A magical boy. A jealous prince. A dangerous discovery. The Treacherous Secret is a dark but invigorating beginning to an epic fantasy series inspired by well known fairy tales, fables and nursery rhymes, from award-winning author L.R. Patton. This fast-paced literary fantasy is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, The Land of Stories, A Tale Dark and Grimm, and The Tale of Despereaux. Prince Virgil, son of the ruling king of Fairendale, carries a dark secret-a secret that could very well mean the loss of his claim to the throne. He has told no one, and no one must know. But a prophetess shows up at the castle with the news that there is another boy, born in the village, who carries the gift of magic-the single most important requirement for ruling the kingdom of Fairendale-and the prince must decide between love, which would mean saving his best friend, and envy, which would mean keeping the throne. The Treacherous Secret is the first book in the Fairendale series, a magical middle grade series that explores the world of fairy tales, dragons, wizards, and other magical creatures. The world of Fairendale revolves around villains and heroes-all on a quest for what they believe is right. But one cannot always know, at first glance, who is the villain and who is the hero. Throughout the series, the story of King Willis and his determination to keep the throne is woven into the story of his son, Prince Virgil, heir to the throne and friend to the village children, and the story of fairy tale children fleeing for their lives-children who become what we know as fairy tale villains, for one good reason or another. But, remember, one cannot always know, at first glance, who is the villain and who is the hero.