Continuing on with my paranormal romance set in Ancient Egypt. Nima the dancer and Kamin, one of Pharaoh’s warriors, are traveling with the caravan for a few days as they seek to escape the pursuing enemy and get vital information to Pharaoh to stop an invasion. Nima is being exposed to various temptations involving her future as a dancer and Kamin realizes how much she means to him. But he’s got secrets he can’t share…
Today’s excerpt comes after the Minoan dance master Andrios provoked an argument between Kamin and Nima, after which she danced with the troupe, spending the night in their company, while Kamin kept a self-imposed watch over the area to be sure she was safe. There’s been some editing and odd punctuation to meet the eight sentence rule.
Far too early the next morning, Nima leaned on the stone wall surrounding the well, stifling a yawn and nibbled at a piece of journey bread, waiting for the caravan to push itself into motion. She’d deliberately spent the night away from Kamin again, testing her feelings for him, assessing the reality of what she was about to do.
Andrios and his dancers probably thought she was really considering Ptahnetamun’s offer and were excited, providing advice and encouragement. And I know Andrios is hoping my curiosity extends to his talents in lovemaking as well. But she knew she was just playing with the concept, living the nomad artist’s life by proxy for a night or two.
The opportunity was opening up too late – even a few weeks ago, she’d have signed the contract and been gone without a backward glance. Why didn’t I ever at least talk to a caravan master about the possibilities?
Bracelets jangling, Thala nudged her in the ribs, “Here comes your man, looking for you.”
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The story:
Egypt, 1500 BCE
Nima’s beauty and skill as a dancer leads an infatuated enemy to kidnap her after destroying an Egyptian border town. However, she’s not the only hostage in the enemy camp: Kamin, an Egyptian soldier on a secret mission for Pharaoh, has been taken as well. Working together to escape, the two of them embark on a desperate quest across the desert to carry word of the enemy’s invasion plans to Pharaoh’s people.
As they flee for their lives, these two strangers thrown together by misfortune have to trust in each other to survive. Nima suspects Kamin is more than the simple soldier he seems, but she finds it hard to resist the effect he has on her heart. Kamin has a duty to his Pharaoh to see his mission completed, but this clever and courageous dancer is claiming more of his loyalty and love by the moment. Kamin starts to worry, if it comes to a choice between saving Egypt or saving Nima’s life…what will he do?
Aided by the Egyptian god Horus and the Snake Goddess Renenutet, beset by the enemy’s black magic, can Nima and Kamin evade the enemy and reach the safety of the Nile in time to foil the planned attack?
Can there ever be a happy future together for the humble dancer and the brave Egyptian soldier who is so much more than he seems?
DANCER OF THE NILE, an Amazon Best Seller, is AVAILABLE on Amazon Barnes & Noble All Romance eBooks iTunes Smashwords
Beautiful details and emotions, as ever. =D
I’m really looking forward to this one. It’s already on my TBR list. Great snippet!
I hope you’ll enjoy the book 🙂 Can’t wait for *your* next one!
Fantastic snippet! The emotion was beautifully done. Definitely felt her conflict.
Fabulous show on her inner turmoil. Great snippet!
Oh yes. Perfect, Veronica. What a clever woman Your portrayal of her leaves no doubt as to where her affections lie. I’m ordering this book now.
Thanks, Charmaine! I hope you’ll enjoy the story….
I love how easy it is to picture your scenes, and you work in subtle tension that really livens up each excerpt. Anxious to see if he’s really looking for Nima or if there’s something else going on 🙂
Enjoyed the snippet. Well done revealing her inner turmoil.
Added to my TBR. This story is so full of history, just wonderful! And the love story you’re winding through it is marvelous, Veronica!
Asked and answered! 😀
I’m glad he’s not the only one who’s having unexpected feelings—they’re such a great team.
Thank you everyone for the comments and for stopping by on this last weekend of 2013! I appreciate the feedback, glad the story so far is working for people 🙂 . I really enjoyed writing about Nima and Kamin, I must say. I’m finishing up MAGIC OF THE NILE so we’ll switch to snippets from that soon…
Love that final line. ‘Your man’. Gives me the tingles. 😀 Another wonderful excerpt, Veronica!
Another fantastic excerpt! The details you’ve worked in here are phenomenal. I swear I can close my eyes and picture myself really there in the story!
You always bring suh depth and emotion to your stories. Love this snippet
I love the emotions…and that she is using this opportunity to test her feelings for him, not to separate from him.
Lots of good lines here but
iving the nomad artist’s life by proxy for a night or two.
caught my eye
It’s funny how what you want can change so quickly–love how she’s flirting with the idea (and the guy), but she already knows what she’s going to do.
I read this the day I got it and loved it.
HUGS! Thank you so much for letting me know that, Sueann 🙂
So wonderful Veronica! I love that she lived out a little taste of her dream and is ready to let it go : ) Too sweet!
But which man? Kamin, or that other guy? I’m glad she’s not going to take the offer. Sounds like it would be dangerous. Great eight, Veronica!
Maybe next week I should share what she tells Kamin….or at least start on that conversation (8 sentences isn’t a lot LOL). I really appreciate all the Weekend Warriors and the Six Sentence Sunday Facebookers and everyone else who drops by!
i like the way you include so many sensory details without calling attention to them. Nice snippet!
Love this. I think we know where her heart is.
Nice depth in this scene.
Beautifully descriptive! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
I love the glimpse into her state of mind and thought process.
she is so conflicted and the angst comes through in your writing. And I am curious exactly who the man is???? great 8
It’s so vivid, it puts me right in the scene. Great snippet!
I’m loving her inner thoughts. Now I have a real feel for her emotions. Great job
Great snippet! Loved the line about talents in lovemaking. 😀
She likes him, I hope she won’t regret her choice.
What to do, What to do. Conflict in a character is always a good thing for the reader. I’m wondering what Kamin’s secret is? Like is he really the Pharaoh’s son.
(Excuse I’m still catching up from holiday week!)