Vanguardian is a historical speculative romance that explores race, power, and identity through the lives of three main characters in an empire threatened by war. Available online and at bookstores.
I’m excited to share a second exclusive excerpt from my novel Vanguardian. This scene introduces you to two main characters of the story: King Verlaine of Monde and Fabien de Vistré, Duke of Salvage, Marshal of Monde. Enjoy this free excerpt and please leave your feedback.
This excerpt has been replaced by the alternate intro, which readers voted higher.
Stay tuned for updates on the official release date!
Salvage, Monde – Planet Holera
In a sitting room of Monde’s castle sat King Verlaine, his attention fixed on a newly hung portrait to his right. The subject was a young man whose gaze, like that of many painted figures, seemed to track the viewer’s every movement. But unlike subjects in other portraits, this young man’s irises appeared to shine like tapetum lucidum. Verlaine recalled that, in real life, the boy’s eyes were the palest gray he had ever beheld, and . . .
“Good morning, Your Majesty.” A deep, listless voice carried through the room.
Verlaine, smiling warmly at the painting, turned his head to face the visitor.
Standing in the doorway was His Majesty’s younger cousin, the Duke of Salvage; tall, broad-shouldered, with a strong jaw—every bit the soldier. But his once-brown hair had grayed, and his eyes, once piercing and perceptive, were now dim and hollow.
“Ah,” the king sighed warmly. “At last, you’ve answered my invitations. Come. Sit,” he said, his hand gesturing to the finely carved chair opposite his own. The duke strolled in and sat as ordered.
Warm light streamed through a nearby window, passing between the space where they sat. The seasons had changed. And just as spring blooms into the energy of summer, Monde’s power and influence had recently risen to a radiant peak—on a level His Majesty could have never dreamed of.
Resting comfortably in his chair, the king looked akin to a sack of overripened fruits: generous, round, and wrinkled.
“Monde is forever changed. And I have you—ultimately—to thank for that,” he said.
The duke nodded with a closed-mouthed smile, his gaze distant.
The king studied the duke’s eyes. “Listen. I have seen many days. Indeed, by now, you have too. It’s no surprise to us both that life will continue beyond our sacrifices—it must, and it already has. The nation is celebrating,” His Majesty exulted. But then his smile diminished. He exhaled deeply. “Yet you sit before me as if in mourning.”
The duke’s vacant expression remained unchanged.
His Majesty shook his head slowly, contemplating, before renewing his focus on the duke. “I can understand your position, or at least I can try to. However, after months of your absence, owing to your loss—” he paused respectfully “—it is time you resume your duty to me and Monde.” He began exerting himself out of his chair.
The duke watched with a tinge of concern as His Majesty struggled to stand and eventually close the distance between them. When Verlaine, at last, reached the duke, he leaned forward, clasping his hands on the duke’s shoulders. The action was intended to capture the duke’s attention, but it also served to save His Majesty from falling.
“Fabien,” the king said pointedly to the duke. “Before you return to service, I must know that you can carry on this kingdom. Here we are, two men who aren’t as strong as we once were. ” Pausing, he went on. “I’m surprised that I must ask you this, but here we are: Do you still have the strength to serve Monde?” he said, shifting to a rigid tone. “More importantly, can you carry on a legacy?”
Fabien lifted his gaze. But instead of addressing His Majesty, he stared beyond him and at the portrait of the young man, his vacant stare snapping into focus. “I’m only a man,” he began. Then he met the king’s eyes. “But, as always, I vow to fulfill my duty.”
I hope you’ve enjoyed this excerpt. To read more, purchase the eBook or print book!
The Clerk 
Leave a comment