The Fae Lord's Companion, Part Three: The New Earth Chronicles, #1

By Lisa Kumar

Lina is happy and secure in her relationship with Gabreon, a fae lord of New Earth. Now, if only the outside world would cooperate. But with his grandfather, the King of Sidheen, ready to battle Gabreon's greatest enemy, who knows how fate will play out?

Gabreon doesn't fully trust his grandfather or his plans. However, to bring down his worst foe, who is scheming for inter-dimensional dominance, he'll follow along—for now. When enemies become allies and vice versa, though, he's not sure where to place his allegiance. If he and Lina—his human wife in all but name—are to survive, he needs to decide quickly.

As Lina and Gabreon battle for each other's lives and that of their unborn child, will devastation and loss undo everything they have fought for, even their love?

Lina and Gabreon's tale spans three books, of which this is the final book. This novel should be read as part of the series and is part three of a single story arc. The Fae Lord's Companion, Part 3 deals with sensitive issues and is for 18-year-olds and older.

*Previously published as The Fae Lord's Companion. Serialized on Tapas in the Premium Program as The Sidhe Lord's Mistress.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Kumar
• Release date: Jan 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393854043

Lisa Kumar

I'm a wife, mother, and romance writer who grew up in small-town Indiana. I studied psychology in college and have worked off and on in the mental health field over the years. I now reside in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband and our two sons. When not spinning tales of romance and fantasy, I can often be found with my nose buried in a book. I also love going for walks with my youngest son and taking Zumba classes. One of my stories, Bound to the Elvin King, won Ind'Tale's 2015 RONE award for best Sci-Fi/Fantasy.  You can find me on: Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lisa_kumar Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisankumar

Book preview

The Fae Lord’s Companion, Part Three

Lina is happy and secure in her relationship with Gabreon, a fae lord of New Earth. Now, if only the outside world would cooperate. But with his grandfather, the King of Sidheen, ready to battle Gabreon’s greatest enemy, who knows how fate will play out?

Gabreon doesn’t fully trust his grandfather or his plans. However, to bring down his worst foe, who is scheming for inter-dimensional dominance, he’ll follow along—for now. When enemies become allies and vice versa, though, he’s not sure where to place his allegiance. If he and Lina—his human wife in all but name—are to survive, he needs to decide quickly.

As Lina and Gabreon battle for each other’s lives and that of their unborn child, will devastation and loss undo everything they have fought for, even their love?

Books by Lisa Kumar

The New Earth Chronicles:

The Fae Lord’s Companion, Part One

The Fae Lord’s Companion, Part Two

The Fae Lord’s Companion, Part Three

The Fae Lord’s Companion, the Complete Edition

Mists of Eria Series:

Bound to His Fate, Prequel

Bound to the Elvin Prince, Book One

Bound to the Elvin King, Book Two

Bound to the Dark Elf, Book Three

Love in Time Series (Time-travel Regency):

An Earl in Time

Saving Lord Avingdale

The Faerin:

Crashing into You (previously part of the anthology Crashing into Love)

Coming Soon:

Claiming Riley (The Faerin)

Hearts of Tar

Claiming Lord Thuran

Other Titles:

Fey Marked

Santa for Christmas

The Fae Lord’s Lady

The Fae Lord’s Companion, Part Three

Copyright © 2020 Lisa Kumar

All rights reserved.

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Dedication

To my family, friends, and readers for their unwavering support.

Chapter 1

Who else would I be? Tamion swiftly pulled his auburn hair back. Move, both of you.

Corlin and I scrambled away. Since a wrung-out rag would have more strength at the moment, I stayed on the ground.

Gabreon’s friend leaned against the cell’s bars. Can you save him?

Tamion rubbed his hands together and placed them on Gabreon’s forehead. I can. I’ll accept no other outcome.

For the first time, I noticed how drawn Tamion’s face appeared. He was going to be fighting for the life of his grandson. That would affect most anybody. A shiver racked my body, and I clasped my shaking hands together. I just prayed he was successful. Apparently, he was only one of the few who had the magic to counteract that...whatever that was.

With his hair fully off his face, I could see every expression and twinge of his muscles. His eyes closed. With a few softly spoken words in the fae language, his fingertips glowed. Then the light spread down over his fingers and into his hands.

I’d seen something like this before when Gabreon had removed that bullet from his chest. However, the effect of this was brighter, more powerful. Static built up in the air. The feel of it was as thick as fog and made the hair on my arms stand up. The glow from his hands grew progressively brighter until our area of the hall was awash in light.

I blinked against the glare and glanced at Gabreon’s face. No discernible change yet. Too soon?

Tamion’s voice rose and fell in a musical cadence that threatened to pull me under the blanket of sleep. I rubbed my eyes to help get rid of the feeling. I didn’t want to miss a second.

I fisted one hand and put it against my lips. The moments stretched on. What was taking so long? Even Tamion was showing signs of weariness. It was as if exhaustion was creeping over him. Even the light from his hands had dimmed.

Suddenly, Tamion spoke, his voice strained. Corlin, come and sit by me.

What was going on?

Corlin hurried to his side. As soon as he was down on the ground, Gabreon’s grandfather grabbed him by his arm. Lend me your magic and energy. I need a boost.

Corlin’s mouth dropped open. I—

Trust me, I won’t take more than is wise. I know what I’m doing. Your friend’s life is at stake. If you do this, my family—here, his voice cracked—will be in your debt.

I don’t care about that. Corlin shook his head and blew out a breath. Just do it.

Tamion lost no time. He turned his focus back to Gabreon. One hand rested on his grandson’s forehead. The other was wrapped around Corlin’s forearm. Tamion returned to his chanting. The glow built until it was nearly blinding. I shielded my eyes, still trying to see through my fingers.

My sight adjusted enough to see both Corlin and Tamion shaking with effort. I shifted my gaze to Gabreon. Oh God, he was jerking again. Was it a bad sign this time?

The light pulsed, seeming to explode to every corner of the long hallway. My eyes clenched shut. The sound of bodies hitting the floor sounded in the silence, followed by groans.

Then, the sensation of energy and blinding light disappeared. My eyes shot open and sought out Gabreon and the others. What I saw stopped my heart. The rest of the room faded out. I could only stare at Gabreon.

He was stirring, his breath now coming to him easily. Relief and joy exploded throughout my chest. A sensation of fullness made me gasp. It was as if my heart had grown four sizes too big for my body. Was this what love felt like? The thought, while still scary, didn’t terrify me as it had once before. Not now. Not after I’d witnessed his near death.

I’d have to give it some careful thought. Maybe I could allow myself to love him—and fully at that. Or was it already beyond my thought and control?

***

Gabreon slowly swam back to consciousness. Why did every nerve in his body throb, and why did it feel as if he hadn’t slept in two hundred years? His eyelids tried to flutter open, but they felt as if they were glued shut. With more effort this time, he tried again. This time, they lifted.

He was staring at the gray stone ceiling of the prisons under the Council Chambers Building. For a second, he struggled with why. Then it all came flooding back. Everything.

Lina. His gaze swept the area for her even as he grasped for the bond. Within a second or two, he found her. His heart rate instantly slowed. She was staring at him with her hands over her mouth. Other than looking tired and upset, she appeared to be fine.

He held out a hand weakly. Lina.

She scooted on her hands and knees to him. Her hand reached out to take his but then froze. Is he okay for me to touch now? she asked, looking over her shoulder at someone he couldn’t see.

Yes, he’s safe now.

That voice! Grandfather? He didn’t have the strength to lift his head. Lina grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

Of course it’s me. Why does everyone not think it’s not?

Definitely his grandfather. That snappy comeback was all Tamion. Why are you here? Not that he wanted to sound ungrateful, but he hadn’t been aware of the outside world during the time he’d been passed out. Even the bond had been quiet, not that he tried to access it. He hadn’t wanted Lina to experience any type of backlash.

To save your hide. If I hadn’t, you would’ve joined Feron in death.

He drew in a sharp breath. He’s dead? Not that he cared one whit about him, but any information that Feron had held was now lost. Gabreon had gleaned surprisingly little in his foray into his mind. Well, not so surprising since powerful magic had been guarding any memories he’d wanted to see.

Grandfather dropped down beside him, weariness in his every movement. He’s dead. When I severed the connection between you two, it ended his life. He was very weak, anyway, and would’ve soon passed, regardless.

Gabreon stared at Tamion. He’d rarely seen the man looking so spent. Aware his grandfather was waiting for some kind of response, he grunted softly. The person who was tormenting him had made a shambles of his mind. Even I could tell he wasn’t long for this life. The person... Grandfather, there are very few people who could’ve achieved what this individual did. Even if he or she could have banded together with other powerful magic holders, the effect still wouldn’t have been this smooth, this insidious. The whole feel was too natural and didn’t have any discordant energy signatures, which a magic merge would give off.

Tamion bent his head for a moment. When he looked back up, his face was set in resolute lines. We will discuss this later in a more suitable location. Let us get you home so you can rest.

In less than fifteen minutes, they had him bundled into the carriage. Corlin had to all but haul him there. He was too weak to fully support his own weight. Walking was beyond him right now. His grandfather wasn’t in much better shape, as Tamion had to expend a huge amount of energy to save him.

During the ride home, Gabreon frowned at the boneless sensation that afflicted every part of his body. He couldn’t even sit up unassisted. Grandfather assured him he was supremely lucky to be alive. All in all, he shouldn’t complain too much. At the moment, he was sprawled out on one side of the carriage, with his head in Lina’s lap. Her hand idly combed through his hair. That, along with the tiredness inundating him, nearly lulled him to sleep. Still, his mind was alert and whirring with thoughts and ideas.

There had been one large benefit to this whole wretched day—the change he felt in Lina. So much of her reticence toward him had dissipated. Through the bond, he sensed affection, relief, and...love? The latter one seemed unbelievable, given where they’d been but a few weeks ago. If he’d only known it took nearly dying to affect this change, he would’ve tried it sooner.

However, he wouldn’t push her for a declaration. Especially when she hadn’t had time to process her emotions yet. That would only force her into retreat.

Even though he felt like a complete weakling, the day hadn’t been a total loss. Not only were Lina’s feelings for him deepening, but he also was almost completely certain who was behind Feron and Eidiam’s demise.

There seemed to be only one name that could fit.

Raeglin.

Now to convince Grandfather of that.

***

Gabreon stifled a groan as his grandfather and Corlin settled him on the bed in his and Lina’s room. His whole body ached. He could still barely move his hand, let alone anything bigger. The ghostly remembrance of his muscles seizing still played along his nerve endings. His body shivered with cold, yet sweat wove its way down his back.

Lina covered him with a thick blanket and then hovered beside the bed. You’re still so weak, and your fever seems to be spiking. Is there something we can do?

Gabreon grimaced. He hated that she had to see him this way, but he did appreciate her concern. He wet his dry, cracked lips. It should all leave in due time. By Sidheen, his voice was hoarse and rough. And he wasn’t sure that what he’d just told her was true. He could only hope his grandfather had arrived soon enough to stop and heal the worst of his afflictions.

I might be able to help with that, Tamion said smoothly. He withdrew a flash from his inner robe and handed it to Gabreon.

"Carrenel?" asked Gabreon softly.

Tamion nodded and uncapped it. He brought it to Gabreon’s lips. The cool liquid trickled into his mouth. An explosion of sour fruity flavor hit his system. Immediately after, energy, strong and pure, flowed through his parched veins. He gasped at the sensation. Though he’d experienced it before, he’d never get used to it.

He lifted his hand. It still felt heavy but manageable. With a small smile of triumph, he held his trembling hand out to Lina. She grabbed it, and a burst of her happiness swelled in his chest.

What was that? she asked quietly.

A reenergizing elixir. Though I’m still weak, it gives the effect of a full night’s sleep or two on a weary, wounded body.

She blinked. I see.

They all sat in silence for several minutes until Gabreon felt his eyes slide closed.

Unfortunately, his grandfather decided to speak then. What did you see while in Feron’s mind?

Gabreon suppressed a sigh as he opened his eyes and glared at his grandfather, who was reclining in a chair by his bed. Really, the old man couldn’t let him rest for a bit? Gabreon had known that the questions would soon start in earnest. However, that didn’t mean he had to like it. He glanced at Lina, who sat on the bed by his side, still gripping his hand. Corlin was reclining in another seat, staring at him.

He cleared his dry throat. Not what I sought, for sure. The memories I’d hoped to find were blocked off by strong magic. Instead, I was treated to Feron’s inner whimpering. The person who did this...he knows me.

"You’re sure it’s a he?" Lina asked.

The presence felt masculine, as did the voice.

Tamion leaned forward. Voice?

That’s how I realized that he knew me. And not in an ‘I’ve heard about you’ way. He knew things only those close to our family would be privy to. Or, I daresay, he knew things only our family might know. And he wasn’t afraid to use them as weapons.

Gabreon grimaced at the memory of a few things that the voice had said about his father. Oddly enough, that same presence hadn’t said a thing about his mother. Well, it wasn’t too surprising if his suspicions about several things were correct.

Who do you think it is, then? Tamion asked, steepling his fingers and staring at them.

There was no easy way to say this, so best to get it over with. Raeglin.

"Ah." Sadness and resignation laced Grandfather’s voice.

I know you don’t want—

Talion lifted his head and pinned him with a fierce stare. What I want doesn’t matter. Raeglin was behind this. This, I know. And, apparently, behind much more.

Gabreon forgot how to breathe. Grandfather knew? When? How? "What do you mean? Much more?"

Tamion shook his head sadly. I don’t know the full extent of it—yet. But suffice it to say, what I do know is...upsetting.

The carefully muted pain Gabreon sensed in his grandfather’s voice told him it was far more than merely upsetting. What do you know? he asked gently, his voice still shaky and hoarse. He didn’t know if he could blame it solely on the physic attack.

Raeglin has long been scheming to wrest control of New Earth from the hold of the Council and replace himself as supreme overlord. By all accounts, he’s nearly ready to make that move.

Shock froze all words. His uncle loved power and control. However, this...this was beyond even what he’d thought the man capable of. How do you know your sources are reliable?

I have my ways.

Which meant his grandfather wasn’t going to divulge them.

Tamion continued, And I recognized his energy signature in your mind.

You did?

Think I wouldn’t recognize my own son’s unique magic?

For a second, Gabreon was tempted to retort that Tamion apparently hadn’t been aware of much in the recent past—both about his children and New Earth. But the words died on his lips as he suddenly noticed how drawn and aged his normally youthful grandfather appeared. The realization struck him that Tamion had saved him by battling his son mentally and magically. How did his grandfather feel about that? Hurt and betrayed had to be the prime emotions. And so many other conflicting ones, too. And to have that same son planning to stage a coup here on New Earth...

So all he answered with was, No, I suppose you would recognize it. May we know who your sources are?

Tamion nodded. Some of them. I have several. But my main one demanded  anonymity.

Corlin made a huffing sound from the other side of the bed. How can you trust such an individual? Such conditions likely make him a spy.

I searched his mind.

Gabreon stared at Tamion. He allowed you to do that?

He realized it was the only way to convince me.

Before Gabreon could formulate a response, Lina spoke. "So what