The Seven Year King (The Faerie Ring #3)

The Seven Year King (The Faerie Ring #3) Read Free

Book: The Seven Year King (The Faerie Ring #3) Read Free
Author: Kiki Hamilton
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“What is it we need to do?” Her stomach gave a nervous twist at the thought of returning to the Otherworld. Against her will she imagined the shadowy, smoky grandeur of the Palace of Mirrors—the place where the ruler of Faerie lived. The Palace was filled with enchanted mirrors that reflected one’s true form—to stop anyone from entering court in a glamour with the intent of harming the king or queen.
    A place of dark opulence, the macabre ceiling of the Great Hall depicted various members of the UnSeelie court in scenes of unspeakable horror, images that were etched forever in Tiki’s mind. Donegal, the Winter King, prided himself on the chaos he’d created and the lives he’d claimed. He even went as far as to hang the wings of his conquered opponents on his walls as trophies of his kills.
    “The Cloch na Teamhrach has spoken for all in Faerie to hear. Now is the time to claim the Seelie throne and restore the rightful order of things in our world.” Larkin’s tone was emphatic. “We’ve been waiting a very long time for this day—we cannot delay.”
    Behind her back, Tiki tightened her fingers into fists until the pressure of her nails bit into the soft flesh of her hands. The prospect of facing Donegal again was daunting, but she knew she didn’t have a choice. The killing had to stop. Donegal not only threatened the political stability of the Otherworld, but also that of England.
    “Fine. Tell me what I need to do.” As Tiki spoke, her promise to Clara resonated uncomfortably in her ears. She was needed in both London and the Otherworld—how could she be two places at once?
    A loud sniff sounded from the doorway. “You’ve found Johnny?” The hope in Fiona’s voice was unmistakable.
    Tiki bit her lip to hold back her cry of dismay at the sight of the fifteen year-old girl. Fiona’s eyes were red-rimmed and almost swollen shut, her face blotchy from crying. Her dark hair, normally full of waves, was unwashed and flat against her head. For a second, Tiki was reminded of an old woman, worn and aged as hope had left her. She hurried to the girl’s side.
    “He’s alive, Fi.” She slid an arm around Fiona’s slender shoulders. “Larkin helped save him.”
    Fiona clutched at Tiki’s arm, her eyes lighting up. “You’ve seen him?”
    “Well, no…” Tiki hesitated, “not exactly… but…”
    “He’s alive,” Larkin said, “though it’s not clear for how long.” The faerie surveyed Fiona through heavy lids. “The liche left his mark and your friend is a mortal after all….” She raised her eyebrows. “What else would you expect?”
    Fiona stepped toward the faerie, fearless in her concern for the injured young pickpocket. She threaded her fingers together so tightly her knuckles turned white. “Where is he? Can I go help care for him?”
    A ghost of a smile crossed Larkin’s face. “I don’t think you want to go where your young man is now.”
    Fiona jerked toward Tiki for an explanation. “Where—?”
    “He’s in the Otherworld, Fi,” Tiki said gently. “When the liche ran from Hyde Park he took Johnny to the Otherworld. Larkin and others were able to save Johnny, but he’s still there—” Tiki’s voice got softer— “too ill to return to London.”
    The color drained from Fiona’s face and panic flickered in her eyes. “What are you saying?” she whispered.
    “He’s dying,” Larkin said flatly. “There’s only one thing that might save an injured mortal in Faerie and it’s nothing you could ever get your hands on.”
    Fiona and Tiki spoke at the same time. “What is it?”
    “It’s not worth my breath to explain it to you.” A look of impatience tightened Larkin’s jaw. “Tara, we are wasting our time here. We need to go now .”
    “Larkin.” Rieker’s voice held a warning.
    “Tell me what can save Johnny and I’ll go,” Tiki said.
    Larkin propped her hands on her slim hips, a look of disgust on her face. “Fine. There is a magical vessel

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