Hunter… Who is He?

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
This week is about Hunter. I haven’t introduced him yet in the story, but I did to a character forum with him. I got a good response to his conversation. So this week I want to give you a bit more insight on Hunter from my perspective. Hunter is my other protagonist. He holds a lot of the cards in this story. He does a few things throughout the series that really had me championing him despite Ivy’s rejection. So much so that I found myself wanting to write scenes from his perspective. There were a few instances where his voice was so loud that I would write what he was seeing instead of Ivy. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but his voice never really followed through the entire book. It was just in serious situations where he was really emotional over something. A lot of my favorite scenes with him come out during those moments. They are when I find the tidbits of information about him that bring us closer.
Because Hunter is from a different time period. A time where women weren’t as valued or respected I wanted to assuage that factor. Everything starts with the royals. If they people seem them treating women with respect it should trickle down. Well that’s how I feel it would be in my make believe world. Hunter’s world may feel and sound familiar. I wanted that to be the cause. I wanted you to almost feel like it was something from our history, but have that nagging in the back of your mind that keeps reminding you of all the reasons it couldn’t be. I wanted to created something that was relatable, but wasn’t.
Who is Hunter? Well, he is the prince in his world. Beside his father there is no one that can question him or put him to task. He is strong and resilient. When he chooses to love you he protects you. Sometimes that causes him to be over protective… if you were to ask Ivy. He has a tough exterior, but on the inside he craves understanding. He wants someone who will get passed that and see the loving aspect of him. For some reason it didn’t take me as long to figure him out. When I first wrote the scene with him and his father. I wondered at his feelings. I wanted to kind of feel him out. See why he didn’t want to marry Harmony. She’s pretty, smart, and friendly… but he was a shallow guy. He wanted more from the person he was going to spend the rest of his life with. The person that would rule his kingdom by his side when he took his reign. I could respect a guy like that.
I think if Harmony would have been able to look into his soul the way Ivy did. They would have been able to work. She couldn’t see the burden of the throne weighted on him. He didn’t want to be the one to fail the kingdom after so many successful reigns in his family. He was worried about so many things regarding that responsibility that you would have had to see that to get a good understanding of him. That tough exterior came from all the pressure he was under. Ivy saw that and encouraged him. She looked into his heart and saw his potential greatness if he would just believe in himself. I don’t know about you, but anyone who is able to do that for you is a keeper.
I know as the writer I shouldn’t have favorite characters… but if I did Hunter would be one. He’s easy to read (for the most part). He doesn’t give up easily when he sets his mind to something. These different facets of Hunter best describe him to me. That strong, charismatic man, who is also loving and patient.
The scene that best demonstrates who Hunter is to me, is later on in the book. It’s when he meets Ivy for the first time. He notices that she is hurt and takes charge. Within the span a mere minutes he has everything in order, and fits in time to reprimand Harmony for not seeing to her safety. Even though he has no responsibility to Ivy, he is still concerned for her health.

Upon hearing their arrival in the room, a young man with brown tousled hair, and a touch of stubble on his strong jaw. Stands up to greet them. He is tall, well-muscled, and very attractive.
Harmony walks over to him and curtsies, “so good to see you again your highness,” Harmony says.
“Same to you Lady McLain,” he replies in a husky voice as he bows and kisses her hand. “This must be the lady you wrote me about.” He says gazing at Ivy while speaking to Harmony. “Afternoon Madame, you may address me as Prince Owens. Tis a pleasure to meet you,” he says as he bows and kisses her hand as well.
Ivy curtsies before responding, “It’s nice to meet you, your majesty. My name is Ivyna Greene,” she says with her head down. “You can call me Ivy… That is if you want?” she stutters.
“It would bring me much joy,” he responds.
Ivy lowers her eyes and sits down in a chair next to Harmony.
“Come let us have some tea,” he says only making eye contact with Ivy.
“Miss Greene, how long have you and Lady McClain been acquainted?” Hunter says as he crosses his legs and leans back in his chair.
“Only a few days. Our meeting was unconventional from what Harmony tells me.” Ivy says looking over at Harmony.
“What were you doing before meeting Lady McClain?”
Ivy puts her cup down before responding. “The last thing I can remember before meeting Harmony is being sent to town with my sister Anna to buy groceries. We both knew our family wanted us out of the house so they could plan our 18th birthday party.”
“I have never lost my memory before, but I am sure it is rather frustrating.” Hunter says.
“It is, I can’t seem to remember no matter how hard I try.”
Hunter turns towards Harmony, “did you send for the physician? The knot on her temple doesn’t look good. It is probably the reason she can’t remember.”
“No, I uh forgot about that. Everything happened so quickly that I didn’t even think about it.”
“I will send for one straight away.” He says summoning the butler. “We don’t want our guest to become unconscious again.” Hunter says frowning at Harmony.
The butler comes in and Hunter has him send for the Royal physician.
“Thank you, your highness.” Ivy says looking at him over her cup.
He waves her gratitude away as he reaches toward the table to grab a miniature cake. Harmony watches the encounter between the two and gets a little roused up. Not pleased with their easy acquaintance

Chapter Five Excerpt One

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
I jumped a bit ahead with the sequences of the books to give you this scene. Since I am posting about Hunter this week I thought I should introduce him in the books. This is where we first meet him. He is very reserved and manly (not to be offensive) but that’s just how men where during this time period. There wasn’t much room for debate when they had a particular mindset already in place. I really enjoyed the discovery I found in this first scene with him. I realized that just because you are royalty you are just as bound to the people as they are to you. I think the fact that Hunter spends his morning pouring over the betrothed conditions demonstrates where his feeling are towards Harmony. This scene is pretty short. It just gives you a glimpse into his life. I hope it’s enough for you to see him like I do.

Chapter Four
Hunter Owens sat at the massive wood table in his father’s study, going over the betrothed conditions between his family and the McLain’s. As heir to the throne it was his duty to marry and continue the line. His father’s childhood friend had a daughter around the time he was born and they have been betrothed ever since. Hunter frowns at the piece of paper that determined his destiny before he even had a say in it.
“Your highness, your presence is requested by the king in his chambers,” his valet announces.
Hunter walks out of his father’s study, and heads down the hallway toward the Great Stairs. His parents’ wing is on the second level of the castle. He races up the stairs, before he turns the corner to their room he straightens his attire.
“I hope this is going to be quick. I have plenty of matters to attend to this day.”
He reaches their door and knocks three times a childhood notion he hasn’t broken out of yet. His mother opens the door. She has her long curly brown hair down, and is wearing a peach colored dress. She grabs his hand and leads him into the room. The room is decorated in dark reds, gold’s and white. The ceiling holds a large golden double layered chandelier. The borders of the room are painted gold around the white flowered walls. The red and gold curtains that match the pillows in the seats cover the large window in the room. Preventing the sunlight from glaring in. On the table in their sitting area is the remains of their breakfast.
“Come in my son. Your Father has news regarding Lord McLain and your betrothed.”
He sits down in the large gold framed chair near the white couch. Hunter turns his head at the slight change in the air. King Xavier has a way of making his presence known even before he announces it. Hunter stands up to greet him, and walks over to embrace him. Hunter looks very much like his father, with the same strong jaw and stubborn chin. Both are very tall and imposing men, and they hover over most of their peers. The king’s black hair is gray in some areas. His hazel eyes light up when he sees his wife remains in the room.
“Father, you look well.”
The king waves the greeting away, and sits down in his chair. “I have news my son! My old friend, Lord McLain will be gone for several weeks in seven days. He wishes to marry Harmony off by then.”
“What say you?” Hunter ask his tan cheeks darkening and his eyes turning a deeper blue. “Have you agreed to this change?”
King Xavier looks at him perplexed. “Yes! What difference does it make Hunter? Now or in several weeks. You will still marry her! ” He said leaving no room for discussion. “As prince it is your duty to marry–”
“And continue the line, I know this Father. It should be my choice in regards to whom I wish to marry. You did not take my wishes into consideration on this matter. I have told you I have no feelings for Harmony. Why can I not decide whom to marry on my own?” He asks as he stands.
The king stands as well, “We have talked about this Hunter. We cannot break the betroth, because of the indenture.”
“Why is that so? When I never agreed to it?” Hunter responds.
“I am king, and you will obey me,” The king says.
“I bid you good morrow,” Hunter says and storms out of their room.

Chapter Four Excerpt One

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

As I was trying to figure out what to post this week, besides updates I keep getting distracted. I have a ton of stuff going on writing wise and I wanted to start the year off right on this blog. I don’t know why you decide to subscribe to my blog, but I thank you. I am hear to give my books an audience and a voice. I want them to become your friend while I also build a relationship with you. I am going to try my hardest to post on here at least once a week. It might be on the same day every week, but it will happen. I am going to try and get more organized with this blog. I have several other book ideas floating around in my head. Thanks to my sister I have journals now to write them down in. I also am trying to get a job while helping my mom out at the restaurant. I just want you to know that I am dedicated to this blog, and making it into a success. I want to create something we both can be proud of and interested in.

Needless to say once I finally got myself together I thought what better way to start off this year with an excerpt from the book. That is why I am here after all. Like I have said previously my writing has changed a lot. I feel like it has matured and better something refined. It still needs work, but its getting to a good place. Well I will hold you no longer below is a short excerpt. It is the beginning of Chapter four. Ivy learns a lot about herself, and her family here. I hope you enjoy.

As the party whined down, most of their family members had returned home with younger cousins who fell asleep. Ivy walked off toward the garden and stood under the gazebo, thinking about her mother. Thanks mom for throwing the best birthday party ever. I wish you could have been here with me. Every time I smiled or laughed about something, I would look up. Wanting to share the moment with you. In the midst of her leaning against the gazebo to watch everyone cleaning up. Her grandmother comes and stands next to her. She wears a plain yellow dress that forms to her waist and flares out, her yellow sandals perfectly matching Tennessee’s sunflowers. She gently pats Ivy’s hand and smiles.

“I hope you had a good birthday Ivy. We need to go upstairs to my room to discuss things as I promised,” Lily says and they both leave to head upstairs.

Ivy stands in front of her grandmother’s door, waiting for her to take her key ring out. I always found it strange that she locked her door. Ivy can’t remember a time that she has actually gone into her grandmother’s room. As she opens the door, Ivy is assaulted by a scent uniquely Lily’s. It smells of fresh flowers, sunshine and chocolate chip cookies: her favorite guilty pleasure.

They walk in and there is a small sitting room with a couch and a table. She turns the light on and they enter her bedroom. Her bed is in the center of the room and there are two large windows on each side of the bed, because Lily loves sunlight. She walks over to her dresser and unlocks a small drawer; she pulls out a beautiful gold jewelry box and sets it on the dresser. Over her shoulder she beckons Ivy forward and tells her to sit on her bed.

“Ivy dear there are things that need to be told” She says shaking her head in regret. “I know that this is going to be difficult to understand but you must listen and focus,” Ivy nods her head and says okay.

Lily unlocks the jewelry box and sets it back in the dresser. From it she removes the most beautiful piece of jewelry Ivy has ever seen. Awestruck she just gazes at it trying to comprehend why her grandmother would give this to her.

“Ivy, our family is cursed. Centuries ago a woman, Haley fell in love with a man, Drake from another planet. This sort of thing is strictly forbidden between planets. Despite this rule they got married and had a baby girl. Her name was Smyrna which means forbidden love on his planet. That baby was born six generations ago. As punishment for their crimes Drake was banished, and Haley became very ill on the eve of her daughters eighteenth birthday. Before he left Drake made her this necklace and gave her his family’s mantle. The necklace combined with the mantle would take their daughter to a different dimension, to find this natural herb rarely grown, to heal her mom. Each day she was there her mother grew worst at home. That curse has been passed down to every first born daughter ever since. It is your turn now Ivy,” She says.

Ivy looks at her grandmother and her pale skin turns ash white, her green eyes get huge and she begins to shake. This can’t be right. Her hands are sweaty and she is frantic just from the thought of having such a task placed on her.

“Nana I can’t do this, I feel like David going up against Goliath. Why can’t Anna do this, she’s much more equipped for this task. We were trying to come up with a plan to go together.” Ivy says.

Lily grabs her hand “the necklace only works for the first born and the pure of heart. When you put it on you must have good intentions or it won’t work. You must allow your soul to operate in the fruits of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the things that will take you to the dimension and bring you home safely. You are much stronger than you know Ivy. Besides Anna cannot go with you.” she replies.

Lily pulls her up and places Ivy in the chair she was sitting in. She turns the chair around facing an empty wall near the window. She reaches around Ivy from behind with the necklace. She puts it on, and Ivy lifts up her hair so she can clasp it. Lily walks over to the wall and starts feeling around for something. Ivy hears a soft click and the wall opens, in the wall there is medium sized green box.

Lily pulls it out and the wall closes back on its own. She set’s the box on Ivy’s lap and motions for her to open it. She pulls the top off and removes the tissue paper from the box. Inside is a beautiful mantle resembling the necklace Ivy has on. The mantle is silver embroidered and has green vines intertwined around the entire cloak.

“Come Ivy there is much to tell you still” she says hurriedly.

Looking into her eyes she says “pay close attention to these instructions because if you forget one or skip a step your mother will die.” She grabs Ivy’s hands and pulls her directly in front of her. “Ivy you have seven days to find this herb. I cannot tell you what it’s called because it has different names in different dimensions. It has gray-green leaves, and large, showy, bright scarlet flowers. You must not cut the plant from the tree, pull it from the root. This necklace and mantle is the key to getting to the dimension you need, and back and must not be lost. Put the mantle on and recite these words.”

 

“Whosoever coverest thyself with light as a garment,

Will take this mantle upon thine self

To perform the task set before thee.”

 

         “The energy from your words will allow you to go through the portal for seven days. You will be transported to the Hall of Doors. Once you are in this room Ivy, you must think of what you need. The necklace will act as a guide to show you which door leads to the dimension you need to be in. The necklace won’t lead you to the herb, just the right dimension. Once you find the herb and are ready to return think of home and it will bring you back here,” she says.

Lily looks at Ivy and grabs her hands in hers. “Ivy you must go now time is ticking, you must return in seven days at midnight or you will be stuck in that dimension forever.”

She kisses Ivy on the cheek and, steps back with tears sliding down her cheek.

Ivy looks frantic and scared “can’t I say goodbye to everyone first Nana?”

“No sweetheart it makes it harder.”