The Prince and her Dreamer

By Ennis Rook Bashe

Clara feels stifled by the life that's been planned out for her, and clings to her only hope that something more might be possible: a mysterious book given to her by her Uncle Drosselmeyer, that recounts the tales of the magnificent warrior woman known as the Red Prince.

Decades ago, Drosselmeyer trapped the Red Prince in the form of a doll to save her from the Rats. When the magic of Clara's selfless admiration restores her to human form, she and Clara must find a way to stand against the Rats once and for all if they hope to enjoy the life they've always longed for...

Previously published by Less Than Three Press. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ennis Rook Bashe
• Release date: Jul 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393196242

Ennis Rook Bashe

Ennis Rook Bashe is a nonbinary disabled romance novelist and future mental health professional. Follow them for information about free books and new releases! Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/rookthebird TikTok: @rookthebird

Book preview

Clara feels stifled by the life that's been planned out for her, and clings to her only hope that something more might be possible: a mysterious book given to her by her Uncle Drosselmeyer, that recounts the tales of the magnificent warrior woman known as the Red Prince.

Decades ago, Drosselmeyer trapped the Red Prince in the form of a doll to save her from the Rats. When the magic of Clara's selfless admiration restores her to human form, she and Clara must find a way to stand against the Rats once and for all if they hope to enjoy the life they've always longed for...

The Prince and Her Dreamer

By Ennis Bashe

Published by Less Than Three Press LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the publisher, except for the purpose of reviews.

Edited by Nicole Field

Cover designed by Jasmine Ang

This book is a work of fiction and all names, characters, places, and incidents are fictional or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, places, or events is coincidental.

First Edition December 2018

Copyright © 2018 by Ennis Bashe

Printed in the United States of America

Digital ISBN 9781684313747 

Watching his best friend bleed, Ross had one thought: She was so young. Even with her laugh as wild and roaring as the Yuletide bonfires, even with her splendid holly-red jacket with gold buttons like stars, sixteen was too young to lead an army.

Of course, I'm only twenty, Ross thought. To any other fae, I'd still be little more than a child, with two score years or more to go on my apprenticeship.

But the Rat King's invasion had made adults of them all.

He sped up to jog beside the litter, avoiding the worst patches of mud and gore.

How are you faring, Prince Mathilde? asked one of the soldiers. Ross didn't remember their names and knew Mathilde—who always forgot faces—wouldn't either.

Mathilde lay prone, her dark curls tangled around her pale face. She raised her head as much as she could. I'll be all right in a moment—you've no need to trouble yourselves. If you could just lay me down—please—

With every step, they couldn’t help but jostle her, and breath hissed through her teeth. As the soldiers carrying their leader passed through the encampment, she made a visible effort to rally herself, sitting up and smiling, covering her wound with her coat.

We're almost there, Ross said quietly, squeezing her hand in support.

Thank you, she said when they laid her in her tent. Ross will look after me—it's all right, the rest of you can go—

The moment they were gone, she let out a cry of pain and sagged back. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

The wound? Ross began stripping everything that would interfere with his magic, tossing aside his gloves, leaving his sword belt where it fell.

He missed my lungs, I think. And my heart...still beating, after all.

Blood darkened her bold, splendid red coat—at least, before the mud of the trenches, it had been bold and splendid. When the old king still lived.

Ross knelt beside her. Come on, Mathilde. Let's get that coat off so I can see how badly you're hurt.

She raised her arms so he could pry the coat from her; she was as uncomplaining, obedient, patient, and tractable as a doll. That scared him most. Not wanting to subject her to more pain, he cut off the bottom of her shirt.

Around the deep stab wound, her skin was the pale grey of December clouds. As he watched, the poison patch darkened and spread. The air tasted of metal.

My prince, he said cautiously.

Mathilde opened her mouth to speak, stifled a gasp as pain hit her. Is it bad? she managed.

The two of them had been children together. He yearned to look away. But the vows I made to her and to her father— I'll see what I can do.

Laying a hand flat on her stomach, he tried to pour power into her. Even though the tent reeked of her blood, Ross kept his breathing measured, imagining the tick of a universal clock. If he could just bolster her natural resilience, give her time to connect with the land's magic—

All at once, he found himself standing on the edge of a canyon, the dark fog of poison surrounding him. He couldn't see the bottom.

I could feed every ounce of strength I have into her and never close this damn wound. With a dizzying jolt, he fell back into his body.

I'm dying, aren't I? Mathilde said. Her voice sounded flat, and her gaze seemed distant. It's that anti-magic poison the Rats have. I've seen them use it.

Summoning more healing energy, Ross struggled to smile at her. It doesn't always kill. Why, just the other day—a young snow soldier from the Crystal Kingdom—

Don't lie to your prince, Mathilde commanded, suddenly imperious. And, soft as desperation, "Please. Don't lie to your friend, either. This