Fighting for honour and for love
In this powerful new duet by Michelle Willingham step back in time to medieval Ireland, where proud men were willing to die for honour and for the ones they lovedâalthough not without a fight!
Fans of The MacEgan Brothers mini-series will meet some familiar faces along the way, but prepare to have your hearts captured by two new fierce warriors!
Meet Killian MacDubh in
Warrior of Ice available now
and look for
Warrior of Fire coming soon
Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favourite fairytales. In Warrior of Ice I wanted to twist the tale by having a hero with a handsome face but the tormented soul of a beast and the heroine a scarred face but the heart of a beauty.
I was also very inspired by the character of Jon Snow from Game of Thrones in this story, and I wanted to write a tale where the bastard hero becomes the king he was meant to be. I hope youâll enjoy the love story of Killian and Taryn as they learn to look beyond appearances. Also look for the sequel to this book, Warrior of Fire, which tells the story of Carice Faoilin, Killianâs âadoptedâ sister.
If youâd like me to email you when I have a new book out, please visit my website at michellewillingham.com to sign up for my newsletter. You can also learn more about my other historical romances and see photos of my trips to Ireland.
Chapter One
Irelandâ1172
His sister was going to die.
Killian MacDubh could see it, even if everyone around him was in denial. Though Carice was still the most beautiful woman in Ãireann, her body was fragile. She left her bed rarely, and when she did, she often had to be carried back. Her illness had struck hard, several years ago, and sheâd wasted away ever since. This evening, she had sent word that she needed to speak with him, but he did not know why.
Outside, the rain pounded against the mud, but another storm brewed inside Killian. There was a restless anticipation within him, as if an invisible threat hung over all of them. He couldnât place it, but all day, heâd been pacing.
His tunic and leggings were soaked through, and he stood at the back of the Great Chamber. The moment he stepped inside, Brian Faoilinâs face was grim with distaste, as if a stray dog had wandered into his house. The chieftain loathed the very air Killian breathed. Though heâd allowed Iona to keep the bastard son sheâd brought with her, Brian had forced both of them to live among the fuidir. All his life, Killian had slept among the dogs and dined upon scraps from the table. He was forbidden to possess any rights of the tribe or own any land. It should have taught him his place. Instead, it had fed his resentment, making him vow that one day, no man would call him slave. He hungered for a life where others would look upon him with respect instead of disdain.
Heâd spent time training among the finest warriors in Ãireann, intending to leave the tribe and become a mercenary. Better to lead a nomadic life on his own terms than to live like this. But then Carice had fallen ill. Heâd delayed his plans to leave, for her sake, after sheâd begged him not to go. Were it not for her, heâd have disappeared long ago. She was the only family he had left, and he knew her life was slipping away. For that reason, he had sworn to remain with her until the end.
The chieftain leaned over to one of the guards, undoubtedly giving the order to throw Killian out. Within moments, his friend Seorse crossed the Great Chamber, regret upon his face. âYou know you cannot come inside without orders, Killian.â
âOf course not.â He was supposed to remain outside in the pouring rain, amid the mud and the animal dung. Brian refused to let him be a part of their tribeânot in any way. He was expected to work in the stables, obeying all commands given to him.
This time, Killian crossed his arms and stood his ground. âWill you be the one to throw me out?â His voice held the edge of ice, for he was weary of being treated like the bastard he was. Frustration clenched in his gut, and he didnât move.
âDonât start a fight,â Seorse warned. âTake shelter in the tower if you must, but donât cause more trouble. Iâll bring you food later.â