Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels

by Adkins, Heather Marie

“And I don’t want them to hate me anymore than they already do.”

  “Why do they hate you?”

  “For all the reasons I’ve already stated.”

  “Because Morty helps you train?”

  “Yes.”

  “And Frederick checks on your progress.”

  “Yes.” It takes all of my self-control to not lose it. This isn’t a hard concept to understand. Any favoritism can be seen as an advantage, and the others resent me for it.

  “I see.” Prince Camden nods, looking off into the distance. He’s preoccupied with his own thoughts for a moment, then he looks around us. “No one has seen you. We should leave immediately.”

  Thank god.

  I keep my mouth shut but nod, eager to disappear into the unpopulated forest. The prince leads me toward the same hidden door Frederick and I always take. He places his hand on the surface, and the door illuminates just before it swings open.

  We walk in silence. I consider making small talk, but realize I have nothing to say. I haven’t been alone with the prince since my first day in Seelie. He’s not unfriendly. On the contrary, he’s polite and courteous. Nothing about his behavior is unnerving. It’s his title which makes me wary of being alone with him. What would happen if I did something to upset him? As a prince, he has the power to enact whatever punishment he should see fit, for any alleged transgression. I wonder if there is anyone aside from the queen who can overrule him.

  “Do you have any siblings?”

  The prince is as surprised by my outburst as I am. He glances at me over his shoulder but keeps walking. “A sister.”

  “Does she live in the castle?”

  “No, she oversees our family’s estate in Meadowbrook.”

  “Is that like a country or something?”

  He smirks. “Or something. You’re from the human region called America, correct?”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Your accent is telling.” He holds back overgrown branches as we walk deeper into the woods. “Meadowbrook would be the equivalent of what you call a state.”

  “Thank you.” I duck underneath the large branch and stop as I wait for him to, once again, take the lead. This is the first time I’ve taken the path during daytime. I have no idea how to get us to the pond. “So, your sister lives in Meadowbrook while you live in the castle.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you live here because you’re supposed to inherit the throne.”

  “Are you sure you haven’t been asking about me?” He shoots me a smile, and my stomach gives an involuntary flutter.

  “Like I said, people talk.”

  “Most people wouldn’t dare talk about the subject of succession,” he tells me. “Not if they value their lives.”

  Yikes. Mistress Jinny has more nerve than I gave her credit for.

  “Why?”

  “Queen Aria isn’t the type to allow rebellious thought.”

  “It’s rebellious to consider you the future ruler?”

  “It is to the queen.”

  He’s very careful with his words. I haven’t heard him make a statement regarding his perspective on the matter. I venture to figure out what he thinks.

  “Do you want to be king?”

  “It isn’t a matter of want.”

  “Then what is it a matter of?”

  “Duty. Responsibility.”

  “Okay. So, it’s your duty to be king?”

  He shrugs. “Many believe so.”

  “What do you believe?” Geeze. It’s like pulling teeth.

  “My belief is I will do whatever is best for Seelie. If that means stepping up and accepting the throne, that is what I’ll do.”

  Okay. I’m a little closer to figuring out what he really thinks. I decide to go for broke. “Do you think the queen is what’s best for Seelie?”

  His back muscles flex. The reaction is subtle, but it’s there.

  I sense he’s close to admitting something he normally wouldn’t. I can’t let this opportunity for information pass me by. I reach out and touch his arm. “Wait.”

  To my surprise, the prince actually listens. He stops walking and turns so we are standing face to face, less than three feet apart. He lifts an eyebrow—a silent question.

  I lick dry lips and tell myself not to lose my nerve.

  “You know, touching me is viewed as an act of aggression.”

  “Sorry!” I yank my hand away like I’ve been burned. “I-I didn’t mean to offend you, Your Highness.”

  “You don’t offend me.” The prince’s gaze remains on my hand, now resting at my side. He looks intrigued, like he can’t quite figure out what to make of me. “And I thought I asked you to call me Camden when we’re alone.”

  “Right. Sorry, Camden.” My feet shift as I move side to side, unable to stay still underneath his scrutiny.

  “Apology accepted, Serafina.”

  I cringe and immediately say, “Please don’t call me that.”

  “Serafina? Isn’t that your name?”

  “Yes, but I hate it.”

  “Really? I think it’s lovely. It suits you.”

  “It’s weird,” I counter. “At least, it’s weird on Earth.”

  “I see.” The prince—Camden dips his head in acknowledgement. “You would prefer me to address you as Sera, then? Even when we’re in public.”

  “Yes.” I should’ve left it at that, but my lips form my next words before my brain has a chance to process them, “But I don’t think we’re going to be socializing in public anytime soon.”

  I bite my tongue. Crap. Am I subconsciously determined to offend him or something? What’s wrong with me?

  Relief washes over me when I see him smirk. Thank goodness he seems to be amused by everything I do.

  “What about during tonight’s banquet? Tradition dictates it is my obligation to interact with all contestants.”

  “Tradition?”

  Camden’s eyes widen ever so slightly before his entire expression shutters closed. I can sense no emotion from him, but I realize he’s said something he wasn’t supposed to. He turns and resumes walking toward the pond, this time at a faster pace. I have to jog to keep up.

  “Camden, what do you mean by tradition? Has the contest happened before?”

  I can’t see his face, but from my spot just behind his right shoulder, I think I see his jaw tighten. He doesn’t have a hold on his emotions like I thought.

  I don’t think he’s going to answer my question. Then, he exhales a heavy sigh, and mutters, “Unfortunately, yes. The contest has happened before.”

  “Why ‘unfortunately’?”

  He peers over his shoulder. “Why do you think?”

  I don’t need to think hard. His tone says it all.

  I swallow the knot in my throat. “A-are humans always taken from Earth to participate?”

  “Yes.” Camden turns back around, acting like he can’t stomach looking at me.

  “But why? What is this contest?”

  “You will learn everything there is to know at the banquet this evening.”

  That’s not good enough.

  “Why can’t you just tell me now?”

  We’ve reached the clearing. The pond is twenty feet away. Rather than close the final distance to our destination, I find myself, once again, reaching out to grab ahold of Camden’s arm. I’m not sure why I do it. I’m either brave or just plain stupid to keep touching him after he told me it could be viewed as an act of aggression. I don’t think I would risk grabbing Morty or Frederick. Neither of the Fae would hesitate to pull me over their shoulder and throw me to the ground.

  But I don’t have the same fear of the prince, and I don’t know why that is.

  “I wish I could, but the rules are absolute. No contestants can be given information prior to the banquet. Otherwise, you will be disqualified.” Camden runs an agitated hand through his blond locks, ruffling his hair into a messy style.

  My fingers twitch. I want to reach
up and fix the wayward strands, but I tell myself I’ve already surpassed my touching quota today. “I’m going to guess that being disqualified is a bad thing?”

  “Yes,” he replies with hard eyes. “Disqualification is a very bad thing. Be sure to avoid it at all costs.”

  “Okay.” I take the advice to heart. Camden is complicated. Normally, I have an easy go at reading people. It’s one of the things I remember about myself prior to my amnesia. But the prince is not so easy. He’s cordial and genuine, but I get the sense there is a lot he holds back. Not only from me, but from everyone around him, even Frederick. Camden is a mystery, as is his desire to help me through the impending contest.

  “I’ve been meaning to ask. Do you have any idea how I can get my memories back? You never know, they might help me during the contest.” The sentries had told Camden about the pixie hitting me with an amnesia spell prior to arriving in Seelie. I’ve been getting by without them, but I’d really like to have my complete memory back. I want to know my family’s names and faces. I want to look forward to returning to someone, someday. It’s not enough to only have vague implications of mysterious people.

  His expression shifts to regret. Again, I can sense it is genuine. “A pixie’s magic is rare, powerful, and highly specific to the spellcaster. There is nothing I, or any Fae, can do to remove it. Only the pixie with the magical signature can unlock the hold on your memory. That, or some other powerful creature who does not exist in Seelie.”

  I can’t say I’m surprised, but that doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed.

  “I am sorry.” Camden takes a small step forward. He raises his hand before quickly pulling it back. “I wish I had better news.”

  “It’s okay.” I try to sound unaffected, but the small crack in my voice gives me away. I clear my throat and change the subject. “Where is Frederick?”

  “He won’t be joining us today. Didn’t he tell you that when he told you to meet me?”

  “No, his note only said to meet at the stables. He didn’t even mention you.” If he had, I might not have shown up.

  “Of course not.” Camden shakes his head and mutters to himself, “He can’t listen. Not even once.”

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing.” Camden kicks up his leg and begins stretching his quads. “Loosen up, then we’ll run.”

  “Alone?”

  “Yes. Is that a problem?”

  Yes.

  “No. Not if no one can see us.”

  “I promise, no one will see us. The forest is where I go to escape the hustle and bustle of the castle. It’s my sanctuary.”

  I widen my stance and dip my hips, resting my elbows on my thighs as I stretch my hamstrings and backside. “Aren’t you scared of the monsters?” Even in the daylight, I hear the familiar growls and hisses of the creatures creeping and slithering through the woods.

  Camden laughs. “No. I’m not.”

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You.”

  I stand and begin to roll out my ankles. “What about me?”

  Camden drops his foot and gestures towards me with a grin. “You’re just so… refreshing. Spirited. You don’t fear me.”

  I freeze. “Should I fear you?”

  “No,” his voice softens, as do his eyes. I’m not sure what to make of the emotion I see swirling around the bright green irises. “You have nothing to fear from me, Sera.”

  I drop my gaze to my feet, unnerved by the intensity of his unblinking stare. I bend forward and touch my toes, stretching my calves and hamstrings.

  “Do you believe me?” There is a vulnerability in the question I can’t ignore.

  Still bent over, I look up and see his unease. My answer matters to him, but I can’t give him the answer without knowing something else first.

  “Why are you surprised I don’t act afraid of you?”

  To his credit, he doesn’t hesitate, “Because most humans fear Fae, especially members of the nobility.”

  I stand. “Are most of the Fae nobles worthy of fear?”

  “In Seelie, yes. Court is a place swathed in greed and animus. Nobles treat humans with a high hand. Sometimes, with an abusive hand.”

  My temper flares. Humans have no chance at defending themselves against the powerful beings. It takes a special kind of evil to pick on the little guy. I’ve always hated bullies. Or, at least I think I have.

  “And no one at Court tries to put a stop to it?”

  “Some do,” Camden says. “But without condemnation by the queen, their efforts are useless. The vile deeds will continue until there is a ruler who will put a stop to the injustice.”

  “Well, what about you?”

  He blinks. “What about me?”

  “What kind of king will you be?” My hands sit on my hips. “Would you allow Fae to mistreat humans simply because they can? Or would you put a stop to it?”

  “I am not king.”

  “We are speaking as if, hypothetically, you are king. What would you do about the crimes against humans?”

  I can’t believe it, but Camden looks like he’d never given a thought to what kind of king he would be. He’s legitimately floored by my question. I see him consider his options, and I hold my breath, hoping I haven’t found an ally in a male who would condone mistreatment of the weaker race in his kingdom.

  Camden clears his throat and nods to himself as he says, “I would not permit the sort of behavior I see in Court. I would condemn abuse of anyone in my kingdom, be they Fae or human.”

  I exhale a relieved breath and smile widely. “Good. I can’t wait for you to be king. Now, come on. Let’s get this run over with. I have a hot bath calling my name.” I take off in the direction we normally begin our runs. I take ten strides before I realize I don’t hear Camden behind me. I stop and turn around. He is still standing by the pond, wearing an astonished expression.

  The grin I’m still wearing falls. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

  I meet his eye, and I’m finally able to identify the emotions swirling in his gaze. Camden looks at me like I am a glass of cold water on a hot, summer day. Desire, intrigue, and, the most unnerving of all, possession hit me with brunt of their strength. I don’t know how to break the tension building between us.

  Thankfully, I don’t have to.

  A creature yips from the treetop above me. I give a little scream and jump away from the tree.

  I hear Camden’s deep chuckle before he jogs past me. The spell has been broken. “Come on. Let’s do this. Like you said, you have a banquet to prepare for.”

  12

  “Can you at least fake like you’re having a good time? Your permanent frown is ruining my good mood.” Jordan drinks from the crystal flute in her hands. She’s getting sassier with each sip.

  We stand beside a table packed with desserts. The finger-sized cakes, brownies, and tartlets look delicious, but I don’t take a bite. Dinner had been an excessive affair, with five courses, each one more divine than the last. Despite the uncomfortable glances and whispers I, and the other contestants, received from the dozens of Fae surrounding us at the massively long table, I hadn’t been able to resist gorging myself. We’re fed well in the barracks, but our food isn’t as flavorful or enticing as the queen’s food. Like a starving woman given her last meal, I devoured the roast beef and seasoned vegetables, soup which reminded me of butternut squash, a fresh garden salad, and more. I simply couldn’t stop myself. Now, the rich flavors aren’t settling well in my stomach, but that’s only one reason for my frown.

  The meal-portion of the banquet has ended. Now, the contestants are expected to mingle with the queen’s guests. I look around and see several of my fellow humans, dressed in gorgeous gowns, swaying and gliding their way through the ballroom, chatting easily with the creatures responsible for suppressing human rights. The only furniture beyond drink and dessert tables are tall, cocktail tables. The space is designed to encourage free movement and easy conversation, but I refu
se to move from my post by the desert table. Like me, most of the banquet’s guests show no interest in the additional dessert. Instead, they stick to their beverages as they make their rounds. I can’t figure out what we’re doing here. I know we’re supposed to learn the details of the contest, but the queen hasn’t even made an entrance. What is the point of dressing us up and presenting us like prized mares? Something else is going on here, but I can’t put my finger on it.

  Jordan groans, forcing my attention away from my investigative thoughts.

  “Seriously, Sera. Lighten up.” Jordan’s stayed by my side the entire evening. She even followed me when I went to the restroom. She’s wordlessly established herself as my right-hand woman, but she obviously doesn’t approve of my reclusive behavior.

  “You can go mingle if you want. I’ll be fine alone.”

  “Absolutely not.” She shakes her head, and the curls from her pretty updo swing around her face. “I’m not leaving you by yourself.”

  “Why not?” I persist. “What’s the worse that will happen?” It’s not Jordan’s fault I can’t find it in me to enjoy the lavish atmosphere around us. I’ve spent less than two weeks in the Fae Realm. Jordan’s been here for months. She needs to enjoy this moment, and I don’t want to be the reason she doesn’t.

  Jordan takes another sip of the bubbly drink to stall. With weaker resolve, she says, “I don’t know. I just don’t want you to be miserable.”

  I laugh, and the sound attracts the attention of two Fae males near the other end of the table. They’d looked lost in conversation, but we’ve effectively distracted them. I turn and give them my back, but I don’t stop trying to convince Jordan.

  “Seriously, I’ll be okay. Go. Have fun.”

  Jordan bites her lips, and I cringe. The gesture makes her look sexy, and I can feel the two males’ lingering gazes. No doubt, my friend just solidified their interest.

  “If you’re sure…” She glances longingly at the sea of beautiful people, watching Trish and her crew, whose names I now know are Brittany and Lana, flirt shamelessly with an, admittedly stunning Fae soldier. He’s striking in the dark green uniform and pristine leather boots. His medals shine in the candlelight, and so does his smile.