Lady Chantalle — Allie McCormack

Step into the world of Stonecrest through this collection of enchanting short stories following Lady Chantalle of Winsham, the King's Magistrate. These vignettes offer glimpses into her world, from presiding over dramatic court cases to serving mysterious - and potentially dangerous - clients in her guise as Madame Celeste at the Mystic Parlor.When the realm's most feared assassin leaves an orphaned baby in her care, Chantalle's life takes an unexpected turn. Through interconnected tales, we watch as she navigates the challenges of sudden motherhood while maintaining her duties as magistrate. Her adoption of baby Sarah brings both joy and danger, as she must protect her daughter from those who would claim her through deception.Each story reveals different facets of life in Stonecrest: King Kreighton's mischievous attempts at matchmaking, encounters with dangerous vampires, and the delicate balance of dispensing justice while maintaining political alliances. When she meets Griffin, a bondsman studying to be a healer, Chantalle recklessly confronts his cruel master. From tense courtroom dramas to tender moments with her adopted daughter, from outwitting corrupt guards to finding unexpected friendship in unlikely places, these stories paint a vivid picture of a unique heroine. With the support of her fierce warrior uncle, Lord Scarmon, and the occasionally exasperating King Kreighton, Chantalle creates her own definition of family in this richly detailed medieval fantasy world.Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with a touch of humor, magic, and heart, this collection offers a delightful introduction to the Legends of Shon-Dar series. Each tale stands alone while building a deeper understanding of Lady Chantalle's world, where justice, loyalty, and love intertwine in unexpected ways.