About this ebook
As foster-son to the king, Corren’s technically a candidate for the kingship, a position filled only at the discretion of the matriarchs of Jeska. He doesn’t want the job — Corren’s goal in life is to be the best guardsman ever, become a senior commander, and serve at the word of his foster-brother Tymon. Everybody loves Tymon: intelligent, handsome, kind, and generous.
Unfortunately, there’s one more candidate: the king’s true-son, Yutek-en, who’s determined to claim the post. Yutek-en craves control. He relishes hurting people, and loves nothing more than being hated. His toughest victim is Tymon, who endures worse torture than anyone, but won’t beg for mercy.
Corren’s had enough.
No matter what, he’ll protect Tymon — and Jeska — from this monster.
About the author
Vanessa MacLaren-Wray writes science fiction and fantasy exploring the challenges of communication and attachment in a diverse, complex universe. She’s the author of All That Was Asked, with a two-book sequel coming in early 2023. She’s a member of the Truck Stop at the Center of the Galaxy consortium, with “Coke Machine” and The Smugglers. Her short fiction has appeared with Dragon Gems and in the award-winning anthology Fault Zone: Reverse. She hosts regular online open mics for the California Writers Club and acts as a guest host for the podcast Small Publishing in a Big Universe. She is also an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
As an energy systems engineer, she has analyzed electric power systems, studied climate-safe technology, and written extensively on energy issues. The oddball robots she builds out of kids’ toys and stray parts do not seek to destroy humans — instead, they brew tea and play music. Vanessa lives in farm country, where fields of strawberries and artichokes hold the developers at bay. When not arguing with her cats, she works on new stories, her email journal Messages from the Oort Cloud, and her website, Cometary Tales. Find all her connections at https://linktr.ee/Vanessa_
