The Chosen Queen (47 page)

For Freya, however, who is new to the court, the enticing entertainments of the burgeoning Wessex city of London are far more intriguing than the political machinations which surround the
gathering. Enchanted by the wassails, evergreens and crowds of the Christmas celebrations, she and her friend Alodie see the Normans as more of an enticement than a danger.

Even in the daytime, the vast Christmas markets along the sprawling banks of Chelsea village offer endless delights – until a pickpocket cuts through their happiness and throws Freya into
the arms of an unlikely saviour. As the feasting and dancing begin, Freya finds herself falling for a man from the wrong side of the Narrow Sea and, with the help of a little mistletoe and wine,
1051 becomes a Christmas to remember . . .

‘You need not take England without me, Hari, because I will be your constant queen – there with you; there
for
you.’

Elizaveta is Princess of Kiev, but that doesn’t stop her chasing adventure. Defying convention, she rides the rapids of the Dneiper alongside her royal brothers and longs
to rule in her own right as a queen.

Elizaveta meets her match when the fearsome Viking warrior Harald Hardrada arrives at her father’s court seeking fame and fortune. He entrusts Elizaveta to be his treasure keeper, holding
the keys to his ever-growing wealth – and eventually to his heart.

Theirs is a fierce romance and the strength of their love binds them together as they travel across the vast seas to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. In 1066, their ambition carries them to
the Orkneys as they plan to invade England and claim the crown . . .

‘An absorbing and emotional debut novel’

Candis

‘A beautifully written multi-layered tale with a tremendously authentic sense of place and time . . . an epic feel . . . highly recommended’

Liz Loves Books

‘Gripping, intriguing, romantic’

Tracy Bloom, author of
No-one Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday

‘
The Chosen Queen
is an epic read . . . Rich plots, fascinating characters and detailed historical events’

Compelling Reads

‘A glorious, rich, epic story of love, friendship and sacrifice which will sweep you up and transport you to another time. I absolutely loved this and can’t wait
for the next book in the series’

Rachael Lucas, author of
Sealed With A Kiss
and
Coming Up Roses

‘Wonderful, mesmerizing storytelling that had me hooked from page one, keeping me engrossed throughout the entire novel and still left desperate for more’

Reviewed the Book

‘The story reaches a heart-rending climax. A must read. I loved it’

Freda Lightfoot, author of
The Amber Keeper

‘An atmospheric, vividly written book that took me on a fascinating journey into the past, so much so, that even after I finished the book, I am still wondering about the
characters and their world. I simply cannot wait for the next book. I am hooked!’

Shaz’s Book Blog

Joanna Courtney
has wanted to be a writer ever since she could read. As a child she was rarely seen without her head in a book. After spending endless hours
entertaining her siblings with made-up stories, it came as no surprise when Joanna pursued her passion for books during her time at Cambridge University – where she combined her love of
English and History by specializing in Medieval Literature.

Joanna continued to write through her first years of work and then, once married and living in Derbyshire, in the sparse hours available between raising four children. She has written over 200
stories and serials published in women’s magazines, some of which have been broadcast on BBC radio. Joanna has also won several fiction prizes and written and directed an award-winning play.
She teaches creative writing across the country and for the Open University.

Joanna is fascinated by defining moments in history, of which the Battle of Hastings is certainly one. The outcome of that momentous day is one of the big ‘what-ifs?’ of
England’s past and she has loved being able to immerse herself in the world of the Anglo-Saxons, Normans and Vikings whilst writing The Queen’s of the Conquest trilogy.

First published 2015 by Pan Books

This electronic edition published 2015 by Pan Books
an imprint of Pan Macmillan
20 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RR
Associated companies throughout the world
www.panmacmillan.com

ISBN 978-1-4472-8077-4

Copyright © Joanna Courtney 2015

The right of Joanna Courtney to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Pan Macmillan, does not have any control over, or any responsibility for, any author, or third party, websites referred to in or on this, book.

You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital,
optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be
liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

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