Cover reveal and excerpt: 'The Seahorse Legacy' by Serena Chase

HEA is thrilled to unveil the new cover of The Seahorse Legacy, book three in the Eyes of E'veria series by HEA contributor Serena Chase. And bonus: We also get to share an excerpt. (To see a larger version of the cover, click on the blue arrow in the lower right corner of the image.)

First, here's the blurb about the book (courtesy of Candent Gate):

A Pirate, bound by a centuries-old oath

As Keeper of the Seahorse Legacy, Cazien de Pollis is a King among pirates, divinely appointed to dispense justice on the seas. Bound by the sacred oath of a long-dead ancestor, he must fulfill a contract to wed the green-eyed Oracle's Daughter named therein—or risk losing everything he and his people hold dear. But at nineteen, with the identity of his betrothed only recently revealed, Cazien resents the contract—and the urgency within him to see it satisfied.

A Knight, determined to prove her calling

Erielle de Gladiel returned from the quest for the Remedy, changed. Not only are her formerly-blue eyes now a brilliant shade of green, but she must don gloves to hide inky evidence that her prophetically-bestowed title, the Oracle's Daughter, demands more from her than the task already completed. Erielle's dearest-held dream is realized when she is knighted by her King, but unbeknownst to her, that very honor jeopardizes the prophesied purpose to which she and Cazien have been called.

A Legacy, demanding surrender

Just as Cazien summons the courage to collect his bride, dark rumors and darker deeds crawl up the coasts, calling its guardians, the Seahorse Pirates, into action—and Cazien away from Erielle. But even though the Oracle's Daughter knows nothing of the contract to which she has been consigned, Cazien's enemies have somehow learned of his interest in Erielle. And if they reach her before his ancestor's weighty oath is executed, the Seahorse Legacy will be forfeited . . . and darkness will be given reign.

The third book in this series-within-a series, The Seahorse Legacy begins an epic tale of piracy, adventure, and romance. Giving subtle nods to several fairy tales, including an unexpected twist to the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this romantic adventure will conclude in Eyes of E'veria, Book 4: The Sunken Realm, coming late Summer 2015.

EXCERPT

Cazien drained another goblet of punch. It was almost painful watching that knight dance with Erielle. Could the fellow even hear the music? From all appearances, it would seem he—ho! Had the sot nearly caused her to fall?

Enough. He set down his goblet and strode toward them. He tapped on Sir Dugan's shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?"

"I do."

"Such manners! What will my cousin Rynnaia say when she learns of your lapse?"

"It is not me whose manners are suspect, Captain."

"No, I suppose not. It is your inability to count that I find particularly appalling." He flourished his hand. "My lady?"

"Thank you for the dance, Sir Dugan," she said. "But I fear if I do not take the pirate's hand, he will cause a scene, and I do not wish to be at the center of any embarrassment suffered by the Ryn or my brother because of it."

"Understood." Scowling, Sir Dugan placed her hand in Cazien's. He bowed. "As always, Lady Erielle, a pleasure."

She curtsied and the knight stalked away. She placed her hand in Cazien's. "It's about time," she muttered.

But was that a little shiver when he put his other hand at her waist?

"Indeed," Cazien said. "It is precisely about time. That poor lout has no sense of it. Will your feet recover?"

"Sir Dugan cannot be faulted in that his steps were precise."

"Precise? Is that what you call it, love?" Cazien laughed and pulled her into the circle of swirling couples. "I believe his particular brand of precision might be tailored better toward marching you to certain death than the sublime bliss of a dance."

Erielle pressed her lips together, but a bright, cool sensation flooded through him when, only a few breaths later, she giggled.

"He really is a horrible dancer," she whispered. "Thank you for rescuing me. Again."

"As ever I shall, Oracle's Daughter. As ever I shall."

Her smile fell. "Why did you call me that?"

"Because that is who you are." This was it. This was his chance. "Erielle, we need to talk. There are some things you need to know about how you and I are—"

What now? Cazien turned when a hand rested, quite heavily, on his shoulder.

"I have not yet danced with my sister," Julien said. "Thank you, Captain, but I believe I will be cutting in now."

Really? Now? "I think . . . no."

"No?" A silent growl underscored the question with a threat.

Were there not a crowd, Cazien thought, I would be tempted to knock that stiff-jawed look right off the big Bear-man's face.

"No indeed. I find your sister's company most distracting, and while I thank you for exercising patience in waiting for the next tune, I do not find myself at all inclined to give up my turn quite yet." He turned back to Erielle, whose eyes had widened considerably.

"Lord Roeg's enthusiasm for dancing with my sister has combined with your resemblance to him to put Erielle's reputation at risk. Were we at sea, or on the isle you rule, I would not gainsay your claim, but we are not. This is E'veria, and you will yield to me in this matter."

Cazien sighed. Julien was stubborn. But knowing Roeg—and knowing Luce's fondness for gossip and scandal—he was also likely correct in his assumption.

"In that case, granted you are better acquainted with combining the movement of feet to music than that knight of yours, I will yield. For now."

Julien ground his teeth.

Cazien lifted Erielle's hand and brushed his lips across her ... glove? How had he not noticed she was wearing gloves?

"Until we meet again, my lady." He bowed and placed her hand into that of her brother, another chance at fulfilling a piece of the Legacy Oath gone.

Find out more about Serena and her books at www.serenachase.com.