by Lee, K. N.
My fingers found their way to such delicious wetness that I couldn’t wait to taste it the way I’d tasted her mouth.
“I care not,” I said, and her giggle rang in the night air as I slid my fingers into her hot core and stroked her until those enchanting blue eyes of hers rolled back and she cried out my name.
Chapter 26
The Aether
I awoke to the sun’s light spilling into my room as Morgan pulled the drapes open and stood beside my bed with a smile on her lips.
“Morning, your highness,” she said with a curtsy.
Blushing, I covered my face with the blanket. Prince Maxim’s arms were still wrapped around me, as mine were holding onto a down-filled pillow that was still cool against my face while his body was hot pressed into my back.
“Breakfast will be served in your chamber if you’d like. And then, we must prepare for the coronation.”
“Yes,” I said. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
She curtsied again and left the room, closing the double doors.
I rolled over and examined his sleeping face. How he slept through all of that was beyond me, but I was grateful for it. I wanted a chance to study him, unabashed. Without limit.
He was terribly handsome. Dark skin and long lashes that stuck straight out. I smiled. I even liked his the freckles on his cheekbones.
This is what humans looked like. Not much different from the fae, but equally as beautiful as the best of us. Tall, and lean, he was so different from the other princes. For a moment, I dared to think I liked him best.
I shook that idea away, ashamed. I was to love them equally. But, after the night of intimacy we’d shared, our bond was stronger for it.
I bit my bottom lip, he’d shown me such pleasure with just his mouth and fingers, I couldn’t help but imagine the joys the rest of his body could show me.
He opened his eyes, the bright green almost illuminating the dimness beneath the covers.
“Were you watching me sleep?”
Snickering, I shook my head.
“Liar,” he said, and kissed my forehead. He sat up to stretch. When he looked back at me, a curious grin came to his lips. “Well, that is quite interesting. Does your hair truly blush?”
He pointed at my hair and I paled when I pulled a handful outward to see it had gone from blonde to pink.
“Grace of the Guardians,” I said, mortified. “It hasn’t done that in ages.”
He laughed and put a hand on my shoulder and turned me to look at him. My mouth opened with wonder when his eyes went from green to gold, to purple, and then completely black. He winked at me and returned them to their original color.
“We all have our little quirks,” he said. “Yours isn’t as unique as you’d probably thought.”
I stared at him, still awestruck as he stepped from my bed and stretched his long arms over his head. His arms were corded with muscle and his back was tight and toned. Swallowing, I looked away.
“You’d better leave,” I said. “Before Kala finds out you were here.”
He glanced over his shoulder, pulling his shirt back on and buttoning the tiny buttons. “We are bound by power,” he reminded me. “We can do whatever we want.”
“But, not married yet,” I replied in turn. “We weren’t supposed to be…intimate until after the coronation.”
Bowing, his face went to one of seriousness. “As you wish, your royal highness. I will see you at sunset.”
I licked my lips, taming a beaming smile. He began to leave, but rushed back to my bed, hopped in and placed a kiss on my lips.
“Just one more,” he said. “And, I’ll let you be.”
I giggled, and watched him leave.
Once he was gone, Morgan and Talia entered the room. It was all business, and I was left to my thoughts as they fussed over me.
They tugged at my nightgown and then ushered me into the outer chamber where a hot bath was drawn, sectioned away from the rest of my apartment by antique room dividers with elaborate embroidery of roses and vines.
My ladies-in-waiting bathed me in perfumes and oils, brushed and braided my hair into the current Allandrian style for the ladies of high breeding and royalty.
This was all so new to me, the servants, the tradition, the attention from handsome men.
Being with a man was something I had been told was a possibility, but I still never truly believed I would ever be set free from the Crimson Tower.
Not alive, at least.
Morgan went over to the large wardrobe beside the bedroom door and pulled out an elegant black gown.
My jaw dropped as I looked at the rich fabric and touched it with my fingertips.
“Its amazing,” I said, in awe.
“It’s your coronation dress,” she said. “Let’s fit you.”
As she pulled the dress over my head, it all began to become real. I gawked at my reflection in the mirror. Yesterday, I was pretty. Today, I was beautiful.
Within hours, I would rule all of the magic-realm.
Chapter 27
Afternoon came, and it was time—time to claim my throne before the entire court.
Queen Sorcha waited for me at the doors that led into the throne room.
She took me by the hands and kissed both of my cheeks.
“Are you ready?”
I sucked in a breath of air. “I do hope so.”
She gave me a stern look. “You better be. We’ve waited long enough for this.”
“But, what if I am not the one?”
She sighed, and shook her head. Then, her face softened as she looked at me.
“I know you are afraid. There is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. But, do not fret. You are back, and the Guardians have assured us that the prophecies will be fulfilled. You are the Aether, the supreme Elemental,” she said, tucking a fallen strand of hair behind my ear. “Now, it’s time to meet your future court.”
Inside, the people of court were waiting for us.
I took in a cleansing breath, and a foreign confidence settled upon me.
Head held high, I walked down the purple carpet of the throne room to the row of thrones set side by side. My ladies-in-waiting were at my side, keeping my long black gown from touching the floor. It was as though I walked on air, and from the looks on the courtiers faces, they were enchanted.
The air was cool from the open glass ceiling, and fragrant with the scent of burning All Season candles that were traditionally used for formal events such as this.
There was no yelling or expletives being shouted my way because I was what was considered a dark faerie. Instead, they bowed, some even cried, and the smiles that surrounded me made my heart swell with joy.
In the center was the most elaborate, with the wings of a dragon and a black back that looked like a portal or door to an enchanted place. I marveled at the embellishments and intricate designs.
Two female faeries played harps on either side of the platform of thrones, and elders soon assembled in cloaks of gold and black, jeweled crowns on their heads.
Faerie children sang in the back of the room, their voices so pure and magical, that one couldn’t help but embrace the joy of this day.
The banners of Allandria stood on either side of the platform, and above hung a glorious chandelier that dripped with crystals and jewels that multiplied the bright light shining through from the glass ceiling.
As I sat on the throne, my heart thumped in my chest. I was the center of the magic realm. The ruler of them all.
In walked the princes, and a smile came to my face.
Prince Ewan never looked better. In his black suit with silver buttons and his sword at his side, he was regal as ever. He was followed by Stellan and Maxim, who both wore white.
Stellan carried his golden scepter, and to my surprise, he’d shaved his red beard revealing smooth skin and a charming white-toothed smile.
Maxim had pulled his long brown hair back into a ponytail at his nape, and k
ept his head down as he passed by the great crowd.
He was shy. I liked that about him—it was almost as if he didn’t know he was one of the most attractive men I’d ever seen. When he lifted his eyes to meet mine and gave me a wink, my heart skipped a beat. Our evening in the garden would be forever cherished, and the memories made butterflies flutter in my belly.
They took their seats beside me and one was left empty at the very end. We exchanged looks, as did the crowd. The fire prince was not coming.
Shoulders slumping, I tried my best to not let my disappointment show. Everything had gone as planned, and it seemed that one elemental did not heed the call of the Guardians.
A gasp spread across the room as in flew a black dragon from the open ceiling. Magnificent, with large ebony wings, silver talons, amber eyes, and scales that glistened with a purple hue, he commanded attention from every being in attendance.
My hands gripped the chair and my back pressed to the throne.
My eyes widened as he landed right before me, and with a spin of flames and magic, he swirled and shifted into that of a handsome faerie—one I’d seen before.
Jaw slack, and breath caught in my throat, I beheld Lancel as he bowed before me, a smug grin on his face. Those amber eyes that had struck terror and desire within me locked with mine as he took my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles.
“Your majesty,” he said as he stood.
“May I introduce, the Fire Prince,” Queen Sorcha said, and my brows furrowed.
“Prince Lancel from House Visyrean,” he said. “Son of Queen Isadora. Heir to the throne of Inaeza. Your savior.”
“You cheeky bastard,” I said. “Why didn’t you tell me? You let me think you were Jasper.”
He chuckled. “Is that what you thought? No, it is just I, your humble fire prince. You can thank me for returning you to your grandmother later.”
My eyes widened. What? He had brought me back?
Cocky as ever, he strode down the platform and took his seat, hanging his legs over the arm and casting a self-satisfied gaze at the faeries of Allandria.
I covered my mouth. There were two Unseelie faeries in the Allandrian Court. This was unprecedented. Then, I nodded to Queen Sorcha who held the Dragon Crown in her hands.
I understood what a momentous event this was. What it meant to our people.
For the first time in centuries, the Seelie and the Unseelie Court were united. Light meets dark.
The Shadow Court.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed The Shadow Court. If you did, please consider leaving a review here. Book Two, The Dragon Crown will be released late spring.
Please, check out my other epic fantasies, Half-Blood Dragon and Fallen Empire! Both feature strong female leads, dragons, magic, and adventure.
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A Look at Fallen Empire
They say the Age of Dragons ended after the War on Magic, but hiding in the forgotten lands remains one clan destined to reclaim their ancestral home.
While Kylan hunts firedrakes by day, he prepares for a journey across the Sea of Dreams where mermaids thrive and the key to his people's survival is prophecized to be hidden.
Amalia, a Mage, escaped The Brotherhood, a sect of monks who seek the descendants of the gods. Now, unable to return to neutral territory where magic-users are safe, she finds herself fighting for survival amongst men who can turn into wolves, firedrakes, and a relentless monk who believes she can restore balance to the entire world.
For Amalia, the gods are not just a memory. They are her ancestors, and before she can learn to control her newfound gift, she will face the keeper of a forgotten empire.
A dragon.
In this sprawling epic fantasy novel with shifting wolf hybrids, dragons, and mermaids, Amalia's first battle is for more than her life. It's for the souls of every being born with magic. Join New York Times bestselling author, K.N. Lee on an adventure perfect for fans of Vikings and Game of Thrones.
* * *
From Chapter One
A FIRST KISS was supposed to be special. Memorable. As Tomas pulled away from Amalia, her eyes opened with confusion.
Is that it?
Her silver-gray eyes filled with disappointment.
Was that what she'd been waiting for all of her life?
The taste of onion was on his tongue, and the coarse feel of chapped lips didn't help the experience.
He gave her a grin—a gap-toothed one she had hoped she'd grow to appreciate, maybe even love one day.
Amalia couldn't afford to be picky. Though Tomas wasn't the most handsome, or even the smartest lad in the village, he had proclaimed his love for her. He knew a trade and was kind.
She licked her lips and forced a tight smile.
He'd have to do.
It was a fact that not many would even consider marrying a Mage. Especially one like Amalia—one marked by the gods. Not when Mages were being hunted down by Wolves, or even worse, the Brotherhood.
Skal was neutral territory. But, invisible borders meant nothing when the people within them held the same prejudice as those outside.
“So,” he said, his cheeks reddening. “What do you think?
“It was lovely,” she lied, blinking.
The look of relief on his face was reassuring. Within a month's time, Amalia would be fifteen and of age. She'd be Tomas' wife.
“Good,” he said. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for this moment. Seems like all of my life. For as long as I could remember. At night, all I can think of are the way your eyes remind me of the night sky, and how I’d give anything to look into your eyes every day until the day I die.”
Her smile turned genuine. She should set aside her selfish vanity and desire for a handsome boy, one who would make her heart sing. The time for silly childish ideas about what life would hold was coming to an end. It was time for her to accept her fate and prepare for a simple life with a simple man.
“I had no idea,” she said, reaching out for his hand.
“Of course, you didn’t. You barely looked at me until our parents made the arrangement.”
She ran her fingers through the tangles of her hair. Somehow the long, black strands always seemed to knot around one another. “That’s not true. You are a very nice young man. Any girl would be happy to have you.”
“That’s nice of you to say. But, I know I’m not a knight or a raider or anything special like that.”
“It is the truth. I can’t think of anyone kinder than you in the village,” she said and glanced at the paling sky. The smell of rain was faint in the air, but the clouds were darkening by the minute. “Perhaps we should return to the village. It looks like a storm is coming this way.”
He followed her gaze, combing his long dark hair from his mahogany-colored eyes. “I think you're right.” He reached for her hand. She accepted and he pulled her to her feet.
She brushed grass from her faded blue gown and gray smock and stretched her arms above her head. By the bubbling brook at the foot of the Weeping Mountain, they had feasted on ripe mango and warm honey bread her mother had prepared for their first excursion alone as intended mates.
Tonight, there would be a feast. Their families would dine together and their fathers would discuss matters of joining their resources.
It was the way of the Skal.
A way Amalia wished she could forever be free of.
Together, they gathered their blanket and basket, and the scent of burning wood wafted their way.
Her brows furrowed as she stood to her full height—almost as tall as Tomas.
“What’s wrong?”
She sniffed the air. “Do you smell something?”
“I do, actually,” he said, frowning. “What is that? Is something burning?”
The air smelled of charcoal and sulfur. Realization washed over Amalia and her face drained of color. She knew that smell.
Her heart sank and she dropp
ed the basket and turned to run toward the village. This couldn’t be happening. It had to be a bad dream.
“What is it?” Tomas asked as he ran after her.
“Dragons!”
Available on Amazon
A Look at Half-Blood Dragon
Pirates, dragons, mermaids. A new world of mythical creatures and epic adventures await. Embark on a coming of age journey that will leave you breathless.
Time is running out for half-blood, Rowen, a lady-in-waiting to the daughter of the Dragon king. While the two princes vie for her affection, she spends her days and nights dreaming of a future free from prejudice based on her lineage. The half-blood is who she appears to be. As a prophet, she knows what the fate of the realm holds, and it's not the grand parties the kingdom is used to.
Death is on the horizon, and Rowen sees herself as its cause.
The taunts of her sleepless nights are realized when she is framed and sentenced to death for the prince's murder. For a human, there's nowhere to run and no one to turn to in a kingdom where power is tightly held by full-blooded dragon shifters.
It will take a stranger from the shadows to save Rowen from execution and reveal a truth full of terrifying potential. She must face her fears, navigate through dangerous lands, and find the courage to accept her fate, awaken her gift, and set the world on fire.
Grab your copy of this action-packed sword and sorcery adventure today!
* * *
From Chapter One
YOU’RE LUCKY TO be alive.
Those words resonated in Rowen’s mind as the noose was lowered over her head and secured around her throat, scratching her delicate flesh with its coarse banding.
Not so lucky now, she thought, noting that this was the third time she’d had this nightmare in a week.
Still, she couldn’t awaken. Not until she had more information. If she was going to suffer in her sleep, she was going to at least figure out the cause of the prophecy, and the result. It was all she had.