lilansui

Yeorim Wonju’s Bravery Two letters lay on Kiyan’s great desk. One from his brother and another from his most trusted aide: Kastan and Rael. Kastan claimed he wanted to return the Empire to peacetime. He was marching his army through the Iron Lands to the Capital City Akan for the ceremony. The Peacetime Ceremony wasn’t grand. Kastan simply handed over the war tally and received a peace tally from Kiyan. Kiyan would then thank Kastan for defending the Empire and ask Kastan to help

I think that it is also important to ask Readers what inspires them to write a comment, or react to something they have read. Authors, we are creative and very in need of feedback. Readers, they read and stick along a series or short story depending on how much it captures their attention. I will confess to reading stories on this site, and others, going straight through an authors entire catalogue until I find a story they haven't finished. Then, because I want to know when it will be finished, I ask the author, or write a message, "hey, when will the next chapter be up?" Authors, I know you have probably experienced this, and it is a very interesting thing because you might never have known this person read you, until they write that question, or felt the need to connect with you until you had not finished a story they really wanted to read. Otherwise, they finish reading, and wait for your next one and read you, until you stop. So, the case study here should be with the reader. What inspires a reader to write a comment? Why are they gripped by your content enough to want to let you know how it affected them? Why they 'liked' it? Why did it entertain them enough to write a comment or hit a button? So, as a writer who also reads, here is my experience on why comments or likes. I will say that the times I didn't comment, I might have been reading in transit or between meetings, or even just waiting for someone. I read and didn't get a chance to write a comment. When I reach my destination/met my someone or started a meeting, I moved on to my daily tasks, the moment is lost. When I did like and comment, it was because I had to comment and like, it mattered for me to comment and like. It often happens right away with no hesitation. I wonder what everyone's experiences with this is?

I love feedback from readers in any form, likes and/or comments. It is lovely to know that the reader took the time to like a chapter, especially on a binge read. You can sometimes read a story moving through and forget to like as you read, but then you go back and like all the chapters. I really love it 😁 and take that as an awesome thing.

This is a whole mood! 😁😁😁😁

I've got you.🤗🤗 I've also really enjoyed writing for these two, so I will work hard to end it right. Promise. There's also little snippets from cut scenes all over my notebooks. I will polish them and post. 😉 I am so using this now. Love it!

Raven, the Hidden Keeper Ferino closed his butchery door and turned in time to watch Duke Silver’s carriage pass by, moving at a slow steady pace. The ghost warriors flanked on each side rode their horses to match the pace of the carriage. Rumor was that Prince Jihan was severely injured and Duke Silver was returning him home, hoping to nurse him to health. Ferino thought it wishful thinking. No one could survive a fall down a cliff. Even if Prince Jihan survived, he would be

Chapter 23 Rashan wants to know, ‘Can Peanut hear me?’ Kastan woke first leaving Jihan and Rashan in bed, he dressed for the day and left to meet Naveed and Temu downstairs. He found his two generals having their morning meal with Set. The kitchen had prepared a large bowl of vegetable stew; fried fish, rice and an assortment of side dishes were laid out on the table. A steaming pot of tea sat on a warmer in the middle of the table. The three men started to get up when they s

Kastan gives Jihan Sweet Words “You didn’t have to yell at him so much,” Jihan complained, watching his sister coordinate with the woman Set had placed to manage the unfinished inn and the sleeping quarters in the administration house. The manager’s name was Seol and she placed Firuz in the room across the master’s chamber Jihan would use with Kastan. Rashan was taking his bath in the room next to the master’s chamber. He had one of Safan’s assistants helping him. Andiya had brought De

Set defends Silver Shore Marquis “The Burning Feather has engaged Prince Consort,” Fortan, the Empress’s Advisor said. “They are pursuing him into the Lost Forest on the road to the Silver Shore. Our contact is confident they will succeed.” “They don’t have any other choice,” Rushi said, pounding cinnamon sticks into a powder. “If they fail, they must disappear. All of it should fall on Nisa.” “Understood,” Fortan said, with a short nod. “I’ve made your position clear.” “What

Epilogue Five Years Later On a sunny Friday, at noon sharp, a prince and his princess sister finished their messy lunch. Their nanny, Lady Nancy, and their Dad, Crown Prince Leon, helped with cleanup, wiping small mouths and messy fingers. Then, when they were presentable, the little prince ran out of the nursery to his father’s shock. Leon picked up the little princess, smiling when she made pleased noises at the lift. Lady Nancy ran after the little prince in a bid to get

19 Six Months Later Leon walked through the west side hall at the Capital Palace heading to the auxiliary residence used by Gia and her mother, Erika. The last six months felt like he had gone through a crash course in leadership. His royal family had looked to him for guidance on where to go next, especially when Constantin and Isaak’s trial took over the kingdom’s news. The trial took too long, with the final verdict coming in a week ago. Constantin and Isaak were now incarce

Haha, team Jihan and Kas is going to take this fight to Rushi. And, Kas will stop being so nice, I promise. Haha. I hope christmas cheer is raining down in your lives, no matter the situation. Celebrate the smallest wins this year, they are pretty big things if they made you smile even once. All my love.

Thank you for catching that. Fixed now. I posted late at night, feeling half asleep, just edited it again. Not so long, next chapter is up, totally big fight for Jihan's life. Hahaha. I hope so too. Shan has his moments, Jihan has had a rough time with his Pa. Lord Duyi is almost like a villain to him. I really did forget Jihan's change. Oh well, she could face trouble from Meen Kau again, hahaha, or Garren from the Eagle's Claw could get it for him.

A Shadow Guard’s Protection Kastan swung his sword defending against the three soldiers sparring with him. The tremendous force of his strike drove them back. He attacked and countered, the sound of clanging swords filling the early morning. When he stopped to give the soldiers training with him a breather, he looked up to see Yasmin standing on the edges of the practice field. “Your Grace,” Yasmin called. “Your Grace, it’s time for your morning meal. Please wash up so that you can eat

Meen Kau’s Ambush The meeting lasted longer than Jihan wanted, but when they were finished, all parties were happy with the expected profit division. Jihan offered to walk Niall Byn and his partner, Ven, out of the Eagle’s Claw. The main hall was filling with customers having tea or a midday meal as the sun was at its highest already. Jihan returned any greetings that came his way from old acquaintances until they came to the busy entrance doors. Jihan moved to the right of t

The Silver Lake Island Kaveh Miran lived on a hidden island in the middle of the Silver Lake. It felt like an untouched paradise filled with fresh water rivers and wild forests. It hosted a small village filled with Kaveh’s most faithful attendants. These attendants helped build Kaveh’s home on a flat hill, overlooking the lake. This manor boasted a series of impressive high walls, arched doorways and windows that allowed the cool breeze into the halls. It was a place worthy of tranqui

Also in songs or folktales, but you are right, a lot of these myths are oral and others not translated into eng yet.

Oooh, you're discovering my little secrets, hahaha. Okay, yes, I did spend a while reading about Egyptian/ Persian and Greek gods and goddesses in their different cultures. I felt Neith, Bast and Ha would work best for my story because I loved their backgrounds and their names were quite fun. I'm so grateful. Thank you too and this month I've made a deal to wrangle my crazy life and make time for what I love to do, which is writing. I'm looking forward to what I get out of this at the end of the month. Hopefully, The Reluctant Consort will have a few more chapters. Nisa has an ideal in her head that she is unwilling to let go, and in the end this clinging to the ideal will bring trouble for her, for those in the manor and the valley. Thank you for always reading and the support. I hope you're all okay and getting through. Can't believe it's already October 2020. Stay safe and healthy.

The Marriage Dance The ride to the Silver Meadow was full of instructions from Temu on how the Marriage Dance should run. “You can use the carriage to the meadow, but walking among the people will make you seem approachable. Once you reach the meadow, you’ll find soldiers who are stationed or on leave in the valley. They’ll make a path to the dais for you. Before your each the dais, you’ll meet the generals. We are six even though you’re supposed to meet seven. One of us fell in the wa

Oh yes, I'll add them too. Yes, so many people to keep track. Hahaha.

Rashan calls Jihan ‘Papa’ Jihan’s tears could start a war. Kastan had never seen Jihan cry, not even when the Burning Feather tried to murder him. To think his Silver Shore Valley had brought Jihan to tears made Kastan want to break something or…someone. Kastan felt as though he might murder anyone who made his consort upset enough to cry. Jihan let out a soft sigh and shifted in his arms. “Andiya needs my help,” he said, sounding tired. “I need to go to Vasia in three days.”

Information for The Reluctant Consort. This novel is a very long epic with a lot of characters and places to remember. I'm sometimes very afraid that I'm not doing it justice. Still, I hope it is enjoyable to read. I have tried to add everything I missed in the reedit, and hope that it all comes together fluidly for you. Here's is a map a friend was kind enough to draw for me, and while some labels are not entirely accurate, I love it so much that I had to share it here. The Empire of Akasha - Sun Kingdom - Capital city is Taen - Iron Lands - Capital city is Rotheir - Blood Nation - Capital City is Nivenad ( Notable town is Levan where the Shadow Guard's Quadrum is hidden) - Silver Kingdom - Unofficial Capital city is Vasia Town. All officials prefer to work in the Capital city Akan Imperial City Akan (Imperial Seat) - The Imperial Palace's home and where to find the Emperor Please note the empire's boundaries are the thick black border. Purple is for rivers, and lakes, save for Silver Shore where white is for the lake. The Imperial Family Chart The Kamran Merchant Family Silver Shore Valley Information Important Spots in Silver Shore - Sun-filled Manor – Duke Silver’s home - Bottom Cliff Estate – Tactical post, current home of Lady Nisa Baiza. She lived with her late father, General Baiza. General Moran's future home. - Magistrate’s Compound – Main policing officers, home to the Welfare Office - Sarus and Antac Farms owned by Sun-filled Manor, under Jihan's jurisdiction - The Trade Station – Owned by Kamran and Silver Shore Valley, cared for by Garren and Set with General Temu's help - Silver Meadow – An open space used for marriage dances and other ceremonies - Silver Lake – Has an island in the middle where Kaveh Miran lives with his trusted attendant, the island on the lake is also where Kastan’s mother, Shana Miran is buried. Jian Miran, Rashan's mother, is also buried at this island. - Top Cliff where the oldest Eagles in Akasha live on a majestic eyrie People Living in Silver Shore Valley 1. Sun – Filled Manor - Yasmin – The Manor’s Manager and cook - Fara – She is Rashan’s nanny - Safan – Rashan’s guard, Kastan’s trusted friend - Temu – A General and Kastan’s trusted friend, later assigned to protect Jihan - Naveed – A General and Kastan’s most trusted right hand man 2. Outside the Main Manor - Master Rabo – The Fabric Workshop master weaver - Master Aleka – The Farm manager brought by Jihan - Ferino – A butcher who is in league with Lady Nisa, doesn’t pay rent to the manor - Muge – Lady Nisa’s nursemaid - Master Bero – An instructor at the Academy where Rashan goes to study 3. The Hidden Keepers – Protectors of Silver Shore Valley - They have made an agreement with Prince Kastan to protect the valley as long as they have a home. Persons of note: Raven who happens to be a shift manager when Jihan needed help. He ends up as a trusted member of Jihan's team and often supports Temu and Firuz in their tasks. 4. Magistrate officers and Police - Take care of daily cases 5. Lady Nisa Baiza– Daughter of General Baiza, also known as Renai Countess 6. Muge - Lady Nisa Baiza's nanny. 7. Ferino - A butcher who lives at Silver Shore Valley. He owns a butchery that doesn't pay rent. His wife Yeorim and his family appear in the later parts of the story. Ishan Gura's sister lives In a small village in the valley – She is married to an officer under General Condi. (Andiya and Jihan visit her later) 7 Kastan's Generals Lord General Naveed Lord General Temu General Condi - General Council's head General Faiza General Kigaru General Niku General Baiza - (Lived in Bottom-Cliff Estate/Baiza Estate - Deceased) General Moran - Replaces General Baiza and is to take over Bottom-Cliff Estate People living at or near Kamran Estate Andiya Kamran Gura - She manages the Kamran Estate warehouses, and is married to Lord Gura, who owns a neighboring orchard. Ishan Gura - Jihan's childhood best friend. Owns Gura Estate, is a titled Lord and Andiya's husband. His orchards provide all the peaches for the famed Gura Wine. Vion - Fish farming expert, helps manage the Kamran Estate, Jihan and Andiya leave him in charge. Deora - Kamran House Manager . In later chapters she appears as Deona.(This is a massive typo in later chapters, I'll get it sorted with edits) Deora's name was fixed in edits. If you do find a Deona, know that it's her. Kamran Merchants Garren - Head of The Eagle's Claw, Kamran Merchant's main manager. He is the first contact for anyone wanting to do business with Kamran. Set - Head of Set's Stronghold, and the Traveler's Branch of Kamran (Information Peddler) - He is loyal to Jihan and likes to keep a low profile. Ambra - In charge of creating new trade routes, currently on a mission to Tanad Kingdom. He later helps Jihan with creating routes to Tanad Kingdom. Kamran Merchants Associates Swallow - has an estate in the Iron Lands, Jihan's first love before Swallow married his wife./ Later saved by Kastan from Lord Revi's attempt to kill him. Tagon - A Merchant in Sun Kingdom, Jihan's lover before Tagon's family arranged a marriage for him. Tagon and Jihan remain friends. Ven & Niall Byn of Tanad - Merchants introduced to Jihan by Ambra. People Living in the Imperial Palace Rael - Head of the Royal Investigative Bureau/ His Majesty's most trusted aide Isani - She's the second in command after Rael. She takes care of Kiyan when Rael is away on mission. Fortan - Empress's Advisor. Runs a women's social group that meets at the Golden Flower Teahouse. She uses it to collect ladies who are interested in supporting, or getting to know the Empress. Ancients/ Empire's Guardians Ha- Battle Strength (Kastan's cheerleader) Neith - Foresight/Protector (Advises the Emperor/ is partial to Jihan) Bast - Shadow guard's Patron Shadow Guards Choose their own charges Shadow Guards live in the Quadrum. A stronghold in Blood Nation's Deepest Valley. Bast is their patron Imperial Court Members of Note:- 1. Lord Revi - A merchant from the Iron Lands. He won the right to represent the Iron Lands in the Imperial Court. He has used his authority to build his power. Lord Ranka - A noble lord who works at getting as much power as Lord Revi. Lord Bowden - A retired ministry official who supports Kiyan at Court and does his best to advice the Emperor. Zure Niven - A playboy courtier that noone trusts. Lord Ishan Gura - A lord whose title is restored by the Emperor and chooses to work with Swallow in order to create favorable trade in the Iron Lands. The Burning Feather - a sinister organization. Notable persons: Jozi the head of the Raven Inn in Kin Town. She holds Jihan hostage, and is later captured by Kastan. Grandmaster Lehin - Master metal forger from the Iron Lands/ Later to be Kastan's weapons master I hope this helps to keep up with everyone in the story and I hope I didn't leave out anything. I'll post new chapters next. Sui. The Reluctant Consort

Do My Weaknesses Make Me Unattractive? Two mornings after Kastan’s return, Jihan set up his work desk in the dining hall. The weather was still rainy, the temperatures cool. Kastan worried Rashan might get sick again, so he had insisted that Rashan stay home. Jihan figured working in the dining hall would encourage Rashan to stay indoors. It was barely working. “I want to go outside,” Rashan said, keeping up a whine that had continued for most of the morning. Jihan added

A Jealous Woman Appears and Rashan catches a Cold Kastan bit back a soft curse at the arrival of Nisa in his home. She was General Baiza’s only daughter and Kastan worked at treating her with kindness. She was like a sister to him and had grown used to visiting the manor at will. General Baiza had once entertained dreams of marrying her into Sun-filled Manor, but Kastan had worked hard to disabuse the man of that thought. Now that the General was gone, Kastan felt obligated to look out

Sun-filled Manor’s Messy Finances It felt good to sit with Kastan and Rashan. Jihan listened to them talk about activities of the day. Kastan asked Rashan about his studies. Rashan talked about Master Safan and training. Kastan finished eating and Temu approached him to remind him of a meeting with the valley’s magistrate. Jihan pushed his teacup away and watched as Rashan got up first. “I should hurry too. I don’t want to be late to see Master Bero,” Rashan said. “Uncle Jihan, Ma