Between Dawn and Dusk

  Between Dawn and Dusk

  Copyright © 2020 Jamie Schlosser

  All rights reserved.

  This novel is for your enjoyment only and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without permission from the author except for brief quotations in a book review. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  This novel is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to locations or incidents are coincidental.

  Due to language and sexual content, this book is intended for readers 18 and older.

  Cover design: Book Cover Kingdom

  Formatting: Champagne Book Design

  Editing: Amy Q Editing

  Proofreading: Deaton Author Services

  TITLE PAGE

  COPYRIGHT

  DEDICATION

  ABOUT THIS BOOK

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  EPILOGUE

  THE FAE KING’S CURSE BLURB AND SNEAK PEEK

  OTHER BOOKS BY JAMIE SCHLOSSER

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  To Tina. Thanks for being the best table assistant/alpha reader/friend!

  I’ve got a problem. A big muscly problem, with icy blue eyes, long dark hair, and tight leather pants.

  Keryth is the Night Realm king. My father’s greatest enemy. And my fated mate.

  It isn’t easy being a fae princess of the Day Realm. Our kingdom has suffered hardships, but if my father won’t approve of the mating bond with Keryth, they’ll be putting another body in a casket—mine. If we’re kept apart, we’ll both die. Not to be dramatic or anything. Destiny just doesn’t like to be denied, and our sanity will wither away if we don’t give in.

  Too bad my father doesn’t care about that. His solution is to lock me away forever.

  When Keryth comes to rescue me, I know we can take on anything as long as we’re together. But old rivalries die hard, and the past sins of our families come back to haunt us, affecting our future and the ones we love the most.

  Zella

  Pacing, pacing, and more pacing. It’s all I can do while I wait for my sister to return from the land of Dawn and Dusk with a letter from my beloved.

  A piece of paper with some words on it isn’t enough—nowhere near it—but it’ll have to do for now.

  My pink slippers shuffle quietly against the stone floor as I walk across my bedroom. I press my ear to the wooden door, hoping to hear something. Anything.

  But all I get is silence.

  I try the doorknob again, but it’s locked, just as it has been for the past month. Ever since Keryth asked my father to approve of our mating bond.

  After my father adamantly refused, he decided the best solution was to ban Keryth from the Day Realm and shut me in my room for an undetermined amount of time.

  King Keryth was our enemy, he’d said. The Night Realm wanted revenge against us. They wanted to defeat us. Take our home. Possess our sun, our water, all our precious resources. Of course they’d want to claim the princess, too.

  Father had argued that Valora is only so big, and that Keryth had plans to rule all the realms—Night, Day, Dawn and Dusk, and even the endless oceans surrounding the land.

  I shouldn’t have expected anything different from a deranged, delusional man. Paranoia rules his mind now. Rational thought is lost.

  My father hasn’t been the same since Mother died seven years ago. The mysterious plague that swept through our kingdom was brutal and vicious, only affecting adult females and leaving hardly any survivors. With a ninety-five percent mortality rate, we had every reason to believe Zephina wouldn’t live through it either. She was just on the cusp of maturity at the time, only twenty-one years of age. Maybe that saved her. Or maybe it was the constant care I gave. I was too young to catch the illness, so I stayed by my mother and sister for five days straight while the fever ravaged their bodies.

  On the sixth day, Mother passed away while my father clutched her hand to his chest as though he could keep her here with him if he held on tight enough.

  She was his fated mate. His soul was tethered to hers, and now that she’s gone, his heart is anchored to nothing.

  He will go mad.

  Eventually. Slowly. Painfully.

  Being separated from the love of his life will lead to unbearable misery until he either takes his own life or gets himself killed on purpose.

  Which is why I don’t understand how he could keep Keryth and me apart. Father knows this pain. Does he want me to be just as miserable as he is?

  Maybe he’s provoking the Night Realm king, looking for a swift death.

  But Keryth would never hurt my family. He’s a good man and a great king. He’ll be the best father to our children.

  If I can ever get out of here.

  I press a palm to my aching chest.

  I feel hollow on the inside. Every breath I take is unsatisfying. Food tastes like nothing. I can’t find joy in the hobbies I used to love.

  As I trudge over to my bed, I look at my knitting project on the armchair by the barred windows. A couple years ago, I started a blanket—a baby blanket. It kept me busy while I waited to reach maturity. I was almost finished with it when my hopes and dreams were shot down.

  I haven’t picked it up in weeks.

  Just looking at it causes an unpleasant spasm in my heart. Hopelessness overwhelms me as I fall back onto my soft mattress.

  My fingers tingle and twitch as I resist the urge to use my powers.

  As a princess of the Day Realm, it’s fitting that fire resides in my body. I hold the power of the sun in my hands. I could light this palace up anytime I wanted, but it would mean destroying the only home I’ve ever known and putting countless people in harm’s way.

  And so I stay here, waiting for my meals to be brought to me by my personal servant. Kalla draws a bath for me once a day and helps me change my clothes. It’s a good thing, too—I simply don’t have the motivation to take care of myself.

  The only thing I have to look forward to is Zephina’s return from our monthly trade deal with the Night Realm.

  Four years ago, that became my job; attend the trade to ensure a fair transaction. The two rival realms had agreed a member from each royal family would go as collateral. Just in case anything went wrong. I, being the youngest of three siblings, was the obvious choice.

  Once a month, I traveled to Dawn and Dusk, an enchanted strip of land between Night and Day. Being neutral territory, it was the perfect place to meet up.

  A bittersweet smile plays on my lips when I remember the first time I saw the great and mighty King Keryth. It was literally love at first sight. For both of us.

  One look, and we knew we were fated mates.

  But I was only seventeen. Too young to enter into a mating bond.

  So we were patient, and our courtship was pure. Stealing innocent moments. Exchanging longing glances. Getting to know each other.

  Keryth surprised me with lavish gifts—jewels, Night Realm flowers, and stardust from the mountains by the Dream Realm. And I gave him gallons of day water, a precious resource for a kingdom where the sun never rises. When mixed with stardust, it creates a glowing light that can last for years.

  Most importantly of all, we gave each other promises. So many promises to mar
ry, to have children, to rule the Night Realm together.

  It felt like the longest courtship ever, but when I was finally twenty-one, we thought the wait was over.

  Oh, how wrong we were.

  I still recall the anger and confusion on Keryth’s face when he was told I’d been promised to someone else, which was shocking news to me. Apparently, one of our Councilmen lost a wife in the plague, and my father had arranged a marriage without my consent.

  I’d rather die than be some stuffy noble’s replacement, and I said those exact words that day.

  The memory of my cries as they tore me away from Keryth echoes in my mind, and I close my eyes, wishing I could escape the gut-wrenching sound.

  My biggest regret is that we never kissed. We wanted to wait for the right time. Now I realize the right time would’ve been anytime.

  A welcome noise invades my thoughts, and I shoot up from the bed when I realize it’s footsteps. Quick, quiet ones.

  A key turns the lock with a metallic click, and Zephina darts inside.

  Before Kalla closes the door to give us privacy, my sister passes my faithful servant a gold coin. “For your silence, Kalla. Please.”

  “Did you see him?” I run over, badgering Zephina before she has a chance to say hello.

  “Yes, I saw him.” She tilts her head to the side. “He’s kind of scary-looking. All that hair, the muscles, and that black leather he wears. Black leather, Zella,” she emphasizes.

  I let out a dreamy sigh. She’s listing some of my favorite things about Keryth.

  Because of the hot temperatures in the Day Realm, thin fabrics and light colors are popular here, and the men tend to keep their hair shorter. Zephina’s never seen Night Realm people before, and I hadn’t considered the fact that their rugged appearance might startle her.

  “He’s a gentleman through and through,” I defend. “He wouldn’t even kiss me because he didn’t want to ruin my honor by secrecy.”

  Her face softens. “That’s very good of him.”

  “Well, where is it?” Making grabbing motions at her, I impatiently hop as she produces an envelope from the pocket of her light blue dress.

  “I did what you wanted.” She places it in my hand. “I asked him to write you a note.”

  I go to open it, only to notice the wax seal is broken. “Did you read it?”

  Zephina smirks. “Of course.”

  I roll my eyes, but I don’t have time to be annoyed with her. Slipping the note out, I unfold it. But my eyebrows furrow with confusion when I see only one line has been written.

  From dawn ‘til dusk, from dusk ‘til dawn, I’ll never love another.

  “The mating vow,” I whisper. Shooting a confused look at Zephina, I turn the paper over, searching every inch for more. But it’s blank. “Why would he write that? It has to be said out loud for it to count. This doesn’t mean anything.”

  “I think it’s beautiful. You’re just cranky because you’re away from your mate.”

  Cranky is an understatement. “Striking right.”

  “Zella,” Zephina admonishes, stepping back.

  The forbidden fae profanity causes a rise of static electricity around me. My hair floats up, and even though Zephina put distance between us, it doesn’t save her from the shock.

  “Such foul language.” Shaking her hand, she rids her body of the spark. “You never swear.”

  She’s right. I’ve always been a good girl. And what has that gotten me? A lifetime of imprisonment.

  Strike, or any variation of the word, is one of the worst things I could say, and I’ve uttered it often over the past month.

  Ages ago, a fae wizard was struck by lightning. It didn’t kill him. That much electricity isn’t deadly to us, but it does cause temporary paralysis, often affecting our ability to fly. I’ve heard falling to the ground mid-flight is painful, to say the least. After experiencing the extreme inconvenience, the wizard was so offended by the origin of the obscenity, he cast a spell on the word.

  Depending on how passionately one says it, an unpleasant static shock is the side effect.

  And this time, I really meant it.

  “I’m sorry.” Apologizing to my sister is the right thing to do, considering my new bad habit has caused her pain, even if it is minor.

  She gives my shoulder a forgiving pat. “I thought maybe you’d understand Keryth’s note better than I did. After all, you know him.”

  Racking my brain, I try to come up with a reason for the words. Is it a continuation of our promise?

  Is it a goodbye?

  “Did he seem upset?” I look into Zephina’s violet eyes—the same exact color of mine.

  She shrugs. “Surprisingly, no.”

  “No?” I frown. “Not even a little?”

  She shakes her head. “The interaction was pleasant. He was smiling and laughing with his men as they loaded the supply wagon.”

  Smiling and laughing? How is that possible?

  Anger flares in me. I’m stuck here, moping and crying, while he’s out there having a grand time with his friends?

  I don’t even realize my fire power has activated until Zephina snatches the burning paper from my hand. She pats the flames out quickly with her hands before laying the partially charred note on my dresser.

  “Listen.” She turns to me. “You know he’s hurting, too. Just because he doesn’t show his weakness—”

  “If he’s able to hide this—” I clutch my empty, aching chest “—then he doesn’t feel for me the way I feel for him. I can’t think about anything else. He fills my dreams, my every waking thought…”

  My rant trails off because a sizzle ignites in my veins, and it’s not coming from my powers or profanity.

  No, I know this sensation well.

  Awareness.

  Nearness.

  “Keryth,” I breathe out, sprinting to the window.

  I’m on the fourth floor, and it’s high enough to survey the palace grounds and the countryside beyond.

  I see our brother Zarid in the courtyard. His blond hair glints in the sunlight as he walks with some unsuspecting girl by the large fountain. Flirting. Probably trying to convince her to come to his bed. As if he’ll have to try very hard.

  Typical.

  Waiting for your fated mate isn’t easy. It takes patience, and some faeries end up holding out for hundreds of years. Others carry on as if they’re in charge of their own destiny. My brother is too arrogant to let anyone or anything decide his future, so he beds any female who so much as breathes his way.

  I look out to the road leading into Hailene, but I don’t see a Night Realm caravan. There are a few travelers walking away from the castle, one of my father’s friends riding on a horse, and the regular soldiers stationed in their usual spots.

  Nothing seems different, but my heart pounds, like it’s waking up for the first time in weeks.

  Suddenly, the bright daylight from our two suns darkens as storm clouds roll in from the east.

  When a lightning bolt shoots down and hits the fountain, I flinch from the bright flash. Zarid shouts a few striking obscenities, probably shocking the wits out of his date.

  A happy squeal bursts from me.

  My mate is coming to the rescue.

  I know it’s Keryth; he has the ability to control the weather. We don’t get bad weather here. Occasional rain, yes. But black clouds? No way.

  “Quick,” I say to Zephina. “Help me pack.”

  After running to the bathroom, she tosses me a bar of my favorite soap and a clean pair of panties. The only bag I have is a small tan leather satchel, and I shove them inside. Then I grab some of the jewelry Keryth gave me, his letter, and the unfinished baby blanket. The yellow yarn takes up too much space, and I won’t have room for clothes.

  Oh, well. I glance down at my pink dress. At least I’m wearing one of my best gowns.

  I pick up my crown from my vanity and secure it on my head. Looking in the mirror, I admire the way the simple
silver band looks against my light hair. It isn’t overly fancy, but I can’t leave it behind. It was a gift from my mother before she died.

  The clouds outside are so thick now, it’s almost as dark as night. Thunder rumbles, and I can feel Keryth getting closer.

  Knowing we don’t have much time, I grasp Zephina’s hands. “Come with me.”

  She gives me an apologetic look. “I can’t leave Father.”

  “He’ll marry you off to someone, too,” I warn. “Is that what you want?”

  She hikes a shoulder, like that’s not a big deal. “I’m not getting any younger. I’d like to have children before my time runs out.”

  The chance of conceiving with a man who isn’t her fated mate is slim, but if she waits until her fertility is completely gone at forty-five, slim becomes zero. Fae fertility is tricky. While males can impregnate a woman well past his ten thousandth year, the window of time for a woman is miniscule.

  Zephina’s choosing a secure family over the love of a lifetime. And that’s her choice to make.

  I have to respect it.

  I let go of her hand to embrace her in a hug.

  “I love you.” My voice gets raspy with emotion, because I don’t know if I’ll ever see her again. “Try to convince Father to let you come along on the trades in the future. Maybe we can meet up.”

  When she pulls back, there’s fear and apprehension in her eyes. “I don’t know if we’ll have trades anymore. You do realize when the Night Realm steals you away, the peace between our kingdoms will be no more.”

  I hadn’t considered that. Honestly, all I can think about is being with Keryth, consequences be damned. It’s the bond. We can’t fight it.

  “I don’t want to start a war,” I whisper.

  “Zella,” Zephina says, her voice cracking. “I saw Mother die. I see Father fading more and more every day.” A tear falls down her cheek. “I won’t watch it happen to you, too. You must go.”

  Her crying triggers my own, and I swipe at the wet tracks on my face.

  “Oh, Phinny.” It’s the nickname I used for her when I was little. Although there’s a seven-year difference between us, it didn’t stop us from becoming close.