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 follows onto last week’s, 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. Last week I started on Kamin’s apology – “I never meant to spoil your pleasure in the dancing.” – so here we go with more from that conversation. There’s been some editing and odd punctuation to meet the eight sentence rule.
Brow furrowed, eyes worried, he looked at her as he said, “That’s the last thing I would ever want to do; it’s my nature to protect those who—who mean the most to me, and I let my emotions get the better of my common sense when Andrios provoked me.”
“I’m sorry I grew angry in turn,” she said. “And he was trying to be provoking. I think I’m learning that all troupe masters have certain traits in common. But I can take care of myself.”
Kamin nodded. “A fact of which I’m well aware, and one I swear not to forget again. You saved my life twice, after all.”
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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
I think there must be things she can’t handle, he just needs to find where he fits in. If she is too strong he will have problem knowing when to protect her. Ah! This relationship is so interesting.
I love the interplay between these two, the relationship. Great dialogue, and another fantastic snippet!
Oh, I like his acknowledgement of her efforts on his behalf. An unusual trait in a warrior. Nicely done, Veronica. 🙂
Oooo… I can’t wait to read this one. I love how strong she is. Well done!
I love seeing this story unfold and the feelings that are being exposed over time. She’s one strong woman, but I have faith Kamin will find his way into her heart. Fabulous work, Veronica!
Beautifully written, this is a delightful book.
They are learning from each other; a breakdown of defenses beautifully written. Thanks, Veronica.
Love it when a guy is man enough to admit a woman can take care of herself 🙂 But it’s also clear that doesn’t mean he’s going to stay away from her. I like this excerpt.
I like this Veronica. His feelings for her are clear. He’s a strong man, who’ willing to admit when he may have made a mistake. And she’s strong enough to accept his apology, without making more of it. Very nice. 🙂
Ahh..I think I just fell in love with Kamin. He finally gets the words out and he does so without diminishing who she is — as if she can’t take care of herself.
I like this. He’s saying he wants to protect her without calling her weak. Nice 8.
Ah, I like Kamin more all the time.
I love the evolving relationship between them, and how the dialogue demonstrates so much about their characters.
Fabulous show of character and it makes me like them both more. Love it. 🙂
I like the way they interact, not just here, but for the whole novel.
I’m relieved to hear you felt the interactions were consistent through the book – thanks for the compliment!
Sounds like they are getting closer. I love the picture you chose to go with the post!
I like that she forgave him without making him grovel—I like her style! 🙂
Their relationship is evolving nicely.
I love the banter between these two. Another great snippet. 🙂
It’s one thing to know someone is being provoking, it’s another to resist being provoked. 😉
Such an honest dialogue exchange. I like Kamin acknowledging Nima at the end.
😀 I have to take the time to write the review. It was my very entertaining entertainment for two afternoons while I worked last week (Kindle text to speech). You have another 5* coming. 🙂 Wonderful book.
I’m SO glad to hear you enjoyed the book!!! Thank you very much, reviews are always welcome of course…but mainly i’m happy you liked it 🙂
I appreciate the comments as always and i’m glad you all like Kamin and Nima…I really enjoy these two (but of course *I’m* the author LOL). Each of them is out of their comfort zone and neither has ever met a man or woman like the other (for various reasons that would be a little spoiler-y) and so they are having to figure it out and take some risks. Next week I’ll probably skip ahead to Nima’s ultimate answer. Learned my lesson last week, not going to talk about a baby camel EVER again, unless I have a photo.
Each week I become more and more intrigued by your wonderful characters. Another fabulous snippet.
This feels like such an earnest interaction… Two very strong characters coming together and being honest with each other. It’s wonderful 🙂
And the fence is mended between the two. A very realistic relationship, learn as you go. Good job Veronica.
The Murders of Polly Frisch
They sound like the kind of couple that CAN live without each other but they WON’T WANT TO. Great interaction, both strong.
Love that he’s being so open. Great 8!
Aw, he’s so sweet. I’m glad she acknowledged that she got mad, too. They’re honest with each other and that makes their relationship all the better. Great snippet, Veronica.