BLOG TOUR: Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis (Excerpt & Giveaway)

The main gate to the royal seat was wide open, a gaping toothless mouth inviting prey. It was unsettling and it gave Ayo pause. He stood, half hidden by a large bush, staring at the dark hole of the entryway, shivering in apprehension. Was it a trap? Would he walk straight into the arms of death? After some time, he made a decision; there was no sound of any kind coming from the structure. A vision of the prince lying helpless and alone in his bed was the push he needed to risk it. He had to help his friend no matter how dangerous it might be.

 

Inside, darkness engulfed him, briefly alleviated by the soft glow of the moon as he crossed the inner courtyard into the wing where Yi’s quarters were located. For a moment he wished he had his magic back so he could light a torch, but quickly shook the idea off. No point in wishing for the impossible, better to focus on what could indeed be done instead. Thankfully he knew those hallways so well, he could have navigated them with his eyes closed. Memories of all those nights when he and the prince had sneaked out of the palace came storming in. He caught his breath, surprised by the powerful mixture of joy and pain embedded in that single memory. All those years, conspirators in so many adventures, most of which strictly forbidden by royal decree, and Ayo had never told Yi what was in his heart. With a sigh, he lurched forward, hoping he would have a chance to do it in the future.