The Faery Princess — Marteeka Karland

The Princess. Ellsinore has no idea her simple existence isn't what it seems. Neither is she. Though she's always had an affinity for the growing things of earth, Ellie has no idea there could possibly be a reason for her green thumb.



The Guardian. Devlin is a powerful Earth Elemental. A warrior for the Fae king, his one job is to find the king's grand daughter and bring her home...untouched. Unfortunately, Devlin underestimated the will of his heart. Even if making the little fae beauty his will mean certain death.



EXCERPT:



“I am Devlin, a messenger from King Glendon. He sent me to bring you back to the Magical Forest.”



Ellie narrowed her eyes. She was distinctly aware he stood between her and the door. He had effectively cut off her escape route. “What the heck are you talking about?”



Devlin didn't move for a very long time. He just stared at her, and Ellie started to squirm. He seemed to penetrate her soul with his gaze, measuring her up, and she had no idea if he found her lacking or not.



“You have his eyes, you know.” His face gave away little, but Ellie got the impression he hadn't meant to say that. Something about the way his eyes widened slightly before he resumed his unreadable expression said as much. The statement startled her enough to ask the obvious rather than try to flee.



“I have whose eyes?”



“His majesty, King Glendon,” Devlin said, raising his head a notch. “I can see him in you. Your eyes are the same.”

“Why would you say that?” Ellie had to know what was going on, despite the surreal situation.



“You were raised in the human world, Ellsinore, but your heart knows there is more out there. You came to this place to find solitude and happiness in nature.” For the first time since he had appeared, Devlin took a deliberate step toward her and extended his hand. “Come see the magic of the Forest. I promise you won't regret it.”



More than anything, Ellie wanted to take his hand and go wherever he led her, but she was a woman living alone in seclusion. She didn't trust just any handsome face.



“As appealing as you are, Devlin, I'm not going anywhere with you.” She crossed her arms over her chest and hugged herself before she could take his hand despite her objections. She was acutely aware of her nakedness as well as his. His muscles played underneath his skin, an erotic invitation she was actually eager to accept. For the first time since her mother died, Ellie found she actually craved the company of someone else.



Correction -- not just any “someone.” She wanted to be with Devlin. Funny that, even though she had no idea who or what he was.



“You require an explanation.” He finally moved from his position in front of her door and raised an eyebrow at her. “Will you invite me in to stay and…” He grinned -- the first voluntary show of emotion. “Talk.”