This week I’m sharing another excerpt from my science fiction romance Warrior Priest.
Thank you for stopping by!
Excerpt:
After the ceremony, Selena and Elspeth joined the priests in the main meeting hall that also served as a dining room. Several long wooden tables stretched throughout the room, seating hundreds of priests. The hum of low conversation filled the room, as if
animated speech and even laughter were prohibited.
Selena, Elspeth, and their guards sat at the table with Ari Tobias and Ari Brent, among others. When Ari Jade approached and took the empty seat next to Selena, her stomach clenched. She hadn’t expected to see him again. Ever.
She glanced at him and found him staring at her.
“Sister,” he said in a deep voice that fit his general appearance.
That’s 9, but if you’d like to continue, here’s a bit more:
“Selena,” she offered. “I…I’m not sure if it’s proper to congratulate you regarding the Ceremony of Honor.”
“It’s not improper.”
“Then congratulations.”
He nodded, and she had the feeling that he was repressing a smile.
A gong sounded, and conversations instantly stopped. Hundreds of priests moved in unison, placing their folded hands on the table and bowing their heads over them. Selena tensed, wondering if they’d need to be bled or burned before they were allowed to eat.
If only she were back home. On Neidress, she was stationed at a family shelter and free clinic where she cared for the homeless, ran a food kitchen, and provided medical care. There, everyone ate together, but the room was filled with conversation and laughter was encouraged.
Warrior Priest
by Kate Hill
What happens when a warrior priest from a strict religion meets a free-spirited priestess from a new age commune?
Jade and Selena are as different as two people can be, but to facilitate an alliance between their worlds, they engage in a cultural exchange. With their galaxy in danger from a planet that wants to conquer or destroy all others, they realize the importance of their assignment, but it is difficult for a warrior priest and a nonviolent priestess to understand each other.
Selena is both attracted and appalled by his old school masculinity, and Jade is tempted to break his vow of celibacy until marriage due to his powerful desire for her. Will this unlikely pair not only find common ground, but unconditional love?
Warrior Priest is on sale for $0.99 until June 30, 2022 at Amazon and Smashwords.
Read snippets from other authors in the Weekend Writing Warriors Blog hop here.
Social
Interesting dynamics among the siblings and the group of people!
She’s scared by the differences to her own life. But, didn’t she offer a prayer before meals?
That morning she watched a blood sacrifice and priests honored by being branded. At this point she’s not sure if all their prayer/religious ceremonies involve physical pain. 🙂
Thank you! In short snippets it seems like there are siblings here, but they use ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ to refer to other priests, priestesses, and nuns.
Her world sounds a little happier than his does. I don’t think I could celebrate being branded even as a badge of honor.
Love her “attitude” – Selena tensed, wondering if they’d need to be bled or burned before they were allowed to eat.
Tweeted.
I am loving this story!
Thank you, Danii X!
Thank you, Daryl! She got reason to be curious for sure. Few people get past their walls.
Neither could I, Elaine. I kind of side with Selena on this one. 🙂