To Spark a Fae War (The Fair Isle Trilogy, #3)

by Tessonja Odette

I’m in the pleasure district of Grenneith,

“A fae never does anything for free,” he says with a teasing smirk. “Well, a smart fae shouldn’t perform a favor without requesting a bargain beforehand.” “And only the most ruthless fae would deny fair compensation.”

“You don’t need to explain, Evelyn. You did not imagine what was, for a time at least, between us. Even now, I confess you give me a thrill. Much of what I say to create a rise out of you is said in jest, but only partially so. No part of me would deny you if you wanted me. But in matters of the heart, I knew you belonged to another long before I kissed you. I could taste it in the air around you. I still can.”

“So do I. In the meantime, if you and the Stag King find yourselves on the outs, come to me for a revenge tryst.” He winks.

“Well, there’s that too,” he says. “And don’t think for a minute that this means I’ll stop baiting your mate. I can’t help it, nor will I give it up. He emits the most delicious emotion when it comes to you.” His expression turns wistful, as if savoring the memory of the last time he got under Aspen’s skin.

“Grief makes me weak.” He furrows his brow. “I don’t think anything could make you weak. If you let it, I have a feeling it could make you stronger.”

He winces. “I don’t like the taste of your teasing at my expense. Remind me never to be serious with you again.”

King Aelfon of Earthen, King Flauvis of Winter, and Queen Minuette of Wind.

I’ve inched closer to Aspen’s side for comfort. I go still as I feel his pinky wind around mine, our linked fingers hidden behind the folds of my dress. The touch of his flesh, despite the current grudge we hold between us, helps steady my nerves.

“Queen Estel.” Nyxia nods at the shimmering fae, then faces the winged one. “Queen Tris. I present to you Queen Evelyn of Fire.”

Flauvis, the wolf king,

She must be Queen of Spring.

“Irridae Palace has been vacant since Ustrin’s death. He left no heir, which meant all who were loyal to him were displaced upon his death, including his household.”

When they returned, they reported that the palace was empty, all entrances sealed, the grounds protected by some strange magic. I ordered them back to Irridae to remain nearby and report any changes, but I haven’t heard a word since.

“Well done, little foxy.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing here, Evie? Controlling you? I confess, I cannot help but try to keep you safe. I love you more than I can say, and it kills me to watch you run from your grief and instead put yourself in danger. And when it comes to your rule, I only gave you my advice because I thought you respected my opinion. I thought we were ruling together. As mates. Did you not mean what you said

to Nyxia? That my household is your household?”

“I love you, Evie. You devious, reckless creature.”

“The Star Court’s magic is deeply connected to time and space. All courts are represented by some combination of the elements. Star magic has an affinity for air, which makes it easy for the most powerful star fae to utilize their magic for swift travel. Queen Estel specifically excels at travel through time and space. Her technology created the axis line and the axis points in each court when the wall was built.”

“Her magic is rare, as are the devices she creates,”

Like the selkie one

an entire family of the mushroom-crustacean fae,

Like the selkie ones

“That’s more than loyalty,” she whispers back, but I can hear the laughter in her voice. “That’s more like idolatry.”

“But I thought you fancied Franco.” He waves a dismissive hand. “Forget Franco.” “A motto to live by,” Aspen mutters with a smirk.

In one swift move, the djinn drops my hand and falls to his knees before me. My flames extinguish, leaving me feeling invigorated and strong. The djinn lifts his head to find my gaze. “Forgive me, my queen. My name is Fehr, and I am your humble servant. Welcome home.”

“You are correct. I was Bonded to the palace as its lifelong steward long ago by King Caleos.”

“I am loyal to the palace and am bound to serve the one who rules it. As steward, all household matters of importance may be given to me.”

Fire burns inside me, so hot it helps drown out the hidden truth I refuse to acknowledge—that maybe I’m not keeping her close just to catch her in the act of betraying me. Maybe I’m doing it because, somewhere deep down, I want to trust her.

However, King Ustrin kept no concubines or female mates of status. There likely won’t be much suitable for a queen.”

“You can learn to wield water too,” he says, returning to our previous conversation. “As a queen, you have access to all

four elements now. It’s only a matter of learning how to manipulate them.”

“The mainland army comes even as we speak. Warships by the dozen. The time of the fae is at an end.” My blood goes cold. I don’t need to know the name he refuses to say. It could be but one person. He grins, opening more fissures at the corners of his mouth. “Mr. Duveau sends his love.”

“Afraid of what? That you’ll actually enjoy your life beneath my rule and serve

me out of respect rather than duty? Why, yes, what a terrifying thought.”

As he lowers my hand, his mouth quirks into a crooked grin. “You truly are a brilliant queen,” he says. “Or perhaps it’s your devious human side that is so wickedly clever.”

She gives a dismissive shrug, making no move to take it back. “Like all magic, it’s fueled by your intent. Simply open it and think of a place you’ve already been that you would like to go.” Her face shifts into a smile. “Accept my gift, Queen Evelyn. I’ve come to trust you. I hope you trust me too.”

“Besides, I meant it. Compared to how you’ve mastered my heart, that hovering orb is nothing.”

“It is. Besides, I think you may have made one of Foxglove’s lifelong dreams come true?” He crosses his arms over his chest, lips quirked as he pins me with a teasing glare. “And what exactly would that be?” I can hardly form the words through bursts of laughter. “A glimpse at your magnificent kingdom.”

My mate glances from me to Foxglove, then gives a resigned shake of his head. Slinging his arm over the ambassador’s shoulders, he gives him a cajoling smile. “Did you like what you saw, my friend?” Foxglove blushes deeper, eyes flicking up at Aspen as a grin stretches across his face. “I think it would be a treasonous lie to say I didn’t, Your Majesty.”

“Queen Evelyn certainly is a lucky lover.”

“Because water is the element of emotion. And the most powerful emotion of all is love, which you are no stranger to. All you have to do is open to it. All of it.”

Amelie hangs her head. “Your blood was mine to spill. How dare you take that from me!” He attempts to lift a hand but doesn’t make it far. “Instead, you have my heart. Always.”

Amelie convulses with the weight of her sobs. “I don’t want it, Cobalt. Do you hear me? I don’t want it.” “And yet…” He takes a few strangled breaths. “It’s yours.”

“Don’t let it do that to you, my love,” Aspen whispers against my hair. “Don’t let an unknown evil take you away from me before it’s even time.”

“Always and forever, Evie.” Aspen’s voice comes low and rough. “No matter how many days that is.”

Flauvis leans forward, panting, eyes glinting with enthusiasm. “Yes! We will break down the wall, unleash our magic, and destroy the humans! Finally, an idea I can support.”

It’s strange to think that such a sight would have once inspired longing. Now it only fuels my rage.

we will fight to the death if we must, but first we shall fight to live.

I’ve seen what she can do with her powers. Petite or not, I know how fierce she can be.

With a steadying breath, I curl my fingers around the hilts of my daggers as flames heat my core. “Time to fight.”

It would be convenient if they could do an invisibility glamour on everyone

Just as I retreat back behind the roots, I catch sight of a brown, shaggy wolf taking down one of the soldiers.

Flauvis is white? Right?