All Lucas Tripp wants is good weather for the upcoming harvest, suitable matches for his six older sisters, a little money leftover at the end of the month, to never ever come within brushing distance of ascension to the throne, and more quality time with Alex. That’s not so much to ask for, right? Oh, and for his dog to listen to him. And for his cat to stop plotting against him. And for his mother to stop being disappointed in him. And for his sister Clara to someday forgive him for stealing Alex away from her. Not that Lucas did that!

When Clara’s new suitor suddenly disappears, Lucas is drawn into an adventure of a lifetime—kicking and screaming all the way. Magical beings traipsing through portals, missing princes, breaking and entering, suspicious magicians, and arsey cousins doesn’t really cover the rest of it, but give Lucas time; he’ll come up with more.

The Queen's Librarian is created by Carole Cummings, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author.

The Queen's Librarian

      Miss Emma was there, of course, apparently already having heard all about it, because she had a frothy cup of hot chocolate waiting for Clara and ushered her out of Lucas's grasp and into a chair as soon as they crossed the threshold. She didn't even purse her lips when Bramble followed them in and laid his giant head on Clara's knee, peering up at her with sad, sympathetic eyes as she petted one of his big floppy ears.


      "Clara," Lucas started right in, "I really think you're jumping to--"


      "Lucas." Clara's voice was so soft as to barely be heard, but it stopped Lucas immediately. She lifted her gaze slowly from Bramble to Lucas and set a swollen-eyed look on him so full of raw appeal that Lucas had to make a conscious effort not to start blubbing too. "I know you think I blame you for Alex." She reached out and set a hand over Lucas's when he flinched a little. "I don't." It was quiet and sincere. "I never have, actually."


Chapter 15