The Chained Prince
Becca Calder
(The Eldergreen Series, #1)
Publication date: June 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
The chained prince haunting her dreams isn’t a nightmare.
He’s real—and fate won’t let either of them go.
Fae mage Araya Starwind has survived the New Dominion’s brutal rule by keeping her head down and her magic leashed. To stay safe, she binds herself to a powerful human mage—Jaxon Shaw—whose protection comes at a steep and controlling cost.
But when the fae male from her dreams turns out to be the missing prince, Araya is drawn into a conflict she never asked for—and a connection she can’t escape.
Now, she’s caught between two impossible choices: obey the laws that keep her caged, or risk everything for a freedom she never believed in.
A dark fae romantasy full of forbidden magic, twisted loyalties, and slow-burning tension. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR, The Prison Healer, and From Blood and Ash.
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EXCERPT:
“You can, of course, decline,” Garrick said when she just stared at him, the silence stretching a moment too long. He smiled—almost kindly. “If you do, there will be no consequences. No one will punish you. I’ll simply tell Jaxon it was my decision.”
His fingers drummed idly on the stack of papers. “The Magisters are very aware of how some of our mages abuse their power, pressuring our fae wards into… arrangements. This is your choice—we would never condone coercion.”
Araya swallowed hard, her pulse thundering in her ears. It was a trap—laid with silk instead of steel, but a trap all the same. This was the price of escaping the fate that other females suffered.
“No,” she said. “I—I’m accepting. I was just… surprised. Jaxon and I haven’t spoken since he left for Elvanfal.”
“I’m afraid that may have been my fault,” Garrick’s expression softened, and for a heartbeat Araya saw a flash of Jaxon in him.
“I’ll admit, I was less than thrilled by his interest in you during his apprenticeship.” Garrick’s lips twitched, leaving no doubt in Araya’s mind that he knew exactly what that interest had entailed. “I had him assigned to Elvanfal to give you the chance to make your own decision. It was the fairest thing to do, given the circumstances.”
Araya stared at him, words failing her. He said it like breaking her heart had been some sort of calculated kindness. Did he know how lost she had been? How hurt? She didn’t doubt it—after all, he knew everything else about her.
“But he was determined, so I followed your career—You’ve truly proven yourself these past years, Araya.” Garrick smiled, ignoring her turmoil. “It’s an excellent match for you. Jaxon is a highly regarded Commander, on track to become a Magister himself. His children will have position—power. Names that open doors you’ve never even seen.”
Araya nodded numbly, biting the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood.
“You will, of course, cease visiting the fae slums,” Garrick continued, picking his papers back up and shuffling through them. “Your duties to Jaxon come first. Your place is by his side. In his bed. Not tending to the less fortunate.”
“Of course, sir,” she said, her voice wooden as the words settled over her like chains. “I understand.”
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