Realm Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway

 

Realm
Author: Alexandrea Weis
Genre: YA Historical
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: Vesuvian Books


Description:

Based on a true story.

When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.

Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.

However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

History tells his story. This is hers.

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“Yasmin, do you think these Greeks will like our dancing tonight?” Irania tugged at the snug blue belt around her waist.

Yasmin took Irania’s arm, urging her to keep up with her. “That’s why we have been practicing all week, little sister. So we can be perfect before the Greek king at the banquet.”

Roxana attempted to shove her braided hair under her gold shawl. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

Yasmin clucked with disapproval and stayed her hand.

“No, the Greeks must see your beautiful hair.” She smoothed the thick plait over her right shoulder.

“Atimexis will think I’m immodest.” Roxana bit her lower lip.

“Our father wasn’t concerned about modesty when he gave you this expensive cloth to wear.” Yasmin touched the sleeve of Roxana’s golden pleated dress. “You belong in the heavens.”

Roxana held her shaking hand against her stomach. “I feel like I’m going to throw up.”

Yasmin patted her shoulder. “You always say that when you’re nervous.”

At the entrance, Atimexis turned to the fidgeting girls, hissing last minute instructions.

Don’t look at the Greeks while dancing. You’re the daughters of a Persian governor now. Mind your manners.” She released a heavy sigh. “If the king invites you to dine, you must sit next to your brothers. Eat quietly and eat only small amounts. Please, no fighting with Histanes, Roxana. No burping, Irania. And none of you are to touch a drop of wine. You hear me?”

“It will be fine, Grandmother,” Yasmin interrupted. “Go on. Father and the boys are waiting.”

Atimexis checked the girls over one last time, and then fixed her attention firmly on Roxana. “Your father will be so proud.” She ducked into the tent.

Roxana almost stumbled forward. She’d never heard her grandmother give any hint of kindness or encouragement, but tonight when she had least expected it, the words had helped.

Yasmin blew out a loud breath. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Yeah,” Irania added, tugging at her blue costume. “I’m hungry.”

“What else is new?” Yasmin laughed and then turned to Roxana. “Are you ready?”

Roxana wanted to scream she wasn’t ready, but instead, nervously bobbed her head, unable to speak. She prayed to the gods for strength to keep from being sick all over the king.

Lutes, harps, and flutes came to life inside the tent.

Irania walked into the open tent flap first, her head held high, followed by Yasmin. Roxana brought up the rear.

Spiced meats and sweet smoke filtered through the air. Low dining tables circled the room with pillows as chairs. The girls rushed to their spot in the center of the open floor. The crowd grew quiet. The music’s tempo changed, and Roxana took her position, her gaze lowered to the mats covering the ground.

In time with the music, she twisted and twirled, concentrating on every movement, mindful of her duty to please the king. She arched her hands and arms gracefully, attempting to imitate the blowing of the breeze.

Her nerves settled as she lost herself in the strains of the pleasing tune. But then she became curious about the men in the room. Her grandmother’s warning repeating in her head, she peeked up until she saw the golden table reserved for their honored guest. She reached out to do a tricky bend, lifting her head ever so slightly, and a pair of intense gray eyes almost took her breath away.

She gasped and quickly dropped her head, never losing her place in the dance. Her fingers and toes tingled as if struck by lightning.

Who is that?

Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.

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