In the 17th Century, the ancient sprawl of Epping forest is bursting with magic and those who go unseen by human eyes: the elves who rule the summer court, and the goblins who rule the winter court. It is said that if a human catches the eye of one of the fey, they are either doomed or blessed. Contains the stories: Wulfren and the Warlock: When Wulfren wakes from a strange dream of a human captor with long silver hair, and grey eyes, his brothers tell him they rescued him from a warlock, and take Wulfren back home to the goblin king's palace. But Wulfren isn’t so sure the matter is that simple. Why was he missing so long? What are the strange dreams of the beautiful man with the silver hair? Dalliances with humans are severely frowned upon, especially by Wulfren’s father, but Wulfren is willing to risk the scorn of his family to find the human who haunts his dreams. Quiller and the Runaway Prince: After a hard winter, Quiller is sent deep into the forest on a family errand, and is surprised when a human stumbles into his path. Quiller swoops in to pester him, perhaps even eat him, but there is something special about the human: his scent is royal, though he protests that he is not, and soon Quiller finds himself agreeing to help the human with his troubles—in exchange for a kiss.

Goblins

“No memory spells for you, old man. Your bird’s mind will forget soon enough, but just for tonight, know that your new form is only by your own making. Now, go.”


When I waved my hand, the bird took flight. Where it went, I didn’t care, as Brithorne could do no harm to anyone now. Save for worms.


Only Tansy saw the bird’s departure, as she’d happened to glance my way. She blinked in surprise, then gave me a questioning look. I raised a shoulder in response, then picked up the flute I’d dropped. The wine was gone. Before I could look for more, Tansy was at my side. “Care for some real dancing now, Sebastian?”


“My dear, I thought you’d never ask. Where are Evie and Cashel?”


“Speaking with Duke Gregor,” she said, then added quietly. “They’ll be quite safe here. Cameron is the one to watch out for, and he’s already left for the village. Likely gone to pick a fight with Todd’s sons again.”


“Then let’s leave at once, my lady.”


Chapter 55