Dark Crown: A Fae Shifter Romance (Guardians of the Fae Realms Book 8)

by JL Madore

Even if Vikarus was furious with me, I can’t reconcile him betraying me to Shadowcaster and mounting an attack at the compound.

  If he wants to be enemies and draw a line between us, so be it. I am on the right side of things for the first time in forever and I don’t regret the choices I made.

  Still, I worry about the next battle.

  At Laryssa’s compound, my dragon brethren were unprepared for Calli. I have no illusions of grandeur. Calli and I holding them off during Honor’s rescue was nothing other than them not knowing what to make of the Fae Phoenix and her powers.

  That won’t work in our favor again, but it did the job—Honor is safe and I was able to give Creed back at least one of the women taken from his life.

  Once I find the witch and Lukas unravels her curses, both Honor and Creed can finally be free of her and all the damage she and Laryssa caused.

  I bank right as I drop beneath the first outpost marker and glance toward the sentry station. As I expected, the guard has his eyes closed and looks like he’s sleeping off a rough night.

  Perfect. If luck is on my side, I might get out of this without getting killed.

  Yeah, except I’ve never been lucky in my life.

  Keyla

  Kotah and I spend an hour with our mother, going over what we know and what we suspect in regards to our father’s assassination. At first, she sits very still with her jaw locked and her gaze hard.

  In the world of Malayna Northwood, this means she doesn’t believe us. Eventually, after Kotah finishes going over the events, Hawk hands her a file.

  “When Keyla told me what she learned three days ago, I tasked a team to dig up every secret Raven has pushed under the rug. I wanted to know what drug was used, where she got it, who else knew about it, and how she was connected to my father. Also, in all the years she was here, was she communicating with my father or my brother or some other intermediary.”

  Mother’s lips are pursed into a fine line. “How could you possibly be certain of these things now? My husband was burnt on a pyre. Surely if Raven was as devious as Nakeyla says, she’s also clever enough not to have damning evidence lying around for your spies to find.”

  Spies? Seriously?

  “Mother, we understand it’s hard to believe but Hawk has proven everything I was told.”

  “By a traitorous dragon,” she snaps. “A male who betrays his queen has no honor and should be considered an unreliable disgrace.”

  The gasp of my breath is loud in the silence of the room. “Rhylan is a good man, Mother. He was in an impossible situation and he chose to honor what is right and just over a duty foisted on him by a vindictive alpha.”

  “You are naïve, Nakeyla. Open your eyes.”

  I tap the folder Hawk gave her and get back to the point. “Yes, let’s open our eyes. Raven fooled everyone, Mother. Hawk’s team found the evidence to support Rhylan’s claims. The royal lab preserved blood samples from every examination. They never found the problem because the poison used was undetectable unless they tested for it specifically.”

  “How convenient.”

  “Also, Hawk’s men found and recorded calls to Raven’s private phone that connect her with a courier, and that courier has been connected back to Sebastian’s lab in Manhatten.”

  Mother lifts her chin, growing more defiant instead of less. “These things can be falsified, child. You don’t spend as much time with lies and deception as I do without developing a sense of detection. I am a wildling wolf. Do you not think that in over a decade of service, I would’ve smelled her supposed ill intentions against your father?”

  “No, you wouldn’t. That beautiful ring she never takes off, the one I’ve commented on a dozen times? It’s an heirloom to the Fae Witch Botanda. It is an emotional glamor, so no, you wouldn’t have smelled her ill intent.”

  “Nakeyla, enough. Your attack on my dearest ally is not only childish and petty, it’s cruel. You should be ashamed of yourself. I taught you better.”

  I lift my hands and turn things over to Hawk. “I give up. Bring Raven in and maybe she’ll believe us when she hears it from Raven herself.”

  It takes a few minutes for Hawk to get Lukas from the receiving parlor and to get a bespelled Raven settled on the sofa in front of us. Lukas assures us that with her ring removed and his truth spell, she is open to answer all of our questions.

  He starts off the interrogation with a few easy questions about her name and where she lives and then moves into the more hard-hitting subjects of her deceit.

  “And did you enter into your agreement with my father willingly or were you coerced?” Hawk asks.

  The glint of pleasure that flashes in her eyes sends a chill down my spine. “More than willing. Everyone knows the Northwoods are a waste of leadership. Fae are more powerful, more magical, and more capable than humans, yet we’re forced to hide in the shadows while the meek inherit the earth.”

  “And how did you enter into this bond with him? How did he recruit you to his cause?”

  “Recruit me? He didn’t need to recruit me. Our plans took shape across the table at family dinners.”

  “Family?” Hawk says, clearly confused. “How?”

  “Hunter and I were married as teens. We’ve been planning the takeover of the realm with Sebastian for more than a decade.”

  Married?

  Well, I guess that explains why she never dated.

  Father and Mother often joked that she was too dedicated to her work to go find someone. Apparently, we were right, except the work she was dedicated to was destabilizing the realm.

  “I’ve heard enough,” Mother says, rising from her seat. She straightens the fall of her skirt with stiff hands and lifts her chin. “I’m going to my private chambers and I’d like you all to leave. Children, you will finish this and come speak to me in private.”

  With that, the former Fae Prima leaves the room.

  Hawk looks even more confused. “I get that we’re dismissed but did she believe us?”

  I shrug. “Who knows. She is who she is and no one will ever force her to believe anything she doesn’t want to. The great Malayna Northwood knows all.”

  Kotah stands and gestures toward the door. “We’ve done what we can.”

  “What will be done with her?” I ask, taking a hard look at the woman I considered a friend and confidant.

  “She’s earned herself a life in confinement,” Hawk says, standing to walk us out. “We’ll take her to an FCO facility and ensure she never acts against you or your family again.”

  Kotah pats Hawk’s shoulder and nods. “Get her out of the palace as quickly as you can. Her presence here is an offense to our family.”

  “Understood.” Hawk’s gaze locks with my brother and by the soft smile that appears I know they’re having a private conversation. There’s no missing the love the five of them share and I’m so thankful.

  There’s no way I could live in another realm thinking Kotah was taking on the world alone like he always has. To know that four other people cherish him—and honestly, I’ll add in Jaxx’s parents and sister too—paves the way for me to strike off and explore my destiny.

  I smile at Doc, standing at attention beside the doorway. His arms are clasped at his back, his muscled chest fighting the constraints of his gray top.

  I love you. I say across our private channel.

  Right back attcha, babe. He opens the door for Hawk and Lukas to exit with Raven and then closes us in once more. Is it inappropriate to say your ass is looking fine in those slacks?

  I stifle a laugh. Not as inappropriate as this.

  I project images of him wrapping his arms around me and carrying me into the art alcove on our right. With rough hands, he fumbles with the clasp of my pants and pushes them down my silky thighs. His cock springs free and when he presses forward, I wrap my legs around his hips and sink over his heated shaft.

  The soft rumble of his bear triggers a release of moisture and my inner muscles throb.


  Fuck. You’re killing me.

  The moment Mother is settled…

  Ready when you are.

  “Are they gone?” Mother emerges from her chambers, her disposition as dour and hard as it was only moments ago when she retreated.

  “They are,” Kotah says.

  “Good. Walk with me. I wish to stretch my legs.”

  “Of course, Mother.” Kotah and I fall into step and join her as she strides for the door.

  Doc opens the door for us and dips his chin. “Majesty.” He winks as I pass. “My Queen.”

  I chuckle and give him a quick brush of my lips.

  Mother looks over at me and frowns. “We are not animals, Nakeyla. As a queen of a realm, you must hold yourself to a higher standard. Surely, you can get through a few hours without being indecent.”

  I roll my eyes. “It was a tasteful kiss within our private rooms. No one saw. And for your information, wildlings actually are animals, Mother.”

  “But you need not act like an animal needing to rut your bear.”

  My wolf paces to the for as Doc’s tension rises behind me. “I don’t consider having a healthy sexual appetite for my mate to be rutting. That’s rude. You’re being intentionally crass.”

  “What is crass is you taking two men into your mating bed. I thought you to have more sense.”

  I chuff. “You’re out of the mating loop, Mother. It’s three now. Dillan, Creed, and Rhylan.”

  “Rhylan? The hoodlum dragon? Powers save me, daughter, that male came into our lives with hostility and attacked us. Then he betrayed his duties and allowed his queen to be overthrown.”

  “First of all, he didn’t attack us. He was ordered to enter the realm with a show of strength. Rhylan is a soldier. He followed Laryssa’s orders. And considering his decision to overthrow Laryssa was made to save my life, Kotah’s, and all of our mates, I would think you’d be a little more forgiving of the optics.”

  Her disapproval doesn’t cut me as deep as it has in the past. In fact, it annoys me more than anything. “I don’t smell the dragon’s scent in your mating bond.”

  “We haven’t gotten that far yet.”

  “Thank the Powers. Then there is time to rethink and salvage some of your dignity.”

  I offer her a patient yet firm smile. “No, Mother. There is no rethinking needed. Rhylan is part of our pairing. We four are mates.”

  She makes a tsking sound I’m all too familiar with and turns to glare at my brother. “This is your fault.”

  Kotah arches a brow, looking amused. “Oh? And how is that, exactly?”

  “If you showed restraint and chose a traditional mating, your sister wouldn’t have gotten the idea to open her bed to every male who looked her way.”

  A deep growl rumbles from behind us.

  Kotah’s amusement fades and I shake my head. “It’s fine boys. I don’t need defending on this. I’m proud of my mates and of the bonds we’ve been forming. Mother is understandably upset. This is about her feeling betrayed and grieving for Father. I won’t allow her to coax me into an argument.”

  We turn the corner toward the royal residence and pass the guards on the wide staircase. The moment I spot the blonde couple waiting on the first landing, my day brightens.

  The Stantons.

  Mother flicks her hand as she walks past Jaxx’s parents. “Consider them yours. They ceased being my children long ago.”

  John and Maggie look startled by Mother’s remarks, but Kotah and I wave away her concern. “Ignore her, Mama,” Kotah says, hugging first Jaxx’s mom and then his dad. “She is who she is and nothing and no one will change her.”

  Our parents were never huggers.

  That’s one of the best things about the Stantons adopting us as their pseudo kids—endless affection and support.

  “We’re so sorry to hear about your father, kids,” Mama says taking one of our hands in each of hers. “Jaxx caught us up and we’re heartbroken over the entire situation.”

  “Thank you.” I squeeze Mama and then enjoy the heartfelt warmth of John’s embrace. “It’ll be hard for Mother, but honestly, it doesn’t change much for us. Kotah and I came to terms with losing him.”

  “Come,” Mama says, directing us across the landing. “I’ve got lunch ready in the suite and we’re dying to hear all about your latest adventures.”

  I slide my arm around Mama’s hip and the five of us head back to Kotah’s residence.

  Creed

  I take the day to sober up and sit at Honor’s bedside. It’s surreal to see her lying in her bed. I can’t count how many times I sat in here over the past two years, talking to the walls and trying to figure out how I was ever going to get her back. My mind would spin in endless circles, imagining all the ways I could make it happen.

  I never once imagined Keyla and the Phoenix Quint.

  She looks like she’s sleeping but her mental energy says differently. I hate that even after finding her and freeing her, she’s still trapped in the prison of Laryssa and the Blood Witch’s making.

  “We’ll figure it out.” I squeeze her foot beneath the covers. “Lukas is a talented guy and Keyla believes in him. He belongs to some high-powered Guild of Mages in the human realm. They all seem genuinely confident he’ll figure out how to break that bitch’s hold on us.”

  A knock on the outer door forces me off my ass.

  I push to my feet, shut Honor’s door, and cross our apartment into the living room. “Come.”

  The door opens and my mother’s aide, Isabo, steps inside. The layers of her skirting swish with each step and I’m reminded of how Honor and I used to hear that sound and have enough time to stop messing around and straighten ourselves to appear the proper children we were expected to be.

  She’s aged in the passing years but remains as elegant and well-kept as ever.

  Isabo folds her gloved hands against her front and lowers herself in a slight bow. “King Creed. I wondered if I might be of service to your mate. I realize I have been absent from the castle these past years, but after what happened. I, uh, couldn’t face seeing that woman here. I abandoned you and your sister when I should’ve tried to be of aid.”

  I shake my head and gesture toward the sofas. “Did you attend my address in the Great Hall two nights ago?”

  “No. I’m sorry. I was not.”

  We sit opposite one another and I lay my arm along the back of the sofa. “I stated that all those loyal to my family have my complete understanding and pardon for anything that transpired since Laryssa’s arrival. The woman was a parasite with no regard for lives or loyalties. That you are here now, and after all the years of devotion you showed my mother, of course, you’re welcome back as the Queen’s Aide—on one condition.”

  Isabo lifts her chin. “Sire? What condition is that?”

  “Are you aware that the universe set things in motion with Keyla and her mate Dillan, so there are more than two in my mating?”

  She straightens. “I saw your announcement last week where you said as much, yes.”

  “In truth, I was also in a relationship at the time of our soul-searing. Keyla encouraged me to invite my lover to join us, so there are four of us in this marriage.”

  Her eyebrows arch and disappear under her mauve bangs. I let her have a moment for that to sink in. “I understand it’s unusual in this realm and I don’t want you to take on something you’re uncomfortable with.”

  “If I might ask, Majesty, how will that work?”

  “Excuse me?” I peg her with a look.

  Her hands come up as her cheeks flush bright pink. “Forgive me. No. I meant in a ruling sense. Your private affairs are, of course, your own. I meant how will the ruling of the quadrant be broken up? I am accustomed to being the Queen’s Aide.”

  Oh, good. I wasn’t about to get into my sex life with this woman. “Keyla and I will be the traditional ruling couple. You will aid her as you did my mother. She is royalty in her realm, so she is aware of her duties an
d responsibilities to our citizens. I simply mentioned our mating situation because Dillan and Rhylan must also be honored as our mates. If you hold issue with that, I’d rather know now.”

  She exhales heavily and her shoulders relax. “Then all is well. You will be a great King, Master Creed. Your situation is uncommon, yes, but not so different from the Phoenix and her Guardians. If the powers of the fae universe willed it so, who am I to have an opinion?”

  I nod, thankful for her support. “Then I will introduce you to Keyla when she returns from her business in the human realm. If after meeting and talking, the two of you think yourselves a good fit, you may resume your duties at once.”

  “Wonderful,” she says, folding her hands in her lap. “And until she returns, is there anything I can do to help you transition into your role?”

  When I stand, she stands as well. ”I’m glad you asked. I do have a project I would very much like for you to get started on right away. Could we begin right now?”

  “Of course, Majesty. What can I do for you?”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Rhylan

  When I land on the platform of the overlook, I listen for any sign of incoming hostilities. When nothing sparks my sense of survival, I shift back to two legs and step into the shadows.

  If luck is on my side, Shadowcaster will be out flexing his muscles, bullying a weaker species of the fae, or unconscious with a bunch of naked whores.

  That would leave my mother free to have a surprise visit from her exiled son.

  The lair of my brood is found within a massive hollow in a mountain range along the north ridge of the Travon Traverse.

  Other fae species know the general whereabouts of our home, but the entry point to the caverns is so deep within dragon territory no one has ever found it.

  And likely never will.

  The secrecy of its location is the number one tenet of our society. No one other than a dragon is permitted to know where our lair is located.

  As a child, I thought that was paranoia. We are dragons. No one would dare act against us.

  Then I grew up and began to interact with the outside world. I soon realized that as well as being recognized as the biggest and strongest of the wildling races, we are also known for being the least trustworthy and most despicable.