Faerie Knights: Hearts of Faerie Series, #2

By Linda Ciletti

A reluctant Queen. A lowly guard. A love that has always been. But will the war with Willow Wood end that love or make it stronger?

Having lost her mother and husband in the battle to save Alasdair, Edeline is not yet ready to take the crown. But she has no choice. Faerie needs a queen and she is next in line. What she truly wants is to abdicate the throne and run away with Lysander. But Edom, King of Willow Wood, plots to take over her kingdom. She cannot desert her people in such a troubling time.

A mere soldier of the Queen's royal guard, Lysander is unworthy of royal blood, but he loves Edeline all the same. Despite the hollow ache in his heart, though he longs for more, he vows to guard, protect, and be there for her for as long as she needs him.

 

Will their friendship on fire burn them? Or will rescuing Galandore from the clutches of Willow Wood's king lead them to their happily ever after?

 

Faerie Knights is Book 2 in the Hearts of Faerie Series. 

 

Please note: This is a medi-fantasy romance series with occasional scenes taking place in the modern world. Some violence is to be expected when the fae are at war. I try to not be overly explicit and play more on emotion. Each book is a combination of fantasy and romance, so expect at least one graphic sex scene. Books 1, 2, and (soon to come) 4 are slow burn romances. Book 3 moves a bit faster. I blame it on the characters. :)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Ciletti
• Release date: Feb 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393170495

Linda Ciletti

Linda writes in the genres of historical, time travel paranormal, contemporary, and fantasy romantic adventure. Visit her on Amazon and read the beginnings from her published works.Born in Pittsburgh, Linda is currently living in the suburbs of Western Pennsylvania. She is a long-time member of the Greensburg Writers' Group, the Ligonier Valley Writers, and a past member of Romance Writers of America.Linda's books include Dream of the Archer (medieval time travel romance), Draegon's Lair (medieval romance and Epic Award Winner for best historical romance), KnightStalker (contemporary time travel romance), Lady Quest (humorous medieval romance), and Faerie Dust (romantic fantasy). All books are available in ebook and print. Other publications include short pieces in the literary magazine, The Loyalhanna Review. Her horror short story, The Hunger, is part of an anthology called The Wickeds, available on Amazon.

Book preview

Dedicated to my children

Tracy, Samantha, Jennifer, David

and grandchildren,

Chase, Sybil, Lewis, Tessa

Chapter One

FAERIE, GALANDORE

LYSANDER PITIED THE soldiers whose eyes had been fully open. He hoped the intense and sudden flash had not blinded them permanently. He pushed himself up from the ground, dusted off his clothes, and surveyed the damage. Stunned silence surrounded him. The air was thick with post-battle remorse. Blurred images appeared before his eyes, then slowly morphed into familiar shapes. Guttural groans began to rise from injured soldiers.

Thank the stars Alasdair had warned him and Gideon to close their eyes before setting off the blaze. Such courage he had never before seen in his friend. Ali truly was a fae prince, even if he was no longer fae.

He recalled those final moments when Queen Tazia had challenged the red dragon and fallen from her bedchamber balcony. The aura that would have gained her her wings, destroyed by dragon fire. No one could survive such a fall. Surely she was dead.

Edeline was next in line for the throne.

Edeline! He needed to find Edeline.

Gideon! he called out to his fellow guardsman and close friend. He brushed a wild strand of golden hair back from his face, painting his forehead with a mix of sweat and burnt ash. In the fury of battle, the dragons had set fire to the marketplace. There was naught left but charcoaled beams, their crumbling tips pointing accusingly toward the sky. Burnt particles floated on the air, then slowly drifted to the ground like black snow.

Sweet Mother Earth! Gideon cursed behind him.

Lysander started. He swung around nearly knocking Gideon over.

Did you close your eyes as Alasdair warned? Lysander asked. Is your vision returning? He gathered his long pale tresses in a fist as he spoke and re-secured them in the tie at his nape.

Aye, I closed them for all the good it did, Gideon brusquely replied.

Lysander waved a hand toward the still stricken fae. It would be worse had your eyes been open.

A relieved grin crossed Gideon’s face as he peered beneath dark, sweaty tresses at the blinded soldiers. Aye, it would, he replied."

Alasdair, Leisa and the girls? Lysander asked as he brushed ash from his sleeve and chest. Did they get through the gate to the unknown world?

Aye, they escaped to the human realm.

Blessed be. I had my doubts they would make it. Lysander noted Gideon’s grin fade. What is it? he asked.

They were followed by a pack of wolflyches.

Lysander’s eyes shot wide. His hand flew to the hilt of his sword. How many?

Five, haps six. I was too preoccupied to get an exact count.

We must go after them. They do not stand a chance against a pack of—

A loud burst rent the air. A horrified wolflych shot through the Galandorian gate, then another and another. Twice the size of an earthly wolf and thrice as fierce, the frightened wolflyches ran until well behind the palace walls. But for the dragons, they were the most feared beasts in Faerie, commanded only by the queen.

Lysander and Gideon exchanged puzzled glances.

Never have I seen a wolflych cower before. What in the unknown world could have scared them? Lysander asked.

I know not. But ’tis a good sign.

How so?

Would they run back frightened had things gone well for them? It gives me hope that Alasdair and the others live.

A large shadow fell over the courtyard. Lysander flinched, then looked up toward the sky. A red dragon circled the turret of Queen Tazia’s chamber, then soared high and disappeared into the clouds.

Edeline! Lysander felt hollow and hurting at once. Please, he begged the Goddess. Not Princess Edeline.

Gideon grabbed Lysander’s sleeve. Come, we must find the princess. We shall try contacting Alasdair in the unknown world later.

Lysander shook free from his thoughts. He yanked his sleeve loose from Gideon’s grasp. Think you she will forgive us our part in this? Or will she take up where her mother left off and have us arrested for helping Alasdair?

Lysander, have you need to ask? You of all know Edeline.  She is not her mother.

"What do you mean ‘I of all’?" Lysander swallowed, sure he’d kept his feelings for Edeline secret—had buried them deep beneath the fact that she was royalty and he a mere soldier. Had he been transparent after all? He released a sharp breath. It mattered not. Tazia had commanded that Edeline marry Elgar. Edeline was now out of reach. Always had been.

Gideon paused before replying. You know as well as I that she loves Alasdair like a brother. She would not condemn us for helping him.

Lysander got the feeling his friend was holding something back.

We must find her and urge her to take up the crown, Gideon continued. The land will remain chaotic and we will be regarded traitors until the new queen is named. Edeline will forgive our part in Alasdair’s escape. But first she must claim her place as queen.

Gideon, we both know she is not yet ready to take the throne. But Elgar will be with her. He will—

Elgar fell.

He fell? Joy and guilt warred within Lysander so that he could scarcely breathe. Edeline was free. A glimmer of hope filled his heart, then quickly fell. He was still unworthy of her. He was still low born. A mere soldier.

Aye. I did see him fall ere we were blinded by the light. A stray arrow struck him full in the chest. Which is more than ever why we must find her, before the guards gain back their sight.

Lysander felt his head in a fog. He comprehended only half of what Gideon said. Find who?

By the stars, Lysander! Do you not hear? Edeline! She has lost her mother, and when she learns that she has lost her husband as well, she will need our strength to pull her through what she must do.

A rat-like creature skittered near to Gideon’s boots. He kicked at it and missed.

Lysander watched the frightened creature race across the decimated marketplace and into the forest. His brows narrowed. Something troubled him about the creature, but it was nothing he could name, so he forced himself back to the moment. What is your plan, Gideon?

Plan?

Lysander crooked a brow. Gideon ... without a plan?

Gideon circled around the still moaning soldiers and headed for the palace, dragging Lysander along by the sleeve. I ponder one as we speak.

Lysander once again wrenched his sleeve from Gideon’s grasp. Such a liar. But I prefer the lie to the truth, he said as they sprinted up the palace stairs into the corridor before the Great Hall.

The truth? And what is that?

Lysander smiled. That for the first time in all the centuries I have known you, you have no plan.

Gideon laughed.

Where from here? Lysander asked.

You check the queen’s chamber. I’ll check that of Edeline.

Lysander nodded and headed for Tazia’s solar.

EDELINE! LYSANDER called. He raced down the marbled hall, skidded to a stop before the tall arched doors that led to Tazia’s chamber. One door remained closed, the other fully open. Lysander crossed the threshold and glanced frantically about the room. His gaze swept over the singed curtains that led to the balcony, stopping at a lone figure lying face down on the floor. The shimmery blonde hair splayed across the stone told him it was Edeline.

His heart pounded. Please, don’t be dead. He pushed aside the curtains and fell to his knees next to her. Turning her on her side, he rested her head on his lap. She lay limp in his arms, her eyes softly closed. The cheek that had been pressed against the stone was mildly red but not scorched. Her golden hair, once neatly pinned, fell loosely over her shoulders.

He brushed it back, revealing a beautifully flawless face. Edeline, he said softly. He stroked her cheek and a teary trail met his hand. Edeline, ’tis Lysander.

Edeline moaned lightly. Her eyes, blue and bright with tears, lifted. The red dragon, she cried. Mother fell. I tried to save her, but I failed. I failed ... A choke cut off her words. She turned and, grasping him about the waist, buried her face against him and wept into his tabard.

At a loss for words, he held her in silence. I am sorry, he finally replied.

Gideon burst into the room. Lysander, I ... Gideon stilled at the sight of Lysander and Edeline embracing on the floor. How fares she?

Lysander gave a mild shrug. Distraught.

Gideon nodded. He knelt on one knee beside them. Edeline, can you stand?

Edeline shook her head.

Lift her and lay her on the bed, Gideon said.

Lysander peeled her arms from around his waist, slid his beneath her, and rose. He carried her to the bed.

Nay. Not here where she witnessed her mother fall, Gideon said. Take her to the guest chamber down the hall.

Lysander gave a nod. Cradling her against his chest, he carried Edeline to the guest chamber and gently set her on the bed. She whimpered softly and curled into the pillows. The room lay in darkness and he made his way to the window to pull back the drape and let in the sun.

Do not, a small voice called from across the room.

Lysander stopped. He turned and looked at Edeline. She lay motionless on her side facing away from him. You wish the darkness? he asked. He saw her nod. Slowly, he circled the bed and faced her. She looked vulnerable and alone and he wanted nothing more than to hold her, to kiss away her pain. Instead he lifted an unlit candle from its base, lit it from a torch in the hall, then set it back on the table.

He then sat on the edge of the bed. My Qu— 

Say it not! Edeline choked.

Lysander took her hand. He set a kiss across her fingers. As you wish. He rose to leave.

Edeline tightened her grasp on his hand and pulled him back. I beg you, do not go.

My lady? Again he faced her, his heart heavy with impossible hope.

Please, Edeline spoke so softly that he had to lean close to hear her. Stay until grief exhausts me and I fall into slumber.

Lysander once again sat on the edge of the bed. I am sorry.

Edeline closed her eyes, but her grip remained strong. ’Twas not your doing, she uttered.

Gideon walked into the room and headed for the window.

She wishes it dark, Lysander said before Gideon could pull back the drape.

Gideon stepped up to the bed. My—

Lysander shook his head.

lady, Gideon finished.

Edeline lifted her gaze to Gideon. Please seek out Elgar. I wish him with me.

Lysander exchanged looks with Gideon. A hurled stone could not have hurt more.

Edeline’s head lifted from the bed, her hair a river of gold. Her eyes widened. What is it?

When both remained silent, she demanded, What is it!

Lysander swallowed, unable to reply.

Elgar fell, Gideon answered.

Nay! It cannot be, she rasped. Are you sure ’twas Elgar?

Aye. ’Twas a fatal arrow strike from the ramparts. Queen Tazia’s orders. I am sorry.

An arrow? From one of our own? Edeline choked. Oh, Mother, she cried and turned back into her pillow, muffling her grief.

Gideon brushed back his dark hair. The sweat of battle held it in place.

Lysander pulled Gideon aside and away from Edeline. Had you need to tell her? he angrily whispered. Now of all times?

Aye. She must cry it all out. I know her grief runs deep, but she cannot show weakness at this time. She must take her place upon the throne. There is time enough to weep when all is done.

But—

She is queen now, Lysander. She must show leadership. And we must be at her side when she does to secure our place and safety here. Tazia ordered us dead. Only Edeline can overturn that.

Lysander sighed. Just a few moments, Gideon, he implored. Give her a few moments to absorb it all.

Gideon nodded. A few moments. He slipped through the door and headed down the hall toward the upmost tower.

GIDEON LOOKED DOWN on the fallen soldiers blinded by the flash. The tower was too high for him to hear their groans, but he felt their pain and knew, as their eyes had been open when the flash overtook them, it would be some time before they fully recovered—if they recovered.

After two hours, they ceased staggering aimlessly about the palace grounds and marketplace, and he knew their sight had returned. It was time.

He sighed deeply, not relishing what he had to do. Edeline wasn’t ready. He doubted she ever would be. She was much like Alasdair, and he wondered if a trace of human blood coursed through her veins as well. Did Tazia’s hatred of the human race go farther back than anyone knew? Had Tazia a dark secret of her own?

Market buildings still burned and smoldered, but the flames were low and would be easily doused. He wanted to will his wings and fly down closer to be of help, but he knew, until his place was secured by the new queen, he and Lysander would be looked upon as enemies of Galandore—traitors for helping Alasdair escape. The order must be overturned. Edeline was the only one who could do that.

He combed his hair back with his fingers and raced down the turret stairs to the guest chamber. When he entered, Lysander and Edeline started. They were standing intimately close, Lysander’s arm about her waist, supporting her.

Are you ready, my lady? Gideon asked. He turned a cool glare on Lysander.

Edeline lifted watery eyes to Gideon. I am not. But I will do my duty.

Gideon turned his regard from Lysander to Edeline. Edeline, he said, his gaze softening. You must address the soldiers from the lower balcony off the Great Hall so they will hear you. An official announcement will go out later for the people. He looked at Lysander. His eyes narrowed. Can you take her there? I shall follow shortly. There is something I must first do.

Lysander nodded. Come, Edeline. He led her out from the room and down the hall.

Gideon followed as far as Tazia’s chamber; then he slipped inside. He recalled having seen a glint of gold on the outside balcony when he’d initially entered the queen’s chamber. He hoped it was what he thought it was. Stepping out onto the now cooled stone of the balcony, he again saw the gleaming gold object lying in a far corner. He crossed over to it and picked it up.

Tazia’s crown. His gaze fastened on the kaleidoscope of jewels adorning it, on the glistening gold that pieced them together. He felt the power of them in the palms of his hands, in each finger that rested on a glistening gem. The foremost gemstone had lost its shine. He turned the stone toward him and polished it on the hem of his tunic. Then he made his way to the Great Hall.

Edeline and Lysander stood before drawn drapes just inside the balcony doorway. Edeline appeared stronger. She would need that strength. Gideon walked up to her, the crown in his hands.

Edeline swallowed hard and teetered.

Be strong, Lysander said, giving her an arm to lean on. ’Tis your right and your duty.

She nodded weakly, then turned to Gideon. I am ready.

Gideon carefully placed the crown on her head.

Edeline caught her breath.

A herald’s trumpet hung on the wall just inside the balcony threshold. Gideon drew it from its hook. Then he stepped onto the outer terrace and sounded the trump. A loud blast filled the air. Soldiers, merchants, and all who had been present in the gardens and marketplace when the battle took place stilled and looked up, a myriad of emotion on their ash-smudged faces. Anger, fear, sadness, regret.

They would be the first to know that Tazia had perished and Edeline was now queen.

’Tis time, Gideon announced.

Lysander nodded. Taking Edeline’s arm, he escorted her onto the outside balcony, then released her and stood at her side. Gideon followed and stood at her opposite side.

Speak loudly so your voice will carry, Lysander reminded her. He set on her a reassuring smile, then looked out to the many expectant faces.

Edeline nodded. She turned to address the people. Fae folk of Galandore, she began.

Silence followed and Gideon feared Edeline had lost her nerve. But she cleared her throat and continued.

A great tragedy has struck this day. And I, like you, have felt the sting of it. When her words faltered, Lysander took her hand in his and gave a gentle squeeze.

The Queen is dead, she said. And so is my husband.

A roar of murmurings sounded across the courtyard. When the shocked cries faded, Edeline continued. "My mother’s and Elgar’s deaths were not the fault of one or of a few. They were the price paid for centuries of hatred, greed, and many wrongdoings. Queen Tazia was my mother and I loved her more than I can say, but I stand here in shame of her actions. It was the red dragon who sent her to her death, not Gideon, not Lysander ... and not Alasdair.

I pardon Gideon and Lysander for their part in aiding Alasdair to escape being cast into the Dark Swamp, or worse yet, executed. What they did they did out of love. I accept my place as Queen and command all who are able to transport those who have fallen to the Hall of Preparation for the otherworld. On the morrow we shall say our goodbyes. Until then, I will take seclusion to mourn my losses.

Head held high, Edeline turned from the balcony and walked into the Great Hall, Gideon and Lysander following close behind. Loud murmuring, shuffling feet, and clanging metal and wood could be heard rising up from the courtyard and marketplace. Edeline held a deep breath. When the curtain was drawn closed behind her, she released that breath and stumbled under the weight of her pain. Lysander caught her before she hit the floor and guided her to a velvet settee.

Edeline sat on its edge, slumped back, and sank into the cushions.

You did well, My Queen, Gideon said.

I cannot face them again, Gideon. I cannot.

LYSANDER CROUCHED BESIDE the settee and took her hand. Never had he seen her so distraught. He wished he could take that pain on himself. Spare her the red-rimmed eyes and down-turned lips. But he had not that power. He had only the power to comfort. Take rest, my lady. You need time to mourn your losses, time to adjust to your new role. The fae folk know this.

Edeline forced a smile. I am not sure I can, but I will try, Lysander.

Lysander kissed her hand, then lowered it to the cushion. He rose to stand next to Gideon.

Edeline looked up at them, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. For now, I need solitude.

As you wish, Lysander said. He glanced at Gideon and gave a curt nod. Both guards bowed to Edeline, then slipped through the doors and into the hall. Those who had taken shelter in the cellars were returning to the upper floors of the palace. Lysander motioned to Edeline’s lady’s maid, who was making her way down the corridor to the Great hall. Take care of her, he said, nodding toward the hall doors. Then he followed Gideon outdoors.

GIDEON ENTERED THE courtyard first, Lysander not far behind. The new queen had pardoned them for aiding Alasdair. As Exalted Royal Guards, the highest title bestowed upon any guard, they could once again walk amongst the well and the wounded with authority. The body count was low, thank the stars. Unfortunately, two of the bodies directly affected Edeline. All of the fallen and wounded had been struck by the arrows of Tazia’s own archers. What kind of fool ordered arrows released when so many of her own soldiers were in harm’s way?

Gideon heard a moan and turned toward the sound. An adolescent fae lay sprawled on the ground, an arrow embedded in his thigh. Lysander! Here!

Lysander knelt next to the lad, a young and newly sworn-in soldier. Wood ash dusted the lad’s clothes and boots and painted his pained face. Lysander pushed back the young fae’s earth-hued hair to look into wide, fearful eyes.

Forgive me, the lad cried out recognizing Lysander as his superior. Forgive me, ’twas Queen Tazia’s order that we stop you.

Think not on that now, Lysander replied. ’Tis over.

The young fae grimaced. He shifted slightly in pain.

What is your name? Lysander asked as he studied the embedded arrow.

MacDara.

Lysander smiled. MacDara. Son of the Oak.

Aye.

Gideon crouched beside them. We must remove the arrow, MacDara.

MacDara’s face tensed. Nay! Leave it. He tried to scoot away from them.

Gideon grabbed his shoulders, stilling him. Are you a soldier? he asked.

MacDara nodded. But I am afraid, nonetheless.

Close your eyes, Gideon ordered as he grasped the shaft of the arrow. The order caused MacDara’s eyes to open all the wider.

Wait. Lysander cast Gideon a look, stilling his hand. I have an idea. Placing his banded hand on MacDara’s forehead, he spoke to him. Do you feel my hand, MacDara, Son of the Oak?

MacDara nodded.

Lysander’s band began to glow. Do you feel the heat?

Again a nod.

Concentrate on the comfort of the heat. Remove all fear and breathe deeply.

The young soldier complied. His body relaxed, then he fell limp.

Lysander turned to Gideon. He is out. Remove the arrow.

Gideon slid the arrow from MacDara’s thigh in a way to cause the least damage. Quickly Lysander laid his hand across the wound. His wrist band glowed brightly and the wound sealed shut.

Fool! Gideon spat. What are you doing? You are nearly spent. Such magic takes its toll.

’Twas the least I could do. This ... Lysander gestured to the MacDara, is our making. I owed him that.

Gideon clenched his jaw, then nodded.

’Twill be sore for some time. I did naught but cleanse and seal it closed. It yet has more healing to do. The dust will finish the job.

Gideon turned his attention to an idle soldier. You! he ordered, motioning him forward. Take this lad to the Hall of Healing.

The soldier picked MacDara up and stumbled his way toward the hall.

And Balzic! Gideon commanded another soldier. Find Queen Tazia’s body and take her to the Hall of Preparation.

Chapter Two

FAERIE, GALANDORE

GIDEON WATCHED THE soldier he’d ordered to move Tazia’s body advancing toward him. The hair on his arms prickled at the guard’s purposeful gait and his somber and confused expression. What is it, Balzic? he asked when the guard stopped before him. Did you do as I ordered?

Balzic straightened and swallowed. He met Gideon’s gaze. Sir, there was no body to be found.

Gideon started. What means you? Lysander saw her fall. Princess Edeline saw her fall. How can there be no body?

As did I, Balzic replied. But did they see her land?"

Land? Gideon’s eyes narrowed. She could not fly. Surely, she met ground. Look again, he ordered.

Sir, I looked numerous times beneath her chamber balcony and beyond. The ground is clean. Untouched. Balzic scratched his head. I am truly perplexed.

Gideon paced agitatedly. How could she have just disappeared?

I know not.

Gideon hissed sharply. Speak of this to no one. We must look into it further, after all else is taken care of.

Aye, sir.

Help the others care for any wounded and begin to clean up the marketplace.

Aye, sir.

What of Elgar?

He was taken to the Hall of Preparation.

Gideon nodded. My thanks. He sighed deeply as the guard turned away to help his fellow fae.

What was that about? Lysander asked coming up behind Gideon.

You will not believe it.

Try me.

Tazia’s body is not to be found.

Lysander’s golden eyes widened. What!

Balzic could not find her body.

Haps he looked in the wrong place.

Nay. He searched beneath the balcony from where she fell. There is no sign of a body. No sign that she ever struck ground.

But I saw her fall, Lysander proclaimed, her wings unable to take flight.

As did many.

I do not understand.

Nor I.

How do we explain this to Edeline? She has already taken up the crown. If Tazia still lives—

Impossible!

Impossible? Then why is there no body?

Gideon pushed dark hair back from his brow. Sweet Mother Earth, I know not! he shouted. He shoved past Lysander in his pacing.

Lysander quieted. He caught Gideon’s gaze when his friend turned to face him.

Gideon blew a sharp breath through his teeth. He clapped Lysander’s shoulder. Forgive me. I was wrong to lose control.

I understand. ’Tis truly perplexing. And disturbing. With Tazia’s fate unknown, how do we move forward? We cannot hide for long that she is missing. All will expect a parting ceremony for the fallen and we cannot hold one without a body.

Gideon nodded. But that is not what concerns me most.

What then?

How do we tell Edeline?

It will place on her a fierce burden of fear and hope where none may exist. Lysander swallowed. "She has gone through so much already. But she will