CHARACTER INTERVIEW
It was raining yesterday. More like pouring—for two days in a row. Thunder, lightning, ya know, your all around freakish Florida storm. But I wasn’t complaining, at least it was warm. I was working, writing the second installment in my Witches Of the Bayou series when I felt a little stumped on one of my scenes. I decided to take a break. As I stared out of my window, the strangest thing happened. My flowers, heavy with rain, were rising. My lawn, which is far from perfect, was turning carpet like with the most magnificent color green I’d ever seen. The sun broke through the darkened sky and seemed to shine its brilliance directly on my house. I jumped up and quickly went to my front door, throwing it open. Could it be? I watched as gardenia’s burst from their buds, blooming to full capacity in seconds, their heavenly fragrance so strong I could smell it rush into my home on a soft spring breeze. I knew SHE was close. And the minute I thought about her, she appeared. She walked gracefully to my door, stopping just shy of the entrance. A slight smile pulled at her mouth as she waited to be invited inside. I was speechless as I motioned her in with my hand, unsure if I should bow or curtsy. My untidy home suddenly sparkled the minute she entered. Queen to the royals, Giselle Jareau Beaumont stood in my house.
“Your highness. Thank you for coming. Can I get you something—a drink perhaps?”
“No thank you Cherrie. I dropped by to answer the questions you have for me and of course to thank you for telling my story.”
“It was my honor. Will Julien be joining you today?”
“No. Not today. He’s been very busy.”
“Oh—okay.” I was a bit disappointed with her answer but, maybe another time. I pushed my hair away from my face, wishing I looked a little more presentable. I pointed to a comfortable chair and she had a seat. She was more beautiful than I imagined. I grabbed my laptop and pulled up the questionnaire.
“I know your time is precious so, I guess I’ll just start with the first question.” She nodded gracefully in agreement.
What’s it like to be queen to covens at such a young age?
At first, I was very scared. I had no formal training and I repelled my nature for as long as I can remember. But, as I came of age, like any witch, my powers could no longer be ignored. Something inside pulled at me. It was then I realized it was always there. And with Julien’s support, I let it flow, no longer afraid. Even though I am young in years, I feel older than my physical age.
Does your power scare you?
No. Not anymore. I never really embraced it before Julien came along but he made me see that it is a precious gift, my destiny. I am now able to embrace it, hone it and use it for good.
Seeing visions of evil warlocks or the future must be overwhelming. How do you handle the veil?
Mmm. Aside from the tenth power, the veil is my true calling—a gift I carry just as my father has. I can’t begin to explain the horrors the veil shows me but, now that I know how to use it and assist those in trouble, I consider it a gift.
Did you ever think you’d have a “normal family” and live in a house that adores you?
No. I always thought it was just a dream. I remember when I first saw Beaumont Plantation. At the time, the run down, decrepit sugar plantation looked as hopeless as I felt. That house and I bonded. It was where I was meant to be. I feel it. It feels it. The house responds like a living, breathing entity. As far as normal? Well, we are as far from normal as you can get but we make it work.
Your husband is a traveler, warrior of witches, how do you handle his time away from you and the family?
I hate it but we find the balance. Julien has a very important role and one I think is as vital as mine. He is organizing the travelers, immobilizing the armies and offering benefits to those travelers who wish to continue the fight. Evil will never disappear but with the help of covens all over the world, we can try to contain it.
What is your vision for the future of the covens?
I want peace. I want witches everywhere to belong, not feel as outcasts. I want free will. I want witches to marry whomever they please and not be expected to conform to the old ways. Slowly, I am trying to bring the covens into the twenty-first century.
Is there anything that scares you?
I have many fears—for Julien, for my daughter. But the worst one involves the human population. There are too many humans who possess a supernatural power and haven’t the first inclination how to use it. It can cause a human to turn, make a power grab sorta speak.
How many children do you want?
As many as I’m destined to have. Our next baby will be a boy.
When she smiled and placed her hand on her belly, I knew she was having another child sooner rather than later. I wanted her to stay. I wanted to ask her about the future of the covens, the warning that Natas, ruler of the underworld, will return and attempt to strike at the very heart of the covens. I wanted to ask her about the watchers. Were there more? As she stood to leave, my door slowly opened. Outside, spring was in full swing. Birds sang, squirrels played and flowers swayed as if they were laughing.
“Thank you Queen Giselle.”
“No. Thank you, Cherrie.”
“One more question?”
She stopped, turned to glance at me and nodded her head.
“What happens with Simon and Desiree? Does he find out her secret? Does she finally admit her love for him?”
She laughed, a sweet sound of amusement. “That’s three questions. I will say this, go back to your writing Cherrie. It will all be there.”
And then she was gone.
Without wasting a second, I rushed to my laptop, pulling up my manuscript. I read the new scene with bated breath. It was good. It was really good. And the answers were all there as if I’d written them myself.Thanks Queen Giselle. ABOUT THE BOOK
a Rafflecopter giveaway