Fae War Read online

  Fae War

  R. L. Medina

  Copyright © April 2020 by R. L. Medina, Moon Dragon Publishing

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For all of us wondering what our ‘new’ normal will look like this year in 2020. We will get through this and come out the other side stronger. Good is ahead.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Acknowledgments

  Also by R. L. Medina

  About the Author

  1

  Squeals and snarls echoed in Aunt Maloret’s throne room. I turned to see two imps battling it out in a game of Dance Dance Revolution. Their clawed hands and feet scraped against the buttons, long bat-like ears twitching to the music pouring out. How the machine worked without electricity, I had no idea, but the sight of these two fae doing something so… human was almost comical.

  Almost.

  The bleakness of our reality made my smile falter. Only a day had passed since the abyss had opened further. We were saved by the unicorns and dragons along with some of the elves holding the final seal, but they could only hold it for so long before everything broke loose.

  I shuddered. There would be no way to stop the destruction if the last seal tore.

  The voices of the others snapped me out of my morbid thoughts. I’d missed the conversation, but their faces remained just as grim as they’d been since the latest reports of chaos. More changelings and golems swarmed the courts. The trees along with their dryads were dying and everywhere fae, both lesser and higher, were vanishing. As if they’d never existed at all.

  “There is still a way to save Feylin.” Belle’s words interrupted my thoughts.

  I sat up on the beanbag chair and looked at her. She sat opposite Mom in a wicker chair, and their resemblance was startling. Same sharp green eyes and high cheekbones, though unlike Mom, Belle had silver strands intertwined in her auburn hair.

  “Yes, but we must take care. We can’t rush into this,” Mom replied.

  She sat beside Aunt Maloret on the big purple couch. Surprisingly, my aunt had little to say or comment on, but her ink-drop eyes swept the room. Dark and calculating. Her eyes landed on me, and a small smile lit her face. I frowned. What was she up to?

  Mom gave Belle a dark look. Their emotions swelled and swirled against my barrier and made my head pound. I pushed them away with my magic, letting the warmth spread through me. As much as I’d hated it before, I’d come to appreciate my magic—now that it had been returned from the queen’s hold. I’d forgotten what it felt like to feel powerful.

  Strong. Not scared.

  It was like a second skin now and filled me with an energy that desperately wanted to burst free.

  Belle turned to me. “You have barely begun to tap into your power, Renée.”

  Eyes snapped up to look at me. My stomach churned. What did they expect from me now? Not even a year ago, I was just some loser trying to survive high school and now… who was I now?

  Halfling Princess. My thoughts echoed back to me. Somehow, I’d survived all their trials, earned my place as one of them, but if the destruction came, it would all be for nothing.

  “She’s only a child,” Mom cut in.

  Heat washed over me. My magic thrummed as if insulted by her words.

  “Yes. A child with power,” Belle argued.

  I glanced at Aunt Maloret, surprised to find her watching Belle. Her unusual silence made me uneasy. What was she hiding now?

  “I will not endanger my daughter.” Mom’s voice rose.

  I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Where had she been while I’d endured their cruel trials? Her choice to stand by B’Zahir while I’d been fighting for my life still stung.

  The imps paused their game and turned to look at us. Aunt Maloret stood and waved for them to leave. All eyes turned to her as she twirled shadow magic. Dark butterflies fluttered from her fingertips and disappeared into the air.

  “Nothing to add, Maloret?” Mom broke the silence.

  Aunt Maloret grinned, her eyes lighting on me. “Just enjoying the friendly banter.”

  “How can you make light of this? Don’t you understand the reality of what we are facing? You have just as much at stake as we do.”

  Aunt Maloret laughed. “Hardly. Should Feylin become a lost cause, I can simply move my palace elsewhere.”

  My lip curled at her callousness. “And what about the rest of the courts?”

  Waving a dismissive hand, she sauntered to her vanity and rummaged through the drawers. The sound echoed in the quiet room.

  “To save Feylin, we must reseal the abyss.” Belle’s voice broke the tension.

  Mom turned to her. “Yes, we know. But how?”

  Belle met my eyes. A shiver crawled up my spine.

  “With the halfling.”

  Mom stiffened. “Renée will have no part of whatever plan you have.”

  Irritation flared inside me. I didn’t want to be a part of it, but there I was, and if I could do something, then I had to. Mom didn’t get to make that choice for me.

  “I’m already a part of this.” The words spilled out, the sharp edge startling me.

  Mom stared at me, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. Trying to read my mind?

  I stared back at her, strengthening my defenses. Despite what we’d been through, I still couldn’t forgive her for what she’d done—using her power on me. Her own daughter. She’d tried to control me and erase my memories and for what?

  Whatever bright future she had dreamed for us was gone.

  Belle cleared her throat. “Now is not the time to discuss the past.”

  Her eyes narrowed on me. My cheeks flamed. As good as my defenses were, they were still not strong enough to withstand her.

  I could hide nothing from her.

  Mom glanced from Belle to me, her lips pursing. “You have no right to read our thoughts.”

  I scoffed and folded my arms across my chest. “Now you know how I feel.”

  Her gaze fell on me, hurt flashing in her eyes. I turned away. The sound of my movement echoed in the silence.

  Aunt Maloret came over to us and grinned. “My, my. What you all need is a good therapist.”

  Ignoring her, I stood up to walk away. I made it two steps before my body froze. My legs stiffened, refusing to follow my command. Anger shot through me.

  “Let go of me.” My words came out low and dangerous.

  Belle arched a brow at me. “We’re not done with this discussion.”

  Mom stood and threw her hand toward Belle. “Release her. Now.”

  Aunt Maloret’s dark chuckle broke the tension.

  “Definitely need that therapist.” She waved an arm in the air, “Now, now. Let’s settle down, children. Renée, darling, please take your seat.” She motioned for me to sit.

  My fists clenched.
The stiffness in my limbs faded as I sank back down into the beanbag. I threw a glare at Belle, who promptly ignored it.

  “If you refuse to let Renée take her part, then we have only one other choice. We must try to reseal the abyss with the king, queen, and all the elders. Though with the other elders dead and only three remaining, our chances are—”

  “It will work. It has to work,” Mom cut in.

  Aunt Maloret snorted. “Brilliant. I guess we’re off to the White Court. I’m sure they’ll let us just waltz in. After we attacked them and all.”

  Belle sniffed. “Janvier will listen. He knows what’s at stake.”

  Mom and I exchanged glances. The history between the king and Belle was still a shock. With all the craziness that had begun, I hadn’t had the chance to really talk to Mom about any of it. How was she accepting the revelation? To learn that she wasn’t the queen’s daughter and that her birth mother had abandoned her in the White Court, erasing everyone’s memories of her existence—including the king’s. What would the king think now?

  I shuddered. Or worse. What would the queen do?

  The shimmering black carriage floated above the courtyard, ready for us. Looking closer, I realized it wasn’t made of wood like the others I’d seen. It was made of bone. Bone painted black and covered with gold glitter.

  A sour taste filled my mouth. Whose bones had my Aunt Maloret used to make it? Not her slaves, I hoped.

  “Princess?”

  My heart skipped. Sacha. As much as I hated it, the sound of his voice stirred up my emotions. Emotions I’d rather leave buried. I summoned my magic to lock them away. He had betrayed me—more than once. So why was I still a fool for him?

  I turned to face him, hardening my jaw. His hazel eyes met mine and the sorrow and regret I saw there made my shield waver.

  I never meant to betray you, Princess. Can you forgive me?

  His words filled my mind. I snapped my walls closed and glared at him. Deep down, I knew I couldn’t stay mad at him. Not forever. His apology was sincere, and his distress curled around him and stretched toward me like weeds in search of water, but how could I trust him again?

  He opened his mouth but said nothing. His body straightened and face stiffened into a serious, albeit remorseful look. I turned to see my Mom, Belle, and Aunt Maloret approach. Their hushed words faded into silence and their scowls relaxed into blank stares as they spotted us.

  “Renée?” Mom spoke first. “I think it would be best if you remain here with Sacha.” Her eyes shifted toward him.

  I bristled. “What am I supposed to do here?”

  She ignored my question and waved for Sacha to escort me back toward the castle. A lick of anger curled inside me. He moved toward me. I held up my hand, shooting him a warning glance.

  Don’t.

  He paused.

  How dare she dismiss me like that. Did she think I would go back to being the clueless child she’d made me? I’d come too far and had too much to lose now to be the same coward I’d been before.

  I didn’t need her protection anymore.

  “Renée, please. We don’t have time to fight about this.” Her words sounded weary.

  The others watched our exchange silently, but I could see the judgement written in their eyes. They thought I was being childish. My cheeks burned and my magic swirled inside of me, stirred to life by their stares.

  I had just as much power as any of them, and yet they treated me like an incompetent burden.

  You should listen to your mother, Belle spoke into my mind.

  Shooting her a glare, I envisioned a wall going up around my mind to keep her out.

  She smiled.

  “I’m coming too. We haven’t heard from Aunt Cindra and I have to find out if Mag is okay.”

  Mom sighed. “We will find out. Now go back to the castle.”

  My lip curled, and for a second I thought about refusing, but what was the point? They’d side with her and if she wanted to, Belle could force me to stay.

  Her eyebrow arched as if in agreement.

  I squared my shoulders and marched past them, refusing to let them see my embarrassment. Sacha followed close behind me. I turned and watched as they boarded the carriage.

  Mom paused at the entrance and glanced back at me.

  I love you. Her words echoed in my mind.

  Shame flooded me. The reality of our situation quelled the anger at my wounded pride. They were going to face the king and queen. After the attack on the White Court, I doubted their reception would be welcoming. What if the Queen refused to listen and had them imprisoned… or worse?

  I love you too. Be careful, Mom.

  She smiled and turned to enter after the others. Dread filled me as I watched them lift off and sail away. Panic swirled and before it could take control, I summoned my power to snuff it out. Numbness filled me in its place. When had my emotions grown so volatile? Was it because of my growing magic?

  “Princess?” Sacha broke the silence.

  I turned to him. “What do we do now?”

  He shrugged. “Wait. Hope for the best.”

  I snorted.

  “We could try to send another message to the Red Court?” he offered.

  “But none of the other messengers have returned. What if… do you think they’re okay?”

  His lips flattened. That was answer enough. So far, the Black Court hadn’t been affected from the abyss, but rumors flew about the chaos in the other courts. We had no way of knowing if all the reports were true. It wasn’t like I could call my aunt. We’d have to wait for a fairy or pixie to bring news.

  “Shall we, Princess?” Sacha gave me a hesitant smile and waved toward the castle.

  My barrier stood strong against his thoughts, but his emotions—as hard as I tried to block them out—rushed over me in waves.

  Regret. Sorrow. Longing.

  He made no attempt to guard them and although I suspected he thought laying them out so honestly would win my sympathy, it only fueled my anger.

  I would forgive him when I was good and ready. No one, not even Sacha, could manipulate me.

  A thundering filled the air and snapped me out of my thoughts. I paused and scanned the sky, fear creeping up my spine. Sacha dove in front of me and drew his sword as a horde of ice dragons flew into sight. My heart leapt into my throat as the massive creatures sped toward us.

  Shards of glittering ice coated their blue horns and scales and their wings beat in unison, all different shades of blue and silver—colors of the White Court. Chills crawled over me. Had they come from the abyss? Sacha had told me they were extinct, but clearly, they had returned.

  “Get in the castle!” Sacha’s shout startled me.

  Not waiting for my shock to wear off, he snatched my arm and tugged me back.

  Somewhere above us a shout rang out and arrows vaulted high into the air, leaving dark streaks of shadow magic along the sky. My eyes widened in surprise. Enchanted weapons?

  I yanked myself from Sacha’s grasp and stopped to stare. The arrows bounced off the dragon’s icy scales and fell to the courtyard with an echoing twang.

  Sacha reached for my hand.

  “Wait. How do we know the dragons are here to harm us?”

  His face scrunched up in thought and I couldn’t help but find it adorable. Though it was so not the time to be ogling him.

  Summoning my power, I debated reaching out to the creatures. I’d never spoken to a dragon before. Would they even listen to me?

  A rush of wings broke my thoughts, the thunderous sound filling my ears. Wind whipped hair into my face, blocking my vision. I shoved it back with my hand and stretched my arm toward a dragon in the front, trying to open a channel to communicate.

  Hello? Can you hear me?

  If they heard, they didn’t show any sign. Instead they kept formation, flying over the castle and to… where?

  Excuse me, dragons. Where are you going? Hello? I sent my message into the open.

&nbs
p; They continued, oblivious to my words or downright ignoring me. I huffed. Snobs.

  My cheeks flamed as I caught Sacha’s eye. His eyebrow quirked in question.

  I shook my head. “They wouldn’t answer me.”

  He nodded and stared after them as they grew farther away. His sword had been sheathed, but his hand still gripped mine. So strong and warm. It sent shivers up my back.

  With a start, Sacha released me and edged away, scanning the courtyard. For what? Everyone was inside the castle now.

  “Forgive me, Princess.” He bowed.

  I frowned.

  “Touching a higher caste is forbidden,” he explained slowly. As if I needed a reminder of their backward laws.

  My eyes narrowed. “And kissing isn’t?”

  His eyebrows shot up and he whipped his head to scan the courtyard again, making sure we were still alone.

  “Princess, you—”

  “Can’t tell anyone you kissed me? I know, Sacha.” I sighed and moved toward the castle. “I know.”

  Ignoring him, I drew myself up and pushed away all the emotions threatening to rise. There was no way I could just sit and wait for the worst. I had to do something. I bit my lip, a plan forming in my mind. If Mom and the others were dealing with the king and queen in the White Court, I would go to the Red Court and find out firsthand what was going on there.

  My eyes met Sacha’s. Would he agree to my plan, or would I have to find a way to sneak away?

  “What is it, Princess?”

  I stepped into the castle with him and glanced around. “Nothing. Just worried about the Red Court and the Gray Court.”

  2

  Inside, servants bustled back and forth, their hushed voices filled the halls. Though I couldn’t hear their words, I could sense their fear and questions. Where were the dragons going? What was happening in the other courts? All questions I had myself.