Forever Fae Read online

  Forever Fae

  L.P. Dover

  Forever Fae

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written consent from the author.

  L.P. Dover

  Copyright 2012 L.P. Dover

  Editor: Tabitha Short

  Cover Artist: Lindsay Anne Kendal Graphics

  Acknowledgements

  Writing has been an amazing journey for me during this last year, and I wouldn’t have made it through without the love and understanding from my husband, Matt and my two beautiful girls, Abbey and Anna-Grace. They have been so patient with me during this time and I can’t express how much I love them. My parents, of course, have always supported me in my decisions and have always had faith in me to fulfill my dreams. Writing has always been a dream of mine and now I’m glad to be able to share it with my readers. I want to thank my sister and my nieces for always being supportive and listening to me rant when I’d get frustrated. You have no idea how much that means to me.

  I also wouldn’t have made it through without the support of my fellow author friends. Lucy Swing, you are an amazing author and you have become a wonderful friend to me. Your final push was what inspired me to begin writing in the first place. For that I will always be grateful and I love you so much for it. Jimie, you have been so supportive and have done everything you can to brighten my days. I have enjoyed getting to know you and having you there by my side.

  Amber Garcia, I don’t know if words can express how much I adore you. You have been an amazing friend and everything you have done for me has been out of this world. Thank you for taking the time to beta read and for your honest opinions. I wouldn’t have gotten through everything without your advice and hard work. I love you all so much. Of course, I can’t forget the amazing people out there that have become my fans and fellow supporters. Without you, my books would be nothing. I have enjoyed talking to you all and hearing your encouraging words. Thank you to all that have had faith in me and in my writing.

  Forever Fae

  The Forever Fae Series

  Book 1

  By

  L.P. Dover

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  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

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  The Prophecy

  Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring

  Two Courts to Four is what it will bring.

  Without the Four the evil will spread,

  The Land of the Fae will fall into dread.

  The next generation will provide the Four,

  The maiden souls and nothing more.

  The Power of Four will start with the first,

  If he gets the power, only then will you be cursed.

  The Power of Four will be drawn to the others,

  Their power is strong, the power of lovers.

  The moment they become one,

  Only then will the change have begun.

  Two Courts to Four is what needs to be,

  To save the Land, so shall we see.

  Chapter 1

  Calista

  I am Calista, the eldest Princess of the Summer Court. I am the daughter of King Oberon and Queen Tatiana. Today is my twenty-first birthday, along with my twin brother, Drake. I have two younger sisters as well, Meliantha and Ariella. Not only is today my birthday, but it is also the day of the Guardian Ceremony. Every royal female gets a guardian on her twenty-first birthday. It’s not exactly what a woman wants for her birthday, but in this case, it’s a big deal.

  My best friend, Merrick, will be fighting for the title to be my guardian along with several of the other warriors. The ceremony will be held later today and dignitaries from all the different regions of the Land of the Fae will be here to watch.

  Even though my brother is twenty-one as well, he doesn’t need a guardian because it is not custom for the men to have one, only the women. My twin brother and I look nothing alike, although, we do share the same height and the same slightly pointed ears just like every other fae. I have wavy, golden blonde hair that flows gracefully down my back, and my eyes are bright green with specks of gold. I have always been athletic, but I have obtained curves in all the necessary places. My dress for the ceremony tonight will look perfect.

  Being the eldest child, I have been delegated to attend all court meetings. My parents are training me to be the leader they know I can be, while Drake took his place as Leader of the Summer Court Army. When I’m not attending court functions and dealing with politics, I escape to my wing of the palace which is where I am right now. Our house is huge and divided into four wings. My mother and father took the north wing, I have the south wing, Meliantha has the east wing, and Ariella has the west wing. Drake has his own mini mansion on the property that’s separate. That doesn’t bother me though. I love being near my sisters. We spend tons of time together and practice our magic. The fae are all born with different magical abilities. One thing that makes me special in the court is that I have multiple abilities, whereas, most of the fae only acquire one.

  I have the power to control the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Many years ago, a prophecy had been declared about the power of The Four and saving the Land of the Fae from evil. It also states that one of the eldest of the next generation will bring about the change. I am one of the eldest of the next generation so I’m still trying to figure out how I am going to be the one to change the Land of the Fae. Everyone looks to me for the answers, and I wish I knew them, but I don’t.

  The Land of the Fae is divided into different territories. The main ones are the Summer Court, where my parents rule, and the Winter Court where King Madoc and Queen Mab rule. The magic of the Land of the Fae chose them to be leaders of their court. I have met the king and queen of the Winter Court, but I have not met their three sons and daughter.

  The Black Forest is a terrible place on the outskirts of the Land of the Fae. The prophecy speaks of an evil and this is the only place we think it could be. A huge battle took place there close to a century ago and hundreds of sorcerers and fae lost their lives, all for being power hungry and greedy. Ever since then, strange things have been happening in the forest. There have been people who have gone missing and never found. This has been going on in all of the territories. Talk has been going around about there being another sorcerer out there that’s waiting for his chance to take over the kingdoms. We have yet to figure that out because the people we have sent to explore have never come back. My father, King Oberon, has put a stop to sending people there.

  Other than the two courts, we have the dwarves. The dwarves reside in the mountains of Endelyn, where they are led by Durin. The Land of the Fae chose him to lead because he is the most powerful and skilled blacksmith of the dwarves. Most of our magical treasures are made by them.

  We also have the Elvish Kingdom which is led by Aelfric and Rhoswen. Their kingdom has been like a second home to me. They have no children yet, but the
y have welcomed me and my siblings with open arms ever since we were born. I visit them frequently.

  Lastly, we have the Mystical Forest and the unclaimed territories. Many different fae creatures live in the Mystical Forest such as brownies, imps, sprites, nymphs, leprechauns, and trolls. Most of these creatures are gentle souls and keep out of trouble. The trolls, however, love to cause a stir. I’ve enjoyed many rides through the Mystical Forest because of how peaceful it is. The unclaimed territories are just baron areas of land where no one has been chosen to lead.

  -Preparing for the Ceremony-

  The Guardian Ceremony will be held at sunset to determine who will be my warrior guardian. It’s a centuries old tradition my parents wish to uphold. The warriors chosen will fight one another for the right to be given the honor. I enjoy watching the warriors practice, but I really don’t want to see them fight over me, however, they don’t seem to have a problem with it. I’ve spent the last couple of hours in my room relaxing before the ceremony; staring at the rainbow of colors in the garden from my window. I hear a knock on the door and my nurse maid, Elvena, enters the room.

  “My lady, are you ready for the ceremony?” Her voice sounds soft and angelic, and it used to soothe me as a little girl, but now she looks at me wide-eyed and gasps.

  “Child, you don’t even have your dress on. Your father will skin my hide if I don’t get you ready in time,” she scolds. Flapping her hands in the air she’s frantically running around my room trying to gather things I need to get ready.

  I look at her running around and grin.

  “Oh Elvena, father wouldn’t dare do that to you. You are one of the most important people in this kingdom, and the most sought out prophetess. Your prophecies have helped save our kingdoms for hundreds of years. You are as much an asset as I am, and also, I love you too much. You’ve been an amazing caretaker, teacher and companion to me. I would kick father’s ass if he ever tried to get rid of you.”

  She stops running around and stares at me with love in her eyes and laughs at my crude choice of words. She’s never approved of my vocabulary. It must have rubbed off on me from my trips to the mortal realm. Elvena is half brownie and half elf. Even though she has elf blood in her, she is still a short and beautiful woman. Her curly brown hair hits her shoulders and her eyes are the color of amber. Elvena is the one who has taken care of me while my parents were busy with court business. She is also the one who proclaimed the prophecy that has been widely known throughout the land.

  “You will serve this kingdom well, my dear. Your powers are above anyone’s imagination and you will do great things. Only time will tell what those great things will be. Now let us get you ready for the ceremony. What dress have you picked out for tonight? It needs to be something special so those boys will have something to fight over,” she says and giggles.

  After seeing my facial expression over the last comment, Elvena was laughing so hard she snorted and couldn’t stop. I always loved her laugh. It would bring a smile to my face even in the worst of times.

  “Xylia and I travelled to the mortal realm to pick out our dresses for the evening.” At her exasperated look, I cut her off before she could interrupt. “Merrick was with us if that makes you feel any better. We were well protected and you know very well that I am trained in battle. Merrick has been training me for years and I’m an excellent dagger thrower.” I said this with total conviction. I’m a skilled fighter and I can take care of myself.

  By her slow growing smile I knew what Elvena was thinking. The only thing she heard of what I just said was that Merrick was with me. Merrick has been my life-long friend and we’ve grown very close to one another. He has taught me how to fight in battle and has made me an excellent warrior. Only Elvena and my best friend, Xylia, know about my trainings with Merrick. My parents and the council would never approve of my training. I guess I’m supposed to look pretty and be the well-mannered princess they all want me to be. That’s not who I am, and I have shown that to them numerous times, much to their dislike. I didn’t get my reputation of being stubborn and hard-headed for nothing.

  The fae can travel to the mortal realm, but my parents frown upon my sisters and me going because it’s dangerous and we are not fully protected. I travel to the mortal realm to go shopping, pick up books, watch the people, and sometimes to just get away. It’s nice to pretend I have no duties and be a carefree twenty-one year old woman. Being around Merrick all the time has definitely had people speculating.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Elvena, and that’s not going to happen. Merrick is my friend, end of story.” Her smirk told me she thought otherwise.

  “I believe you, child. But I don’t think Merrick will hold up that end of the bargain. Say what you want, but that boy has feelings for you. He watches you when you’re not looking and his eyes show the longing he has for you.”

  Sighing, I say, “I care for him as a dear friend, nothing more.”

  I do care about Merrick and I really hope he doesn’t feel that strongly for me. He hasn’t told me so and until he does, I will not address it.

  “If you look in my closet over there, Elvena, you’ll see the exquisite emerald dress I picked out for tonight. I fell in love with it and I knew I had to get it.”

  Elvena goes to my closet and pulls out the dress. She looks at it up and down and has a smile of pure mischief on her face when she says, “Oh yes, Princess, you will cause a mighty stir tonight. You won’t be able to keep any of the young men away from you once they lay their eyes on you.”

  She brings over the dress and lays it on my bed. She also pulls a little silver box out from her pocket.

  “What do you have there, Elvena?” I ask curiously.

  “Open it,” she says. I open the beautiful silver box and in it is the most amazing looking gold encrusted ring with a purple stone set in the center. The stone is a deep purple color and it has an iridescent look to it. I have never seen a stone like it before. The band has words of the Old Fae language engraved in it, and I stare hard at it trying to make out the words.

  “Elvena, what do the words say? I’m having trouble translating,” I ask.

  “It says, my child, Mind, heart, body, soul…I protect thee. It’s beautiful, is it not? This was my ring as a child and I decided that since I no longer needed it I would pass it along to you. It happens to be your birthday and tonight is a special night. I thought you deserved a special gift and it will also help protect you when your guardian can’t.”

  I can’t take my eyes off of it. It’s mesmerizing. I feel drawn to it somehow, like it’s a part of me now that I wear it and I have a feeling I will never be taking it off.

  “It’s beautiful, Elvena. I will never take it off.” I smile and hug her so hard she pounds on my back for me to let her go. I tell her I’m sorry and she just laughs it off. She’s always telling me I don’t know my own strength. We spend the rest of the time in silence as Elvena helps me into my dress and arranges my hair in a beautiful cascade of curls and braids with a sprinkle of delicate flowers in all shades of color.

  Chapter 2

  Ryder

  “Are you sure you don’t want to accompany me to the ceremony, M

  other?” I ask sarcastically.

  My mother, Queen Mab, had graciously asked if I would go to the Guardian Ceremony for the Princess Calista. Graciously might not be the word I would say she used. She told me I had to go.

  She lifted one of her eyebrows and smirked to show me that she knew what I was doing. I love to get my mother worked up over the Summer Court Queen. My mother is a beautiful lady with long, raven black hair and blue eyes. She’s been known to freeze things with a single glare. She’s funny when she gets going and also a little scary.

  “No, dear son, I will wait here for your father’s return. Your father is the only one who can keep me from ripping Queen Tatiana’s hair out of her head. That woman drives me up the wall with her air of arrogance, and with your father not here, I find it in
the best interest of both the courts if I sit this one out.”

  I laughed at the mental picture in my head of my mother going head to head with the Summer Court Queen. It would definitely be entertaining. My mother looks menacing when she sits on her throne. However, she does save her smiles only for me, my brothers, and my sister. She is known throughout the Winter Court as being the true Ice Queen. The throne room is the central room of the palace where my parents live. Council meetings and any other gathering are held in this room.

  The white draperies cascading down the walls of the room glimmer in the light. Floating lights flicker across the room, which gives the illusion of snow falling. It’s like a winter wonderland here. Outside there is always snow falling; the room is surrounded by windows so we can enjoy the scenery of the grounds. I am twenty-three years old, the oldest of my siblings. I have spiky brown hair, and my height is six feet and two inches. I have two magical affinities, controlling the weather and invisibility. The invisibility has definitely had its advantages. With my other magical affinity of controlling the weather, I could make the snow and ice melt here in the Winter Court and make a blizzard occur in the Summer Court. I’ve thought about playing a cruel joke on the Summer Court by bringing them a full on blizzard, but starting a war would not be in our best interest.

  When I go to the Summer Court there will be a meeting about the happenings within and around the Black Forest. My father will be with Durin, the leader of the dwarves, in the Endelyn Mountains to discuss the production of more magical relics. Evil magic is brewing and the bitter taste of it is in the air. So many fae creatures are being taken from their lands and it’s unclear why it is happening. We’ve sent people to search for them and they have also gone missing. My father once told me of the battle that occurred in the Black Forest hundreds of years ago. He was there and it took everyone in the Winter and Summer Court, as well as the dwarves and elves to help conquer the evil sorcerers. I can’t wait to hear what the king and queen of the Summer Court have to say about all of it. They, too, have had many people go missing. This is going to be my first time going to the Summer Court. Usually my mother and father have dealt with all court functions, but being the eldest son, I have taken over the Winter Court Army and taken my place in court meetings.