The Monster’s CaressA Seven Kingdoms Tale 8 S.E. Smith Acknowledgments I would like to thank my husband Steve for believing in me and being proud enough of me to give me the courage to follow my dream. I would also like to give a special thank you to my sister and best friend, Linda, who not only encouraged me to write, but who also read the manuscript. Also, to my other friends who believe in me: Julie, Jackie, Christel, Sally, Jolanda, Lisa, Laurelle, Debbie, and Narelle. The girls that keep me going! And a special thanks to Paul Heitsch, David Brenin, Samantha Cook, Suzanne Elise Freeman, PJ Ochlan, Vincent Fallow, L. Sophie Helbig, and Hope Newhouse—the outstanding voices behind my audiobooks! – S. E. Smith Fantasy Romance THE MONSTER’S CARESS SEVEN KINGDOMS TALE 8 Copyright © 2020 by S.E. Smith First E-Book Published September 2020 Cover Design by Melody Simmons ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission from the author. All characters, places, and events in this book are fictitious or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations are strictly coincidental. Summary: Tales of his grandfather’s amazing journey to another world leads a CIA agent on a quest to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious Seven Kingdoms and the enchanting Empress of the Monsters. ISBN: 9781952021480 (Paperback) ISBN: 9781952021473 (eBook) Fantasy Dragons & Mythical Creatures | Romance (love, explicit sexual content) | Action/Adventure | Contemporary | Paranormal (Shifters, Magic) | Multicultural Published by Montana Publishing, LLC & SE Smith of Florida Inc. www.sesmithfl.com Contents Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Epilogue Additional Books About the Author Synopsis CIA agent Asahi Tanaka grew up hearing tales from his grandfather about a mysterious realm where magic and monsters are real. His quest for answers takes him back to Yachats, Oregon, his childhood home. His personal investigation of a series of disappearances leads to a break in the case, and he finds himself in a strange but eerily familiar world. Nali, Empress of the Monsters, will do anything to protect the creatures under her care. When one of her fabled Sea Stags washes ashore grievously injured, she knows the last of the alien organisms that came to her world has made it to her kingdom. Her search for the alien leads to an unexpected discovery—another visitor, this one from Earth! A perilous journey to find the malevolent alien takes Nali and Asahi across the Isle of the Monsters, leading them to a discovery that changes their perceptions and makes them reexamine their place in the universe. Will the magic that sparks between these two warriors from different worlds be enough to destroy the threat, or will one have to be sacrificed to save not only the Seven Kingdoms but Earth as well? Internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith presents a new action-packed story full of adventure and romance. Brimming with her signature humor, vivid scenes, and beloved characters, this book is sure to be another fan favorite! Who’s Who in the Seven Kingdoms Tales The Seven Kingdoms Isle of the Elementals – created first King Ruger and Queen Adrina Can control earth, wind, fire, water, and sky. Their power diminishes slightly when they are off their isle. Goddess’s Gift: The Gem of Power. Isle of the Dragons – created second King Drago Controls the dragons. Goddess’s Gift: Dragon’s Heart. Isle of the Sea Serpent – created third King Orion Can control the Oceans and Sea Creatures. Goddess’s Gift: Eyes of the Sea Serpent. Isle of Magic – created fourth King Oray and Queen Magika Their magic is extremely powerful but diminishes slightly when they are off their island. Goddess’s Gift: The Orb of Eternal Light. Isle of the Monsters – created fifth for those too dangerous or rare to stay on the other Isles. Empress Nali receives glimpses of the future. Goddess’s Gift: The Goddess’s Mirror. Isle of the Giants – created sixth King Koorgan Giants can grow to massive sizes when threatened – but only if they are away from their isle. Goddess’s Gift: The Tree of Life. Isle of the Pirates – created last for outcasts from the other Isles The Pirate King Ashure Waves, Keeper of Lost Souls Collectors of all things fine. Fierce and smart, pirates roam the Isles trading, bargaining, and occasionally helping themselves to items of interest. Goddess’s Gift: The Cauldron of Spirits. Notable Quotes “It is how we deal with what we are given that defines who we are and who we are to become.” ~King Ashure Waves~ Prologue The Isle of the Monsters: Centuries Ago The tiny Rose Fairies fluttered with excitement. A portal had appeared near the old willow, and through it they could see a view of deep space before a graceful golden woman materialized in the opening. It was the Goddess! The fairies clung to the branches of the magnificent old willow tree, huddled behind the cover of its many leaves, and curiously peered down at her. The bravest of the slender green fairies flew closer as the woman knelt and gently placed a mound of colorful material on the ground. When the tiny fairy flitted back and forth, trying to get a better view, the golden woman looked up and smiled. “Watch over her,” the Goddess instructed in a melodic voice. “We will,” the fairy promised, landing on the ground next to the brightly colored bundle. The Goddess smiled. “What is your name?” she asked. “Rosewood, your Majesty,” the fairy replied with a tiny curtsy. “Thank you, Rosewood,” the Goddess acknowledged. Then she faded from view. Rosewood gaped at the empty space where the Goddess had been a moment ago. Then she flew up and landed on the bundle. She tittered when the creature wrapped inside moved. A chorus of gasps came from the gently swaying branches. “Be careful, Rosewood,” a fairy called out. “You don’t know what it is,” another cautioned. Rosewood impatiently waved the fairies’ concerns away.
