
Today we have the blog tour for The Time Traveler’s Christmas by Amy Jarecki! Check it out and grab you're copy today!
Excerpt:
King Robert’s cranky expression was the antithesis of the bubbles effervescing through Christina’s insides. He sat in a padded chair elevated on a small dais with a red carpet runner at his feet and a gold embroidered canopy overhead. The epitome of a king.
In fact, he seemed much more like a grouch rather than a king preparing to celebrate Christmas with a queen who had been returned to him after years in captivity. He drummed his fingers on his armrest. “Lady Christina, I specifically recall saying I wanted to speak with ye alone.”
Lachlan cleared his throat. “Forgive me, but that is my fault, Your Grace.” He moved closer to the red carpet and bowed. “Please allow me to explain. I could not, in good conscience, allow Lady Christina to meet with you alone when I knew full well you’d be discussing her future nuptials. You see, I cannot possibly stand idle while any nuptials are discussed for the woman I love…unless they include me.”
The king threw back his head with a belly laugh. “So ye think ye are worthy of this woman’s hand?”
“Your Grace,” Christina hasted to Lachlan’s side. “This knight, this champion brought Andrew back to us in mind and body, and when no one else thought the lad would amount to anything.”
“That he did,” agreed the king. “But ye are a beautiful woman, Christina. There are many nobles in the kingdom who would vie for your hand.”
“Nay.” Christina shook her head. “I want no other. Ye ken what it is like to suffer alone for years and now I ken my heart. I have given the kingdom a fine heir. Please, Your Grace, allow me to choose love for once in my life.”
Bruce looked to Lachlan and narrowed his eyes. “Do ye aim to marry her?”
He shot a panicked grimace at Christina. She tried to give him a reassuring nod. They’d discussed this. Lachlan knew what to say. In a brash move, he took her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. “I wish to ask your permission for Lady Christina’s hand. I vow to care for her to the best of my ability for the rest of my life.”
The Bruce stroked his fingers down his beard as if considering. “And ye, Christina, are ye absolutely certain this enormous knight is the man to make ye happy for the rest of your days?”
The bubbles nearly effervesced right out of her bodice. “I would have none other.”
“Verra well. I am allowing this union only because Andrew’s oration greatly impressed me this day. My word, if only all my knights would be so forthright, Scotland would rule all of Christendom.” The king rose to his feet. “When shall we celebrate this wedding?”
“Christmas Eve?” Christina and Lachlan said together.
The king looked rather taken aback. “Christ’s birthday? Is that done?”
“Why ever not?” asked Christina. She was growing fond of breaking the mold and doing things otherwise forbidden by outdated and nonsensical rules.
“Hmm. The pair of ye are eccentric, but I like that.” King Robert slapped Lachlan on the shoulder. “Besides, the queen will be over the moon. She is planning to green the castle on the morrow and this will give her even more reason to lavishly spare no expense. I’ll allow the ceremony…afore the feast.”
Christina clapped her hands. “Would Sir Lachlan and I be able to contribute a gift of spectacular boughs for the great hall?”
“A spectacular gift, ye say?” The king arched his eyebrows. “I’m certain Queen Elizabeth would agree. The more boughs, the better.”
About Amy Jarecki:
Loved the description and excerpt. Will be reading soon. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention.
ReplyDeleteAmazing review. Excerpt definitely got to me and i'd love to read this one.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like and enjoyable story.
ReplyDeleteBook sounds great!
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