Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

calls and stood waiting, arms outstretched to Heaven, begging that this would please, please be the time my shackles fell away and I could go forth and sin no more.
    Now I know what it means, what I waited for in vain 'til now. I am free.
    Sariel will hold my hand on the sidewalk, as proud to show he is mine as I am to show I am his. We will walk to the cafe and have a Mimosa brunch with the queens who still haven't made it to bed, shamelessly public about our love. We'll have a disco nap at Amanda Playwith's apartment, and when Sariel sleeps in my arms, I will have no fear of dreams. My hands will rest over the shoulder blades where once there were wings, and when anyone asks after that sweet angel of mine, I will smile a knowing smile.
    THE END
    Author bio: The Thursday Euclid (scientific name T. Euclidus) is a strange and elusive creature dwelling in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Frequently mistaken for Bigfoot, Chupacabra, or the monster of the week, T. Euclidus is, in fact, a 30-ish black sheep with a penchant for indie music, fedoras, and hot and sour soup. Together with co-author Clancy Nacht, Thursday has published four novels, including Le Jazz Hot , which has just been released in paperback.
    Contact info:
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    ****

OF HONOR AND LOVE
    by S.J. Frost

    With a black sky dotted in luminescent stars framing him, a beautiful young man stares into the darkness, his face concentrated, as though his thoughts are with someone else. His golden hair reveals him as a stranger in a land so very far from anything he's known, and yet he's comfortable in the silk kimonos draping his body. He gently holds one between his fingers, as if caressing the skin of his lover. Strings of gold and jade earrings adorn him, tokens of affection from the one he waits for now.

    Dear Author,
    I think this man is much more, or much less, than he seems. Who is he really, and who or what is he pretending to be? What sort of trouble will his secrets cause him? I'd be grateful if you could answer these questions for me .
    Sincerely,
    Megan

    genre: historical
    tags: 19 th century Japan; samurai; erotic; sword fighting
    word count: 26,046
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    OF HONOR AND LOVE
    by S.J. Frost
    The Pacific Ocean, not far from the coast of Japan, June 1867
    Dark waves crashed against the ship, sending whitecaps splashing up the sides, as if to batter it down to the depths. As far as Jonathon could see, the world looked gray and angry, the steel-colored sky meeting with the turbulent waters into the distant horizon.
    Storms had plagued the journey from nearly the first day out of port in San Francisco. He'd hoped it wasn't an omen of what lay ahead for him at his destination. Now he was certain the weather foretold what awaited him in the mysterious, and from all accounts he'd heard, savage, land he was nearing.
    Japan
    The country had lived in isolation for countless years before its doors were forcefully opened by Commodore Perry some fifteen years prior. From his recent education on the country, Jonathon learned the actions of the Commodore created a division within the nation. There were those who supported the Shogun, the military ruler of Japan, who had acquiesced to Perry's will to open Japanese ports to outside trade. On the other side, there were those staunchly opposed to the new influx of foreigners and sought to see the door to the outside world closed once again. Rumors of rebellion were rampant. It seemed some of the daimyo , the great lords who governed territories, wanted to reinstitute imperial rule and place the Emperor back in the seat of power.
    Jonathon closed his eyes, pressing his fingertips to his forehead as if to keep the throbbing in his head from increasing. So much chaos. The country was on the verge of a civil war, and he was sailing directly into it. He had no other options, however. Not if he wanted to live.
    A grim smile curved his lips. Or maybe he should say if he wanted to live a little longer. He was fairly certain this "mission" would result in death, but at least he would have some control over it, perhaps even the opportunity to defend himself and fight to preserve his life. Slim chances were better than none. Had he turned down Benedict Barrett and remained in the prison, none was all he would have until he was given a noose around his neck.
    Jonathon reached up to his right ear, toying with the gold hoop earring there, the match of which he wore in his left. It was