Ambrosia

Blurb

A curse has been laid on Blakely and before the next full moon Gerrick must discover a way to end it or he and all the people of his land will die. Their only hope is for Gerrick to find the fabled honey elixir. He travels to the Isle of the Singer and discovers not only the magic elixir, but the one woman whose song touches his soul.

The Beesinger, Ambrosia de la Courte, a mortal, serves Oriana, who is not only the Mistress of the Elixir, but an immortal goddess. Her family owes a long-standing debt in payment of past sins to the goddess, and Ambrosia, as the eldest daughter, is committed to a lifetime of service as Beesinger. To allow herself to love the handsome stranger who needs her help and calls to her heart, would mean the destruction of not only her whole family, but Gerrick as well. When the fates intervene, choices must be made. Will their love survive? Or will the fickleness of the gods destroy them forever?

Excerpt

"Oriana. It is I, Ambrosia, your Beesinger. I'm here to seek permission to leave the island. There are people in need."

Gerrick wondered what she waited for. There was obviously nothing there. The minutes ticked by. He blinked, then blinked again, as something shimmered. His eyes widened as before them appeared a large white marble structure with tall columns. It solidified and Ambrosia walked toward the bottom of the steps and stopped.

A tall woman with thick, dark hair, dressed in a long, flowing red dress girdled in gold stepped from the recesses of the building follow by three men, all solidly muscled. The only items they wore were gold collars about their necks, and thick gold bands about their wrists and ankles.

Ambrosia knelt and bowed her head. "Queen Oriana."

Oriana sauntered to the steps, stopped, and turned to the three men following her. "Wait here," she commanded, then turned back to Ambrosia and descended. Gerrick stayed at the edge of the clearing, uncertain what was expected of him. Oriana reached the spot where Ambrosia knelt and place a finger beneath her chin. She tilted her head towards her and studied her face. Then she pinned her gaze on Gerrick.

"I see our young lord would sample what belongs to me." She turned back to look at Ambrosia. "Rise, Beesinger." Then in a louder voice. "Gerrick of Blakely, come forward, you have a request, I believe."

Gerrick strode to her across the clearing and knelt on one knee before her. "My people are dying, I seek your permission to have the Beesinger accompany me to administer the elixir to save them."

"I know of your plight and you have my permission. Rise, my young lord." He breathed a sigh of relief knowing he'd at least have a chance to reverse the curse. "Thank you, Queen Oriana."

She circled him, an elegant finger to her chin as she studied him. "I believe there's something else you want as well."

"Something else?"

A smile lingered at her ruby red lips. "I smell your lust, young lord. You hunger to possess my Beesinger with that fierce weapon that hangs heavy between your thighs." She moved closer to him. "You've already stolen a kiss. Is that what you plan to do? Try to steal from me?" She pinned him beneath a hard, glittering look.

"No, Queen Oriana, I only seek help for my people. It was a mistake for me to steal the kiss. I apologized to the lady for the lapse."

"Ah, I see."

Again, she circled him, studying him intently. Had he ruined everything by claiming that kiss?

She halted before him. "You will return my Beesinger to me once your people are healed."

"Yes, my lady."

"But, I give you a present until such time as she is returned. She is yours, treat her kindly and pleasure her well."

Gerrick heard a gasp from Ambrosia. His gaze shifted and he saw her eyes widen in shock.

"My queen! You can't mean it," she gasped.

"Teach her well, my young lord. I do not grant such a gift to everyone." She turned to Ambrosia. "He is strong and maybe his seed will provide you with the next Beesinger, Ambrosia. Did you think I would forget your family's obligation to me? You could save the rest of your family from service for another generation."

"No, no, my queen," she whispered.

Oriana turned and ascended the steps. "Return her soon, my young lord. Try to steal what is mine and payment will be exacted. Ask Ambrosia what the penalty is for stealing from me."