Hidden Game, Book 1 of the Ancient Court Trilogy Read online

  Her lips curved into a wicked grin. “We don’t need the doctor to continue our plans. And we don’t need your cooperation.”

  She stepped close to me, bringing her chest inches from mine and reaching up to stroke a hand down my cheek. Her voice, though soft now, was saturated with menace. “However—if you think you’re going to end our betrothal, my love, you are sorely mistaken. The wedding is still on.”

  I shook my head, torn between pity and scorn. “But… Alessia… we could never bond.”

  “I don’t care about that. I’ve never understood the appeal of it anyway. All I care about is the throne and my dignity.” She put her forefinger on my chest, poking it in time with her words. “Both of which—You. Will. Give. Me.”

  I stepped back and stared at her with sad eyes, pity winning out. “I’m sorry. But no. I cannot go through with the marriage. It would be a lie. Someday there will be someone you will care about bonding with. Someday you’ll—”

  A loud screech shredded the air as Alessia searched the area around her for another projectile. I turned and headed for the door. Before I slipped through it, a crystal vase crashed against the wall beside my head.

  “I’ll find her first, you know,” Alessia had yelled after me. “I’ll find her, and I’ll make you watch as I drain her dry.”

  So yeah, I was motivated to get to Macy as quickly as possible. I wasn’t sure what I’d find when I did—a broken shell of a girl—or worse, that she’d forgotten all about me and moved on. A year was a long time.

  Either way, I’d spend the rest of my eternal days protecting her, and maybe one day, if I was lucky enough, I’d get to actually bond with my bond-mate.

  Epilogue

  As soon as the jet’s wheels made contact with the runway, I reached for my phone and turned it on. There was a text message from Nox.

  Call me when you land. I know where she is.

  I immediately hit the button to dial him, my hands trembling and my knee bouncing in impatience as it rang. Finally, he answered.

  “Nic—welcome to America. How was your flight?”

  Unable to answer or even muster a polite greeting, I blurted, “You found Macy?”

  “Uh… yeah. I did. But listen—there’s something you should know… you know what? Why don’t we talk about it when you get to my house?”

  “No, I want to know now. Has something happened to her?” My skin tingled all over, my vision obscured by blinding sparks. “Did the Ancient Court find her?”

  “No, no, she’s okay. She’s alive and perfectly safe.” Before I could let out a breath of relief, Nox continued, “It’s just that, well… you might be too late anyway.”

  My heart came to a thudding stop. My lungs fought for even a sip of air.

  “Tell me.”

  “Well… you know how I said she set out on her own? The thing is… she’s not exactly alone anymore.”

  * * *

  The Ancient Court trilogy continues with Book 2, Hidden Magic, available now. Click here to download your copy and find out what happens next in the Hidden world!

  Afterword

  Thank you so much for reading Hidden Game, Book 1 of the Ancient Court Trilogy (Hidden Saga, book 7.) I really hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please consider leaving a review at the retailer where you purchased it, and if your fingers aren’t too tired, at Goodreads, too. Just a few words is all it takes, and reviews help other readers find great books!

  To learn about upcoming releases from the Hidden world and other Amy Patrick books, sign up for my newsletter. You will only receive notifications when new titles are available and when my books go on sale. You may also occasionally receive teasers, excerpts, and extras from upcoming books. I will never share your contact information with others.

  * * *

  I love to chat with my readers! Follow me on Twitter at @amypatrickauthor and visit my website at www.amypatrickbooks.com. I’m on Instagram and have lots of fun pics from the Hidden world on Pinterest. You can also connect with me on Facebook, where I hang out the most.

  If you haven’t yet read the earlier books in the Hidden Saga, they give you the chance to delve into the Hidden world in America, from the backwoods of rural Mississippi to the glittering cities of Los Angeles and New York. I think you’ll enjoy them!

  Hidden Magic, Book 2 of the Ancient Court Trilogy is available now. Here’s a little about the story:

  * * *

  Macy Moreno has been through hell. She only survived because the guy she loved—Nicolo Buonaccorsi—sacrificed his own life to save her. Though she’s discovered there’s much more to the world than she ever imagined, as far as Macy is concerned, all its magic died with him. She’s alive, but her heart will never recover.

  Macy goes back on the road, trying to outrun her painful past and the haunting memories of the love she’s lost-- and trying to forget that the end of mankind is quickly approaching. If only Nic had survived. If only there were something she could do to stop the coming Plague. But she’s only human—as far as she knows. The only bright spot in her life comes from an unexpected source—a traveling companion she didn’t want but can’t seem to get rid of. And just when she thinks she might find some semblance of happiness in her new life, everything changes again, and she’s caught in an emotional tug-of-war between her past and the present.

  Give in to the Glamour once more as a new villain arises, a new love emerges, and a new hope for the survival of humankind comes from the most unlikely of places. Click here to download your copy now and keep reading!

  Acknowledgments

  As the Hidden series expands to include the Ancient Court, it’s more important than ever to me to acknowledge those who have made it all possible. First, love and thanks to my Hidden honeys, the best readers in the world. You make all the hours, weeks, and months of work worth it.

  Huge thanks go to my lovely editor Judy Roth and to Cover Your Dreams for another beautiful cover.

  Thank you to my husband John, who never doubts my abilities and expects the best, and my precious boys, who make me laugh every day and put the joy in my life.

  To my lifelong bubba Chelle, who loves me no matter what, to Margie, for being a cheerleader and wonderful friend in every way, and to the Westmoreland Farmgirls, who are always ready to read and celebrate.

  I am constantly inspired (and set on the right path) by my amazing critique partner, McCall Hoyle, whose heart is as big as her talent. Love and thanks to the rest of the fabulous GH Dreamweavers fun and friendship, and special thanks to my Lucky 13 sisters for their continuing loyalty, good advice, and virtual Prosecco. Big hugs and forever love to my Savvy Seven sisters.

  No acknowledgments could be complete without mentioning my first family. I’ve been blessed to have a mother who made me believe I could, a brilliant and loving dad, a funny and loyal brother, and the best sister anyone’s ever had. Thank you to Joanne and Larry, for all the love, encouragement, and puppy-sitting. And thank you to the rest of my friends and family for your support and for just making life good.

  The Hidden Saga

  Hidden Deep

  Hidden Heart

  Hidden Hope

  Hidden Darkness (Dark Court, 1)

  Hidden Danger (Dark Court, 2)

  Hidden Desire (Dark Court, 3)

  Hidden Game (Ancient Court, 1)

  Hidden Magic (Ancient Court, 2)

  Hidden Hero (Ancient Court, 3)

  About the Author

  Amy Patrick grew up in Mississippi (with a few years in Texas thrown in for spicy flavor) and has lived in six states, including Rhode Island, where she now lives with her husband and two sons.

  She’s been a professional singer, a DJ, a voiceover artist, and a TV news anchor/reporter where she wrote about true crime, medical anomalies, and mayhem. Then she retired to make up her own stories full-time. Hers have a lot more kissing.

  A note from Amy: I love to hear from my readers! Feel free to contact me on Instagram, Twitter, and my Faceboo
k page (where I hang out the most and respond to every comment.) And be sure to sign up for my newsletter here and follow me on Bookbub so you’ll be the first to hear the latest news from the Hidden world as well as other new books I have in the works!

  www.amypatrickbooks.com

  [email protected]