whose body we inhabit, why don’t we adopt everyone’s mannerisms?” Rhianwyn suggested. “We’ll all twirl our hair or tuck it behind our ears. Each of us should roll or eyes and fluff our skirts, lift our chins, cross our arms, and put our hands on our hips. We can pretend we’re afraid of insects, queasy at the sight of blood, adore sweet cakes, and so on.”
“Everyone would think we’d all gone completely mad,” Lilliana replied.
“It might be fun,” Selena said with a giggle and Elspeth grinned.

What inspired this book?

Several things inspired this book and the entire Maidens of the
Mystical Stones series. Firstly, I researched my genealogy a few years ago and learned the Edwards branch of my family tree came from a small village near Stonehenge. It really intrigued me to have roots in that mystical location.
I also enjoyed the book The Prince and the Pauper, where two very different boys exchanged lives. Plus, I liked Freaky Friday, the film where a mother and daughter switch bodies and soon learn the other doesn’t have life as easy as they’d thought.
Because I write fantasy and include magic in all my stories, I thought it
would be an interesting concept for four very different young women in station, appearance and personalities–– a healer, a harlot, a castle servant, and a princess, to become unlikely friends. When facing futures they dread and envying the others I wondered if they were offered the magical opportunity to make a pact to switch lives with each woman ––only for one season, who would agree? If they did how long would it be before they regretted it? The whole series was thought-provoking.

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

Rhianwyn, the heroine we follow throughout the series, is a beautiful, caring, spirited young healer with unusual pale blue eyes. Several men want to wed her but she’s content in her life and doesn’t want to marry for she’s been hurt before.
In book one, Autumn’s Magical Pact, the king ordered Rhianwyn to give up her healing and she was forced to marry the tall, handsome but infuriating, Sir Broccan. She vowed she’d never let herself love again for she lost her betrothed, a knight who died in battle. She doesn’t appreciate men of power, (the king, his priest, and advisors) making life-changing decisions for her. She’s displeased that women have no say in their lives. A passionate person, Rhianwyn is an advocate for abused women and underprivileged children. She’s protective of her friend, Selena who’d soon be forced into a life of prostitution which is the true reason she agreed to the magical pact even though she is now very much in love with Broccan.

Broccan is a tall, strong, muscular, wealthy Irishman who’s a gifted swordsman. He’s inherited Brockwell estate with the grand manor house. It was his late friend, Anslem’s spirit, who urged Broccan to go to Wessex to marry Rhianwyn who had been his betrothed.
Broccan has also unwillingly rejoined the knighthood. He unexpectedly falls deeply for Rhianwyn and is truly happy to wed her. Upon returning from an undesired journey to Mercia, he finds his wife completely different and tries to determine what’s caused her bizarre and continually changing personality, temperament, and libido.

The three other women involved in the soul/body switches:
Selena––petite, tender-hearted, naïve, gentle, impressionable, easily led astray.
Elspeth––tall, strong, loud, promiscuous, amusing, protective of her friends.
Lilliana––regal, refined, elegant, lonely, unhappy, manipulative.

The powerful connection between Rhianwyn and Broccan’s love surprised me as well as how he was intuitively drawn to her soul no matter what physical form she was in.

Each of the characters’ personalities emerged as soon as I began creating the series. I really didn’t need to do much to get to know them. Sometimes they’d wake me at night, like they were insisting I get on with telling their story.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I have several favorite scenes, but this one was fun to write. It
includes an amusing, small magical Welsh fairy-like creature.

Still unsettled by the odd voice she’d heard earlier, Rhianwyn looked up and couldn’t believe her eyes. Sitting upon the round hanging metal chandelier candle holder above the bed in Princess Lilliana’s chambers, was an absurdly small person or creature. Was she seeing things now, too? Maybe the unfamiliar remedy she’d taken earlier had caused hallucinations. She rubbed her eyes, but he was still there.
“What are you?” Rhianwyn asked, cautiously.
“Who are you talking to milady?” Heledd, Lilliana’s Welsh lady-servant looked around.
“A peculiar wee creature,” Rhianwyn replied.
“I’m not peculiar at-toll,” he slurred. “I’m an ellyll.”
“What’s an ellyll?”
Heledd stared at Rhianwyn, then grasped her hand, now obviously unhinged. “Who said anything about those impish wee beings?” Her voice trembled.
Rhianwyn pointed. “The little creature up there.”
“I see no one.” Heledd shook her head. “Believe me, you don’t want to see an ellyll, milady. Well, I suppose it depends what type. Some are mischievous, while others are sometimes helpful. But they seldom leave, Cymru. Why would there be one in Wessex?”
“I’m sure I don’t know.” Rhianwyn shook her head. “I didn’t even know of their existence till just now.” She stood on her tiptoes trying to see better.
The ellyll looked back at her apparently equally curious. “I was entrusted by Morwenna to watch over you, Princess,” he said. “She claims you’ve been affected by a type of magic she’s never come upon before. I would’ve thought she’d seen it all.”
He widened his eyes which already seemed too large for his small face.
“I don’t know what the hell Morwenna expects me to do about it. My magic is limited and to tell you the truth, I’m about famished. I must eat to abate this drunkenness. I seem to have imbibed in a hearty quantity of ale in that armoire.” He pointed, again looking like he might fall. “I need to be let out of this chamber to look for fungi, if they have any decent types in this atrocious country.”
“Why must you be let out?” Rhianwyn asked. “Can’t you simply leave?”
“By the secrets of the draig caves, you’re really talking to an ellyll?” Heledd looked somewhere betwixt fascinated and horrified. She flopped upon the bed as gracelessly as Elspeth would.
Rhianwyn didn’t reply to the frantic maidservant but spoke to the ellyll again.
“If you can fly or climb up there.” Rhianwyn looked at the chandelier. “Why can’t you walk out the door?”
“Because, Princess, Morwenna has linked me to you.”
Morwenna? Wasn’t she the healer who made the remedy Rhianwyn ingested?
“Why didn’t you speak to me earlier?” she asked. “Well other than to ask about the walking stick?”
“Since I arrived in this damn kingdom, I’ve been rather intoxicated. I drank ale and mead, maybe a little of the potion in your trunk, too.” He bowed his head somewhat sheepish. “The combination has made me woozy. In truth, I don’t even recall how I ended up here. But now, I’m starving.”
“Come down then.” Rhianwyn motioned. “I’ll let you out to forage for fungi. I’m sure ours will be adequate until you return to Welshland.”
“But milady, you must go to the tournament and you certainly can’t go out after taking Morwenna’s remedy while in the company of an ellyll. You’re bound to get into mischief.”
“True, I must attend the tournament, but why are you so concerned about him?”
Heledd opened her mouth to speak, but the small creature shook his tiny fist.
“Now listen.” The ellyll teetered dangerously from his position on the chandelier that was now swinging. “We’ve gotten an unfair reputation because sometimes unfortunate events tend to follow us.”
“I haven’t had noticeably fortunate events occur to me in recent times either,” Rhianwyn replied. “Perhaps you might wish to avoid me.”
“Well, that’s a bit impossible now that I’m linked to you.” He rolled his too-large eyes.
“Why did you permit this linking?” Rhianwyn asked. “Do you owe Morwenna a favor?”
“No one really disagrees with Morwenna,” the creature said. “She’s a sorceress who can be most frightening. I’ve seen her invoke fear in the hearts of kings and knights. Plus, she might’ve offered me ale and fine fungi.” He winked.
This was bloody wonderful.
She was linked to a creature by a fearsome magical sorceress. As if the pact wasn’t enough to contend with.
“I thought she was a healer?” Rhianwyn said.
“A healer sorceress,” the ellyll hiccupped.
“Do you have a name?”
“It’s Teg.”
“Well, Teg, since we haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Rhi…er…Lilliana,” she stammered catching her mistake.
She was new to being the princess after all.
“Rhierlilliana! That’s a bit longwinded. May I call you Rhi?”
“No.” She put her hand up. Only Anslem had ever called her that. “Better refer to me as Lilliana or Princess. But just come down so I won’t wrench my neck trying to have a conversation with you.”
“You really must go to the tournament, milady. Your husband and your father will be most displeased if you show up so very late.” Heledd sounded like she’d be held accountable.
“Don’t fret. I’ll remain here only long enough to speak with Teg.”
“Why doesn’t Heledd see you when she’s from your country?”
Teg shrugged. “Perhaps because she hasn’t been touched by magic. Most people see me as an owl or a small animal, but her fearfulness might make her unable or unwilling to see me.”
Rhianwyn nodded.
Teg stood, wobbling and looked like he’d fall when two beautiful, translucent wings appeared. They were much contrary to his somewhat homely body and facial features. He floated down gracefully and landed near her feet. He barely reached her shins.
“I thought only fairies could fly,” Rhianwyn said wonderingly.
“The ellyll can fly?” Heledd shrieked and slapped her hands to her cheeks.
“Why does that distress you?” Rhianwyn glanced from Teg to Heledd.
Heledd was apparently too aggrieved to reply.
“My kind, the ellylls capable of flight, possess a wee bit of dragon blood from many generations previous.”
“I thought dragons were massive mythical creatures that breathed fire.” Rhianwyn held her arms out indicating something colossal.
“I thought princesses were all stodgy and dull. You don’t seem so. But now, I must find food before I become something different altogether.” His high-pitched voice sounded eerie.
Rhianwyn eyed him curiously. “Such as?”
He waved his tiny hand dismissively and grinned revealing two widely spaced front teeth. “I was only taunting you,” he snorted.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

There was a scene I found especially emotional because it involved the death of a really likeable character, but that would be a huge spoiler. Therefore, I’ve selected another that was also difficult to write.
To set it up, Rhianwyn’s consciousness is still in Princess Lilliana’s body.
Broccan has done something that frightened and infuriated her and she’s trying to control her emotions.

As Rhianwyn stood to leave the king’s feast, the knights stood as well. Broccan glanced at her. She met his eyes and couldn’t prevent glaring. He looked perplexed at that.
She began walking through the great hall hoping not too to look unladylike, for she was still somewhat affected by overindulging in drink. She was startled when Broccan followed her out and down the corridor. Two guards stood at either end.
“Have I done somethin’ to earn such an inglorious gaze from you, Princess Lilliana?”
Over her shoulder, she glowered again, but turned away and kept on walking. She wouldn’t mince words with him when she was enraged and drunk.
Still, he came closer and even dared to take her hand. That got the guards’ attention straightaway. She waved to them indicating she wasn’t in jeopardy.
“Why do you appear so displeased with me?” Broccan asked lowly.
“I wouldn’t have thought you a heartless man,” she said.
He looked down into her eyes.
“Why do you presume I’m heartless?” He sounded genuinely unaware.
“You partook in cruel trickery this day simply to earn laurels with the crowd. For mere entertainment you dared to pretend you and your fine steed had met harm. Dreadfully ill-timed on the day following a friend’s death. Have you no notion what thoughts might have entered your wife’s mind? Your friends’ minds? You gave no consideration for your grand horse, whose legs might’ve been fractured or you might have been crushed beneath him as you fell. Either of you could have broken your necks.”
She saw Broccan stiffen. “It proved our stellar showmanship, our horses’ extensive trainin’, and gave the crowd a great display, thus providin’ a necessary distraction from yesterday’s tragedy.”
“And were your wife’s tears worth the ruse?”
Broccan’s jaw tensed with a stubborn set. “Rhianwyn understood and didn’t fault me. Why are you directing your reproach at me and not berating your husband? He was equally blamable.”
“His admonishment will be done privately. I hadn’t intended to reveal my discontent to you, Sir Broccan for it’s not my place. However, as your wife’s friend, I know her fear of losing those she loves. It was, after all, why she despaired in falling in love with you, as you’re well aware, too. But I’m ever so glad your foolishness was met with a grand reception from the crowd. I’m certain it was all worth it then.”
She was shaking again thinking of how she’d feared she’d lost him today. She’d soon give way to tears and definitely didn’t want him to witness that.
“As a woman,” he said stiffly, “you clearly don’t understand the many pressures placed upon a knight or what’s expected of them.”
She bit her tongue, fought tucking her hair behind her ear or placing her hands on her hips. She chose to cross her arms, then twist her hair. Let him be endlessly confused.
“Sir Broccan.” She looked into his eyes. “Damn you!”
She turned away and stormed to her chambers.

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

I believe this book showcases my usual writing style. I choose to stay in only Rhianwyn or Broccan’s POV, even though it might have been interesting to include the other three women’s thoughts and feelings.

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

I want people to escape into the medieval era–– the time of kings, knights, princesses and castles. I hope that readers will be intrigued by the magical soul and body switches, fall in love with the main and secondary characters, and be rooting for Broccan and Rhianwyn to find their way back to one another.
However, I suppose there are a few lessons to be learned in the series, too. To remember to look for the blessings in your own life, not to envy others, and to realize things aren’t always as they seem. People, even those closest to us, might be going through really difficult times that we don’t know about.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m currently working on Highland Dark Magic, book two in my new Witch and Demon Hunter series. It’s a sequel to my Irish Witch and Witches of Time series. The first book, Dark Irish Demon, will release on February 29/ 2024.
My upcoming release is the last in the Maidens of the Mystical Stones series, Fates’s Final Season. It releases September 20/23. Readers will finally learn the long-lasting outcome of the magical pact.

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: An ebook copy of Summer’s Celestial Plea + 3 Tule ebooks of the winner’s choice.

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: If I had to choose to spend a season in another person’s life, I’d sensibly or maybe selfishly, choose to spend winter as my friend who lives in the more temperate climate in Ireland. Some might choose a tropical location since Canadian winters are often bitterly cold with lots of snow and can last over six months. But I can’t tolerate the heat or hot sun either.
If you had to spend a season living another person’s life which season would you choose?

 
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Excerpt from Summer’s Celestial Plea:

Medieval Wessex
Rhianwyn leaned against an ancient yew, watching the grass waving rhythmically in the morning breeze. Inhaling earthy scents from last night’s rainfall, she listened to the shrill call of a goshawk soaring overhead and observed the pretty pink sunrise. Nature’s splendor once gladdened her heart or soothed her soul no matter what life threw at her. Yet lately…nothing truly cheered her.
She gazed across the plain at the towering stones. Even though she’d been born and raised near the village of Hengebury, walking distance from the massive stone formation, the size still awed her. She’d always been drawn to the sunstones. Unfortunately, now the location only held deep regret.
“Silver penny for your thoughts, Elspeth.”
Rhianwyn jumped.
Broccan.
Even hearing his voice made her heart flutter.
She turned, hoping to seem unaffected by him, but felt herself blush at the memory of their recent heated coupling. The physical union with her beloved husband, which to him would have been adultery. How she longed to have the ability to go back in time.
One fateful night last autumn, she met three friends within the mystical stone circle for a final farewell before being thrust into unwanted futures. Rhianwyn was ordered to give up her healing and marry an arrogant Irish nobleman; Elspeth, a castle servant, was promised to the sheriff’s despicable son; Princess Lilliana would be sent to Cymru to marry a Welsh prince she’d never even seen; and gentle, innocent Selena was to begin life as a harlot.
They’d bitterly complained, bemoaning what lay ahead of them. How much better the other friends’ lives seemed. That’s when the stones glowed eerily and a strange old crone appeared, offering them an enchanted opportunity. They could, if they chose, enter a magical pact to exchange lives, to spend one season with their consciousness inside the body of each friend.
The others had leaped at the chance, seemingly without thought. Rhianwyn had been skeptical, but fear for young Selena caused her to consider. Eventually, she’d sworn to enter the magical pact with her friends. Now they were bound to it, probably damned by it. Thus far, Rhianwyn had lived winter as Selena and spring as Elspeth. With summer nearly upon them, it was almost time for the transformation that would put her into Lilliana’s life. One last season, and then, pray God, she could once again live as herself.
Despite being more empathetic of the other women’s plights, she yearned for her own life. After she and Broccan Mulryan, lord of Brockwell Manor and revered knight in the king’s order, were married, she’d rued the pact even more. She and Broccan had been wonderfully happy and shared a loving, passionate relationship.
After everything that happened, even when the year concluded…even if she returned to her life with Broccan, she doubted they’d ever regain their bliss. Her heart despaired at that.
Now he was gazing at her intently, probably wondering why she hadn’t replied. To capably sound like Elspeth, she’d best think of a witty retort.
“I didn’t think you’d be awake,” she said finally. “Aren’t you suffering a morbid aching head from overdrinking and feeling weary after your eventful night?”
“It was late when I returned from the castle.” Broccan nodded. “But I thought you’d want to hear about Godric since he’d been missing for some time.”
She shrugged. “Matty told me my lout of a husband still lives. I suppose I should be relieved. At least I can’t be accused of killing him. But that also means I’m still married to the bastard!”
Thoughts of Godric made her queasy. The night he’d disappeared, Godric had attacked her. He’d gotten away with criminality before, but raping and beating Elspeth nearly to death had blackened his name. Rhianwyn, who’d been in Elspeth’s body at the time, had suffered the pain, degradation, and fear. If he was released, she suspected he’d become more violent and try to harm Elspeth…again.
Selena who’d next take her turn as Elspeth had returned from Cymru with far more confidence. Rhianwyn wouldn’t permit Godric to make her fearful again. Therefore, she must find a way to deal with him. She couldn’t involve Broccan. He had to remain clearheaded during the dangerous competitions.
“I wish the vile shite was dead, too,” Broccan said.
Shivering, she pulled her shawl tighter. Broccan also appeared deep in thought.
Yesterday evening he’d been asking peculiar questions. Could he know something about the magical transformation? Had he noticed she and her friends weren’t themselves—literally? Her body became warmer; her heart beat faster remembering the latter part of the night when she and Broccan made love. Since her soul was in Elspeth’s body that meant he’d been unfaithful in his marriage…again. She clung to the hope that he knew it was her.
She shouldn’t have lain with him. They’d been filled with drink and her need for him was visceral, no matter what body her awareness inhabited. When he’d come to her, she didn’t resist but if he discovered the whole truth, there’d be no salvaging their marriage.
Besides, it would also be perilous. The unusual old woman warned them not to speak of it. When Rhianwyn dared to try to tell Broccan before, there’d been treacherous consequences—fire, dangerous lightning strikes, and a vicious wolf attack. She couldn’t risk it.
“You needn’t worry he’ll hurt you again, Elspeth. He’s in the dungeon babblin’ like a bloody lunatic. He will be made accountable for all he’s done to you and others.”
Broccan despised Godric nearly as much as she did.
“Just forget him,” she said. “You should be resting for the tournament. Sir Severin’s counting on you making a good showing. The king would be disheartened, too, if his knights aren’t victorious.”
How relieved she’d be when this accursed pact was done. One more season! She’d begin living Lilliana’s life as princess midway through the jousting tournament and weaponry competitions that would commence tomorrow. Knights and warriors from several kingdoms were expected to attend. Lilliana’s husband, Prince Tyven, was slated to take part. Rhianwyn was curious to meet the man who’d be her husband for three moons.
Her eyes met Broccan’s again. His very gaze made her skin tingle and her mind nearly incapable of clear thought. Still, she needed to appear aloof.
“I must go.” She turned from him. “I’m meeting Rhianwyn and Selena this morning.”
He reached for her, clasping her arm. His touch thrilled her. “We should talk…about last night.”
She pulled away, trying to ignore the way her body responded when he was near. She ached for his kiss and to be held in his powerful arms.
“There’s nothing to say. It shouldn’t have happened and it won’t happen again.” She longed to appear unfeeling, like Elspeth. But Rhianwyn’s heart raced; her breath quickened.
Broccan drew nearer, grasped her shoulders, and stared into her eyes. “We can’t ignore this attraction,” he said. “I want you even now.”
She closed her eyes avoiding his ruggedly handsome face and muscular body. Inhaling his enticing masculine scent made her weak at the knees.
Step away. Resist.
She must be more like Elspeth who always spoke her mind, not caring if she was tactless, hurtful, or outrageously inappropriate.
“So, we want each other,” she scoffed. “We can’t be together again. You are wed to my friend, which wasn’t foremost in our minds last night. You must mend your marriage. I won’t suffer the noose for Godric’s murder, but adultery could bring an equally grim outcome for me. I’ll not be tempted again no matter how sumptuous you are, Sir Broccan.”
Rhianwyn glanced at his large, strong hands. His touch was enthralling. Now her body hummed with need. As much as she despaired leaving Broccan, going to Cymru, a two-day journey by horse, would be best. He wouldn’t be a constant temptation.
“Take your damn hands off me!” She hoped to sound demanding.
He puffed his cheeks, blew out his breath, but finally moved away.
“We can’t be together again, Broccan. You promised faithfulness to your wife, and she is my friend.”
Not waiting for his response, she hastened away. Being near him would weaken her resolve.

Rhianwyn, Elspeth and Lilliana gathered in the guesthouse’s dining hall. Unexpected rain had changed their intent to meet in the garden. They couldn’t speak openly at Brockwell Manor and risk Broccan, Matty, or the servants overhearing. Hopefully Mirtha and Fairfax, the siblings residing here, would remain at the stables with Chester, the groom. The minstrel Keyon still slept here sometimes but was presently at the castle.
Selena, in Princess Lilliana’s form, joined them wearing a cheerful smile much contrary to Elspeth—unmissably hungover, resting her head on her arms on the table. Rhianwyn disliked seeing the cantankerous scowl on her own face. If Elspeth remained her much longer it might be forever etched.
“Well, Rhianwyn,” Elspeth grumbled, “you dragged us here at this godforsaken hour. What’s on your mind?”
Rhianwyn inhaled. “Broccan suspects something about the pact. I’m certain that’s why he asked those bizarre questions last night. We must ensure he can’t confirm his suspicions. We need to be more diligent in pretending we’re the person our appearance suggests. Broccan’s an intelligent man and will be paying closer attention to mannerisms that could give us away.”
Elspeth lifted her head and rolled her eyes.
“There!” Rhianwyn pointed. “Everyone knows you do that when you’re annoyed. Therefore, you mustn’t.”
Elspeth rolled her eyes again, pulled a face, and stuck out her tongue. How damn infantile!
“Well go on; tell me what else I shouldn’t do if I’m trying to convince others that I’m you, Lady Brockwell.”
Rhianwyn despised that title and Elspeth well knew it.
“You cross your arms when you’re angry,” Rhianwyn replied.
“And incessantly jest and speak of inappropriate subjects,” Lilliana said.
“Your strong voice is very loud,” Selena whispered, looking sheepish saying that.
Elspeth shrugged. “Anyway, I’m nearly done being Rhianwyn. I’ll need to take on Selena’s traits.”
Rhianwyn nodded. “So, tell us some.”
Elspeth pulled her hands through her unbound hair, which Rhianwyn noted was dreadfully tangled. She had nearly dragged her out of bed.
“Selena’s quiet and timid, afraid of nearly everything,” Elspeth said. “She’s gullible and naïve, high-strung and easily led astray.”
It was Selena’s turn to make a face.
“If Selena’s easily led astray, who do you suppose does the leading?” Rhianwyn quipped.
Elspeth grinned, almost proudly. “Selena, your voice is so soft it’s difficult to hear. That’s when you actually dare to offer your opinion, which is bloody rare. You fear displeasing others—want everyone always cheery and agreeable.” Another eye roll. “You cry at the drop of a handkerchief, clasp your hands when worried and twist your hair when you’re nervous or afraid.”
Selena wore a wounded expression. “Apparently you think I have no favorable traits.”
Rhianwyn touched Selena’s hand. “You’re kind, gentle, and empathetic. You see the best in people and are wonderfully forgiving, hence the reason why you remain friends with Elspeth.”
Rhianwyn cast a reproachful glance at Elspeth. “Selena shouldn’t bear the brunt of your foul mood.”
Elspeth pouted. “You’d never defend me so readily.”
“You’re mostly amusing, Elspeth. You make others laugh and lighten our hearts when you’re not being damn unseemly. You defend those you care for. Even if it’s usually by cussing at or punching the offender.”
Rhianwyn and Elspeth shared a smile.
“Should I list your unfavorable traits?” Elspeth asked.
Rhianwyn shrugged. “Go on then.”
This should take a while. The two had bantered often through the years.
“You believe you’re wiser and more intelligent than us.” Elspeth gestured toward them.
She quelled the urge to adamantly disagree.
“Rhianwyn does know much about healing and almost everything,” Selena praised.
“Which makes her think she’s more important,” Elspeth said.
“That’s completely untrue.” Rhianwyn shook her head.
Lilliana narrowed her eyes. “You basically said that the night we made the pact. Let me recall your words.” She paused contemplatively. “‘Meaning no disrespect, but it took me years to learn to become a healer.’ Then you added something wholly patronizing like… ‘It did probably take time to learn to behave as a princess or to attend to the king and princess’s chambers as they wished, but it couldn’t possibly be essential as knowing about healing.’”
“I apologize if I seemed patronizing,” Rhianwyn replied. “However, I didn’t say being a healer was more essential. I said not knowing about healing could cost someone their life.”
“You sounded as arrogant as your husband often does,” Elspeth agreed with Lilliana, which was rare. “No wonder you two were attracted to one another.”
“Almost all men are attracted to Rhianwyn,” Selena said.
“True.” Lilliana placed her fingers on her chin elegantly. “Our friend’s had a host of knights and other men hanging about her for some time.”
“You received the first marriage proposal.” Elspeth nodded. “You’re the only one who’s had actual proposals. My father and the sheriff arranged my undesired wedding. The marriage advisor and several others began plotting whom Lilliana should marry probably immediately after the king announced she was born with a cranny.”
“I only received the first proposal because I’m the eldest,” Rhianwyn reasoned. “Born a year before you, Elspeth, and two before Lilliana and Selena.”
“As a harlot, I’ll never get a proposal,” Selena said, sadly.
Selena dreamed of being wed and raising a large family. The other three friends, having lost their mothers in childbed, were less inclined.
“Sir Zachary would marry you straightaway.” Lilliana glanced at Selena. “In truth, he’s already asked you…well he asked me.”
“I missed my own marriage proposal!” Selena slumped, not looking like a princess now. “How did you respond?”
“I told him I’d dwell on it. I thought you’d want to decide.”
“That was good of you.” Selena used sarcasm, which was uncommon. “I like Zachary but certainly don’t want to wed him.”
Elspeth put her hands before her, perplexed. “God’s teeth. I thought you yearned to marry, Selena!”
“I don’t yet know Zachary well enough to marry him,” Selena explained.
Lilliana laughed. “Your body knows him very well…biblically.”
Selena threw her an uncharacteristic glare.
“It’s interesting,” Elspeth said, “Rhianwyn didn’t even mention Selena when stating being a healer was so infinitely important.”
“I did not say that!” Rhianwyn bristled. “By Christ, you like to stir the shit, Elspeth. I didn’t mention Selena, for at the time she hadn’t become a harlot. It wouldn’t be easy to be a harlot, a castle servant, or a princess.”
“But being a healer would be more important,” Lilliana said.
Was she agreeing or being difficult?
“I suspect men frequenting the brothel would argue that.” Elspeth smirked. “They’d believe a harlot far more necessary than a healer.”
“Until they come to me wanting a potion to get hard or to stay hard longer. Or they drop their breeches and suggest I touch it to see if it would get hard or they need an ointment for spindle rash and request I rub it upon it.”
The other women wore expressions from astonishment to disgust at Rhianwyn’s revelation.
Elspeth snorted. “You might’ve seen more spindles than me!”
“Men honestly requested those kinds of potions and wanted you to touch them?” Selena looked mortified.
Rhianwyn nodded. “Some men were humiliated. Others only hoped to befuddle me.”
“Or sard you.” Elspeth snickered. “Men are often swine, which is why I prefer women. Well sometimes. In truth I wouldn’t want to choose.”
“As much as it grieves you, Rhianwyn, I admit I’m relieved you’re no longer permitted to heal,” Lilliana said. “I wouldn’t want to be expected to know all you do. But now let’s continue deciding how we might convince others we are who our appearances suggest.”
“Maybe you should tell me how you sound during sexual relations, Selena,” Elspeth continued, “or do you remain still and silent?”
Elspeth enjoyed making Selena uncomfortable. Selena squirmed even now, cheeks flaming.
“Did Prince Tyven make your time in Welshland pleasant?” Elspeth wouldn’t let up. “I suppose we could ask Broccan what type of lover you are. He was with you when he thought you were Rhianwyn. Of course, he was with Rhianwyn when he thought she was you, too.” Elspeth snorted, clearly bemused, which didn’t amuse Rhianwyn. She threw her a daggered gaze.
“How do you react when you’re sarding, Rhianwyn?” Elspeth asked.
“Since I’ve had the displeasure of hearing your loud, exuberant cries during coitus, with my husband no less, I tell you plain, I’m not as vocal as you.” Fighting her temper, Rhianwyn tucked her hair behind her ear.
“You do that when displeased, Rhianwyn.” Lilliana mimicked the gesture. “You also place your hands on your hips when you’re angry.”
Rhianwyn nodded. “I’ve been trying to curb that habit.”
She resisted now.
“You look like you want to say more,” Selena said.
Rhianwyn paused, not really wanting to. “This should bring you great satisfaction, Elspeth. I must speak on the topic of coupling.”
“Please do tell.” Lilliana’s eyes were wide in anticipation, which looked precisely like Selena.
“When I reach my…crest…I…” she stammered, taking a breath. “My right thumbnail makes an indentation that sometimes pierces the skin of the man, leaving a distinct arched mark. I wasn’t aware till last night when…”
Elspeth leaned closer, eagerly. “Go on…when?”
“When I was with Broccan,” Rhianwyn blurted. Not willing to meet their eyes, she looked down, watching a hairy spider scuttle across the stone floor.
Elspeth chuckled, probably pleased she wasn’t the only one guilty of sinfulness.
“With Broccan intimately?” Lilliana looked dumbstruck.
Rhianwyn nodded abashedly.
Elspeth rolled her eyes again. “That was bound to happen when you let him share your bed.”
Lilliana peered at Rhianwyn. “You were sharing a bed? I didn’t know and my chamber’s next to yours at the manor.”
“Lilliana, you and Zachary have been so preoccupied—your cries so loud,” Elspeth snorted, “you likely didn’t know anything existed beyond those walls.”
Lilliana glowered at Elspeth.
“It began innocently,” Rhianwyn explained, perhaps justified. “Broccan slept beside me to comfort and warm me after Godric’s attack. Besides, Elspeth had banished Broccan from their bedchambers.”
Selena looked more confused.
“At any rate,” Rhianwyn continued, “Matty interrupted us before my thumbnail did any piercing. However, I believe Broccan was mostly with me to learn if I was actually me and not Elspeth, to see if I’d react similarly during intimacy.”
“I’m sure he was only too glad to be with you.” Elspeth crossed her arms. “Even if he hasn’t wanted me lately.” That last bit was nearly a whisper.
Elspeth despaired when Broccan hadn’t been capable of fulfilling his husbandly duties in bed. Elspeth was accustomed to regular coupling and men always wanting her. The situation had shaken her confidence.
“You were truly with Broccan again?” Selena sounded disappointed. “Rhianwyn, how could you? You know how much it distressed him last time.”
When Selena’d taken her turn as Rhianwyn she’d developed feelings for Broccan, even believed she was falling in love with him, and didn’t want him hurt. When Rhianwyn was Selena, she and Broccan eventually had sexual relations and the guilt tormented him.
Rhianwyn sighed. “I know. But I love him so. I can’t possibly explain the powerful pull Broccan has on me. Our honeymoon was barely over when the first transformation happened. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other. We often made love several times a day. My desire hasn’t changed. When my soul inhabits other bodies, I still want him desperately. I don’t expect you to understand how difficult it is for me to resist him.” She exhaled and her fringe fluttered.
“You do that when you’re distressed or breathless.” Selena gestured toward Rhianwyn’s hair.
Rhianwyn smoothed her fringe.
“Rhianwyn will soon take her turn as me,” Lilliana said. “What habits or characteristics should she know?”
They all thought for a time.
“You lift your chin in the air when you’re angry, offended, displeased…or come to it, nearly all the damn time,” Elspeth said, “which makes you look right snooty.”
Lilliana did so even now. Elspeth chortled, nudging Selena. “She just proved that truth.”
“You jab people with your elbow, Elspeth,” Lilliana said. “It is altogether unfeminine and annoying. You also tread most unladylike.”
“Tread? Who the hell treads, but you?” Elspeth growled. “You walk like a damn queen adjusting your skirts and robes with an air about you like you’re commanding everyone to look at you with reverence. Like you’ve never done anything dishonorable in your entire life.”
“You’re supposed to be Lady Brockwell,” Lilliana taunted. “You hardly appear a lady with your tangled hair and still attired in a sleeping garment.”
Lilliana sniffed disapprovingly—arrogantly.
“Rhianwyn bloody woke me up before the crack of dawn and I overdrank last night,” Elspeth snarled.
Lilliana smiled smugly. “Which you do nightly. Also nothing like Rhianwyn.”
“By Christ.” Elspeth threw out her hands. “Rhianwyn just admitted she was frequently being bedded when she was Lady Brockwell. She wouldn’t need to drink to ease her woes, Princess!”
Selena, ever the peacekeeper, tapped the table. “Perhaps we could be kinder. Did any of you know Rhianwyn can read?”
Elspeth shook her head and Lilliana eyed Rhianwyn enviously. “Obviously we should’ve learned all this before the transformations.” Elspeth sighed again.
Rhianwyn put her palms on her forehead. “Or not entered into the confounded agreement in the first place.”
Elspeth waved her fist. “Honestly, Rhianwyn, if you whinge about that again, I may punch you! We understand you didn’t want to swear to the pact. We know you rue agreeing to it. We’re well aware, for you bloody well remind us at…every. Sarding. Opportunity!” Elspeth’s voice rose with each word.
“Why not shout it throughout the kingdom?” Lilliana admonished with a chin lift. “See what might occur if the old crone knows you’re freely announcing it. Call the hag’s bluff and risk what chaos might befall us.”
Selena’s eyes filled with fear at that consideration.
“Selena’s correct,” Rhianwyn said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “We must stop being unkind. Try to remember we’re friends, at least we once were.”
If she possessed magic, she would wish herself away from this pact and dealing with her friends, yet she feared losing them, too.
“Clearly, Rhianwyn can’t teach me to read by the next transformation,” Lilliana snipped, “even if I am an unusually fast learner.” Lacing her fingers, she rested her chin on them looking and sounding haughty. “Why didn’t you tell us you’re literate, Rhianwyn?”
“Since it’s unlawful for women by your father’s order, I wasn’t about to admit it.” Then, remembering her own advice, she added, “Mam taught me when I was very young.”
“We’ve all done much that would’ve been deemed unlawful,” Lilliana said. “For me to be seen with common-born people when we’ve met through the years was prohibited.”
Elspeth crossed her arms. “If found out you might’ve been scolded; our punishment would’ve been more severe.”
Selena’s usual ready smile faded at her friends’ bickering.
“Let’s simply divulge anything the others mightn’t know,” Rhianwyn said.
She wanted to end this objectionable meeting.
Elspeth tilted back on her chair, precariously. “That shouldn’t take long.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “It’s not like we have any secrets.”
“Lilliana, you and I will tell each other anything crucial we should know.” Rhianwyn tried to keep her voice steady. “Elspeth and Selena, you do so as well.”
Lilliana shook her head. “Even if we know much about each other it’s doubtful we’ll be able to change how we instinctively behave when frightened, angry, or excited.”
“I believe we can,” Rhianwyn countered. “Selena’s much more self-assured now. She’s even overcome her fear of horses.” Rhianwyn smiled proudly at Selena.
Selena nodded. “I’m still wary of dogs, but I’m trying to appear less fearful.”
“How are we to control ourselves when in the throes of passion or during culmination?” Elspeth asked.
“Now that I’m aware, I’ll be mindful to dig my thumbnail into Sir Broccan’s magnificent muscular chest or back when I take my turn as you, Rhianwyn,” Lilliana purred, making her eyes appear seductive. On Selena’s innocent face, it seemed most peculiar.
Lilliana had once chastised Elspeth for gloating about being in Broccan’s bed. Now she made no bones about wanting him, too.
Having barely slept, Rhianwyn was in no mood for squabbling or hearing of Lilliana’s desires for Broccan. She had the greatest urge to walk out, take Blath—her beloved horse—and ride till day’s end. But it wasn’t Elspeth’s horse, and Elspeth rarely rode.
She glanced at the door. She yearned to restore her weary soul in the forest, perhaps dance in the rain. She certainly wouldn’t be permitted to do so when she became princess. But she’d requested this damn meeting to ensure Broccan didn’t learn the truth and be in peril by the crone’s magic. For him, she’d bear almost anything.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

The curse is almost over but the stakes have never been higher…

Still bound by a magical pact, the lovely Rhianwyn Mulryan has had enough. With each soul transfer, her marriage to her one true love Broccan becomes further eroded, and she must still endure the final transformation and live as her friend, Lilliana, a Welsh princess. Above all, Rhianwyn must do everything in her power to squash Broccan’s suspicions. For if he learns the truth, a wicked old crone has promised his death.

The handsome and valiant Sir Broccan Mulryan thought he was going mad but is convinced he’s finally discovered why his beautiful wife and her friends have been behaving peculiarly. With the knight’s jousting and weaponry tournament about to begin, he’ll need to focus on staying alive long enough to confront Rhianwyn.

Rhianwyn will contend with cursed princes and former foes while she waits to hear whether Broccan has prevailed. When her friends delve into danger, she must decide whether to assist knowing it betrays a promise to her late mother. If they manage to live through the pact, will any of their relationships survive?

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Meet the Author:

Leigh Ann Edwards’ fascination with history, romance, magic, fantasy, time-travel and Ireland sparked her interest in creating the Irish Witch Series and her growing collection of published novels. Growing up in a very small Manitoban village on the Canadian prairies left a lot of time to create stories and let her imagination soar.

An author for nearly thirty years, Leigh Ann has almost completed writing her fourth series with Tule Publishing and will soon begin a fifth. Besides writing, Leigh Ann loves spending time with her four grandchildren, reading, traveling, doing intuitive readings and reiki. Leigh Ann and her husband, their two cats, one large dog and their Boston Terrier puppy, live near Edmonton Alberta, Canada.
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