Attention, my readers! I’m excited to announce the cover reveal of “A Viking’s Fate, Book 3 of A Viking’s Curse Series!” I’ve waited so long to share it with you — an enchanting illustration that captures the romantic spirit of the story. And below the video is an excerpt that I truly enjoyed writing… I hope you love it too.

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EXCERPT

Eric opened the door to his bedroom. To his startlement, Cate was already there sitting, a small candle beside her on the table.
“Lady Catelyn?” he said, shocked. “What are you doing here?
Cate stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. “You’re a fool,” she said, her voice low and sharp. “Gunnar will never accept peace with the English.”
Eric sighed. “For the love of God. Not you, too.”
“Don’t you know what kind of man Gunnar is?”
“I’m sure you’re about to tell me.” He said, trying to placate her by injecting some humor into his voice.
Cate said, her voice rising in volume. “He’s a ruthless and evil leader who wants nothing more than to spread death and destruction across England.” She paused for a moment, her gaze dark and foreboding. “You think you’re safe just because you are of the same people? Well, you’re wrong. Haven’t you heard about what he did to his cousin?”
“Yes, I know the story,” he said. “I also happen to know about all the dark activities of Gunnar Bjornson and his allies. But he invited me, Cate, and if I don’t go, how will it make me look? It would make me look a coward. No one would believe me after that.”
Cate moved closer to him and grasped his arms. “He invited you? And you’re just simply going? But, but he’ll kill you, Eric!”
Cate’s words sent a chill down his spine. He certainly did know the power and influence Gunnar had over the rest of the Viking leaders, and to be perfectly honest, he was fearful of what might come. He knew the severity of his situation. He could indeed be a rat walking into Gunnar’s trap.
But at the same time, he saw something in Cate’s eyes that made him unsure of how to respond.
He looked closer at her face and his heart pounded.
“Cate,” he whispered, as he drew her closer. “Are you afraid… for me?”
Cate’s hand flew to her lips but was too late to prevent a whimper from escaping.
She abruptly turned away, clutching her arms around her chest.
“I just…” she started to say, “I know of him, Eric. And I’m worried, and yes, I’m afraid for you. I’m afraid you will fail.”
Eric looked at the back of her head, willing her to turn around again to face him. He heard the worry in her voice, and had seen the fear in her eyes, even though she tried to hide it with anger.
“Maybe,” he said. “But I have to try.”
He dared put his hands on her shoulders, and gently squeezed them.
Cate sighed and shook her head slowly. She wanted him to stay safe, but how could she tell him that? How could she show him how much he meant to her after what happened with the comb, how she had practically threw his gift back at his face?
For the life of her, she didn’t know how. Instead of showing concern for his safety, she kept up the charade by stiffening her back and saying harshly: “You are naïve and your foolishness will get you killed! You don’t understand the true nature of some people. They can’t be trusted.”
“Maybe, and maybe not. But even the most untrustworthy may still one day get sick and tired of war.”
She turned around and faced him again. “Don’t go then! Let him come to you if he does want to stop fighting.”
“But that’s exactly the reason why I have to go to Gunnar’s camp. I need to see for myself the reason why he wants to talk to me. Do not worry, Cate. I will handle it.”
She searched his face as he talked, but was unable to gauge his emotions. His expression was hard and sharp because of how his face was now set in a granite frown.
She scoffed. “Handle it? Hah! Will he even listen to anything you say? You are only very young, Eric! You’ll need more than just courage to accomplish this task! What makes you think that he won’t take advantage of your good intentions?”
She wanted to take back the words as soon as they left her mouth. But the damage was done and she couldn’t undo it. She could see from his expression that her words had hit him like a ton of bricks but she felt helpless to fix it.
She braced herself for his reaction, feeling a mixture of guilt and regret.
“Because I believe in the power of compromise and understanding – even between the English and their Viking enemies like us. I’m sure there’s hope this can end without violence or death,” he said quietly before lifting one of her hands to his lips.
“Just, just… just come back safe.” Cate attempted a strident voice but all that came out was a whiny whisper. “That’s all that matters. Your people need you.”
“And you? What about you, Cate?” he asked, his beautiful eyes boring into hers. “Do you need me too?”
She stared up at him. She had never needed anyone since his people killed her mother. She clamped her lips tightly against words that almost tripped from her tongue, and was ready to turn away toward the door, to flee. Again.