Once Upon A Princess: Land of Dreams: Once Upon A Princess, #4

By Deborah A. Bailey

Once Upon A Princess: Land of Dreams

Formula for Fairy Tale Love: 1 adventurous Heroine + 1 tortured-but-noble Hero = Happily-Ever-After. 

Willem was created of magic and trapped in the Land of Dreams by a curse in which he shared his gargoyle form with Eduardo. When Eduardo freed himself from the evil spell his jealous half-brother Erokan cast on him, Willem was given a new life. Now a gargoyle shifter, Willem meets Cicely, daughter of Lord Montrose. Everything he's ever wanted is within his grasp. But he isn't the only man who longs to capture her.

 Aware Cicely descends from royalty and was hidden away as a child to keep her magical ability a secret, a mysterious stranger intends to bend the powerful fire elemental to his will.

Cicely knows she possesses magical ability. Falling in love with the courageous, self-sacrificing Willem may be the key to awakening…or unleashing…something formidable buried deep inside her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bright Street Books
• Release date: Aug 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393598220

Deborah A. Bailey

Deborah A Bailey's Science Fiction & Paranormal Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat. Her published works include the Hathor Legacy science fiction romance series, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales, three non-fiction books, and articles for various online publications.  Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun. Visit her site http://www.BrightStreetBooks.com/ and subscribe to the newsletter so you'll be the first to find out about giveaways and upcoming book launches.

Book preview

Once Upon A Princess

Land of Dreams

Deborah A. Bailey

Bright Street Books

PISCATAWAY, NJ

Copyright © 2019 by Deborah A. Bailey.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission re-quests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

Deborah A. Bailey/Bright Street Books

Piscataway, New Jersey 08855

www.BrightStreetBooks.com

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, com-panies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Book Layout ©2019 BookDesignTemplates.com

Cover Design by Deborah A. Bailey

The Once Upon A Princess: Land of Dreams/ Deborah A. Bailey.—1st ed.

Contents

1 Once Upon A Time

2 The Looking Glass

3 The Observatory

4 Flight

5 The Deserted Palace

6 The Garden of Memory

7 The Sleeping Lady

8 Unexpected Visitor

9 The Lost Princess

10 His Purpose for Being

11 Ensnared

12 The Secret Place

13 Playing with Fire

14 Created by Magic

15 Enchanted

16 The Isle of Glass

17 The Archer

18 Missing

19 Discovery

20 Awakened

21 A New Life

22 Bound in Love

23 Epilogue

Other Books by Deborah A. Bailey

Thanks to authors, Felicia Denise for her feedback, and for suggesting I continue Willem's story; Kelli A. Wilkins for her feedback; and

June Diehl for her mentoring and support.

––––––––

And, as always, thank you to my mom,

Ruth Bailey, who always believed in me.

In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams...that is where you and I shall meet.

― Alice Through the Looking-Glass

1 Once Upon A Time

WILLEM WOULD ALWAYS remember the moment he came back to life. From darkness to light. He breathed in air, then opened his eyes to bright sunlight.

Digging his fingers into wet, soggy earth, he managed to sit up. His head spun and he sagged again, unable to lift his head. So, instead of fighting it, he rested against the moist, muddy riverbank. Breathing in the dank smells of moss and toadstools that lined the water's edge.

Where was he?

As if to answer his query, a splash alerted him that he wasn't alone. In the middle of the river, a woman's form shot up out of the depths. Arms outstretched, she soared up out of the water and remained suspended for a few seconds. Then she fell back into the deep, vanishing beneath the surface.

Unable to do more than rest his head against the mud, he watched as she appeared again. This time she was swimming towards him. Her arms cutting through the bright blue water, propelling her in his direction.

When she got to the shore, she climbed out of the water and stood before him. Tall, and slender, she wore a golden sleeveless dress that clung to her body. Was this a sea sprite? Or perhaps a river witch come to torment him?

She smiled as she examined him. Welcome back, Willem.

He groaned and attempted to sit up again, Pain burned through his joints. Who...who are you?

Maris. My father is god of this river. She motioned behind her. The Turquoise River. The waters have brought you back from the Land of Dreams.

Her words ignited flashes of memory. Angry people with torches and weapons. A marble palace. And, a woman. A woman who had set a fire in his heart.

Maris kneeled beside him. Her long, wavy brown hair was encrusted with tiny seashells. You once saved my son from a terrible fate. I want to reward you for your courage, Willem, she said. He's happy now. And I have a new grandchild.

A grandchild? She barely looked like a woman old enough to have an adult son. But, a god's daughter could take any form she wished.

Your son? He slumped into the cold, gooey mud.

My son, Eduardo. A year ago you freed him. Maris placed her fingers against his chest. You will have a chance at life and a love of your own, Willem. It's your reward.

Her touch revived him, allowing him to sit up without effort. I don't remember.

She nodded. I know. But you will. Maris reached out her hand. Come with me, Willem. I'll show you to your new home. We'll talk on the way.

New home? Well, he had to live somewhere other than the side of a river. Might as well see what she had planned for him. Thank you. Willem took her hand and came to his feet.

It wasn't until he stood that he realized that he was naked. Where are my clothes? What happened?

Maris smiled. You have clothes waiting in your home. And food and another friend who will tell you more.

A friend, he repeated. Friends were what he needed right now.

Lady Agnes is a powerful fairy. Maris squeezed his hand. She has a quest for you, Willem. I know you will be worthy of it.

WALKING OVER THE GRASS-covered path had been easier than he'd expected, seeing how shoes were also missing from his wardrobe. Tall green and purple trees provided a canopy from the hot sun, and Maris' steady hand kept him from tripping over the exposed, gnarly roots.

She made for a pleasant companion, her voice as soothing as the sound of water gently splashing in a stream. Her hand was slightly clammy though. But what did he expect? A sea deity couldn't be blamed for being damp.

That house over there underneath the trees. She pointed to a small cabin across the clearing. You'll stay there for now.

For now?

Yes, Willem, she said. For now.

The firmness in her voice caught him by surprise. Would she be angered if he asked another question? After a moment's contemplation, he decided to risk it. What are your plans for me? I should know, shouldn't I?

You were a soldier once. You'll find out what your new duties will be.

And that was that. They continued on down the path, and a few moments later were at the front door. Made of thick planks of wood, it had been painted blue to match the sky.

Maris opened the door and led the way inside.

What greeted him was a large, well-appointed room with a wooden table and chairs, open cupboards with dishes neatly stacked, and a stone fireplace. There was also a hand pump by the sink, which suggested he was fortunate enough to have indoor plumbing. That was a welcome and unexpected luxury.

That door over there is your bedroom. Maris pointed to the opposite end of the room. You'll find clothing there. Perhaps you'd like to get dressed.

I would. If you don't mind.

She nodded. Go ahead. I'll wait.

His heavy footsteps caused the wooden planks to creak, though they felt sturdy enough under his bare feet. 

The bedroom was as neatly arranged as the outer room had been. Sand-colored walls reflected the sunlight and made the room feel larger. However, it was still very cozy with the double bed, a desk, bookcase and two cushioned chairs upholstered in dark red. This room had a stone fireplace too, though it was smaller. Silky blue curtains fluttered in the light breeze from the window.

A cherry wood wardrobe sat on the other side of the bed, the double doors had swirly decorations and flowers painted in delicate green strokes. Next to it was a wooden stand that held a blue porcelain bowl filled with water. Perhaps the one who had prepared the house had known he'd be covered with mud from the riverbank.

Willem opened the doors and found garments hanging neatly from pegs, and other clothing folded on shelves. There was even a mirror and shaving implements. Three pairs of leather boots were lined up next to the wardrobe.

But, when he caught his reflection, he drew in a deep breath. The grey eyes that stared back at him weren't familiar at all. Shouldn’t he have been able to recognize himself?

It wasn't the dark brown hair or the clean-shaven face that surprised him. What unnerved him was the fact he was staring at a stranger. By the looks of him, he was probably in his 30's. Probably. But magic had a way of changing people. Who had he been before? And how long ago?

Returning from the Land of Dreams would've meant making a long journey. A voyage that was usually only one way.

Willem cleaned up, then quickly dressed in his brown pants, shirt and black leather vest. There was even a thick leather belt with a place to attach his sword. It wasn't a fighting sword. The carved handle was too ornate and the blade much too light. Not the kind of weapon he would've taken into battle. But he didn't mind having it handy.

When he returned to Maris, she was seated at the dining table. She stood and smoothed out her long, clingy dress. Lady Agnes wants you to meet her in town at the pub.

What town? I don't even know where I am.

You're on the edge of the Great Forest, within the province of Montrose, she replied. I'll direct you to how to get to town. It's not a long walk.

Aren't you going to tell me what's happening?

You'd better be on your way. She'll be waiting, Maris said.

He'd have to hope that Lady Agnes would be a bit more forthcoming. At least once he got to the pub, he could get something to eat and maybe a pint or two.

2 The Looking Glass

A HALF HOUR LATER WILLEM was walking through the high street of the town. Cobble-stoned, lined with shops and stalls, it was buzzing with activity. Most of his progress has been quiet, other than bird calls and gurgles from the river.

Maris had instructed him to continue on to, The Looking Glass, the largest pub in town. He'd expected to have to ask where it was located, but he saw the sign straightaway. Located next to an apothecary, the establishment was perfectly placed. If one of the customers drank too much, they could go next door for a cure. Or crawl there if they were unable to stand.

Willem opened the heavy, wooden door and stepped inside. Immediately the smell of beer and pipe smoke assaulted him. He was no stranger to either, but after all the clean, fresh air outdoors, it took