Elaine is thrown in the deep end and her life unravels before her eyes when the princess she serves dies in a tragic accident. All of a sudden, Elaine doesn't have a purpose. Alone and drifting, she realises the princess' death may not have been an accident at all, and things spiral even further into chaos. Can Elaine find herself in the midst of it all, or will she let the stream tug her into yet another life not of her choosing? And what of Raymond Dart, the king's chief investigator with a reputation for being the hardest, most intimidating man in the kingdom? Is the kindness he shows Elaine real or is he acting to get her to confess to a crime she did not commit? Elaine doesn't know what to believe and her life could be on the line if she misses a step. The Companion's Tale is one of The Wordmage's Tales, accompanying The Apprentice Storyteller. The apprentice has learned from master storyteller, Viola Alerion, and now he performs these classic tales from the Haldrian Empire in his own right.

Calathea's World is turned upside down one night when her country is invaded and her father murdered. Calathea and her sisters will be married off to the new king's closest supporters, to legitimise his rule. Her sisters resign themselves to their fate but Calathea will never give up. She starts sewing and formulates a plan of escape, but can she pull it off? Can she dupe her captors into believing she is a harmless woman they can ignore? And what of Azwan, the soldier she meets who shows her kindness and consideration when everyone else holds nothing but contempt for her? Can she really abuse his kindness and then leave? This novel is exclusively available to Astrid V.J.'s street team. All members of the street team receive a free ebook copy of the book. Two of three parts are available for free when you sign up for Astrid's newsletter.

It is dawn. One man stands upon a ladder, putting the final touches on his greatest work, smiling at the addition of a woman, huddled in a red cloak. With a flourish, he makes the last stroke of his brush and steps down to admire his masterpiece. The character he added draws the eye into the world of trees and hills. It is perfect and he knows his career is made. He glances around but the woman who inspired perfection isn't there. Only a folded red cloak rests on the rock where she sat earlier. Picking up the cold fabric, the artist sighs. He must find her because he knows his life, and his creativity, will never be complete without the mysterious woman's presence. But first, he must meet a duke and receive his reward for achieving the impossible. The Artist and His Muse is one of The Wordmage's Tales, accompanying The Apprentice Storyteller. The apprentice has learned from master storyteller, Viola Alerion, and now he performs these classic tales from the Haldrian Empire in his own right.

The count is dead and his daughter has inherited his debts. With her friends dwindling away and faced with losing her home, the new countess sets out to restore her family’s fortune and good name. Being plunged into poverty brings with it a whole host of new experiences that terrify the young countess, and she promises herself she’ll do anything to find financial freedom, but can she really do it alone? And what of the man she loves? Would he help her or reject her for the misfortunes that have befallen her? The Destitute Countess is one of The Wordmage's Tales accompanying The Apprentice Storyteller. The apprentice has learned from master storyteller, Viola Alerion, and now he performs these classic tales from the Haldrian Empire in his own right.

Silvana, crown princess of Oruna, is faced with a task that most would fail. She is ordered to accompany her mortal enemy, the man who tried to murder her father when she was seven years old. The imperial prince wants to tour her nation and Silvana is the only person of high enough station to do perform this task. Can she do this impossible task to keep her people safe? On a journey that brings painful memories with every step, Silvana must maintain appearances and keep her secrets safe from the imperial prince. Can she overcome her hate? Or will she succumb to the festering desire for vengeance that is threatening to make her as evil as the imperial prince she despises? Silvana’s Trial is one of The Wordmage's Tales accompanying The Apprentice Storyteller. The apprentice has learned from master storyteller, Viola Alerion, and now he performs these classic tales from the Haldrian Empire in his own right.