Hey Imara! Would you mind taking a moment to tell us a little about yourself?
   Of course! I’m Princess Imara Buhari of Zennor. I’m the third child of seven, and I think being a middle child allowed me to get away with a lot of things—which probably only widened my natural mischievous streak. I have five sisters and one little brother. I love traveling, making people laugh, and learning new things. I believe in embracing life. I’m not one to sit back and just let things happen. The fates might have a plan, but so do I.

Let's get the standard getting to know you questions out of the way, shall we? How old are you? 
   18


Do you have a favorite color?
   Yellow


What is your favorite flower?
   There’s a flower native to Zennor called savai; it’s bright orange, and the blossoms are large and very beautiful. I love the vibrancy and resiliency of this flower.

Please, describe yourself in three words.

• Optimistic
• Friendly
• Loyal

Now, on to the more fun questions! Is there someone you call your best friend, and how long have they had the honor of holding that title?
   My cousin, Princess Serene of Devendra. She’s been my best friend my whole life, even if we didn’t always see each other often. She can be a bit stiff sometimes, especially since losing her mother. But she has a wonderful heart, and I wish more people could see that.

Everyone loves a childhood memory. Do you have one you would like to share?
   When I was about five years old, I desperately wanted a monkey. My older sister told me they only lived in the jungle, so I decided I would live in the jungle, too. I packed up my favorite toys and left a note for my parents, and I arranged for one of my younger sisters to distract our nursemaid so I could sneak out. When my parents found the note, they of course panicked. A search was organized, and everyone rushed to the jungle that borders the city.
   What they didn’t realize is that in my mind, the “jungle” was actually the castle garden. So, while everyone was madly searching for me, fearful that I would be eaten by some dangerous animal, I was building a blanket tent in the back corner of the garden.
   When I got hungry, I naturally went to the kitchen for a snack. The cooks were so astonished to see me! And because I’d gotten quite dirty while building my new home, they truly feared I’d barely survived a harrowing trip to the jungle. They fed me my favorite cake and everyone fawned over me while a message was sent to my parents.
   When they arrived and learned about my definition of a jungle, my father couldn’t stop laughing. My mother was a little more frustrated with me, but I got delicious cake out of it. 
I never did get my monkey, though.


I'm curious, how many kingdoms have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
   Now that I’m in Mortise, I’ve been to every kingdom except Ryden. My favorite kingdom is my own: Zennor. I just love the people, the culture, the food—it’s home.

In all your travels, did you ever find a place you could see yourself settle down as a civilian?
   What an intriguing idea! I think I would choose to settle in Zennor, probably on the coast.

If you were a civilian, would your talent for forgeries aid you in earning a living?
   Forgeries? Goodness, so blunt! Well, I may have some skills in that area. And I may have used those skills in order to accompany Serene on her journey to Mortise. But what can I say? She needed me. I wasn’t going to let her meet her future husband alone!
As for those forgery skills possibly earning me a living . . . That’s an intriguing idea that may have some merit.

How did you learn such an ability?
   It was a mixture of boredom and my aforementioned mischievous streak. But when it comes to all the details of how and what my first forgery was . . . Well, a girl must have some secrets!

Do you have any other hobbies?
   Oh, the usual things. Reading, embroidery . . . I play the flute as well—sort of. I didn’t have much patience for practice, so I’d often sneak out of my lessons early.


What about your betrothed? I'm sure everyone would love to hear what you have to say about him. 
   My father recently arranged my marriage to the leader of the Kabu clan, a man named Skyer. We’ve only met a few times, so I don’t feel like I know him well enough to say much more than that.

When is the wedding, and how are you feeling about it?
   The wedding is set for this fall. My feelings are a bit tangled, but I’m looking forward to doing my part to stabilize the relationship between the monarchy and the clans. 
   I should probably add that it’s possible I joined Serene on her tour to Mortise partly because I’m nervous about marrying Skyer, and I needed some time away from Zennor before my wedding.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Imara. I hope you know that you are beloved by many. We wish the best for you and your kingdom.
   Thank you so much! I appreciate that. And I’m glad we had this chance to visit!

​Describe yourself in three words.
Quiet. Protective. Dangerous.

What was your childhood like?
It wasn’t good. As the youngest Kaelin prince, I was the whelp my brothers tortured. I avoided my family whenever possible, but I couldn’t always run. The only redeemable thing in my childhood—my entire life, really—is Mia. I met her when I was nine and she was eight. Her friendship saved me.

What’s your most embarrassing memory?
Probably the most embarrassing memory I have is when Mia convinced me I could sing. I was probably ten, and I was trying to sing the song she had taught me, and one of the guards rushed in with his sword drawn. He thought someone must have been dying, it was that bad. Mia laughed about it for days, and I have not tried singing ever again.

What do you think is your best quality and why?
My best quality? That’s not something I’ve ever really been prompted to think about . . . I’m fiercely protective of Mia. I’m also tenacious. I was once the weakest in my family, but after years of training, my brothers fear me now—even if none of them will admit it aloud. But, probably the best thing about me is my conscience. No one else in my family suffers from one, and sometimes I wish I didn’t, since I have no choice but to be my father’s weapon. But my conscience keeps me human, and because of that I will always try to find even little ways to rebel.

If you could make one change to your kingdom, what would it be?
I don’t know that any one change would heal Ryden. But if the crown could be taken from my father—from my entire family—well . . . that would be what I’d wish for.

What is your biggest fear?
Losing Mia.

How far are you willing to go to protect those you love?
However far I have to. I would lie. Beg. Bleed. Betray. Kill. Die.

Thanks, Prince Grayson!

​If you want to learn more about the youngest prince of Ryden, check out Royal Decoy!

​Iris and Henri are the bad guys in modern Eyrinthia, but in Crown & Serpent (a prequel to the main series) they’re just two harmless(?) teenagers. Since the book details how they met, I thought it would be fun to do a round of some popular “Never Have I Ever” questions with this young prince and noblewoman. And of course, I thought I’d answer the questions as well!

Never have I ever read the last chapter of a book first.

Henri: Guilty.

Iris: No.

Heather: NEVER.


Never have I ever stolen anything.

Henri: As a prince, anything I want I have every right to possess, so, no.

Iris: Yes, when I was a child I would take little things from my parents. Mostly I remember taking things that my father didn’t think I was ready for, whether that was a book that detailed particularly gruesome poisons, or a dangerous poison itself. I was always a curious child.

Heather: When I was a kid, I contemplated keeping a library book. [*gasps!*] I didn’t, though. I didn’t want to mess up my standing with the library!


Never have I ever lost a bet.

Henri: Perhaps, though I can’t recall a specific incident.

Iris: I’m sure I have not.

Heather: 100% I have lost bets. Luckily, I never place any money on bets, so there’s that at least.


Never have I ever bribed someone.

Henri: I generally resort to threats…

Iris: I’ve never had the need.

Heather: Nope. Unless bribing with chocolate counts... It counts? Oh. Well, then yes.


Never have I ever broken a bone.
Henri: I’ve broken a few over the years. …Oh, you mean my own bones? Ah. Well, yes to that, too.

Iris: I only sprained my wrist once. I fell from a tree in my father’s garden. He’d warned me not to climb that high, but I was checking on the blooms. I was anxious to harvest them so we could make several different poisons.

Heather: Nope, never broken a bone. Or had a bone broken. *looks purposefully at Henri*


Never have I ever dog-eared the pages of a book.

Henri: I probably have.

Iris: I have, when a bookmark wasn’t handy and I needed to keep my place. Research trumps all else.

Heather: Absolutely not! The sacrilege!


Never have I ever lived alone.

Henri: I wish.

Iris: Yes, right after my father died. But I suppose I had the servants, so I wasn’t wholly alone.

Heather: Yes. For the most part I’ve had roommates, but I’ve also had a couple stints of living alone.


Never have I ever told a lie.

Henri: Of course not. *looks at us, because we’re staring at him* Fine. I have lied.

Iris: So have I.

Heather: Yes.


Never have I ever cooked something.

Henri: Absolutely not.

Iris: Do poisons count?

Heather: Yes, I love cooking and baking!


Never have I ever slept outdoors.

Henri: Yes, during my more intense weeks of combat training.

Iris: No. Unless a nap counts?

Heather: Yes, though I’m not the biggest fan of camping. At least not in a tent. A cabin is more my speed.


Never have I ever been to Disneyland.

Henri: What now?

Iris: …I don’t like the sound of this land.

Heather: LOL I just keep picturing it! You two, at Disneyland! *laughs uncontrollably* Although to be fair, I haven’t been, either. But I’ll be going next summer!


Never have I ever believed in ghosts.

Henri: The only ghosts are the memories of the dead that the living can’t let go of. Unfortunately, their influence can be all too real.

Iris: No.

Heather: Yes.

Hello Mia, thank you for taking the time to sit down with me today.
Of course! Thank you for having me.


What's your favorite color?
Pink.


I thought we'd start with getting to know you a little. I see you have a small collection of books, do you have a favorite?
Picking a favorite is impossible! I love to read so many different things. Poetry, adventure tales, and romances. I enjoy learning about the world as well, so studying plants, different climates, and cultures—I love it all! 


Staying inside a cell most your life has to be boring, but you found a talent for painting. They are beautiful, do you have a favorite piece of art?
Probably this one. Grayson once told me about one of his trips into the northern mountains, and my imagination couldn’t let go of this stream he described. The setting sun glittering on the water. The fall leaves that blanket the rocky banks. And of course, the focus of the piece is the vibrant orange leaf caught in the current of the stream. The scene is both beautiful and somehow tragic, and I’m proud of how it turned out. I’ve always been fascinated with how such a simple image can convey powerful, complex emotions. I think that’s part of why art is so important to my sanity; it gives me a place to explore, create, and pour my emotions into.


How does it feel being out of the dungeon and in a bigger space?
It’s honestly a little unnerving. My world was a small, usually predictable space. Now I’m not sure what to expect, and none of it feels real. But despite those anxieties, I am enjoying the new environment.


You have a window for the first time since coming to Ryden. I know being able to see the sights you only imagined is a gift, but what about the smells? They have to be different than those beneath the castle in a dark cell. Do you have a favorite scent? Is that scent new or one you've known for years?
It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the natural light, but being able to see outside is definitely a gift—and a little overwhelming, if I’m being honest. And the sounds! Hearing people talking and working outside, dogs barking . . . It’s strange to hear all of that. To know that the outside world is right there. That in a way, I’m part of it again.

And since you mentioned the smells, yes. They were overpowering, too, at first. I’m coming to love them, though. The rain smells divine, and I love the scent of flowers, though I hadn’t forgotten the smell of them while in my cell. Grayson would bring me flowers quite often. But I recently learned the name of my favorite scent: pine.


It is said that a song floats from your room from time to time. Is this a song you learned from childhood? Who taught it to you?
While I’ve made up some of my own songs over the years, I mostly sing ones I learned as a child. There’s a particular lullaby my mother would always sing to me, and that’s the song Grayson first heard from me.


Do you have a favorite memory?
Meeting Grayson. Everything was so dark before he came into my life, and I will always be grateful that he found me. Sometimes he says that I saved him, but in reality, he saved me.


Let's delve a little deeper. You were brought to Ryden when you were very young. What do you remember about that day?
I was young, but I remember the journey to the castle, and I remember meeting King Henri. When I first saw him, I thought he might help me. I think I’ll always remember how my gut fell when I realized he wasn’t going to.


Do you remember who you are, or is the truth still locked behind a door in your mind you haven't found yet?
I remember, I just can’t talk about it. I can’t even think about it. It triggers a panic, where my lungs and throat tighten and I can’t breathe.


Let's move on to your friendships. You and Grayson have been friends for almost as long as you've been in the castle. Is it safe to say he is the best friend you've ever had?
Without a doubt. We have been there for each other in a way I don’t think people on the outside can fully understand. He knows me better than anyone else in the world, and I would do anything for him.

            
Do you see a future with Grayson?
When I think about the future, Grayson is the only constant I see. I know we live in a dangerous and unpredictable world, but I honestly can’t picture my life without him.
            

There's a look in your eyes when you talk about Grayson, is there maybe a little something more than friendship? 
Absolutely. The friendship we built as children turned naturally into something more, and I love him with all my heart.


And what about Tyrell? To hate him would be understandable after the way he treated you after your first meeting, but you don't hate him, do you?
No, I don’t hate him. I never thought I’d consider Tyrell a friend, but that’s how I see him now. I know some people won’t understand how that’s possible, and sometimes even I wonder how it happened, after everything he’s done. But there is more to Tyrell than meets the eye, and I think there is more goodness in him than even he will admit.


It's quite obvious that Tyrell has feelings for you, do you return them in any degree? Is it friendship you care about or are there feelings hidden beneath that you might be scared to admit to?
Tyrell has made it clear that he cares for me, and I . . . Well, I wish things hadn’t become complicated. I don’t want to hurt him, but I’ve told him that I’m in love with Grayson—and I am. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about Tyrell. I want us to remain friends. I just can’t offer him anything more.


How do you think Grayson will react to your friendship with Tyrell? Will he be grateful to him or do you think knowing how close you've grown will cause him to unravel?
I’ve tried to picture the three of us in the same room, and I really can’t. Tyrell and Grayson both wear masks to hide their vulnerabilities, and they never let others see deeper. Pair that with the fact that they have a complex relationship filled with a lifetime of resentment, jealously, and pain, and I think it might make it impossible for them to see each other as I see them. I worry that all of this could lead to a fight, and that’s the last thing I want.

But to answer your question, I think Grayson will be confused by our friendship, but I hope I can explain things in such a way that he can see Tyrell as I see him now, and not as the prince who hurt me. Grayson has always been protective of me, though, and while it’s something I love about him, I think that will make it hard for him to ever let Tyrell near me. And honestly, I think it will be even harder for him once he finds out that Tyrell has deeper feelings for me. All that being said, I think Grayson will be grateful to Tyrell for saving my life. 


Would you be able to choose? If a knife were held to each of their hearts and you could only save one? 
Just the thought of a decision like that turns my stomach. I can’t imagine being placed in such a situation. I think the weight of that guilt—no matter my choice—would ruin me. But if I had to choose . . . I would choose Grayson. I would give up anything for him, including my own life.


Thank you so much for joining me today Mia, I honestly hope you get the happy ending you so deserve.
Thank you, I appreciate that! And thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

​Note: This interview was originally part of the Crown & Serpent blog tour, and was first shared on @a_lady_and_her_literature Instagram page.

While we don’t get Henri’s POV in Crown & Serpent, I wanted to take a chance to interview this nineteen-year-old prince of Ryden.


Hello, Your Highness. Would you like to introduce yourself?
You don’t already know who I am?


Well, I do, but I thought it would be helpful for the readers if you introduced yourself.
Very well. I am Prince Henri Ezra Kaelin, heir to the throne of Ryden.


I didn’t realize your middle name was Ezra. You don’t use it often.
No.


Would you like to tell us why?
Not particularly.


It’s your father’s name.
Yes.


How would you describe your relationship with your father?
He is my sire. My king. I live to serve him—literally. The only reason I was born was because he needed a son and heir.


The talk of Ryden society right now is speculation about your future bride. You’re old enough to be searching for someone. Has anyone caught your eye?
Not as of yet.


Can you tell us anything about what you’re looking for in a wife?
Intelligence. Fearlessness. Beauty, of course, but inner strength matters far more to me than outward appearance. I want a true companion. Someone I can trust. Someone that can embrace my goals, and make them her own. 


What are some of your goals?
Many won’t come to fruition until I am king, but I intend to make sure Eyrinthia never overlooks Ryden again. My father wants me to help him conquer Devendra, but I intend to take so much more than that. I assure you, history will remember me. My name will be echoed for centuries, while that of my father and brother will be long forgotten.


Your legacy seems very important to you. Do you think it has something to do with your brother’s death?
Leaving a powerful legacy is the most important thing you can ever do, so of course it’s important to me. My brother’s death really has nothing to do with it.


Farrell died before your birth. Despite that, there are many stories of his bravery, monuments to his memory, and countless paintings as well. Do you feel you know him? Even a little? 
I may have never met my brother, but I have known him all my life. I’ve lived under his shadow in every way—in my lessons and training, in the way everyone in Ryden looks at me, in the expectations my father sets. Farrell and I will always be compared, and I hate that. My father speaks endlessly of Farrell, his beloved son. His perfect son. The son I am meant to imitate, but never have a chance of becoming. The son who will always be better than me, because only his perfect memory remains. My father will always consider me second rate, because Farrell is not here to make mistakes—but my every perceived flaw is on constant display. I am in constant competition with a ghost. How do you think that feels?


It sounds miserable.
Indeed. But growing up this way has taught me some valuable lessons, and I believe I am a stronger person for it. Not only that, but there are some parenting mistakes I now know to avoid with my own children someday.


What sort of parent do you think you’ll be?
I intend to have full control of my children. They will each have a role to play, and I will give them every necessary skill they need to succeed. I will keep them in competition with each other, so they always strive to be better. To be the best in my eyes. By giving them each a unique purpose, they will achieve perfection. And, by extension, I will be made more perfect, and Ryden will thrive under my rule.


Describe yourself in three words.
Determined. Unflinching. Driven.


What’s something you love to do?
I love riding. It brings me peace. Helps me clear my mind, and make sense of my muddled thoughts. I could spend endless days with my horses and never become bored.


What is your earliest memory?
My father, giving me my first dagger. I was five or six. I was so excited to have that blade. It was beautifully crafted, a magnificent piece that had been in the Kaelin family for generations. I was admiring it, shifting my hold, and the knife slipped. It clattered to the stone floor, and my father became livid. He screamed that Farrell would never have dropped such a gift. He said I would never be feared if I couldn’t control even a simple knife. He snatched it up before I could, and then he sliced the blade over my arm.

It was the first time he’d ever raised a hand to me. I was shocked. I just held my bleeding arm, my eyes burning as he railed at me. But I didn’t cry. Refused to shed a single tear during his lecture. 

When he was finally done, he slammed the hilt back into my hand, hissed, “Never disrespect me with your failure again.” And then he strode from the room, and I cried. I think it was the first time I cried since I was a babe. It was the last as well. I left that room with a dagger and a scar, and a determination to never give him a reason to hurt me again.


Your family is . . . complicated. Can you lay things out for us?
It’s not that complicated. My father had a family before me. A wife he loved. A son he revered. When Farrell died in battle, he was an adult. His mother couldn’t handle his death, so she killed herself. My father was old enough to be a grandfather at the time, but that didn’t stop him from marrying his wife’s younger sister. I was sired for a purpose—to avenge Farrell, and fulfill my father’s revenge. A means to an end. That is all I am to my father. But one day, I will prove that I am so much more.


And your mother? What happened to her?
She died the day I was born. 


I’m sorry for your loss.
Don’t be. I know little more than her name. And in truth, death was a better fate for her than marriage to my father. She meant nothing to him. Her life would have been a misery.


What is something you’re reluctant to admit, even to yourself?
That maybe my father is right. Maybe I’m not as strong as Farrell. That I’ll never be better than him.


What is your greatest fear?
That I will be forgotten.


Who is your best friend?
I don’t have friends. It’s better not to. Friends can get too close, can betray you. Subjects, soldiers—that’s all I’ve ever needed.


Who is the person you despise the most?
Farrell. He may be dead, but that doesn’t mean I can’t hate him.


I guess that’s true. But who do you despise most that’s still living?
My father.

​
All right, last question. Summer in Ryden is a time filled with balls and parties for the noble class to enjoy. Are you looking forward to any of that? 
Actually, for perhaps the first time, I am. My father hasn’t made the announcement public yet, but . . . I have until the end of summer to choose a bride. So, this summer, I’m going hunting. And I plan to find my perfect match.

​Note: This was originally written as an author guest post for the Royal Rebel blog tour, and was first shared on @anenglishmajorsdilemma Instagram page.

If you’ve read the Fate of Eyrnithia series, then you know the characters pretty well. But I thought it would be fun to give readers a look at how the Fate of Eyrinthia characters interact with me off the page.

These characters are so alive to me that they are distinct individuals in my head. They can interrupt my thoughts when I’m not even thinking about writing, because they just can’t wait to tell me a line of dialogue or a plot twist. And sometimes, it takes all I have in me to pry anything out of them.

Every character you see on the page has more layers, dreams, and history than will ever make it into the book. But today I’d like to share a glimpse of what it’s like for me to work with them. To do this, I’m going to answer a series of questions to give you a taste of what it’s like for me to have these voices in my head.

If nothing else, this post may be enough to get me committed to the nearest asylum. Enjoy!


Characters most likely to speak to me at inconvenient times (i.e. while I’m driving or in the shower):

Desfan definitely tops this list. He chimes in with a huge grin, without a hint of apology, and just starts telling me things. Lines of dialogue, a joke he wants to work in, a person he wants to meet. He rarely holds anything back, and he will often tell me things about Karim—which Karim doesn’t always appreciate.

Serene. She speaks to me in her own time, which means I can be there puzzling over things for a very long time without getting anywhere, then BOOM. Suddenly she’s very chatty, and I have to scramble to take notes.

Iris. When she has something to say to me, she just sweeps in and starts talking. It’s up to me to grab a piece of paper and start writing things down, because the Poison Queen isn’t going to repeat herself.


Characters who tend to wait patiently for my attention:

Grayson often lingers in the doorway, waiting until he can have my undivided attention. And when he disagrees with the direction I’m taking things, he will respectfully let me know.

Bennick is another who is very patient with me. He’s got a gentle soul, even though he can be so fierce. He wants everyone safe and taken care of. He usually waits for all the chatter in my head to fade before he speaks his mind.

Clare. She’s Bennick’s perfect match in every way, and I can hear it in how similar their voices are in my mind.


Characters that still have secrets from me:

Serene. That girl loves to keep an ace up her sleeve. I can’t tell you how many times I think, “I’ve really got to know this now, Serene.” And her response is usually a little smile and a, “Okay, here’s this much. The finer details can wait. Trust me.” It can be very annoying, but it’s also perfectly in character for her, so I can’t get too mad.

Liam. Though to be fair, he’s a spymaster, so that’s only to be expected.

Henri and Iris. I know so much about them, and yet there are some things I just don’t know, or can’t quite put my finger on. Let’s just say they don’t like to admit to everything they’ve done, so there are some shadows in their pasts.


Characters most likely to ignore me and the whole plan I carefully plotted:

Desfan. He plunges into things with a reckless abandon I don’t know how to handle sometimes. I just have to scramble to catch up, and I very much empathize with Karim.

Imara. She loves doing the unexpected, and yet everything she does also manages to feel perfectly in character. (Like befriending Grayson, for instance. Or finding herself drawn toward a certain prince of Mortise…) I’m not sure how she does it, but it makes for some interesting twists.

Iris and Henri. They go off script a lot, and it’s always disconcerting—and usually the end result is terrifying.

Liam. He tends to surprise me every time he opens his mouth, and I never know quite where he’s going to take a scene.


Characters most likely to make me snort-laugh while I’m writing:

Venn
Desfan
Imara
Zadir


Characters I knew almost everything about from the beginning, but I had to hold back things back because it wasn’t their time for the spotlight yet:

Mia. She obviously had a lot of secrets from the very beginning, but they don’t start coming out until later.

Cardon is another I knew very well, very quickly. He has been there since book 1, but we really don’t know a lot about him at this point, even though we saw a little more in Royal Captive. But don’t worry, we’re going to be learning a lot more about him in Royal Rebel!

Liam. Yes, I know he also keeps secrets from me, but I knew some very important things about him straightaway. He’s got a lot of layers, and we’ve only seen some of them at this point.

Skyer, Imara’s betrothed. We will be learning more about him soon, and that’s about all I can say about that.

Grandeur. Serene’s brother, and the heir to the throne of Devendra. We’ve been learning more about him lately, but there’s still more to learn.


Characters I always get excited to write:

Zadir. That Mortisian pirate is just a lot of fun to write.

Desfan. I never know what he’s going to do, but I know it’s going to be good—or at the very least, endearingly reckless, and probably funny.

Grayson. He just has a huge piece of my heart, and I think his storyline just gets better and better. The youngest prince of Ryden has a more important role in the fate of Eyrinthia than anyone could have guessed in the beginning of all this.

Scenes with Bennick and Clare. They’re just so lovely, and I love them together. Their dialogue always flows, and I love the energy between them.


Well, there you have it. Probably more weirdness than you bargained for when you started reading this post, but this a glimpse of the fun chaos that resides in my head.

Note: This interview was originally part of the Royal Rebel blog tour, and was first shared on @a_lady_and_her_literature Instagram page.

What was your childhood like?
I grew up in the castle, because of my father’s high position in the Devendran military. My father was gone a lot for his different military assignments, so I didn’t spend a lot of time with him. Whenever he was home, I was practically his shadow. I wanted his approval more than anything. My mother was always loving, but she was often ill, so I spent a lot of time with Wilf and his wife, Rachel. I had a good childhood, really. I never lacked anything I needed, and I was surrounded by people who loved me.


What is your earliest memory?
I’m not sure how old I was, but I remember my mother giving me a stuffed, fabric panther. I took that thing everywhere with me, but I especially remember playing with it in the grass, pretending we were in the jungles of Zennor. My mother was there, just watching me with a soft kind of smile on her face. A lot of that afternoon might be hazy, but I’ll always remember the quiet peace that surrounded me.


When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For the most part, I grew up wanting to be a soldier, like my father. But when I was about seven, Wilf let me go with him to the royal blacksmith. I was completely mesmerized by the process of making a sword. When my father came home for one of his visits, I told him I wanted to be a blacksmith. He wasn’t impressed. He told me that learning to use a weapon was a far better use of time than learning to make one. Because I wanted to please my father, I focused on training to become a soldier. That set me on the path to become a royal bodyguard, and I honestly can’t imagine a different career for me—especially because it brought me to Clare. But someday, I would love to wield a sword I forged with my own hands.


You are the youngest captain of the royal guard in Devendran history. When you became captain of Serene’s guards, were you intimidated?
Oh, absolutely. Not only was I new to the work, but I was the commanding officer to older, more experienced men. I quickly learned the importance of listening to their opinions, and to trust my own instincts. It’s the advice I would give to anyone who might be intimidated or unsure of themselves in a new position or situation.


Where do you go when you need advice?
The men I serve with have become some of the most important people in my life. Wilf, Cardon, and Venn are all people I trust to advise me. I also value Clare’s opinion so much. She’s a great listener, so she’s easy to turn to.


If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I’ve always imagined I’d settle down in Iden. I love the city, and Devendra. After the chaos of the last while, though, a remote cottage on the side of a mountain sounds very appealing. But honestly, as long as I’m with Clare, I’ll be happy anywhere.


What three words would you use to describe Clare?
Selfless. Brave. Kind.


What do you think is your best quality and why?
Dedication. When I commit to doing something, I will see it through, no matter what. It’s served me well in all areas of my life.

I'm so excited to be a stop on the Crown & Serpent blog tour today! To make sure you don't miss a stop, check out the schedule here: https://www.heatherfrost.com/post/crown-serpent-media-tour-schedule

For my stop on the tour, I've compiled a list of songs that remind me of scenes/moods in Crown & Serpent. They’re roughly in order of where I think they fit best in the story, and I have added some parenthetical track titles that may help readers place them in the story. I worked to avoid any spoilers, though if you've read any of the books from the main series, then you obviously know some things that happen to Iris and Henri in this novella :)

If I had to pick one song that captures Iris and this story as a whole, it's the last song on this list: Castle, by Halsey.

Listen to the playlist on Spotify or Amazon Music or see the full list with my track names below!

My December, Linkin Park
(Mourning)

Cough Syrup, Young The Giant
(Just One Year)

Words as Weapons, Birdy
(How The Nobles Fight)

Ship to Wreck, Florence + The Machine
(Time To Rant)

In The Air Tonight, Natalie Taylor
(First Ball)

Numb, Linkin Park
(Done Playing)

Yesterday Was Hard On All Of Us, Fink
(An Outing With The Prince)

Queen of Peace, Florence + The Machine
(“Did You Know I Used To Be Afraid Of Snakes?”)

Castle of Glass, Linkin Park
(Kell)

Fall, Ed Sheeran
(Henri Asks Iris a Question)

Stay, Lissie
(Fears and Decisions)

Way Down We Go, KALEO
(Final Ball)

Nothing Else Matters, Lissie
(Dance With A Prince)

Meet Me In The Mystery, Lissie
(Iris Answers Henri’s Question)

Castle, Halsey
(The Poison Queen)

Learn more about Crown & Serpent and get your copy here: https://mybook.to/EWKdD6

All she wanted . . .

Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.

Everything they demanded . . .

Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.

She would take it all.

I've teamed up with some amazing bookfluencers to bring you this tour to celebrate the launch of Crown & Serpent! Keep scrolling to find all the tour details and links.

A huge thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers who participated and made this tour possible!

Haven't read the beginning of this YA fantasy romance series? 
Learn about Royal Decoy here: https://www.heatherfrost.com/fate-of-eyrinthia-series ​ 

WEDNESDAY, August 23

Darkest Sins - Review + Excerpt
https://darkestsinsblog.com/crown-and-serpent-by-heather-frost-blog-tour/
@silviartsy on Instagram

Literary Time Out - Review + Excerpt
https://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/2023/08/blog-tour-crown-and-serpent-by-heather.html
@literarytimeout

Shauna's Book Reviews - Review + Author Interview (Would You Rather?)
https://instagram.com/shaunasbookreviews?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg== @shaunasbookreviews on Instagram


THURSDAY, August 24

Singing Librarian Books - Review + Excerpt
https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/young-adult/crown-and-serpent-a-fate-of-eyrinthia-novella-by-heather-frost-blog-tour-review-excerpt-giveaway
@singinglibrarianbooks on Instagram

Bookz.For.You.2 - Review + Excerpt
https://www.instagram.com/books.for.you.2/
@books.for.you.2 on Instagram

Amy Green Books - Excerpt
https://www.instagram.com/amy_green_books/
@amy_green_books

Bookworm Lisa - Review + Excerpt
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/2023/08/crown-serpent-fate-of-eyrinthia-novella.html
@bookwormlisa on Instagram

Heather Frost - Crown & Serpent Playlist
https://www.heatherfrost.com/post/crown-serpent-playlist @heather.frost.author on Instagram


FRIDAY, August 25

One Book More - Review + Bonus Scene: Unexpected Fate (Henri's POV)
https://onebookmore.com/2023/08/25/book-tour-review-excerpt-crown-and-serpent-by-heather-frost/
@1bookmore on Instagram

Stars Books and Tea - Review + Excerpt
https://starsbooksandtea.com/2023/08/25/crown-serpent-blog-tour/ @starsbooksandtea on Instagram

Getting Your Read On - Review
https://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/2023/08/crown-and-serpent-fate-of-eyrinthia.html
@gettingyourreadon

A Lady and Her Literature - Review + Character Interview: Prince Henri
https://www.instagram.com/a_lady_and_her_literature/@a_lady_and_her_literature on Instagram

Min Reads and Reviews - Review + Excerpt
https://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/2023/08/crown-serpent-by-heather-frost.html
@minreads15 on Instagram

Why Not? Because I Said So - Review + Excerpt
https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/2023/08/crown-and-serpent-fate-of-eyrinthia.html
@ssdawn2002

Batty's Mama - Review + Character Interview: A Conversation With Queen Iris
https://battysmammareads.blogspot.com/2023/08/heather-frost-s-crown-serpent-book-tour.html
​@cherumanalil on Instagram

RETURN TO EYRINTHIA ON AUGUST 25th!

Grab your copy of Crown & Serpent here, or from your favorite bookseller:
https://mybook.to/EWKdD6

Add on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151026346-crown-and-serpent

Add on Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/books/crown-and-serpent-a-fate-of-eyrinthia-novella-by-heather-frost

All she wanted . . .

Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.

Everything they demanded . . .

Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.

She would take it all.

***Crown & Serpent is a Fate of Eyrinthia prequel novella that’s actually the length of a novel. This villain origin story was released after Royal Rebel, but it can be read at any point in the series.***

​Can't wait for August 25th to start reading Crown & Serpent? Check out the blurb, prologue, and chapter 1 below!

All she wanted . . .

Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.

Everything they demanded . . .

Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.

She would take it all.

***Crown & Serpent is a Fate of Eyrinthia prequel novella that’s actually the length of a novel. This villain origin story was released after Royal Rebel, but it can be read at any point in the series.***

Iris knelt in a puddle of blood and stared at her mother.

Verity Winn was most assuredly dead. Iris knew that, even though she was only six years old.

Blood wet her hands, and she couldn’t stop staring at the crimson stains. Scarlet trails followed the lines that crossed her palms, and the liquid oozed between her fingers. Turning her hands, Iris saw the blood had seeped into the creases around her fingernails.

She didn’t like the color.

A strangled gasp sounded at the open doorway. Iris’s head jerked up, and she saw her mother’s maid, Hilda. The woman’s hands flashed to cover her mouth, her eyes flooded with terror even though she hadn’t seen Verity’s body yet. Just Iris, covered in blood.

The maid swayed where she stood, a strange whine lodged in her throat.

Iris looked straight at Hilda, blinking once before she said, “My mother is dead.”

Hilda flinched. She stumbled forward and grasped the back of Verity’s favorite chair. It was aimed at the window, because Verity loved to see the world, though she rarely chose to join it.

“Mistress?” Hilda’s voice pitched, then became a choked cry. She was taking in the blood, which covered Verity’s arms, skirt, and the floor at her feet—where Iris knelt, holding the small knife that was likewise covered in blood.

Hilda’s gaze shifted to Iris, rising horror shining in her eyes. “Iris. What have you done?”

Iris picked at her white skirt, unhappy with how the fabric had settled over her crossed knee. She sat in the library because it carried the scent of her father more strongly than anywhere else in the house. The spice of his soap brought up images she knew she’d never forget; the crookedness of his timid smile, the smoke that curled around his head as he puffed his pipe in the evenings, the dirt that was always trapped under his fingernails no matter how well he washed.

Thelin Winn had loved the earth, and now he was buried in it. Somehow, that seemed right, even though everything else about her father’s death seemed horribly wrong.

He had died just over three weeks ago.  Because of the unseasonably warm late spring, they had not been able to delay the burial, so only Iris had been present, along with the household staff. It was of little concern to Iris; her mother had no living relatives, and her father had just one brother, Sevlin Winn. He lived in Lenzen, and Iris had only met him once—after her mother’s death.

She was about to see him again, though, since her uncle was due any moment. She had sent him a letter to inform him of Thelin’s death. And though she had been quite clear that there was no need for Sevlin to come to Rew, he had sent word that he would come at once.

A book lay on the table beside Iris, but she did not pick it up. She didn’t have the concentration necessary to read about the poisons made from jungle plants in Zennor. As fascinating as the topic was, she couldn’t put aside the gnawing fear that curdled her stomach.

She didn’t like the emotion, and she had to remind herself that her father’s estate was hers. He had willed it to her years ago, and it could only be taken from her by a future husband. And since she never planned to marry, that wouldn’t be a problem. Of course, her relatives might try to take the estate from her, but Zev didn’t think they could do so unless they could prove her incapable of tending the estate. At seventeen years old, Iris knew she was still considered young, but she was more than capable of running things.

Still, she found herself praying to the fates. Please don’t let them try to take away my home.

The library door opened, and Zev poked his aging head inside. “My lady, they’ve arrived. Shall I show them in?”

“Yes, Zev. Thank you.”

The old steward dipped his chin and stepped back, allowing Iris a perfect view of her relatives.

First in the room was Sevlin. She had not seen her uncle since her mother’s funeral, eleven years ago. He looked very much like her father, though he was a bit thicker in build and had a rounded stomach. His dark hair nearly reached his shoulders, and he wore a well-fitted tunic in a very sensible shade of black.

The woman who trailed after him was not so sensibly dressed. She wore a bright yellow gown that made Iris’s eyes itch, and her copper hair was gathered high on her head with tendrils that framed her somewhat pinched face. Her lips were pink and pursed as she viewed the room—then her gaze landed on Iris, and the pinched look of her features intensified. “You’re Iris?” she asked.

Iris stood, gripping her hands in front of her. “I am. And you are my aunt Anora.”

“Indeed I am.” The woman’s gaze dragged over Iris, from her simple black braid to her dusty shoes, and lingering longer than necessary on her plain white dress. Her aunt’s lips twitched. 

Sevlin shifted his feet against the worn carpet, his expression hesitant. “Do you remember me, Iris?”

She nodded once. “Yes. Hello, Uncle Sevlin.”

Anora Winn let out an irritated sigh. “Fates, we need tea. We had a dreadful journey.” She looked over her shoulder to find Zev hovering in the door. “Bring us tea at once, and sandwiches.”

The old servant glanced at Iris, who nodded, before he bowed toward Anora. “As you will, Lady Winn.”

Anora’s nose wrinkled as she watched Zev retreat. “What a lumbering old fool,” she muttered.

Iris stiffened. “My father valued him highly.”

“I’m sure he did.” Anora eyed the room. “This place has fallen into disrepair, hasn’t it? Fates, did Thelin not care for it at all?”

Before Iris could speak, Sevlin did—with a little more of an edge than Iris had expected from the otherwise quiet man. “Anora. Please.”

His wife’s jaw worked, but she held her tongue.

Sevlin stepped up to Iris, hesitated, then set a tentative hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the burial. You shouldn’t have had to lay him to rest on your own. We came as soon as we could.”

Her heart cracked, and she had to shove aside all thoughts of her father. “It’s no matter. There’s nothing you could have done that I did not.”

Sevlin swallowed. “I suppose you’re right.” His hand dropped, and Iris breathed a little easier, even though he didn’t step back; she didn’t know this man, and she didn’t like having him touch her. “Your letter didn’t state how he died,” Sevlin said, his voice a little halting. “Did he . . . suffer?”

Dread curled up her spine. She didn’t want to tell the story again. She’d already told Zev, and thankfully he’d conveyed the story to everyone else. But she couldn’t rely on him in this moment—she needed to show nothing but confidence and competence to her relatives. “I’ll tell you everything, but may we sit?”

“Of course.” Sevlin stepped back quickly, giving Iris space to reclaim her seat. Anora dropped into a chair across from Iris, and Sevlin took a seat beside his wife.

Iris smoothed her skirt into place, her back straight. “The morning he died, we were working in the garden, as was usual for us. I left him for a brief moment to fetch a few more seedlings we wanted to plant. When I returned, he was on the ground.”

Her chest tightened, remembering the panic of that moment. Iris knew she didn’t feel emotions as strongly as other people; that had been proven countless times over the course of her life. It took something intense to make her feel, and seeing her father sprawled out on the gravel path had been earth-shattering.

“I screamed for help,” she continued, “but we were in the northeast corner, far from anyone. I felt his chest, but his heart wasn’t beating, and he wasn’t breathing.”

“Was he poisoned?” Anora asked, a morbid fascination in her eyes. “Fates knows he was a fool to love his poisonous garden so much.”

Iris stared at the woman. “My father was a genius. He did not accidentally ingest anything from the garden.”

Anora’s green eyes narrowed.

Sevlin set a stilling hand on his wife’s knee. “What happened next, Iris?” he prompted.

“I returned to the house and Zev summoned a physician. Of course, there was nothing the healer could do. He believes my father’s heart simply gave out.”

Sevlin’s eyes misted. “Fates, I . . . Somehow I always thought Thelin would outlive me. He’s older, but . . .” His words trailed off and he shook his head.

Irritation tickled the back of Iris’s throat. His display of emotion wasn’t truly earned; the man hadn’t visited his brother in years. True, Thelin had visited his brother whenever he journeyed to Lenzen, but her father hadn’t gone to the capital often. He preferred to stay home, away from the bustle of society. As did Iris.

She didn’t have much patience for people, and she preferred to keep her own company.

She cleared her throat. “I told you in my letter that you didn’t have to come.”

Sevlin blinked. “Of course we had to come. He is . . . was my brother.”

Anora patted her husband’s hand, which still rested on her knee. “Besides,” she said to Iris, “you’re our ward now. We have an obligation to care for you.”

“About that.” Iris shifted in her chair. “I’m seventeen years old. I don’t need supervision.”

“Of course you do! Don’t be absurd.” Anora huffed once. “You’re only a year older than our Lillin. Kell is a year older than you, but the fates know I would never trust him on his own. Besides, it’s not seemly for a young lady to live alone.”

“I wouldn’t be alone. I have the servants—”

“No,” Anora cut in. “They don’t count.” She glanced at Sevlin, but he remained silent. Her glare sharpened.

Her husband sighed. “Anora is right, Iris. You can’t live here on your own.”

“You won’t like it here,” Iris said at once. “There is no high society in Rew, and—”

“Fates save us,” Anora gasped. “You think we mean to live in this remote, horrible place? Absolutely not! You will come live with us in Lenzen.”

Iris’s stomach pitched. “No. I can’t leave. This is my home. My father’s garden, all his work—”

“The servants can tend things, I’m sure.” Anora lifted a slim hand when Iris opened her mouth again. “I’ll hear no arguments. You’re coming to Lenzen, and that’s final. I’ll see to your proper introduction to court and attempt to repair any damage your father’s reclusive lifestyle may have caused you. It won’t be easy, but I’m sure in time you’ll be accepted by the other noble families. And who knows, we might manage to find you a husband.”

“I don’t want a husband,” Iris said through clenched teeth. “And I certainly don’t care about being accepted by the court. I’m not leaving Rew.”

This is when Zev returned, a tray balanced in his age-spotted hands. The man hesitated on the edge of the rug, clearly feeling the tension in the room. “My lady, is everything all right?”

“Everything is fine,” Anora declared. “Leave the tray and be gone.”

Zev’s face tightened. He looked to Iris. “My lady?” he asked again, more firmly than before.

Anora sucked in an affronted breath.

Iris looked to the old servant. “You may leave the tray, Zev.”

The man did, though he moved stiffly. With a last look at Iris, Zev finally left.

“Well,” Anora breathed out. “I’ve never been so insulted.”

Keep on as you are, and that will change, Iris thought grimly as she stared at her aunt. “I’m not leaving Rew,” she restated.

“I don’t think you understand the situation,” Anora said. “While this house was left to you, you can only truly inherit it once you’re of age. As our charge, the estate currently belongs to Sevlin.”

Her uncle winced. “Anora . . .”

Iris barely registered his weak protest. Her heart tripped as she stared at her aunt. “That isn’t fair,” she said.

“Fair or not, it’s the way of things. And I won’t have anyone gossiping about us not taking care of our ward, so you’re not staying here on your own, like some rejected limb of the family. How would that make us look?” She shook her head, making her tight curls shake. “You will come live with us, and we will insert you into society.”

“I don’t want to join society.”

“Iris—”

“Perhaps we should strike a bargain,” Sevlin cut in, startling both women into momentary silence. He took advantage of that by nodding to his wife. “Anora is right, Iris. You can’t stay here on your own. It wouldn’t be seemly. People would talk, but more than that, you’re still young. You shouldn’t be burdened with running an estate of this size—at least not yet. So, I propose a compromise. Come to Lenzen for one year. If at the end of it you would like to return, you may do so. I will gladly sign away any claim to the estate so you can inherit it easily.” He took his wife’s hand. “Anora will help you to make a good entrance into society, so no one will gossip or worry that we aren’t caring for you. And who knows, you may find you like living in Lenzen.”

Doubtful, Iris thought. She gritted her teeth. “The estate is mine. My father left it to me.”

“He did,” Sevlin agreed readily. “And it is yours. No one is trying to take it from you. But you must understand, by law you are our ward, and we must fulfill our obligations.” A shadow rose in his eyes. “I was not here to help my brother all these years. Please . . . let me help you.”

Iris remained unmoved. “You can’t force me to go.”

“You have no choice,” Anora said simply. She glanced sidelong at Sevlin. “However, a year spent in Lenzen would be deemed enough by society, so long as you do everything I say and make a favorable impression. If you agree to one year, Iris, then I will agree to let you return here after that year. Do we have an understanding?”

Iris’s fingers clenched in her skirt. A dozen different poisons ran through her mind. So many ways to stop her aunt from controlling her. If she was caught, she would find herself in prison, possibly for the rest of her life. But if she went to Lenzen . . .

One year in Lenzen, and then she would be free.

She met her uncle’s gaze, because he irritated her less. “Very well. One year, and then I return to Rew—alone.”

Sevlin’s relief was obvious. Anora, however, did not relax. 

That was all right, because neither did Iris.