Teller Of Tales: Grimm Academy Series, #9.5

By Laura Greenwood

Can telling stories of the students at Grimm Academy save a future princess?  

When Azade is betrothed to a prince who barely even acknowledges her existence, she knows things are bad. And after they're given a prophecy that their marriage will be doomed if they see through the betrothal, she knows she has to do everything she can to get out of it.  

Arriving at Grimm Academy gives Azade a chance to change things, all she has to do is convince her prince to end things. But as they grow closer, she starts to question whether it's really what she wants.  

At least she'll be able to keep his attention for one more story....  

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Teller Of Tales is part of the Grimm Academy fantasy fairy tale romance series and is a standalone retelling of Arabian Nights. It includes a fairy tale 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: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224652389

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

A part of me can't believe what's happening despite the fact I'm sat on a throne and it's just been announced that I'm Prince Shahryar's future wife. I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do with the information, particularly as I wasn't aware of it until about an hour before the banquet.

Besides me, the prince in question is doing everything he can to avoid having an actual conversation with me, which doesn't bode well for the future of our marriage, even if it's one we haven't asked for.

A dish of sugared figs is placed in front of me and I smile gratefully at the server. I pick one up and bite into it. At least this position comes with the perks of good food, even if the conversation is dry and my new betrothed likes to spend all of his events with a different girl on his arm. Something I don't expect to change considering it's what he's been like since we first met five years ago. It's a shame we're supposed to be married because I find him passable company.

The King rises from his throne opposite us and raises his glass. I would like to raise a toast to my son and his future bride, the daughter of my most trusted advisor, he announces, looking right at me.

A cheer sounds from around the room and several people raise their glasses. I pick up my glass and toast him with it, not knowing what else I can do given the situation. I take a sip of wine and set it down on the table.

To the future Queen Scheherazade, Ryar says from beside me.

I force a tight smile on my face and tap his glass with my own.

Did your father tell you that we're being sent to Grimm Academy at the end of the month? Ryar asks.

He may have mentioned it, I respond.

It was Father's idea. He believes that it will allow us to make the connections that royals need to make alliances.

I can see how that would be an advantage. Grimm Academy's notoriety is growing, not just as the primary place for the education of young royals and nobles, but also as the place for anyone who wishes to break a prophecy. Though thankfully, I don't have one of those myself.

He nods and turns his attention back to the person on his other side.

I roll my eyes and pick at a piece of flatbread.

The chair on my other side scrapes back and I turn to find my father taking a seat beside me.

Are you enjoying the feast, my dear? he asks.

Mmm. I nod, not wishing to lie, but also not fully knowing what to say.

This is a great honour that the King is bestowing upon us.

Yes, I am aware of that.

You must promise me that you will do our family proud at the academy.

You know I will, Father. This time there is no lie. I intend to make a good impression. There isn't going to be any getting out of this betrothal, and if that's the case, then I'm going to do everything I can in order to make sure that I'm the future queen that the kingdom deserves. It's the least I can do.

The main doors to the banquet hall slam open, letting in a furious gush of wind as they do. The candles lining the table flicker and almost go out, causing a shiver to run down my spine and a sense of dread to fill me. I have no idea what's about to happen, but I'm reasonably certain it isn't good.

A woman draped in a swirling layer of flowing black gauze. The wind plays with the scarf around her neck, obscuring enough of her features that I don't recognise her.

Welcome to the feast, the King says in a jovial tone, but there's an edge to it, almost as if he knows that this isn't how it is supposed to be.

I have come to wish Prince Shahryar and Scheherazade a happy betrothal, the woman says. For it will be the only part of their lives that shall be happy should they marry.

Who are you to predict such doom? the King demands.

It is not my prediction, this is what is written in fate, a prophecy, if you will, the woman responds.

I take a sharp intake of breath and try not to panic.

"If this marriage