A Question of Counsel by Archer Kay LeahPublication date: May 27th 2015
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Synopsis:
Life hasn’t been easy for
Aeley since she arrested her brother, and her role as a political leader
leaves her feeling isolated and lonely. Days before her brother’s
trial, she meets Lira, a quiet and modest scribe who makes Aeley want
more than just a professional relationship.
When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage contract, Aeley doesn’t know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers, marrying into a family she doesn’t know. Then she discovers that Lira is part of the same family–a sister to Aeley’s suitors and the family’s disgrace. And not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.
Except random acts of violence against her people test Aeley’s ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her chance at happiness, but her life…
When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage contract, Aeley doesn’t know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers, marrying into a family she doesn’t know. Then she discovers that Lira is part of the same family–a sister to Aeley’s suitors and the family’s disgrace. And not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.
Except random acts of violence against her people test Aeley’s ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her chance at happiness, but her life…
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Excerpt: A Question of Counsel
"That went well," Lira said, once her brothers turned the corner.
"I guess, considering they walked out with their heads still attached." Aeley faced Lira. "Why didn't you tell me? There you were, going on about how I should just meet with them and the whole time, you knew. I spent the whole carriage ride going on and on and you said nothing."
Lira watched the doorway, swallowing as she drew her arms around her and then dropped them. "I just didn’t, that’s all you need to know. Call it minding my own."
"No, that’s not good enough." Aeley pointed to the door. "And why didn’t you say anything during any of that? There they were insulting you and you said nothing."
"You didn’t, either." Lira stepped around Aeley, heading for the door. "I have to go. Vant needs me—"
Aeley grabbed her arm. "Why can’t you be honest with me?" she whispered, loosening her grip as Lira turned back. "I can think of something to say to them—"
"No. Don’t. Don’t make this harder than it already is."
"But—"
"But the door is still open. But I can’t get into this."
Lira moved away. Aeley rushed to the door and slammed it shut.
"It’s closed now," Aeley said, leaning back against the wood. "And Vant can wait. The only one stopping you right now is you. And I’m asking. It’s polite to answer the question, Lira Derossa, or so you once reminded me."
"Of course that’s what you’d remember from that conversation," Lira mumbled.
"I remember plenty of things you’ve said. And the things you haven’t said. Why didn’t you tell me?"
"It wasn't my place. I'm not supposed to say anything." Lira bit her lip, her gaze falling to the floor. "The Council didn’t wake up the morning of Allon’s trial and suddenly realize what they had. Emon and Ryler went to them days before. They told me to keep my mouth shut. They also pointed out that if I spoiled the contract and talked you out of it, they’d make me rethink my place in our family and your employment. I was lucky that they let me come today to begin with."
So coercion. Threats. The same games I’m sure they play with everyone else. The same games Asha played with the people around my father. The same they’re trying to play with me. "Why? Why is there hostility at all? Is it because you're the baby of the family and they don't want you involved?" Aeley asked with a nervous laugh, trying to keep them from arguing.
Lira tilted her head. Her smile was not happy. "They don’t necessarily like to share what’s theirs, including attention and the wealth Emon keeps prattling on about. Though they’re right: I don’t get anything from the family’s estate. I’m not worth the same as them. They also don't approve of certain choices I've made. Not that I approve of any of their choices, either. Mine just tend to be more shaming. Or so they keep telling me."
AUTHOR BIO:
Archer
Kay Leah was raised in Ontario, Canada, growing up in a port town at a
time when it was starting to become more diverse, both
visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in
Archer’s family and the never-ending need to be creative, it has been
this diversity that has inspired Archer’s love of toying with characters
and their relationships, exploring new experiences and crazy
situations.
Archer started writing stories at age six and became “that kid” with their nose in the books and a pen in their hand, pursuing the challenges of writing novels at age thirteen and conquering the dread of poetry at fifteen. Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged.
When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek who has too many hobbies, keeping busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along, especially if it is in technological form. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.
Author links:
https://archerkayleah.
Archer started writing stories at age six and became “that kid” with their nose in the books and a pen in their hand, pursuing the challenges of writing novels at age thirteen and conquering the dread of poetry at fifteen. Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged.
When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek who has too many hobbies, keeping busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along, especially if it is in technological form. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.
Author links:
https://archerkayleah.
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