Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!
I write retellings of Bible stories in unique and unexpected settings. In the real world, I’m a small-business owner and worship leader, filling my days with homeschooling my daughter and snuggling my one-year-old son. While my own life is full of joy, my books are packed with drama and peril (and lots of hope). The Susa Chronicles reimagines Esther in a dystopian future full of nanotechnology and royal intrigue. And the second book of the duology just released this week!
After living in hiding with an outlawed religious group, Novalise dreams of aiding her people as a scientist. All her hopes of making a difference implode when she’s kidnapped and forced to compete against the Enhanced—a group of highly trained, biologically upgraded young women—for a position as the king’s Protector.
Now, as the clock counts down for her people, Novalise must choose between manipulating the king’s affection and trusting the voice in her heart to lead her. When all her plans crumble, will she hide behind her new identity or find a way to rise in such a time as this?
In Proclaimer, King Zadien’s new bodyguards get the chance to interview him—off the record. For one afternoon, they can ask their reigning monarch anything they want to know. Here’s an exclusive sneak peek of that moment…
[King Zadien is listening from around a corner]
“Is it weird having us around?” A timid girl speaks. “The guy is never alone. I think that would get weird. Don’t you?”
Muffled responses from the group.
“What’s with the jewelry?”
“Is he keeping the beard?”
“What’s his favorite place in the Citadel?”
Their questions pop out faster than journalists at a press conference. I give Declan a nod and stride into the open gym.
“Has he ever—”
I’m met by eight pairs of wide eyes. I tuck one hand in my pocket and let the other swing at my side as I approach. The posture reads casual, at ease, composed—or so my public appearance coach said.
“I enjoy the gardens. The beard is up for debate though it’s filling in nicely.” I drag my knuckles over my scruffy jaw and smile. “The rings and pendants are a perk of being royalty, and yes.” I stop at the Chief Protector’s side. “It is strange to always have others in my space. Privacy is not a concept I’ll ever experience, but I’ve never lived any other way.” I shrug. “Like most discomforts, you get used to it. And, I’m sorry, I didn’t catch the end of your question.” I focus on a blond whose easy grin reveals a gap between her two front teeth. “Have I ever what?”
Pink blooms in her cheeks. She clears her throat and straightens, pushing past the embarrassment. “I was going to ask, ‘Has he ever been kissed?’”
Stance casual, I let my smile grow. “I’ve had the delight of a few kisses. Don’t tell the High Council.”
What would you ask a king? Would you dare bold questions about his love life? Or keep it simple with favorite foods or style of music?
Share your questions for King Zadien in the comments, and I’ll make sure they get to him. 😉
If you’re interested, you can purchase SIGNED copies of Protector (book 1) and Proclaimer (book 2) from me right here or order from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, or WhiteCrown Publishing.
Clue to write down: readers will
Link to Stop #24, the next stop on the loop: Crystal Caudill’s site!
But wait! Before you go, I’m offering one winner a special Susa Chronicles Swag Bundle including a tote bag, quote sticker, two temporary tattoos, and a character card.
All you need to do to enter is subscribe to my newsletter with the Rafflecopter below. You can follow me (@MeganSchaulis) on Instagram for a bonus entry.
ALL entrants will get TWO free short stories, and one winner will claim the prize. (If the winner is outside the US, a digital prize pack will be substituted.)
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