Tempest's Fury: The Lost Kingdom of Fallada, #4

By Alicia Michaels

Gretchen Thomas isn’t exactly princess material. She’s not thin, perky, graceful, or refined. So, when a mysterious man claiming to be from another world appears, telling her that she’s royalty, her first instinct is to laugh in his face. However, his assertion that she’s from this strange parallel realm rings true—especially given the freakish abilities she’s had since childhood.

Yet, with that knowledge comes a set of expectations Gretchen isn’t sure she can live up to. With an entire kingdom relying on her to fight for them against an evil queen, and a long lost family hoping to reunite with her, being a princess doesn’t seem like all it’s cracked up to be. One thing is for sure; when the war between good and evil spills over from one realm into another, disrupting her life and threatening the brother who raised her, Gretchen will not hesitate to unleash the powerful storm brewing inside of her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marion Press
• Release date: Apr 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386705871

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Prologue

THE DAY HAS COME. THIS morn, The Adrah will set forth from the realm of Fallada, and cross into the world of men. The fight against evil continues, my friend, and as long as I draw breath we shall not back down. Many thought our mission an impossible and foolish task. Six princesses taken from us forever, banished into the world of men; the seventh, hidden away right beneath our noses and brainwashed into believing we are her enemies. Yet, we needed them to fulfill the prophecy that could banish the darkness from this world for eternity. I refused to accept that it could not be done, and so did my faithful scribes, the Brothers Grimm.

Four we have found and returned home. The prophecy begins to unfold and destiny has continued to have its day. Despite the turn of events threatening to tear our fellowship of friends apart for a time, I remain hopeful. While the dark queen, Eranna, has begun to spread her evil among the people of the Earth realm, here we have liberated many. Those once so cynical they could not believe, are beginning to have faith. All over Fallada, people who turned tail and ran rather than stand to fight, are returning to take their places beside us. While the dark queen’s army grows by the day, so does ours. The battle lines are being drawn, and the final fight looms closer than many would think.

Only a few hours yet, and General Rothatin Longspear will set off on his voyage, taking with him Princess Eladria of Damu and her mate, the Werewolf alpha Titus. Journeying with them are Princess Phaedra of Zenun, and Arrian of the Riverleaf clan of Inador. As well, four hundred Faerie Warriors will accompany them. If Eranna wishes to take this battle to the Earth realm, I am more than happy to oblige her.

Here, Princess Jocylene and Princess Sonia will remain. Our child of the earth and her mate, the Panther Shifter Eliandes, will continue to help me fight against Eranna’s forces left here in Fallada. They are led by the Dark Fae lord, Kalodan, who has turned his back on his people to follow the dark queen. The youngest princess of Zenun, Sonia, is not yet ready to fight. An illness that plagued her in the human world stopped her from reaching the full potential of her power. While she learned to shift into her Mermaid’s form, other abilities have yet to manifest. I will keep her here, under my protection so she may have the serenity and space she needs to discover what lies just beneath the surface.

So many threads being woven into this complicated tapestry. So many lives intertwined by destiny and fate. I see the bonds our princesses have formed with one another, and the people of this world, as they become accustomed to their new lives. It warms my heart to see it, for it has been my greatest fear that they would have no desire to return home once found. I need not have worried. There is something in the air—it calls to them. Once they are home they all feel it ... the elemental thing telling them they are where they should be.

Even as we add more and more members to our little makeshift family, our bonds are further strengthened, ensuring that when we face Eranna in the final battle, we will stand and not fall. Like one rope woven of several, we are unbreakable.

Chapter One

I’M GOING TO MISS YOU guys, said Selena McKinley, rubbing one hand absently over her growing stomach.

At five months pregnant she had just started to show, though she’d certain felt very pregnant from the beginning. Just thinking about the rocking deck of the ship made her want to hurl. She hoped she’d be able to keep her breakfast down once The Adrah got underway.

Jocylene Sanders, who had very quickly become one of Selena’s best friends, rolled her eyes.

Yeah right, she replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. You get to wear jeans again, and eat barbeque, and see your grandma. You’re not even going to think about us while you’re gone.

While she definitely looked forward to visiting home for the first time in almost a year, she hadn’t been lying when she’d said she would miss her family and friends.

The time she’d spent in Fallada had seemed more like a lifetime than just ten months. So much had happened, and so much about her had changed. She’d found out she was a princess, met the man destined to be her bonded mate for life, married him, and gotten knocked up all in less than a year.

She’d spent most of her life wishing for a life beyond what existed in her small Texas hometown. In the process of discovering her true identity, she had gotten way more than she’d bargained for.

Well, the trip isn’t all fun, she replied, watching Rothatin and En’im—one of his Warrior Fae—review the checklist of supplies being stowed aboard the flying steamship. Rothatin is taking Eranna’s presence in the human world as a very serious threat. I doubt he’ll give us much time for personal visits while we’re there.

Jocylene’s mouth tightened at the corners, like it always did when someone mentioned the overbearing general of the Fae army. She was very pointedly not looking at him, even though he stood less than a hundred yards away. Selena pretended not to notice; something they’d all learned to do when it came to those two.

No one quite understood what went on there. For a while it had almost seemed as if they’d made some kind of love connection, but then he had left to fight Eranna’s hybrid army, and she had turned to Eli. A few months ago, she’d bound herself to the Panther Shifter in a mating ceremony. No one could deny that she loved him, and everyone knew Eli would follow her anywhere.

Still, Selena couldn’t help but wonder if there wasn’t more to the situation than what met the eye. Even though she and Jocylene had become close, it remained something they never talked about.

Well, you have fun kicking Eranna’s ass all over town, Jocylene said. I’ll just be here trying to wrangle a moody Phoenix and take down a psychotic Faerie.

Fun times.

Are you ready to leave, my love?

She turned to face her mate, Titus, who strode down the gangplank of the ship toward her. Their mate’s bond allowed them to communicate through a telepathic link. She smiled, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

He often needed to be reminded that it was rude to communicate using their bond for too long, leaving others out of the loop. Of course, it could be convenient when they wanted to talk about things unfit for public conversation.

All ready, she said cheerfully. Just saying good-bye.

Uncle Titus, wait!

A wide grin split her mate’s face as he knelt and opened his arms to Vince and Grace, Jocylene’s foster siblings. The kids had taken a liking to Titus, who spent hours shifting into wolf form and giving them both rides on his back. He’d become ‘fun Uncle Titus’ to them.

The two kids—six and three years of age—threw their arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

Oh! he exclaimed. You guys are getting heavy.

He pretended to struggle to lift them, his dramatics complete with grunts, groans, and fake attempts at picking them both up at the same time. The kids giggled and jumped, trying to help him get them off the ground. Eventually, it ended with the three of them rolling in the grass in a tangle of limbs. Then, he shifted, bounding around them in circles and nipping at their heels like an excited puppy while they squealed and screamed, pretending to be scared.

Selena pressed her hand to the little foot pressing against her stomach from the inside, and smiled. Her mate would be an amazing dad.

All right, guys, enough! Jocylene said through her laughter to the two little ones. Uncle Titus and Aunt Selena have to go now.

Michael, the oldest of her three foster siblings, stood beside her, far too dignified to roll around in the grass with a wolf. The ten-year-old genius spent most of his time experimenting with science and magic, which in Fallada were one and the same.

Titus shifted back to two legs, his clothing remaining intact. He wore enchanted Fae garments that shifted when he did, and had a whole trunk of them on board the ship. While most shifters felt more comfortable naked than clothed, he had agreed to the clothes for this trip.

The last thing she needed was a bunch of human girls drooling over her hot, naked Werewolf mate.

The kids gave Uncle Titus one last hug before rushing back to Jocylene’s side. Eli came up behind them, lifting one hand to rest on his mate’s shoulder. They looked like a little family standing there together.

Come to see us off? Selena asked.

Eli smiled, but it didn’t reached his eyes. Not seeing you all off so much as ensuring my mate doesn’t get any ideas about boarding that ship.

Jocylene shot him a glare over her shoulder, and tension crackled between them like lightning.

Titus laughed to break the tension.

I don’t think you need to worry about that. We’ve got the world’s strictest general running our operation. No unplanned stops, keep your arms and legs inside the ship, follow orders, and no stowaways.

At the mention of Rothatin, his face got even stonier and Selena nudged her oblivious mate in the ribs with an eye-roll. Men could be so dense.

Glancing over her shoulder, she realized everyone else had boarded the ship, and they might be the ones holding things up.

Okay, guys, we really need to go now. She reached out to hug Jocylene, who returned the embrace. We’ll see you soon.

Soon for you, Jocylene replied. Remember, time moves faster here. A few days for us in Fallada is just a few hours back on Earth. Either way, we’ll be waiting.

Hopefully with the head of a certain Dark Fae on a silver platter.

Titus wrapped one arm around her shoulders and led her up the gangplank where Rothatin, En’im, Phaedra, and Arrian waited for them.

Up in the trees, the gigantic birds of the Undays’e—Faeries who shared a bond with the animals they flew upon—waited patiently to take flight. While there was plenty of room for them on the ship, the Undays’e felt more at home on the backs of their birds of prey.

The gangplank came up behind them, and they stuck close to the rail, avoiding the trampling boots of the ship’s crew. They worked at the gigantic hunk of machinery in the center of the deck, which would generate enough steam into the ship’s sails to take them airborne.

They found Phaedra and Arrian near the ship’s bow, locked in each other’s arms. They were so busy sucking face they didn’t even hear Selena and Titus approach.

You know, one of you has to breathe eventually, Selena joked when they got closer.

The two reluctantly separated. Arrian’s lips had turned red from the pressure of Phaedra’s, and the princess’s breathing was rapid and short.

Geez, you two, get a room, Titus muttered, leaning against the rail beside Arrian, who had pulled away from Phaedra to glance over the side.

The Mermaid princess from Zenun and the prince of the Riverleaf Elf clan had found themselves in the middle of a budding romance. Selena thought they made the cutest couple. They couldn’t be more different—Phaedra with her dark skin, wild curls, and slender frame, Arrian with his luminescent skin, glittering blue eyes, and pointed Elf ears.

Still, her kiss had broken the curse that had turned the once arrogant prince into a monster. If that didn’t prove they were meant to be together, Selena didn’t know what did.

You’re one to talk, Phaedra retorted, pushing a stray curl back from her forehead. That’s why Selena’s knocked up now!

Titus beamed with pride, rubbing her bare baby bump. Her Fae garments, consisting of a loose, flowing crop top and skirt, were the most comfortable things she’d ever worn. It took a bit of the discomfort out of pregnancy, and Selena had always loved showing off her Damunian tattoos. She’d gotten one mark for every milestone accomplished since fulfilling her part of the prophecy on the Day of the Red Dawn. Starting on one hand and moving up her left arm the Damunian markings for ‘princess’, ‘love’, ‘flight’, and ‘warrior’ had been etched into her skin. Across her lower stomach was the symbol for ‘mother’.

How do you think the whole pregnancy thing will work once we cross over into the human realm, Selena? Phaedra asked. I mean, time works differently there, it goes slower. Does this tack extra time onto your pregnancy?

She groaned, blowing her bangs out of her eyes with a huff. Ugh, I didn’t even think of that!

Arrian, what do you know about it? Phaedra asked her boyfriend.

The Elf turned to face them, one hand stroking his chin. I must admit my knowledge on the subject of travel between realms is limited. I would assume, however, that because conception occurred here, the child’s gestational age is determined by Falladian time. Which means the growth of the child will likely slow during our time there.

She sighed. Well, I guess that’s what I get for volunteering for this.

You miss your Gram, Titus said, his hand finding the small of her back. Zoe too. Seeing them will do you good. It’ll be worth it, Selena.

Why are you always right? she teased him through their mate’s bond.

You don’t need to worry about it, he replied. Just remember that I am and obey me completely.

They’re doing it again, Arrian quipped, nudging Phaedra.

Phaedra shook her head. How rude. We should do something to get back at them.

He pulled her against him, threading his fingers through her thick curls.

How about this? he murmured before lowering his head to kiss her.

He pressed her up against the railing, seeming to search for the secrets of the universe inside her mouth. The kiss dragged on and on, with no hint that either of them intended to stop any time this decade.

Okay, okay, you guys win! Titus said, laughing. Seriously. Lots of rooms below deck.

That is where you all should be heading.

Rothatin’s morose tone shattered the pleasant mood. The four of them fell silent, glancing up as he approached. His white-blond hair glittered in the light of the afternoon sun, and his chiseled, angelic face was hardened and lined with fatigue, his mouth pinched and turned down. His dark green eyes had lost their emerald-like luster, growing so dark they seemed black. His jaw appeared set in a perpetual clench.

Over the last few months he’d grown more imposing than ever. He’d always been a bit of a hard-ass, but beneath it all she’d known he cared about their mission. Gruffness had just been his way.

Now, though, she couldn’t be sure of what ran beneath the surface. It was as if he simply went through the motions, doing his duty because he had to, not because he wanted to. He seemed harder now than ever, and it didn’t always make him a joy to be around.

We will cast off shortly, he added. It would be best if you went below deck and stayed out of the way of our crew until we’ve reached a cruising altitude.

Of course, Arrian replied. Please, let me know if I am needed.

Rothatin nodded but didn’t respond, and he and Phaedra brushed past him to make their way to the cabins below.

Titus followed, but she remained, staring up at the stone-faced Faerie. Despite the fact that he had never been the nicest person, she always tried to show him compassion. A lot rested on his shoulders—the fate of two worlds had to be a heavy load to bear, and he carried it alone.

Are you okay? she asked, her voice a low whisper.

Behind him, Titus paused, shooting her a confused look.

I can’t ignore his pain, she said to him with her thoughts.

Just don’t give him any ideas. He used to think he was in love with you, remember?

I am quite all right, Princess, Rothatin answered, his tone neutral. Just ready to get on with our journey. I trust you are well?

His eyes traveled down to her round middle and a flash of something—pain, maybe—lit in his eyes for a fraction of a second. She wanted to tell her mate how wrong he’d been. Even if Rothatin had ever thought he’d loved her, she suspected the general just needed someone to fight for.

First, it had been her, the first princess to be found and returned to Fallada. Then, it had been Jocylene, who had chosen Eli over him. That blow had to have hurt him most of all. Even if he wouldn’t admit it, she could see it every time he was forced to be in the same room with the couple.

Despite the fact that Rothatin was pretty much married to his duty, she could see he wanted more. Anyone with half a brain could see it if they watched him close enough. His wistful glance at her belly wasn’t desire for her, but a need for what Titus had. Not Selena, but someone of his own to bind himself to, and produce an heir with.

She gave him a bright smile and took his hand, grasping it tight. He flinched at the contact, but didn’t pull away. To do so would be disrespectful to her as a princess of Fallada.

I’m more than well, she replied. Thank you for allowing us to come. We want to do everything we can to help.

He didn’t smile back, but his expression softened a bit. It was the best he could do.

It is an honor to have you, he said. I know you will be an asset.

I’ll go ahead and get downstairs now, she said, releasing his hand. I’ll see you later?

Dinner will be served in the captain’s quarters at eight o’clock this evening. I will be there.

So will I, then, she said before turning away to join Titus, who waited for her at the top of the stairs.

They linked hands and descended. She could feel Rothatin’s burning gaze on them until they disappeared from sight.

You are always so kind to people, Titus remarked as they navigated the narrow hall toward their cabin. I love that about you.

She shrugged. I hate to see people hurting, especially since we’ve been so happy.

Our lives haven’t been perfect.

A truer statement couldn’t have been made. Not long after their mating ceremony, Titus’s father, the alpha of the Awcan Werewolf pack, had died. Titus had gone through a dark time then, being thrust so suddenly into his father’s shoes and having to deal with his loss so soon after getting him back from Eranna’s possession.

Her pregnancy had been a big shock, too; she’d dealt with a lot of doubts over whether she was ready to be a mom, and if now would be the best time to bring a kid into the world—considering they were at war and all. Still, through it all, they’d been there for each other and that meant something.

True, she agreed. They found their door and entered it. The last weeks since Phaedra’s victory over the hybrids in Zenun have been fantastic. I’m sure ahead of us are more hard times, but I’ve got you. Rothatin has no one.

He sighed, lowering himself onto their bed and flopping back.

Are we going to talk about Rothatin all night? Not that I don’t like the guy, but I’d much rather discuss this getup you’re wearing.

She fought against the grin tugging the corners of her mouth. I’m serious, Titus. I worry about him sometimes. He’s done so much for all of us.

He sat up, bracing his elbows on his knees. Listen, the lives of Fae Warriors can often be lonely. They are dedicated to living and dying for Goldun, for Queen Adrah, and for Fallada. Being the general ... well, I’d imagine it’s that much harder. He’s going to live for a long time, though. Much longer than either of us. You know, like, forever. He has time to get it right and find someone. Meanwhile, the last few weeks have been heaven, like you said. Can’t we just enjoy it for now?

She came forward and stood between her mate’s spread legs, running one hand through his silky, black hair. Pale blue eyes met hers and she fell in love all over again.

Of course we can, she murmured. I love you, Titus.

He braced both his hands on her stomach and lifted his head to kiss her, before lowering it to plant one her just above her navel.

I love you, too, he whispered. I love you both.

They stood that way for a long while, while the rocking of the ship indicated they’d set off from Fallada. She closed her eyes, burning the memory into her mind for the days ahead. There was no way of knowing when another moment like this would come for them again.

Jocylene stole a glance at her mate from the corner of her eye and scowled. Eli walked alongside her, his yellow-gold eyes glittering with the feral light characteristic of a Panther Shifter. The sun played off his sienna skin, making it shine like burnished bronze, and underneath powerful muscles bunched and coiled with an animalistic quality.

While his stride was even and his shoulders relaxed, his jaw remained tightly clenched, as it had been all day. She couldn’t know what thoughts consumed him when he got like this, and in the short time they’d been mates, she’d learned to wait for it pass before trying to talk to him about it. Shifters could be moody and unpredictable—their animalistic nature made them this way. When he was ready to tell her what bothered him, he would ... she hoped.

Turning her gaze up to the sky, she smiled and tried to focus her thoughts elsewhere. It was a beautiful morning in the wood stretching below Goldun. The sky was a perfect shade of blue with just a few wisps of cloud. The grass and trees swayed, bowing to the wind’s command. The field of tulips stretching on between them and their ride back to the Fae city began to sing, their notes ringing out when her brothers and sister ran through them, batting the buds with their hands and laughing as the Pixies they disturbed flew up to join them in play.

Seeing them so happy brought a smile to her face. Not even her mate’s rotten mood could spoil that for her. She’d spent her teenage years taking care of them, and her young adult days working to make some sort of life for them away from their tyrannical foster mother.

Seven months ago, she’d never have imagined her life could be this way. Despite their ups and downs, she and Eli had found happiness and had pledged their love to each other in a mating ceremony just a few short weeks before. Her siblings were healthy, provided for, and happier than they’d ever been. Even Michael, whose early years with a drug-addicted mother had been so horrendous that he’d refused to speak for almost an entire year, smiled more and more every day.

Sure, war brewed around them and Jocylene stayed in danger of being killed almost every day, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. For a girl who’d never owned more than three outfits, had parents who cared about her,