Shackled by Royal Duty

Aspen, King of the Autumn Court, sits in his study, suffocated by the schedule that dictates his every move. The council's demands, the ancient treaty, and the looming Reaping all press in on him, stripping away his sense of autonomy. His advisor, Foxglove, tries to lighten the mood, but Aspen's frustration is palpable. The king's life is not his own; he is a puppet to tradition, forced to host human girls as potential mates to maintain peace. Aspen's antlers, a symbol of his power, feel more like a crown of thorns. The weight of history and expectation crushes any hope for personal happiness, leaving him bitter and restless as the fateful month approaches.

The Hundred Year Reaping

Every hundred years, two human girls are sent to the fae courts as part of a peace treaty that ended a brutal war. This "Reaping" is both a political necessity and a personal torment for Aspen, who must marry one of the Chosen. The process is mechanical, the outcome predetermined, and the participants—both fae and human—are pawns in a centuries-old game. Aspen's palace becomes the stage for this ritual, and he is forced to play the lead, regardless of his desires. The Reaping is a reminder of the fragile peace between humans and fae, and the sacrifices demanded to maintain it. Aspen's resentment grows as he prepares to meet his fate.

Sibling Shadows and Rivalries

Aspen's relationship with his younger brother, Cobalt, is fraught with tension and regret. Their mother, Queen Melusine, abandoned them, leaving Aspen to raise Cobalt while struggling with his own burdens as king. The chasm between them is wide, filled with old wounds and unspoken grievances. Cobalt, more seelie and proper, is both a rival and a reminder of Aspen's failures. The upcoming marriages only deepen the divide, as both brothers are forced into roles they never chose. Aspen's guilt and Cobalt's resentment simmer beneath the surface, threatening to erupt as the Reaping draws near.

Council's Chains and Old Wounds

The fae council's control over Aspen is absolute, dictating every aspect of his reign. The council's meetings, the presence of ambassadors, and the constant scrutiny leave Aspen feeling isolated and powerless. Old wounds—his mother's betrayal, his father's death, and the burden of leadership—haunt him. Even moments of levity with Foxglove and Lorelei are fleeting, overshadowed by the knowledge that he is merely a caretaker of peace, not its architect. Aspen's internal struggle is mirrored by the political gamesmanship around him, as allies and enemies alike maneuver for advantage.

Human Lands, Hidden Antlers

Disguised by glamour, Aspen crosses into the human realm to collect the names of the Chosen. The human world is alien and repugnant to him—its smells, sights, and customs a stark contrast to the beauty of Faerwyvae. Aspen's magic is diminished here, and he moves cautiously, aware of the dangers and the deep-seated mistrust between their peoples. The journey is a reminder of the gulf that separates fae and human, and the precariousness of the peace they share. Aspen's presence is both a threat and a necessity, as he fulfills his duty with reluctance.

The Chosen's Names Revealed

In a tense meeting with Mayor Coleman, Aspen receives the names of the Chosen: Theresa and Maryanne Holstrom. The mayor's pragmatic approach to the Reaping—selecting sisters to maximize compensation—underscores the transactional nature of the ritual. Aspen is given a portrait of the girls, their lifeless expressions a stark reminder of their fate. The conversation is laced with suspicion and veiled threats, as both sides navigate the uneasy alliance. Aspen's anger simmers beneath the surface, barely contained by the glamour that hides his true identity.

Bargains and Bitter Portraits

The meeting with the mayor is a battle of wills, each side probing for weakness. Aspen's fae pride clashes with human pragmatism, and the history of violence between their peoples hangs heavy in the air. The mayor's questions about Aspen's lineage and loyalty cut deep, forcing Aspen to confront his own doubts. The exchange is transactional, with compensation for the Chosen's family negotiated like a business deal. Aspen leaves the meeting feeling hollow, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down harder than ever.

Dreaded Compensation and Farewells

Aspen visits the Holstrom farm, observing the quiet lives about to be upended. Compensation—enchanted animals—will be given to the family, a meager reward for the loss of their daughters. Aspen feels nothing but dread, unable to summon hope or curiosity about his future bride. The ritual is dehumanizing, reducing lives to transactions and alliances. Aspen's only solace is the thought of returning to Faerwyvae, where he can shed his burdens, if only for a moment.

Offerings at the Standing Stones

As night falls, Aspen encounters the ancient practice of humans leaving offerings at the standing stones that mark the border. The gifts are relics of a time when humans and fae sought mutual understanding, now reduced to desperate gestures. Aspen is both amused and saddened by the futility of these offerings, knowing they hold no sway over the Reaping. The stones are a boundary, both physical and symbolic, separating two worlds that can never truly reconcile.

A Midnight Encounter

Hidden in the shadows, Aspen observes a human girl—Evelyn—making an offering at the stones. Unlike the Chosen, she is fierce, clever, and unafraid to challenge him. Their encounter crackles with tension, as Aspen tests her resolve and she meets his threats with iron and wit. Evelyn refuses to give her true name, outsmarting Aspen's attempts to gain power over her. The meeting is electric, awakening feelings in Aspen he thought long dead.

Iron and Instinct

The confrontation escalates as Evelyn brandishes an iron blade, a deadly weapon against fae. Aspen is both threatened and intrigued, drawn to her courage and defiance. The moment is charged with danger and unexpected attraction, as predator and prey become equals. Aspen's instincts war with his reason, and for the first time, he feels something beyond duty and resentment—a spark of genuine interest, even longing.

The Name Game

Aspen proposes a bargain: her name for the names of the Chosen. Evelyn, wary of fae trickery, refuses to give her true name, offering only her first name in exchange. Aspen, amused and impressed, reveals the names of the Chosen, granting Evelyn a moment of relief and joy. The exchange is a dance of power and vulnerability, each testing the other's limits. Aspen is left haunted by the encounter, unable to shake the memory of Evelyn's spirit.

Sparks in the Darkness

As Evelyn departs, Aspen is left with a sense of loss and longing. The brief connection they shared lingers, a rare moment of authenticity in a life dominated by duty and deception. Aspen is both invigorated and unsettled, his carefully constructed defenses shaken by a single human girl. The encounter becomes a touchstone, a reminder of what he has sacrificed and what he still yearns for.

The King's True Escape

Seeking respite from his burdens, Aspen transforms into his stag form and flees into the night. In this shape, he is free from the constraints of kingship, able to lose himself in instinct and motion. The escape is temporary, a brief reprieve from the responsibilities that await him. Yet even in this form, Aspen cannot escape the memory of Evelyn, her name echoing in his mind.

Haunted by a Human

Aspen's thoughts return again and again to Evelyn—the only human to spark genuine feeling in him for centuries. Her defiance, wit, and courage stand in stark contrast to the lifeless Chosen he is meant to wed. Aspen is haunted by the possibility of something more, even as he knows his fate is sealed by duty and tradition. The encounter becomes a symbol of all he has lost and all he might still hope for.

Fate's Relentless Grip

As the Reaping approaches, Aspen is caught between the demands of his role and the desires awakened by his encounter with Evelyn. The peace of the Fair Isle hangs in the balance, and Aspen's choices will determine the fate of both fae and human. The story ends with Aspen poised on the edge of transformation—haunted, restless, and uncertain, but no longer numb. The future is uncertain, but the possibility of change, however slight, has been kindled.

Characters

Aspen

Aspen, King of the Autumn Court, is a fae ruler shackled by tradition and duty. His antlers and regal bearing mask a soul weary from centuries of obligation. Haunted by his mother's abandonment and the weight of the ancient treaty, Aspen is both powerful and powerless—forced to host the Reaping and marry a human for the sake of peace. His relationship with his brother, Cobalt, is strained by guilt and resentment, and his interactions with his court are tinged with sarcasm and longing for genuine connection. Aspen's psychological landscape is marked by isolation, bitterness, and a desperate yearning for autonomy. The encounter with Evelyn awakens a spark of hope and desire, challenging his resignation and hinting at the possibility of transformation.

Cobalt

Cobalt, Aspen's younger brother, is the prince of the Autumn Court and a secondary participant in the Reaping. More seelie and proper than Aspen, Cobalt is often seen as the favored son, especially by their mother, Queen Melusine. His upbringing was marred by neglect and emotional distance, leaving him bashful and reserved. Cobalt's relationship with Aspen is complex—marked by admiration, resentment, and a longing for approval. He is both a rival and a victim of Aspen's emotional wounds, and the forced marriages only deepen the rift between them. Cobalt's development is subtle, shaped by the shadows of his brother's dominance and the expectations of the court.

Foxglove

Foxglove is Aspen's trusted advisor and a flower fairy with a penchant for human trinkets. His wit and humor provide a rare source of comfort for Aspen, offering moments of levity amid the king's burdens. Foxglove's loyalty is unwavering, and his ability to navigate court politics makes him invaluable. Psychologically, Foxglove is both a confidant and a buffer, absorbing Aspen's frustrations and deflecting tension with charm. His role is to support and ground the king, even as he struggles with his own place in a world defined by hierarchy and tradition.

Lorelei

Lorelei, a wood nymph, serves in Aspen's court and is notable for her loyalty and quiet strength. She seeks permission to visit her mate's family, revealing a personal life that contrasts with the political machinations of the palace. Lorelei's interactions with Aspen and Foxglove are marked by respect and camaraderie, offering glimpses of normalcy in an otherwise fraught environment. Her character embodies the desire for personal happiness amid the demands of duty, and her presence highlights the human (and fae) cost of political alliances.

Evelyn

Evelyn is a human girl who defies expectations and refuses to be cowed by fae power. Her intelligence, courage, and quick wit set her apart from the Chosen, and her refusal to give Aspen her true name demonstrates a keen understanding of fae lore. Evelyn's encounter with Aspen is transformative, awakening feelings in the king that he believed long dead. She is both a symbol of resistance and a potential agent of change, challenging the status quo and igniting hope in a world ruled by fear and tradition.

Mayor Coleman

Mayor Coleman represents the human side of the treaty, approaching the Reaping as a necessary evil. His interactions with Aspen are marked by suspicion, pragmatism, and a willingness to bargain. Coleman's selection of the Holstrom sisters is calculated, designed to maximize compensation and minimize disruption. Psychologically, he is a survivor—cautious, shrewd, and deeply aware of the power imbalance between humans and fae.

Queen Melusine

Queen Melusine, Aspen and Cobalt's mother, is a powerful figure whose choices have shaped the fate of her sons and the Fair Isle. Her abandonment and subsequent opposition to the treaty have left deep scars, fueling Aspen's resentment and Cobalt's longing for approval. Melusine embodies the tension between seelie and unseelie, peace and war, and her legacy haunts every decision made by her children.

Ambassador Jolie

Jolie, the Spring Court ambassador, is a pixie with a complicated relationship with Aspen. Her attempts to seduce the king are rebuffed, revealing the transactional nature of courtly relationships. Jolie's ambition and vulnerability are evident in her interactions, and her presence serves as a reminder of the personal costs of political alliances.

Soreh

Soreh represents the interests of the Sea Court and is a skilled manipulator. Her interactions with Aspen and Cobalt are laced with sarcasm and hidden agendas, reflecting the ongoing power struggles within the fae courts. Soreh's loyalty to Queen Melusine and her willingness to exploit divisions make her a formidable adversary.

Theresa and Maryanne Holstrom

The Holstrom sisters are the Chosen—selected to marry into the fae court as part of the Reaping. Their role is largely symbolic, representing the human cost of the treaty and the dehumanizing nature of political alliances. Their fate is determined by forces beyond their control, and their presence serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices demanded by peace.

Plot Devices

The Hundred Year Reaping

The Reaping is the central plot device, a ritual that forces human girls into fae marriages every century to maintain a fragile peace. It is both a symbol of alliance and a source of ongoing trauma, shaping the lives of all involved. The Reaping's structure—selection, transport, ceremony—creates a sense of inevitability and tension, driving the narrative forward and highlighting the costs of tradition.

Glamour and True Names

The use of glamour allows fae to conceal their identities and intentions, creating layers of deception and intrigue. The significance of true names adds another dimension, as knowledge of a name grants power over its bearer. This device is used to explore themes of trust, vulnerability, and agency, particularly in the encounter between Aspen and Evelyn.

Political Intrigue and Family Dynamics

The interplay between council politics, family rivalries, and personal relationships creates a rich tapestry of conflict

Last updated: October 24, 2025