Turning a corner deep in thought I don’t notice anything until I see a shadow fall across my path and I almost smack right into her.

Sharon.

Apparently she hasn’t forgotten what I’d done to her and has been paying attention to when I would be released.  She looks rough.  Like the months since she left the home have been hard on her.  I notice her hand that I crushed is still damaged.  I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that an orphan’s hand wasn’t properly repaired.  My guilt doubles.  Triples.  She hides the hand underneath crossed arms when she sees me looking at it.  I look up into her face and open my mouth to say I’m sorry but I can see it will mean nothing to her and turn away, determined not to get into another physical altercation with her.

***

If you’re intrigued click The Girl Who Would Be King Chapters 13 - 16 or follow this link to my blog to read it online in full, or to download the first 16 Chapters in full.

And if you like what you read, don’t forget to visit the Kickstarter and pledge - only 13 days left to get the limited edition hardcover.

ALSO! If you're headed to SDCC this weekend keep a look out for Meredith McClaren - who in addition to generally being awesome and having cool stuff for you to buy will have free THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING postcards (like the above) to give away on Friday and Saturday.