For those who've read Sackcloth and Sky, a scene from Zain's point of view... The boy put the bowl on Zain's desk, yet another time-wasting exercise from the kitchen. He had more important business than eating unappetising little snacks. He breathed in, a memory rose. One of the gruel Lyra would bring him during those …
We interrupt these stories to bring you news of another story. My first book is up on Amazon! You can read the first part of the first draft here (remember to read from the bottom). But the whole book is now out in the world, with the most gorgeous cover, and was described by my …
She looked Lyra over and gave a single nod that somehow managed to combine approval, relief, and commiseration. She set the box on the bed and opened the lid. Folded inside was the dress. Or more accurately, a fine linen under-gown, an over-gown in silk lighter than a breeze, shoes and a belt. Lyra shed …
The following morning, she sent a message to the Sanctuary, with her apologies, she couldn’t assist that day. After consulting with Maryam, the red dress, now more blotched than ever, was removed, never to be discussed again. She had a feeling the housekeeper had sent it to the guild of dyers with a polite note, …
As the one friend scurried out of the door, and the other looked confused, but settled happily enough when handed wine, Khalik hissed. “They don’t know the Prince is coming, it’s a surprise, don’t spoil it.” It wasn’t going to be her doing the spoiling but obedient to his request, she kept quiet as the …
Khalik sat for a moment, then bounced out of his seat, rubbing his hands together. “I’ll invite him for tomorrow! Tell Maryam to cook the best dishes and find something to wear.” Lyra rolled her eyes. “He said next week. If you invite him tomorrow, he’ll think you’re too stupid to understand time. Besides, he’s …
“Lyra, where are you? Come here, we have a visitor.” Lyra looked up from her book and wondered if she could get away with snuffing the lamps in her room and pretending to be asleep. Khalik sounded drunk, again, and the friends he brought home were distasteful even when sober. Her door rattled, then bounced …
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