Book Title: Young King Arthur and the Round Table Knights
Author: Siryn Sueng
Publisher: Deep Hearts YA
Cover Artist: Ave
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Genre/s: Fantasy, M/M YA Romance
Trope/s: First Love, Arthurian Legend
Themes: Coming of Age, Knights
Length: 68,322 words/ 270 pages
This is book 1 of a planned series.
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Arthur grew up a peasant, but when he was fourteen, Excalibur chose him, and now as King Arthur, he must learn to play the game of royalty quickly … or suffer the consequences.
Blurb
There was no reason for Arthur to think he would ever become king.
A peasant and son of a baker, Arthur grew up in the castle town of Camelot. When he attended the choosing ceremony, it was merely to see who would draw the Holy Sword, Excalibur – to see who would inherit the throne of the recently departed King Uther. He never expected the sword would choose him…
But it did.
Now, at the young age of fourteen, he has become King Arthur, and for all the power he has gained, he has made just as many enemies. Surrounded by the Knights of the Round Table, and led by the mysterious mage, Merlin, Arthur is grateful for his allies, though he would just as soon return to his old life. Surely, someone more worthy should be chosen as king.
Arthur is in the middle of chaos, a world where everyone wants more than they let on, where many hate the idea of a young boy with no noble background being crowned king; where cold stares and whispered words are just as sharp as an assassin’s blade.
As Arthur fends for his life, he must draw on the strength of his knights, especially fifteen-year-old Mordred, who becomes closer to him than the mere bounds of duty. He must become king, not just in name, but in his heart.
And he must do it quickly, because his enemies want more than just his crown…
We left the castle and crossed from the tree-lined grounds into the gardens. The smells of the flowers permeated my senses. I took a deep breath. The scents calmed some of my nerves.
Ahead of us on the other side of the castle grounds stood the Knights’ Tower, where they all resided. The tower was imposing, dark in color, and vines crawled up the sides of the rocks. Windows lined the entire building, spiraling up to the top. Elias led me to the tower’s set of wooden doors and bowed to me.
“This is as far as I can go, Your Majesty.”
My heart clenched and ice shot through my chest. I was going to be alone with the knights. Terror flooded me and I began to tremble. Elias touched my arm again. I focused on him. He smiled and the gentle look helped me relax.
“You will be just fine, my lord. They might be rough around the edges, but they’re loyal and actually very nice.”
“Okay. I’ll be just fine. Thank you, Elias. I’ll see you later.”
He bowed and left me standing in front of the doors. I contemplated leaving and hiding in the library. I turned and took a step forward—right into a warm body. With a startled gasp, I stumbled back and bowed forward as I squeaked, “Forgive me! I didn’t see you there! I’m sorry I ran into you!”
The one who I had run into snickered and I recognized that tone well. I looked up to see Merlin smirking at me. My heart fell like it had become a lump of lead. I stared at him as he laughed at me. I could feel a hot blush creeping across my face.
“My, my. You’re a King now, my lord. You don’t bow to anyone. So, what is it that has you cowering before the Knights’ Tower? Are you intimidated by them?” Merlin seemed a little more welcoming, but I still didn’t like the look on his face. It seemed like he was scrutinizing me beneath his outward demeanor.
I turned back to the double doors and swallowed dryly. “They won’t approve of me.”
“Not everyone will. But that’s what it means to be king. No one is loved on their first day on the throne. Everyone questions the new crown; that is simply how it is. It takes time to earn trust and loyalty. You will earn it. But…if you do nothing, then you will have nothing.”
His words shook me. The mage was right. I understood then why he was the advisor to the King of Camelot. He knew what he was talking about. Despite being condescending at times, he was truly helpful.
“I can’t avoid everything, and why should I? Thank you, Merlin.”
He bowed to me. “Of course, Your Majesty. It’s what I’m here for. So, shall we?”
“Yes.”
I turned around and pulled the door open. Inside were long tables with equally long benches, one bearing food and drink. A fireplace ran the full length of the wall to my right. Fire crackled and blazed across large logs from one end to the other. Chairs with cushions were situated at various spots near the fireplace. To the left, a staircase led up to the levels above.
I stepped inside and was met by six knights who stood or sat within the room. They were dressed for war, but they were wearing light pieces to cover some parts of their bodies, mostly chainmail under the bright colors of cloth that they wore.
I stood in silence as they all watched me. Merlin was next to me, arms crossed as he waited too.
The first one to speak was Lancelot. He gave me a kind, warm greeting. “Good morning, Your Majesty. Thank you for coming. Shall I give introductions?”
I gestured for him to do so, my throat too tight for words. I knew them all. They were famous, especially in the castle town. But I couldn’t say that, and I didn’t want to either. The last thing I needed was to sound like a spoiled, arrogant brat.
Siryn Sueng is a writer of fantasy, paranormal, and even Sci-Fi genres. She’s married to a wonderful husband with a minion of two years. They have a full house with three adorable fur babies, Anubis -the mighty cat hunter- Kida -the momma bear- and Mishka -the loveable husky-.
Siryn is a lover of games on a wide range of platforms. She plays on the PC, console, and hand-held devices including the phone. Japan is where she would love to visit sometime and is a huge inspiration to many of her projects. She’s a huge fan of Japan, including manga and anime. Siryn has even begun to dabble in comic/manga script writing. Future works in this will be posted on WebToon.
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