Once again, displaying that her emotions often get the better of her, Kessa strides impetuously into a bad decision. Having snuck into Cyrene’s infamous dungeons, she’s chosen to go head-to-head with the dungeon keeper. Should she be at all surprised when he makes the best of the situation – at her expense?

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

Kessa had snuck through the various levels of Acara’s infamous prison undetected, until she’d finally located the dungeon keepers’ office. Concealed in a dark, dank fold of rock, just outside the office door, she’d stopped, the conundrum of what exactly she’d planned to do once there hitting her like a ton of bricks.

Teaser for Chapter 12 of The Thiefs Tale

Actually, excited about preparing for her next assignment, Kessa is ready for training. But when a wrench or two is thrown into the mix, she finds herself unbalanced and decides to rush headlong down a path she will come to regret.

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

Dr. Charlo Finesse opened her office door to see Kessa standing there ready for training.

After she’d exchanged salutations with her trainee, Charlo fished, “I see an unfamiliar fire behind your eyes today.”

That morning replaying speedily through her mind, Kessa shrugged. She felt irritable, regretful, enthusiastic, and hopeful all at the same time – a difficult mix to process. Nothing she wanted to share with her trainer, however.

Apparently, she didn’t need to, Charlo was perceptive and wise enough to deduce as much on her own. “Channel all that into the pit. It’s a great place to blow off steam…

Amberle Lestroy is in Cyrene’s dungeon, but King Casyius is not concerned with rewarding or even acknowledging Kessa. Not only that, he already has her next assignment lined up. Kessa, already feeling grimy from the king’s last request, now balks at his desire to literally toss her into the mire. She’ll have to wrestle her way out.

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

Donning their hoods, they marched straight to the throne room where they found Casyius slouched in the throne, one leg casually draped over the arm and swinging with an air of impatience. They removed their hoods and bowed their heads.

“Kitten!” he exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “You’re here… finally!”

“Forgive me for keeping you waiting, your highness,” Kessa curtsied.

In hindsight, she probably should have skipped bathing. The thought of an audience with the king saturated in sweat hadn’t appealed to her, though. She doubted it would’ve appealed to him either. Stinky or late - she couldn’t win – a fact most people had come to terms with when it came to Casyius.

His high-pitched chortle was unsettling. “I won’t.” He replied to her plea for forgiveness in his silkiest voice while combing a hand through his equally silky hair. “But punitive measures later. How are you at mud wrestling?”

It’s a nice night for a daring rescue, at least, according to Augustus’ devout fan base. Flip the coin to the escort, and it’s a nice night to thwart a daring rescue. Which shall prevail? And is it really a win?

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

The volleys of fire arrows had ceased, and for several seconds, their flames flickering and Kessa sneaking about were the only things moving. Not for long. Several figures, darkly dressed and hooded, began funneling out of the trees surrounding the site. Loaded crossbows in their grasp, they trapsed cautiously toward the wagon, pausing uncertainly upon seeing Kessa leaning against it, her arms folded casually.

Teaser for Chapter 11 of The Thief's Tale

Wounded by Lord Aguilon’s perceived snub, Kessa decrees that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, and, in lieu of a bandage, pursues distractions powerful enough to keep her mind off him. Served up on a platter, in the form of a caged wagon, Augustus, the handsome rapscallion who nearly succeeded in robbing the town mint from under Pantheus’ nose, fits the bill. Talented, charming, and devious, he makes for a tantalizing diversion to be sure. But if she isn’t careful, he might end up giving Kessa a bit more than she bargained for.

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

Augustus scooched against the back bars of his prison and ogled her cheekily. Try as she might to avert her glance, something about the criminal kept her baby blues returning to him. It wasn’t his rugged good looks complete with intelligent, brown eyes, straggly, auburn hair and matching goatee. Nor was it the fact that he was leanly muscled and garbed in a ripped tunic and pants that showcased this. Certainly, Kessa noticed these characteristics, but it was likely the roguish quality to his aura that drew her in the most. She’d always had a soft spot for deviants.

Ah, to be rivetted by the courageous deeds of Aquina’s Lord Aguilon whilst feasting at his dinner table. A capable storyteller, a handsome lord, adventures fraught with cunning and danger, delicious food: what more could company ask for? What more could Kessa ask for? Apparently, a good deal more.

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

“Please, join us, Captain.” Pantheus pulled out a chair and called for the servant to bring an extra plate of food.

“Thank you. I am feeling a wee bit peckish.”

“You might want to tell Ri your news.” He winked adorably at her as he employed Carson’s nickname.

“Oh, I will, my lord, after I’ve regaled the group with the details of your most impressive triumph over crime.” He grinned at Aquestria, and his vibrant green-eyes twinkled. “Steering the conversation away from his good deeds is Lord Aguilon’s specialty, but I will not be deterred.”

“Carson-”

“Oh, come now, Pantheus; indulge us. I swear the story will go no further than this room,” Aquestria assured him.

Carson, noticing Pantheus’ defeated but acquiescent nod, delved into the story with as much enthusiasm as a fisherman casting his line for the first time.