Meet John and Rowena, interesting characters from author Ashley York's The Saxon Bride. Let's take a peek at their interview.

Ashley: Welcome, John. It's so nice to meet you in person. Are you comfortable enough in all that chain mail? Would you like my assistance in removing some of it?

John: I'm fine. I'm a soldier, after all, this mail is for my protection in case I need to fight.

Ashley: Do you enjoy fighting then?

John: It's what I know how to do. I believe the king believes I am good at my duty.

Ashley Q: Yes, I heard that was so. He even gifted you with an earldom? And a bride?

John: True. True. Don't understand why he would, though. I've no need of property. It will only tie me down.

Ashley : And the bride?

John :...well, I've no need of a woman, really, and warm beds are a luxury a soldier cannot expect. I'm more at ease on the field of battle, with strategies that have worked well in the past and will in the future. I know what to expect and how to handle most situations.

Ashley: And a woman, then? No strategy there?

John : Hardly! There are willing wenches if my body demands one but a woman to coddle me? No. That is not for me. I don't need it—never have, never will.

Ashley : Oh, welcome, Rowena! So nice of you to join us.

Rowena: It is my pleasure, Ashley. (curtly) John.

John: (inhales deeply before continuing) Ah, may I present my wife...Lady Rowena. You look lovely today, Rowena.

Rowena: Thank you, my lord. So kind of you to notice me.

John: What do you mean by that? I can't help but notice you. You walk into a room and you're all I see.

Ashley : Is that how you truly feel, John?

John: What? No. I need to get back to the field. These Saxons are a brutal lot.

Rowena: I would beg to differ ! It is the Normans who are the brutal ones here. Forgive me for interrupting, Ashley.

Ashley : No problem, Rowena. Would you care to elaborate?

Rowena: Well—

John: No, you'd best not get into that. I need to settle the villagers. William will be here by Spring and he'll be expecting their obedience.

Rowena: (aghast) Obedience? My lord, you have much to learn about winning.

John: Strange that you say that since I have been involved with so much winning.  As a matter of fact, I don't believe I've ever been on the losing side.

Rowena: John, you found my people exhausted. It was not a fair fight.

John: They fought til the very end-a good showing. I wish only for peace now.

Rowena: As do I.

(Silence)

Ashley : So do you think you two can work out these differences?

Rowena: No

John: Yes

(Silence)

Ashley: Well, it was very nice to meet you both. Thank you for stopping by.

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About Ashley York:  Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Her newest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in The Norman Conquest Series.

When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband, three children, and three very spoiled animals.

http://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/

Available exclusively at Amazon:    The Saxon Bride        The Bruised Thistle