WHO LURKS BEHIND THE MASK? ...

Thousands of torches dot the winding hillside road. Their light dances on this inky, starlit night as an endless parade of horse drawn carriages glitter from feathered plumes, waving in the casual breeze. The queue moves slowly, and as each carriage pulls up to the medieval arched entry, masked strangers step out and climb the cobbled steps, entering into the gleaming marble hall.

Banners from nine different provinces flow from guilt poles, forming a colorful welcome to each royal guest.

Upstairs in the farthest corner of the castle, a jeweled crown is woven into the golden locks of a young woman. Her heart patters as she steps in front of the looking glass. Two hand maidens finish lacing up the back of her gown.

"You look beautiful your highness," stutters the youngest of the two. Emerald eyes flash from the reflection and into the servant's widened brown eyes. 

She nods. "Thank you, Arabella."

Trumpets echo throughout the massive halls and shivers race through Princess Zoe's body. She squares her shoulders and stretches to her full height. "It is time for me to meet my future husband." 

Arabella rushes to the princess's side and hands her a glittering mask. She bows. Princess Zoe gently takes it by the handle and steps toward her destiny.

One last carriage inches its way to the front. The footman opens the door and a booted leg hits the cobbled stone with a heavy click. He straightens to his considerable height and adjusts his metal mask dusted with fine marquisites. 

He jets up the stairs and into the grand hall. Hundreds of guests congregate at the base of a massive, multi-storied stair case as twenty or so trumpeters toot another announcement. He stops and stares at the top of the landing, his view unobstructed. 

A sentry calls out, "Her royal highness, Princess Zoe!" 

Princess Zoe turns her head to one side of the crowd, smiling at her guests. As she pivots her neck in the opposite direction, she rests her eyes on the one man who stands head and shoulders above the crowd. A breath escapes her. She composes herself and glides down the staircase like a breeze over a wheat field.

She greets each one of the eight princes with a polite air. And continues to the ninth. The remaining guests part as she steps toward the mysterious man who watches her every movement. A stoic figure, carved in granite. Flickering torchlight illuminates his hazel eyes as she stops before him. He bows. 

"Princess Zoe." His lyrical baritone voice sends electric shock waves through her body.  

"And your name, Sire"

He remains silent and extends his arm.

Another breath escapes her...

Why all the mystery?

What does he have to hide?

The Mystery Prince

by

Mary Waibel

Will Princess Zoe find her true love with this mysterious prince?

Or will his secret tear them apart?

A magical device may be their only chance...


First, I must say this is one of the most beautiful covers I have seen. And the mysterious circumstances of this premise has certainly peeked my interest! Let me be the first to congratulate Mary. She is an amazing writer and I know her newest novella will be a big hit! 

ALL the best MARY!

Please drop by Mary's site and wish her well. And snap up a copy of this book. I know I will...

Buy Link:

You can find Mary Waibel at:

http://marywaibel.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/authormarywaibel

https://twitter.com/mewtweety14

Thanks for dropping by today everyone. I hope you enjoyed my newest intro....

Have a great day everyone.