Revealing the Fae King: Reverse Harem Romance (Bramble's Edge Academy Book 3) Read online

  If there was a way that he could do this without anyone else, then he would. Shineah met his gaze over Maurelle’s head and shook her head. ‘You need them. You will fail if you try to face Savelle without your allies by your side.’

  Dizziness assailed Ryker as the Peridun spoke inside his mind. He knew she was right. It didn’t make it any easier to accept. Regardless of anything else, he would do everything in his power to make sure they were safe when the time came. For now, they had a Dark Fae to find and eliminate. And, he couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 2

  Maurelle paced back and forth in the guy’s room. Their third and final year had started not long ago. She thought after all they had been through that she would be able to handle anything thrown their way.

  Instead, her nerves were on edge and she felt like she was going to puke. Her appetite had been non-existent for the past couple weeks and she hadn’t been sleeping. Something had to give. They were no closer to finding Savelle or infiltrating the council than they had been before.

  “It doesn’t surprise me that the bastard isn’t making a move to replace his lost council. He has what he needs. The control over most in the realm. Those he doesn’t pull the strings for can be killed. Why bring unknown members into the fray? He’d have to win them over to his side,” Daine said. He was sitting on the couch, flipping through the text for their history class.

  Brokk tossed his text aside and leaned his elbows on his knees. “Yeah, but he can just use his potions on any new members. He’s losing control of his subjects. He won’t be able to hold out for long. Surely, he feels that.”

  Ryker shook his head and grabbed Maurelle’s hand as she walked by him. “Not necessarily. He has lost some land, but he hasn’t lost that much. We took out his council, but we didn’t manage to remove the influencing potion from the school. He’s already infected a majority of the Fae population and he has complete dominion over the humans. We haven’t even touched either of those groups.”

  Maurelle sighed and decided she needed to share what she’d been considering and researching since their final year started a few weeks ago. They hadn’t yet heard from the rebellion members that were going to infiltrate the council and gather information on their enemy. Savelle the piece of fucking shit Dark Fae.

  “There aren’t enough of us to make an impact even if we manage to kill Savelle,” she blurted and looked at each of them. These males had come to mean more to her than she ever believed possible. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would be blessed with one true mate, let alone four. But that’s exactly what she was coming to accept they meant to her.

  “What do you mean?” Sol asked. He was the thinker of their group. He’d analyzed as much of their situation as she had.

  “I mean even if we eliminate the Dark Fae then we still have the humans and infrastructure he put in place to take down. That’s a massive task for a new king to undertake.”

  Ryker tilted his head as he stared at her for several silent seconds after she finished speaking. The urge to fidget and squirm was nearly overwhelming. She should have told him she believed in him. She opened her mouth to let him know, but his words made her close it.

  “You’re right. It’s one of the issues I haven’t yet addressed with you guys or my mom or Shineah. I haven’t come up with a solution yet.”

  “I have a suggestion,” she admitted.

  “If it’s to appoint Sol as my advisor then I would agree,” he interjected.

  “What about me? I could be your advisor,” Brokk practically whined. Maurelle laughed and gave him a smile.

  “We all know Sol is the best person for that job. But that’s not what I had in mind. Although, I see that happening in the future. What I was thinking of involved us returning to our old ways from centuries ago.”

  “What old ways?” Sol asked. “Are you referring to having the council members come from royal lines?”

  “No. I think we need to re-establish the courts. That will be the best way to keep order in various areas and promote the best health of our realm.”

  Daine picked up a history text and began flipping through the thing. “What do you mean by courts? I recall reading something about it, but don’t remember any specific information.”

  “I recall my mom telling me stories from long before she was born about the realm being divided up by our elemental powers,” Ryker said as he ran his hand up and down her arm.

  Maurelle had to force herself to focus on the discussion she started and ignore the growing arousal that Ryker’s touch was inciting. Ever since she met the male, he made her body come to life with need. No one had ever affected her as much. She was aroused and achy any time he was near her. She’d love nothing more than to fuck him and the others. Her core clenched. She needed to be filled.

  Shaking her head, she put lusty thoughts aside to focus on the matter at hand. They needed a plan so they could enjoy intimate moments without as much worry hanging over their heads. “The elemental courts used to rule various sections of the realm while the High King united them and kept things running without too much issue.”

  “Elemental courts?” Ryker voiced.

  “Yeah. It was mentioned in passing one day and after everything went down, I started researching the way our realm used to run. Mag Mell used to be divided into the Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring courts. The High King and Queen united the four different sections and maintained the peace.”

  “I think I’ve heard of them,” Brokk said. “The Autumn court is connected to the fire elementals if I remember right.”

  Maurelle nodded her head. “Yeah. The Spring court are ruled by earth elementals while the Winter court is powered by water elementals and the Summer court is bound to the air Fae.”

  “I get why most of them are bound to these, but why is fire Autumn? Seems like air would be over them all,” Brokk interjected.

  Ryker chuckled. “No. That’s me. The royal mantle is over them all and the only one that encompasses so many of them.”

  “Fire drains the last of life after the Summer and Spring blooms in preparation for planting. It makes harvesting easier. Autumn Court Fae revel in expressing all of their emotions no matter the ramifications. They also tend to specialize in shapeshifting and blood magic. I thought of my dad when I read this. The Winter court is connected to water for obvious reasons. Water is a key element in many things. Those born to this element focus on stasis, hibernation, and the recovery period between death and rebirth. The Fae of the Winter court tend to specialize in charm or influence magic and glamour. Yes, it comes naturally to all of us, but It is amplified for those in this court. There were a few passages that mentioned shadow magic connected to Winter court, but I haven’t found much to verify this.”

  “What about the others? What are they like?” Ryker asked. “If I am going to consider reestablishing this dynamic of power in the realm then I need to understand them all.”

  “The Fae of the Summer court have varied interests when it comes to magic. They generally eschew darker enchantments unless absolutely necessary. The Summer court and those born to it focus on sustainment, maintenance, and flourishing. From what I read it seems as if they are somewhat light-and life centric. This one reminded me of Calla. Finally, the Spring court and those born to it focus on creation, renewal, and the fragile nature of new life. Think flowers and trees. The Fae of the Spring court tend to specialize in green and healing magic. Apparently, they started the medical field for the Fae. We can thank them for developing methods to help our healing along.”

  “And there was an entire power structure for each one of these systems? It seems like it will be a bigger problem than it’s worth. Why deal with all these different Fae when I can tell them what to do?”

  Maurelle’s mouth fell open. She believed Ryker was different from the ancestor of his that abolished the system centuries ago. From what she read it seemed like this was the reason the Dark Fae was able to stage an assassination and take o
ver Mag Mell to begin with.

  “How can you say that?” She gasped and her hand flew to her chest.

  “Come on, Braveheart. You have to see what a headache that would be for me. It’s not like I want all the power for myself. I just don’t want to have to play peacekeeper for a bunch of Fae on a power high,” Ryker reasoned.

  Maurelle moved away from Ryker and closer to Daine who was on the other end of the couch. “That’s exactly what your great-great-great-grandfather said when he had the Kings and Queens killed. He didn’t want to have to settle their arguments anymore or something as ridiculous. Look what happened to his descendants.”

  “I can see that,” Sol interjected. “You have to stop and think of the bigger picture. I have wondered how your parents were killed by the Dark Fae. I’d say this move weakened the system and put unnecessary strain on the palace resources.”

  “Plus, there’s a reason Elle is suggesting it,” Brokk added. “She has your best interest at heart. So why don’t you try listening to her.”

  Ryker glanced from his friends to her and his look seared her insides. She felt his unease and shame for questioning her. His uncertainty was another factor that she felt through their bond. “I didn’t mean to make you think your idea had no merit. What made you consider this as a viable option? If I know you as well as I think, I know you wouldn’t have brought it to me unless you believed it would help.”

  She smirked at him as she leaned into Daine’s warmth at her back. His arms wound around her waist, making her even more aroused. Not the time. Focusing on the discussion at hand, she explained what she’d been thinking. “The realm looks nothing like it used to back when this structure was in place. Humans live in and rule all areas except the Edge. I can see how the courts managed day to day life, as well as giving each elemental Fae the idea physical surroundings for their specific needs. That’s not as much of an issue with us crossbreeding and possessing more than one power, but you need the courts regardless. They can help us take our land back from the humans. There are too few of us to manage such a feet.”

  “That makes sense. We can’t rely on the rebellion to do all the work for us. We need to trust they are not going to try and take over for the Dark Fae and have someone in power to organize and manage the efforts,” Sol said as he reasoned through what Maurelle already had.

  “Exactly. It’s a massive process. The humans have infiltrated every sector and removing those in power will not be easy. I am here to help, and I know they are too,” she said as she motioned to the others. “But you will need more to help the transition to your reign. Human law enforcement is only one of the hurdles you will have to overcome.”

  Ryker moved to her side and took her hands in his. “This doesn’t only involve me. Yes, I am the High King, but I am nothing without you and the others. I meant what I said when I told you I want to claim you as my mate. My head spins with everything I have to consider. There’s no way for me to know what the answer is in this situation or what is the best course of action.”

  “I love you,” Maurelle told him as emotion clogged her throat.

  “You’re right. We are in this together,” Brokk blurted as he got up and sat on the coffee table in front of them. “I think Maurelle is onto something here. This goes back to Fae roots. The Gods established our society with this structure in place for a reason. Perhaps our current predicament is punishment for not following their plans.”

  “I doubt the Gods are vengeful beings,” Sol countered. “Surely They aren’t subject to our short comings. Regardless, we need to gather more information as to how you can create these courts and who you should assign to the positions of power.”

  “I’m not so sure about the Gods. My parents didn’t deserve to be killed and their people to be made slaves to a power-hungry asshole. Did you read anything about who the princes and princesses were? It would help if their descendants carried a mantle of power I could unearth,” Ryker mused.

  Maurelle thought about the passages she’d poured over for days during the summer break. “No idea. From what I read they dispersed. It could be anybody. I will need to do more research on the identities of the last known aristocrats. We should be able to find members of their families once we have their identities.”

  “Do you really think that’s necessary?” Daine asked as his fingers danced over the back of hers. Her back was to his solid chest and she was surrounded by his warmth. His delicious scent made her shiver with desire. It was getting more difficult to concentrate on their discussion. It was of vital importance. And yet, she struggled to form a coherent thought.

  “I have no idea. I don’t recall any documentation talking about how they received their positions. Is that something that’s even written down? I mean I’ve never looked up your position, but now I wonder if it would talk about how you carry this mantle of power that’s passed down from parent to child.”

  Ryker slid closer so she was now surrounded by his scent, as well. Electricity buzzed through her bloodstream while she tried to remain focused on the conversation. She wanted to stop talking and start kissing.

  “Someone knows something that will help us. Thank you for coming to me with a possible solution to the one thing, aside from actually finding and killing Savelle, that keeps me up at night,” Ryker murmured close to her ear.

  His breath was hot against her cheek, making her shiver. She licked her lips, wanting a taste of him. “You’re welcome,” she whispered and forced her body to remain still. It wouldn’t help if she leaned into Daine or Ryker. They had shit to do and not each other, unfortunately.

  “One of the professors here has to know something,” Brokk added as he leaned toward them. “They’re old as shit and were probably alive back then. I say we leave those questions for tomorrow and focus on better things right now.”

  Ryker’s lips pressed against the corner of her mouth. His tongue teased the side of her lips before he moved away. She barely stifled a groan of protest. “You have a good point, Brokk. I can think of better things to spend our time on right now than worry that won’t get us any closer to answers.”

  Maurelle couldn’t respond to them as Ryker claimed her lips in a kiss that started gentle and loving, but quickly turned heated. With a moan, she matched the fervor of his tongue and arched her back. The movement pressed her ass into Daine’s hip and her boobs into Ryker’s chest.

  When several sets of hands caressed her sides and back, she forgot the pressing issues for the moment and allowed herself to indulge in her mates. Ryker might have been the only one to say he wanted to claim her so far, but the others belonged to her, as well.

  Chapter 3

  “The Headmaster has given his permission for us to resume classes in the underground grotto thanks to some of your classmates,” Professor Desirata announced with a wave of his hands. Water collected in his palm and he sent a few drops spinning toward the bookcase.

  Like the last time Ryker discovered the entrance, a fine mist in the shape of a rectangle hovered in front of the wood before sinking into it. A second later an aqua colored light burst from around the case.

  The professor reached for the glowing jar and removed it from the shelf. The bookshelves slid aside immediately revealing the opening. The path behind it was still as narrow and had a dirt floor with walls carved from rock, but torches hung from brackets lighting the way.

  Last time the area was pitch black and foreboding. Now excitement rippled from the students and reached Ryker, making him anxious to see what the area was like now. He recalled the lakebed had dried out and a dark magic mushroom infected the area threatening to turn everyone on the campus into a wraith.

  When Ryker stepped through the portal before it made him shiver. This time he barely noticed he was crossing a magical barrier. He watched the other students rub their arms and look around. The mantle in his chest was gaining strength every day. He had no doubt it was the reason he passed with little notice. He was intricately connected to everything mag
ical in the realm.

  They traveled down the same path and he was happy to notice that the torches continued the entire way. They lost no light this time when they turned the corner. He gasped along with the students when they were dumped into a large cavern.

  The area wasn’t the same as the one he left last time he had been there. Of course, he had expended all of his energy and barely noticed the transformation after he destroyed the dark stone mushroom.

  Now the area was lit by magical means and the lake was bordered by several lush trees and ground cover. Flowers bloomed against all odds leaving a sweet fragrance in the air. The blue water lapped softly at the shore fifteen feet in front of them.

  He glanced over at Daine who shrugged his shoulders in response. There was raw, elemental water magic in the air. It super charged Ryker and made energy bubble beneath his skin. The way it fed the mantle buried underneath the Peridun’s spell made Ryker dizzy. It was beyond intense.

  “This is so freakin cool,” Tani blurted as she turned in a circle and gaped at their surroundings. She was a slim female with dark purple wings and lighter purple hair.

  “Why haven’t we been down here before now?” Andris asked. Ryker had sensed Andris’s power when he first met the male two years ago. He didn’t become a complete zombie after meals like most students. It was the first thing he hoped to change. That shit needed to stop.

  Desirata’s smile was bigger than Ryker had ever seen on his face. It was clear being down here gave the professor joy. “Because before last year the area was tainted with Dark Magic. Water nymphs have always used this cave as their sanctuary. That changed and shortly after the king was killed they fled.”

  Ryker cocked his head to the side. Had they been gone that long? It would make sense given the desolation he encountered when he was here before. “What made them come back?”