love.
“Beast? No. All I see is my darling beauty,” he whispered huskily, then left a trail of kisses along my scar before claiming my lips again. “Please come home with me.”
It was painful to pull away from those kisses, for they were powerful like a drug. “Hmm, have you not remarried yet?”
His breathing was as ragged as mine. “What? Why, when I have a wife already, one who, when crossed, could scorch the kingdom? I would be a fool to leave you.”
My hands went to my face, and I turned away in horror. “No, I can’t be your queen when I look like this. The people already fear me. I couldn’t take it to be stared at and called any more names.”
Xander grabbed my wrists, pulling my hands from my face. “Rosalie, those are your battle wounds, earned when you saved our kingdom from a great and terrible beast. If the people cannot see past your outside, then they can leave and go to Sion for all I care. I want you as my queen. No one else will do. I want my wife and child to come home.”
Pregnancy had made me an emotional wreck. My nose was red and stuffy, my face puffed up from the tears that never seemed to end.
“And where is home?” I sniffed, wiping at my nose. “Florin or Baist?”
“Whichever you choose, or neither. I would freely give up both and live with you in this village if that is your wish. I will become your house husband and tend to you as a doting husband and father.”
“But the country—”
“I’m sure father could be persuaded to take the throne again until Ameline is old enough to ascend to the throne and have children of her own.”
“Ameline,” I whispered, my heart hurting. I wanted to see her, my half sister.
I swallowed. “What if we lived for half a year at each court, until my brother can be found?”
“Aspen?” Xander said. “He was in league with Allemar. He’s gone.”
“Yes, but I believe he was being used by Allemar. He did try to redeem himself in the end.”
“By almost killing all of us. If it weren’t for him, you wouldn’t have the scars.” Xander gently touched my hands and traced his fingers up my arms.
“If it weren’t for him… if he hadn’t opened that portal, I don’t know if I would have been able to stop Allemar. I still don’t know if I did. I believe he’s still out there, waiting to come back as anyone, anywhere.”
“I would hate to be him, then.” Xander snorted.
“Why?”
“Because you have six other sisters, Rosalie. Six vengeful sisters who are extremely angry at what he’s done to you. He better hope he doesn’t meet any of the others.”
I took comfort in what Xander said but couldn’t let go of the nagging feeling that we would meet again. Allemar knew Mother Eville, and she knew him. I began to wonder if there was a bigger game at play here between the two, and my sisters and I were nothing more than pawns in their ruthless plan. But first he would have to come back across the plane from where I sent him, and that could take months of storing his power and strength.
“I can’t come with you.”
“Why not?” His brows furrowed.
“Because I can’t go back to the way things were.”
“Silly woman, don’t you understand why I’ve crossed the kingdoms searching for you? I’m ready for a change, a different future, one where magic is acceptable.”
“Why?” I waited, needing to hear the words I never thought he would say.
“It’s because I love you.”
“Say it again,” I whispered, needing to hear it a second time, cementing it into my memory.
“Rosalie, never again will I keep you hidden from the world. I want you by my side for all eternity. You and our child.”
Xander wrapped his arms around me, my very large belly coming between us. He looked down and frowned. “Hey, you.”
I grinned as the once notorious prince, feared for his temper, cooed to our child.
A grumbling came from the grass, and Gobbersnot crawled up into my lap wearing my baby’s christening dress. He cuddled against my big belly, giving the prince a wide, toothy grin.
“That’s one ugly baby.” Xander laughed.
Gobbersnot puckered up and made a kissing face at Xander, who looked repulsed.
“Don’t worry, he grows on you,” I said. “And he makes a great guard dog.”
Xander grinned. “I’m sure between a wolf, witch, and goblin, our child will have a completely normal upbringing.”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter.
“Thank you, Rosalie,” Xander said, his eyes misty as he leaned in and pressed his forehead to mine.
“For what?” I asked softly.
“For loving me despite my curse. For proving that even a beast deserves a chance at love,” he whispered, claiming my lips.
“I love you too. Always and forever,” I promised.
Read Eden’s tale in
Of Glass and Glamour (Coming 2019)
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Eden is the adoptive daughter of Lady Eville. Her destiny is to wreak havoc on the kingdom of Candor. Her task is to:
Get the shoes.
Get the guy.
Get revenge.
* * *
Available Now! The Rogue Mage
By Ben Hale
* * *
With all of magic at her command, Alydian is born to power. She and the other oracles serve the people, guiding kings and commoners with their ability to know the future. Yet despite Alydian’s power she cannot foresee the coming betrayal, for a rogue mage lurks in their midst, and plots an alliance with the mighty guild of Verinai. Under the guise of benevolence the Verinai offer their magic to all, while their expanding reach is noticed by none.
Except the Soldier.
Branded a traitor, wanted for murder, the mysterious man is no ordinary bandit. For six years he has hidden behind a mask, hunting Verinai with his band of Defiant. But now his war is about to escalate, for he has targeted Alydian to send a message, that even an oracle can be killed. Beset by foes, Alydian will require more than magic to survive, for if she cannot change her future . . .
She will fall to her fate.
Also by Chanda Hahn
THE UNFORTUNATE FAIRY TALES
UnEnchanted
Fairest
Fable
Reign
Forever
* * *
THE NEVERWOOD CHRONICLES
Lost Girl
Lost Boy
Lost Shadow
* * *
THE UNDERLAND DUOLOGY
Underland
Underlord
* * *
THE IRON BUTTERFLY SERIES
Iron Butterfly
Steele Wolf
Silver Siren
About the Author
* * *
Chanda Hahn is a NYT & USA Today Bestselling author of The Unfortunate Fairy Tale series. She uses her experience as a children’s pastor, children’s librarian and bookseller to write compelling and popular fiction for teens. She was born in Seattle, WA, grew up in Nebraska, and currently resides in Waukesha, WI, with her husband and their twin children; Aiden and Ashley.
* * *
Visit Chanda Hahn’s website to learn more about her other forthcoming books.