Page 1 of Taken By the Fae King

CHAPTER1

GRAYCE

Ialways hoped my marriage would be to someone I love, not to a stranger, and certainly not to my enemy—King Kyven of the Fae.

Standing on the castle balcony, I gaze at the courtyard below, my heart pounding as I watch the Fae King and his warriors approach.

My breath catches as I take in his imposing figure and the regal grace with which he carries himself. His face is set in a stern expression, his violet eyes scanning the courtyard and the castle guards at their posts. He is wearing a gold circlet crown. The sharp points of his Fae ears peek up through short, silver-white hair.

He is tall with broad shoulders, and dressed in black and gold armor that does little to hide the lean muscular form of the warrior he is beneath. A sliver of sunlight spears through the dark clouds, highlighting the clear, lavender panes of his wings, scattering brilliant colors across the ground.

Kyven is the key to my people’s survival, and tomorrow, I am to become his queen.

It would have happened a few days ago, but our wedding was postponed due to the unexpected arrival of my cousin, Freyja, and her new husband—the fierce Dragon King Aurdyn.

Kyven is known as a fierce and powerful ruler, as adept in the field of battle as he is in politics. He insisted upon my hand to seal the alliance between our two kingdoms, claiming our marriage would ensure a permanent peace.

I hope he is right. We lost our father in a battle with the Fae, and I’d rather not lose anyone else I love.

A cool breeze blows through my long brown hair, and I draw my cloak firmly around my shoulders. Drizzling mist begins to fall from the dark gray clouds blanketing the sky, the weather seeming to match my mood.

Just beyond the castle’s outer wall lie ruined and bloodied fields, reminding me of why this marriage must take place. It has only been a handful of days since the army of Kolstrad invaded our kingdom of Florin. We managed to defeat them, but just barely.

King Kyven of Anlora and a dozen of his Fae warriors arrived unexpectedly during the heat of the battle. They were under no obligation to assist us, but they did.

My brother, King Edmynd, is a proud man, but evenhedoubts we would have prevailed without their aid. Their powerful magic was able to counter that of the Mages and Wraith that marched alongside Kolstrad’s army.

The Fae King and his warriors come to a stop below. Kyven looks up at me. A shiver runs down my spine as his intense gaze meets mine.

Fate is a hunter. I learned this long ago. The gift of foresight, passed down from my mother, has always felt more like a curse than a blessing. We met only a few days ago, but I knew him immediately. I have seen those violet eyes in my dreams for the past three years.

In my visions, Kyven offers me a purple rose. But like most of my dreams, I know not what it means. It could be a sign, or even a warning. I only know that the gods do not direct our paths without purpose, and for some reason, they chose to cross his with mine.

“Grayce,” my brother’s voice calls from behind, and I turn away. The look on Edmynd’s face is nothing short of grave. He runs a hand roughly through his short, blond hair, his green eyes studying me in concern. “Are you certain you wish to go through with this?”

It comforts me to know that if I changed my mind, he would honor my decision. Our kingdom needs this alliance with the Fae. Without them, we could fall to the Order of the Mages and their Wraith. I do not make this choice lightly. “Yes.”

My other brother—Raiden—stands beside him, his expression bordering on thunderous. “I don’t trust him.” He clenches his jaw, and his brown eyes sweep to Edmynd. “You’re really willing to offer up our sister to the Fae King?”

“I am not offering up any—”

“Stop it,” I snap. “Edmynd isn’t forcing me into this. This is my decision, Raiden.”

“We do not need this alliance,” he counters. “We already have one with the Dark Elves, and now the Dragons. We don’t need the Fae. Maybe it was a sign from the gods that your wedding was interrupted a few days ago,” he points out. “Perhaps it is their will that this marriage should not be.”

“This alliance could put an end to all the bloodshed along our borders,” I tell him. “Think of how many lives could be saved if we joined forces with the Fae instead of constantly fighting them.”

Raiden clenches his jaw. He knows I’m right. “I still don’t like it.” He rakes a hand through his short brown hair and then darts a glance at Edmynd before addressing me. “Just remember that if you change your mind, you will have our support.”

Edmynd nods in agreement.

Emotions lodge in my throat. My brothers love me, and I am going to miss them so much. I embrace Raiden and pull Edmynd into the hug with us.

When we pull back, Raiden rests his hands on my shoulders, meeting my gaze evenly. “I want you to do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“When we meet with the Fae King today, do not look him directly in the eyes.”

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