Forged by Malice (Beasts of the Briar, #3)

by Elizabeth Helen

“I was named after the late High Princess.”

“The age of stasis is at an end. No longer will those with the power to protect squander and hide away while the citizens of Spring cower in terror.”

It’s his briars that are causing this … But if that’s the case, why are they dying, too?

It’s been to no avail. I’ve only been able to do it twice: first in the Below, then when I created golden briars that helped me rescue my princes and defeat the monster Lucas became. The power that helped me realize what I truly am. Fae.

Farron had explained that a mate bond amplifies what magic you have. I discovered in my battle with Lucas that I can summon white flames. And of course, there’s the strange case of me being able to manipulate the thorns, both Caspian’s and the ones from my bracelets.

Wilde Courtship

Wilde courtship … During our research, we’ve found few mentions of this mating phenomenon: a brief seasonal state of uncontrollable desire. A frenzy that takes over mated pairs if they haven’t consummated their bond in some time.

How easy, how simple, it is for him to take her in his arms, to breathe in her scent, to promise her he will stay by her side. And how hard it is for me to fight back every instinct.

I’ve always held a deep affection for Farron, but now he is another heart I must protect at all costs.

“If all goes as intended integrating Irahn as the new steward, I shall remain at the Voidseal as Warden.”

“You know once you pass the Blessing on, it will be gone from you forever. It cannot be returned without great danger to your life.”

Let it be known, no matter how many times we stumble upon this treacherous path, our resolve shall forever remain unbroken. Each time we fall, we rise again. Do you hear me, brother?”

“I … changed it?” A knot of unease settles in my stomach. I shouldn’t be capable of doing that. Many fae can control the elements, but to change things completely …

What would she say if I offered every piece of myself to her? Would she have me? Would she break me?

“My heart searches for you, too, Ez,” she whispers. “Let me find you.”

but she doesn’t realize nothing she can do at this point can hurt me. Not after what’s already been done.

Parts of it were written by the Queen. But I don’t understand what interest you’d have in her.” “The Queen was the most powerful fae who ever lived. You can’t blame me for being curious.”

“You knew I was fae, didn’t you?” “From the moment I first laid eyes on you.” Though the Fates had shown her with pointed ears in their prophecy, so I can’t exactly take credit for that one.

Ugh I just need to know what he knows I’m so annoyed

“Your thorns,” she says softly. “They’re not sapping Castletree’s magic, are they? They’re keeping it standing.”

“What about Aeneas? He was the first High Prince of Summer. Myth says he wielded a legendary trident blessed by the Queen herself.” “Like Kel’s sword?”

“My kin has already retrieved the gift for Sister.”

brandishing its own weapon, a glistening silver dagger. There’s something familiar about that steel—

“Daytonales, you are my mate.”

“You are more beautiful than all the goddesses in the Vale,”

“These weapons are practically new,” Dayton says, brow furrowed. “And they’re made of Spring steel.”

“I freed the monastery from the tyranny of the High Clerics, who were exerting their power over all the mountain villages after you left Spring in the hands of our poor, ailing father. Now, it is Florendel that needs me.”

All except for the woman he put in charge of your father’s wellness. And his princeguard, of course. He’s calling them his Penta Conclave.”

“Yes, quite the pretty flower, isn’t it? Usually only used for medicinal purposes due to its antitoxic properties, but I saw a couple of the newcomers from the monastery wearing them. They are alpine flowers after all, only growing at high altitudes. But I figured it was all the rage with the young fae, so I procured one for myself. Quite the trek, mind you!”

There’s a list in my head of all the things that frighten me, with losing to Ezryn at a board game and finally inheriting my birthright being near the top.

“Yes,” I say carefully, so carefully. “I’ve seen her.” “Tell me, Caspian, was she familiar to you?” That echoing serpentine smile spreads up my face. “Like a vision.” My mother laughs, the dark sound resounding through the rocks. “The Fates never lie, do they?”

The Nightingale’s calculating gaze falls over me. Even she doesn’t know the full extent of what happened between Keldarion and me.

“No need, sister. I’m sure you have your hands full controlling your wild dog of Spring. Didn’t you also recently accept command of the mission to take the Summer Realm?”

The Below cannot yet take on the entire Enchanted Vale and hold it under our control.” Sira turns to gaze deep into the green flame swirling within the stones. “Not yet.”

As the story leading up to the secret spills out of me, I watch her every movement. This truth will either heal her or break her. Her expression remains unreadable as I talk. Until I say the last word.

Ughhhh

But I have to know the reason why Caspian is able to speak in her mind. And if it’s for the reason I fear, then I must figure out how to break it.

Kel would die for Rosalina. But more than that, he’d let everyone else die for her, too.

Perth’s crown was capable of reanimating the dead. If one could harness the Green Flame energy differently, could it halt death forever?

One of the acolytes catches my eye, a fae woman with short dark hair and startingly blue eyes. She’s staring straight at me. A soft smile graces her lips. I look away. Something about the disciples has always freaked me out.

the one that shrouds everything but her sapphire eyes. Now, her hair blows freely in the harsh wind, her mouth in a scowl.

Tell Sira soon the five divine weapons will be in my control.”

The monastery is not only home to strange acolytes who still revere the long-lost Queen and worship the sky as if it still housed the Above, but to an ancient guild of highly trained warriors from across the realms.

On all except one is a grand weapon: a lance, a trident, a hammer, and a brilliant golden bow.

“Then you do realize you have sentenced yourself and your men to death?”

Dark black veins mar his skin, running from the tips of his fingers up the wrist, beyond to what is hidden by his armor. A sneer escapes me. “As I thought. The corruption has already set in.”

“These weapons are enchanted by the Queen. They cannot be wielded by any who do not possess her token.”

“I choose you, Rosalina,” he whispers. “Whatever you’re willing to give me.”

“What does it matter if you’re not mates? Why can’t I love you?”

All the dealings of the Deep Guard are managed by him.

a golden leaf gifted to me by Farron’s father, and a moonstone rose. Keldarion had said it was the symbol of the Queen. Papa told me this was a trinket my mother had found at an archeological dig site …

“If only it were so. A strange illness seems to be passing through the city. Fever and hallucinations. Saw one bugger drop his hammer and start swatting at the air. Nearly threw himself off the bridge before we caught him.”