Character Interview: Lirth

I realize I already posted something today, but I also had this blog post scheduled as part of a blog tour, so you get a treat: two blog posts in one day.

Today, we have a special guest. Our guest is Lirth, from Rachel Rossano’s book, The King of Anavrea. I haven’t read it yet, but I look forward to reading it. It sounds fascinating.

Introducing the book

A reluctant king, a blind queen, and a marriage that sparked a rebellion…

Ireic Theodoric, King of Anavrea, constantly battles with his council over who will run the country. When the council insists on a treaty with Sardmara, he agrees. However, the treaty quickly becomes an arranged marriage. Ireic offers up himself for the sake of Anavrea. But after he signs, no princess appears.

Lirth Parnan, only daughter of the king of Sardmara, survives alone in a cold, damp tower room. Baron Tor kidnapped her in an attempt to control her father. No one came to claim her. She suspects her father considers her flawed beyond use in his political games. After five years of waiting, her hope of rescue wanes with her health.

After Ireic fights his way into Lirth’s tower, he realizes the depths of her father’s deception. Instead of being an answer to his problems, Lirth creates new ones. The council will not accept her as queen, but Ireic has sworn an oath that he will marry her. His choice could cost him his throne, perhaps his life.

Introducing our special guest

And now for the interview with Lirth.

Me: How old were you when you went blind?

Lirth: I lost my sight when I was seven. While out riding with my brothers, I was thrown from my horse. For three days, I remained unconscious with a fever. When I finally woke, I could see nothing.

Me: What do you do in the tower?

L: Pace, think, sing, talk to myself and the Kurios, sleep, listen to the men guarding me, listen to the sounds outside my window, whatever I can think of to keep me from losing my mind to boredom.

Me: Do you have any hobbies?

L: Before I was kidnapped, I indulged in many past times like music, listening to books read out loud, stitching, walking in the gardens, riding out with my brothers (when they visited), and rambling the countryside with my dogs.

Me: If you could do one thing with your life, what would it be?

L: I would seek to glorify my Savior, the Kurios. Whether it is as a Queen or a pauper, my purpose is to glorify Him.

Me: If you could change one thing about you, what would you change?

L: My sight. It causes such hardship to those I love. My husband almost lost his kingdom because of it. My ability to serve as Queen is limited by it. Above all else, I wish I could see my husband. Having never known him or even seen a painting of him before I lost my sight, I am forced to depend on other’s descriptions, my memory of colors, and the “seeing” ability of my fingers.

Me: What is your favorite song?

L: Although my author says it couldn’t have possibly been around during my time, my favorite hymn is Speak Lord in the Stillness.

Me: Do you have a favorite food?

L:I love fresh fruit and vegetables. After years of cold and rotting food, anything fresh is a great treat. I also really appreciate warm and well-seasoned dishes. I missed those during my captivity.

Thanks for stopping by, Lirth!

Introducing the author

Rachel Rossano is a happily married mother of three children. She spends her days teaching, mothering, and keeping the chaos at bay. After the little ones are in bed, she immerses herself in the fantasy worlds of her books. Tales of romance, adventure, and virture set in a medieval fantasy world are her preference, but she also writes speculative fantasy and a bit of science fiction.