Sultonna Nadine Author

Looking for a little winter magic in your reading? How about a costume ball in an alternate reality? Join me for the  Mariner’s Guild Celebration Masquerade Ball in Master of the Fleet.

How about an excerpt?

“I wish I knew what Richard was wearing,” Anne-Marie mused.

“I know, Madame, and I tried to find out, but nobody will tell me. It must be a surprise for Madame and no one must know.”

Anne-Marie laughed at the thought of her maid spying on her husband.

“I guess I’ll find out at the ball.”

Swirling her cloak around her shoulders, its velvet blackness in perfect contrast to the icy gown beneath, she glided down the stairs to meet Richard. Pacing by the door, he was already cloaked as well.

“I guess it will be a surprise for us both,” he chuckled. “I do hope the frost hasn’t hardened your heart, my queen.”

“And who do I have the pleasure of addressing?”

“Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?”

Kurt drove them to the guild hall, where the event would take place. As they stepped down to the sidewalk, Anne-Marie saw several clever costumes, but she thought hers was best, so far.

“Shall we, lady-mine?” Richard asked as he offered her his arm.

At the door, one of the younger lads, dressed as an elf, took her cloak. Turning toward Richard, she saw only the back of his cloak until her turned toward her.

“Oberon?” she asked.

“And who but Oberon could escort the Winter Queen to the ball?”

Clad completely in black, with silver accents, the tunic was mid-thigh in length, over full-cut medieval trousers. Cuffs ornately embroidered in silver threading matched the equally stunning square neckline. Casually tossed back over one shoulder, the knee length cape exposed a dagger, its hilt covered in runes. At his brow, he wore a silver circlet, marking him as Oberon, king over all the fairy courts.

“So, lady-mine, this is what you’ve worked so hard on. Truly stunning, especially with the veil. Those eyes over the icy white are going to get you in trouble. They make me want to take you home to celebrate in private.”

“Naughty man,” she replied. “I didn’t spend all the time on this dress just to leave as soon as we arrived.”

Maybe you’d like a different sort of magic.

How about Whiskey Jug Genie? Martin and Bubba are planning a lovely Christmas Eve with Martin’s girlfriend, Diane. But when she is late by over half an hour, Bubba uses his magic to transport them to her apartment to see if there is a problem, only to find she’s been kidnapped.

The ransom?

Bubba’s old whiskey jug. With Bubba in it, of course.

The wine was chilling nicely and
should be just about right when Diane got there.
Seven o’clock came. And went. By seven-thirty, Martin was worried. He’d
tried Diane’s mobile several times, but got no answer. She seldom used her
landline, but he tried it as well, with the same results.

“I’m not sure what to do,” he told Ali. “It’s too early to file for missing
persons. I could phone all the hospitals and see if she was in a car crash or
something.”
“Can you get into her flat?” Ali asked.
“No. She may have a spare key somewhere, but hasn’t shared that with
me.”
“Would you like to get into her flat?” Ali asked him.
“Why? Can you get us in? We could at least see if she’s there and maybe
injured or something.”
“Does a bear… Never mind.”
Ali had been to her flat once or twice with him, before everything went
weird, but how was he going to get them in?
“Hang on, son. Let’s see what we can see.”
The world around him blurred for a moment, and he was sure his
stomach flipped over a couple times in the next few seconds, but when it all settled down, they were standing in Diane’s living room.
“I don’t even want to know how you did that,” Martin stated. “Let’s look
around and see what we can find out.”
They didn’t have to look far. Posted on the refrigerator door was a
full-sized sheet of paper, huge letters printed on it with felt-tipped marker.
“Want the girl? Bring me the jug.”

So, whichever you’re in the mood for, we have something for you to get into the holiday spirit.

Have a wonderful holiday season and happy reading.

And remember,

…Always Look For the Magic…