Oak King Holly King Series by Sebastian Nothwell

Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams... moreShrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. less

Shrike, the fae Butcher of Blackthorn, and Wren Lofthouse, a mortal Victorian clerk, are bound together by love and fate. Their continued adventures (and those of their friends) are told in this collection of fantastical tales following the story of Oak King Holly King, including. .. Mabon. Wherein Shrike and Wren repay their debt to the Court of Hidden Folk. Mr Grigsby's Clerk. Wherein Mr Grigsby finds a replacement for Wren - and perhaps more than he bargained for. Jack in the Green... moreShrike, the fae Butcher of Blackthorn, and Wren Lofthouse, a mortal Victorian clerk, are bound together by love and fate. Their continued adventures (and those of their friends) are told in this collection of fantastical tales following the story of Oak King Holly King, including. .. Mabon. Wherein Shrike and Wren repay their debt to the Court of Hidden Folk. Mr Grigsby's Clerk. Wherein Mr Grigsby finds a replacement for Wren - and perhaps more than he bargained for. Jack in the Green. Wherein a certain Horse Guard wanders into Blackthorn Briar. Winter Solstice. Wherein the Holly King surrenders to the Oak King. The Holly King's Peril. Wherein Wren and Shrike discover danger in the wilds of the Fae Realms. The Ballad of Daniel Durst. Wherein Daniel embarks on his authentic life in a bold new land. less