Love is War

By S.K. Holiday

The diplomatic relations between the empire of England and the kingdom of France have become a mess. War is inevitable and King John is hellbent on fighting the power-hungry Philip and stopping his advance.

 

In a world where honor is everything, and chastity is of great value, can the diplomat warrior Bientrot turn the tides of a war that has already killed thousands?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gullyware Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393838524

S.K. Holiday

S.K Holiday is a die-hard romance author. She was born and raised in Brooklyn New York and is currently residing in the beautiful city of Chicago. She enjoys eating good food, taking trips with her miniature schnauzer 'Milly Millz', and writing her next spicy romance. Growing up she struggled in school (primarily Language arts). All she ever wanted to be was an author. Today, she is living out that dream and she wants you to be a part of her journey. For more information visit: http://author.to/skholiday

Book preview

CONTENTS

●  CHAPTER ONE: THE FRENCH GAMBIT

●  CHAPTER TWO: TONGUE IN CHEEK DIPLOMACY

●  CHAPTER THREE: CUPID’S GAME

●  CHAPTER FOUR: DOMINOES

●  CHAPTER FIVE: FRENCH FRIENEMY

●  CHAPTER SIX: DANGEROUS GOSSIP

●  CHAPTER SEVEN: MARGERY OF TROY

●  CHAPTER EIGHT: STALEMATE

●  CHAPTER NINE: CHECK

●  BONUS: RULE OF THE EMPIRE (SNEAK PREVIEW)

CHAPTER ONE: THE FRENCH GAMBIT

Lord Levi Hemsworth rode towards the king’s castle at great speed, the forceful gallop of his horse rivaled only by the drumming of his heart against his battle-hardened ribcage. If one listened long enough, one could hear the clang of metal as his heartbeat seemed to also affect the chainmail underneath his fine robes. The information he had for King John was not the type that could be left to servants, because, as he had learned during his time as royal attaché in France, even English servants could be French spies, and no one could be trusted. He had a hunch, one he hoped was wrong because, if it was not, then Europe was dancing on the precipice of war, and the course of humanity would be changed forever.

Lord Hemsworth’s mare neighed and drew to a halt as the middle-aged man drew on the reins and dismounted quickly while servants rushed towards the white horse to secure her.

I must see the king immediately! Lord Hemsworth said to the two manservants who approached him with quizzical looks. The reason for the dismay on their faces was not farfetched. Whenever the formal royal attaché was worried, he carried a look like he was going to war, and his sudden demand to see the king was worrisome at the very least; the man looked furious!

Calm yourself, my lord, what is the matter? One of the men said. He was no ordinary manservant, and although he was far below Lord Hemsworth’s station, he had the kings’ ears and trust. Hemsworth knew he had to relax.

I am calm, but if I do not see the king soon, England may burn, and it will be your fault.

Good day Lord Levi; we were not expecting you. Martin, captain of the guards said, appearing at the top of the stairs. Commander Martin was a vain man, but he was a brilliant fighter who excelled at defensive tactics. Although his rank was low, the king kept him close, as King John had only recently been crowned after a struggle with his brother, and he had not fully consolidated power, so he did not trust the higher-ranked soldiers.

Commander Martin, take me to his Majesty at once. Lord Levi said with urgency in his voice.

He is inside his private study. I am on my way to –

No, you have to come along as well; this matter requires your peculiar knowledge. Lord Levi interrupted. Martin nodded and whispered to a guard who stood behind him. The young man put his right arm to his chest and stood straight for two seconds in a sort of salute; then he descended the stairs.

Together, Lord Levi and the commander entered the study where King John stood hunched over a desk. Levi had been to this place a couple of times, but it never ceased to amaze him. The wood always smelled like it had been freshly worked on, and the marble beneath their feet, the beautiful gems glistening from hanging swords and spears, and the life-sized knight armors propped up in front of various bookshelves gave the study the appearance of a war room. As though trying to prove Levi’s thoughts on the room correct, King John was hunched over a map tracing lines with his feather pen and looking up intermittently.

Your Majesty – The eunuch who had led them in was about to announce their presence.

Shh, leave us. King John ordered and went back to the map.

Your Majesty, I come bearing news. Lord Levi announced.

The king looked up from his map at the two men standing before him. John was an intuitive man, and he could see from the expression on their faces and the fact that Levi came in person, that all was not