Medieval Monday ~ Seduction at the Christmas Court ~ A Royal Hunting Party

Good Morning! Welcome to the Fall/Winter Medieval Monday blog hop! We’re doing the hop somewhat differently this time around. There will be a link below to the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page that has links to all the other authors who are participating this time around. So after you read my excerpt, click the link and go have fun with our medieval romance snippets.  They can also be found via #MedMonFall2020 .

Our theme for the fall is Nature and I’ll be sharing a segment from my medieval Christmas novella Seduction at the Christmas Court. The scene begins with a boar hunt some days before Christmas in 1349. Geoffrey, Lord Longford and his wife Alyse have been summoned to the King’s Christmas court and this is the King’s favorite sport.

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BLURB:

Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the glittering Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take part in some Yuletide merriment. However, when Geoffrey is suddenly called into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at court, attending the queen and persuading her rebellious sister to accept an unwanted betrothal. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who wants to renew their friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

EXCERPT:

The baying of the hounds sounded off in the distance and Geoffrey looked around eagerly for a companion to hunt with, but no one of his acquaintance presented himself. New courtiers were talking in twos and threes as they sat atop their horses, but not one that he had spoken to more than once. So few of his boon companions had been spared by the pestilence. He looked about for Lord Tamworth, for Roger would be meet company for the hunt, but the friendly face refused to show itself. With a sigh, Geoffrey touched his heel to Saracen and started for the woods–mayhap he would meet someone along the way.

Once the company gained the stand of oak trees on the eastern side of the estate, Geoffrey dropped his horse to a walk, head cocked to catch the direction of the dogs, still baying shrilly. They must have scented one or more boars immediately.

He urged Saracen through the brambles, sweeping his head from side to side, but there were so many dogs out it seemed as if all of them were baying at once and no way to tell where—

Ferocious barking erupted in the thicket of brush to his right then snarling and grunting ensued, the unmistakable sound of an enraged boar.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here. And be sure to return for the next installment of Seduction at the Christmas Court or grab a copy on Amazon, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble now!