The Triumph of the Fairy Queen: The Fairy Queen Trilogy, #3

By Gemma Perfect

• The path to the throne should never be easy but Elsie never thought it would be this hard • 

In the final book in the Fairy Queen Trilogy, will Elsie be able to break free and reign over her Kingdom, or will the people who so desperately want to stop her succeed?

★ Can Elsie triumph or will she fall again, and if she fails, this time will she survive? ★

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gemma Perfect
• Release date: Oct 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393916604

Gemma Perfect

Thank you for reading The Kingmaker – I hope you enjoyed it. I started writing it in 2011. I was watching Junior Apprentice on the BBC, and one of the female contestants had to choose which of the two boys in her team would be team leader. She said, “I’m like the Kingmaker,” or words to that effect and something in my brain just sparked. I wrote about 30, 000 words but then, for some reason I can’t even remember, I ignored it until the summer of 2015. In the mean time I wrote and self-published a set of three children’s books, an adult romance, which was also traditionally published, before coming back to The Kingmaker. I was struggling to write another romance, and questioning whether I should stop writing altogether when I picked The Kingmaker up again. Within four weeks I had written another 40, 000 words. That’s when I realised that I was finally writing what I should be writing – not what I thought I should be writing or what I believed people would want to read. Suddenly it was easy to do and, more importantly, enjoyable again. I finished the book and sent it off to publishers and agents, hoping that someone would want it. They didn’t. I decided to have faith in myself and my writing and self-publish again, but I waited until I had written the whole trilogy first. If readers liked it, I wanted the whole trilogy complete so they wouldn’t have to wait. I know how impatient I am when I read a book I love and want to read the next one straight away. So on that note, if you enjoyed The Kingmaker, then book two – Seize The Crown and book three – Born to Rule, are both written and available to buy now. For updates and excerpts as I write my new book - The Cursed Princess - please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, via my website – www.gemmaperfect.com There are two things readers can do for authors they like once they’ve read their book: Review and Recommend. Reviews really do help books become more visible to other readers and a good review can make an author’s day. Recommendations are what make a book take on a life of its own, finding new readers and fans and there’s nothing like word of mouth for spreading the word about books we love.  You can get in touch with me via fb.me/gemmalperfect or you can visit my website www.gemmaperfect.com and I really hope that you do. xxx

Book preview

1

Elsie watches the cove get lighter and lighter, and still Hardy paces. He’s muttering to himself, kicking the sand and water and running his hands through his hair; all his plans have gone wrong, he’s apoplectic with rage and she’s had to stop looking at him. He’s in a terrible mood, and she doesn’t want his focus and attention back on her. There’s no telling what he’ll do next.

He thought that by this time of the morning she’d be dead at his hand and he’d be back in the dungeon with nobody at the castle being able to link him to the queen’s disappearance.

It was such a good plan until Bella woke up and realised Elsie was missing.

He’s having to think again, and she can see it’s aggravating him. He was even given a way out by his cousin Malachi and instead he killed him.

Now she’s at his mercy; in his own words, he’s holding her hostage so he can get the throne of Allaire for himself. But he has already exposed his true nature; it’s why they locked him up in the first place. The need for power has gone to his head and as she watches him mutter and mumble to himself, she’s sure he’s unhinged. Whatever grasp he had on reality is gone and he’s so wrapped up in his burning need, his destructive desire to rule the Kingdom, that he’s past help.

She assumes they are waiting for Norah to come with news and supplies, but if everyone at the castle is looking for her, it might not be so easy for Norah to get what she wants and fly back to them, without being seen too.

And so she sits, feeling colder and damper despite the sun coming up, and waits. There is nothing she can do. She briefly considers trying to fly past him, but in the mood he’s in he won’t think to be lenient if he catches her, and he’s likely to catch her. He’s faster and stronger anyway, but he’s also fuelled by fury at the moment. The anger at his plans going wrong is disturbing to see.

She’s trying to stay still and quiet, but she wants to scream. She knows how worried everyone back at the castle or wherever they are searching for her will be. Will anybody find them?

They made their way to this cove through the caves where Hardy and his allies planned their rebellion. But she doesn’t know if other people know about it. It will take a long time for Finneas and his soldiers to search every inch of land and coastline, and she’s sure Hardy isn’t planning on keeping her here indefinitely.

He’s bound to be scrambling for an idea; somewhere he can go or something he can do next.

He doesn’t have many options. And that will make him far more dangerous; desperation might make him do something stupid, and she knows she doesn’t know him well enough to influence him.

In fact, the last time they talked before it all went wrong, she goaded him so badly, because she knew she was close to death. Knowing he would kill her, she let rip, being as nasty as she dared. She’s not in a position to convince him to change course or step down or surrender.

She’s still in her nightclothes, so she’s hardly dressed for battle, either. Not that she would ever consider trying to fight him.

If she is going to escape his clutches, which she is absolutely determined to do, then she needs to be clever and conniving.

He manipulated her in their early days of meeting. He had her friend and handmaiden Meg murdered and then had the audacity to comfort her during her grief, and so she will return the favour. She can play nice, she can go along with his plans, she will try to lull him into a false sense of calm.

It’s the only way she can think of playing this game with him. He’s dangerous. He wants her dead; at least he did before he realised he might need her. But she also knows that he won’t be able to use her as a hostage to get what he wants because nobody would ever be stupid enough to give it to him.

But if he’s as deluded as she thinks he might be, then maybe she can convince him that he’ll get what he wants.

It’s not really a plan, but for now it’s all she’s got.

She rearranges her cloak and lies down on the sand. She closes her eyes and lets her mind wander. Watching him is making her feel sick, listening to him is tying her stomach up in knots, imagining what might happen next is breaking her out in a cold sweat.

She thinks about Gwenna and imagines a day in the future when her baby is born and she can cuddle it. Then she thinks of grumpy Bella, attacked and left for dead by Hardy, and smiles to herself. She’s so happy they ended up on the same side. Bella will be like a dog with a bone searching for her, she knows it. She’s desperate to kill Hardy for what he did to her, and she’ll search everywhere, hoping to be the one to find him. She knows Aster will be worried sick and feels bad. That girl is so special; really one of a kind. Her healing powers are immense, but she’s not even the slightest bit big-headed. She’ll always play down her abilities.

Elsie also wonders if Hardy’s mother Maud knows what he’s done yet. Norah pretended Maud was ill and needed help; it’s how she got Elsie out of the castle. She knows Maud loves Hardy, but she’s not sure she’ll ever forgive him for killing her nephew, Malachi.

She knows Hardy’s rational mind has gone, because there’s no way he could ever think he could rule after all he’s done. He’s murdered too many people – Meg, Alyce and Malachi, the soldiers guarding the dungeon – and those are just the ones she knows about.

She’s sure he’s done worse. He’s so crazed for power; he doesn’t care who he tramples on.

And now he’s backed into a corner.

He escaped from the dungeon.

He’s got the queen as a hostage.

Everybody knows it; she’s just not sure how he imagines he can recover from it.

Why didn’t he take Malachi’s advice and let her go and leave the Kingdom? Because in his warped mind, running away was a cowardly thing to do. But paying two men to kill Meg, wasn’t?

You can’t reason with insanity. She won’t even try.

Wake up.

He kicks at her as he growls the words, and she sits up instantly. Keep him happy, keep him calm. I’m awake, don’t hurt me. She bites her lip as soon as she says it; why give him ideas?

He laughs, though it doesn’t sound so merry. You’re safe for now. Once Norah comes back, I’ll know what’s happening at the castle. I’ll know what to do next.

Again, the insanity. Elsie closes her eyes, so he doesn’t see the frustrated expression on her face. He already knows what’s going on at the castle – everyone is searching for her and for him. They’ll definitely search the caves, especially if anyone knew Malachi was looking there. Then they’ll find him dead and realise Hardy has killed again.

I think-

He holds up a hand, cutting her off. I don’t care what you think. I need you to be quiet. I can’t think straight if you’re banging on in the background. Just be quiet. I’m not ready to kill you yet, but I might change my mind.

Elsie almost laughs; how does she reply to that; what can she possibly say?

She lies back down, closes her eyes and waits for Norah. Or help.

She cannot believe she slept, but she must have drifted off, because Norah’s enthusiastic and excitable voice wakes her. Even helping Hardy to kidnap and eventually murder her, Norah is full of energy.

Elsie sits up and pulls her knees into her chest. Two against one, now, and Norah can fight. She’d definitely fight to protect Hardy, and Elsie doesn’t want to die at her hand. She stays quiet and listens.

Norah passes her a dress – the one she was wearing yesterday.

Here. I couldn’t get anything fresh. Everyone is searching for you. I was lucky to get this.

And nobody saw you? Hardy asks, rubbing his face and twisting his hands together.

Nobody saw me. Here. She passes him bread and meat and a flagon of ale. She passes the same to Elsie and then sits with Hardy to eat her own food.

This was easy to get; there’s nobody in the kitchen because everyone is searching for you. They know Malachi is missing. There’s a bunch of soldiers searching the coastline today.

Hardy groans. I should have hidden his body. The great lump. We need to move.

Elsie feels a flash of hope. If they move, there’s a chance they’ll be seen. She needs to be seen. She needs to be rescued.

Did you see my mother?

Norah shakes her head.

No, but she must have been cooking all night. There’s so much food in the kitchen, but no sign of her.

Maud would have been informed of Hardy’s escape in the night; she would have been questioned, no doubt, to make sure she hadn’t helped him, that she did not know of his whereabouts, or Elsie’s.

She cooks when she’s worried.

Norah shrugs and eats more of her breakfast. She will be worried. You know that. I haven’t seen her, but I know that.

She sided with Elsie.

Norah shrugs again. She didn’t have much choice. Anyway, I’m pretty sure she was just biding her time. She’d never turn against you, Hardy, but she couldn’t help you while she was locked up alongside you.

This time he shrugs, and Elsie nibbles on her bread, watching them. The dynamics are strange. Norah clearly adores Hardy and although she joked with Bella that she was half in love with him, like everyone else, Elsie doesn’t think so. She thinks Norah adores him and idolises him and wants to make him proud. She looks up to him, Elsie thinks, like an older brother, like a hero.

And yet, she helped Elsie learn how to fight; she never seemed as though she was on Hardy’s side. Duplicitous little snake.

Elsie takes a gulp of ale.

Where are we going to go?

You can’t come, Norah. I need you at the castle. You have things to do.

Elsie’s ears prick up. Other than bringing them food and drink, what else does Norah have to do? She feels a chill run through her, and pretends not to be listening, focusing intently on her food.

Do I have to?

Hardy just looks at her, and then Norah nods, lowering her head.

Take your time, Hardy says, drinking more ale and chewing on some meat. There’s no rush. It can’t be traced back to you. Whatever you do, whoever you kill, nobody can know it’s you.

Elsie swallows down some bile and clears her throat, still not looking at the murderous pair. She need not ask who Norah is supposed to kill. She can think of three names immediately. Hardy is still attacking her and her friends, her supporters.

But why? If Gwenna and Bella and Aster are dead, how does that help his cause? His bid for the throne?

But of course, he’s not rational and Norah won’t argue with him. If she had any sense, she’d be telling him to give Elsie up and run away, but her head has been completely turned by him. But surely, she won’t blindly follow his instructions and kill people. That’s a whole different level of obedience.

Hardy brushes the crumbs from his clothes and then strips to his underpants. I’m going to wash in the sea. And then I’ll get dressed in my clean clothes and then we’ll make a move. Elsie get dressed.

Hardy walks into the water and then swims off. Elsie sets about changing, watching Norah eat her food. He knows Norah is a better fighter than Elsie; he knows she won’t try to escape, because she’s also faster. All those years of not flying have made Elsie slow.

Can you help me?

She needs lacing in at the back.

When Norah is behind her, she takes a deep breath, then turns and takes her hands.

Norah, please, don’t fight me, just listen.

Norah shakes her off and strikes her, the sound loud and echoing.

Elsie holds her face, the skin stinging. Norah!

I won’t listen to you.

Elsie sits down.

You should. You should listen to me before it’s too late. Although Hardy seems to have forgotten – I am still queen of Allaire. I can punish or I can grant leniency. It’s still my choice, Norah.

Norah shrugs, a sullen look on her face, making her look younger than she is.

Norah. Listen to me. He wants you to kill people at the castle, probably Gwenna – who’s pregnant, Bella and Aster.

Norah raises her chin, but Elsie can see a slight look of hesitation on her face.

She’s pregnant, Norah. Gwenna is pregnant. Bella has already been attacked by Hardy once, and Aster – Aster can heal every broken fairy in the Kingdom. She has the power to heal the clipped wings. She can help mend Allaire. Whatever Hardy plans for me, don’t do this. Those three women deserve protection, not death.

I love Hardy.

I know. He’s your family. But can’t you see that this isn’t all right? Everyone knows what he did. He won’t get the throne. No matter how much he wants it. And you’ll be dragged down with him. As soon as I’m rescued... Elsie trails off, putting her hands in her pockets. Is trying to convince this impetuous young girl helpless? Should she even bother?

She feels the little drawstring bag of treasures, works it open with her fingers while she talks to Norah again.

Please Norah, am I getting through to you?

Norah shakes her head.

I know you want to. I know you think you can manipulate me, because I’m young and naïve. But I’m not stupid. Nobody will forget what Hardy has done for Allaire. They might need a bit of time to get over what he’s done-

Elsie laughs, interrupting her. Norah turns to her, anger clear in her expression, but Elsie won’t let her speak.

They’ll need more than time to get over what he’s done. Last chance, Norah. Can I convince you to let me go? Can I convince you to come over to my side? Can I convince you that walking this path with Hardy will get you killed?

Norah folds her arms, shaking her head.

You cannot convince me. Because I’m not a child. You’ve seen how well I fight. You’ve seen how capable I am. And you’ve seen how much Hardy trusts me. Everyone trusts me.

Not for long. As soon as you start murdering people, that might change.

Nobody would believe it was me. I helped Hardy and Calista to kill Alyce. That was me, but none of your lot thought I’d be capable.

Elsie closes her eyes. They had been a little bit suspicious of Norah, only because she had such a strange reaction to Alyce. They know now that Alyce recognises her from the castle; where Norah pretended to work so she could spy for Hardy.

We thought it was you, Elsie says. You gave yourself away. You reacted so weirdly to her, especially when she called you Betsie. We all thought something was up. Especially Bella.

Bella! Bella dies first, Norah says, her eyes flashing with anger.

Elsie shakes her head. She’s not crazy like Hardy, but she’s young and foolish and desperate to impress him; desperate to prove to him that she’s a worthy accomplice. She’s also well liked and known at the castle, part of Elsie’s inner circle. She can fight like a man as well. It’s a dangerous combination altogether, and Elsie knows she needs to stop her.

Norah. Think. Please think. Imagine you do it, imagine you kill everyone Hardy asks you to. Innocent people – then what? How do you carry on with life when you’ll be a completely different person? How do you get over doing something so despicable?

Norah kicks at the sand, shrugging, refusing to look at Elsie.

He killed Malachi. You know he killed Malachi. Do you really think he’ll spare you? If something goes wrong, do you think he won’t blame you? If things don’t go his way, every single day, for the rest of his life and yours, do you really think he’ll take responsibility? Or do you think he’ll look for someone else to blame? Someone else to kill.

He won’t hurt me.

Of course he would. And you’re even more stupid than I thought you were if you can’t see it. He’s a maniac, Norah. He really thinks he can use me as leverage to get the throne of Allaire. He really believes people will excuse his crimes because of all he’s done before. That’s not how it works. That’s not how real life works. He might have convinced you otherwise, and if he has, then you’re as stupid as he is. And I feel sorry for you.

Elsie is shouting now, arms raised, goading Norah, knowing she’s angering her.

I’m not stupid.

You are. I can see you simpering after Hardy, but when it comes down to it, he’ll kill you just as easily as he killed Malachi. Stupid, stupid girl.

Norah takes a step towards her, and Elsie moves away.

Stupid little girl.

Stop it. I’ll hit you.

Stupid. Little. Girl.

Elsie pronounces each word deliberately and loudly, as though each one was a slap across Norah’s face.

Norah screams and lunges