CONQUEST – Brenna Lyons

Kegin series
Phaze - www.phaze.com
ISBN: 1-59426-589-5
January 2007
Erotic Sci-Fi Romance – Short Story
Heat Rating: Nebula

Murvia – Li 10-130

Culdan, a Lengar Warlord, is trying to negotiate a trade agreement in Murvia -- a task that would be much easier if the Lord's daughter weren't intent on seducing him right under her father's nose.  Culdan and Maretta have been lovers for a while now, but Culdan is determined to seal the trade agreement before asking for permission to bond with her.  But when Maretta's brother finds them together, Culdan realizes that not only is the trade agreement in jeopardy, but their affair may bring war to their two countries.  Maretta offers the only option -- claim her as a right of Conquest.

Because Conquest involves taking a woman from her family and forcing her to carry an heir, this is not an acceptable practice to Lengar Warlords.  However, this may be the only way the Magden people and their Warlord will accept a union.  It must appear as if Culdan has taken Maretta in order to avert war with her father, and Maretta must conceive Culdan's heir -- two duties that aren't going to be that difficult.  But will Culdan be able to do that without giving his own people the impression that he is a barbarian?

Brenna Lyons takes readers back to the world of Kegin in CONQUEST.  Despite the differences in their cultures, Culdan and Maretta find love, but cannot avoid the dangers their love brings.  In order to stop Maretta's father from warring with the Lengars, Culdan will have to do something that his people see as rape and barbaric.

Secondary characters include Nelik, a warrior, and Ziri, a healer, who were raised with Culdan.  While there is a bit of a romance between these two, CONQUEST really focuses on the relationship between Culdan and Maretta.  An interesting short story, check out CONQUEST.

Jennifer Bishop