The Forever Princess: Royal Conquest Saga, #8

By Nikki Jefford

Never underestimate a Fae princess in pink.

 

It started out as a dare. Get the name and number of the cute guy at the club. I don't back down from dares . . . and I definitely don't cower for vampires.

 

Turns out cute guy is undead guy with terrible taste in she-vamps. The vixen tries to steal his clan's magic cup, excuse me, I mean Eternal Chalice. But I intervene.

 

Instead of a thank you, the guy's imposing older brother attempts to compel me into forgetting everything that went down. I don't think so. Guess they've never met an elf-Fae before. Fabian is the no-nonsense, commanding head of his clan. He thinks it's his duty to keep me safe.

 

A rival clan is after the chalice and now they want me, too. Apparently, my elven Fae blood is like an aphrodisiac to them. 

My newfound friends need me more than they realize. Mr. Moody Broody definitely needs more sparkle in his life. Me? I should really keep away from crazed bloodsuckers who want to drain me dry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nikki Jefford
• Release date: Aug 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393938989

Book preview

Chapter One

The wedding chapel was small and cheerful with its lemon-painted walls and rows of white two-seater pews lined on either side like first-class plane seats on the flight we had taken over from California. Overhead lights shone bright, and crystal wall sconces illuminated the narrow carpeted aisle.

I was so in love with my short pink vintage wedding dress. I might have loved it more than the groom. Kidding. Pinned to my delicate updo sat a matching blush hat tipped at a jaunty angle. Thin double-sashed bows circled my narrow waist above the frilly skirt, mirroring my ivory heels with cute little bows around my ankles.

In one hand, I held a whimsical bouquet of garden roses, chamomile, jasmine, and dahlias, tied together with a velvet ribbon.

The King offered me his arm to walk me down the aisle. Not my biological father the king, nor my second father, also a king. I was talking about Elvis Presley. Not the real Elvis, obviously, but close enough. He wore a blue jumpsuit, an aloha belt, and gold aviator sunglasses.

The music started and we walked slowly up the aisle while Elvis sang Can’t Help Falling in Love into his microphone.

There wasn’t far to walk. Fabian stood waiting for me, an imposing tower of darkness with rich brown hair that brushed the right side of his forehead. He was dressed in a fitted black suit with a blush pink shirt buttoned neatly beneath and a rose boutonniere. His rigid stance was one of the many quirks that made me wild for him. He was so fun to tease, and the fact that he agreed to a Las Vegas wedding proved that my happiness meant more than his pride.

The King delivered me to Fabian, who grimaced at the Elvis impersonator until I took my fiancé’s arm. Striking brown-and-green-flecked eyes took me in. His posture relaxed by a fraction. Beside him, his brothers Sandor and Leon were squished together on the verge of laughter. They would attempt to joke about the wedding later, but I’d have photographic proof that they were having a blast. Their continuous grins said it all.

My best friends Candace and Kyle sat on the opposite side of the aisle unable to hold still, they were so excited. The rest of the pews were empty. Two guests for the groom. Two for me. Intimate, yet lively.

Elvis continued singing while Fabian stared at me. When I felt his arm tighten, I gave it a squeeze.

Elvis moved to the pulpit. The music cut out.

Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time, Fabian and Melody, if you’re here tonight at the beautiful Graceland Wedding Chapel to rock and roll and exchange your wedding vows, give me a big uh-huh.

I raised one brow, challenging Fabian to say it with me. With the slightest shake of his gorgeous head, he followed my lead in saying, Uh-huh. Fabian smiled reluctantly. It was pretty much impossible not to. I had told him I wanted a fun wedding. I wanted to see him smile. Thank you, Elvis!

Fabian and Melody, would you turn and face each other. And Fabian, look deep into Melody’s beautiful eyes, just like I was doing back there at the doors when I was trying to get her to run off with me. Leon snorted. Fabian narrowed his eyes and turned a chilling look at Elvis. The King, being a pro, didn’t flinch. I bet he’d feel differently if he knew Fabian was a vampire.

Repeat after me. I, Fabian.

The laughter subsided as Fabian stared at me with his entrancing gaze. I, Fabian, he said huskily.

Take you, Melody—baby.

Take you, Melody— Fabian winced. My smiling lips were pressed tight to hold in my laughter. I winked at him in encouragement. Seeing my mirth, he grinned. Baby.

To be my wife. After Fabian repeated this, Elvis continued. And I promise to always be your hunk, a hunk of burning love.

Before Fabian could repeat the best part, the chapel doors flew open, followed by my mother rushing in, red hair flying all around her face. Her arms flailed through the air as if she were in freefall trying to catch hold of something. The electric lights practically crackled with her blazing energy inside the room. My fathers stormed in at her booted heels. My brother Lark and his mate Crispin came next, followed by my twin brothers Reed and Ronin. Zelie entered next with her two youngest kids Colden and Bianca each holding one of her hands. North, Iclyn, and Wynter came in behind them.

It was the Elmray family parade. The sight of them made me light up with excitement. Mom didn’t return my warm greeting.

Melody! You eloped! she yelled.

Yep, I didn’t even wait for the epilogue to get married because that’s how I rock and roll.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Chapter Two

A couple weeks earlier

(You read correctly. Don’t get all judgy, human.)

Sunlight flooded the field outside my family’s cottage in Pinemist. The place was packed with more elves than the market square during May Day festivities.

There were pony rides for the children, games and sports for the bigger kids, and alcohol for the adults. My cousin Fraya’s teenage daughter Amelia sat on a stump with her eyes closed while I swept purple makeup over her lids to match the butterfly wings I’d painted across her temples and upper cheekbones.

Almost done, I said, switching brushes to finish the design off with a dusting of shimmer. Open your eyes. Amelia’s eyes fluttered open. Beautiful, I said.

Amelia stood and smiled. Thanks, Melody.

A couple of cute young males threw a ball back and forth near us, sneaking glances at Amelia. She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder as she walked past them without pause or acknowledgment like they didn’t exist. The ball, which had been midway to one of the males, smacked him in the chest as he gaped after Amelia. He grabbed it off the ground and tossed it up and down, as if needing to remind himself that he was still capable of catching.

A little girl I’d seen playing with my youngest niece Bianca plopped down on the stump. Can I be a butterfly too?

You most certainly can. I smiled brightly at her. What color butterfly do you want to be?

Orange and yellow. The girl’s two front teeth hadn’t grown in yet. She looked adorable when she grinned.

I spritzed my makeup brush with special cleaner I had purchased in the mortal realm and cleaned it off with a rag. Colorful pots sat open on an oak table Alok had made for my parents. I swept the brush in the orange pot, then crouched in front of the girl and got to work.

The field was full of butterfly faces. Most of the girls saw the other females and wanted the same. I was happy to fill the meadow with sparkly winged face art. I loved butterflies so much that I had one permanently tattooed on the back of my right shoulder. One boy had asked me to make him look like an ogre. I’d sent him away. I didn’t have gray makeup.

I didn’t have gray anything.

There was no one waiting after I finished Bianca’s friend, so I closed the lids on my pots and picked up my glittery travel tumbler printed with the words LIQUID STARDUST in bold letters. On my way over to my nieces and nephews, I stopped to watch a hired performer swallow his sword to the hilt, then pull it back out and take a bow in front of a small audience watching from their picnic blankets. I sipped lemonade from my tumbler and continued to the spot my family had commandeered beneath the tree house.

Arr, that treasure be mine, my oldest nephew, North, said as he whacked his sister Iclyn’s wooden sword with his own.

He wore an eyepatch and guarded a small jeweled chest Mom and I had filled with candy. Iclyn squeezed her sword handle in both hands. I will win it for the birthday girl.

And I will help you, her sister Wynter said.

Iclyn and Wynter, at nine and eight years old, were the closest in age of my brothers’ children. Bianca turned five today and was still struggling with her wooden sword.

You can take them, girls! my mom shouted.

The children’s other grandmother, Sana, stood watching with a real sword sheathed at her hip. The white-haired elf had on all her leathers, as though expecting the grown-ups to battle in the field after the kids went to sleep.

Alok hovered over a picnic blanket where his son sat cross-legged reading a graphic novel. Better get in there and help North defend his treasure before it’s too late, Titus.

Can I use a real sword? the redheaded boy asked, without looking up from the colorful pages of his book.

Let’s all use real swords, Wynter said.

Nope, not ready for that. Zelie shook her head.

Me neither, her father said, patting her back briefly before joining Sana’s side.

A big red blow-up ball bounced by. Three-year-old Colden giggled as he chased after the ball, then stumbled on his tiny feet. He fell on his butt. Ronin scooped him up and bounced the toddler in his arms. Reed picked up the ball and kicked it high into the air, which made Colden’s eyes light up as he clapped his chubby hands.

Wooden swords cracked on contact. While North defended himself from Iclyn’s onslaught, Wynter hacked at his exposed knees. North winced, holding his position with admirable determination.

Looks like North needs reinforcements, Ryo said. My second father took up a small wood sword and blocked Wynter’s next swing at North.

Time for cake! Kaylin yelled. She and Peridot carried out an enormous vanilla-frosted cake together on a rectangular tray.

A chorus of cake spread throughout the field, swirling back around like a sugar-coated cyclone. Iclyn, Wynter, and Bianca dropped their swords and hurried toward the table where Kaylin and Peridot set down the cake. My brother Lark followed behind them, lifting one of his fingers in the air. I’ll light the candles.

And we’ll keep the ice cream chilled, Ronin said, nodding at Reed.

I followed behind my family. Unlike my brothers, I had not inherited any elven elemental powers, but I was a Fae royal, which came with the ability to create portals and compel or glamour humans. I used glamour and compulsion sparingly in the mortal realm and never on my best friends. They thought I was human—a jet-setter always off to exotic locations with my family or solo. If only they knew just how far my travels took me.

After eating cake, the families staying for the big outdoor slumber party helped erect tents.

I want to be in Bianca’s tent! my orange and yellow butterfly girl shouted.

Me too! yelled a girl I’d painted with pink and blue wings.

We might have to make them draw straws, Ronin said.

Reed bumped his shoulder into Ronin’s. I guess they’re too young to play darts.

Zelie snorted. Definitely too young.

Tents popped up over the field. Blankets and pillows were arranged inside while the kids and adults finalized who would sleep where. Reed and Ronin set up a large canvas pavilion next to Alok and Fraya’s small nylon domed tent.

Alok strolled over and rubbed his chin. Keeping the entire family together?

Adults only, Reed said.

Are you sure you have enough room in there? Alok teased.

I sat in a pink foldout chair and continued to sip lemonade from my glittery tumbler, stretching my legs over the grass.

My brother-in-law’s sweet sister, Kenzie, walked over with a bowl of ice cream. I pointed out her chocolate mustache and she rubbed her upper lip with the back of her hand, then smiled sheepishly.

Hey! Do you want to share a tent? I asked.

Kenzie’s face fell. I’m returning to Faerie with Crispin and Lark after the fireworks.

Lame, I said.

She nodded. At least we were able to make it for the party. She shoveled in more ice cream. I chuckled. There’s chocolate on my face again, isn’t there?

Yeah.

Time to open presents, Kaylin announced.

Presents! Bianca shrieked, racing to the large blanket Kaylin and Peridot had set up for gifts.

I got up and brought my chair over to watch Bianca open gifts, including the fully furnished dollhouse I had purchased for her in the mortal world. Bianca squealed joyfully and ran to me with open arms, launching herself around my neck.

Thank you, Aunt Melody. I love it so much!

The other young girls were already crowding around, grabbing at the miniature pieces of furniture.

Good. I kissed Bianca’s cheek. She ran back to the dollhouse.

Don’t move anything. That’s mine.

Mom! Dad! I want a dollhouse. One of her young friends made a pouty face at her parents.

Lark strolled over with his hands in the pockets of his tailored slacks and nudged the edge of my pink flip-flop with the toe of his polished shoe. Way to show the rest of us up, sis.

I leaned back to look up and roll my eyes at him. It’s not a competition, Lark. I happen to know what a five-year-old girl would like. What did you get her, another wooden fox from Faerie?

Hey, those are made by a renowned carver out of Dahlquist. I raised a brow. Lark grimaced. This time it’s a rabbit. Before I could groan, he rushed on to say, Bianca loves forest animals. Maybe they can live in the house you gave her.

Forest animals live in the woods, not the parlor, I said.

Crispin gave a hearty chuckle from behind my brother. He put his arm around Lark as he pressed in until they were thigh to thigh. Lark loves wildlife, especially snakes.

Ha. Ha. Lark shuddered.

And spiders! Ronin said, turning his head from his spot on the edge of the blanket to flash Lark an evil grin.

It’s okay, buddy. I smiled at my golden-haired brother. I don’t like snakes or spiders either.

Lark huffed. That makes me feel so much better, knowing I share a fear of reptiles and insects with my little sister.

Reed coughed. You mean arachnids.

Lark’s glare set the twins off snickering. Crispin leaned his head on Lark’s shoulder. I love you no matter what.

Groaning, Lark pulled away from him. Excuse me while I do the manly task of lighting the bonfire. Perhaps I’ll participate in a joust on my way to the pit. You do remember how well I handle a sword, correct?

When Reed and Ronin erupted into laughter, Lark smirked. So immature.

Wait, I called. Kenzie says you’re not staying the night.

Lark nodded. Aunt Sarfina needs us to help plan a coming-out ball for Contessa Viessa’s only daughter.

Frowning, I pushed at the grass through my flip-flops. It’s just, we barely hang out together as a family anymore.

We’re hanging out now. Lark raised his brows.

I guess. I didn’t point out that ever since my brothers had selected their life mates, they were barely present—not around me. Lark spent more time with his sister-in-law because she was in Faerie and they didn’t like leaving Dahlquist. They had responsibilities, sure. It still sucked.

Then there were my twin brothers. They used to hang out at our family’s condo in California all the time. Now they hardly ever ventured from Pinemist. We were all a realm apart. Our gatherings felt too brief and left me wanting more family time. That was the trouble. My older siblings had their own families now. They’d grown up and left me behind.

Scene Separator

Night blanketed the sky above the meadow. Starlight speckled the darkness overhead between fireworks. Necks craned back, watching the light show above. My gaze drifted down to the happy couples on the blankets, holding hands and stealing kisses. Even Amelia ended up on the swing bench with a boy grinning at her in adoration—and she was only fifteen.

I was twenty-three and I’d never even had a boyfriend. How was that even possible? My best friend Candace said it was because I intimidated guys with my beauty and confidence. I think she was just trying to make me feel better, which was her sworn duty. My other best friend, Kyle, had taken pity and kissed me on my twentieth birthday. I’d asked him to do it as my gift so I’d finally know what it was like. I could have compelled someone to kiss me, but I wanted the real deal, even if it came from a friend.

Thinking of my friends pulled at the hollow places inside my heart, stretching them into craters across my single, lonely soul. I pulled out my phone encased in shiny large flecks of floating pink and purple glitter. It couldn’t connect in the elven realm, but I’d charged it before leaving and could swipe through photos of my human friends.

Boom!

A firework burst apart, spraying red lights that crackled and shimmered in the dark.

Pocketing my phone, I stood and walked away from the gathering to a portal access point near the woods. I swept one arm in a wide circle, creating ripples of blue energy that spread into a large oval doorway to Earth. I walked through, taking my travel tumbler with me. My arm hairs lifted with the static electricity buzzing through the vortex. Wind rushed over me, ripping away my sunglasses in its gust.

Pitberries! I’d forgotten they were on top of my head. That was like the fiftieth pair I had lost while portaling. Where did all my shades end up, anyway? Did they blow back to the last place I’d been standing and get swiped by the first being who happened upon them?

There was a reason the Sunglass Hut in Titan Beach loved me.

I arrived in the foyer of my family’s beachfront condo, pink flip-flops smacking the tiled floor as I stepped out of the portal. I set my tumbler down and texted Candace to say I had just gotten back to town. She replied immediately that she and Kyle were waiting in line to get inside the Velvet Lounge and that I should get my booty over there immediately.

Dress sexy, Candace added.

I sent back an emoji face sticking out its tongue, followed by Be right there, before running up to my room to change into a pink-sequined halter top and skinny bleached jeans with a rhinestone belt. I slipped on my Keds glitter sneakers and scheduled a Lyft pickup before tossing my phone and wallet into a small pink metallic backpack.

Our condo had the best location, near all the action. Unlike big California cities, Titan Beach was small enough to remain quaint, but was still a hip, happening, ritzy paradise tucked away on the coast.

My Lyft arrived as I walked to the curb outside my condo. It took only six minutes to reach the Velvet Lounge. Getting inside the exclusive club would take another sixty minutes based on the line circling the block.

I thanked my driver and hopped out of the car.

Where r u? I texted Candace.

While awaiting her response, I scanned the beautiful young men and women standing in line. They were dressed in tuxedos, cocktail dresses, shiny polished dress shoes, and high heels.

Sixth in line to get in!!!!! Candace texted.

My arms swung from side to side as I speed walked my way toward the front of