The King's Pursuit - L.R. Patton

A singular obsession. A safe hiding place. A never-ending search.
The king's guard has been searching all the lands of the realm for the missing Fairendale children. But, alas, Captain Sir Greyson has returned, after many days, to report to King Willis that no children have been found. The king, quite angry at this disappointing news, orders another search, this one closer to home—right inside the dangerous Weeping Woods.
While the captain rallies all the king's men and Prince Virgil wrestles with a great longing to see his friends again, the people of the village rise from their beds, summoned to life by miraculous taps on their doors. And somewhere in the forest, another story begins to move—will it mean safety or more danger for the missing children?
The King's Pursuit is the second 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.