The Fate of Crowns: The Complete Trilogy: A YA Epic Fantasy Boxset

by Rebecca L. Garcia

Licia scoffed and blood trickled down his chin when he did. He wiped it with his sleeve. “Blaise will do nothing. He owes me.”

  I tilted my head. “You can’t own the future king.”

  He clenched his jaw. “I own everyone.”

  I grabbed the dice from the table and threw them on the floor. “You don’t own me.”

  There was challenge in his eyes.

  “Give me back my beauty!” I warned, pointing at the small chest.

  He growled, standing himself up. He helped the blonde lady up, who only looked mildly inconvenienced by the whole debacle.

  He opened the lid to the chest, and gold dust floated through the air, landed on my face and sank into my skin. “Grant me my desire, and I will forget this happened.”

  He shook his head. “You didn’t win.”

  “You cheated!”

  “Next time you shouldn’t be so naïve. Any good gambler would have asked for a contract.”

  I pointed my staff at him. “Next time, I’ll turn you into the eel your truly are.”

  He pushed his chest against the top of my staff and chuckled. “You don’t scare me, Princess. You may have more power.” He gripped my staff and wrenched it from my hands. “But now you don’t.”

  My eyes widened. “Give it back.”

  He threw it in my direction, and I caught it before it hit the floor.

  “Give me what you promised.”

  “Are you willing to sign a contract?”

  I frowned. “Is that a joke? You tricked me once. I will not let you deceive me again.”

  “If you do decide to let slip what happened here, I’m sure Blaise will be fascinated to know why you were gambling for the ability to keep your secrets. What could you be so worried about hiding in front of the future king?”

  I growled under my breath. “Good day.”

  “Nice meeting you, Princess.”

  I repressed the urge to hit him with another bolt of lightning and turned away to the tunnel. It connected the gambling dungeons to the rest of the court. Dried spiderwebs stretched between crevices in dull stones. I ducked my head, then walked out of the entrance. It was only my third day, and I was already starting to hate it here. The cold stole all my warmth as I ran back to Blaise. My breath fogged through my lips. The darkness gave way to bright white light once I emerged to the enchantment of Lepidus Court.

  TWENTY-ONE

  After letting the bitterness float away from the swindle of Licia’s game, I walked slowly, taking in every slice of winter wonderland that surrounded me. It was stunning. I just wished it were a few degrees warmer. Magaelor’s cold temperatures had nothing on the iciness of the north.

  The court seer leered at me when I passed. She had orbs for eyes, green and swirling with mystery. She stared after me when I entered the ballroom. My heart fluttered. Did she know what I was hiding?

  I covered my open thoughts with blank scenes, but it hardly mattered. Foresight was a gift I was not blessed with, unlike Morgana and few others, although she seemed convinced otherwise. If Morgana were here, she would have helped me hide my truths from prying minds. They could see glimpses of timelines that could yet happen. I just hoped she didn’t see one where my father took the kingdom from them.

  The other fae stared at me, moving out of my path, not trying to mask their annoyance as I passed. Two young girls flitted overhead, their wings flapping against the still air of the castle. I cast my eyes down toward the marble. What could I expect? This was the first inter-fae-luna marriage ever seen in Niferum or Magaelor.

  Pain tugged at my heart, reminding me of what was to come. Shoving my guilt away, I pressed forward. Preparations were underway. White, silk drapes flowed down the walls from the high ceilings. Fairy dust covered almost every surface, blinding mortals. Glamours were used to hide any ugliness, covering everything with only the beautiful. On hearing of my favorite flower, white-petaled lilies had been placed inside every empty vase. Gray-and-white statues of fae and pixies lined the ballroom. Plush, red velvet benches sat claw-legged under portraits of the ancients. Beady eyes watched me from the portraits as I walked to the double doors. Fae bustled, carrying different things for the wedding. It was evident to anyone that they were against the upcoming nuptials, but no one would defy Azrael’s aspirations.

  I entered the throne room, and the court that never slept enchanted me yet again. I inhaled deeply, smiling as I took in the scene: graceful dancing, stolen kisses, and sensual moves. A plethora of treats to satisfy any sweet tooth were laid out before me. Blaise was whispering something into his father’s ear. King Azrael looked paler today, his eyes more sullen. Blaise glanced at me sideways, stepped backward, then clasped his hands together. “Princess!” he shouted over the chatter. “I see you’ve finished your reading.”

  Heat flushed my cheeks as several fae turned their heads and ogled at me. While I was used to being stared at, I wasn’t used to the sneering and rolling of eyes. Most people kept their opinion of me hidden behind a fake smile, after I became the heir to the throne anyway.

  Blaise strutted toward me, running his hand through his dark hair as he did.

  “I have a question,” I stated.

  “Anything for my bride.” His tone was playful, charming, but I saw right through him. “Ah, alone, I see. Come.”

  He walked by my side as we paced out into the corridors. He radiated superiority. It annoyed me.

  “I met Licia in the gambling rooms.” I explained.

  “I had no idea you liked to gamble. Had I known, I’d have asked for a game or two.”

  “I thought I’d give it a go,” I admitted. “But, does he have some hold over you?”

  His smile turned into a frown. “Don’t go against him, Winter. Whatever happened, or if you lost, let it go.”

  “So he does.”

  He clenched his jaw. “I said let it go, Winter.” Suddenly, my name sounded dirty.

  I didn’t push it further. I couldn’t explain what happened without incriminating myself. “It was nothing. I lost anyway.” I laughed.

  “Next time, save me one. I’d love to know what you’d be willing to bet.”

  I scratched the back of my neck. “Everything looks great,” I said, looking around us.

  He rocked back and forth on his heels. “No expense was spared. I signed the treaty and returned it to your father. The wedding will go ahead, and together”—he took my hand in his—“we will be the new beginning. We shall rule Niferum and Magaelor as one.”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are two kings before we could rule.”

  His expression darkened. “No one can rule forever.”

  Two fae stopped and curtseyed at Blaise. Their gaze trickled over me, but Blaise stared them down.

  I stepped out of their way. “They don’t like me here.”

  “They’ll learn to.” Blaise pinched his chin between his fingers. “Their jobs are to grant me my desires, and my desire is for them to accept you as my wife.”

  My stomach dipped. “Honestly…” I heisted. “I’m just as shocked as them at this marriage. I never thought King Azrael would agree to our union.”

  His mouth twisted into a snarl. “Why does everyone give him the credit for everything?”

  “Does he not deserve it?”

  His forearm muscles appeared through his shirt sleeve. “No.”

  We walked a little farther in silence. He escorted me out onto the grounds. Stretches of snow reached to the mountain paths. Walls made from stones of varying sizes protected us from the carnage outside of the castle. The rocks were pitted and broken. I could tell they relied on magic for everything. Nothing was built by hand, and if it was, it was ancient, made by the sorcerers before the fae took Niferum. The dark fae came to Magaelor from Berovia, wanting a kingdom of their own.

  The feral fae frightened me. They engaged their senses and desire like the rest, but the difference was they indulged any whim, whether it was murder, torture, or anything that took
their fancy. There was no order, and while I was glad the dagger existed to kill any faery who committed such evil, Niferum was too scattered, with harsh conditions and no guards to enforce order. Not every sin was punished. Blaise said he planned on fixing that, but he would never get to. My father would be the one enforcing the laws soon enough.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “Oh. So many things,” I said carefully. “I looked up the Objects of Kai. What you told me about the dagger intrigued me.”

  “What’s intriguing about objects that could kill me?”

  My eye twitched. “I thought you said fae didn’t want to live forever.”

  “I’m still young.”

  “I love learning about all things. It’s not always about you.”

  He raised his eyebrows.

  I laughed. “Oh, five words you’re not used to hearing?”

  He licked his lips, then chuckled under his breath. “You’ve got me.”

  “Do I?”

  We both stopped. He turned to face me and let out a long exhale. “What do you want to know about them?”

  Three fae women hurried down the path toward us. They stopped and turned around when they met Blaise’s stern stare. I cleared my throat, then rubbed my hands together.

  “You have the dagger.”

  He nodded.

  “Do you know where any of the other objects are?”

  “No.”

  “But you have your suspicions?”

  He thumbed the side of his neck. “Yes. You’ve seen my notes, I presume.”

  “Will you tell me?”

  He waggled his finger, smirking. “Those pretty eyes may get you everyone else’s secrets, but not mine. Unless you tell me why it all entices you so.”

  “I guess we will both keep our desires.”

  He eyes sparked with intrigue. “What secrets do you hold?”

  “Truths that will never leave my lips.”

  His forehead creased. “Let me ask you one thing.”

  I felt the color drain from my face. The absence of conversation loudened the sound of the howling wind.

  “Do you want to marry me?”

  My expression relaxed. Calmly, I smiled. “Blaise, any girl would be lucky to marry you.”

  “Now who’s getting good at evading the truth?”

  I tilted my head. “I’m learning from the master.”

  He grinned. The moon was visible against fading gray. Ice crackled underfoot as we proceeded to amble around the trees. Crystalized leaves littered the path.

  “How was Berovia?” he questioned. “I hadn’t had a chance to ask yet.”

  My eyes widened. “Oh. You know.”

  “Don’t panic. Everyone else bought your shipwrecked-on-some-island story that King Amos spun. I, however, always have a way of finding out the truth.”

  I exhaled shakily. His revelation worried me. If he knew that, what else could he find out? “It was hot. There were beaches, a forest.”

  “That’s it?”

  “No. There were shadow markets too.”

  “Ah, yes. We have them here too, as do you.”

  I squinted. “No we don’t. I would know if we did.”

  “Yes, you do.” He laughed. “How much do you actually know about Magaelor? You’ve been sheltered.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “I wish everyone would stop saying that.”

  “Who is everyone?”

  My memory of Cedric flitted through my thoughts. As they did, warmth protruded in the pit of my stomach. I shook the feeling away and looked back at Blaise. “I’m learning new things every day. Don’t underestimate me.”

  “Okay, okay.” He held his hands up in surrender. “Tell me more about Berovia.”

  “There’s not much to tell.”

  “Lies,” he hissed.

  I mentally kicked myself. “Okay, there is, but it’s been a long day.”

  “Another time?”

  “Promise.” I huffed, knowing I couldn’t get out of it. I only hoped the wedding would come first.

  His fingers wrapped around my arm. He turned me around, and we headed back toward the castle. “I’m glad my father agreed to the arrangement, especially to you. It’s not just the arrangement I’m pleased about.”

  “Why?”

  His cheeks balled. “I’ve always admired you. You may be a little bori—” He stopped himself at my scowl, then chuckled. “I mean, you may come from a place that makes you a little stuff, but you’re smart, practical. You don’t shy away from what needs to be done. I like that.” He paused. “You’re beautiful too. That doesn’t hurt.”

  “All fae are stunning. I could never compete.”

  “I know you believe that, but, Winter, I cannot lie.” He gazed at me. “You are the most beautiful woman at court. Truly, those rose-petal lips…” He ran his fingertip across my bottom lip. “Eyes you can get lost in…” He looked down and licked his lips. “Perfect hourglass figure…”

  I flushed red. “Stop.”

  “You should learn to take a compliment.”

  “It won’t get you far,” I warned.

  “No, no. You are so much more than a pretty face. I’m certain. I’m glad you’ve snapped out of the depression you were in the last time you were here. I was worried it was who you are until I saw you this time.”

  “My brother died.” I looked at him incredulously. “I was heartbroken.” Also over Jasper, but I didn’t dare bring him up.

  “He did, but you don’t need to be depressed. Now you will inherit the crown instead og him.”

  “I am not only a crown to trade with and if he were alive, I’d want him to have it!”

  He put his hands up in surrender. “Okay.”

  “Where is your compassion? Just because you don’t know death, and don’t feel the absence of loss, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” Tears swam in my eyes. “One day you’ll lose someone, whether it’s at the end of a dagger, or maybe you’ll even grown to care for a sorcerer, and you’ll feel what I did for my brother.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “I want to go back.” I snapped.

  He remained silent for the rest of the walk, until we reached the castle.

  “I should go to bed.”

  “It’s ten o’clock. No way. There’s so much to do here.” He cocked an eyebrow. “You can have all the fun you want.”

  “I’m not in the mood. I want to go to my room and just think about things.” I was still reeling over his comment about my brother.

  “That sounds insanely depressing. You’re coming with me.”

  “No.”

  He relented, rolling his eyes up, he blew out a tense breath. “I apologize for what I said.”

  “How hard was that to do?”

  He placed his hand over his chest. “Painful, but I will have to live with you for the next, however many years, and I’d rather you not hate me. It will make for awful living conditions.”

  I couldn’t believe him. “You’re unbelievable.”

  “Come on.” He held out his hand. “Humor me.”

  “Fine, but if I’m not having fun I’m going to bed.” I said with warning in my eyes.

  He pulled me up a spiraling staircase. We passed more white lilies. He whipped his head around and caught me looking at them. A creamy, clove aroma scented the air. “I remember you saying they were your favorites.”

  “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

  He looked back incredulously. “Are you kidding? You’re going to be my queen. I want you to be happy. Like I said, awful living conditions.”

  Each time he was nice to me, it made my stomach ache more. My betrayal would cut deeper than I’d anticipated. I hadn’t expected him to be so… charming. So… nice.

  We stepped into a room. The acoustics were spectacular, echoing every footstep.

  “I’m surprised there’s an empty room in this castle.”

  He smiled, dimpling his cheeks, then held out his hand. �
�I know all the hidden gems we can go to be alone.”

  “I’m sure you do.” I retorted.

  “Let us dance.”

  My eyebrows lifted, my eyes wide. “Why?”

  “Because dancing is sensual, fun, it’s a way to let go and you, love, need that.”

  Lifting my hand, shakily, I took his. I did say I’d try to have fun. It was only one dance.

  His fingers entwined with mine and clasped tight. My heels clicked against the floor as he led me to the center. He snapped his fingers, and snowflakes drifted down from the ceiling. The room warped into a winter wonderland in front of my eyes. Bare branches caught icicles that hung from trees sprouting up from nowhere. It was glamour at its finest.

  I lowered my head, peering up from underneath my eyebrows. He slid his leg back, smooth across the floor. Music, lighter than air, resonated around us and grew louder with each move as I chased his steps. Violins, a cello, and a harp played in the corner of the room by invisible fingers.

  My lips parted. His gaze swallowed me, entrancing my every move. I’d never danced so freely before. The steps in Ash Court were counted and stiff. He pulled me closer to him, pushing his body against mine. His fingers tentatively ran down my spine to my lower back, where he paused. His smile faltered.

  “Are you having fun?”

  The hairs on my arms stood on end. Coldness pricked through my body. I smiled in response, but my bottom lip shook.

  His eyes flashed amber. He smelled like lemongrass and citrus. I pinched my eyelids shut, allowing him to guide me in our dance. The snowflakes settled on my arms. My shoulders relaxed, and the tension evaporated. A heaviness I hadn’t noticed until now was replaced by serenity. Flickers of touch ran between us. His leg brushed mine, my fingers spread across his shoulder, and his elbow pressed into my waist.

  The music continued, but we did not. He paused, his gaze intently on mine. My lips were inches from his. I lifted my hand, then cupped his cheek. He reminded me of Jasper, but he was far more broken. I ran my finger down his chest and stopped where his heart was, spreading my fingers over his chest.

  “People say you’re heartless,” I said through a heavy breath. “But you’re not.”

  He broke apart from me, stepping back into a mound of snow that had collected on the marble. He turned his head, an iciness returning to his eyes, and the glamour faded away like it had in the gambling rooms.