Revealing the Fae King: Reverse Harem Romance: Bramble's Edge Academy, #3

By Brenda Trim

I'm done waiting until I graduate the Academy to claim my title. Time has run out. My people are suffering and being killed. I'm the f@*%g Fae King and I'm taking my throne.

I've learned a lot during my time at Bramble's Edge Academy, but it feels like it's not going to be enough. The biggest question is whether or not I am strong enough to take care of the Dark Fae that's been terrorizing our realm and trying to take what's mine.

The Dark Fae is not my only problem. The humans live in my family's castle and have taken over most of our lands.

I'm in for the fight of my life with my mate and personal guard. I gain an ally I never saw coming and it's up to us to save the Fae Kingdom before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DWA Concepts, LLC
• Release date: Jan 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224709472

Book preview

Chapter 1

A untie, Ryker said as he embraced his biological mother’s sister. Maurelle, Brokk, Daine and Sol were right behind him. Unlike last time, his friends were not gaping at the naked Fae all around them. Maurelle was ten shades of pink, yet she held her head high and smiled at his aunt. He admired Maurelle more than anyone.

She continued to surprise him and show him how fierce and strong she was. Nothing stopped her. It was rare to see someone not be intimidated by various situations. Yet, no matter what they faced, Maurelle was right there with them each time.

We came as soon as we heard about the meeting, he continued after breaking his embrace. Their final year at Bramble’s Edge Academy started a couple days ago. His anxiety over taking the throne after he finished this year was eating away at his mind and had been for weeks. He needed a plan and fast. Hence the reason he took a chance and came to this meeting.

I’m so glad you all could make it. Things are a mess right now, Shiloh replied as she grabbed his arm.

Each time he’d been in his aunt’s brothel soft music played in the background and this was no different. Brokk wrapped his arm around Maurelle’s shoulders and tried to hide how much he was looking around the place. A chuckle left Ryker when he noticed Maurelle elbow Brokk before she tossed a knowing smirk his way.

Just think about Maurelle’s perfect body and you won’t be tempted to ogle the females, Daine told Brokk.

Sol laughed with Ryker who pulled Maurelle. She was now red faced and scowling. Shiloh was watching them with a huge smile on her face. She was just as amused as the rest of them.

You guys have picked a gorgeous female. It’s okay, Maurelle. I’m jealous of your beauty and curves. You’re exotic and genuine. The combination would make you very popular here at Sinful Delights. If you weren’t already taken, I would beg you to come work for me at the end of this year.

Maurelle’s mouth fell open. A growl left Ryker as Daine and Sol closed the distance, so they stood right behind them. I’m okay with sharing my mate with these three, but no one else. Your clients will not be sampling our Maurelle.

Maurelle ran her hand up and down his chest, making his growls stop. He looked down into her adoring face. We’re going to have to work on your diplomacy, Prince Charming. I’m yours, just like you’re mine, she assured him.

We’re yours too, Elle, Brokk added.

The couples on the velvet green and purple sofas were lost in their own activities, but the pair on the red sofa seemed to be listening to their every word. Ryker had no idea who they were but decided he didn’t like the attention he’d already brought to Maurelle.

Where is this meeting? Ryker asked his aunt.

Shiloh lifted a hand and one of her workers flew down from the landing above. The slender female had a see-through red dress on and nothing underneath. Ryker made a point not to watch her fly from above or he would see more than he cared to. Plus, he didn’t want Maurelle to think he was attracted to the other female.

She landed in front of him and he couldn’t miss the nipples poking at the gauzy fabric covering her breasts. The sight made him want to take Maurelle to a private room to explore her body with his tongue. Too fucking bad now wasn’t a good time to do that.

Shiloh leaned toward the worker with long red hair and bright blue wings then whispered something in her ear. The female nodded and walked away, disappearing through some red velvet drapes.

Would any of you like something to drink before we head to the meeting? Shiloh asked their group.

Wine would be great, thank you, Maurelle replied.

Ale, Ryker interjected. He wasn’t surprised when his Guard asked for the same.

Shiloh lifted her hand and another scantily clad female hurried to her side. Bring wine and ale along with glasses to the Aurora room, please.

Yes, ma’am. I’ll be right down with them. The female lifted into the air and flew to the bar. Soon Fae would fly everywhere. He was in his third and final year at the academy and soon he would take the throne. He had many changes in mind once he claimed his rightful place in the realm.

The force field over the school came to mind. Would he remove the shield that had fried his wings when he’d tried to escape the collectors? His gut reaction was to say hell yes, but he needed to pause and ask what was good for the future of the institution. He needed a committee to inform him what would help safely contain the students once Fae returned to power. It wasn’t as cut and dried as he once believed.

Shiloh lead the way down the hall. To his surprise she entered her office. The familiar fringe pillows and velvet couch greeted him offering a respite from the crazy his life had become.

Shiloh walked around her desk and headed to the bookcase. She paused next to a large tome with a black leather cover. Her finger moved gracefully over the spine. It wasn’t until gold light flashed that he realized she’d drawn a rune on the book.

A thud followed by stone scraping across stone echoed in the room. The shelves moved aside to reveal a staircase.

Maurelle grabbed his hand and held tight. He squeezed her fingers hoping to reassure her that they were safe with his aunt. Where does that go? His mate blurted. The wobble in her voice told him how nervous she was. Not that he blamed her. She’d been tormented enough for ten lifetimes already.

It’s a secret passage, she explained. The rebellion meets in a room I have in my basement.

You mean dungeon? Brokk asked as he glanced through the opening.

Shiloh laughed and shook her head. No. I mean basement. It used to be the sewers, but I had this section retrofitted when I purchased the brothel, so I had an easy escape. I closed it off after the humans took over and my sister and her husband were killed. I knew those of us willing to fight back needed a safe place to meet.

Before they went down the stairs the door opened, and the server brought in a tray laden with ale and wine along with glasses. Ryker rushed to her side and took the tray from her. Before he turned Brokk took the platter from his hands. He raised an eyebrow, but his friend just smiled then headed down the stairs.

What was that? Ryker called out as he motioned for his aunt and Maurelle to descend before him.

You’re the King not a waiter. Things like this are for us plebes to do, not you, Brokk replied over his shoulder.

Ryker’s chest tightened and an uncomfortable sensation settled there. His eyebrows drew together, and his mouth twisted to one side. He was different from his friends. They saw him as more important than themselves. That was farthest from the truth. They were as important, if not more so than he was.

Stop it, Prince Charming. You are the most important being in this realm. Without you we all fall into some Dark Fae’s clutches, Maurelle interjected. He hadn’t noticed she’d stopped and was staring back at him from her perch a few steps below him.

"I am not more important without you guys, Ryker growled while keeping his eyes trained on Maurelle. He laid his emotions bare trying to convey how much she meant to him. If I lose you, I am nothing. I cannot continue this journey without you all by my side."

Sol clapped him on the shoulder. We aren’t going anywhere, brother. Let’s get to this meeting, so we can plan how to discover the asshole behind all of this.

Ryker nodded and followed his aunt and Maurelle in silence. He slipped his hand into hers and twined their fingers. The temperature dropped several degrees as they descended. Next to him Maurelle shivered, making him wish he had a jacket to give her.

Voices echoed from ahead, making him squint into the darkness so he could see what they were walking into. Lifting his free hand, he called a mage light and used his air to make it float ahead of them.

It’s the rebellion in my room ahead. I have secret entrances in various spots in the Edge, Shiloh informed him.

He nodded and followed her to the door that was visible in the distance thanks to the light that emanated from the open panel. The volume of conversation increased, and he heard his mother’s voice.

Increasing his pace, he dragged Maurelle behind him and into the room. Sol rushed in behind them and then Shiloh and Daine. Brokk was already in the room pouring wine into a glass he handed to Maurelle.

The room was large with light blue walls and a massive wooden table in the center. It looked like it was a tree that bent over as it grew through the stone of the floor. The top was smooth wood, but the sides and legs were covered in bark, limbs and leaves. It radiated elemental power. The chairs were backless stools to accommodate their wings.

There were so many Fae gathered of all different elements. Their energy reached out to Ryker and stirred the mantle in his chest. It wasn’t all that rare to see so many in one place. The Edge was a relatively small place for so many to live. It was the fact that they were all united in support of overthrowing the corrupt evil in charge.

As he scanned the faces, he realized the lighting was provided by mage light. Like it was in most homes in the Edge. There was no way to tell the ages of those gathered around him, but he sensed most had lived decades longer than he had been alive.

Ryker, the mother who raised him called out as she stood and crossed to his side. You could have told me you were calling a meeting, son.

Mom, he greeted and kissed her cheek then hugged her. I hate involving you in this mess. I can’t risk losing you in this process.

Are you going to introduce us? A male called out from the table.

Galina let go of him and turned around. This is my son, Oberon. He is the heir to the throne of Mag Mell. Gasps echoed around the room and Ryker said a silent prayer that there wasn’t a mole in the group. Otherwise his life had just reached its end.

I can’t sense the mantle within him, Oberon countered as he stared at Ryker with narrowed eyes.

That’s because he is carrying a concealment charm, Shineah announced as she entered the room.

Peridun, Maurelle said as she dipped her head.

It’s good to see you, Maurelle. I see that you have opened to more of your mates. That’s a good sign for the realm. Maurelle blushed and lowered her head.

I’m glad you’re here. Ryker interjected as he redirected the conversation. I’m hoping someone here has information on the council leader. I believe he is the Dark Fae behind the death of my parents.

How can we be sure? Savelle has done everything in his power to protect the realm, a female blurted. Ryker had seen her around the Edge. Her pink eyes were peculiar for a Fae.

He’s shown us what he wants us to see, Phoebe, his mom, Galina replied. I have always sensed something off about him, but assumed it was the fact that he lost his mate forty years ago. He was the one that spearheaded the kidnapping of Ryker’s mate and first Guard.

The room went silent and their eyes traveled to Maurelle and Brokk. She shuffled from foot to foot and moved behind Ryker and out of view. Oberon crossed his arms over his chest.

The male that seemed to be in charge of our torture wore a brown hob mask. He is also the one that escaped. We have to find him and take him out, Brokk shared then tipped back the glass he’d been sipping from and drank the rest of his ale.

We will be eliminating him, so he doesn’t pose a risk to Ryker, Sol added.

Plus, we are going to make him pay for harming our Maurelle. No one gets away with making her bleed, Daine promised.

Ryker wanted vengeance as much as Daine. Was that why he wanted to find this guy so bad? No. He refused to allow his people to suffer anymore. Whoever this Savelle is he is evil and wanted to control the entire realm. And he had for nearly two decades while making it seem as if the humans were the ones taking everything Fae needed.

He will pay, Ryker promised. "For everything he has done. We need to know where he is, but also how ingrained the humans are in his plan. From the looks of it they are the ones running the realm. They’ve stolen lands that rightfully belong to the Fae. We are weaker than we ever have been because of it.

He removed us from the areas, so he was the only one able to access the power from the elements in these places. Not only did that weaken us, but it also made him more powerful. He was in the perfect position to use potions to control the rest of us for his own gain. That will stop now. We will not remain in the slums any longer.

How are we going to do that when he has humans supporting him? Shiloh asked. I want that more than anything, but I don’t want you to be hurt or worse. Your parents wanted you to live.

That’s why I’m here. I need your help, Ryker admitted.

The group looked at one another before Phoebe took the lead. We need to get one of us inside the new council. After its loss there will be a call for new members to be assigned. No one is happy they continued to allow humans to occupy our lands. He will have to cave when we start making demands.

You hope he will. He might not need a council anymore, Maurelle pointed out. He has his mind manipulation in most of the population and our small group doesn’t stand a chance against the humans. Of which most are innocent.

Galina nodded her head in agreement. You’re right, but it’s the only place we can start at this point. We need more information on how things work to be able to take our realm back with the fewest casualties.

That’s assuming we can remove the humans when Ryker takes the throne. They have firepower that can take us out without much effort, Oberon added with a shrug of his shoulders.

Are you suggesting we do nothing? his mom countered.

Ryker reached into his pocket and removed the talisman Shineah gave to him and placed it in Maurelle’s hand. Enough, he shouted. Everyone immediately went silent and all eyes went to him. He stood there with his red and black wings spread wide and his arms over his chest.

Who would like to infiltrate the council? We are moving forward with this plan. We cannot stay in the same place. There are many unknowns, but what I do know is that Savelle will be eliminated and the Fae will rebuild this realm in a way that benefits us most.

I will seek a position, Oberon told him.

I can, as well, a male with amber eyes and maroon and gold wings offered.

Are you sure, Devon? We need you in your position over the enforcers, Galina questioned as she reached for a glass and the wine. Ryker was there first and poured his mom a glass then handed it to her. She smiled and cupped his cheek reminding him of how much she’d loved him throughout his life.

He had her to thank for being the strong, dedicated male he was today. She had devoted her life to him, and he was going to make sure she had an easier life from now on. He loved her so much. She deserved to live in luxury, although knowing her she wouldn’t want it if others didn’t have what they needed to survive.

I will be keeping my position, but he asked me to join him long ago. I never really understood why I refused at the time. Now I can’t help but wonder if I sensed something on some level, Devon admitted.

We need to work together to ensure Ryker takes power, Shineah informed them. The fate of our realm rests in their hands. Gather what information you can and be prepared to help when called.

The group agreed and Ryker wrapped his arms around Maurelle while he considered their precarious position. He hated that his mate and Guard were at the heart of this. They were in more danger than last year when they nearly died at the hands of his enemies.

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