Emissary of the Hidden, Book 2 in the Bonded Realms Series
November 11, 2024, from Edwards and Williams
Trained as an emissary of the court, can her destiny lie hidden in the wildwood?
Like her illustrious parents, Lady Elloni Lutel was trained to serve the monarchy as emissary to friend and foe, even to refusing offers for her hand from very eligible princes. But being tasked to live among the ancient race dwelling in the depths of the wildwood just so she can ferret out the secrets of the new seer who has arisen? That might be beyond even her considerable powers of persuasion.
Bay Randene, Khan of the Falling Waters, finds the posturing of their new allies amusing. Born with the ability to sense emotions, he knows when people lie to him, but even he cannot understand why he must entertain this beautiful Stranger in his mountain camp. Faced with the choice of marrying or giving up his position as leader, Bay has been searching for a bride among his own people. But Elloni's wit and intelligence call to him, and something more stirs within her that only he seems to be able to sense.
Elloni feels it too. Only Bay and his people can wield the mystical gifts, yet she has an ability she never dreamed possible. As others seek to kidnap her and weaken the new agreement between her people and his, she and Bay must work together to uncover the culprit. With danger marching closer every day, embracing their gifts and each other may be the only way to survive.
Tropes: city girl/country boy, from different worlds, fish out of water, pulled out of your life, forced proximity, spunky heroine, brooding hero, found family, coming into her power, true love
Reviews
- "The relationship between the two is compelling, and the journey they take together kept me hooked. I highly recommend this book and confidently give it a 5-star rating." M Cris Hoxie Reviews
- "Emissary of the Hidden was another exciting addition to Regan Allen's Bonded Realms series. I loved the romance between Bay and Elloni and watching as they navigated the tricky path to their happily ever after." Kathy Andrico, Kathy's Reading Corner
- "An enchanting adventure filled with romance, suspense, and a captivating world that will leave you anxiously awaiting the next books in the series. If you're looking for a new favorite book, I highly recommend picking up this series, so far they've all been fantastic!" Hott Book Reviews
- "Regan Allen is a new favorite for me. The characters have a 3D quality--like I could peel them off of the page and sit them down beside me." Susan Marlene, Author
A Little Taste
Out on the meadow, Savera raised her head as Elloni approached, then cantered to meet her. The kryal bumped Elloni with her nose, nearly knocking her from her feet. Elloni stroked the silver-gray hair. "She wants to run." The longing pulsed inside her like a second heartbeat.
Bay laughed as Majja ambled up to him. "They all love to run. I know a place. First, we must find a way for you to mount."
She'd rarely ridden at home. When she'd borrowed a horse from her aunt's stable, a groom or attendant had been available to assist, or a gentleman might be eager to do the honors for her. Elloni batted her lashes at him. "You could just lift me up."
He closed the distance between them, and she caught her breath. He hadn't bound his hair, and it sprang out like a storm cloud around his face, wisps brushing cheeks she longed to touch. He bent his head. "I could lift you, but I might find it difficult to let go." He ran a thumb down her cheek as if he too had the same longing.
"I might not mind," she murmured.
He chuckled, but he straightened, breaking the moment. "You need to know how to mount if I'm not around." He tilted his head, and she followed him to where a boulder stuck up on one side of the meadow.
"You don't climb up on boulders," she complained, scrambling onto the top.
"You have farther to go," he pointed out. He whistled, and Majja joined them. Bay leaped effortlessly onto the ebony back and slung his leg over.
He had a point. Even with practice, she doubted she could jump that high or land that accurately.
As it was, only with Savera bending a knee could Elloni clamber up onto the broad back, and even then, her legs stuck out on either side like a toddler straddling a chair.
"I look ridiculous," she lamented.
"No one would call a kryal rider ridiculous," he promised. "Not even your people. They will be too jealous that you have one."
There was that. She stroked the silvery neck and felt a shiver of pleasure go through Savera. "Then you'll let me take her with me when I go home?"
He sobered. "I will consider it."
That's what he'd told his tribal elders about marrying, and Elloni had a feeling the answer in both cases would be no.
Connected Books
Emissary of the Hidden is the second book in the Bonded Realms series. The others include
- Seer of the Wildwood, Book 1
- Huntress of the Citadel, Book 3
- Singer of the Dawn, Book 4
You can read the prequel, Princess of the Shadows, by signing up for my newsletter.