by F.T. Lukens
First published 2022
Arek never planned past fulfilling the prophecy. He yanks a magical sword from a bog and clumsily beheads the evil king of Ere. His quest companions celebrate, but now what? His best friend Matt, a mage, convinces Arek to take the throne temporarily until they rescue the rightful heir. But she's already dead. Arek becomes king permanently, and the crown carries a deadly curse. He must choose a spouse before his eighteenth birthday in three months, or he'll wither away to nothing. Only Matt knows the secret. Arek desperately tries to woo his former quest companions, but each attempt fails spectacularly. His romantic fumbling grows more painful and ridiculous with each rejection. Meanwhile, the answer to his problem might be standing right beside him. This story follows the chosen one after victory, when saving the kingdom becomes the easy part.
Genres: fiction, romance, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Ere
341 pages · Hardcover · Margaret K. McElderry Books