Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday and thanks for stopping by! In this scene from my debut novel, Assassin’s Heart, Nef takes Lillie to his favorite part of the palace.
The whole of Ramalda lay sprawled below us, lit only by the lingering rays of sunlight that stretched from the setting sun. In the fading light, the differences between the wealth of MidTown and the squalor of The Narrows ceased to exist; everything was covered in a diffuse beauty. Candlelight twinkled from windows giving the appearance that stars had fallen from the sky to lend their glow to the land. Even the river flowing past the island on which the palace stood seemed to glow with an inner beauty of its own. I turned to find Nef watching me, a smile on his face.
“Oh, Nef!” I cried in delight. “It’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He joined me in looking out over the city, still smiling. “This is where I always feel at peace. No matter what is going on, coming here brings solace to my soul.”
We stood side-by-side in silence, watching as darkness slowly covered the town. A stiff breeze swirled up from the water below and lifted my curls, rippling them out behind me. Nef watched me out of the corner of his eye and I felt like the beautiful, romantic heroine in the stories that other recruits occasionally smuggled into our quarters. At least until the wind suddenly changed direction, whipping my hair into my face and tangling my skirts around my legs.
Nef struggled unsuccessfully to contain his laughter as I fought to get the long strands out of my eyes and into some semblance of order. It was a losing battle. The wind took a seemingly perverse delight in changing directions just as I seemed to be getting wind-tossed mass under control. I stuck out my tongue as he leaned against the parapet, practically doubled over and gasping for breath.
Wiping his eyes, Nef took my hand to help me from the ledge. Once I was safely down, he pulled me to him and held me there while he went off into gales of laughter again. After pouting for a few seconds I had to admit to myself, albeit reluctantly, that the situation was pretty funny and joined him in laughter, sliding my arms around his waist and resting my head on his chest. His mirth rumbled pleasantly against my ear and I felt warm and safe in his embrace.
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The story sounds charming, Isabella! Good luck with it.
Thank you, Juli! (And thanks for stopping by.)