Meena Mason’s Podcast

Chapter 19 - The Thief's Tale

Another challenging task under her belt, Kessa sits back to enjoy the spoils of her hard work. Believing her cleverness and generosity will provide a window through which she can crawl to improve her relationship with Aquestria, she finds reality is much crueler. Rumours, like leaves caught in a whirlpool, have been circulating, dampening the sisters' rapport. What happens when one of the rumours happens to be true?
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Chapter 19 Excerpt:
The sixteen-year-old blonde spy hummed to herself as she approached the city’s collection house. It was a medium-sized structure, constructed mostly of wattle and daub with embellishments of wood and stone. Several windows with decorative shutters lent the building an open air, though, upon close inspection, the thick, closed curtains on the inside detracted from this as did the gated door. Despite the quaint appearance, the building exuded a general impression of snobbery, avarice, and intolerance; perhaps its reputation was tainted by the attitudes of the tax clerks and collectors who worked there.
A shiver of discomfort running down her spine, Kessa entered and pulled the door closed behind her. She beheld six pairs of eyes settling on her like she was an ugly duckling.
Sliding his garish reading glasses down his nose, one of the tax clerks drawled, “How may I… help you?”

Chapter 20 - The Thief's Tale

*Spoilers Ahead*
Kessa struggles with the bombshell that her sister and Lord Fayne are dating. If she thought that news was devastating; the announcement of their engagement is nigh cataclysmic. Impetuously, Kessa craves a near death experience to help her cope. What she gets is a meeting with the king. What’s the difference, really?
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
Excerpt:
Rationalizing that Thomas had told her to downplay her aptitudes and skills around people she knew; Kessa discarded her emotional safeguards and exploded in a volatile tirade of complaints, accusations, and criticisms.
Sinking resignedly back into her chair, Aquestria tapped her fingernails on her mug, waiting for the finale which came abruptly when Kessa spun to see Malieous standing stolidly in the doorway, arms folded, near-black eyes penetrating. His presence cooled Kessa’s simmering like a block of ice.
Peering around Kessa, he commented, “I take it you’ve told her our news.”
Sidestepping the youngest Decora, Malieous went over to his fiancée, bent down, and gently kissed her just long enough to make Kessa huff and look away with revulsion. He whispered something in Aquestria’s ear that made her laugh like a tinkling of tiny bells. Kessa had never heard her laugh like that before. The ache returning tenfold, Kessa craved an exit, an escape… to anywhere.
Just as she turned to leave, Malieous cautioned matter-of-factly, “Miss Decora, trust me when I say, your affiliation with me will go much smoother if I never hear you speak to your sister that way again!”
“No affiliation at all will run the smoothest!” Kessa retorted, folding her arms defiantly.
Malieous’ eyebrow rose, the faint traces of a grin playing on his lips. “I’ll do my best.”

Chapter 21 - The Thief's Tale

If Anandrill Forest had wedding bells, they’d be peeling madly, and Kessa would be resentfully plugging her ears. Yes, the day she’s dreaded more than an empty stomach has finally arrived. Aquestria is about to become Lady Fayne, married to the infamous dungeon keeper, and Kessa’s bane. But, even on a unique day such as this, Kessa isn’t completely free of her devotion to Clandestine Services. Crime never pays, and it never stops. In the case of the latter, neither does Kessa.
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
Excerpt:
“Kessa Decora, your unique thread is vital to the fabric being patterned. Worry not, if another sits at the loom for a while - oft times our most creative tapestries are not woven by a single hand.”

Teaser for Chapter 10 of The Thief's Tale

This is the teaser for Chapter 10 of Meena Mason's, The Thief's Tale, audio book. 

Chapter 22 - The Thief's Tale

Ah, to be rivetted by the courageous deeds of Aquina’s Lord Aguilon whilst feasting at his dinner table. A capable storyteller, a handsome lord, adventures fraught with cunning and danger, delicious food: what more could company ask for? What more could Kessa ask for? Apparently, a good deal more.
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Excerpt: 
“Please, join us, Captain.” Pantheus pulled out a chair and called for the servant to bring an extra plate of food.
                “Thank you. I am feeling a wee bit peckish.”
                “You might want to tell Ri your news.” He winked adorably at her as he employed Carson’s nickname.
                “Oh, I will, my lord, after I’ve regaled the group with the details of your most impressive triumph over crime.” He grinned at Aquestria, and his vibrant green-eyes twinkled. “Steering the conversation away from his good deeds is Lord Aguilon’s specialty, but I will not be deterred.”
                “Carson-”
                “Oh, come now, Pantheus; indulge us. I swear the story will go no further than this room,” Aquestria assured him.
                Carson, noticing Pantheus’ defeated but acquiescent nod, delved into the story with as much enthusiasm as a fisherman casting his line for the first time.

Chapter 23 - The Thief's Tale

Wounded by Lord Aguilon’s perceived snub, Kessa decrees that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, and, in lieu of a bandage, pursues distractions powerful enough to keep her mind off him. Served up on a platter, in the form of a caged wagon, Augustus, the handsome rapscallion who nearly succeeded in robbing the town mint from under Pantheus’ nose, fits the bill. Talented, charming, and devious, he makes for a tantalizing diversion to be sure. But if she isn’t careful, he might end up giving Kessa a bit more than she bargained for.     
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Excerpt:
Augustus scooched against the back bars of his prison and ogled her cheekily. Try as she might to avert her glance, something about the criminal kept her baby blues returning to him. It wasn’t his rugged good looks complete with intelligent, brown eyes, straggly, auburn hair and matching goatee. Nor was it the fact that he was leanly muscled and garbed in a ripped tunic and pants that showcased this. Certainly, Kessa noticed these characteristics, but it was likely the roguish quality to his aura that drew her in the most. She’d always had a soft spot for deviants.    

Teaser for Chapter 11 of The Thief's Tale

Teaser for Chapter 11 of The Thief's Tale

Chapter 24 - The Thief's Tale

It’s a nice night for a daring rescue, at least, according to Augustus’ devout fan base. Flip the coin to the escort, and it’s a nice night to thwart a daring rescue. Which shall prevail? And is it really a win?
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Excerpt:
The volleys of fire arrows had ceased, and for several seconds, their flames flickering and Kessa sneaking about were the only things moving. Not for long. Several figures, darkly dressed and hooded, began funneling out of the trees surrounding the site. Loaded crossbows in their grasp, they trapsed cautiously toward the wagon, pausing uncertainly upon seeing Kessa leaning against it, her arms folded casually.

Chapter 25 - The Thief's Tale

Amberle Lestroy is in Cyrene’s dungeon, but King Casyius is not concerned with rewarding or even acknowledging Kessa. Not only that, he already has her next assignment lined up. Kessa, already feeling grimy from the king’s last request, now balks at his desire to literally toss her into the mire. She’ll have to wrestle her way out.
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
Excerpt:
Donning their hoods, they marched straight to the throne room where they found Casyius slouched in the throne, one leg casually draped over the arm and swinging with an air of impatience. They removed their hoods and bowed their heads.
                “Kitten!” he exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “You’re here… finally!”
                 “Forgive me for keeping you waiting, your highness,” Kessa curtsied.
                In hindsight, she probably should have skipped bathing. The thought of an audience with the king saturated in sweat hadn’t appealed to her, though. She doubted it would’ve appealed to him either. Stinky or late - she couldn’t win – a fact most people had come to terms with when it came to Casyius.
His high-pitched chortle was unsettling. “I won’t.” He replied to her plea for forgiveness in his silkiest voice while combing a hand through his equally silky hair. “But punitive measures later. How are you at mud wrestling?”

Chapter 26 - The Thief's Tale

Actually, excited about preparing for her next assignment, Kessa is ready for training. But when a wrench or two is thrown into the mix, she finds herself unbalanced and decides to rush headlong down a path she will come to regret.
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Excerpt:
Dr. Charlo Finesse opened her office door to see Kessa standing there ready for training.
After she’d exchanged salutations with her trainee, Charlo fished, “I see an unfamiliar fire behind your eyes today.”
That morning replaying speedily through her mind, Kessa shrugged. She felt irritable, regretful, enthusiastic, and hopeful all at the same time – a difficult mix to process. Nothing she wanted to share with her trainer, however.
Apparently, she didn’t need to, Charlo was perceptive and wise enough to deduce as much on her own. “Channel all that into the pit. It’s a great place to blow off steam…