Royal Wings

by Ella Walker Henderson

Augusta is the first princess in a hundred years to become a rider of the creatures in the sky. She’s led a pampered life, but she’ll throw all of that away to fly. Every sword fight in the mud and every night she sleeps on the hard ground will be worth it.

On the day of Choosing, when she’s about to step in front of the crowd, Rorius Secondus shoves into her from behind on a hillside slope, sending her sprawling into the mud. She won’t look weak and refuses to use her royal status as a crutch. So she does what any sane woman would do. She slaps him across the face, leaving a red mark for him to remember her by.

If anything, Rori grows more intrigued. Though they’ve joined different divisions, neither of them can ignore the other. When rumors spread of slavery in a neighboring island kingdom, Augusta and Rori are part of the mission assigned to investigate.

Rori explored those seas growing up with his merchant father and will aid the experienced commanders with navigation. Augusta is less than pleased with her own role, a temptation of marriage to the prince to ensure their welcome into a hostile nation.

But Augusta can’t ignore the rising tension with Rori that only grows on their journey, no matter the many lines that separate them.

Genres: Romantasy

111 pages

Published September 29, 2025

About the author

Ella Walker Henderson is the author of character driven epic fantasy, full of adventure and a dash of romance. Some of her favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers, the heroine's journey, and the chosen duo's quest. She writes about women who must fight for what they love, whether on a battlefield or among friends. As she's always a fan of a good plot twist, you may not know which characters to trust.

Reviews

[Kell X · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella. I was glued and stuck to the pages and I just couldn't put it down until the last word.
First of all, who doesn't love dragons? And better yet, dragons with a sense of humor? Priceless!
Then the romance.. all that enemies to lovers vibe and the denial, the banter, the pinning for each other. Both main characters were strong and fierce and even when they clashed we could see something hidden behing all that. Their interest was hidden but slowly confidence, friendship and love started to grow.
The side characters were easily relatable too, and throughout the story we ended loving all of them
Perfect begining to a new series! I can't wait for what's to come next!

[Stephanie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another knockout! I really wish this was a book in the series rather than a novella. I need more of Augusta and Rori's story!

I'm glad I read the novella after Book 1 as I had the deeper base of the world, kingdoms, dragons, divisions, etc. already understood. This gave a great glimpse into the history of the Orinthia feude with Farlonia and Tiberia.

Lysandrus is probably my favourite character in this one - he made me chuckle a few times with his dragon banter. Augusta is so empowered to do what's right and uses her royal position for the good that I just can't help root for her in every turn of the page.

I'm patiently awaiting the release of Book 2 in this series!

[Leigh W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A princess hasn't been a candidate to become an Aeros in over a hundred years. This didn't stop Princess Augusta from attending the Choosing and joining the ranks. She knew the whispers and gossip would follow that her father pampered her, which only strove to push her harder. So when Rori appears to intimidate her she doesn't stand down. But she can't quite shake his following eyes or how she keeps searching for him as well. Now assigned to a mission to find out if the gossip of slave trading to be true, Augusta not only finds it odd she is chosen when she isn't even a true Aero but that Rori is there too. Maybe she can get more answers than she expects on this mission.

This novella sets the tone for the series that is coming. This is a prequel story that helps to introduce family lines along with concepts and events we will be seeing more of. I was expecting Dragon Rider of Pern vibes but got something a little different which was unexpected and pleasant. I'm looking forward to this series and seeing how this novella influences the series to come.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Dragons and a princess! Augusta is the first of the royal family in 100 years to become a dragon rider. She has much to prove to herself and her family, but the first major hurdle was being chosen by a dragon. Once achieved now it's on to strengthening their bind, but learning to train and fly as a unit.

I really enjoyed this novella. Augusta is brave and fighting to be her own person with royal blood. But more than thay she cherishes the bond with her beautiful dragon and all the amazing insight he gives her. I know this story takes place 100 years before the new series starts, but I am fascinated to see how her actions will carry far into the future.

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Wings is a prequel of a new Fantasy romance. This story follows Augusta the Princess who wants to be a Dionys Aero. I love how she doesn’t want to follow the political path but become a dragon Ryder. She is a strong character, willing to do the right thing and fight with the other Aero’s. I love the connection she has with the other Characters, Bhar, Georgia’s, and Rori. They each protect her in their own way. lastly I love the connection these riders have with their chosen dragons. I really enjoyed the beginning of Augusta’s journey and can’t wait to read more.

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.

[C.A. Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the novella, Royal Wings, so much! The action scenes were excellent, with a sense of flying. The creatures are stars of the story. Even though the story goes by quickly, there’s still time for the princess to gain some character growth. She’s spunky and willing to learn. There’s also a cute romance that starts on the wrong foot. It’s a fabulous little standalone and available for free when you sign up for Ella Walker Henderson’s newsletter.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

ROYAL WINGS is a darling story of a princess trying to become an Aeros, an elite dragon rider. At the same time, she’s learning the ways of love and the responsibilities of royal leadership. It’s definitely best for young adults and should be advertised as such in my opinion.

[Alyssa Biggerstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Royal Wings pulled me in from the very first chapter. The story had a great mix of emotion, action, and mystery! I didn’t want to put it down and now I just want more. Highly recommend!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly did love this little novella. I just wish it was a little longer & gave us a little bit more. I know this is a prequel to Wings of Night, which I absolutely love! I just feel this wasn’t fully finished.

[LiAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect prequel novella for wings of night! Augusta is a power house princess setting the tone for future female riders!!!

[Lauren Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good Novella! I want more of Rori and Augusta’s story!!

[Charity Bushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how it shows the history of the series to come. I could see another series just from the way it ended with continuing in the past. Loved it.