The King's Secret: Kingdom of Fae

By F.L. Jordan

Sixteen year old Prince Owen Aisley has lived under his abusive father's oppressive rule for long enough. He builds up the courage to challenge the King for the chance to go to school and finally learn about his magical abilities. As Owen interacts with the magical world he discovers that he's not what he seems and uncovers secrets about his father and the school's headmaster that could topple society as they know it. Can he right his father's wrongs and bring peace between man and magic? Will the ones he loves get hurt in process?

• Language: English
• Publisher: F.L. Jordan
• Release date: Mar 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393926238

F.L. Jordan

Frances has always enjoyed writing. Be it in her free time, for 4-H competitions, or when she should have been paying attention in class, her pen has been run dry of ink with her imagination since childhood. Anything to escape the monotonous rows of corn and beans growing in her Indiana home. Fairies, dragons, and people of mysterious power have always been in the frontline of her musings. Now, as an adult, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their menagerie of animals on their small farm. The busy summer days keep writing on the back burner, but those long winter nights allow the creativity to flow.  Take a crack at one of her tales and step into a new word full of creative chaos.

Book preview

Chapter 1

My name is Owen Aisley . I’m the King’s third son, making me about as important to my kingdom as a doorstop. Edowhen, my oldest brother, will inherit the crown. Birk, the second eldest, stands to become captain of our guard. As for Myself, well Father thinks I need to be in the cavalry, but I’m allergic to horse hair and I’m quite awful with a sword. The only thing I seem to be good at is magic, a profession my father thinks is neither noble nor dignified.

Our family was once in possession of the fabled Alchem Stone, a gem known for its ability to turn lead into gold. Though it’s abilities had been proven, Father thought it a cheap parlor trick. He only chose to keep the stone because it was a ruby the size of his fist, but later traded it as a bribe during a peace agreement. Now he openly wonders how our allies to the north became so wealthy.

As a ten year old, I had completed my first magical instructional manual and wanted to show Father what I could do. I’d taken pride in practicing a display of ethereal creatures; flying birds, running deer, and a rearing horse. This type of spell was the most difficult to accomplish in the manual, so I thought he’d be impressed. Edowhen and Birk had been. Father, on the other hand, had scolded me for wasting my time on worthless magic tricks and told me to study something useful instead. I’d fought him, screaming about how magic was useful, about how more advanced spells can heal the wounded, provide physical blockades at a moment’s notice, or even raise the dead. Looking back, I wish I’d never mentioned that last one.

I’ve heard that Father was once capable of kindness, but I’d never known it. After my mother died during my birth, he’d become bitter and cruel towards everyone around him, especially me. I think he blamed me for taking her from him. He had whipped me for my obstinance that day, so badly that chunks of my flesh had to be sewn back onto my body. Many of the scars still caused me pain and discomfort even six years later.

The punishment didn’t discourage me though. On my eleventh birthday I tried to impress him again and conjured a small ethereal dragon to light my birthday candles. Upon seeing the creature, Father had smashed the cake and ordered me to my room for the remainder of the day. Birk had come to let me know that the mountain of gifts Father had purchased had been returned or dispersed amongst the staff. Birk and Edowhen gave me a few small magical trinkets that day as their personal presents. I still have them, tucked away safely in my closet. One of which I wore daily. A small silver ring, charmed to bring good fortune. It didn't feel like it worked, but I was hopeful.

The day after my birthday, Father had ordered all magic related books be removed from our library. He didn’t know that I’d already spent two days the prior year enchanting every single one of them. To anyone other than myself, the bindings read as whatever topic the person looking at them despised. If for some reason they touched one, they would instantly forget why they had reached for the book in the first place.

I no longer cared to impress my father. I just wanted to learn more about my abilities, about the magical world that lay beyond the walls of the Royal City. The textbooks I had mentioned great beasts such as Centaurs and Werewolves, lesser creatures that played fun pranks on humans but weren’t capable of powerful magic, and inhuman things such as fae, nymphs, and vampires that walked among us, blending into the population with ease. I wanted to know about them, to meet them, to learn their cultures. I was tired of living in fear of my father and his punishments. I was tired of hiding from my own abilities and interests in order to please him.

I woke today with a purpose. It was the last day for open enrollment into the Spirewood Academy for Mages, and I was determined to get in. The only problem I faced was the lack of parental signature on my audition entry. As the servants cleared our breakfast plates I took a deep breath and glanced up, happy to see an encouraging smile on Edowhen’s face. He’d given me the application two days ago and urged me to make the ask. Birk had then instructed me on how to get it accomplished. According to him, all I had to do was scare the absolute shit out of Father and he would cave. I prayed he was right, otherwise I would probably be sentenced to death for practicing magic in the Royal city. Father had made such an action illegal shortly after my eleventh birthday.

I quietly summoned an invisible cage around him then stood, wordlessly walking to his side.

What’s this? He asked with little interest as I placed the audition entry and school application forms down in front of him.

I’m requesting your permission to attend the Spirewood Academy for Mages, I watched as his face twisted into the expression of disgust I’d become so familiar with.

We’ve been over this Owen, magic is forbidden in the Royal City, He moved to stand, anger apparent in his voice, and therefore forbidden in thi- what the hell?

His chair wouldn’t move, why would it? It was confined within my cage. He tried to force it back by pushing on the table. Instead of his chair sliding backwards, the table moved from his applied force. Father blinked a few times in confusion before ignoring the obvious answer and attempting  to stand once again. I shrank the cage, slamming him back down into his seat.

Just sign the papers, Father, I kept my tone even and calm, though his worried expression had created an excitement in me.

Are you daft? He glared at me. Defiance was a key characteristic of his, I’ve told you no.

I sighed, waving my hand through the air dramatically, Well then, I guess the only solution will be to kill you. Once you’re dead, Edowhen will become my guardian, and he’s already agreed to sign the papers.

What? Father’s worried expression deepened as his eyes darted to my eldest brother. You’ve discussed this treason?

Yes, Father, Edowhen stated flatly. I will not ignore his talents as you have. A mage of his caliber would be of great use to our nation, with the proper training of course.

It would certainly save on the amount of men lost in battle, Birk chimed in. Both of them thought this was amusing, considering how much Father had tortured me over the years.

So what do you say, Father? I placed my hand on the back of his chair and leaned down, matching the condescending air he so frequently used. Will you sign the papers?

Never, He spat through gritted teeth.

So be it, I turned the cage into a box and willed the air from it. The stubborn man waited until he was nearly purple from lack of oxygen to give in.

Alright! he shouted, desperately clutching at his throat and chest. I’ll sign!

I vanquished the box with little effort and handed him a pen. He signed the documents with haste as he gasped for air. His hands shook when he extended the papers to me. I bowed, smiling like a wicked cheshire as I tucked them into the inner pocket of my waistcoat. It worked! I couldn’t believe it!

Where are you going? Father grunted as I walked away.

I have an audition to attend, I waved over my shoulder, attempting to remain nonchalant. Wish me luck.

I could hear my father spit as I exited the dining hall. The moment I was out of his sight I ran. The nearest audition location was two cities away and I had only three hours to get there. No train from our kingdom could travel that fast, but I had some Avian Berries in my possession thanks to my dear Gypsy friend Ethelinda. She and I had become close over the years due to my willingness to overpay for magical ingredients. There wasn’t anything that woman couldn’t get me, given she had enough time. I’d asked for these berries four months ago. Now I prayed the damn things worked.

I’d made it to the roof. Pulling a pillowcase from my pocket I quickly undressed and stuffed my clothes inside. It was an oddly liberating feeling to be standing stark naked on the palace roof, but I didn’t care. I popped two of the red hummingbird shaped berries into my mouth and tossed the other two into the pillowcase for the return trip. They were nasty. The taste was bitter at first and then something akin to rotting flesh.

I ignored it and kept my mind on what Ethelinda had told me, Focus on the bird you want to become and for the love of God don’t spit them out! If you spit them out you’ll be an anamorphic mess until the effects wear off in three days, regardless of if you have an antidote.

I needed to be strong and swift. I closed my eyes and thought hard about becoming a falcon. As I swallowed the berries they’d become hot, not in flavor but in temperature. I could feel the heat of them hit my stomach and radiate to my fingers and toes. I let out a cough, but to my surprise a mighty screech came out instead. I opened my eyes to find an oddly colored world before me. Seeing two completely separated visions was highly disorienting.

I stretched my wings, feeling the breeze on every feather as I decided to take a few seconds to understand this foreign body. Flexing my talons, snapping my beak, and learning how to use my tail. I hopped up on the battlement and spread my wings. Might as well take a test flight. I flapped hard and took off. Flying was easy, until a current smacked me in the face and I lost all control over my new limbs. I crashed into the palace courtyard, startling a few maids and guards. To my absolute embarrassment, Edowhen was there.

Having troubles, Brother? He laughed, the statement confusing the people about him. I screeched at him and tried again.

Within a few minutes I felt confident enough to leave. I swooped down from the sky and grabbed my pillowcase tightly in my talons. Adjusting to its weight took mere seconds.

I’m not going to lie, being a bird was an amazing feeling. Soaring high above the world was the most freeing thing I’d ever done. I was also completely fascinated by the fact that I somehow knew exactly which direction I was heading.

I reached Parcible with thirty minutes left in the auditions. As I landed on the roof of the theatre where the auditions were being held a beautiful girl approached me, hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. I couldn’t tell you what color her hair or eyes were, but her features were lovely. To my shock and horror she reached for my pillow case. I screeched in protest.

Oh calm down, She chided. I’m sure you have an antidote in here, and I’m going to tell you from experience, talons are no good for holding bottles.

Antidote? Yes I had one, but how did she know? Who was she? Could I trust her?

She grabbed the pillow case and rummaged around. I wasn’t happy that a beautiful girl was currently pilfering through my clothing, but if she could get the antidote opened faster I’d allow it.

As she searched her scowl deepened, You do have an antidote, don’t you?

I nodded my mighty falcon head. It was in my pant’s pocket, but it wasn’t. It was at that exact moment I realized my antidote was sitting on my dresser in my bedroom. I had forgotten it in my haste to leave. My bird eyes met hers and she scoffed.

Smooth, she set the pillowcase down next to me, turning to leave with my audition papers in her hand. Wait here. I’ll let them know what’s going on. Melia usually has spare potions in her bag. Hopefully she has something that will work. 

I flapped my wings and scrambled after her. She had no idea how important those papers were to me.

Seriously? She asked as I skittered through the door she’d opened. She groaned and picked me up, placing me on her shoulder, Fine, but if you claw me I’m telling them to reject your application.

She turned to retrieve my things and then carried me inside. We traveled down a flight of sterile looking stairs before we came to a large metal door. The entire time  we moved I was careful not to dig my sharp talons into her shoulder. As she opened the door three surprised adults turned to look at her, their attention momentarily removed from the little boy on the stage. I was instantly sidetracked by his ethereal rabbit that was hopping and zipping through the air.

The girl laid her hand over my wings, Chill out bird brain. It’s not edible.

How did she know what I was thinking?

Ada? What’s this? A slender woman with wire rimmed glasses the size and thickness of a telescope asked, inspecting me from her seat.

A potential student, the girl, Ada, handed my paperwork over to them. He’s forgotten something rather important I’m afraid.

Oh! a chubby woman with a fierce pixie cut giggled and reached into her bag. Not to worry, little one. I’m sure I have a spare!

She dug around, then stuck her whole arm in, Oh fiddlesticks, give me just a moment dear. To my amazement the woman nearly dove into the bag, disappearing into the thing down to her waist.

Bit old to be forgetting such things aren’t you, a man, mid fifties maybe, sitting in the center of the women scowled as he read my audition ticket. I’m also interested to know why you haven’t listed your prior school here. Ada?

There is no prior schooling. He’s self taught. Family issues, I stared at the girl on whom I was perched, completely dumbfounded. How the hell did she know that?

I see, the man’s eyebrow arched in interest.

Here it is! the chubby woman exclaimed, her voice echoing in the inner casm of the bag, Cyprian dear, could you give me a hand? I’m afraid I’m stuck.

The man set my ticket down and tugged on the bag, freeing the woman from it’s hungry jaws. In her left hand she held a small vial, not unlike the one I’d left behind.

The three adults passed the potion to Ada and she turned, exiting the theatre. She took me to a dressing room where she set me down and uncorked the small bottle. She even helped me drink it before exiting the room.

As I morphed my head swam from the sudden change in vision. I was dizzy and a bit disoriented, but glad to be human again. I quickly dressed and exited the room, surprised to find Ada waiting outside. She looked me over slowly, fixing my collar and straightening the disaster that was my hair. As she did I appreciated her features as if for the first time. She looked older now that I was my correct height, she had to be close to my age. Her hair was a lovely shade of strawberry blonde, but her eyes shocked me the most. People with magic in them had ice blue eyes, always. It was a fact, but hers were a pale greyish green. Could it be that she had no magic in her?

As the thought entered my mind her hands froze. She looked me directly in the eyes, her gaze intense and captivating, If you want to go far in this academy I’ll tell you three things you need to do. Understand?

I nodded and waited for her to continue, First, impress them today, use something that would make your brothers piss themselves, no, she held up a finger to silence my question. Just listen. Second, study hard. Always work at least two days ahead of your syllabus. Third, and most important, don’t ask questions about me. Not even to other students. They’ll tell you plenty of gossip, and that’s fine, but the truth, well, you’ll find out in due time. Do you understand? I nodded again, not sure what to say.

Good, she continued, Now go on in. They’re waiting for you.

I gave her one last glance before heading towards the stage. As I stepped out into the bright lights the chubby woman, who I’m guessing is the one Ada had been referring to as Melia, giggled and greeted me, Well hello again.

Hello, I offered a small bow, which elicited more giggles. I’m terribly sorry about earlier. I usually have a better head on my shoulders. I’ve been fighting to audition for quite some time and forgot my antidote in my haste to leave.

It happens, the slender one said, waving her hand as if to swat away the issue all together.

It shouldn’t, Cyprian was far less receptive. He looked like he could be a real pain in the ass, but it does. Now, we’ve been here all day admitting six to ten year olds. Show us why we should enroll someone who is so obviously behind the mark.

For once I was glad for Father’s cruelness, it had conditioned me well to deal with doubt. Ignoring the man’s obvious irritation, I looked about the stage, not quite sure if it’d be big enough for what I had in mind.

Cyprian proved to be the impatient sort as well, Don’t tell me you don't have anything prepared to show us?

I do, I said calmly as I looked up at the too low ceiling. It’s just... could we perhaps go outside? I’d feel rather awful if I lit the building on fire.

Oh fire! Melia hopped up in excitement. I wonder what he’s going to do? This is exciting.

I could use a good leg stretch, the slender woman stood. Should we take him to ‘The Room’?

Sure, I didn’t like the smug smile on Cyprian’s face, why not, should prove interesting.

Come, Melia giggled, waving for me to follow them.

I jumped off the stage and jogged to catch up. I was incredibly confused when Cyprian took out a piece of chalk from his pocket and drew a rectangle on the far wall of the theater. I was stunned when he then pushed on the wall and it swung open like a door. I was terrified when I saw the room inside. Nothing but endless white void. No clear floor, ceiling, or walls; just bright whiteness.

Don’t fret, the slender woman saw my hesitation. It’s perfectly safe. Come.

I took a breath and followed them inside. This was insane, and I was loving every second of it.

Should this be enough room, your highness? Cyprian’s tone was sarcastic and bitter. I knew then and there that I wasn’t going to like him.

Should be, I quipped. Though, I am worried that I may singe the paruvian carpet or damage the crystal chandelier.

Cyprian’s smug face turned into one of outward contempt as the two women laughed. The slender one clapped his shoulder, Oh my, I think he may have you matched for sarcastic wit Cyprian.

The man shrugged her off angrily, Enough of that Gerna! Shut your trap Melia.

Oh, Melia looked hurt, You’re always so grouchy.

Well get on with it then, The older man waved his hands at me in irritation.

I offered them a bow and chose a space several feet away. Closing my eyes I focused on the magic energy in my veins. Tapping into it had always felt like plugging an outlet into the wall, I just had to tell it what to do once I had access to it. Something that would make my brother’s piss themselves huh? I had just the thing. I felt the energy grow, radiating along my skin. I opened my eyes, knowing full well that they were alight with my power.

As I focused on a spot a few feet away from me blue mist began to swirl. The horns appeared first, black and curled, followed by the creature's face. Red eyes, alight with a steaming power of their own, tight black scales over rigid bone gave way to gnashing fangs. Smoke rolled from my dragon’s mouth as it clawed its way from the hole, one impressive muscled leg at a time until only his tail remained inside. It slid free from the portal like a massive serpent, his eyes on me expectantly as the women gasped and clapped excitedly.

I was familiar with this particular creature. I’d saved him from a creek in the woods behind our palace as a baby. He was still only a fledgling, but his size would be enough to terrify even the bravest soldiers in our guard. I offered the beast a bow and he returned it.

Your spell is lacking, Cyprian’s voice drew my attention back to my audience. Your conjure doesn’t even have wings.

Kreshow is a troglobite dragon, I extended my hand, patting the beast’s jaw.