Excerpt - Celestial Dragon by Ciara Gold

Gail Pruszkowski from Romantic Times Book Reviews wrote: “Gold kicks off an exciting new series with a beautifully written romantic fantasy. Her finely detailed world produces vivid images, and the gripping plot is full of drama and passion, complete with dragons and shapeshifters. Complex characters evoke intense emotions. Readers will ache for a happy ending and eagerly anticipate the next adventure.” Check out this awesome review in the August ’07 issue of Romantic Times.


Blurb:

When ZAN DANE, ruler of Pelicosia, finds ninety-five women for his men, he never dreams of finding his own mate. Exiled for daring to oppose the Burdven Empire, they have no women, no mates to regenerate their new kingdom and populate it with the sound of children until Zan Dane finds a way to travel across galaxies in search of prospective mates.

CHELIAN KAR is Deliphit, an outcast with supernatural powers. Though she is the daughter of the High Chancellor of Kel, Satobik laws prohibit her from having physical contact with anyone. While other young women are mated to men chosen by their fathers, Chelian has no such hope until Zan Dane soars into her life. With an offer of zeel, a commodity most men would die for, Zan Dane convinces her father to allow the union. Will his journey lead him to a treasure richer than zeel?

Excerpt:

“I find it curious how you are treated, fiol’ston.”
She jumped. Fen Dane’s voice startled her from her meditation. Pretty one? Had he called her pretty in Fendabor?
She kept her gaze respectfully downcast as she turned to address him. “You mustn’t speak to me in such a public place. It’s rude.”
“Where I come from, ’tis rude to ignore the guest of honor. You will attend me this evening.”
“I can’t.”
“But you will.”
“Please, Fen Dane. What you ask is most unseemly. I’m already on display here for all to gawk at. To serve you when it’s not allowed will bring more censure upon my head. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to witness such grandeur, but this is all I’m allowed to enjoy. Have pity.” The silky feel of darsk fabric between agitated fingers gave her some measure of comfort. It was a nervous habit she’d had since her youth.
She dared a glance at his features. A deep frown marred his brow. Like a preying verdick, a poisonous insect stalking its victim, he began to circle her. She stood still, refusing to be baited by this man.
“I am still at a loss to understand this affliction you claim. I see skin the color of ripe telman fruit. Your eyes, when I am lucky enough to enjoy a glimpse, shine brighter than the moon of Meridar. Even your hair reminds me of spun mestik. I see . . . perfection.”
“My affliction isn’t visible.” Her voice stumbled over the words, her throat tight. No one had ever paid her tribute before. His praise embarrassed her.
“Nay. ’Tis apparently inside of you and enough to make most fear the very air you breathe. Pity. I do not fear you, fiol’ston. What I feel is better left for our mating.”