“I read the fourth letter from my father today.”
“What did it say?”
“That he’s proud of me. He talked about kingdoms and countries fighting tyranny, and urged me to help them.”
“Like your cousin in America?” asked Drayaen.
“It’s possible. He was more circumspect in his advice. I’m wondering if he was talking about life here as well, since this part of the world has not yet secured its independence.”
“Whatever challenge comes our way, we’ll tackle it together.” He became somber for a moment, and grasped her hand. “I am grateful to have you in my life. I love you more than I can say,” he murmured, as he tightened his grip.
“I love you, too,” she said, turning around to kiss him.
He walked them both to the bedroom, and closed the door behind him.
Aisling woke up before midnight. She grabbed her robe and headed to the sitting area, where she nibbled on some food. A pair of strong arms reached out for her.
“Oh, you surprised me,” she said, smiling. “Which reminds me, I have a gift for you.”
“To have you and the baby, happy and healthy, is all I want.”
“You can see it tomorrow. It’s in the stables.”
“Well, now, I can always use a fresh bale of hay.” They both laughed.
“I have a present for you too,” he said.
“What is it?” she asked, as her eyes lit up.
“Take a look.”
He handed her a red box adorned with a beautiful white ribbon. Inside was a locket. She opened it to see a delicate painting of her and Honor.
“I love it,” she murmured. She took another look at it and smiled. “A small adjustment is needed,” she said, glancing up at him.
“You don’t like it?”
“We need to make more room.”
“For what?”
“Our new baby.”
Drayaen’s face wore a look of astonishment. “When?” he asked.
“Sometime next summer.”
He pulled her close and kissed her with a passion that took her breath away.
Later that night, they lay in bed. She grasped the key around her neck. The future was bright, she told herself. There would be more amazing and unpredictable adventures.
For now, though, she was nestled next to Drayaen, locked in his arms. There was no place else she’d rather be.
She closed her eyes, and began drifting off to sleep.
Visions of her prince came into view.
They were standing in the secret garden, in the Palace of the Cherry Blossoms, promising to love one another forever.
The End
Acknowledgments
I’m grateful for the many people who helped make this book a reality.
To Bob and Robbie, for their ongoing support; the early readers; my editor, Meredith Tennant; creative, print and production teams, including Chrissy and Alisha from Damonza, and the professionals from Kindle Direct Publishing; to Scott Allen, fellow author and official book coach. For inspiration from afar, Chandler, Sean, and the community at SPS, Joanna Penn, and K.M. Weiland.
For research, the following entities were also helpful: BBC; Cork Ireland Archives; Guangzhou Travel Guide; The Korea Society; Library Ireland; Lonely Planet; The Maritime Heritage Project; Metropolitan Museum; National Geographic; National Museum of Korea; Oxford Research Encyclopedias, Asian History; Popular Mechanics; University of Texas Historical Maps; Wikipedia.
Most of all, I’d like to thank my readers for their interest in the Princess of Nature series.
I hope you enjoy the journey.
For more action-adventure, fantasy, and romance…
READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN CASSANDRA FINNERTY’S PRINCESS OF NATURE SERIES
PRINCESS OF SKY, EARTH, FIRE AND WATER
Book One: Princess of Nature Series
By Cassandra Finnerty
In 1772, Lady Aisling inherits an army of men and a fleet of merchant ships. But her greatest legacy is her new powers—the ability to control sky, earth, fire and water. Thrust into a new world, she is now part of a secret society, serving as ambassador to kings and courts around the globe.
Hurled onto distant shores, she meets her greatest challenge—a warrior prince whose love is so fierce that it threatens to destroy both their lives.
Together, they face ruthless enemies and royal intrigue, fighting for their very survival and a chance for enduring love.
PRINCESS OF WIND AND SEA
Book Two: Princess of Nature Series
By Cassandra Finnerty
In 1773, the prince and princess travel across the globe on a series of secret missions. Along the way, they run into unexpected dangers.
Aisling’s magical abilities are increasing, but dark forces who seek to destroy her powers are hunting them.
The prince must protect her at all costs, as they fight for survival and abiding love.
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
PRINCESS OF THE EMERALD VALLEYS
What new challenges do Aisling and the prince face as they embark on their latest journey?
How have Aisling and the prince changed, due to their separation?
How is Aisling’s magic evolving as she experiments with her powers?
What lessons about evil does Aisling learn during her stay in the Land of Penge?
During her visit to Sweden, what does she learn about the evil forces that surround her?
After her discussion with Chindor in the tower, how has Aisling’s view of the secret society changed?
What new insights does Aisling have about good and evil?
How has Aisling been successful in defeating evil forces that threaten their way of life?
Conversation with Cassandra Finnerty
AUTHOR OF PRINCESS OF SKY, EARTH, FIRE AND WATER
Today, we’re with Cassandra Finnerty, to talk about her Princess of Nature Series.
Q: Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire, and Water is your debut novel. What is the book about?
The story begins in Ireland, in 1772.
The main character, Lady Aisling, inherits an army, a fleet of ships, and magical powers. She has the ability to change sky, earth, fire, and water. Now she’s part of a secret society and must help other kings and courts around the globe.
To keep her powers, she has twelve months in which to complete her first mission. Her task is to help a warrior prince, but he has no interest in collaborating with anyone, least of all a woman.
As they join forces, they fight for survival and a chance for love.
Q: What inspired you to write the book?
Most women in that era had limited control over their lives. They were focused on survival. Few owned property. There were also major social constraints—what to wear, how to speak, whom to marry.
I wanted to create an historical fantasy, where the main character was empowered to travel, meet people, and help others, on her own terms.
Q: Why a setting in the 1770s?
It’s a fascinating time in history.
During that period, there was a massive power shift across the globe. Many countries pursued expansion, creating conflicts from Asia to Europe and beyond.
Established monarchies were also breaking down. The American Revolution spurred a revolt, triggering a discontent that rippled across nations.
It was also an amazing time of transformation. The industrial revolution spurred inventions and industries.
Against this backdrop, there are a lot of story possibilities. With a fleet of ships, Aisling can go anywhere.
Q: What are some of your favorite locations that inspired settings in the book?
One of my favorites is Burrishoole Friary, in Ireland. It was built in 1469, and some of the structure has survived for more than five hundred years. It’s very peaceful, overlooking the water. There’s a view of Crough Patrick, ‘the Magic Mountain,’ which is a short distance away. A scene in chapter two was inspired by this setting.
/> One of the writers of Annals of the Four Masters is also buried there. Since this book is a rich resource of Irish history, I integrated it into the story. Aisling discovers her father’s secret notes in this work.
Another favorite location in western Ireland is Clew Bay. This is where Aisling and her fleet launch their journey. There are hundreds of sunken drumlins that look like small islands, protruding from the water.
I created a fictional temple setting in the East Kingdom that has some of the characteristics of Yonggungsa. The retreat is situated high in the cliffs, above the water. The structures are covered in shades of amber, green, red, and blue.
In the book, Aisling and the prince first meet on a cliff, high above a sanctuary.
Q: How would you describe your main characters?
Aisling is courageous and driven, with a sincere interest in helping people. But she also has many flaws. At the beginning of the book, she struggles with a need to always be in control. Aisling believes that her magic will solve all of her problems. But like the prince, who operates as a loner, she realizes that to have the greatest impact, she will need to work with others.
She also struggles with her magic. It works to varying degrees, but there are always consequences. Part of her challenge is to figure out the best way to use her powers.
Aisling is thrust into a world where she’s interacting with men, because they have more authority during this time period. Throughout the book, there are instances where she needs to assert herself, to overcome the perception that she doesn’t quite fit in.
She is also learning that in order to trust someone, you have to be vulnerable. This is a hard pill to swallow for someone who has always been independent.
The other main character is the prince, who’s a wounded warrior. His life has been difficult and he grew up feeling rejected. As an adult, he’s fierce about wanting to right past wrongs.
He would like to be welcomed back into the royal family. As he’s fighting deception and corruption, he’s also lashing out, feeling guilty that he was unable to protect his mother and brother when he was a child.
Aisling represents a threat to his focus and way of life. He’s uncomfortable bringing someone into his world, and tries to detach himself as soon as they meet.
Q: Is this book part of a series?
Yes, it’s part of the Princess of Nature Series.
Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water, Book One, is where Aisling and the prince meet and form a relationship.
Princess of Wind and Sea, Book Two, is about their adventures from the East Kingdom back to Ireland.
In Book Three, Princess of the Emerald Valleys, Aisling and the prince continue to battle dark forces, to protect everything they love.
I’d like to thank the readers for their interest in the Princess of Nature Series.
Interviewed by Castle Swan Media
About The Author
Cassandra Finnerty is the author of action-adventure, fantasy and romance. She has a passion for magical settings, and loves to transport readers to unexpected places.
She enjoys creating bold, untamed, and endearing characters who struggle to overcome their flaws. Her debut novel, Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water, was inspired by a joy of travel, both real and imagined.
Her enthusiasm for dramatic weather—preferably while sitting next to a cozy fire—is incorporated into her books. She enjoys writing about castles, mystical powers, lush landscapes, and stormy seas.
To sign up for special offers, and updates on Cassandra’s books, visit www.castleswanmedia.com
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