The Swan's Sorcerer: A Swan Lake Reverse Harem Retelling: The Swan's Harem, #2

By Ellia Ember

I know he kidnapped me, but he's different now. And even though I'm married, I can't resist.

 

Matteo has changed, okay? He saved my husband's life. He's bonding with his brother. And he's not a villain anymore.

 

As soon as we get the truth potion, everyone will see. And maybe I won't feel so bad about falling for him, even though women from my kingdom are practically expected to take on multiple lovers.

 

On top of that, he's helping me learn magic. I just wish it wasn't causing a rift between my husband James and I. Why can't he see how happy magic and Matteo make me?

 

And Matteo makes me gets me excited in ways James can't quite manage.

 

At least I still have Stefan, my best friend, who always wants what's best for me. And Finn, who never lets me down.

 

My magic may be making me ill, but one day, it'll make me strong.

 

And I'll make James come around, be it with my body, my mind, or both.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellia Ember
• Release date: Jan 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224141074

Book preview

Chapter 1

Odette

Y ou need to get a little lower if you want it to go that far.

I crouched, then fired a ball of light straight through the back of the ship.

Like that?

Matteo stared at me like I’d just thrown myself into the ocean, his brow furrowed and hands dropping. After waving a hand over the hole I’d made to fix it, he shook his head and laughed.

Not that low, he said. Watch.

His legs were far apart, and he leaned back on himself as he mustered up a ball of fire, pushed himself forward, and threw the flames out to sea. It bounced several times before sinking and disappearing under the water.

I copied his stance, mustered up a significantly smaller ball of light without flames, then threw it so high in the air that it grazed the side of the ship as it fell into the waves below.

He looked at me like I was hopeless, but he likely didn’t truly believe it. There was such softness to his features that I hardly remembered the harsh face he’d worn when he kept me imprisoned at a lake while seeking my hand in marriage.

Funny how we were always around bodies of water together.

Here, said Matteo. Let me show you how it’s done properly.

Bingo.

He was always so stiff when he did things himself, even while letting himself live through this ridiculous, time-wasting activity. When he came up behind me and pressed his warm body against my back, put his hands over the back of mine, and pulled me into the right position, he was so loose. Like it was his first time relaxing after a lifetime of being uptight. In truth, he reminded me a lot of my husband in that regard.

My balls of light were much larger when he helped me generate them with physical contact. After all,  all my power came straight from him. He swore one day he’d help me build my powers fully, pulling them from the gem rather than from him. He gave me enough that my energy would absorb the power and help me grow it as I learned, but I was an impatient student, even if we hadn’t made the teacher/student thing official yet.

He pushed me in the right direction, his front plastered against my back so I remained in the perfect position to toss balls of light so far that they bounced thrice before sinking beneath the waves almost as blue as the sky.

Oh, so that’s how you do it. We came apart. He was still loose, as he always was when he directed me.

He rolled his eyes.

See, I thought it was like—

Matteo’s fingers closed around my wrist as he cut me off.

I think that’s enough for today.

Can I have a go, then? came another voice.

At what point had Stefan joined us? As soon as I spied him, I dashed over and pulled him down from where he was sitting on the edge of the ship. He had perfect balance, gained while he was a frog, but I didn’t trust he wouldn’t fall back and drown.

Never, said Matteo. "I don’t want to have to fish you out of the ocean again because you got too excited and threw yourself in instead of the ball."

That happened one time! Stefan pouted.

One time is enough. I’ve only just gained a brother. I don’t want to lose him, especially not in such a stupid way.

Both men made me happy in ways I couldn’t really describe.

So, I just spoke to the captain.

I turned—there was the one who made me happiest. Six weeks at sea, and we didn’t hate each other yet. I moved towards him to stand at his side, placing a hand on his arm.

And? I asked.

We only have the rest of the day then all of the night before we reach land. We should dock around eight in the morning if weather permits. We did it. We’re here.

Stefan let out a great whoop, then spun on the spot. Seeing him outside of the context of him being a chef, or a frog, made me realize just how wacky he truly was, almost like me as a child.

So, what, it will be a week, then, before we get the potion? asked Matteo.

James’s features softened.

If the roads are clear. But Matteo, I don’t know if we still need it.

The memory of the storm made me bury myself in James’s side and wrap my arms around him, clinging to him like he was the cushion he gave me that brought me comfort as a child.

It was weeks ago, but I could still see it. The boat rocking. Waves so high I thought I was in a nightmare. James, overboard. Drowning. Matteo, his hands shackled in cuffs that quelled his magic, his feet chained together, diving in after him just because he knew he could float, and didn’t know if James knew how to swim.

It turned out James had never learned, and without Matteo, he’d be dead.

You may trust that I mean no harm, Prince James, but Odette was right about the rest of the world. And King Richard needs to trust me most of all.

As I looked at Matteo now, I had half an urge to go over and hug him, too. He could’ve easily died, and would have, had Finn not seized the key to shackles, transformed, and drove into the tumultuous waves too. It didn’t bother me that much then, outside of the fact that my father would die if Matteo did, but now my affection extended towards Matteo himself.

We don’t talk about the storm, Stefan said sternly. "I swear, the sooner they invent flying machines so we can fly over storms, the better. The people from the west coast of your landmass are working on it I think. Maybe they can send one when it’s time for us to go back."

I finally let go of James and composed myself again.

Returning home is an issue to face another day, Stefan. For now, we just need to find passage to the city so we can get that patch and potion.

Actually, I think our current focus should be having a going away party to say goodbye to our boat. Stefan puffed out his chest. We will get drunk and kiss each other all night. I think there is a game where you spin a bottle and kiss whoever it lands on. Personally, I hope it lands on you.

He flounced over to James, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed the tip of his nose. James laughed and pushed him away.

There’s only one person I have any interest in kissing, Stefan.

James drew back towards me, put an arm around my shoulders, then kissed my forehead. I pulled him closer and pressed my lips against his and wouldn’t let him go when he made to pull away.

Everybody could hear what we got up to in our room, we were newlyweds, yet he still was embarrassed by public affection?

Excuse me, said Matteo, as James and I parted. I have ... packing to do.

Matteo left with his head bowed, hands folded behind his back.

I think we’ll play your bottle game later, Stefan, I declared. "We need to loosen this one up, and I’m tired of you only focusing your attention on him. You owe me a nose kiss. You have to keep it even."

Oh, Odette. Please. I save my kisses for the people who leave the seat of the commode up for me.

I creased my face, and he laughed.

And on that disgusting note, I think I’ll go pack, too, I said.

I moved away from Stefan, who was still laughing, bordering on hysterical, and moved through the ship. Finn was whittling, but he gave me a smile and a nod.

Gabriel and Lady Enisa walked up and down the ship together, hand in hand as they did every afternoon. It was nice to see them get to spend their days together, after they spent two years only seeing each other at night.

I’d always liked Lady Enisa. She’d make a good queen when Gabriel returned to his homeland.

Queen. The word made me shiver, sending bubbles through my stomach, making me feel nauseous. I breathed in the salty air, as it always calmed me, but it seemed it wasn’t strong enough to quell that worry today.

I was glad of our mission—find a truth potion or patch so Matteo could prove his innocence to my kingdom and James’s. It distracted me from the actual future I now had to face, the future preparing me for the fact that one day I would be queen, with James as king at my side. I much preferred just being simple little newlyweds, sailing away on a ship and exploring the world.

Even though we were dealing with magic and unknown lands, the mission seemed far more approachable, far less terrifying, than the future I would have to face.

Anyway, it was just a little magic and a fun vacation. What could go wrong?

Chapter 2

James

We’d docked by the time I woke up. It was strange how your things could find their way around a ship so thoroughly in only six weeks. I spent most of the morning packing while Odette talked to the captain and ventured down onto land.

He’s here! Odette gushed, blasting into the room when I was almost finished. He’s actually here. I was half convinced the letter would get lost along the way, but he’s here.

Bertram’s brother looked nothing like him. While Bertram was tight-laced with high collars and perfect grey hair down to his chin, Errol wore loose, casual clothing, was almost entirely bald, and was plump compared to Bertram stick-thin figure.

I couldn’t believe it when Bertie told me you lot were coming, Errol beamed.

Even his accent was decidedly more casual compared to the ones I’d only heard from the very, very occasional person I met from this land.

He’s talked about you two for years in his letters, said Errol, nodding towards Odette and I. "It’s like meeting a celebrity. I am meeting a celebrity! I’m meeting royalty and their friends!"

He was as friendly as Bertram though in a more obtuse way, and I took a liking to him instantly. It seemed Odette and the rest of us shared my sentiment.

There’s a room upstairs in the pub for anyone who wants one, he said. We’ve got three whole floors above the ground one. Your entire crew is welcome, but if they’re anything like my wife’s brother and his men, they’ll probably want to stay on the ship.

Bertram always told me his brother married What some would call beneath him. Perhaps that was why Bertram was a lord, and his brother seemed anything but.

I’ll take a drink and a hot meal, but I’d rather stay on the water, said Gillis, our captain.

Knew it, Errol beamed.

He arranged carriages to bring us from the docks into town.

Technically the king sent them, he said. He found it very odd that a monarch from kingdom in another landmass was coming to visit not for royal reasons. He paused and chuckled. Me, contact from the king! Well, I never, not even 30 years back when I was still living in the capital. He’s arranged your ride up there and all, and he really wants to meet you. If you’re anything like my brother described, Prince James, I’m sure you’ll want to meet him, too.

My back straightened, my chest puffed out, and I made to fix a button on a smart jacket I wasn’t wearing. It was like my past, my upbringing, kicked into gear and told me this was a duty I had to complete. I looked at Odette next to me, so relaxed in her cotton shirt and pants, that I slumped my shoulders once more.

I’ve changed a lot since his last letter about me, I said. We have no interest in the king. I don’t think we’ll be doing more than exploring the area surrounding the Citadel. We won’t be traveling far enough to see the palace.

Fair dos, said Errol, and after learning it meant fair enough, I grinned.

It was a short ride into the town center, which was made of narrow streets and a mixture of wooden and concrete buildings. Concrete. So strange. It was used a lot in kingdoms near the west coast of our landmass, but never anywhere Odette and I frequented.

Wooden towns and castles of stone were all we had.

Dozens of eyes focused on the grand horses and carriages as we drew to a halt and thanked our drivers, who headed off as soon as we dismounted. There were whispers, some loud, and in accents that weren’t anything like Errol’s or Bertram’s. They were very singsong and seemed to add extra syllables to words. I never knew speech could be so pretty.

I closed the pub for the day, which I’m sure they’re not big fans of, said Errol, chuckling as he led us into a little bar room full of round tables and something he called booths which were long chairs covered in fabric that lined the walls and surrounded tables on two to three sides.

The walls were lined with oil lamps that gave the place a yellow, homey glow. It smelled strongly of alcohol. Mainly beer, nothing fancy. It was like it seeped into the wood around us. The smell intensified as I headed towards the bar and hopped up on a stool next to Odette.

Someone’s got his priorities in order, said Kea, whom we’d been introduced to after slipping inside. Drinking before unpacking. That’ll give me a chance to head upstairs and slip some extra gifts into your rooms—and I’d do it for anybody, so don’t go being all humble now.

She left before anyone had the chance to protest.

I thought I’d be uncomfortable in a place like this. The only bar I knew was dingy and unpleasant sitting on a back alley, but I was treated like royalty there so it felt like a palace.

But this place was ... well, it just felt so common, and for the first time in my life that didn’t seem scary. Maybe it was because I was surrounded by royals and nobles in my party, or perhaps my mind had broadened considerably since the last time I ventured anywhere even close to below five star accommodation.

My geographical cookbooks talk of such weird food combinations from this country, said Stefan, as Errol handed out breakfast menus. I’ve never known if the recipes are accurate or not. Many recipes taken from my home aren’t when placed in books from other places. I’m excited to try this special breakfast that comes from this landmass.

It’s from the landmass, but not this kingdom, said Matteo, who was sitting next to Stefan. This landmass is actually made up of three different kingdoms. Most people ignore that. They assume everyone is from the largest. The one that tried to take over this kingdom and the northern one twice.

I gave him a quizzical look, and I wasn’t the only one.

What? he said. You think all I’ve ever done is work with magic and do ... well, you know what I did. He grumbled before he continued, No. That would be insufferably boring. I read. I like reading about different places. Oh, and now that I think of it, I suggest none of us ever visit the landmass described as being down under because it literally rains spiders there during summer, and frankly I’m not a fan.

I knew Matteo was an okay guy. He saved my life, he was nice, and surprisingly timid. But even in six weeks of close confinement, and of mostly trusting him in the moment, I failed to see him as a three-dimensional person who’d done anything but curse Odette and walk around in shadow seeking power for the last 19 years.

After a breakfast full of chatting with our crew and listening to stories from Errol, we headed up to our bedrooms, led by Kea. Odette and I were given the nicest room in the place, which compared to places I stayed before, wasn’t very nice at all.

The walls and floor were all wooden, with a rug that was little more than threadbare under the bed with about a foot sticking out on each side so we’d have somewhere warm to put our feet when we woke.

A large window was flanked by limp, frog green curtains. I smiled thinking of Stefan trying to convince me this was Odette’s favorite color six weeks earlier.

The bedsheets were a similar shade, though patterned with silvery-white thread. The silk material of them seemed to be the nicest thing in this room, until I put my hand on one of the two armchairs by the little fireplace. Velvet, not as silky as it would’ve been if new, but silky all the same.

This was the kind of place that a couple of years ago I would’ve turned my nose up at. I was still tempted to get out and start exploring the town as soon as I could, and a part of me was grateful we were only here for one night.

For Odette,  I  plastered on a smile, walked with my arms swinging, and tossed my bag on the bed.

I’m guessing you want the side by the window so you can stare out at the view?

Odette blushed. She always seemed to do that when I got an assumption about her right.

If you don’t mind.

Why would I mind? I’ve seen plenty of grand views traveling our own landmass. Besides, I already have something pretty to look at if I turn and face that direction.

The blush crept onto her neck. I was satisfied.

It’s good to be on land. She sat on the bed, then lay back almost instantly, taking in a breath that wasn’t shaking with the movements of the ship. I mean, I could stay at sea forever, I’m sure, but only if I never got to visit land in between. I think I’d miss the solid ground if I got to experience it too often.

I joined her on the bed but couldn’t bring myself to lie back. Relaxing during the day was still something I struggled with.

Yes, and the good thing about land is that there are plenty of ways to stay entertained. I got up and went to the window, hands behind my back as I stared out at the view. Lots of bars to visit. A couple of gambling houses—we could put your skills to good use in there. And a theater, oh, a theater. I went to one of those once. They’re fun. Well, depending on what’s going on there.

I don’t know if we have time to go to the theater here, said Odette. Plays can run quite long. Mother read lots of them and they were always thick when they were good. She said that if performed they can last two, three hours, and I want to explore as much in this one day as I can before we have to leave for the Citadel tomorrow.

I almost jumped when I noticed her sitting up at my side. She always moved quiet as a mouse, silent as a swan on the surface of a lake.

Yeah, and I guess there are better theaters in the capital. I loosened my hands behind my back so I could put an arm around her. The point is, we have lots of ways to stay entertained now, so you won’t have to rely on playing with Matteo’s limited magic anymore.

Her shoulders stiffened.

I like magic.

I didn’t mean—

And don’t you think we should embrace magic as much as possible, since that’s what we’re here for? And since that’s what saved my father’s life? Oh, I should write to him.

She moved towards our bags on the bed.

I mean, yes, I said, but I just mean there are more things that you can do. We can appreciate magic all we want, but like, you don’t have to use it anymore to keep yourself entertained. If you want to skip things across water you can use rocks here. Just as an example.

She looked up, stationary in hand, frown on face.

I like using magic. I don’t understand how anybody wouldn’t. I can make balls of hot light with my hands and throw them at stuff. How insane is that? Far more impossible sounding than all the stuff I used to be interested in, used to cite as strange and unnatural when it was really natural. Granted I can only do it with Matteo’s help, but—

Look, forget I said anything. I threw my hands up. I spent enough time in childhood finding her interests strange, feeling her pressuring me was annoying. If you like it, that’s all that matters. I guess you’ll really like the Citadel. It’ll have all the types of magic you could possibly want to witness or experiment with.

Odette didn’t answer. She moved off to the desk next to the fireplace and sat down to write.

After a moment, she said, I’ll leave you something to write to your mother with, then she continued scribbling away.

I sat on the end of the bed with my shoulders slumped, elbows resting on my knees, hoping that Odette’s enthrallment with magic wouldn’t last. But if it did, I ached to stop fearing it and thinking about what it had done to her.

Chapter 3

Odette

Mother always promised one day we would walk through our town without cloaks and fear. She never got to do it before her death, and I didn’t at home. But here I had no chance of being recognized but by the occasional passerby who might’ve seen a portrait of me.

For the most part we were a mystery, as James and I walked arm in arm through the streets, Matteo always a couple of paces ahead of us so we could keep an eye on him at his insistence.

At this point I knew he wasn’t going anywhere, but James was likely still paranoid even though Matteo saved his life.

Gabriel and Lady Enisa had taken their own path and would meet us back at the inn for dinner. Stefan wove in and out of our day, occasionally appearing at the same places as us, and frequently doing his own thing. He stuck with our group towards late afternoon, walking by Matteo’s side and speaking in a language we didn’t understand, his thoughts closed to me.

I didn’t know what happened on the ship, but Matteo and Stefan bonded at some point and seemed to be acting as the brothers they never got to be when growing up.

Dinner was a grand affair. It looked far beyond the usual budget of the little bar and inn, and I was certain if I asked I wouldn’t find any of these things on the menu.

The group of us stayed up long into the night swapping stories, being thrilled. James shared as many as he could about Bertram to make his brother laugh, and Errol shared stories about Bertram as a young man that made James run upstairs to pen a letter teasing Bertram and calling him a hypocrite for various incidents that occurred over the years.

We went to bed one by one as alcohol made each of us doze at different times. Gabriel and Lady Enisa were first to go, followed by quite a lot of our crew heading back to the ship in groups.

Stefan broke off to discuss baking with Kea while Errol went into the back to begin preparations for the following morning when the place would open once more. Finn fell asleep in his chair, roused, and stumbled up to bed.

Matteo and I were left by the little fire at the back of the bar, sitting on two chairs stolen from the sides of booths, me nursing the last dregs of a beer I didn’t like, and him holding a hot drink. He hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol tonight. He’d also hardly spoken, and instead of laughing, he only smiled.

Hey, I said, keeping my voice low.

James had ventured upstairs to write yet another letter to Bertram, this one teasing him about a donkey ride he’d had in his youth. Personally I didn’t think it warranted a letter,  but James was tipsy enough to make me giggle at his exaggerated mannerisms and his loosened tongue.

Hi, said Matteo, giving me his first smile that wasn’t slightly sad. Just us left, then?

Apparently.

I looked at the dying embers, breathing