Outlaw of the Wildwood, #6 in the Bonded Realms Series
July 13, 2026, Edwards and Williams
Can he help her steal back her throne before she steals his heart?
The charming outlaw Xan Alakar gave up his thieving ways to serve the new seer and help repel the army that has invaded their land. But when the seer sends him on a quest for a creature that can aid them, he never expects to be captured by the new outlaw of the wildwood or for that outlaw to be a well-armed, quick-witted woman!
Princess Genneva of Farende was the court darling, until the army from a neighboring island invaded her country, imprisoned her father and mother, and sent her and her brother, the crown prince, into hiding. In disguise, she's followed the enemy to this new land, where it is said the people have magic that might help her retake the throne. But nothing prepares her for the power emanating from the handsome man she's taken prisoner, a power that threatens not only her plans but her heart.
As Xan and Genny work together to defeat their mutual enemy, sparks fly and loyalties are tested. In the end, there can be only one ruler. Could it be the outlaw of the wildwood?
Tropes: Robin Hood vibes, royal in disguise, knows the other's secret, rich girl-poor boy, forced proximity, captive, atonement
A Little Taste
Genny wasn't sure what Xan intended, but he strode along the base of the rocks, gaze fixed on them. The cliff was so craggy here that the snow had little purchase, frosting a few of the gray and black stones. Ahead, like a scar, a fissure ran from bottom to top. He pulled her into it.
As the shadows covered them, Genny blinked to focus her eyes. The rocks surrounded them on three sides, moss heavy wherever a surface flattened. A few brave plants swayed in the breeze that swept up the cliff, as if they too shivered in the cold. At the very back of the narrow space, a tree reached bare fingers toward a patch of sunlight.
"Five members of the Vanguard," Xan murmured, gaze on the opening as if he expected company any moment, "searching for your brother."
Genny frowned. "How do you know they're searching for Nat?"
"They mentioned him by name." His gaze stopped roaming and dropped to her. "Prince Anatole of Farende. Do I have that right, Princess?"
Oh. Genny winced. "Yes, you do." Then she raised her chin. "But if you insist on formality, it is Your Royal Highness, Princess Genneva of Farende."
Xan bowed as much as the crevice would allow. "Your Royal Highness." He straightened and peeled off his cloak to tie it around his middle. "We're going to climb this cliff and put ourselves out of their reach. I'll go first and show you where to place your hands and feet. All you have to do is follow my lead."
He spoke the words slowly, as if expecting her to protest. Did he think her a child? Everyone at home knew how to navigate cliffs. Farende had only one harbor, and that was reserved for the ships that were its lifeblood. Ships allowed them to harvest the snout-nosed freyd with its delicate white flesh. Ships allowed them to trade with their neighbors for wool and grain. And cliffs allowed everyone else to reach the shore to dig for clams and other burrowing shellfish. Even a princess was expected to be able to climb a cliff.
"I'll try to keep up," she said.
He eyed the rocks again, then positioned his hands against two outcroppings. She would probably have chosen the same. But she tsked when he angled his leg for a toehold.
"Not there," she said. "That black rock will serve you better."
He glanced back. "I have lived in these woods most of my life, Princess. I know how to climb."
Genny waved a hand. "By all means, show me."
He started up again. Not a bad approach. Each heave lifted him higher and showed off lean muscles. But pebbles trickled down as he wore away at the cliff face, and once a larger rock tumbled to land near her feet.
Worse, she could hear movement in the woods beyond the crevice. She glanced up at Xan, who was nearly at the top. It would take too long to follow his route. She repositioned her bow, quiver, and pack for better balance, then set out.
He crawled onto the ground at the top and turned. Then his eyes widened.
She scrambled up beside him. "It's trickier in the cold, isn't it?"
It was rather gratifying how his mouth hung open.
Connected Books
Outlaw of the Wildwood is the sixth book in the Bonded Realms series. The others include
- Seer of the Wildwood, Book 1
- Emissary of the Hidden, Book 2
- Huntress of the Citadel, Book 3
- Singer of the Dawn, Book 4
- Lady of the Fire, Book 5
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