Character Insights Archives - Page 5 of 11

When a mean bully attacks, Luc jumps into action #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SciFi

Kayelle Allen 04/29/2020 Character Insights 12 Comments

Set up: A Deshai is a student in the Thieves' Guild. A teacher is a Sen'dai. In the Tarthian Empire, training often begins at age three. Luc has taken Senthys shopping in an exclusive store. A human client inside with her young child takes offense at the presence of a "dirty halfbreed" like Senthys. When the woman demands that management throw Luc and Senthys out, she gets what's coming to her and is herself asked to leave. As this opens, she has picked up her child, who'd been standing next to Senthys, and gone out the door in a huff.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Saint-Cyr." The manager touched his arm.

"Thank you, but I'm more concerned about my Deshai. Excuse me." He turned toward Senthys and held out his arms.

The boy ran to him.

Luc scooped Senthys up. "Did she hurt you?"

The boy's eyes glittered with tears. One slipped down his cheek. "I took a bath."

"Oh, Senthys." Luc hugged him close. "That woman was mean. You are not dirty. Not one bit." He cupped his hand around the child's head, lacing his fingers through the long curls. "I'm sorry she hurt your feelings."

With his head on Luc's shoulder, Senthys sniffled. "It's okay."

"No, it's not. It's never okay to be mean." He traced small circles on the boy's back. "Can you look at me?"

Senthys lifted his head.

"It's okay to admit when you're hurt or feel bad." He wiped the boy's tears. "You don't have to pretend you're okay."

"I don't?" Senthys played with Luc's tie.

The manager and assistant both hovered nearby, adjusting stacks of clothing yet he felt their surreptitious attention as if it were touches. This had turned into a far more public outing than he'd anticipated. Nothing to do but wade in and clean up the mess.

"It's okay to be sad. Everyone is sad sometimes. You don't have to hide pain." Here he was saying the words, when he couldn't do the same thing with Pietas.

"Wili says only babies care about feelings."

"Does he?" Luc adjusted Senthys in his arms, and tugged down the hem of the boy's shirt. "Wili is wrong. It's okay to cry. It's also okay to tell people when they hurt your feelings. Remember how you told your brother he hurt my feelings?"

"Yes, sir."

"If an adult is mean to you, you can come to me and I will defend you. I will try to keep mean people away from you, but if they say anything to you, it's okay to tell me. It's okay to be scared and it's okay to be mad. What is it that we don't do?"

"We don't hit or claw."

"That's right! Good job, Senthys." He hugged him. "You played nicely. Nothing you did was wrong. None of her yelling was for anything you did. You were a good boy."

"I was?" The boy looked so pleased with himself that Luc couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes, you were." He gave him a small squeeze. "Would you like to help me shop now? And then we'll get ice cream."

Senthys wiggled, trying to get down, so Luc put him back on the floor. The boy took his hand and looked up at the manager. "Ma'am, I would like some new clothes, please."

Luc could have burst, he was so proud.

The woman bent toward him. "I'd be happy to help you."

"Thank you." Senthys turned his blue-eyed gaze up at her, offering a blazing smile. "You're pretty," he declared, with a boy's innocent charm.

She blushed. "Why, thank you."

"You make my Sen'dai happy. He likes you." He tugged Luc's hand. "Right?"

"Senthys!"

"What?" He blinked up at Luc, the image of a perfect angel.

"Kids." Standing, the woman looked up at Luc through her lashes. "What can you do?" With a flirtatious smile, she beckoned to them.

Who knew having a child offered such a distinct advantage with women? With a new appreciation for his young Deshai, Luc followed.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

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Luc explains the arcane rules of theft to a 3 yr old #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 04/22/2020 Character Insights 14 Comments

The word arcane conjures up magic and sorcery, but its definition is "requiring secret or mysterious knowledge." To Luc, who's an Arcane Master in the Thieves' Guild, those secrets are the lifeblood of the skill. Here, he explains one of the basic rules to Senthys, who is three.

Arcane Secrets

In this scene, Luc and Senthys are riding in Luc's hoversine, a limousine that flies right above the ground.
(banner image - Luc's hoversine, art by Nano-Core. I commissioned a vehicle immediately recognizable as a limo, but futuristic.)

Senthys swung his feet, which, on the short rise of the hoversine's safety seat, meant he kicked the main seat with his heels.

That was already old and it had just started. Luc leaned down close to distract him. "Let's learn some thief rules."

"Why?" Senthys tilted his head. "Don't you already know them?"

Luc stopped himself from reacting. After all, he was talking to a child, not that different from talking to Pietas. "Yes, I do, and I'm going to teach them to you. I told you there would be two rules inside the store and if you obeyed them, you could pick out a toy."

"Oh. I 'member." Like Luc, Senthys folded his hands before him. "Ready."

"You are to stay next to me at all times. You may hold my hand if you like, but do not leave me to look at things, or to see things unless I give you permission. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Say it back to me."

"Um..." The boy fidgeted. "All of it?"

Luc decided against counting--to any number. "Tell me what you understood."

"Stay with you."

"Good! That's perfect."

The child bounced in his seat.

How delighted this boy was to do well. Luc must encourage that. "The other rule is not to steal anything in this store. Say it back to me."

"Don't steal in the store?"

"That's right!" Luc patted his hands together. "What a good job."

Senthys clapped, grinning.

"I'm going to tell you something and I want you to always remember it. Honorable thieves do not steal unless under contract. If an honorable thief cannot afford something, then he must work a regular job to earn the money." Luc placed a hand on the boy's arm. "My Deshai are honorable. They do not take things without a contract. Understand?"

"Yes, sir. Can I have a contract?"

"You can have one when you reach level thirteen. At that level, you can be hired professionally."

"Are you level thirteen?"

Luc brushed at his sleeve. "I'm level forty-eight."

"Oh." The boy nodded as if impressed. "Is that better than thirteen?"

Amusing, however deflating that might be. "Quite a bit better," Luc told him. "It's the highest in the Guild. Arcane Master."

Senthys cocked his head. "Then that's what I want to be. A Arcane Mister."

"Master," Luc corrected, smiling. "Arcane Master."

"Arcane Master. I want to be that. Brinn says I can be anything."

True words. Luc held up a hand, reached across the seat, and Senthys high-fived him. "Your brother is absolutely right."

Please check out the other authors in this blog hop, linked below.

The story is complete, and when published, will include a bonus book, Behind the Scenes of A Stolen Heart. In it, I'll share secrets with you about the characters -- things that aren't revealed in the book.

I'm hoping to find reviews and reviewers. Is that you? I have advanced pre-edited copies in epub, mobi, and pdf waiting for you to download on Story Origin and BookSprout.

The book is on Goodreads, and you can leave a review there now. You can leave a review on Amazon the day the book goes live, May 11th.

This version is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help. Thank you!

Download the early review copy on Story Origin
Download the early review copy on BookSprout

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Play Ball: Oops. Luc should not have done that #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 04/15/2020 Character Insights 10 Comments

Play Ball

Eager to see Senthys, Luc hurried upstairs, but the practice room was empty. A faint sound drew Luc to a tall pair of windows overlooking the back.

Like other houses in the neighborhood, a wooded and fenced yard allowed room for sports and exercise. The house had its own gym but no pool. The boys swam in the jointly-shared neighborhood pool a block over, or at the Academy.

In a sunny area, four of the guys had formed two teams and were hitting a ball over a high net. The Thieves' Guild considered hand-contact sports good for developing muscle, but also dangerous. To avoid injury, while the ball was physically soft, the Tyran technology inside made it react as if it were harder. It turned blue when a point was scored and red when lost. Yellow indicated out of bounds.

Nikko was not down there, which meant he must be taking finals. So where was Senthys?

Luc changed to the other window.

A rigid pole with a lead clipped to its top had a ball attached at the end. When activated, the ball could be hit by one player, and it would react as if being struck back by another. Two could play against one another, or vie with the tech, trying to score more hits. Depending on the setting, it could dodge above their heads or swoop lower.

Though too short to hit the ball properly, Senthys could reach it, and he hit it hard enough for it to wrap around the pole and come back. More of a push, but it spun around the pole, far too high for him to touch. He jumped toward the moving ball.

Why weren't the others involving him? If they wouldn't, he would. Luc threaded his way down the stairs, out through the kitchen and into the backyard.

As Luc arrived, Nikko opened a gate in the fence and walked through, drawing everyone's attention. When he pumped both fists in the air, Luc and the others cheered.

Senthys did too. The ball came back around, struck him in the forehead and laid him out flat on his back.

Luc raced to the boy and knelt.

The child blinked, a bright spot in the middle of his forehead.

"Are you hurt?" Afraid to move him, Luc touched the boy's foot.

Senthys looked up at all the Deshai, who had gathered around him, then at Luc. He grinned. "Do it again!"

A collective groan of relief from the Deshai mixed with their pained laughter.

Luc sank to the ground.

"Did you see Luc run?" Andel asked.

Brinn laughed. "Yeah, you don't ever want to make him come after you!"

In his haste to reach Senthys, he'd set aside thousands of years of training and reflex and used his powers without a single thought.

The Deshai went back to their game, and Luc held out his hands to the boy. When Senthys came to him, Luc pulled the boy close and hugged him like he would never let go.

Please check out the other authors in this blog hop, linked below.

The story is complete, and when published, will include a bonus book, Behind the Scenes of A Stolen Heart. In it, I'll share secrets with you about the characters -- things that aren't revealed in the book.

I'm hoping to find reviews and reviewers. Is that you? I have advanced pre-edited copies in epub, mobi, and pdf waiting for you to download on Story Origin and BookSprout.

This version is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help. Thank you!

Download the early review copy on Story Origin
Download the early review copy on BookSprout

Read more →

You make one visit to Toy Planet and the media goes wild #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 04/08/2020 Character Insights 14 Comments

In this scene, Luc is arriving home after shopping for clothes with Senthys, the young boy he rescued earlier. He had taken the child to Toy Planet as a reward for good behavior. When they arrive home, Luc discovers the trip has made the tabloids, where he is a constant source of attention. Luc is a fashion maven in the Tarthian Empire, and his shopping habits have spilled over into his trip.

Toy Planet

Set up: Luc had joked that he would fire his liaison, Shohn. Not long after, he mentioned that he planned to send flowers to the manager of the children's clothing store.

Toy Planet and the Media Darling

When Luc walked in the front door with Senthys, he found Andel and Brinn moving big boxes from the foyer to the living area.

Senthys released Luc's hand and ran to them. "I got a new bear! See?" He held up a bear a hundred years junior to his current model.

"Cute!" Brinn tousled the boy's hair.

"This guy has fur and everything." Andel sat on the floor and gathered Senthys onto his lap. "What's his name?"

While the two chatted, Luc examined the boxes. "What's in these?"

"This?" Brinn indicated the chest-high stacks. "I think this is what 'a few things to wear' looks like to Luc Saint-Cyr."

Walking around the boxes, Luc checked out the labels. "Kelthian Kids delivered already."

Brinn braced a hand on one box. "There was a note on this one. It was meant for your eyes only, but I unsealed it, thinking it was a packing slip." He handed Luc the handwritten note. "Sorry."

"No problem." He skimmed it, then re-read the words written by the Kelthian Kids manager. "Thank you for the flowers. Roses are my favorite. Yes, I'd love to meet for dinner." She'd signed it with her name and mobile contact.

Apparently, Shohn had decided to play matchmaker. Depending on how dinner went, she might be fired after all. "Or promoted."

"Sir?"

"Nothing. Now you know one reason why I bought out the store."

"After seeing this, I half expected a truck from Toy Planet to back into the driveway. Guess their manager wasn't as cute." Brinn tapped the box.

"Imagine how entertaining I find that."

Brinn bit his lips too late to hide a smile.

Luc tucked the note into a pocket. "I'm curious, however, how you knew I took the boy to Toy Planet. The manager told me those bears are sold everywhere. Easy to replace if damaged." Although, considering the boy's attachment to his other bear, wear made no difference.

"I saw you guys on the news." Brinn pulled out his mobile device and scrolled. "Here."

Two tabloid media celebrities from Idle Time Ezine were chatting. His name scrolled across a banner at the bottom. They'd made their fortune exploiting him for news. "Luc Saint-Cyr, the 'retired'," the woman made air quotes, "Grand Master of the Thieves' Guild has sold name rights to the Bank of Tarth. The banking conglomerate, which controls branches throughout the empire, will feature the Harbinger's likeness in advertising, showing he backs the company as a solid investment."

"Does that mean," the male asked, "that he'll never rob it?"

"Robbery? Of a bank?" Luc stopped the video. "Honestly, do these people research nothing? Bank robbery! As if I'd remain at that level. That is so far beneath my skill. Brinn," he turned to him, "what does this have to do with Toy Planet?"

Brinn gave him a cryptic smile. "Keep watching."

With an aggravated sigh, he tapped play.

"What do you suppose he'll do with all that money?" the male asked.

With a snide smile, the woman responded, "It might buy one of his less expensive suits." The two laughed at their own joke.

"Brinn..."

"Trust me. It's coming."

"Apparently, though," she continued, "he might need some of that money for toys." An amateur shot of him stooping beside Senthys at Toy Planet popped up. "Saint-Cyr's support of Kin businesses is well documented. Perhaps this HalfKin child is a by-product of that 'support.'" Again, she made air quotes and the two exchanged a knowing look.

Luc jabbed the stop icon. "I will kill them both."

"If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were serious."

Luc slid his unsmiling gaze in the young man's direction.

"Umm... Okay, then." Brinn tucked away the mobile. "I'll finish here while you... uh... Whatever."

Luc tried counting to force down his anger. "Not enough numbers."

Please check out the other authors in this blog hop, linked below.

The story is complete, and when published, will include a bonus book, Behind the Scenes of A Stolen Heart. In it, I'll share secrets with you about the characters -- things that aren't revealed in the book.

I'm hoping to find reviews and reviewers. Is that you? I have advanced pre-edited copies in epub, mobi, and pdf waiting for you to download on Story Origin and BookSprout.

This version is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help. Thank you!

Download the early review copy on Story Origin
Download the early review copy on BookSprout

Read more →

He was not equipped to deal with “scary raisins” #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 04/01/2020 Character Insights 12 Comments

(A Deshai is a trainee in the Thieves' Guild, where Luc is a teacher - a Sen'dai.)

From A Stolen Heart

At lunch, Luc finished a sandwich and pulled out his mobile while the boy gobbled up his own sandwich, crunched all his carrot sticks and drank all his milk. But then Senthys stuffed his mouth with apple slices as if he thought someone would take away whatever he didn't eat. Perhaps at the Academy, they had.

"Take those out of your mouth." Luc held the plate for him. "One bite at a time, please."

Head down, Senthys obeyed. "Can I still eat them?"

"You may." Luc wiped the boy's mouth. "In this house, no one will take away your food. Not ever." He had never disciplined his Deshai by denying them meals. How could anyone do such a thing to a child?

When imprisoned, Pietas had been chained in the dark and starved for over a year. If Luc couldn't bear the thought of his king going hungry, how could he tolerate it for a boy?

Once Senthys finished the apple, he pointed to a small bowl. "What's that?"

Luc tipped it toward himself. "Raisins."

The boy wrinkled up his nose. "They look scary."

"Raisins?" He tilted the bowl again. How did one convince a child raisins weren't scary? How had he convinced recruits to try things they balked at? Familiarity. He'd made them carry unloaded weapons for days before training them on the devices. Luc picked up a raisin and held it out to Senthys. "Here, smell." Before the boy could, luc pulled back his hand.

Senthys blinked and looked up at him.

"Remember," Luc told him. "Smell. Not eat."

"Okay." As Luc held it for him, Senthys leaned closer, sniffing. "It's sweet."

"That's because there's magic inside them."

The boy's eyes widened. "There is? Can I see the magic?"

Stifling a smile, Luc chose another and offered it. "You try. Squeeze it. Like this." He pressed it between first finger and thumb.

Senthys pressed, frowning in concentration. "Ew! Brown stuff came out." He dropped it and wiped that hand on his shirt.

"The squishy part is the magic."

"It is?" Senthys picked the raisin back up, peering at it.

Now came the part Luc liked. Showing recruits the benefits and seeing them embrace the challenge. "Raisins give you magic energy to run and hit a ball. They help you play hide and seek."

"Can they help me get magic coins out of my hair?"

"Hmm." The sleight of hand had been Luc's attempt to distract him from crying. "If you eat them long enough and study how to do it."

"Can I have a raisin?"

"I don't know." Luc pretended to consider it. "You'd have to eat the whole bowl to get enough magic. I don't know if you can eat that many."

"Oh, I can!" Senthys clapped, bouncing in his seat. "I can eat them!"

"I squished this one, so I'll eat it. Okay with you?" Luc held it up to his own mouth.

Senthys opened his.

"You want this?" Luc offered it.

The boy nodded.

"Okay, here we go." Using slow motions, Luc reached toward him as Senthys leaned forward. At the last second, Luc yanked it back and popped the raisin in his own mouth. He opened his eyes wide, teasing the boy. "Mine."

With a peal of laughter, Senthys grabbed a raisin and offered it to Luc, but yanked it back and made the same face.

Luc clacked his teeth together, pretending to bite the air.

Senthys stuck the raisin in his own mouth and threw out his arms toward Luc.

When Luc hugged him, the boy kissed his cheek and put his head on Luc's shoulder. "I love you, Sen'dai."

He hugged the boy tight. How could vows be right if they forced him to say good-bye?

Senthys lifted his head. "Why are you sad?"

Luc brushed back the boy's hair. "Because I never want you to grow up. I want you to stay little like you are right now, forever."

Senthys wrinkled his nose. "That's silly."

He tapped the boy on the nose. "It is indeed."

The story is complete, and when published, will include a bonus book, Behind the Scenes of A Stolen Heart. In it, I'll share secrets with you about the characters -- things that aren't revealed in the book.

I'm hoping to find reviews and reviewers. Is that you? I have advanced pre-edited copies in epub, mobi, and pdf waiting for you to download on Story Origin and BookSprout.

This version is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help. Thank you!

Download the early review copy on Story Origin
Download the early review copy on BookSprout

Read more →

Find a kid. That’s it? Right… #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 03/25/2020 Character Insights 8 Comments

A Stolen Heart

"Locate the girl." Pietas stroked the panther. "Once you tell me where she is, you'll be free. I don't need you to rescue her. Just inform me."

"I see." Luc did not. "Find this ten year-old missing girl. Tell you where she is. That's it."

"Yes. Then after your Deshai graduates, you can move to Tarth and start that building you've been planning."

"Hmm." This was far too easy. Obviously, he'd missed something. Mentally, Luc walked back through the last bits of conversation. "To clarify, you don't want me to bring her to you. You want me to find her and tell you where she is."

"Asked and answered." Pietas studied him. "Why is this so hard for you? Find her. Tell me. Not difficult. But it is urgent."

"What's so important about her?"

Pietas kissed the panther on the nose. "It's not her so much as her parents. If we find her and then take her to them, we'll have more influence."

Now they were getting somewhere. "And who are they?"

"My sister told you about the FTA, didn't she?"

"FTA." Acronyms filled his world, but this one? New to him. Why did that earlier dread raise its ugly head again? He'd probably be better off not knowing, but Pietas seemed to be waiting for an answer. "Not a word. What is it?"

"She didn't?" Pietas frowned. "Oh, I thought... Never mind." He tugged on the panther's ears. "The FTA is the Forgotten Technologies Arena."

"Forgotten by whom?"

"The ancients. It's secret tech. Forbidden."

"Forbidden." The headache he'd faced for the last hour spiked through his brain. He rubbed his temples. Why him? Why now? "Pietas..."

"Oh, will you stop worrying?" The man looked over at him. "No one's going to get sucked into a wormhole this time."

Luc forced himself to take a deep breath and let it all the way out. "That's what you said the last time."

The story is complete, and when published, will include a bonus book, Behind the Scenes of A Stolen Heart. In it, I'll share secrets with you about the characters -- things that aren't revealed in the book.

I'm hoping to find reviews and reviewers. Is that you? I have advanced pre-edited copies in epub, mobi, and pdf waiting for you to download on Story Origin.

This version is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help.

Download the early review copy on Story Origin

Read more →

Done. Now comes the Hard Part #AmWriting #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 03/04/2020 Character Insights 8 Comments

Done! I finished A Stolen Heart on 3/1/20! Release date announced soon. Now comes the hard part. Editing. Today's excerpt is a scene between two ex-lovers, one of whom mistakenly thinks the other wants to get back together.

Done does not equal "teasing"

In this scene from A Stolen Heart, Luc Saint-Cyr is dealing with his immortal ex. Those who have read about Pietas in other stories already know he's brilliant, gorgeous, and confident to the max. He's also half a smidgen from being a full-blown narcissist.

He adores Luc, who broke up with him thousands of years ago, but Pietas continually holds out hope for a return. Luc has retreated to a dressing room to calm down after an incident in which Pietas completely misread Luc's intentions, with disastrous results.

[scene subject to editing]
A note: Pietas is severely claustrophobic, and he always calls Luc "Cyken," his "immortal" name.

DONE. D. O. N. E.

How long Luc stood there, clutching the mangled tie, he did not know. He forced in deep breaths, held them and released, over and over, until self-loathing inundated his shame. He'd put Pietas through more than a year of hell. Luc might not have locked him into the coffin-like pod that imprisoned him, but his betrayal forged every bolt that trapped his king inside. It was his fault Pietas could barely force himself to open a closet or shut a door.

"Over the man but duty-bound to serve the king." Luc stomped over to the recycler, opened the lid, and flung the tie into it. He dragged a hand through his hair. "I hate my life."

He had Nikko to think about. He must go out. Celebrate the graduation. He must do this. From a drawer, he withdrew another tie and fastened it.

A timid knock sounded.

He stood there a moment, took one step toward the door, but halted. What if it was the child?

"Cyken?" Pietas called out.

Luc shook his head. Oh to be able to portal out of there.

"I know you're in there. I can hear you breathing. I upset you. Let me in."

Why? To take another shot at infuriating him? "Go away."

"Let me talk to you."

"Go away."

"But, if you would just--"

"No!" Luc brought up a fist, but forced himself to set it--gently--against the door. "Go. Away."

"Cyken. Talk to me."

He yanked open the door.

Pietas jerked back.

"Go away. We are done." Refusing to take so much as one step closer, Luc stabbed a finger at the ground. "Get that through your head. We are over. D-O-N-E. Done. Finished. Go. Away."

After clearing his throat, Pietas folded his hands before him, hesitant in his movements. "I crossed a line." From the man's expression, he sought confirmation.

"You didn't even know, did you?" Luc threw up one hand. "I swear, you have the sensitivity of lava. You push your way forward and shove aside anything that gets in your path. Well I'm not budging."

"Technically, lava burns through things, so--"

Seething, Luc slammed the door, shoved his back against it and clenched both fists. He sucked in a shallow breath. "Serve the mission," he murmured. "Serve the mission."

"Cyken." Less timid knock this time. "That lava comment was stupid. I shouldn't have said that."

"You think!" No. Never engage an enemy on his terms. You didn't fight a word battle with a pedantic narcissistic.

"Can you hear me?" Another knock. A pause. "Cyken? Are you still in there?"

Silence. Never give an enemy what he expects.

Pietas heaved an overly dramatic sigh. "Stupid question. You don't have a portal. There's no other door in there." Quiet. "Wait. Is there?"

The sound of footsteps came to him. There was another door, but it led to the bathroom which then led back to the bedroom. No escape there.

More silence. Footsteps back.

Would the man never give up? Luc jammed his fingers against his brow.

Another knock. "Cyken, come out. Please? Talk to me. I'm sorry."

With a resigned sigh, he tilted back his head. This man was persistence personified. Luc opened the door. Stood there. Said nothing.

"Thank you for opening the door."

He made no response.

"You were right." Pietas bit his lips, studying the carpet. Peeking back up, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I was insensitive. I know what I did was stupid, because it hurt you, and I didn't mean to do that. I thought you were teasing. You know, the way we used to when we were lovers, and you'd say no, and I'd--" He broke off, started a new sentence, then another, but completed neither of them.

Luc made no attempt to rescue him.

"I'm sorry," the man said finally. "I was a fool."

"Don't expect me to contradict you."

After showing surprise, Pietas twitched one shoulder. "I suppose I deserved that."

Crossing his arms, Luc remained silent.

"I wasn't trying to force myself on you. Please believe that." A look of such pain crossed his king's face that Luc softened toward him. "Cyken, I would never do that. I wouldn't violate your agency. I wouldn't do that to anyone, even my worst enemy. Certainly not to someone I love."

Luc unfolded his arms. "I believe you."

Pietas looked at him, hopeful.

"But you went too far. When someone says stop, you stop. You don't keep pushing!"

"I was stupid." He held up both hands. "I've missed you so much. I saw what I wanted to see, not what was real. I'm sorry."

Luc gave a single nod.

Pietas took another step back. "Come out of there."

"No."

"All right." Pietas studied the room as if searching for written words. "Then... Can I-- May I-- Will you let me come in?"

"You want to come inside a small room like this?"

Pietas peered around Luc, gave a fine shudder. "No," he admitted, "but I want to be where you are."

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After rescuing a half-alien / half-human child who's running for his life, warrior-turned-entrepreneur Luc Saint-Cyr stumbles onto a conspiracy at the highest levels of the powerful Thieves' Guild. Complicating matters, Luc's immortal ex might be involved.

Now Luc must deal with his ex, find a home for the child, squelch the flames of conspiracy and eradicate its perpetrators. As if that's not enough, an unseen enemy is undoing every good thing Luc accomplishes.

But when it comes time to give up the child to a family who can care for him, how will Luc bear to part with the adorable little boy who has stolen his heart...

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Bellicose: (adj) Ready to fight. Said of Pietas #AmWriting #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 02/26/2020 Character Insights 13 Comments

The best way to describe Pietas as a fighter is to let you "see" him in action. Bellicose also means assertive, aggressive, pugnacious, militant, scrappy and in-your-face. The scene below from The Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos, shows him at his fighting best. Come to think of it, bellicose could use a picture of Pietas next to it in the dictionary.

The scene below begins with him trapped in a room with multiple cryogenic pods (life pods) and no air whatsoever. He can hold his breath ten times longer than a human, and they have sent in unarmed fighters because the humans know he will commandeer their weapons in a heartbeat. Pietas is on his side at the back of the room. The "ghosts" are members of Ghost Corps, special ops soldiers who have been resurrected using the blood of Pietas's people.

Listen while you read

On YouTube, the music video Queen's Breach by Critical Mass is listed as "epic action aggressive driving rock powerful". One listen and you'll agree. If that song isn't the bellicose Pietas in action as a fighter, I don't know what is. Read the excerpt below while you listen, and you'll see him in action. I listened to it repeatedly while I choreographed and wrote the fight of his immortal life.

Queen's Breach - The Critical Mass

Song: Queen's Breach
Artist: The Critical Mass
Album: Out of the Ashes: The Critical Mass Collection
Copyright: 2014 Josh Mobley

Bellicose

Remaining on his side, Pietas let them get all the way inside the room.

Crowded as the space was between his pod and the wall, two ghosts crept into it. Six spots of light showed on the other side. Eight ghosts then. That would be a much better fight. One nudged him with a foot.

Suppressing a smile, he continued to play dead.

Ghost One bent down, turned him onto his back.

Pietas let his body flop.

The guy came in closer, checked for a pulse.

He opened his eyes.

The ghost's alarm fed Pietas energy.

He yanked him down, hard, while jamming the heel of his hand up. The ghost's head snapped back, and Pietas felt his bones crack. He shoved him aside and went after Ghost Two.

Pietas gripped his leg and tripped him. He jammed an elbow down onto the man's neck. Bones broke. The ghost's stab of dying fear spiked the energy from the first, and Pietas mixed it with his gift of chaos. He flung the vortex of emotions outward, broadcasting confusion and terror.

He activated his ability called zip. The pseudo speed meant he could move at a regular pace, but humans perceived him as a blur. They could not focus on him long enough to get close. To him, everyone moved in slow motion.

He flipped onto his feet, braced both hands on his pod, and kicked Three and Four square in the chest.

He pushed off the pod, and the momentum carried him straight into the arms of Five and Six. They stumbled backward, tumbling Seven and Eight onto the floor.

Pietas rolled, grabbing Seven. One quick twist of the neck, and another down. Five to go.

Six and Eight flipped themselves to their feet. Three and Four struggled to rise.

Pietas took a running leap and crushed Three's neck. Four raised his hands to shield his face. A swift kick to the head--gone.

Pietas dropped, rolled, came up behind Eight. Broke his neck.

The burning need for air hurt, but there were two to go.

He turned, and a fist caught him in the mouth. Thrown off balance, he danced sideways. Pietas touched his lip, and frowned at the spot of blood. He met the gaze of Ghost Six, who'd punched him.

No human had ever hit him before. Pietas gave a nod.

Five and Six rushed him.

Turning into Five's momentum, Pietas hurled him into the wall, jamming the ghost's head down onto his spine.

He whirled back to find Six standing beside the pod holding Pietas's mother, working the code on a control panel. The ghost held up a warning hand, and poised his other over a bar with flashing red letters: Immolate.

He could kill the ghost without killing his mother. Pietas darted toward him.

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“Look what I bought,” women said of him #SciFi #Romance

Kayelle Allen 01/10/2020 Character Insights

From For Women Only

In this scene from For Women Only, Khyff awakens beside Mehfawni, the feline-humanoid Kin ambassador to the Tarthian Empire. He'd been ordered to seduce her, part of a complicated ploy by the Empress, who wants to remove Mehfawni from the Kin line of succession.
The seduction took no time on Khyff's part. The moment Mehfawni saw the gorgeous blond and blue-eyed human, she pursued him.

Khyff has always been a plaything for women to enjoy, never a person to get to know. Until he meets Fawni.

Khyff drifted off to sleep, more comfortable than he could remember being in years and woke sometime later to the feel of a hand sliding down his abs and across his belly. He opened his eyes.

When she noticed he was watching her, mild surprise widened Mehfawni's big golden eyes with their jade green flecks. "Oh, you're awake."
"Mmm."
"I hope I didn't wake you. You looked..." She sighed. "I wanted to touch you. You're so smooth."
"It's okay. You can touch me any time you like." He stretched. It felt good to be rested. No light showed at the windows. "What time is it?"
She shrugged. "I pay no attention to such things. Local time. Tradestandard time. Time zones. Time to hold council. Time to sleep." She hooked her claws into the air, a picture of frustration. "My staff open doors and pour wine and feed me. They lay out my clothes and draw my bath. All the rest of my life is work." She dragged the tips of her claws down his body.
Khyff's skin jumped, still hypersensitive after their riotous lovemaking.
"This--" she stroked his belly "--is outside time. This is my time. I will not look at clocks while I'm with you."
Warmth swept over him that had nothing to do with sex. He turned the feeling over in his mind, unsure what to make of it, and held out his arms.
She moved into his embrace, body flush against his at leg and groin, skin pressed against his. She lay half atop him, leaning a bit to one side, propped on one elbow.
"Are you hungry, Khyff?"
He hadn't noticed until she asked. "Starving. I have plenty of food in the kitchen. What would you like?"

"Besides you?"
"You can have me, too."
She tapped his nose and sat up. "I want to take you out to dinner. In Tarth City, surely there is always food ready somewhere."
"I know plenty of places." They had told him to prepare to be spoiled. Kin females were accustomed to being in charge. Khyff hadn't mentioned he was used to women paying his way. They liked to flaunt him to their friends and display him like a new charm on their wrist bracelets. Look what I bought.
"Somewhere quiet." Mehfawni folded her legs, elbows on her knees. "I don't wish women to gawk at you when you're with me."

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Pietas was too proud to steal; too stubborn to beg @nitsvetov #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Kayelle Allen 11/30/2019 Character Insights 1 Comment

Proud to show you images from the Chaos is Coming cosplay featuring Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas, the immortal king. Members of my reader groups will receive a larger group of exclusive photos in the next newsletter. Info on how to sign up is at the end. Below is a quote from Elryk, the man Pietas considers his mentor and the father he never had. You’ll meet Elryk in a future series.

When you're proud, you must not only overcome adversity and obstacles, you must also overcome yourself. ~Elryk #SpaceOpera Share on X

Chaos is Coming – Sci Fi Cosplay

On Nov 27th, Nik Nitsvetov wore the Pietas armor he hand made for the Chaos is Coming Cosplay, performed live on Instagram.

Last year Nik performed as Pietas from the Bringer of Chaos series doing the Ritual of Strength. You can see the video of him performing here. This cosplay he portrayed Pietas as a younger version of the immortal king. Before he led his people, Pietas was a plebe in the Discord. After all, even the mightiest river has a beginning.

The immortal king began life as a soldier when he was still a teenager. Imagine being abandoned on a new world where you have no idea about customs, no identification, no money, no food, and no friends. No one will hire you, and you are too proud to steal and too stubborn to beg. That was Pietas at age sixteen. Part of his story is revealed in the Bringer of Chaos series. These images (and nearly 700 like them) will be used for covers and banners for that new series. I can’t wait to start writing!

I hope you enjoy the images!

Follow Nik

Nik Nitsvetov is a photographer and award-winning cosplayer who often serves as judge at conventions. A gamer and anime fan, he often cosplays characters from popular series. He lives in Russia and is a strong supporter of Russian Cosplay. His personal photography ranges from cosplay to portraits and often includes animals and nature. You will find him online through various social media.
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/nitsvetov/posts
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nitsvetov/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nitsvetov.photo/
Twitter https://twitter.com/nitsvetov
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nik.nicvetov
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OnframeCosplay/
World Cosplay https://worldcosplay.net/en/member/Onframe
Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos is on sale through December for 99 cents.

Kayelle Allen writes space opera with larger than life, unforgettable characters. Come walk in her worlds and meet a few!
Reader Groups https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups/
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/710889.Kayelle_Allen
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Kayelle-Allen/e/B003ZRXVN8

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