A Slice of Cake With... Tony Logan

Today I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Tony Logan. 

Four decades ago a black egg hatched and out sprang Tony Logan. Obsessed with horror stories and films, he devoured them all and eventually wanted to create his own. Now he twists and manipulates words intended to terrify. His hellhound Achilles and hellcat Stoker always at his side.

What kind of books do you write?

I am a huge horror fan. Books, movies, games, anything. I have mostly written short horror stories but I am polishing a novel that leans more toward supernatural thriller. Also, I have a scifi story and a fantasy story, so I will eventually write and try out all kinds of story types, but for now—Horror is my jam.

Can you describe your writing why?

I think it mostly started with a much younger version of my friends and I leaving a less than satisfying movie and rewriting it in conversation to improve it. From there friends showed my roleplaying games. I became fascinated with those and before too long was running my own games and have been since the early 90s. There is a great satisfaction in people reading your work and being excited about it. That spark excites me and pushes me to write.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

Steady raindrops pounded on the roof while the wipers flipped back and forth. He threw the car into drive and headed toward the Havern Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Home. Most Thursdays he did this after this debate with himself. As he shifted gears, a small pang ached deep inside of him. One he tried to ignore but infected his idle thoughts. Tim’s gaze shifted from the road to the car’s armrest. He knew without checking, deep inside, under phone charger cords and old, random paperwork, sat six precious Vicodin pills. Six little white tickets to happiness. For emergencies, he lied to himself. His opioid hunger grew strongest whenever he visited Marc Kullen. It remained to be seen whether it was a psychosomatic effect of their relationship or a subconscious result of rejecting his rehab meeting.

Tell us about your latest project

While I still have a lot of clean up to do, I am currently working on my first book. It is about an eccentric billionaire that offers a long all expenses paid vacation to terminal patients with the agreement that afterwards, he gets to keep the deceased person’s body. (blood) It is a vampire-adjacent story. Is that a thing? Haha.

What is your favourite cake?

I really enjoy a Red Velvet cake. But honestly, I probably don’t turn down many types of cake. 

You can connect with Tony on Facebook: facebook.com/Tony-Logan-2301442073203851 and all his short stories are available on Amazon: amazon.com/-/e/B088VS385R.

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Karen Osman. 

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake on Kofi - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.

A Slice of Cake With... Amanda Brittany

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Amanda Brittany.

Amanda is the best-selling author of five psychological crime thrillers. Her debut, Her Last Lie, has raised almost £8700 for Cancer Research UK from her eBook royalties, in memory of her sister.

Amanda lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and cute dog. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, reading & sunny days. She also writes psychological suspense novels with Karen Clarke.

What kind of books do you write?

All my novels are dark, twisty, and creepy. My main character is always a woman, often with issues to resolve in her present-day life and something in the past that puts her in danger in the present. A final twist that will hopefully surprise the reader is a must in my novels. 

Can you describe your writing why?

I have loved writing since I was a child, but it was only after a serious car crash that I decided if I was going to attempt to write a novel the time had to be now.

I find writing therapeutic and love the process of the first draft where I get to know my characters. 

However, some days my writing mojo vanishes, or the thought of structural edits feels daunting, and those are the times that my writer friends motivate me. Without the support and friendship of other writers, who have shared my ups and downs and I theirs, I would never have written seven novels.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

The Island House is mainly seen through a young woman called Alice’s eyes, but it also shines a light on a handful of other characters, one being a child called Tiger, who I absolutely loved writing. 

‘I can’t hear anything, sweetie,’ Aunt Verity says, bending down and stroking my cheek. She says this every time I ask her about the tap, tap, tap. ‘You’re imagining things again, Tiger. You have a good imagination, just like your daddy.’ 

I like it when she says I’m like my daddy. 

Maybe it’s the puppets in the attic, I nearly say. But I know I can’t say that because Aunt Verity doesn’t know I go up there to see my puppet friends, and, if she did, she might be cross, and take away the key. 

The noise gets louder. Why can’t she hear it? 

‘Dinner will be ready in an hour, darling.’ She leaves the room with a wave. ‘I’m going to have a little drink now.’ 

Tap, tap, tap. 

Tell us about your latest project

The Island House is a psychological crime thriller with a gothic theme. It’s been described at Agatha Christie meets Stephen King, and is out now in ebook, paperback, and audiobook. 

A DARK FAMILY SECRET

When Alice’s father dies after a tragic hit and run, his death stirs up unanswered questions about her childhood. Who was her mother, why did her father never speak of the past, and why can’t she remember anything before the age of seven?

AN ISLAND CUT OFF

But when she receives an anonymous letter containing a photograph of a refurbished gothic guesthouse surrounded by water, and an invitation to stay, old memories fight to resurface.

Alice has visited before. She is certain of it.

WHO WILL SURVIVE?

Convinced the clues to her past lie at the hotel, she checks in. But once on the island, a wild storm rages, waves crash violently into the rocks, and the house is cut off by the roaring sea.

Then two guests are found dead. And the hotel owner is missing. Will Alice ever uncover her secret past?

And will anyone leave the island alive?

What is your favourite cake?

Red velvet – I eat far too much of it!

You can connect with Amanda here:

Twitter: @amandajbrittany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandabrittany2

Instagram: @amanda_brittany_author

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Olivia Charles. 

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me. 

A Slice of Cake With... C Billie Brunson

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author C Billie Brunson.

Born in Chicago, IL, she lived for several years in Indiana and, later, Iowa before moving to Arizona and settling in Scottsdale. C Billie Brunson is the mother of two and loves all animals, especially cats.

What kind of books do you write?

I write stories that thrill, hold you in suspense and maybe spook you a little all while (hopefully) delivering a vital truth or life lesson.

Can you describe your writing why?

When a story concept comes to my mind, I usually let it simmer in my brain for a while to see if it will evaporate to nothing. If it doesn’t then I know I’d better get it down on paper. Otherwise, it’ll always be there. Somewhere in the back of my mind. Brooding. Scheming and chippin’ away at my sanity.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

I had a blast writing the entire Six Strings manuscript. The event in Chapter 17, however, is what first comes to mind when I think of favourites. So, here is a snippet from that chapter:

“Five. Four. Three–”

“Hold on. I think this is one of those things I wouldn’t do,” Tyler said.

Heidi straightened until she sat on the backs of her legs and looked over at her brother. “I don’t remember asking what you thought. But, since you brought it up…. You got a plan B?”

“Well….”

“Nothing? Big surprise there. Now watch and learn while I go all Exterminator on these bugs,” She got back into the previous position and aimed. “Two. One!” 

A flame flashed on the tip of the lighter. At the same time, Heidi pressed the nozzle on the can. Ignited fluid shot out. 

One after the other, shrill, jarring notes sounded from the living room. The noise soon cut off as creepers of all kinds sizzled, cracked, and popped upon the floor like strange fireworks in a Fourth-of-July spoof. The bugs echoed the shrieks the Gibson had made as they scattered in every direction, most with flames clinging to their backs. 

Carried by myriads of teeny racing legs, fire spread unchecked. By the time Heidi deactivated the improvised blow torch, flames licked the wallpaper at the doorway to the foyer. The carpet at the threshold of the living room sent up smoky tendrils. A thickening, grey-black haze and remnants of insecticide fumes threatened the supply of breathable air. Affirming this, the smoke detector broke into a nagging chain of piercing bleats.

Fighting back a cough, Tyler shouted, “We have to get out of here!” 

Tell us about your latest project

Six Strings was released on February 9th of this year. The premise is as follows:

After the tragic death of his father Carl Percival VanNess inherits a guitar. He’s intent on learning to play and wants to use it as a roadway to fame and fortune…But this guitar is not as benign as it appears. In fact, the music produced when it is played incites anyone within earshot to murder whomever happens to be within reach.

I have a number of other projects in the works one that I am particularly enamoured with is entitled Subliminal. The premise Subliminal is:

Author Tyrone Mitchell makes a deal with an abominable creature, Hepsivah the Hexweaver, who he dreamed up for his Throne of Night and Storms series. Hepsivah does indeed deliver on her part of the deal. But at what cost for Tyrone? And at what cost for his fans?

Sound intriguing? Readers can enjoy chapters of Subliminal for FREE on my wattpad account. Just search the site for C_Bilie_Brunson.

What is your favourite cake?

Red Velvet. Hands down. I even wrote a poem about it a while back:

To Red Velvet Cake

I will never hesitate to stain my tongue
With your rich ruby genius
I greedily wrap my insides in your
Saccharine sanguineossity
My blood slurps down your thick tribute
to lust
intoxicating

When first I tasted you–
I just might die
if this is the last–
was the thought branded
into my secret parts

I want to find the one who invented you
kiss the ground she or he walked

What exactly should I name this spell you cast?
Sinful-dream-maple-burgundy-melt-my-middle
-chocolate-honey-hint?

Whatever it is
don’t you dare let it leave
me alone

You can connect with C Billie Brunson at the following places:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CBillieBrunson
Instagram: www.instagram.com/c.billiebrunson
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cbbrunson
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/cbilliebrunson
Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/C_Billie_Brunson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8QcSi-IrLhPl3KkipvlbiQ
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B084M7PN9K/ B08W3RM7BB

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Derek McFadden. 

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.

A Slice of Cake With... Laura Hunter

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Laura Hunter.

L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Eden Chronicles. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. 
She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.”

What kind of stories do you write?

I write intriguing, addictive stories with a splash of romance and adventure, set in fantasy, paranormal and contemporary worlds.

Can you describe your writing why?

I write mostly for myself, as a creative outlet. And because I love writing. But it seems people love what I create, so I write for them now too.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

I can’t pick a favourite, so I’ll just share something from my next release, Crown of Lies. This is book 2 in my Midnight Ball series.

“My life has always been shrouded in secrets, a crown of lies hovering above my head. All I know is I am supposed to discover what those secrets are. I think it’s my destiny.”

Tell us about your latest project

Crown of Lies is the second instalment in my Midnight Ball series, a YA fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology. It has witches, gods and goddesses, magic, betrayal, and secrets aplenty. It follows Grace, my main character, after a heartbreaking betrayal and the death of her parents, as she deals with the aftermath of both. I had a great reception to book 1, Reign of Secrets, so I hope readers are going to like Crown of Lies just as much.

What is your favourite cake?

Red Velvet Cake.

You can connect with L.L. Hunter here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooks
Instagram: @llhunter
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1So75bF
Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au
Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/LLHunterbooks
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/llhunter
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-l-hunter
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/by8k0r

Join me next week when I have a slice of cake with Sydnie Beaupre.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.

A Slice of Cake With... Lea Cherry

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with Lea Cherry.

Lea Cherry can be seen as a dual identity of her true form Leandri Geldenhuys. Even though Lea Cherry is an alter ego, she still managed to write her novel The Rose of Cavendish, which was published in 2011, and presented in 2012 to Hollywood Producers in the Author Solutions Book-to-screen Pitchfest. She also Co-authored The Journal of Blake Leaf with fellow author Adrienne Woods which was the poetry journal to accompany The Dragonian Series. She has a few series lined up to write and publish, but that has to take a back seat when she's working full time as a Designer, Mom, Wife and studying for a degree in Language and Literature. When Lea is not writing or working full time, she enjoys listening to music such as Rock and Alternative, while she paints and does drawings. Lea believes that the written word can heal and help and encourages people to follows their dreams and lends an ear to those that want to pursue writing. Other personalities also include Leandri Geldenhuys (Lumin Finds the Lighthouse - Mom's Choice Award Winner).

What kind of stories do you write?

I like to write about magic and the supernatural but as well as the monsters that live under your bed. My range tend to go from magic-wielding teenagers to all things that go bump in the night. Throw in a bit of a who-dunnit, and you’ve hit the trifecta.

Can you describe your writing why?

Usually, I have an idea that will only leave me alone once I have captured its essence on paper. By that time, a couple of new ideas has prompted more writing, so it’s a never-ending cycle. I would like to think that I can inspire someone to live their dreams, but if I can help someone just by taking them out of reality for a few hours, all is not a lost cause. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

Chimera: The one. The true chimera. You see a chimera is something or someone that has two different genetic DNA strands. Now this could be from plasma or blood transfusions, or even absorbing a twin in the womb. Now it’s scarce that something like that happens, but when it does, biologically, it’s the most magnificent thing in the world.

Tell us about your latest project

Currently busy with the edits to Chimera, which will be released in October 2020 as part of the Soul’s Day Boxset with 18 other authors. 

It’s about a group of friends thinking that camping in a haunted forest on Halloween would be an awesome idea, until everyone starts disappearing one by one, being hunted by a creature that won’t stop until they are all gone.

What is your favourite cake?

Now that’s a difficult question. I would have to say Red Velvet, but I can easily be persuaded into going for a good old Lemon Meringue.

Great choice! You can connect with Lea here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorleacherry/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/lala_lea
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/lea_cherry
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/geldenhuysleandri/

Join me next week when I have a slice of cake with Scott Tarbet.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.

A Slice of Cake With... Christian Warren Freed

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with Christian Warren Freed. 

Christian W. Freed was born in Buffalo, New York more years ago than he cares to remember. After serving a full career in the United States Army that took him around the world (several times), he retired to the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina where he lives with his wife, their children, and his two Bernese Mountain Dogs. A connoisseur of fine hand-rolled cigars and even better whiskey, he spends his days crafting his next novel.

What kind of stories do you write?

I have always been drawn to sweeping epics involving massive armies, complex plots, and an enormous cast of characters. I started out with heavy influences from Tolkien (duh), Terry Brooks, and Dennis L. McKiernan. Then in the 90s, the world changed. Robert Jordan emerged, followed by George RR Martin and my all-time favorite influencer, Steven Erickson. His Malazan Book of the Fallen series is my biggest influence and a total redirection for my work. Gone are the elves and dwarves. In are complex worlds with new magic systems, new races, and still the sprawling armies. 

Can you describe your writing why?

Beats me why! I figure I’ll go crazy if I don’t get these thoughts and stories out of my head. My uncle is a famous author and historian. I started writing early but joined the Army and put it on the back burner. It wasn’t until I was nearing the end of my career that I decided to make it a go. I wrote a few books while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and the train took off. Now, with almost 25 books out, I find my greatest joy or motivation is seeing a complete stranger comment on how they like/love my books. Totally humbling!

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

The Bloody Man stood in crimson splendor. A miracle of the impossible. He had continuously bled for over a thousand years after flensing his body of flesh to protest the ignorance of his two brothers. A massive twelve foot sculpture of madness. Ever the youngest, Sorrow wept for better days. 

 Ah’muf dropped to his knees and bowed low. “My lord, Sorrow.”

Eliza’s reaction was different. Old memories returned upon seeing him again. She knew he was the architect of all the wrongs in her life, shaping her direction from early childhood. No memory was stronger, for a pain so grave never fades, as seeing the blood covered giant slaughter everyone in her village. Equally confusing was his apology thereafter. 

“Bloody Man,” she ground out. “I assumed you had abandoned me again.”

He cocked his head and studied her with thoughtful expression. “I do not know why I chose you those many years ago. Like so many of your kind you lack the patience to wait for matters to unfold, thus limiting your ability to foresee the future unfold. A shame. You hold so much potential.”

Under Tattered Banners - A Forgotten Gods Tale #5.

Tell us about your latest project

I’m going all out with this one. It’s not my latest book, but the beginning of a massive adventure I’m only halfway through. It’s called Dreams of Winter: A Forgotten Gods Tale #1. The story is complex but the gist is humanity has taken control of the universe in the absence of the gods. 3000 years after a civil war that destroyed the gods the 700 worlds in the universe are governed by the Conclave and its Cardinals. They are supported by the militaristic Prekhauten Guards and enforced by the Inquisition. The story takes off with the escape of the most dangerous villain in history- the wicked son of the king of the gods- and it sets the stage for the opening rounds of a civil war. I am currently working on book 5 of a planned 9 in the series. Each one comes out between 600-700 pages and it unlike anything I have ever done.

What is your favourite cake?

I’m more of a pie kind of guy, but I get down with a good slice of red velvet or German chocolate. 

Thanks, Christian - I always count a sweet pie as cake lol. You can connect with Christian and find out more about his books here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristianWFreed

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianFreed/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianwarrenfreed

Website: https://christianwfreed.com/ 

Join me next week when Tim Walker returns!

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!  

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.

A Slice of Cake With... Stacie Eirich

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with Stacie Eirich.

Stacie is a writer and mother who reads poetry by moonlight and dreams of traveling beyond the stars. She's published poetry & stories in Scarlet Leaf Review, MUSED, Wee Tales and Ruby Magazine. Author of The Dream Chronicles, a fantasy series for middle-grade readers, she lives north of New Orleans with her family and two feisty furballs - writing, mothering, and dreaming.

What kind of stories do you write?

I write stories of wonder, magic and adventure, stories that allow readers to enter new worlds or imagine our world in a different way. The kind of stories that I loved reading as a child and teen, and still love reading as an adult. 

I also write stories that have characters with strong connections to their family and friends, characters who are real and emotional and flawed. No matter the genre I’m writing (fantasy, science-fiction, romance, etc.) it’s important to me to write strong, relatable characters that readers will want to root for. 

Can you describe your writing why?

I write to make sense of the world and my experiences, their sights and sounds and smells. But I also write to go beyond the world and into my imagination, allowing myself to feel and wonder and dream. 

The stories and poems in my head are what inspire me to connect with others and seek new experiences; they are the reason I get up in the morning, brew a fresh cuppa – and get writing. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

“You must prove yourself to me, show me that you are capable of this quest. Find the place where I’ve hidden the stone, the place where it now rests. Within the rock lies hidden a single flower, its song will help you unlock its magical power. Use its melody to pass those who stand before, the key you carry will open the door. You will not have help from the dragons, nor from I, Orion, Warrior and Guardian of the Stone. This you must do on your own.” And in a single breath he raised his great wings into the air, lifted his paws to the sky and disappeared into the darkness.” 

This is a paragraph from Chapter 6 of Dragon Kingdom & The Wishing Stone, the third and final novella in my fantasy series for middle-grade readers, The Dream Chronicles. It’s the chapter where my young characters meet Orion, the Griffin – who is at first rough and intimidating, but ultimately one of the most loyal, kind and awesome characters in the story. Here he speaks in rhyme to give the protagonists a riddle to solve and a quest to fulfil. Though I sometimes struggle with dialogue as a writer, I enjoyed writing this rhyme and, later, richer dialogue as my young protagonists got to know Orion better. 

Tell us about your latest project

I have this little dream of a European vacation, complete with plenty of visits to seaside cafes, bookshops, Shakespearean plays and Italian operettas. The idea of developing my dream holiday into a story began brewing in my bedside notebook last year, and this year I decided to give the story wings. 

Tentatively titled ‘A Highland Holiday’ – the story follows 30-year-old Editor’s Assistant Fiona, as she travels to Scotland in search of a holiday away from her stressful job in NYC, time to pursue her writing – and the Scottish man of her dreams. I’m currently sharing chapters on Wattpad as I write, and love connecting with my readers there! You can find me, Fiona’s story and others there @spacetodream. 

What is your favourite cake?

My Mom’s made-from-scratch, double layer Red Velvet cake is the hands-down winner, always! 

You can connect with Stacie on her website, Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram. 

Join me next week when I'm joined by Ken Goudsward. 

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round! 

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... Mary R Woldering

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with Mary R. Woldering.

Mary is retired, a granny of 4, mystical, stubborn, spouse of Dr. Jackie Woldering, artisan and teller of tales.

What kind of books do you write?

Fantasy-historical-mythology-paranormal-sci-fi-romance-urban-adult!

Can you describe your writing why?

I like telling stories. Writing is me telling them to a wider audience and imparting my own life lessons as an elder. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

You’re killing me. I have so many. One I post on takeovers is this one from Book 2 Going Forth By Day. It’s called Ariennu and the King. In this Ariennu has become a concubine of the ailing king. Already angling for ways she will free herself she has become aware of palace intrigue.

The day had been particularly draining for King Menkaure. Ariennu rubbed his shoulders with hot oil the way she did every night. Once he relaxed, she bent forward to whisper seductively in his ear.

“Your Great Majesty, what is it His Highness, the Great One of Five, places in your wine to calm you in the evening?”

The king raised one brow, pausing at her audacity, but then reflected on her words. His hand reached up to affectionately pat her hand. “You worry for your king,” his expression grew distant. 

Ari sensed something in the tone of his voice at that moment but didn’t understand the nature of his thoughts. He seemed detached. The words ‘my death’ formed in her heart. She wondered if the king was thinking he would die soon. 

The only “king” she had ever considered was Marai. She thought of the luxury in which she had lived these past few days, but also thought of the dreadful emptiness in her life as she lived in the service of these two different godly men. 

Quiet, yet gentle and reassuring words that seemed to be part of a spell or a prayer filtered through her thoughts. 

It was as if Marai recited them to her through time. Her instincts told her to repeat them, that they would comfort the man in her care. She whispered them in Menkaure’s ear as they played in her heart: 

“If emptiness flourishes, my king cannot take his food. If my king flourishes, emptiness cannot take its food.” 

The thrill of her words raced through both men’s hearts; one struggling in the depth of a deathlike dream, the other dreaming of death in a candle-lit room. 

“The words--” Menkaure paused. A tear caught in the corner of one of his eyes. His lower lip dimpled slightly. “How is it that a woman such as yourself, a sojourner, knows them? They are taught to the sacred only,” the king blinked, then moved his lips to her ear. 

“Do you know the rest?” he asked. “Gladden my sad heart, woman of the fire. Speak her words to me so I can hear them again.” 

Ariennu felt her own heart skip as a quiet spirit drifted through her. 

At first, she thought it was Naibe’s essence, but then she knew it was the spirit of a very different young woman who had died. 

Goddess. He loved a young goddess, but she was taken from him. He did not protect her! Her heart thrilled to the sound of the king’s words. She couldn’t explain to him how she knew them, or why she felt compelled to repeat them. 

“Take me with you, beloved, that I may eat of what you eat,” she spoke calmly but realized that such a spoken devotion asked for love beyond the tomb. She could never give anyone but Marai that kind of devotion. 

The king rose from his couch to fetch the onyx cup which rested near the edge of the coals in the brazier. He poured liquid from an ewer into the cup, then sat on his couch, crossed his legs, and faced her. 

“Close your eyes, woman,” he gently commanded her. 

Ariennu closed her eyes obediently. 

Menkaure reached up and sweetly touched her closed eyelids as if he was blessing them, then spoke the companion piece to her words: 

“That I may eat of what you eat... that I may drink of what you drink, that I may be strong ...” his voice broke here and Ariennu almost opened her eyes when she heard him pause. “That whereby you are strong...” Then, he tipped the vessel to her lips. She sipped a quarter of the draught. 

“Open your eyes to me woman of wisdom, Your s...” he started, but stopped himself. 

Ariennu knew he had been about to say: Your servant begs you. She lulled him to sleep in her arms as a strange, unearthly calm stole over her. She needed to ask the Count why he felt it was necessary to dose his king so heavily. 

Tell us about your latest project

I have a short story going into Dreamtime Damsels and Fatal Femmes released this September. The story is Miss Hattie and the Hoppers and takes 2 characters from my Egyptian series (as they are very bright and semi-immortal) traveling through time. They have run into a problem in East Tennessee in 1876. An old maid schoolmarm joins them while trying to solve the mystery of her sister’s disappearance. 

What is your favourite cake?

I am particularly fond of red velvet cake if I can get a moist piece with cream cheese frosting. I don’t eat cake very often these days.

It's a great cake choice, Mary! You can follow Mary on Twitter and Facebook, all her books are available on Amazon. 

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Kirsten McTiernan.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.