The Fight for a Bride
By Lindsay Below
We all face challenges in our lives. Love and romance can be especially grueling. How many of us have had to fight before gaining the love we coveted?
Natalia, from my historical romance novella Unveiling His Princess, faces this very problem. Although she’s been betrothed to Bennett since birth, she’s never met him. She’s always known that she would someday marry him, and she’s accepted that fact. But one day, when her stepsister steals her identity and travels to marry Bennett in her place, Natalia is forced into a battle for the love of her future husband -- and she doesn’t even know whether she wants it.
Nevertheless, she disguises herself and sneaks into his palace, posing as a scullery maid during the day while she tries to convince him of her identity at night. To make matters worse, her stepsister soon learns of her arrival and goes out of the way to make her life as a scullery maid absolutely wretched.
Does she succeed? Does Bennett learn of the truth of her identity in time? Unveiling His Princess is now available from Liquid Silver Books!
How many of you have had to struggle before earning your spouse or partner’s hand?
L. K. Below writes romance and speculative fiction. Under her full name, Lindsay Below, she publishes young adult novels. Visit her online at www.lbelow.net.
Thanks for having me, Ginger!
ReplyDeleteWell, this seems as good a place as any for me to air some dirty linen. I was in the middle of a nasty divorce but already head over heels for another woman. Actually, one of my college students. I know, I can just hear all the comments now. The infamous college professor and his favorite female student. I'd like to say it was not like that, but it was.
ReplyDeleteShe'd been a good friend and became my confidant when none of my fellow teachers would say anything to help me over the fact that I was losing my family.
Problem was, she had a boyfriend from her high school days, and he didn't want to let her go.
The whole thing blew out of control the night I decided to sit in with the pep band that played at our basketball games. Both my love and her bf were in the band. He knew she had fallen for me and challenged me on the spot. Needless to say, it was a problem. But that was the night when she had to declare herself for one of us and I won.
I married her four days after my divorce was final and we'll celebrate our 42nd anniversary next month. Oh yeah, I lost the job and had to give up what had been a most promising teaching career. What I gained was so much more; not the least being the joy of living with a kindred spirit.
Looking back, I realize I did some things wrong back then but, on balance, much good came from the 'fight of my life' for one I hold dear.
My thoughts on a cool January day.
Pat Dale
Dale, it sounds as though you definitely had a challenge earning your wife. I'm glad it worked out for you! Happy early anniversary! 42 years is quite an accomplishment. :)
ReplyDeleteIn one sense quite the reverse for me.
ReplyDeleteI walked into a bar one night after a 14-day stretch offshore performing a drilling job which took no more than half an hour. The rest of the time was 'cabin sickness' due to the weather making a return to land base impossible.
There she was. Three days later we became inseparable.
She walked out on me three days before our 25th anniversary,and four years later I still don't understand. But if she knocked on my door tonight I'd say "Welcome Home" with no questions or recriminations, and I'll FIGHT anyone who tries to stand between us ........
Paul, I'm sorry to hear that. It certainly sounds like a devastating experience.
ReplyDeleteMy father thought I could do better and when I showed him my engagement ring he said, "Give it back."
ReplyDeleteThe problem: My fiance was an introvert and rarely spoke, but when I showed up on his doorstep with a slap mark on my cheek, he went to face off with my Dad. That's all it took. He earned my father's respect and they got along well after that. I wish my Dad had lived to see that our marriage last thirty-two years. I would also love for him to see his grown grandsons and be as proud of them as I am. Oh...and I deserved the slap. I was very mouthy. *lol* Surprise, surprise.
This story certainly has some interesting twists, evil stepsister and all! Best of luck with it, Lindsay.
ReplyDeleteGinger - I can definitely see you being mouthy about that. I might do the same thing in your place! But it's good to hear it work out in the end :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, Pat for the well-wishes and for stopping by :)
Hi, Lindsay (and Ginger),
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story!
As for my personal situation - my husband had to fight for ME. Well, not physically, but he can be very stubborn. When we met, I was involved with three other men. I tried to get rid of my future DH, because my love life was complicated enough. He wasn't buying it! He stuck around, corresponded with me when I went back home (3000 miles away) and gave me support when my mom was dying... he just wouldn't give up.
Nearly thirty years later, I'm really glad he's such a stubborn guy!
Hugs,
Lisabet
Lisabet - he sounds like a great guy! I'm glad he was stubborn enough to change your mind :) Sounds like it was worth it!
ReplyDelete