The Prophecy – The Courting of Kingdoms Sneak Peek #2

Your second sneak peek is here, and it’s one that was months in the making.

I’m ecstatic and nervous to share this update with you, because it is integral to the plot, and I’ve changed it about 35 times! This is the most complex and rewarding book I’ve written so far.

The Courting of Kingdoms holds a prophecy at the center of its plot. This prophecy is the catalyst for our main character, Madeline, to be pulled into the crown’s competition to find the prince a wife. You may remember this book has some elements similar to books like The Selection Series by Kiera Cass, which also has ties to reality show love competitions like The Bachelor.

The lines related to the trials of love’s stead is what brings the crown to their decision to hold a contest like this, but multiple lines in the prophecy have more than one possible meaning. It creates some complexity in the romance blossoming between our characters, as well as the consequences of their decisions.

Before we get into the prophecy, you can now preorder The Courting of Kingdoms! It’s estimated release date is this fall, between October – December 2025. As the date gets closer, I’ll let you know more information.

The Prophecy, as told in the scrolls of the Queen:

No life sprouts forth,
nor death takes hold—
Unending youth Mirrors
the reign we’ve foretold.

'Twas a dreadful curse,
an Ageless Blight,
as the wheel halts
a millennia for respite.

While some may heal,
the rest will fester
with allies in their tomb.
This unfolding trickles blood
in the tapestry of wounds.

Befalling the trials
of love’s stead
The Summer Maiden
learns the truth of the dead
with the second-born prince
enthralled and newlywed.

Together they hold
two souls, two paths—
a curse lifted or restored.
Woven in dread
her heart
must be forged.

Entwined in stolen grief
their crowned lines may be,
for all and for each other,
for one loves the other
in a tale
of sight and gold.

When the dead rival the living,
it all comes to be
for it’s now or never
to bring upon the prophecy.

I may tweak a few words here or there in the final copy, but as a whole this is close to the final final! (I hope, this has been a journey.)

What do you think? Any theories so far?

I’ll also be working on what will be part of the website exclusive special edition version, so let me know if you have any requests. The special edition cover is shown below.

Tropes and themes in The Courting of Kingdoms by R. K. Sampson include:

Would the MC make the same choices if a prophecy wasn’t at play? That’s a big question and one I Madeline will think through in the story.

Until next time,
Rebecca