The Fae King's Curse (Between Dawn and Dusk #1)

by Jamie Schlosser

Kirian and I were just twelve years old when I pulled him from the icy waters of the creek behind my house. As he looked in my direction with unseeing lavender eyes, I quickly realized our age was just about the only thing we had in common. He spoke with an accent, he had pointy ears, and he was so beautiful it made my heart ache. Oh, and he claimed to be a fae prince cursed by witches who stole his sight. I thought he was crazy from hypothermia. Turns out, he wasn’t, and for some reason he keeps coming back. But a day in my world is a year in his. Every time I see him, he’s older. Wiser. Hotter. Over the past six years,

So in six years you're 18 years old and he's like 2,190 years old?

So when Kirian kisses me and pulls me through the portal to his realm, I make it my mission to do some damage control. It’d be a whole lot easier if he wasn’t determined to marry me… And if someone wasn’t trying to murder me every step of the way.

Spoiler much?

Quinn 12 Years Old

I really dont like when romance books start with a child's POV instead of weaving in a flashback.

That shouldn’t be possible.

It never should be possible... yet in every book ever it always is. 😂

scattered everywhere.” “What do you look like?” I don’t answer right away. Chewing the inside of my cheek, I think about embellishing a bit. I could tell him I have beautiful raven hair, sky-blue eyes, and peachy skin with rosy cheeks. But I don’t. “I’m not very pretty,” I admit with a sigh. “My eyes are brown, the color of mud. My hair is long, but also just plain brown. And… and my face…” I pause, because this is the worst part. “I have freckles. Not cute freckles. It’s called hyperpigmentation. Basically, it’s a bunch of little light-brown speckles all over my cheeks, forehead, chin, nose, and a few on my neck. I’ve tried everything to treat it—lotions, aloe, even prescription stuff. Nothing works. The kids at school make fun of me a lot. I don’t have any friends.”

I can truly appreciate that she was honest, with him being blind and all.

“Why the shenanigans yesterday?” The voice comes from behind me. Kirian. Smiling, I pivot toward him, but I yelp when I see a guy at least six inches taller than the boy I met. He’s wearing similar clothing, but his shoulders are broader, filling out the shirt in an attractive way. His hair is longer too, falling several inches past his shoulders. “Where’s Kirian?” He spreads his arms. “I am he.” “Nope. Your voice is deeper than his. You’re obviously older.” I have to admit he looks just like him, though. “Are you his brother?” “A day in your world is a year in mine.” He holds something up in his fingers. My marble. “I’ve kept this safe for you for a long time. I wanted to give it back last year, but there were people and—” He wrinkles his nose and his tone is distasteful when he adds, “—

So, yeah, by the time shes 18 he'll be like 2000 years old. and he's also going to have an awful lot of contact with her as a child and him as an adult?

Quinn 15 Years Old

A child? STILL?

He’s only a foot away from me now, and I can feel the warmth radiating from his large body. I’m used to his size now, even if standing next to him does make me feel like a little shrimp. Within the first week of knowing each other, Kirian’s childhood slipped away right before my eyes. In a matter of days, he became a strong formidable man, while I stayed the same awkward girl I’d always been. I’ll never forget the first time I saw him with a full beard. It made him look so much older. More rugged. Today, his face is covered in short stubble. His muscles are bulky and defined, and his hair is almost waist-length. The long strands are formed into dreadlocks and decorated with shiny black beads. Adult Kirian is breathtaking. No surprise there. Apparently, the fae stop aging at their physical peak, which is about twenty-five years. Kirian grew to a towering six and a half feet. I’m just under 5’ 6”, so he’s an entire foot taller than me.

😬😬😬 I'd like off this boat

Kirian clears his throat. “You were supposed to go to this ball with a… suitor?” “A suitor?” I glance up at Kirian’s pinched expression. “Oh, you mean like a date. No. No one asked me. I was just gonna show up by myself. I don’t want to miss out on the fun high school stuff just because people don’t like me.” A fresh wave of wetness fills my eyes when I think of tonight. “I just wanted to be normal. For one night, I wanted to feel like I fit in. That’s obviously not happening. Not now. Not ever. I give up. I’ve already got plans to ask my mom if her homeschooling offer still stands.” Kirian pulls me in for another hug. “Quinn, you won’t ever be normal. You’re too kind, too smart, and too beautiful to ever be lumped in with those imbeciles.” “Thanks,” I say. It’s the acceptable response, even if I don’t agree with him. “Milady, I would be so honored if you would allow me this dance.” When he backs away and offers me his hand, his shirt sleeve rides up.

shes 15, and he's like over 1000 at this point?

Quinn 18 Years Old

It took 6 chapters to get here? Seriously?

I’m dizzy. I feel like I’m falling. Then I open my eyes and realize I am falling. Kirian’s entire body is tilting backward, and he’s taking me down with him. “Wha—” I get cut off when cool, humid air coats my skin. Light suddenly turns to dark. “Ooof.” The air is knocked out of me when we both land on the ground, even though Kirian’s hulking body breaks my fall. I look to my left. To my right. Down at Kirian’s grinning face. “Welcome to your kingdom, my queen.” Speechless, my only response is a few incoherent sounds. This isn’t my woods. This isn’t like any world I know, and it’s then that I realize what he did. “You took me through the portal?” I rasp, pushing myself to my feet.

HA

Maybe that’s why his back is so massive. He’s got big ole flappers in there.

I'm sorry. What?

Ever wonder what it’s like to witness a fae king having a mental breakdown? Well, this is it.

“Your Majesty.” Torius turns his attention to the king. “Should I order a search of the palace?” In answer, Kirian lets out a rageful, animalistic roar. Holy shit, it’s loud. I’m reminded again that he isn’t human. No one I’ve ever known could make that kind of sound. The deafening noise shakes the bed, and dust crumbles off the stone walls. A glass vase falls from the mantel over the fireplace. The distinct shatter of glass joins Kirian’s ungodly howl.

Thats... kinda hot 😂

Kirian My impulsive decision to bring Quinn into my life will have consequences.

Duh

The day she reached adulthood, I should’ve confessed my growing feelings.

im sorry. what?

Tentatively, she brushes her fingertips over my shoulder blades again, right over the invisible slit to one of my wings. I hold in a shudder. Just like a faerie’s ears, it’s a hypersensitive spot on the body. Touching me there is basically foreplay. “It’s so impressive that those big wings are all tucked away in here,” Quinn whispers.

I'm sorry.Did you say they're tucked away inside of your skin? Like the pouch on a kangaroo? 😰

“She’s surrounded with buttons and strings. You’ll find her in someone else’s dreams.” As he recites the rhyme, there’s a sad undertone to his words. His laidback attitude slips for a second, and I suspect I just found Damon’s weakness.

Is he—is he going to strangle him? Rip his head off to put him out of his misery? I can’t let that happen.

He has healing powers? Did you pay attention at all?

“Don’t hurt him!” I jump between the two men, and Kai flinches back like I just slapped him. Chuckling, Kirian places his hands on my shoulders and gently guides me out of the way. “He won’t harm him, love. He’s going to fix him. Kai’s a healer, remember?”

🙄🙄🙄

“Oh, yeah.” Now I feel dumb.

You are.

Everyone’s silent, but I know what they’re thinking. I was supposed to be in there. That bomb was meant for me.

We're just now figuring this out?

“If I lose you, I’ll die. I can’t face the rest of my life without you. I live for you now. I—I think I always have, if I’m being honest.”

Wow, he’s intense. But I dig it.

You DIG IT? What? What year was it in Earth before he kidnapped you over?

What? The curse never said anything about admiring either.

He kissed you. The curse is already permanent. maybe. I still think youre his fated mate but whatever I guess.

“Let’s not lie to ourselves, love.” I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck. “We both know I’ve never been very good at manners.”

Completion approaches so quickly, I’m not prepared for the intensity of it. I erupt with a shout, and I come so hard I see stars. See. I actually see for a second. It’s just a few bright bursts behind my eyelids, but it’s the first light I’ve witnessed since I was a child.

When they finally DO IT fully, he's gonna get his sight back. She's his fated mate. calling it.

When we walk back into the dining room, it’s mayhem. Several trolls are puking in trash cans, random buckets, and bowls. A fae woman runs out the front door just in time to vomit in the bushes. She expels the contents of her stomach with so much force her wings bust out. I cover my mouth, because watching everyone else hurl isn’t doing great things for my queasiness. “I thought it was just me.” “Not just you, love.” Kirian’s arm tightens around my shoulders. Most of the room has cleared out, but there are a few fae lingering by the bar as they try to pay their tab. But by the time we make it back over to our table, they start vomiting, too. Every container in the place must be occupied, because the soupy barf splashes across the floor. Oh my God. I barely manage to suppress a gag. Groaning, I shield my eyes and avoid the awful smell by pressing my nose to Kirian’s chest.

I have slight emetophobia. This is, rough.

“How are you both feeling?” There’s a heavy pause, before Torius replies, “Fine.” I cock my head to the side. “You’re not sick?” Another pause. “No.” “And you, Kai?” “Feeling fine.” Confusion and paranoia swirl with the nausea. “You mean to tell me you both ate the soup and you’re not sick.” Torius clears his throat. “That’s correct, Your Majesty.” “You,” I whisper, unable to believe my men would betray me. But the witch did tell Damon it would be someone I trust, and for the past several days, these men have been the only people I’d bet my life on. Quinn’s life. Seems I was wrong to do that. “You two conspire against me.” “No, my king,” Torius rushes out. Both men kneel, and a thud resounds on the wooden floorboards. Stepping back, I sneer. Their fake show of loyalty is pointless. “It was you in Quinn’s room that first night,” I say to Kai, before pivoting toward Torius. “And you’re the one who secured the carriage.” Torius thumps his chest. “I would never—” I cut him off with a wave of my hand. “And stardust was perfect, wasn’t it, Kai? You knew you couldn’t help with poison. Are you disappointed Quinn didn’t drink the distilled Day water?” “Distilled what? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Kai must’ve practiced his denial. Or maybe he’s just always been good at lying, because he sounds utterly clueless. “Why?” I rasp. “You didn’t want a human to rule over you? Quinn has been nothing but kind to you both.” Kai sighs, defeat heavy in the sound. “I suppose it won’...

Kiran is probably wrong

Shrugging off his backpack, Kirian digs inside and pulls out a small square about the size of my palm. He does that unfolding trick, and the material multiplies. As it unravels, I notice there are straps coming from each corner. He throws two over his shoulders and ties the others around his waist until it resembles a loose pouch. Satisfied with the way it fits, he nods and pats it. “You’ll be right here the whole time.” I gape at him. “Is that a baby carrier?” “Technically, yes.” “And you want me to ride in it?” “It’s the best way for me to protect you. You’ll be close to me, and my hands will be free to use my weapon.” My heart starts to pound. Oh, God. He’ll need to use his axe. Untying the top straps of the carrier, Kirian motions for me to hop onto him. Who am I to say no when we’re about to enter the pits of hell? After climbing Kirian like a tree, I get secured in my safety seat. My face is just inches from his neck, our chests are smashed together, and my center is snugly pressed to the hardening bulge in his leather pants. “Hey, this isn’t all that bad,” I joke, attempting to lighten the mood.

A baby carrier? Seriously?

We’ve done way more than kiss. We’ve blown the fucking curse. To smithereens.

Yeah you blew the fucking curse when you blew him. But also even before that.

She doesn’t answer me. Instead, she reaches into her pocket, then drops a few strands of my hair into the empty bowl before adding some tea. I scrunch up my face because I think she might drink it, but then she sprinkles something on top. The powdery substance is white and a little sparkly. It looks like stardust. A dim light glows from inside the container, and Astrid motions me forward. “Take a peek in here.” I do as she says, and as I hover over the bowl, I see the sky in the liquid, stars and all. “Recognize this?” she asks. “This is the solar system of the Night Realm.” “Of course. I’ve been staring at it for the past six days.” She cackles. “Oh, you’ve been staring at it for a lot longer than that.” “Huh?” Glancing up at Astrid, I watch as she picks up the mirror again. She puts it in my right hand and begins manipulating my arm. “Hold it out, like so. Angle it this way. Yes, just like that. Don’t move.” I’m in an awkward position, bent over the table with the mirror over my head. I look from my reflection to Astrid. “Okay?” “Keep looking at your face.” Lights coming from the concoction dance over my cheeks. Not wanting to piss Astrid off, I stay focused on the mirror as she rotates the bowl and tilts it slightly upward. She rolls it to the right. Then to the left. Round and round the constellations go, reminding me of a night light I had when I was a kid. Then Astrid starts to slow. “Yes, here it is. Almost there.” My heart thunders as I watch the glittery lights co...

I knew it was her but I didn't understand the riddle 😂

The curse never specified who it would be love at first sight for. Those tricky witches. Kirian’s fated mate has been under his nose this entire time. And it’s me. I’m his soul mate. Coming to a stop, I lean against the counter in the kitchen for support. Because I might pass out from hyperventilation. “No wonder he got so pissy when he didn’t get to see me for a long time. He couldn’t help it.” Astrid nods. “I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did. When you were a child, the pull wasn’t as strong. But after you became an adult, the bond would’ve been very hard for him to resist.” I rub my temple as my head swims. Obviously, I know it’s possible for a fae and a human to be soul mates. After all, it happened for Brittney. I just never thought that was the case for me. “I figured since I’m human…” “You are, mostly,” Astrid replies, stepping close to me with a magnifying glass. She grabs my arm and pushes up my sleeve before inspecting the veins on my inner wrist. “But you’ve got some fae blood in you. On your maternal side. Probably a great great grandmother.” She pauses at the crease of my elbow. “Nah, add one more great. It’s faint, but it’s there.” “You’re saying one of my ancestors got knocked up by a fae dude?” “How long has your family owned your land?” She looks up at me. “Like, five generations.” “A lot of portal access there.” Letting go, she walks back to the table. “It’s likely she had a tryst with the man, never even knowing he wasn’t human.” “Is he still alive...

Returning to the bowl, she gazes into it with the magnifying glass. “Nope. He was a lowly Day soldier who stole portals from his general. He was caught and executed shortly after his crime.”

Oh, well, shit.

Every time she’s made me come, sparks detonated in my vision. Was it a sign that the curse was being weakened?

Yeah i called that one

I wait several seconds for her to elaborate. When she doesn’t, I sputter, “Well, who is it? Torius and Kai?” “That would be preferable. An easy fix. But unfortunately, no.” Dramatic pause. “Princess Gia’s the one who wants you gone.” Kirian’s body goes rigid as disbelief paints his features. “That can’t be.” “It is.” “Are you positive?” Astrid nods sadly. “Yes.”

Yeah thats not a shocker, unfortunately.

I’ve been so consumed by what I’m seeing, I’m not paying attention to what’s going on around me. Not good. I can’t let my other senses fall to the wayside. They’ve protected me, guided me, kept me alive.

He's been blind for 2000 years. Two thousand. Two MILLENIA. There is absolutely no way that gaining his sight would simply erase the things he's been using to navigate life for two thousand damn years.

“Is that lightning?” I yell. He nods. That’s just great. I could’ve been electrocuted. According to Kirian, getting struck by lightning isn’t a big deal to faeries. It’s a nuisance because it causes temporary paralysis, which makes them fall from the sky. The result is usually some bruises and broken bones when they hit the ground. It’s the origin of their ‘striking’ cuss words, because it can really mess a person up.

As glad as I am to have my sight back, I probably regained it at the worst possible time. I feel like I’ve lost a superpower I took for granted.

Once again. If he has relied on his hearing for 2000 years, suddenly gaining his sight hours prior would not cause him to lose it. 😒

“Kirian, I have a confession to make.” Without looking up, she interrupts him. She takes a deep breath, as if what she’s about to say is difficult. Prolonging the suspense, she combs Gia’s hair away from her face, fixing the messy strands before continuing, “About ten years after the curse, we found the witches.” Shocked, Kirian jerks back. “What?” “They wanted Gia. They said they’d lift the curse if we gave them our daughter, but she was just a child. They wanted us to choose between the two of you, and I couldn’t. I couldn’t do it then, and I can’t do it now. Forgive me.” “Why didn’t you tell me about this?” he rasps. “Why did you continue to let me search for them when you already knew what they wanted?” “Your father and I hoped you could persuade them. Maybe you had something else to bargain with. After all this time, I thought Gia was safe, but they got to her anyway. Before she locked me up, she admitted she’d been working with them. I’m not trying to defend her—she’s at fault. But they saw an evil in her and took advantage of it. Don’t end her. I’ll do anything you ask.”

Im sorry WHAT?! ITS BEEN TWO THOUSAND FUCKING YEARS.

“Yep. And don’t worry—no one’s dying here today. I’ve got a better solution. If Gia likes being evil and hanging out with witches, I know a place where she can go.” I share a look with Kirian, and I know he’s thinking the same thing. “But we’ll need a spell to keep her from leaving.” “Banishment?” Zella asks, hope in her voice. “That would be preferable to death.” Nodding, I lightly touch her long blond locks. “This sounds weird, but I’m going to need some hair to make it happen.”

Astrid is gonna be pissed 😂