A Kingdom in Jeopardy
An evil queen and her royal guards will stop at nothing to find—and kill—the rightful heir to the throne of Judah. When their pursuit leads them to Mira’s village, only her father’s bond servant, Ari, a man shrouded in secrets, can keep Mira safe.
Abandoning his life as a temple guard and becoming an indentured servant was the only way Ari could protect young Joash, the true King of Judah, from Queen Athaliah. But his sacred duty prevents him from confessing his feelings for his master’s daughter. With the future of their nation on the line, Ari and Mira will risk everything to save their people.
“You should not be here alone.”
Mira turned, her lips tight, gaze guarded. “Who are you to tell me such?”
“A servant looking after his master’s interest.”
“I am a grown woman, able to care for myself. Just because I am maimed,” she bit out, “does not mean I’m helpless.”
Ari dropped his hands to his sides. “I did not mean—”
“Did you not? You are forever following me around. You would think Father bonded you to be my nurse.”
“I only think to repay your kindness for tending my wounds when I first arrived.”
“For seven years?” She sighed and walked farther down the lane.
Ari grabbed her arm, turning her back to him. Her cheeks flushed. He released her and stepped back. “If not for you, I would have died. I would not have you meet the same fate.” He tilted his head toward the guards.
Mira turned. Her hair brushed over his forearm, and the fragrance of henna blossoms tickled his nose. How had he not noticed this before? Odd, one touch after all these years and he was suddenly aware of how lovely she smelled.
CHRISTINA RICH
is a full-time housewife and mother. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. She loves Jesus, history, researching her ancestry, fishing, reading and of course, writing romances woven with God’s grace, mercy and truth.
You can find more about her at www.authorchristinarich.com.
The Guardian’s Promise
Christina Rich
For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
—Hosea 6:6
All glory and honor goes to the One who gifted me with the desires of my heart, the One who heard my prayers, the One who blessed me with this story as I sat in church listening to His word. Thank you, Jehovah Nissi.
Contents
Chapter One
Near En Gedi, Judah
835 BC
Ari’s heart hammered in his chest as the horses thundered toward the groves. Instinct had him reaching for where his sword should have been, a sword he had discarded years ago when he’d traded his life of a warrior for that of a bond servant. He’d been a fool to leave his weapons hidden away when danger lurked close at hand, but he could not very well play the servant dressed as a soldier.
It would do no good to dwell on this lack of foresight,