Page 58 of Captain's Companion

“Yes, in a bit,” he said kissing her forehead. “I need a cuddle.”

“Little Ulrik is not getting anywhere near the passageway until it’s settled,” she smirked.

“Little Ulrik was quite satisfied last night in your passageway,” Ulrik said. “But I think having this settled is an excellent idea.”

“I need to find a new job,” Gwyn said.

“You talked about publishing,” Ulrik said. “If the art is anything to go by, I’m betting the books are incredible.”

“I’ve submitted to several publishers but no go every time. They like my work, but it doesn’t fit, and you can fill in whatever excuse they give,” she said.

“But you could self-publish,” Ulrik said.

“You’ve been reading up on this,” Gwyn smiled and rewarded him with a kiss.

“I’m interested in more than just your passageway,” he said nibbling on her neck. “That’s all for little Ulrik.”

She giggled and sighed when he licked behind her ear. “Self-publishing isn’t easy. It costs credits and there’s no guarantee of a return.”

“But you still want to do it,” he said pulling back to search her eyes.

“Yes,” she said softly admitting her secret desire.

“How many do you have done,” he asked.

“Seven,” she said.

“Show me,” he asked.

“Are you sure,” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

She reached for her tablet. Her hands shook showing her nerves. “You’ll tell me if they’re awful, won’t you,” she asked before she opened the first one.

“I’ll be completely honest,” he said.

“There’s an early reader series,” she said. “I’ve got three done and ideas for several more.”

Ulrik flipped through the story. He laughed as he read the sweet story and took in her art. “These are incredible,” he said. “What great stories! What are the others?”

“These are meant for older,” she said opening the other books. “It’s a series of fantasy novels for children who are reading chapter length books.”

Ulrik read the first few pages. “Can I read these,” he asked.

“Really,” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “You’ve grabbed my attention and I want to see how things turn out.”

“I’ll send them to you,” she said.

“You should self-publish these,” he said. “What will it take?”

“Each book needs to be edited. I’ve got the covers and graphics down, but I want someone to read through to see if I have anything else wrong,” she said.

“I’ll give them all a read if you want,” he said.

“I don’t know how the books will be taken with me being a companion,” she said.

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