Sunshine

At dawn the next morning, they all stood in the mouth of the dragon, perched high above the valley below. There was a hidden path near the jaw of the beast that cut through the stone and down the face of the mountain. As Lianna peaked over the sheer drop she felt a rush of excitement, despite what they expected her to do. She had come a long way in the last two months, gone was the shy woodland creature, and in her place, a wild restless spirit had sprung forth. Lianna hardly recognized herself in the fiery young women she was becoming.

Several horses were tethered in the clearing at the base of the mountain. All four members of the dragon guard would accompany her to meet the man who was destroying their land and enslaving their people. She turned as Sylva called her name.

“Please hurry back Your Highness. This old mountain was just starting to feel like home again.” A tear streaked down her withered face. Lianna raised a hand to wipe it away.

“I will bring them back to you friend.” She promised, her power flaring at the whispered oath.

“Bring yourself back too, please.” Was the housekeeper’s only reply before she went to stand with the rest of the staff she had come to think of as her friends.

“I will,” she told them with a wink and a smile before she dove off of the cliff headfirst. She heard them shouting and pointing as she slowly shifted into her beast, not allowing the swift flash to diminish her exit. She was the first dragon born in nearly three hundred years. She was proud to be so and loved the cheer that met her beasts’ ears as the onlookers roared their approval.

Gold wings flared up, catching her weight in the updraft, just before she would have hit the ground. The horses reared in fright as the beast answered the thundering cheer with a roar of her own. She soared back up and around, the dawning rays of the sun reflecting her red and gold scales in shimmering waves that made the red mountain glow as she passed.

The wind in her face was icy and she loved the feel of it against her feverish skin. It gave her energy and she felt as if she could fly for days. Stretching her wings, she flew ahead of her escort, scouting out the terrain she had not been able to see on her dark journey to the palace weeks ago. The path was narrow and steep between the two mountains that guarded her new home, her guards however knew it well and kept a steady pace that would lead them into the heart of the ash forest by nightfall.

For a moment she wondered if they would cross paths with any of the wolves. What would Eris think of her now if he could see her as she truly was? Would he hate her as his mother did? Or would he still see her like a lost child in need of support and direction? She pushed the questions aside; she would worry about that if she met him again. All she wanted to do was not think about anything and enjoy the flight that made her senses come alive with freedom.

The sun had begun to sink, and she looked for a place to land that was far enough away from the males she would not embarrass herself if she landed in a streambed again. She snorted and a puff of smoke accompanied the odd sound. A small clearing appeared near the tree line where frozen grass met red rock along the edge of the mountainside. It was still pretty far from the river, but it would not take long to reach it the next morning. She aimed down and eased into a glide that would bring her right over the top of the landing site. Lianna managed to tilt up her wings, slowing herself down over the exact spot she had chosen. She hovered briefly for a moment, stretching her legs out to the ground, but she moved too quickly, raising her wings, and she dropped like a stone the last ten feet.

Lianna shifted in a flash when her knees buckled beneath her weight, her white traveling gown bunched around her waist as she lifted onto her elbows; glancing around to make sure no one had seen her very disgraceful landing. Seeing no gawking faces she sat up and began the monumental task of trying to tame her hair back into some semblance of order.

She was still sitting on the rock trying to compose her appearance when the felines found her moments later. The look on Seth’s face told her that her efforts were not paying off, and she stuck her tongue out at him in a childish gesture. Five horses came trotting up behind them, their intelligent eyes flaring as they caught her scent. They pranced nervously but did not flee.

Her attention turned back to her guard as they shifted almost in unison, then went about collecting firewood and setting up her royal tent.

“Queens do not sleep on rocks under an open sky.” Sylva had admonished when Lianna had protested the need for such a thing. The males worked together quickly and efficiently, centuries of practice making their movements seem like a well-organized play.

She stood and walked to them hesitantly, wondering if they might let her help. After doing everything for herself for so long, it felt odd to have someone else do all the work for her. So, she began picking up the firewood they were heaping in a pile near the tent. She stacked them in a neat peak and held out her hand before it, letting sparks fly from her fingertips. The familiar tickly sensation sending shots of pleasure through her. She felt eyes on her and turned to see Dorius watching her from beside the tent. He had just finished tethering the horses to a thin ash tree several feet away. She saw the distrust in his eyes before he lowered them back to the ground.

Her light mood instantly vanished. She knew that the people would be afraid of her and her powers. She had noticed the vile way the wolves had stared her down once they understood what she could do. They had not even known the true extent of it. They had not known she was an actual dragon, instead of just a very powerful fire welder. She would have to keep her beast well in hand the entire time she was in the city.

How many of them had seen firsthand the evil Lucien had spawned? Would they always associate her with that evil? She had never felt more alone in her entire life, than at that moment. Even back in her valley. Before her dragon had appeared, people did not fear her or mistrust her on sight. Her brow furrowed at the thought, and she found Dorius once again eyeing her warily.

“Don’t let Dorius’s sullen looks get to you, Majesty.” Lucas’s young voice said from behind her. She turned towards him, deciding to try her best to convince them they had nothing to fear from her.

“He looks that way at everyone.” Lucas stretched his hands towards the fire. Lianna let her power flare, and the heat radiating from the flames intensified immediately. The boy scooted back a few inches and sat down.

“Dorius is the oldest of us all, Highness, and prickly as bear in the spring.” Nathaniel laughed his input as he came closer to enjoy the warmth of the flames.

“He even grew up with Lucien, raised in the same caves and all.” A warning growl sounded from the darkness behind the tent. The object of their conversation strode forward and dropped a large doe on the ground at her feet. He gave a mocking bow before he turned on his heel and stalked away, back into the darkness.

Green eyes narrowed and her temper surfaced. With a wave of her hand, the carcass began to sizzle and pop. The skin boiled off in fluffy tufts. Her eyes began to glow, and she ignored the two males who watched in fascinated horror. With a flick of her wrist, the creature’s neck snapped, and the entrails were yanked out by invisible hands to be thrown into the fire with a loud hiss.

That’s when Seth walked up took one look at her, then the three males watching in some mixture of awe and disgust.

“Stop showing off.” He commanded her. She stopped, her beast growling its frustration. Lianna took a deep breath forcing her anger back into its iron cage, knowing that this was not the way to win hearts.

“I am sorry.” She said meekly “I let my temper get the best of me.”

That got a startled look from Dorius, the one who had sparked her ire. She narrowed her eyes at him and stuck out her tongue before she turned towards the fire and sat down, determined to ignore him. Lianna could feel his eyes boring a hole in her back, but she tried to ignore him as she reached for the sizzling meat in front of her. Pulling off a tender piece behind the shoulder blades, she began to chew slowly.

“Well, I for one am not going to get upset over the quickness with which she prepared our supper,” Nathaniel said. She smiled at him appreciatively and then gave him her most radiant grin as he threw a chunk of bread at her. She caught it easily and saluted him.

When they were finished with the meal Lianna tossed the bone into the fire.

“I guess I should get some rest for tomorrow’s long ride.” She offered them as an excuse to escape to the privacy of the tent and was thankful the housekeeper had insisted on them bringing it. She crawled into her bed of soft furs and snuggled in deep. The soft but firm sleeping place reminding her of the cabin she had left behind with its simple lifestyle and uncomplicated routines.

She felt like she had just closed her eyes when a high-pitched howl broke through the night. She shot straight up, her beast’s instincts taking over without a thought. She quickly rose to her feet and ran for the flap that separated her from the guards outside. Lucas was just sitting up, rubbing sleep from his eyes, but Nathaniel had not even budged. His loud snores cutting through the silence like a knife. Seth and Dorius were nowhere to be seen.

She tried not to panic and cast her power out in search, her aura picked up on a group of warm bodies just on the other side of the tree line to the East. She approached them slowly, not knowing what she would find. Mumbling voices became clearer as her sensitive fae ears twitched in their direction.

“She is here?” A snarling feminine voice demanded. Lianna recognized that voice, and it had her beasts growling in unrequited rage. She felt the threatening step the woman took toward Seth, but her warning snarl was too far away to be heard yet.

She was close enough now to make out the four people in the clearing, Seth was facing off with Erin and Varise; Dorius was standing back watching the scene unfold, much as she was. His ears pointed in her direction before his eyes darted towards hers, yet he said nothing as his eyes found her in the darkness. He held her gaze for a moment before turning his attention back to the group in front of him.

“She had nothing to do with your son’s disappearance! I found her alone after she escaped one of Errewyns mines.” Seth growled.

“He went after her.” The Omega growled taking another threatening step towards Seth. It took every ounce of will power in her body to keep from jumping across the distance and scratching her eyes out. Then the words suddenly took root in her mind.

Eris had gone after her.

He had tried to help her. Lianna tried not to let her guilt choke her as she remembered the feel of his cool fingers clutching her own beneath the table; the way his ice had soothed her panicking beast when everyone else had turned on her.

“How did she get out of those camps? One small girl against so many guards, when no one has managed to escape since the damned place opened thirty years ago?” Erin demanded.

“I do not know, didn’t think to ask.” Seth lied smoothly.

“The girl will not lead you to your son if that’s what you have in mind. We are on our way now to meet her father and discuss those very same mines right now and you will not stand in our way.” His voice was as cold as steel as he argued with the she-wolf.

“Let me see the girl. I want to question her myself,” Varise demanded, her lip curling in a sneer that had Lianna’s dragon wondering what wolf tasted like. That was the final straw. She had had enough.

“Then ask me yourself, dog.” She threw the insult at her like a firebolt as she stepped up to their small circle surprising herself with the visciousness. She would not be the victim here; she was no longer that scared little girl who could barely stomach the thought of her own power. Now she reveled in it, wrapped it around her like a crown of glowing flames.

The woman let out a snarl, her eyes jumping to Lianna’s in barely controlled rage. Lianna let her power roll out before her like a thunder cloud. She had the pleasure of seeing the woman’s eyes widen just a little bit before it was quickly masked in fury.

“YOU! You stole his mind and made him follow you!” She hurled the accusation at Lianna. “He tried to help you and you lead him to his doom.” The last word came out as a sob, Varise’s body doubled over as if she was in actual pain. She watched the woman mourn for her son like he was already dead.

“Where did he go?” Lianna spoke to Erin, who was holding his wife’s shuddering body. She did not bother to deny the absurd notion of stealing his mind.

“We tracked him to the North and lost his scent near the falls. The king’s spies were everywhere, and we had to turn back. Damned pigeons.” He cursed the birds. They were probably the same ones who had ambushed her by the river.

“It must be a good ambush spot, it’s where they got me.” Lianna’s eyes flew to Seth’s and he gave her a warning look as if he already knew what she wanted to do.

Erin caught the look and stepped forward, letting his wife hold her own weight.

“What do you know?” He demanded as he took an offensive step toward her. Lianna would not back down.

“There is a mine at the base of the cliff.” Was all she gave him.

“You led him into a trap!” Varise flung at her. “No one escapes those mines! We have watched them take people for years, and not even one has been able to get away!” The Omega’s voice shook with emotion, as she waved her fist in Lianna’s direction.

Lianna’s dragon roared her rage, steam curling from her mouth as she lunged for the selfish creature who knelt before her. Grabbing the bitch by the throat she felt the woman’s power try to well up and protect her, but Lianna would not allow it, the beast swatted it aside as if it were a bothersome fly.

“You watched, as they kidnapped people for thirty damned years and did nothing?! How dare you insult me with your presence? You are a coward!” She spat in her face. “ I will save your son, but not for you.” Lianna flung her backward with fiery eyes and watched her fall to the ground some feet away before the woman raised her hands to soothe her burned neck.

“I will go get him, but only because he showed me kindness when no one else would. You do not deserve him.” She spat a sizzling spark of flame at the woman’s feet, and saw with satisfaction, the fear that rose to her face. She turned and stomped back to the tent. Frozen grass, steaming in her wake.

Seth had watched in silent fascination as his queen put the Omega in her place. Yes, she would save him, she would save them all. Her wild instincts and innocent outrage were exactly what they needed. He turned to follow her and noted Dorius’s stunned features. The ancient male had probably not witnessed a temper like that since Lucien. Lianna fought for justice however, just like Rowan had; even refusing to use the power of her mind that would give her the edge over them all.

The cool light of dawn broke over the mountain peaks just as they finished packing up camp. The wolves had disappeared, probably headed back for their dens, tales tucked between their legs. The atmosphere was tense, and he had not dared to approach Lianna yet, who seemed to barely contain the beast prowling just beneath her skin. The other guards had steered clear of her as well, hurrying about their tasks as if the hounds of hell were chasing them. When everything was ready to move he took a deep breath, clearing his throat to announce his presence behind her. She did not turn or acknowledge him in any way.

“My Queen.” He began. She whirled to face him, hands fisted at her sides.

“Do not call me that!” She hissed at him, anger poured from her in waves, making his feline want to run and hide, but something else; something in her eyes told him she was panicking on the inside. The flare of her nostrils and slight lowering of her chin made his gut knot.

“Do we go to rescue the wayward pup, or go to the castle and beseech my father? What if Eris is not there? What if they took him to another mine? You said yourself that they are hidden all over on either side of the mountains.” The words came from her in a rush, and he felt her confusion wrap around him in a blanket of despair.

“You have to be able to control yourself when we pass beyond the mountains, Lianna. Errewyn hated dragons with fierceness and had them exterminated one by one. If he finds out about your true nature…” Seth did not let himself finish the thought. He watched as panic filled her eyes and she began to tremble in fear.

Something inside him snapped, propriety be damned. He reached for, pulling her into him and holding her. Lianna’s fingers curled into his shirt and he felt the hot tears soak through the thin fabric, scalding his chest where they touched his skin. He did not flinch. Seth ran a hand down her back, offering her some small comfort. He tried not to think about what the other members of the guard made of this display.

“The decision is yours, Lianna.” It was the first time he had used her given name and it tasted like heaven on his tongue. She pulled away from him slowly. Her green eyes were glassy, and he heard her swallow a thick lump in her throat. The frightened girl in front of him slowly straightened, pale lids closed over tear-swollen eyes and she squared her shoulders. When she opened them again, he sucked in a deep breath and almost felt sorry for the king when she said;

“I think it’s time I met my father.”

He watched as his queen turned and leaped onto the nearest horse’s back in a smooth motion. The animal reared in surprise, but she held on, digging her heels into its white flanks. The poor creature took off, its tail lifted in terror of the beast on it’s back. He watched as the other three guards stared after her and had to stifle a chuckle. He knew what they were thinking. He had thought it so many times since he had met her. They were thinking that they didn’t know what to think of the violent personality shifts, that was the beast warring with the innocent girl who shared the same body.

Dorius was the first to recover himself, swinging atop his giant black steed and racing off to catch up. Seth waited until both Nathaniel and Lucas were mounted and ready before following behind.

Lianna pushed her mare as far as she could over the next two days, only stopping to rest for a few hours to eat dried berries and bread when the poor animal was covered in sweat. The ride had been long and tense. The original goal of just gaining information had now turned into a rescue mission. She had not seen or felt the wolves following them and so assumed they had returned to their den.

Good. She did not want to have to explain to Eris why she had dismembered and set fire to his mother.

Keeping her eyes on the road before her, she kept her beast on a tight leash, walking her horse through the streets that housed most of her father’s kingdom at the moment. Seth had been right about most of the working-aged males being absent. The city itself had probably once been beautiful, the golden cobblestone streets were lined with wooden rails and lamp posts. The flowerpots were no longer colorful but filled with bare limbs and brambles. The white buildings looked like squat little ghost houses beneath the cloud-covered sky. The ominous chill in the still air warning of impending snow.

She took note of the haggard faces that watched their slow journey towards the castle walls. Their faces were drawn and worried. No children played in the street, no laughter to greet her ears, only quiet sadness and despair. Women and children huddled in small groups, their breath fogging the cold air around them. Most wore threadbare clothes and had the children walking around draped in thin blankets. Her heart ached for them.

She knew that feeling all too well. She had felt that way almost every day since her beast had sprung to life within her, and her peaceful existence in the valley had been stripped away from her. She cast her aura out behind her, needing to feel Seth’s steady presence.

“I am here.” He seemed to say into her mind. And so, she kept her steady pace all the way to the wrought iron gate that blocked their entry to the castle’s inner sanctum, wrapping that despair around her and turning it into an iron shield.

“Who goes there?” A hard voice yelled down to her from the tower above.

Lianna threw back her hood and looked up at the man.

“I am Lianna Bloodstone, and I have come to speak with the King.” Her voice was solid and did not betray the trembling that had seized her body.

She held her breath; not knowing if more would be demanded until with a loud groan, the portcullis began to rise. She waited until it was high enough for her to pass beneath before she continued into the large courtyard. A stable boy came running out to greet her and take the reins from her gloved hands. She waited for her guards to dismount and come to stand beside her before she began moving toward the main entrance of the castle. A stuffy looking male dressed in the royal colors of red and gold opened the door for her. The males spread out behind her as if protecting her from any threat in that direction.

Lianna was not afraid as she was led through the front hall. The red stone was nowhere near as grand as her palace, but the furnishings were more ostentatious. The overindulgence made her want to gag when she thought of the poor wretches outside who were near to starved and half-frozen.

“May I inquire as to the reason for your visit, My Lady?” The balding male asked tonelessly as he led them into a small parlor room.

“You can tell him, that his daughter is here to meet him.” She smiled at the subtle change of expression she saw flash across his face.

“Very well, My Lady.” And he disappeared through the same door they had just entered. The sitting room was decorated in the same lavish red and gold upholstery as if he was overcompensating for his lack of royal bloodlines. Although, some of his blood must run true if he had sired her. The windows looking out on the courtyard below offered a sad view indeed and did nothing to ease the tension between her shoulders. The majordomo reappeared and beckoned them to follow. When they reached an ornately carved doorway, the standing guards refused to let her own guards enter the chamber with her. She steeled herself and gave them a tight nod. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and raised her chin a few notches. She was Lianna Bloodstone, the last remaining dragon in the land. She would not be afraid. Lianna strode into the chamber as if she owned the place.

She found the king sitting on a dais, in what had to be the throne room. The majestic chair he sat in looked like it had been carved from giant golden rock, plush red cushions padding the seat; the only available seat to be found.

She walked directly to the foot of the pedestal and allowed herself to finally look upon his face.

In shock. His bright red hair was the same color as her own. Bushy eyebrows sat low over moss-green eyes as he stared open-mouthed at her in return. Their features were nearly identical. The major difference being several days-worth of bristly whiskers covering the lower portion of his face from nose to chin, and the rolls of skin that could not be hidden beneath it.

He stood abruptly, his rotund figure not escaping her eye as he stalked toward her, his swagger more of a waddle in the thick fur robes that flowed around him.

She did not bow. She did not even lower her chin, as he circled her, judging her like a prized cow. He stopped in front of her and met her eyes. She felt his aura of power slither up against her own and clamped a strong iron band around her beast. She watched his eyes widen and felt the odd tickle of sensation streak through her head.

She felt her control slip a bit and the dragon inside her lifted its beautiful head. She clenched her fists at her sides, struggling to keep herself in check. The king was still watching her silently, nostrils flaring in recognition. He opened his mouth to speak, just as a servant announced another visitor.

“What now?” He yelled over his shoulder, not even sparing a glance in the poor fool’s direction. His gaze was cool and calculating as it roamed over her figure. She was still wearing her white traveling gown, and the irony struck her that even their attire matched as if they had purposefully coordinated this meeting.

“Lord Sorea of Lands’ End, to see you, Majesty.” The monotonous voice heralded.

It was an effort not to break the king’s stare and look at the male who sauntered into the room like he owned the place. Errewyn looked away first, and Lianna let out her breath. She dared a glance at the newcomer. He was looking at her too. His eyes widened momentarily, before shutting out all emotion entirely. So, he did recognize her. Her already irregular heartbeat slammed into her chest. Sweat beaded on her brow and she prayed he would keep his mouth shut.

“What do you want Sorea?” The king demanded, turning his full attention to the dark lord who had interrupted their meeting. Onyx eyes clashed with green and she watched as the lord lifted his hand to examine a bit of dirt under his nails. Lianna had to admit that he was surely a match for this swaggering oaf of a king.

“You promised me something, and I have grown bored waiting. I wish to leave today.” He sounded bored. His piercing black gaze found hers again, before returning to the king.

“Although it looks like things might have just taken an interesting turn. Who is this divine creature, and where have you been hiding her?” Lianna’s aura tried to lash out, to connect with that of the stranger standing before her as he finished demanding an introduction. She felt the blood drain from her face. Who was he? Why did her power reach for him so? He must have read something on her face, his nostrils flared, and he quickly turned back to the king.

Errewyn looked her over one more time before answering him. “My daughter.” He said simply to the room at large.

A collective gasp circled the room, swiftly turning into loud murmurs. Lianna lowered her eyes in feigned demureness. She made herself sink into a perfect curtsy, her back ramrod straight as she bowed her head in acknowledgment of his approval.

The king met her eyes again.

“You will stay here and dine with me tonight.” He said as he moved back to his chair, waving a negligent hand in obvious dismissal. The male still stared at her. He was every bit as beautiful as she remembered. His skin the color of burnt ash wood; dark tan blended with warm alabaster. His tall muscled frame looked tense under his loose-fitting black suit. His ebony hair was slicked back from his forehead and curled wistfully behind his pointed ears.

“Does the lost princess have a name?” The sound of his voice rolled over her like warm honey, and her gut tightened in response.

She dipped her head, lowering her eyes that she was sure had started to glow under his scrutiny.

“Lianna.” She answered for the king who had not even asked before waving her off.

“I think I have changed my mind about leaving today.” Sorea turned his attention abruptly back to the king. The rest of their conversation went unheard as the spell broke and Lianna had to force herself not to run for the door. Unfortunately, the damned fool was still standing between her and the exit. She walked around him quickly, not daring to look back at his face. She felt his dark aura reach out and caress hers as she passed, the intimate touch felt like a brand on her senses and she stifled a gasp, hastening her step.

Out in the hall, her guard met her with worried looks. She took a deep steadying breath and smiled.

“We have been invited to dine with the King.” She managed to say without trembling. They followed the stoic servant through a maze of hallways until Lianna felt hopelessly lost in the labyrinth. He stopped before a small arched doorway and bowed low.

“Your men are to have the chambers directly across from yours, Highness.” Was all he said before he disappeared down the long hall. Lianna could not bring herself to meet Seth’s questioning gaze, and so she turned her back on him and shut the door quickly behind her.

She leaned back against the cool wooden surface, needing to feel something solid at her back. She could still feel the warm pressure of Sorea’s power gently prodding her.

She eased her grip on the beast inside her and felt the dragon stretch out, like molten lava in her veins. Her body felt heavy and thick, throbbing in places she did not want to think about. It was as if he had cast a spell on her, her thoughts were in chaos. Because after he had walked into that throne room, all thought of her rescue mission had disappeared from her mind entirely. He commanded her attention without even trying, sucking all the space from the room until only he remained.

Lianna shook her head and tried to banish the feeling as she walked to the small washbasin perched on a table near the wall. She splashed the cool water in her face wondering what she should do while she waited. Maybe she should take a nap until someone came to fetch her for dinner.

A small knock on the door had Lianna bolting upright a few hours later trying to remember where she was. She sighed in resignation as memory flooded through her. “Come in,” she called her green eyes still sticky with sleep.

A young maid came in carrying a large white box. She laid it on the foot of the bed.

“What is this?” Her eyes met the servant’s smile.

“A gift for the lost princess.” She said as if it had been rehearsed. Lianna remembered Sorea’s words from their earlier encounter and had to hide her shock. “Oh, everyone in the castle is talking about you, even the girls in the West wing who are taking care of that fancy dark lord, could not stop asking about you.”

The girl walked to the window and flung the curtains back to reveal the golden beauty of the setting sun.

Lianna stood and moved to the box, barely listening to the chatty girl. Removing the lid, she gasped in awe and pure feminine delight. She pulled the fragile cloth from the box, holding it out in front of her to see it properly. It was not quite gold, or red, but some stunning color in between. The sleeves were made of intricately woven lace flowers that would only reach to her elbows, but would trail down her sides to her knees. The neckline was daringly low and decorated with more of the stunning bits of lace embroidered with butterflies. The bright orange silk was like water in her hands.

The maid even shut up when she saw the beautiful dress.

“Oh, Your Highness! It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!” She exclaimed. Lianna listened in a daze as more servants came in bearing a large wooden bathing tub and buckets of water. They offered her a choice of fragrant soaps, and she was delighted when the maid produced the orange vial containing her new favorite scent calling it citrus. An hour later, she felt every bit the pampered princess when she stood before the long oval looking glass and beheld her reflection.

Lianna hardly recognized the woman standing before her. The gown seemed to have been made just for her. It flowed about her like a cloak of flaming butterflies and flowers. The neckline made her feel a bit exposed, but the golden lace butterflies swelled up to cover her with their wings that flowed into the flowering sleeves. Her hair was swept up atop her head, where the maid had produced sparkly gold butterfly combs, embedded with rubies the size of her fingernail to match her dress. Random tendrils escaped their confines as if the wild creature within her refused to be completely tamed. Her green eyes stared back at her from the looking glass, a stranger in her own skin. The girl before her lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. She was a dragon and she would not be afraid.

Lianna stepped into the hall and came face to face with Seth. She watched as his eyes swept over her in amazement. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He closed his mouth and licked his lips. His eyes met hers and he tried again.

“Your Highness,” he croaked. She winked at him in a saucy challenge. His comical expression made her feel almost normal for a moment. She wrapped her hand around his forearm and followed the maid, tugging his gapping countenance along.

“I guess you like my new dress. It was a gift.” She lightly grabbed her skirt, holding it out and twisting a little so he could get a better view.

“It is not the dress that will entrance a kingdom tonight, My Queen. But it does do you some justice.” He said composing himself enough to wink back at her. She gave him a sidelong glance.

“It is not the kingdom I want to entrance.” She couldn’t help but tease him, and smiled in pleasure as she felt his arm stiffen beneath her grip.

They walked the rest of the way in silence.

They were admitted into a small parlor, where a few other High Fae waited patiently for their king’s whim. They all turned to stare at her when she walked through the door and her grip on Seth’s arm became deadly. Swallowing audibly, she plastered a smile on her face and dipped her head, trying to remember every single rule of proper etiquette that Sylva had tried to drill into her head these past weeks.

She scanned the room. Two brunettes in matching blue gowns sat on a chaise by the fire sipping glasses of wine. A blonde beauty stood before the window, speaking with someone she could not see. Lianna tried not to stare at her bosom that almost overflowed the seams of her tight-fitting bodice. She had to admit, the red did compliment her fair coloring, but the woman’s figure made her feel somehow inadequate.

Seth steered her to the wine cabinet and proceeded to pour them both a tall glass.

“There are only women here.” She whispered to him in surprise.

He thought for a moment before he answered her. “The king is not known for being celibate and is rarely seen dining or entertaining men.”

“You mean to tell me that these are his... That is…they..” she stammered to find the right words.

“I’m afraid so.” He nodded. Lianna turned back to survey the room with new eyes; bringing the glass to her lips when she caught sight of who the blonde had been speaking to behind the curtained alcove at the same time he noticed her.

His black eyes swept over her in an unholy manner. He seemed to undress her with his eyes, as they roamed over her from the tip of her bejeweled head to the golden slippers peeking beneath her hemline, and then ever so slowly back up again. A strangled noise came from the male beside her as if he had caught the raw look of possession that the Lord Sorea had bestowed on her. Lianna bit her lip, trying to make her brain work again. The dark lord stood and without so much as a nod to the buxom blonde who had cornered him, he stalked to her at a slow sure pace. A hunter homing in on his prey.

Seth squeezed her arm and hissed in her ear. Lianna snapped out of the trance, glancing at him in panic. She felt his power flow over her, a phantom wind cooling her exposed skin. A reassurance that he was here for her. She took another steadying sip of wine, her beast bubbling up to greet his in a way that Lianna did not want to recognize, even in her mind.

Her chest rose and fell with each breath she took, and she felt unable to drag enough air into her lungs. Her skin began to prickle in awareness. The male stopped directly before her.

He reached out to clasp her hand and bring it to his lips. Lianna sucked in a breath, as lightning snaked down her arm, the dragon within biting at its iron bit before she could stop it. His lips were smooth and soft, lingering longer than what was considered polite.

“Good evening Lianna.” His breath flowed over her hand and his very real presence hit her like a wall of darkness. Suddenly she was drowning in his eyes.

“Good Evening My Lord.” She managed to get out, sinking into a deep curtsy. When she lifted her head, his eyes were still on her exposed bosom. She tried not to breathe too hard, for fear of bursting the stitches of the gown.

“That is the most marvelous creation I have ever seen,” came a feminine drawl from her left. She tore her eyes from Sorea, to look at the blonde standing on the other side of Seth.

Seth. Her mind cleared. She looked up to his wide chocolate eyes and found his narrowed gaze latched on to Sorea. Too late she realized, he still held her hand captive in his own. She snatched it away and tried to ignore the devilish gleam sparkling in his magnificent eyes.

She smiled and deliberately turned her back on him. Seth’s look of relief almost made her laugh. She looked at the blonde woman again.

“It was a gift.” She finally answered.

“One of many, most likely. The long-lost daughter of the King deserves no less.” The woman did not try to hide the bitter undertone in her voice or the snake-like aura reaching out to test her own. She narrowed her eyes and let her dragon snap its warning. The woman stepped back, her eyes going wide.

“I don’t think we have been introduced” Lianna smiled sweetly.

“Forgive me.” Sorea cut in gently.

“Your highness, this is Lady Fraiser. She has business with the king. Just as we all do.”

Lianna brought her glass up to take a long sip of her wine before she realized it was empty. She knew just what kind of ‘business’ Frazier had in mind. Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

She caught the knowing look in Sorea’s eye.

“Allow me, Sunshine.” The endearment curled around her ears and vibrated through her body. Lianna turned back to find Seth and the Lady Fraiser but found that they had meandered away to talk quietly while the dark lord had distracted her. Again.

She followed him to the table, and he refilled her glass. She watched as the deep red liquid bubbled up the thin chute like blood. Her breathing became erratic and she felt her control slipping. Any moment now, the beast would step up and take control of her ravaged senses, and there was no telling what would unfold. She knew Sorea was watching her closely and decided to play the weak female.

“I need air.” Her green eyes turned pleading as she craned her neck up at him. She felt more than saw his mocking undertone as he inclined his head. One strong arm moved behind her and she felt the pressure of his palm at her back, guiding her towards the curtained alcove that he had vacated upon her arrival. The contact was almost more than she could handle, and she hurried forward hoping he would remove it so she could try to breathe again. The door swung open when he waved his hand before them and he led her out into the frigid evening air. Thankfully he did not close the door behind them.

Lianna took a deep, fortifying breath. The icy air filled her lungs, soothing the beast inside her, and her frazzled nerves like nothing else could.

“Better?” He asked, leaning against the stone rail beside her. She turned to face him, the waning light cast shadows across his face and his eyes seemed to twinkle like the stars that had already begun flickering to life across the sky.

Lianna nodded her head almost imperceptibly in answer.

“Why are you here?” He wanted to know, he watched her like a hawk, and she tried to think of an acceptable answer. Looking away from him, she glanced down at the empty streets below, some people still sat huddled near walls. The alleyways were already packed full of bodies trying to find shelter from the unforgiving wind.

They would find no warmth on this dark cold night. Restless anger edged with sharp sorrow began to grow deep within her and she had the sudden urge to burn the city to ashes. She turned away abruptly. She must not forget her mission. She must stay in control.

She turned to him, wondering if he had been staring at her the entire time.

“I have come to meet my father.” She tried to make her smile convincing.

His answering grin was full of mockery.

“You must do better than that Princess.” He reached towards her, catching a stray curl in his fingers. He weighed it in his palm, then took it between his thumb and index finger as if testing its texture.

She licked her lips and then wished she had not set aside her glass of wine before stepping outside, as it did nothing to moisten her bone-dry mouth.

“You are not the only one, you know.” His voice was barely a whisper above the roaring in her ears. Her heart stopped and she searched his face. Did he know?

“What are you talking about?” The strangled sound that came from her brought a heated blush to her face and she looked to her feet, trying to gain some composure. He would have none of it. He released her hair and his fingers found her chin, lifting her face until her eyes met his again. Even her beast had deserted her, it’s throbbing pressure collapsing in the face of this ancient male who seemed so keen on knowing her secrets.

“You are not the only one who has secrets.” He clarified. She took a step back trying to put some distance between them, but the stone barrier rose to meet her. Lianna’s hands closed over the icy rail in hopes its cold sturdiness would give her the strength she needed to make it through this night.

Lianna raised her chin in defiance and watched the feral gleam return to his dark eyes as if he approved of the strength that won her internal struggle. From this proximity, she could see the bits of gold that ringed his pupil, like a banked fire in a wall of black.

“Well, you will have to use more than flattery, to learn my secrets I’m afraid.” She somehow found the audacity to wink at him before she turned back towards the sitting room, brushing past his shoulder. Lianna had barely made it back inside the warm room when a manservant announced dinner.

She tried to find Seth in the small group of women, but he had disappeared, the buxom Lady Fraiser, as well. Lianna could not hide the look of utter frustration that took hold when she realized he had abandoned her. Again. She would have to have a serious talk with her feline commander when she saw him next.

“It would seem your royal guard has found other entertainment for the evening.” Sorea drawled from behind her. She tried to ignore him as worry began to gnaw at her. He had promised to be here with her, and he wasn’t. What if something had happened to him? Lianna snorted inelegantly, reminding herself of the beautiful woman he had disappeared with. She somehow doubted he was in any kind of mortal danger.

The dark male beside her folded her hand into his arm with an iron grip, guiding her through the throng of women slowly making their way towards the dining hall.

“Want to tell me what that god-awful sound was?” His warm breath causing a shudder to course through her body as he whispered into her ear. His deep chuckle at her physical response unnerved her in a way she did not want to think about.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Was her smart reply.

“I want to know everything about you.” He quipped in return. “What makes you laugh, what your favorite food is.” He pulled a chair out for her and scooted her in as he leaned down to whisper in her ear again.

“What makes you squirm in pleasure.” She sucked in a loud breath, trying and failing to repress another shudder as goosebumps raced up her spine. He took the seat next to her and she chanced a sidelong glance at him. She did not want to look at him again so instead, she took the time to look around the dining room, forcing her gaze anywhere but toward the strong male presence at her side.

There were more women than men, and she wondered if the king always had so many women around him. The only men present were Sorea and Seth, but Seth had still not appeared. She tried not to give in to the rising panic.

The King chose that moment to arrive, distracting her from the thoughts whirling through her mind.

He was once again dressed in royal colors. His tight red pants left nothing to her imagination. He wore a bright golden tunic laced with white threads. The king’s belly was so round, and his waist so small that she wondered if he could even see his feet. Everyone stood in respect as he waddled to his seat at the head of the table and sat in his royal seat. They all sat.

Errewyn immediately reached his hands into a large bowl of vegetables that sat before him, not bothering to greet anyone. A servant rushed forward to fill his wine glass, and they all watched the monarch as he filled his plate. Lianna hoped that her disgust was not evident on her face as she watched her father wipe his dirty hands down the front of his pristine tunic and then proceeded to stuff a handful of rice into his mouth, grease dripping down his chin. Her nose pinched in distaste when he chose to use his bare hand rather than a spoon. Everyone began serving themselves from the dishes, at least they deigned to use the available silverware, she noted.

Lianna had somewhat lost her appetite watching her father serve himself.

“Are you not hungry daughter?” The king spoke eyeing her empty plate. She glanced around at the assorted dishes to find something appetizing. Her eyes landed on an untouched roasted chicken. She reached out and tore a leg off. A tray of boiled eggs grabbed her attention and a plate of buttered scones.

She used her fork to push them around on her plate before she dared to look back at the king and the interesting look in his green eyes.

“Tell me where you have been all these years? You must be near twenty summers?” She had anticipated the questions and decided to stick to the truth as much as possible.

“I have lived in a small valley, just south of the mountains, and I will be twenty a week after the yuletide.” She answered him, finally biting into the bread she had been toying with.

“And your mother? Who is she? What does she think of you coming here? ”

“Serena Landell is a healer to the mortal king and she does not know I came here.” A collective gasp rose around her.

“You left your home without telling her?” One of the brunettes asked, seemingly appalled.

“I have not seen her since I was nine. She left me alone to go work for King Henry. I decided this summer that I wanted to see the world, so here I am.”

Errewyn was now staring at her incredulously. Everyone was in fact. She dared to look at the man beside her. She could feel his aura pulsing quietly beside her. The expression on his face was unreadable. Lianna wondered how long it had taken him to master that look, and if perhaps he might teach it to her one day.

She simply shrugged a careless shoulder. She could not change her past. She swallowed hard and made herself continue.

“I came across a pack of wolves when I traveled through the Ash Forest.” She made herself swallow the bite of chicken that was rancid in her mouth. She picked up her wine glass to wash the foul taste away. The wine was actually good she realized and raised it for a refill. A silent manservant stepped forward and obliged her.

“Oh?” her father mumbled through a mouthful of half-chewed mush.

“They told me stories of people disappearing, never to be seen again. Even their young heir has been kidnapped.” Lianna watched the king closely for any signs of guilt. She was disappointed by his lack of expression. He casually took a sip of his wine glass.

“I have heard about these rumors as well. Very concerning.” He gave a pointed look at the man beside her, not sounding concerned at all. She turned her head to look at Sorea again. He held a fork to his mouth ready to take a bite.

He set it down and looked at her. She felt her aura slide against his like a cat twining about his legs. His eyes widened and she yanked her dragon back, taking another sip of her wine. She had to stay in control.

Sorea grinned at her as if he could feel her struggling to maintain control. She felt almost as if he was goading her.

“People have gone missing from my lands as well. Mostly young boys and working-aged males. My business here is to find out what the king plans to do about it.” His voice took on a hard edge. His eyes glittered dangerously as he directed it towards the fat man still busy stuffing his face.

The man in question waved his fork in the air imperiously. “In due time. In due time.”

“Surely these men mean more to you than that, Your Majesty.” Lianna choked out, unable to stop herself.

“Who will tend the fields that provide your bread? Hunt the game that graces your table even now?”

The table became silent. The clinking of silver and hushed whispers was swallowed by the intense emotion she had just spewed into the air.

The king looked surprised that she dared question him. She watched his green eyes, so like her own, narrow in suspicion. A piercing pain shot through her head. Her beast reared up in swift denial, snapping and snarling until her father’s power slithered back across the room.

The gleam in his eyes became calculating and she had no idea if he had felt the true extent of her power when he tried to enter her mind.

“Interesting.” He murmured; she now had his full attention. She finished her second glass of wine and held it up again. Or was it her third?

“And what would you have me do Lianna?” As if on cue, the sound came back on in the room. She could feel the dark lord’s attention on her as well.

“I would send men out to look for them. And maybe try to find the source of the poison that is contaminating all the water, killing the few who remain to take care of the land. Even the animals are sick.” Lianna finished, trying to sound like an innocent girl instead of the outraged dragon. She let out a long breath, tired of the games already.

She felt another brush against her mind, this time coming from beside her. She turned in his direction, lowering her eyebrows in a warning. His onyx eyes were bright with amusement and something that looked oddly like pride. She snorted again and lifted her empty glass back to her lips. Lianna narrowed her eyes at the glass, wondering who kept drinking all her wine. She missed the startled murmurs that accompanied her odd behavior. A servant appeared to refill it again. Ebony brows raised in question. She raised her own and turned away, dismissing his laughing face.

Lianna faced the king, who was watching her closely now. He cleared his throat. “I will send some envoys out tomorrow if it would please you.”

“You will?” The shock was evident in her tone and face.

“Yes, I will not have my only child thinking I am some monster who does not care about his people.” She wondered if the king had gotten through her walls after all, for that is exactly what she thought of him. Thick red bushes squished beady green eyes as if he had heard that thought.

A rumble of laughter escaped Sorea beside her and she knew he had heard that thought.

“You are as refreshing as an afternoon thunderstorm on the hottest day of the year.” She turned back to his dark presence. He was leaning back in his seat watching the scene play out before him; the picture of a highly entertained lord. His hand rested on the table beside hers, his fingers lazily drawing patterns on the dirty white cloth.

Her eyes met his and she felt that pull. A tug in her belly that made her forget she had a mission; forget that she was sitting before the king and likely his whores too. She watched the humor disappear from his handsome face to be replaced with a smoldering tension that rivaled her own and had to drop her eyes before he could see anymore. Her beast growled at her for the action. Obviously, it had no qualms about the way Sorea made her feel, welcomed the sensations in fact.

“Will you really send men to help the people?” Lianna let her eyes return to her fathers. “Find out about Eris?”

Errewyn watched her for a long moment before answering. “This wolf pup means something to you?”

“He was kind to me, helping me when no one else would. I feel as if I owe him the same courtesy.” She said softly. “These people; our people, deserve no less.” Her voice did not waver, and her gaze was direct as she stared down at the king. His green eyes did not look away and she knew he was testing her resolve.

She was a dragon and she would not yield. Her chin lifted a notch, almost imperceptibly, but she knew he saw it.

He stood abruptly.

“I will send some men out in the morning to hand out blankets and fresh water. I will see you at lunch tomorrow.” It was not a request. His large belly bumped the table as he turned to leave. Lianna remained in her seat until everyone else had gone as well. The servants began taking away the heaping piles that were leftover.