Fae Magic: A Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance (Forsaking the Fae Book 1)

by A. M. Hardin

  * * *

  I scowl at my reflection in the mirror.

  I hate having my wings out. Especially since I haven’t fully healed from the whipping from my father last night. Unfortunately, it’s a requirement for these events. My parents have the mindset that the fae should be proud of their wings and not hide them. They always prefer for everyone’s wings to be out while in their kingdom. I just think it’s hilarious that they don’t usually have their own wings out.

  I agree that being a fae is something to take pride in, however, having my wings out just reminds me of all the torture my family has put me through. All the mental and physical pain rush back along with them.

  “You look great,” Ezra says with a smile on his face as he walks into the room. “Why are you scowling?”

  “I hate this,” I mutter as my wings flutter against my back, shimmering blue in the light behind me, matching my dress perfectly.

  “Hate what? The balls?” he asks, confused as Maxwell and Levi enter the room. They both stop dead in their tracks the moment their eyes land on me.

  “I can handle the freaking parties my parents decide to throw on a whim,” I answer, turning away from my reflection to look at my guards. “I hate having my wings out.”

  “Why?” Maxwell asks.

  I sigh and shake my head. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s go get this shit over with, please.”

  I’m not exactly in the mood to deal with all the two-faced fae that will be here tonight. Worse, I already know that my parents plan on essentially forcing me and Julian to spend the ball together. I don’t know the guy, and yeah, talking with him would help me get to know him, but I’m not ready for marriage. All they can think about is how to gain more power. Of course, me marrying Julian makes complete sense to them since their kingdom is as powerful as ours.

  We’d literally be the power couple.

  Gag.

  It’s not that I don’t see the appeal of the prince, there’s definitely more to him than I originally thought, considering he called my sister out on her shit earlier. It’s just the fact that if I go through with the stupid marriage, my parents win. They get control over me again. Not only that, but the prince and his parents would have control over me.

  I refuse to be controlled that way, ever again. I am my own person. Even if they can’t accept that.

  Celeste and Jade meet us in the hallway, and we all walk to the ballroom together. Jade and Celeste griped as much as I mentally did when they discovered we had to have our wings out. The kingdom they come from—Julian’s kingdom—doesn’t require wings all the time apparently. I’m mildly jealous.

  Okay, I’m really fucking jealous. I’m also extremely thankful that my wounds have mostly healed by now, so all Celeste and Jade had to do was put makeup on my back to hide them since my gown for tonight is backless.

  When I still lived here, my parents would give Levi the makeup and he would apply it for me, but my friends wanted to do it.

  “You ready for this?” Jade asks quietly as we get closer to the ballroom. We can hear the music playing inside now.

  Taking a deep breath, I nod. “The sooner we get in there, the sooner we can leave. Let’s get this over with.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Julian

  I glance around the ballroom and I keep my expression blank as I see princess Rita glaring at me from across the room. She’s pissed about what I said earlier, which granted was a little harsh, but something needed to be said.

  I’m not stupid. I know she’s a mixture of pissed that she wasn’t picked to be my wife, while also pleased that she didn’t get stuck with a dark fae as a husband. Regardless of the fact that I am a dark fae, I can see that she wants me. She did a lot of flirting with me before princess Crystal came home. Even the desperate attempts to corner me to get me alone or just to talk since her sister has been back hasn’t stopped.

  “How are you liking your stay here, your highness?” the female by my side asks, drawing my attention back to her.

  “It’s fine,” I answer vaguely before trailing my gaze over the growing crowd. The king and queen are sitting on their thrones in the front of the room, talking to each other with severe frowns on both their faces as their eyes dart to the entrance several times.

  I can honestly say that there have been rulers that I’ve disliked, but not to the extent of those two. Something about the way they’re handling our arrangement is rubbing me the wrong way. The way they treat their daughters also bugs me. Not that I’ve heard them so much as admonish Rita—except for earlier—but the way they speak about Crystal and Rita are completely opposite. They speak of Rita as if she’s the perfect child. Crystal, on the other hand, is made out to be the spoiled brat that Rita is and made out to be the trouble child.

  Although, I don’t doubt that Crystal will be a handful. She’s seemingly let everything slide right off her back. Though, I doubt it will continue that way for long. This morning, I could sense that she was hurting. Just as clearly as I could sense Rita’s hatred for her sister. I don’t know what happened to cause her pain, but I didn’t like it. Concern washed over me when I realized she was hurting.

  That is a new emotion for me. Concern. I’ve never really cared for anyone’s wellbeing but my own, and that of my family, and the people in our kingdom. The fact that this female that I’ve only met twice now was able to pull that strong of an emotion out of me is a little disconcerting.

  “You’re not listening to me are you?” the female beside me says, drawing my attention back to her.

  I sigh at the disappointed pout on her face. “Honestly, no.”

  She narrows her gaze at me. “What’s on your mind? Am I not entertaining you?”

  I don’t answer because at that moment the double doors at the other end of the room open, and Crystal walks in with her three guards tailing her with her friends on either side of her. Celeste and Jade, if I can recall their names correctly. It’s been several years since I’ve seen either of them. Though, their families still come to the castle often. Their names are never spoken by their families, since they were banished.

  The female beside me continues to talk, berating me for ignoring her and I continue to do so. My attention completely snagged by Crystal as she glides into the room. She’s gorgeous. The light reflecting on her wings almost gives them a blue glow that makes it look like her dress was made purely to match them.

  I’ve seen portraits of the princess with her wings out, the painter had always made her eyes and wings match. I didn’t realize how close to the truth that was. There’s a difference in the shade but they’re both a shocking, mesmerizing blue. Meant to capture your attention. And capture attention they did.

  The talking dies down and several of the dancing partners on the floor pause to stare as the princess walks past them to an empty area of the ballroom. When the small group reaches the space the princess has chosen, her friends turn to face Crystal while the princess keeps her back to us all. Either to prove she’s unafraid, unaffected, or just plain doesn’t give a shit. I don’t know, but it’s not something you see often.

  Certainly not the type of behavior you’d expect of a princess. Movement in my peripheral’s captures my attention and my brows pucker at the sight of Rita stomping away toward a small group of females that have gathered, whispering among each other. What truly throws me off, is the fury and rage painted on Rita’s face. She clearly doesn’t like having to share attention.

  I just can’t figure out if it’s the fact that it’s her sister that has gained everyone’s attention that pisses her off so much, or if it’s that she isn’t the center of attention in general.

  Glancing to the king and queen, I notice them staring hard at Crystal as they talk with my father, almost as if they want to glare at her, but know better than to let it show in front of so many people.

  Without a word to the female still babbling at my side, I move toward Crystal. I’m not an idiot, I know that the king and queen want us t
o spend as much time together as possible so that she will stop fighting the engagement to me. I’m not interested in dealing with whatever tantrum they decide to throw just because the little princess fears being engaged.

  Celeste and Jade’s eyes both widen as I get closer. Jade says something to Crystal that makes her shoulders stiffen and slowly turn around. Giving me a forced smile, Crystal meets my eyes. I’m pleasantly surprised to see not an ounce of the anger and frustration there that has been there during every meeting we’ve had.

  Perhaps it’s just the fact that her parents aren’t close by. However, I can see the uncertainty and unease she’s attempting to hide.

  I bow low at the waist, my hand to my chest. “Princess Crystal,” I greet with a small smile to put her at ease. “Would you care to dance?” I hold my hand out in front of me, waiting patiently as she stares at me. Her eyes slide to something behind me—most likely her parents—before moving back. Giving me a brisk nod, she takes my hand in hers.

  “Sure,” she mumbles before glancing to her friends. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

  They nod and give her supportive smiles even as their eyes glare daggers behind me. Once I lead her to the middle of the ballroom, amidst the other dancers, I pull her close to me as we start dancing.

  Not even thirty seconds into the dance, she meets my eyes. “What exactly do you get out of this arrangement with my parents?” she asks quietly, careful to not be overheard.

  My mouth pulls into a reluctant smile. Not very trusting, this one. “What makes you think I get anything in return?”

  She raises an eyebrow at me before schooling her face into that perfect blank expression that seems to be her norm when she’s surrounded by others. “Don’t patronize me,” she says, her voice tinged with anger that her blank expression hides. “I’m not a child. Nor am I stupid. These arrangements are always made to help both sides.”

  I hum as I twirl her on cue with the other females surrounding us, not saying a word until she’s back in my arms. “Truthfully, I don’t get anything out of this. My father was the one who set the terms, along with your parents. Your parents refused to offer Rita for the simple reason that she’s their heir and they don’t want my kingdom gaining more power by essentially having me rule their throne as well.”

  She gets a bitter gleam in her eyes as she glances at her sister across the room. “And your father didn’t deny it. Why? Why would he want a ‘powerless’ fae as the future queen for your kingdom?”

  “Powerless?” I ask with an eyebrow raised, deciding to play dumb. “Your parents didn’t mention that.”

  She snorts. “No, but I’m assuming you heard during your stay here that my powers have never come to me.”

  Leaning down so my mouth is against her ear, I whisper, “If your powers have never come to you, little fae, then why can I sense the dark power surging through you? Struggling to get out.”

  She stiffens in my arms. If I wasn’t so attuned to her and watching her so closely, I wouldn’t have noticed. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Deciding to leave it for now, I continue with our conversation. “In any case, your parents didn’t tell mine anything about you aside from your name, to be honest. Everything I know is because I’ve made it my business to know. It’s why I decided to stay here for a while, even before you got here. I wanted to get a feel for the family that I’d be marrying into.”

  “I’m guessing you’re still interested, seeing as you haven’t left,” she says stiffly.

  “I’ll admit that you intrigue me,” I answer honestly. “However, that doesn’t mean that this arrangement will be the best for everyone. In any case, it’s not like it’ll be a secret much longer.”

  Startled eyes meet mine. “What do you mean?”

  “You haven’t worked it out yet? The reason my family is here as well as all these people is so that our parents can formally announce our engagement.”

  She gapes at me and it has to make me a little fucked up that her shock is so amusing.

  I have a feeling this female will at the very least keep things entertaining.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Crystal

  Julian and I stop moving while I continue to stare at him.

  He can’t be serious.

  But as I look in his eyes, I can see the truth right there. A red-hot wave of anger flows through me before I quickly smother it.

  I should have known.

  I should have fucking known.

  My parents have always been underhanded jackasses. I don’t know why the fuck I expected that shit to have changed.

  The music stops and I glance behind Julian to see my parents and his walk over to us, each wearing wide smiles. My parents’ eyes, however, glitter with a warning as they look at me. Oh, yeah. They know that I am, by no means, a happy bunny right now.

  The room falls quiet as our parents move to us. I move out of Julian’s arms as much as I can, but he keeps his arm firmly wrapped around my waist, so I’m still plastered to his side.

  “First and foremost, we’d like to thank our honored guests, the royal family from the Bresal kingdom for joining us on this special occasion. Welcoming our daughter, princess Crystal home. It has been far too long since she has been home, and it is, indeed, a pleasure to have our family whole once again,” my mother says, her voice carrying across the room. The king and queen of Bresal each nod, keeping their smiles firmly in place as my father takes over the speech.

  “Secondly, there is another reason for this welcome home ball. We’re ecstatic to announce the engagement of our daughter, Crystal. In two months’, time, she and the prince of Bresal, Julian, will be wed.”

  Two months?! They didn’t say shit about there being an actual timeline!

  The entire room breaks into cheers and I can’t help but wince at the noise.

  “What?” a female voice shrieks in outrage.

  I frown as the fae in front of us part to show us the shaking girl, her face flushed with anger. I vaguely recognize her as the female that the prince was talking to when I clocked him as we were coming inside. From beside me, the prince lets out a sigh of . . . agitation? Annoyance? Impatience? I don’t know.

  If I remember correctly, she’s also one of Rita’s friends. Or at least, she used to be. Maybe. I’m not sure. If it is the girl that I’m thinking of, then she’s certainly changed. She used to be a pudgy, scared little thing. She’s still a little thing, but she’s clearly grown out of the pudge and fear.

  “And who are you, to interrupt so rudely?” Julian’s father asks, sounding bored. Honestly, he sounds like he’d rather be anywhere but here.

  So do I, dude. So do I.

  “My name is Miranda Spring. Second in line to the throne after princess Rita.” I glance at my parents. What the hell? When did they remove me from the line of succession? And why did they pick her of all people? There are others who would have been better fitting for the position. Even better than myself or hell, Rita, even.

  Julian frowns and glances down at me. I keep my face blank as I ignore him, looking from my parents, to his, and back to the girl.

  “Even if what you say is true, that is no matter,” Julian’s father says with a shrug. Clearly he’s more laid back than my father. “It has been decided that princess Crystal will be the one to wed my son.”

  Miranda glares at me, ignoring the king but only speaking to my parents. “It is within my right to challenge the princess, is it not?”

  My parents each hesitate, glancing at each other before my father rolls his eyes. “Technically it is. I don’t see what you hope to achieve by this, Miranda.”

  I gape at her. “You seriously want to challenge me? Just to marry a guy that you don’t know?”

  Miranda smirks. “Are you scared, princess?”

  I chuckle humorlessly as dark laughter comes from my friends behind us. In my peripheral’s I see both of Julian’s parents and Julian turn to look at them, frowns on their faces.

 
I shake my head and sigh. “I’m not scared of you, Miranda. I’m also not sure that this is a great idea.”

  “Oh? Why is that?” She doesn’t really sound like she cares.

  “Because I will defeat you. You will regret your choice. I’ll also enjoy it. More than I should, if I’m being perfectly honest.”

  She laughs, it’s a bitter sound but still fills the air and somehow manages to sound louder than the crowd’s murmurs around us.

  Miranda straightens to her full height, her eyes still narrowed at me. “Princess Crystal, I challenge you to a duel. Winner gets the prince’s hand.”

  Julian’s hand tightens on my waist. “Don’t you think this has gone on far enough?” he asks, his voice harsh as he stares at Miranda.

  She smiles as she walks toward us. She reaches out, trying to touch his cheek, but he jerks out of her reach, eyes narrowing on her. Her cheeks flush with anger again as her attention snaps back to me. “Do you accept my challenge, princess?”

  I shake my head and hear the gasps around us. “I accept your challenge. However, let me just say this,” I move in closer so we can’t be overheard. “Don’t expect me to go easy on you. I’ve got a lot of anger to work off, Miranda, and you’ve just given me the perfect outlet. Also, you’re more than welcome to the prince. I’m not interested in any of this shit. However, I will happily accept your challenge if, for no other reason than my family needs to learn that I’m not to be so easily underestimated.”

  “I’m not that bad,” Julian mutters into my ear as I move back into my previous position beside him. Miranda’s teeth grind so loud that I can hear it as she takes in the intimate way he’s speaking to me.

  I meet Julian’s eyes and tell him honestly, “It’s nothing against you, I just don’t care for politics.”

  Jade and Celeste make their way to us, uncaring of the audience. Apparently also not giving a shit that the people that banished them to the human realm are within reach. My guards follow, all three of them glaring and frowning at Miranda.