The Rightful King: Grimm Academy Series, #11

By Laura Greenwood

Can Arthur prove that he can be the king he's foretold to be?

 

Gwen thinks it's all over. She couldn't be more wrong.

I'm Arthur. The rightful king and heir. But only if I can prove it. If I can't, then my kingdom will be torn apart, and I'll lose everything - my crown, my friends, and the woman I love.

To make matters worse, Dindrane has a prophecy of her own we need to stop from coming true. We need to stop them both, before it's too late.

-

The Rightful King is part of the Grimm Academy fantasy fairy tale romance series and is a standalone retelling of King Arthurt. It includes a legendary heroine determined to save herself and a sweet m/f romance. 

 

If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, fantasy academy settings, friendship, prophecies, strong heroines, and sweet romance, start the Grimm Academy series!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Drowlgon Press
• Release date: Nov 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393136231

Laura Greenwood

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance. When she's not writing, she drinks a lot of tea, tries to resist French macarons, and works towards a diploma in Egyptology. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set. Laura specialises in quick reads, with healthy relationships and consent positive moments regardless of if she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-heavy urban fantasy, or anything in between. You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in The Paranormal Council Facebook Group. Happy Reading!

Book preview

One

Dindrane

---

It's hard to keep my eyes off the happy couple at the other side of the table. After years of watching the two of them exchange longing looks and pained expressions when they remember they can't be together. I always hoped something would happen to change things for them, and now it has.

What's wrong? Arthur's hand presses into my back briefly, but doesn't linger.

The touch means everything to me, even if we're still trying to keep us quiet. I'm not sure exactly what the problem is, but Arthur is the heir to the throne of Camelot, and my brother is one of his jousting team. I can understand the need for a little subtlety as we work out where things stand between us.

Nothing, I assure him. Have you heard anything about you know what?

He glances at our friends, checking they're still deep in conversation. I know he wants to keep them out of the loop so he doesn't ruin the bubble of happiness that has formed around them. I don't blame him. As far as Gwen and Lancelot are aware, the prophecy about Arthur and Gwen is the only one that exists, and to be fair to them, that's not a surprise. It's rare for someone to have two prophecies about them.

Then again, Arthur is already special. One day, he'll be one of the most powerful Kings in the land.

And I'll be his Queen.

No. I can't think like that. Whatever it is building between us is too new for me to be thinking about that kind of future. Even if it seems more likely than ever now he isn't betrothed to my best friend.

Nothing yet, he says, bringing me out of my thoughts and reminding me I asked him a question. Sometimes, it's hard to focus when there's so much going on.

We'll find something, I promise him. But maybe it's time to ask the others for help. The fairy said...

That we should trust one another, I remember. I just don't want to ruin what they have right now. I've kept them apart for so long.

I reach out and put a hand over his, giving it a quick squeeze before letting go and putting it back on my lap. It wasn't you keeping them apart. It was the agreement your parents' made without either yours or Gwen's consent. That's neither of your faults.

Arthur laughs. I suppose that's true. And we did petition our parents for years about letting us out of it. Sometimes, it's hard to think that marrying for love is such a new concept.

One more thing we have Grimm to thank for, I mutter.

With more and more people sending their children to Grimm Academy, it became impossible for them to ignore the rise of love matches. It surprised everyone at the time, but shouldn't have. Stick a group of young adults in a castle together, and things like that are going to happen.

I'm glad we're here, Arthur admits quietly enough that the others can't hear. Not that Gwen and Lancelot are paying any attention. If we were back in Camelot, we'd be under so much more scrutiny there. Here, we can court without anyone really paying much attention. It's nice.

Tired of being the Crown Prince? I ask.

He sighs and leans back in his chair. I don't know. I've never been anything else. But it's nice to not be the most important person in the room all the time. Or even the second most.

The advantage of having other Crown Princes around.

And one Crown Princess, I hear that Princess Briar's Father finally named her his heir, Arthur says, pointing to a girl across the room.

Good for her. I haven't had much to do with the Princess, but she seems like she's a decent person.

It's a big step forward. Her Father has about as much power as mine does.

You'd better make her your ally then, I point out.

Hmm.

What are the two of you talking about? Gwen asks as the two of them finally turn their attention to us.

The ball on Friday and whether or not Dindrane will go with me, Arthur says, throwing me a wicked grin.

That wasn't it at all, I murmur.

Is that a no? he asks, a serious note entering his voice, as if he fears I'll deny him.

Of course it's not.

Gwen squeals. Finally. You two are about as subtle as us.

Arthur chokes on his words, and I just laugh. I'm glad she isn't being funny about us. She never loved Arthur the way she has Lancelot, but she was still betrothed to him for nearly ten years, during which time she prepared to be the Queen. If she wanted to be difficult about it, then she could..

We are more subtle than you, Arthur points out. I've known about the two of you for years. You've known about us for a few months.

A satisfied grin crosses Gwen's face. Got you.

I throw her a questioning look, but she just shrugs.

I wanted to hear him admit it, she explains. And you haven't given him an answer yet.

I wasn't asked a question, I point out, though inside, I'm screaming with excitement. Arthur wants to go out in public with me. Kind of. I'm not sure whether or not the academy technically counts as being in public. Though I have no doubt at least one of the others from back home is here to keep an eye on us and report home. For a while, I thought it was Lancelot, but I think that theory went out of the window a while ago.

Arthur clears his throat. Would you do me the honour of being my escort for the ball this weekend?

My heart skips a beat at the words. I already know how he feels about me. Or I suspect I do, but sometimes, hearing it out loud helps. And there's still a small part of me that worries he's thinking of me as more of a mistress than a future wife. Not that I'm getting so far ahead of myself by thinking like that. There's still plenty of time for us to work out what our relationship is.

Yes, I whisper.

A beam spreads over his face, as if he's relieved for me to answer that way. I'm not sure why he'd think I'd say no to him. He's the future King, not many people ever say no.

Maybe that's the problem. He's so used to everyone saying yes, that when there's the possibility of someone saying no, it's even more nerve wracking then for those of us who hear it all the time.