ASSASSIN’S PAST

The Assassin and her Dragon Princes II

IVY CLYDE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 by Ivy Clyde. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted and reproduced in any manner or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or whatsoever without written permission of the author.

For information contact,  Ivy Clyde

Table of Contents

ASSASSIN’S PAST

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Ready for the next part in Daria’s journey?

About Ivy

ASSASSIN’S PAST

A cruel Drakhaven prince is holding one of my mates captive.

He won’t see me coming or the way I intend to make him pay.

However, it is one thing to have a dragonborn prince as your mate, and quite another to have one as your enemy.

I am fleeing to the imperial capital of Huadu but the dragon emperor’s shadow is never far behind. What is supposed to be a temporary safe haven goes up in flames as I get entangled in meshes of memories I long suppressed.

The threads of fate have long bound me to the three dragonborn princes at my side and I am determined to protect them even if it costs me my life.

Assassin’s Past is the second book in an intrigue-filled whychoose fantasy romance that support’s our heroine’s right to choose more than one mate. Get ready for this captivating tale full of heart-pounding romance and edge-of-your-seat action.

Note: The Assassin and Her Dragon Princess is a reverse harem series with sexy dragon shifter romance and action meant for mature readers who enjoy their fantasy fiction with no restraint to language, violence and some heated scenes.

1

 “Cain…” My voice sounded incredulous to my own ears. I couldn’t help but feel sheer terror as my eyes took in the gigantic proportion of the creature before me.

The dragon was terrifying. I avoided looking at the sword-long teeth, visible through its open jaws. It wouldn’t take much effort for it to gobble me up, chew my body and then spit it out. Steam and smoke gushed out of its nostrils, filling the underground chamber with a sulfurous smell.

Standing naked before it, I realized none of my bravado would be of any use in killing the creature before me. Even if I had my poisoned darts and needles, I doubted they would pierce through its steely hide. My powers of air and fire would be equally useless against it.

I blinked my eyes, hoping the magic in the sacred chambers was making me hallucinate. Pressed up against a wall with the dragon’s head mere inches away, I tried to slide sideways to get away from it. At once a large, lizard-like hand slammed against the wall beside me. A whimper escaped me while I tried to control my trembling body.

Slowly, I looked up at the dragon. Its fiery orange eyes were fixed on me. Slowly, I cast my gaze on either side. His massive limbs blocked my movement on both sides.

“Don’t be afraid.”

I gasped. It was Cain’s voice but it sounded inside my head.

“I won’t hurt you, Daria.”

I looked back into the fiery depths of the dragon’s eyes. There was deep intelligence in them. While the primal part of my mind insisted it was a fearsome beast, a more logical part was curious.

“How did you suddenly turn into a dragon?” I asked aloud.

“I don’t know. One moment I was in intense agony, wanting to die and the next, I am staring down at you from a height of fifty feet.”

I willed myself to take several deep breaths. “You’re very frightening at the moment, Cain.”

A familiar chuckle sounded inside my head. “Really, Dari?” There was a touch of boyish excitement in his voice. “I wish there were mirrors in the sacred chambers. I want to look at my true self.”

A shaky laugh escaped me. If I could close my eyes and hear Cain’s voice in my head, the fear would leave me. “You will need to be outside before a calm lake. I don’t think any mirror in the world would be big enough to capture half your magnificence.”

“You flatter me, Dari.”

Shaking my head, I slowly moved towards the other side of the vast hall, passing underneath the dragon’s long neck and its belly to retrieve the clothes I’d shed earlier. A moment of heat between me and Cain led up to this moment. While the sex was just as amazing as it was with Adal, my shock completely erased every bit of the afterglow.

Keeping my back to the dragon, I quickly donned my clothing.

Once my breeches were pulled up and my long tunic secured at the waist, I turned around to face the dragon. “Cain, can you shift back? There is no way you can walk out of here without anyone noticing you.”

“It’s so much more exhilarating in this form,” Cain’s voice rang through my head. “I almost don’t want to go back to being a human.”

“You must, Cain. We have already spent enough time in this place. You should head back to your palace in Gweryn while I proceed towards Baledonia to meet Adal.”

A long sigh escaped him, followed by a cloud of smoke billowing out of the dragon’s nostrils. “Let me try.”

The dragon retreated several steps away, its movements oddly clumsy like it was just trying to use both pairs of limbs. Its spiky tail grazed a wall, leaving deep scratches on it. I was slowly beginning to comprehend the intrinsic magic residing in these sacred halls. It allowed Cain to gain and release the powers locked in his blood. He was still unaccustomed to his new form but I was sure intuition and a deep inherent sense would help him train his new body.

My vision swam, like the shimmering air of a heated desert. In the blink of an eye, the dragon vanished and in its place stood Cain. He was completely naked. Wisps of steam rose from his skin as he stared at his hands with a bewildered expression. Strands of his thick, dark hair had come undone, flowing past his shoulders. Slowly, he raised his silvery eyes to look at me.

“Tell me I am not dreaming.”

I rushed up to him, throwing my arms around his neck. Overwhelmed, I began sobbing.

“Daria…” Holding me close, he gently stroked my back. His body felt hotter than usual, the heat seeping through my clothes to warm me up.

It was a few minutes before I could talk again. Sniffing and swallowing my chokes, I stepped away from him. “It is no dream, Cain. You achieved your true dragon form.” A smile rose on my lips while tears continued to pour from my eyes. “Emperor Ivan isn’t the only true dragon in the four kingdoms anymore.”

“But how did it happen?”

“I can only guess.”

“Tell me.”

I moved to the spot where Cain’s clothes were lying on the stone floor. Picking them one by one, I put my thoughts together. As I handed them back to him, I said, “I’m not sure if it has something to do with this place but from the moment, we entered those waters, I could feel magic binding us.”

“What kind of magic?”

I shook my head. “I don’t understand it myself. You’re not the only one it affected though.”

Cain stepped forward to put his hands on my shoulders. “Are you all right?”

“I think so.” Bringing my hand close to my face, I stared at it. “Light a fire for me, Cain.”

He looked confused but let flames leap up in the palm of his hand. “What do you want it for?”

“I want to test something,” I said. Taking a deep breath, I suppressed the magic within me. It terrified me to do so with the leaping flames so close to me but it was the only way to know.

“Why do you look like that, Daria?” asked Cain.

“I want to test something,” I repeated, taking a tentative step forward. Biting my lip, I thrust my hand into the flames. I expected pain but nothing happened. Instead, the flames licking up my hand felt cool.

“What are you doing?” asked Cain, looking thoroughly confused. “I know you can manipulate fire. It doesn’t even burn you.”

“I can,” I said, continuing to keep my hand in the fire. “But it’s all because of the magic I channel through me. Right now, I am keeping it at bay. I still don’t feel a thing.”

“How could that be?” He extinguished the flames and looked at me with a grim expression. “Unless you have dragon blood in your veins, it’s not possible.”

“I know. But this is something that never happened to me before. I was burnt badly as a child. It took me months to recuperate and heal. Just as we reached…our…” I struggled to find the right word to describe the moment of utter ecstasy as we both climaxed together. “That moment when you came inside me, something shifted within you. We were both covered in flames and I was too shocked to call my magic to protect me. Your body went through the transformation and I was suddenly gifted the ability to withstand heat. If I was truly dragonborn, wouldn’t I have always had this power?”

“You are right. It is strange.” He began putting on his clothes, his expression steadily getting more serious. “There are so many questions to be answered. How did I turn into my true form? Was it the magic in these scared chambers or something that came from inside you? Adal was also intimate with you but he never turned. However, Norvin was able to soak up your inner energy to turn back into his human form. Everything is connected, but I can’t figure out how.”

“You are right,” I agreed. “It’s all connected. Perhaps, Adal might discover something in the scrolls you found.”

He nodded. “Let’s get back to the world. Before you go, let’s have a drink at a tavern in Partaig. You owe at least one drink.” His smile was infectious.

“But you said it’s too dangerous for you to be seen there.”

“I am sure it’s evening now. No one will recognize me.”

Anxiety weighed in my stomach. The closer we got to the capital, the more dangerous it became. People in Partaig would recognize Cain more easily than the peasants of remote villages who never saw their king.

Cain took my hand in his. “Come along, Dari. It won’t be as bad as you’re thinking. No one will mind us in the city.”

“All right, then.” I smiled at him as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze and led me out of those vast chambers. Casting one glance at the bed and the pool of water where we’d bathed together, I followed him out.

My mind was full of questions, keeping me blind to all the incredible paintings adorning the walls of the underground chambers. It was too incredible to believe the four kingdoms had a new dragon. Perhaps, it wasn’t an impossible dream to overthrow the emperor, after all. If Norvin and Adal could turn too, they would both have an even footing to win back their powers.

A cool draft blew against my face. After the dry, stale air of the underground chambers, it felt especially refreshing. We were drawing close to the upper halls of the dragon temple. Soon, we came out into the small room which led the way to the main prayer hall.

It was completely dark by now. Cain lit up a fire in his palm, guiding me out.

The main hall of the temple was silent. The offerings we’d seen at the altar earlier were cleaned up. It was incredible how a group of priests didn’t even realize we were there while they cleaned and offered their daily prayers to the dragon deities.

“Any idea how long we were down there?” asked Cain, looking around.

“The day is long over. Let us go outside, my prince,” I said. “The position of stars will tell me the hour.”

A cold breeze blew all around us as we stepped out of the temple. Night had fallen over the wooded area. Everything was still and quiet around us.

“It’s too late to be traveling tonight,” said Cain as we walked towards the place we’d kept our horse. “Stay with me tonight and start on your journey tomorrow.”

“I can stay out here by myself. I’ll be fine.” While I would’ve loved to go see Cain’s palace, some deep intuition was warning me about approaching danger. While the woods around us seemed still, I felt it was best to move away from there.

“I was hoping you would come with me to the palace. It’s been a while since you had a proper bed to sleep in.”

His words warmed me immediately. “I don’t mind spending the night here. But you should go now. I’ll feel more at ease to know you’re safe in the palace.”

Cain pulled me against him at once. His hug was tight enough to force the air of my lungs. “It’s hard to let you go, Dari.”

“I can’t breathe,” I gasped out as his powerful arms crushed me to his stone-hard body.

As if he just realized it, he let go off me immediately. Massaging my chest, I looked up at him and smiled. “Other than you, Adal and Norvin, no one’s ever cared for me. You have no idea how much harder it is for me to part with you.” Breathing in deeply, I swallowed the choking tears. “I want to finish the task as quickly as possible now. The realm can’t take the emperor’s cruelty anymore.”

Cain exhaled out a long breath. “I’m not sure I want you to do that anymore.” Taking my hands in his, he pulled me against him gently. Leaning down, he kissed me.

“What do you mean?” I asked when we parted.

“I want you to stay with me. We’ll figure out a way for Adal and Norvin to turn into their true forms as well. It will be three dragons against one. We will surely win!”

“We still don’t know how it happened,” I said thoughtfully. “I have to go to Adal with the scrolls and see if he can find the answers. There’s a chance we may never know. We can’t afford to waste any time. We can let Adal look for the solution while I continue on my journey to Drakhaven. I can’t kill the emperor in his true dragon form. It will have to be a stealth attack. It’s the only way I can assassinate him.”

Cain was about to say something but I placed a gentle hand on his mouth, stopping him. “There’s so much we don’t know about dragons. Even if you go against Ivan, he has an upper hand because of his knowledge. He will know your weaknesses better than you. You’ve just turned. It will take time for you to adjust to your own strengths and hone them. Until then, let me do my best. We can’t let our emotions come into play when the future of the four kingdoms is at stake.”

“How can an assassin have more heart than the noblemen in my court?”

I chuckled humorlessly. “I am a commoner. It is natural for me to understand their hardships more than the nobles who think a peasant’s life matters less than theirs. They will never know what it is to be hungry and cold or the desperation that comes from seeing your children starve.”

“You’re right about that. I wouldn’t have known their plight if I hadn’t lived amongst them.”

I nodded. “This is the mission I accepted. It’s all right to let me go, Cain.”

He was about to pull me into his embrace when the sudden sound of crunching leaves stopped him. Alert, we stared at the source of noise but only saw the gentle sway of nearby branches. Cain gripped my hand tight as it got closer.

2

 “Who’s there?” Cain’s voice was thick with warning as he gripped my wrist.

Unseen feet shuffled closer, disturbing the deep silence of the woods. I was poised ready to spring, whether it be human or beast.

“Your Highness,” said a timid voice. “It is I, Yulong.”

Cain’s grasp loosened at once as a long breath escaped him. “Priest Yulong, come forward.”

Next moment, a tall, thin man emerged out of the shadows. He wore long robes, that covered him from head to foot. Lowering the hood, he revealed himself. Moon rays glinted off his shiny bald head as he bowed low before his prince.

“What are you doing here so late?” asked Cain, moving forward to stand directly in front of him.

“I didn’t know what else to do, Your Highness,” said the priest, his voice taking on a more urgent note. “The city is in the grips of death, Iorna’s guards wait to capture their prince and the palace is crawling with soldiers, waiting for your return. They even raided the temple and the grounds. I waited here, hoping to see you. If they were searching for you, then you had to be close by.”

“What are you talking about?” Cain’s voice was heavy with anxiety. “Tell me everything from the beginning.”

The man wrung his hands, pacing back and forth. “Prince Mekhi was waiting for you to return from your prayers but Princess Helena came to the palace early this morning. Things were already tense with Drakhaven’s prince in Gweryn but everything got worse with the princess’s coming.”

My fists tightened. Mekhi was Emperor Ivan’s eldest son and the one responsible for nearly killing Norvin. I’d hoped Helena would ride north to Drakhaven but she’d chosen to go to Partaig. With her adopted brother there, she got the upper hand. Cain should’ve really asked me to assassinate her, laws and justice be damned for once!

“They captured Prince Norvin of Redfall this afternoon,” said the priest, coming to a stop to stare at Cain. “He was found in an inn.”

My blood turned to ice at once.

“Cain…”

“Let Yulong finish,” said Cain in a tight voice.

“To capture him, Prince Mekhi started slaughtering the people on Partaig’s streets. That’s how they got him to surrender, Your Highness.” Yulong burst into tears, cursing the soldiers for hurting their own people on the whim of outsiders. When he was calm enough to speak, he continued. “Princess Helena identified him to be in your company. They have declared you a rebel too, Your Highness. There are soldiers looking for you everywhere.”

“What about Prince Norvin?” I asked, my heart pounding with fear. Mekhi wasn’t successful in killing Norvin last time. He would make sure Norvin died this time at his hands.

“Who are you?” asked Yulong, peering down at me.

“She’s a maid,” said Cain impatiently, pushing me behind him. “Just answer the question.”

“They took the prince of Redfall to Arden Tower.”

There was a moment of silence between them as I made up my mind to charge the tower at once. I had no idea where it was, but it won’t be long before I rescued Norvin and killed Prince Mekhi. Emperor Ivan’s son and daughter were vicious. They knew how to use the lives of innocent people to make others submit.

“You did well to warn me, Priest Yulong,” said Cain. “You’re a loyal subject indeed.”

The priest shook his bald head. “It’s the least I can do. Don’t the Drakhaven princes know it’s a terrible sin to be killing another dragonborn? Their father committed unforgivable sins and now the sons are following in his steps. Divine retribution will be terrible for them all.”

“Continue to care for the temple, Priest Yulong,” said Cain. “I don’t know how long it would be until I can come back to the palace.”

“Of course, Your Highness. The Yulong family will not disappoint you.”

Cain nodded. “Leave now. Your family must be anxious, waiting for your return.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” He bowed deeply.

When the priest left us and the woods went back to being completely silent, I turned to grasp Cain’s arm. “We have to do something. Tell me where Arden Tower is located and I’ll get him back.”

“Not so fast, Daria. We need to plan things out.”

“We must hurry. Norvin has already been too long in Mekhi’s grasp.”

“What do we do after rescuing him? I can no longer go back to the palace or use any of my resources to help him. We must decide what to do after we free him.”

“I don’t know, Cain. But we’ve got to hurry!”

He remained silent, worsening the anxiety coiling around my stomach. “We could go back to hiding in the temple’s underground chambers. No one will find us. The priest can bring us food and fresh water every day.”

Cain shook his head. “We will have no place to run if they find their way there. The only reason the soldiers didn’t breach the underground halls was because they didn’t spot me yet. If they don’t find me soon, that’s the first place they will come looking.”

“Can’t we go to Baledonia, then?”

“Yes,” he said with a grim nod. “Adal is the only one who can help us now. But, we must be careful. No one can identify me or Norvin with him, otherwise, he’ll become another refugee like us.”

“Once we rescue Norvin, you can carry us both to Baledonia,” I said, my voice suddenly hopeful.

Cain hesitated as he met my gaze. “I don’t know if I can fly yet…”

“If you could walk, you can fly,” I said confidently. “Have you ever heard of dragons being taught to dragon? You’re not birds! Your inner dragon will guide you.”

Cain exhaled a long breath. “All right, then. Once you free Norvin, we’ll fly to Baledonia. Have you ever ridden a dragon before? You even complain about riding a horse for too long.”

A noise of frustration escaped me as I leaned against a tree trunk. My body was exhausted but my mind refused to calm down. All it wanted to do was rush to Norvin. It was the only way to ease my anxiety about him.

“I’ll figure it out,” I said. “But Cain, we’ve got to hurry and get him away from Mekhi.”

“I know.” He looked anxious too but his cautiousness was testing my patience.

“Tell me where Arden Tower is. If you don’t, I’ll find it on my own.”

“Daria.” For the first time, he used that tone with me. The one where it was impossible not to heed his words. “Haste will kill us all. The one you’re going against is, Mekhi. He’s not someone you can burn with your fire.”

“Then tell me what to do!” I shouted, tears pricking my eyes. “I can’t stop worrying about Norvin.”

His hands came to grasp my upper arms, holding me in place. “Arden Tower is the tallest tower in Partaig. Impossible to climb down on hands and feet because of the smooth marble exterior. A drop down would surely kill. There’s no escape for Norvin without meeting resistance on his way down the stairs. Even if he kills the men on the way down, by the time he reaches the lowest level, there will be more soldiers waiting for him.”

I contemplated his words. “So you’re saying walking down the stairs isn’t an option?”

“Yes.”

“So it’s a good thing you’re a dragon now,” I said, giving him a smile. “You will rescue us both from the tower’s top.”

Cain rubbed at his temples, turning away from me. “It all hinges on my ability to fly. Daria…what if I can’t?

“You can. His life depends on you.”

That brought in the look of determination I was hoping for.

Closing my eyes, I proceeded to make a connection with Tuto. When I opened my eyes, the emerald green irises turned a tawny gold as I watched him flying over a wooded area. His sight was so sharp I could even see the treetops and the roughness of the terrain down below.

“Go to the highest tower in Partaig,” I commanded him. With an annoyed hoot, he changed his direction, steadily flying westward.

Gazing back at Cain, I found him staring at me.

“You were talking to the owl?” he asked.

I nodded.

“What exactly does an owl think of?”

I chuckled softly. “I don’t know about other owls but Tuto is always thinking of food and sleep. If it’s not that, he’s reproaching me for disturbing his naps.” I sighed. “Sometimes, it’s a pain to make him obey me.”

“What did you tell the owl now?”

“I told him to go wait for me at the highest tower. I’ll make sure Norvin is there before barging in.”

“Good planning, Daria,” he said, grasping my shoulder. “Good.”

“Now, tell me about the tower’s interiors. Will there be guards on the stairs?”

A moment of silence passed. His steely eyes intensified as he thought about it.

“The stairs of Arden Tower are too narrow. It’s a tall tower with a winding staircase. You won’t face more than one man at a time, and even that’s a bit too much. If Mekhi was expecting me to rescue Norvin, he would have a big force waiting at the tower’s foot.”

“A narrow staircase will be to my advantage even if there are men on every step. I am better at fighting one-on-one than taking on too many at once.”

“What about weapons? I didn’t see you carry a sword.”

“I don’t need a sword. Too heavy and tiring,” I said with a grin.

“Right! You’re all about the needles, huh?”

“Yep.”

He tapped a finger on his forehead, pacing before me. “So you’ll make your way to the top and get Norvin. Once you do, you’ll wait for me to smash the tower’s top and rescue you.”

“Sounds about right.”

“Daria. Can’t we think of another way?”

“No, Cain! Do you think Mekhi will let him live that long? He was supposed to be dead, to begin with. Mekhi wants to capture you now. You’re the target, not him. We can’t delay much longer.”

He came close and pulled me into a tight hug. “You must promise to be careful, Daria.”

“I will be,” I replied, my voice muffled as my face was squashed against his broad chest. I stumbled back as he let me go. “Let’s go now. Once we’re ready, I will signal you through Tuto. As soon as you hear him hooting, shift and come to us.”

“Understood.” He guided me to the horse still waiting for us in a secluded spot of the forest. Untying the reins, he led the horse to the outskirts of the temple.

“Take a hidden path,” I said, mounting up. “The soldiers might be around.”

“I’ll take care of it,” he said, seating himself behind me. His warm breath fanned the back of my neck as he spoke. Burying his face in my hair for a moment, he said, “I wish I’d taken your suggestion earlier.”

“What suggestion?”

“Killing Helena. If she hadn’t come to Partaig and met Mekhi, Norvin wouldn’t be in such peril.”

I almost said ‘I told you so’ but stopped myself. Cain’s guilt was even more painful than my anxiety for Norvin. The three princes were like brothers. I still couldn’t forget their anguish when they thought Norvin was dead.

“You couldn’t kill her because the emperor’s retribution to you and your people would be worse than a killing on the street. He could have burnt the entire city if you’d killed his darling, adopted daughter. For now, it’s just you he wants to punish for rebelling against him.”

“Thank you, Dari.”

“Why are you thanking me?” I asked, surprised.

“For not blaming me. I know how much you like Norvin.”

“I like you and Adal too,” I said in a soft voice. “I don’t blame you. We can’t foresee the future. Helena was supposed to have gone to Drakhaven, not Partaig. It’s as it is. We will rescue Norvin for now.”

Cain’s warm lips pressed against the back of my neck, making a pleasurable shiver run down my spine. Next moment, he shouted for the horse to move forward as he took up the reins.

3

We reached Partaig within an hour. Cain took a path through the forest, so the journey was long but it helped avoid the soldiers crawling the place.

We stared out at the city from a higher vantage atop a hill. A cold breeze blew by as I stared out at the capital city of Iorna. I’d expected it to be busy and well-lit, the most popular town in the whole kingdom but I faced a dark and quiet settlement. A tall tower loomed over the buildings crowding the main square. Flames flickered at the top, drawing my attention to it.

“The city is so beautiful at night,” said Cain in a sad voice. “It’s more like a fair with all the vendors selling their wares and people coming out to shop and enjoy the food and drinks on display. There are times when I would escape the palace to walk around by myself. I wanted to take you to my favorite tavern, Dari.” An angry hiss escaped him. “Mekhi turned my Partaig into a silent mausoleum in a single day.”

“We’ll have our revenge,” I said, closing my hand over his.

I dismounted the horse. Closing my eyes, I reconnected with Tuto. As I opened my eyes, my irises turning a tawny gold, my vision changed from the dark surroundings. Looking from a height, I stared down at a circular room. Flames from lit torches illuminated the space converted into a torture chamber.

A figure hung from a length of thick rope. His wrists were bloodied as the rope cut into them. The knees were bent and he was hanging from the rope holding his arms over his head. Long strands of midnight blue hair fell over his face, curtaining it from view.

“Fly down and check his face,” I said, my voice tight with anxiety.

Tuto flew down, flopping on the stone floor gracefully. He hopped close to the figure and looked up at the man’s face.

I gasped at the sight. Norvin’s face was a bloody mess. He looked utterly unrecognizable. Tuto hooted gently.

The figure stirred. “You damned owl,” it whispered thickly.

I closed my eyes and blinked away the vision.

“What did you see?” asked Cain, coming to stand beside me.

“Norvin is up there,” I said, gesturing into the distance. “He has been beaten badly.” Sobs choked me to think of the state he was in. “You’ve got to let me kill Helena and Mekhi for this.”

“Daria…”

“It’s personal now, Cain,” I said, looking up at him with tears falling down my cheeks. “I will never forgive anyone who hurt my princes.”

Cain’s expression grew grim as he nodded.

“Let me get Tuto to check the security around the tower,” I said, switching back my vision. Tuto followed my command, flying through one of the cut rectangular holes in the wall. As he hovered overhead, I saw several men guarding the tower but the entrance leading inside the building was unguarded. If I could slip in without them noticing, I would be able to get in without a problem.

“I am going ahead,” I said, turning to look up at Cain. He looked pale under the moonlight shining on him, but he gave me a determined nod. “Wait for Tuto to come find you here. You’ll reach the tower with just a few beats of your wings.” Cain looked stricken but stayed silent. I could tell he doubted his own abilities but at the moment, we didn’t have any other way to rescue Norvin. We had to depend on his true dragon form to help us out of this mess.

Stepping away from Cain, I turned around, walking away before he could say anything else. I knew he was worried for both mine and Norvin’s safety which hung on his capabilities, but there was nothing he could tell me that would stop me.

I walked down the low hill, making my way down until I reached a dirt path leading into the town of Partaig.

Getting closer to the city’s surroundings, I saw several soldiers moving around. Torches were lit in every corner but there were no people hanging about. Even though they were looking for Cain, I took care to stay concealed among the shadows. Helena must have told Mekhi about Cain’s hateful female attendant. The soldiers would be keeping a lookout for me as well as a golden-haired handsome man.

To my luck, I entered the city unnoticed.

The streets were dark and deserted. Other than the soldiers patrolling the streets, no one else dared to venture out. The smell of blood was thick in the air the closer I got to the central square. Just how many people did Mekhi slaughter to get Norvin to submit?

I hurried towards the direction of Arden Tower, keeping to the shadows and avoiding the soldiers marching about.

Reaching close to the tall tower, I hid behind one of the buildings surrounding it. Up close, it seemed to soar even higher into the night sky.

Soldiers ringed the vast circumference but the entrance was unguarded. Perhaps, they thought a spy or rescuer would have to go through them to get to the gateway. Getting as close to them as possible without being noticed, I concealed myself behind the wall of a nearby shop.

Aiming at a man in the far corner, I threw a poisoned dart at him. It wouldn’t kill but he would immediately pass out.

As the soldier fell to the ground, the men around him rushed to his aid at once. The shouts and urgent cries got the notice of the other guards as they came running to surround their fallen companion. Taking advantage of the chaos, I slipped through shadows to reach the tower’s gateway.

My heart thudded wildly as I stayed against a wall. I didn’t know if there were men on the tall, winding staircase leading upward. Sending Tuto down there would have attracted attention. No sane owl would willingly fly into the tower to hop down the stairs. It was too dangerous for him because a soldier might easily kill him for being a nuisance.

Taking several deep breaths, I climbed up the stairs. Needles protruded out from between my fingers. My heart thundered each time I took a turn, expecting a guard with his spear pointed at me.

It felt like a sheer miracle when I came to stand at the threshold of the tower room.

Peering inside, I found Norvin hanging limply from the length of rope hung through a hook in the ceiling.

My heart broke at the sight.

His clothes were completely soaked with blood. I could only imagine what he had to endure to reach a state where he couldn’t even support himself on his feet. My handsome prince was utterly broken by Mekhi. Blood pounded in my head as rage flowed like liquid fire through my veins.

Stepping into the room, I looked around, my gaze falling on the whip, crude knives, a stone club and several empty buckets littering the floor. A chair with rows of sharp steel spikes on the backrest stood in one corner. Leather straps hung from its arms. The spikes looked clean, so hopefully Norvin hadn’t endured it…yet. Steeling myself, I memorized every item, vowing to inflict the same pain to the man who hurt Norvin.

Turning away from the revolting instruments of torture, I walked towards Norvin. The moment I stepped close to him, his body jerked. His head slowly rose to look at me.

“Daria?”

His eyes were so swollen, I wondered how he could even see through them. He looked like it pained him to even talk. Still unable to talk or get to his feet, he trembled and thrashed from side to side.

“Don’t do that, Norvin!” I hissed. “You will hurt yourself more. I’m here to free you. You’ve endured enough!”

“Has he, now?” a strange voice spoke from behind me.

I froze.

Before I could turn, a sharp blow to the back of my neck made me lose consciousness.

4

A dull ache throbbed through my head as I slowly opened my eyes. Gasps of pain escaped me as the tower room came in sight.

“You’re quite an interesting maid,” said the same unfamiliar voice I’d heard before blacking out.

I struggled to pull my arms down which had been forced upward. Being senseless, they held my weight completely. Pain burned through the muscles as I tried to lower them, realizing my wrists were bound tightly by rope, its coarse length cutting into the skin of my wrists. As I came back to full consciousness, I straightened, standing on my two feet. Slowly, I raised my head to look at my tormentor.

Prince Mekhi sat in a low stool before me. It wasn’t hard to recognize him with his lavish black tunic, embroidered with gold and blue peonies. Each time I’d thought of the man in my mind, I pictured an ugly being. To my surprise, Mekhi was extremely handsome with thick locks of dark hair framing his handsome face. If he didn’t wear the expression of cruel cunningness, he would have looked truly beautiful; beautiful enough to rival Prince Adal’s looks.

He swept away the dark fringes falling over his pale blue eyes to stare at me. His luscious lips curved into a conniving grin. “You look dazed,” he said with a low chuckle.

I smiled back at him. “You’re beautiful,” I said honestly.

Only the slight widening of his eyes gave any indication to his surprise. Getting to his feet, he approached me. Coming to stand before me, he grazed my cheek with his glove. “Helena praised your prowess.”

I grinned. “Being a whore isn’t a prowess.”

Mekhi burst out in laughter. “You’re truly interesting, little miss. My sister indeed called you a whore so many times, I wondered if that’s what your parents named you.”

“Is there anything else she told you about me?” I asked, watching him through my lowered lashes. If one didn’t know the tension brewing between us, they would think we were a pair of shy maiden and flirtatious Casanova.

“She said you could fight.” His voice was suddenly cold, devoid of any humor. His eyes were like chips of ice as he suddenly slapped my cheek with his leather glove.

It stung but I kept my grin intact. “Is that all?”

He grabbed my braid, pulling it roughly so that my face was mere inches away from him. “What else can you do, whore?”

“I am going to kill you.”

He chuckled again, pushing me away from him.

“Fire won’t kill me, whore.”

“No,” I agreed.

Closing my eyes, I quickly established a connection with Tuto, urging him to fly over the spot where Cain waited for my signal. As I opened my eyes, I saw the tower room vanish to be replaced with the night sky. The city of Partaig was stretched out several feet down below.

“You! What are you doing?” Mekhi’s loud, threatening voice broke my connection with Tuto. He slapped me once more, this time using his fist. The blow was hard, painful enough to make me see black momentarily. Blood dripped down my chin.

“Why did your eyes change color?” he demanded. “What did you do?”

He came to slap me again but I conjured up my fire to burn through the rope. Tugging strongly at it, I broke free in time to kick at Mekhi’s gut. An angry gasp escaped him as he stumbled back. His icy blue eyes were burning with rage as he came at me again. Sidestepping, I avoided his blow.

“Didn’t the princess tell you what I can do with fire?” I asked, landing a blow on his back. “Why would you use a rope and not an iron manacle to bind me?”

Mekhi landed on the floor, swearing and writhing on the cold, hard ground. Taking a needle from underneath my sleeve, I shot it at him, hitting him in the spot that would paralyze for a few minutes. I wished it was poisonous but I didn’t have the time to dig for those. The most lethal ones were always hidden in the least accessible spot under the front of my tunic to avoid mishaps and accidentally killing anyone.

As Mekhi lay frozen on the ground, I took the opportunity to rush towards Norvin and burn off the rope keeping him bound. He fell heavily on me, almost taking me down to the floor.

“Wake up, Norvin!” I shouted through gritted teeth. “We’re about to leave.”

“You’re not going anywhere!” shouted Mekhi, pulling me backward. I thought I had more time but Mekhi was back to his former self. I toppled backward, landing on the cold, hard stone floor. Norvin’s heavy body fell on me, making the air whoosh out of my lungs.

“I am going to kill you, bitch,” shrieked Mekhi, kneeling beside me to press his flaming hands on both sides of my cheeks.

They didn’t have any effect on me but gave me time to distract him. I punched his nose, breaking it effectively. He cried out and fell back. I scrambled, hauling at Norvin’s fallen body.

A sudden wild shriek shattered the silence of the night.

Looking through the rectangular windows cut into the tower’s walls, I caught glimpses of the majestic creature flying around it. The moonlight hit the dragon’s silver scales, making them shimmer like diamonds. For a moment, I could only stare at it transfixed.

It roared again, breaking the momentary spell.

“Daria? Daria?” Cain’s frantic voice filled my mind.

“I am here,” I shouted as loudly as I could, hoping he would hear me. I even chanted the words. “Norvin is here too. Get us!”

A relieved sigh filled my mind. “Stay back. I am coming.”

Just as I was pulling Norvin’s body to the farthest side of the room, a second roar filled the air, followed by a sudden blast, scattering bricks and stone debris everywhere.

I bent over Norvin’s body, shielding him from the sharp fragments.

Mekhi lay unconscious, his body covered in pieces of bricks and stones. I could hear the shouts and cries of people from down below as the dragon’s massive form descended into the broken down tower room.

“We’ve got to go,” I said, shaking Norvin. He didn’t move, making my anxiety grow. Had I been too late to save him? Did Mekhi kill him while I was passed out?

“Daria.” Cain’s voice filled my mind.

I looked up at the dragon as he stared at me with his fiery eyes. Brushing away the tears from my cheeks, I began hauling Norvin, pulling and tugging at his body so I could put him on Cain’s back.

But it was a mammoth challenge.

The dragon’s back was several feet high. How did one climb it with an unconscious man?

Before I could think anymore, I saw the dragon lowering its head and extending it towards us. Its jaws opened wide, giving me a glimpse of rows of sword-long teeth. I closed my eyes as they got dangerously close. A part of me scoffed at myself. I didn’t even have the courage to look at a dragon closely.

Norvin’s body was gently pulled away from me. Opening my eyes, I saw his body dangling from the dragon’s teeth. “Dort hurt him!” I gasped, rushing forward.

“Of course, I won’t,” said Cain’s voice in my mind.

He placed Norvin on his back, a few feet above the spot where his wings started.

“Get on,” said Cain, his eyes looking at me. “I can hear more soldiers coming this way.”

Taking a deep breath, I leaped over his wings, using the hard ridges of bone and skin to give me a lift so I could reach his back. Seating myself behind Norvin, I used my arms to hold onto him tightly.

“Hold on,” said Cain, his body turning on the spot.

The movement was enough to make me feel like I was sliding off. It would be even more dangerous when he took to air. I couldn’t hold on to the raised ridges of his back without loosening my grip on Norvin’s unconscious body.

The dragon spread its wings wide, emitting another shriek.

I conjured a protective sphere of air around mine and Norvin’s body. Even as Cain took flight, the sudden blast of wind didn’t affect us. The magical bubble allowed us to stay on the dragon’s back like we were both stationary. Even the strong draft from the large beating wings didn’t affect us as the city of Partaig fell behind us to become nothing but pinpricks of light.

5

It felt surreal.

Wisps of cloud floated by as the dragon flew through the night sky. Its large wings beat at a steady rhythm, taking us further away from Partaig and the dangers that surrounded us. There was nothing visible down below other than a thick veil of darkness.

As the shock wore off, anger seeped into my mind once more. I’d missed my chance to kill Mekhi and Helena was nowhere to be seen. They both should have died tonight for harming Norvin to this extent.

“He appeared dead when we left,” said Cain’s voice in my head. It was clearly audible despite the stormy noise from his beating wings.

“When you came in, the blast caught him. He just passed out. Mekhi still lives.” I seethed.

I could feel the rage seeping from him. He stayed silent, flying us through the never-ending black veil of the night. From where we were, I could not ascertain the direction we were headed.

My eyes drooped close from exhaustion. I was desperate to heal Norvin but the way my body felt, I would only kill myself without making much difference in his health. It was imperative I recovered while someone tended to his injuries. Once I was healthy, I could heal him using my inner energy.

Hours passed.

I’d finally fallen asleep during the course of time, only waking when bright shafts of light broke through my closed eyelids. Blinking against the harsh sunlight, I slowly sat up, realizing the bed underneath was soft grass.

“You’re finally up.” Cain’s voice sounded from behind me. Whirling around, I looked up at him. He was back in his human form. His mouth was tightly closed in a grim expression.

“How is Norvin?” I asked at once, scrambling to my feet. “Is he alive?”

“Barely.”

I looked around me, taking in the clearing where Cain had brought us. A brook gurgled in the distance while tall green trees surrounded us. Norvin lay on the ground a few feet away, still looking badly beaten. Cain’s cloak covered his body.

Rushing forward, I fell to my knees beside him. It pained my heart to look into his beaten and bloodied face. Tears fell down my cheeks as I picked up his head to let it rest on my lap. My fingers gently caressed the long strands of his blood-matted midnight-blue hair as I continued to sob.

“How can one human do this to another human?” I asked in a tear-choked voice.

“There’s nothing more to expect from Ivan’s sons. The man killed his own brother and proceeded to rape his wife. If they can do that to their family, there’s no boundary to what they’ll do to others.”

“Norvin,” I called out as hard sobs wracked through me. “My beautiful, handsome prince. I won’t let them get away with this. I swear to you.” Taking a deep breath, I met Cain’s grim gaze. “I am going to kill Mekhi.”

“If you don’t, I will.”

Brushing away the tears, I looked around the woods once more. “Where are we?”

“Just outside Huadu, the capital of Baledonia.” His dark curls fell into his steely eyes as a warm breeze blew by. The weather was a lot warmer here than Iorna. Dark stubble covered his strong jaw but he still looked handsome, even more so in a rough, rugged way.

“Are you all right, Daria?” he asked, noticing my momentary daze.

“I’m fine,” I said with a nod. “We should find a place to stay.”

“It will be difficult to find one with an injured man like him,” said Cain. “People would be suspicious, thinking he escaped torture in the prison. I’m sure Mekhi has already sent word to the four kingdoms about Norvin’s escape. If anyone sees him, they would alert the guards at once.”

“Why should we care?” I asked. “You can defeat them singlehandedly.”

Cain shook his head. “We can’t alert the emperor yet. There’s so much to learn about being a dragon. I was scared out of my mind last night. Let’s take things slow, learn what we can about dragons before facing one who has more knowledge and experience than us.”

I nodded, understanding and agreeing with what he was saying. However, the problem remained. We needed a place to shelter Norvin. “Have you thought of where we could go?”

“There’s an abandoned cottage nearby,” said Cain, gesturing into the distance. “The place is deserted with a stream nearby. Best place for us to stay a few days until we can get Adal’s help.”

“Have you checked the cottage properly?” I asked, thinking of traps and hidden enemies.

“I did. It’s in a bad condition but the roof is intact. We can clean it out and stay there for a while.”

“Have you eaten anything since last night?” I asked as my stomach groaned, my body protesting against any hard labor.

“No. I didn’t dare leave you both to look for food.”

“Did you bring my packs along with you?” I asked.

“I did. What about the scrolls I gave you?”

I patted the front of my tunic, feeling the hard length of the binding against my chest. “It’s safe.” My gaze went to the clear stream in the distance. At least, we had some fresh water to start with. “I am so hungry though. Do you think we could get some fish?”

Cain’s grim expression shifted to guilt. “I have never fished before.”

Getting to my feet, I walked to the spot where our bundles were laid together under a tree. Opening one of my packs, I searched through the spare darts and needles. “Yes!” I’d found the fish hooks. Taking them along with a thick stub of wood tightly wound with string, I walked back to Cain. “Let’s put some lines in the water and eat the leftover stuff in my pack.”

Cain watched me dig the ground to find worms. Once I got a few, I took them with me to the edge of the stream. I pierced the live worms with hooks and threw them into the gently rushing waters. “We’ll come back again,” I said, placing heavy stones on the ends of the fishing lines.

We went back to sit beside Norvin. His rising and falling chest was the only indication he wasn’t dead yet. I couldn’t bear to look at his bloodied face without a sob choking my throat. There were herbs and tonics in my pack that could help him, but they had to carefully picked and mixed. My head was already spinning with weakness. I didn’t dare give him anything at the risk of poisoning him. He’d suffered enough already.

A heavy hand rested on my shoulder.

“He’ll survive,” said Cain. His silvery eyes were warm as he kneeled down beside me. Drawing me to him, he held me close as sobs wracked through my trembling body. “It’s all right, Daria. We got him away.” He whispered soothing words, comforting me while I bawled like a child, dampening his tunic.

It was a while before I could calm myself. It was so easy to succumb to my fears and anxieties with him, without fearing punishment and scorn. As I moved away, sniffing and wiping away the tears from my cheeks, I realized I felt a hundred times lighter. “Thank you,” I said, giving him a small smile.

“Dragonborns heal faster than regular humans,” said Cain in a gentle voice. “He is getting better even as we speak. Most of his injuries are superficial, though I believe he has a few broken ribs. Mekhi wanted to torture him till the end before killing him.”

“Bastard.”

“The three brothers were always cruel. Even as children, they would mutilate birds and rats for the sake of fun. I remember one time, they tried it on a servant boy. King Helmut punished them with lashings for their cowardly acts, enraging their father. It was that very week, Ivan took his revenge on his brother and the rest of the dragon clans.”

“You were there to see it all?”

A faraway look settled in the silvery depths of his eyes. “My eldest brother issued the order to get me out of the palace as soon as news reached him. He was present there too, having accompanied us to meet a noblewoman he liked. Ivan killed him and two of my sisters a few hours later, leaving me as the only heir to the kingdom of Iorna.”

“Why did he have to kill them?”

“They protested, of course,” said Cain, meeting my gaze. “It was a question of honor and they didn’t back down. To this day, I don’t know if I agree with them or not. They could have escaped with me, staying alive to gather forces and fight another day.”

I stayed quiet, digging into my bundle for food. Cain was always cautious, always planning ahead and figuring out the risks before making a move. At times, it was frustrating but I was beginning to understand where he was coming from. He was the kind of person who would wait till he was sure his attack would yield the best result.

I tore the remaining loaf of bread into halves, handing one to Cain.

“Can you believe it’s just been a single day since we were last eating this meal?” asked Cain, staring at the hunk of bread in his hand.

I shook my head. “Too much happened,” I said, thinking of the underground temple chambers, our lovemaking and the moment Cain shifted into his true dragon form. Even that wasn’t enough to be the highlight of the day. Norvin’s rescue from the tower in Partaig took the spot.

“We need a day to rest,” said Cain, cramming the whole piece of bread into his mouth.

“Take Norvin with you to the shack you spoke about,” I said, eating a bit of cheese. “I will forage in these woods and come find you. Wish we still had our horse though.”

“I could shift for you if you wanted me to carry something.”

I laughed out at his suggestion, imagining the magnificent silver-scaled dragon carrying a pail of water in its jaws. Cain smiled back, suddenly taking my breath away. He was beautiful when he let the anxiety slip off his face. A breeze blew by, lifting the dark strands of hair away from his eyes.

“I will manage on my own, thanks!”

Cain got to his feet and moved towards Norvin. Kneeling beside him, he picked up his arms and wound them around his neck. He stood up, hauling Norvin on his back.

“It’s best if you follow us, Daria. Bring our packs with you and see what you can use from the cottage. We don’t even have waterskins anymore.”

A heavy sigh escaped me as I hurried to pick up our bundles. The adventure I’d been looking forward to was quickly turning into a chore-ridden nightmare. I walked behind Cain as my stomach groaned in protest. It wanted more than a hunk of bread.

The cottage turned out to be a ghostly little shack. The shutters at the open windows were hanging on hinges while the front door lay in a dusty heap on the side. Walking inside, I found it covered in dust and cobwebs, but there was a cot in the corner. An intact set of a round table with chairs stood close to it. As I moved deeper into the shadowy corners, I found more things of use. There were kettles, pots and earthenware cups and bowls.

“I wonder what happened here,” I said, looking around. “Why would people suddenly leave this hut?”

Cain laid Norvin on the dusty cot. “I have no idea. The door was broken down, so I am assuming they were attacked by robbers or something worse.”

“Is it safe to stay here?” I asked.

“It’s the best choice we’ve got at the moment.”

“No matter what happens, don’t shift, Cain,” I said as a sliver of anxiety settled in my gut. “Right now, only Mekhi and the soldiers guarding the tower saw you. We flew through the night, so it’s a slim chance anyone else saw you.”

“I know. I’m hoping even Mekhi thinks it was an illusion you created. We have to stay low and not bring harm to the Ning family of Baledonia.”

I nodded. “How about you guard Norvin and clean this place up a little? I will go get us water and some food.”

“I’ll try,” said Cain with a baffled expression as he took in the cobwebs hanging over his head. It was hard to suppress the laugh bubbling out of me. The ruling prince of Iorna was just given the task to clean up an abandoned shack. By the look on his face, it seemed more daunting than ruling a kingdom.

Going to the corner, I selected two dusty pails. They would be enough to hold water and anything else I could forage in the woods. Taking them, I headed to the door.

“Daria,” Cain called just as I was about to cross the threshold. “Be on your guard.”

“I will.”

6

All three of the lines I’d left in the stream had a fish on the end. They were long, slim fishes, with spots of orange on their tailfin, a species different to the ones we often had in the rivers of Iorna. Filling one of the pales with water, I dropped them in. I cast the lines again, hoping to catch some more by the time I was done foraging.

I was about to leave with the pail of fishes when I heard wisps of voices floating towards me. Looking towards the source, I detected the voices traveling from farther down the stream. Curious, I placed the bucket of fishes under the shade of a nearby tree. “I’ll be back for you,” I told them while they swam in the shallow water, sliding over each other.

I followed the bank of the stream, keeping to the shadows cast by the trees as I got closer to the voices.

After fifteen minutes’ of walking, I came across a group of women. There were five, washing massive heaps of clothes on the bank of the brook. They all wore faded but colorful kimono-style dresses with long, hanging sleeves that were presently tucked up to reveal sunburnt skin as they washed their laundry.

I hung back, listening to their Baledonian accents as they gossiped amongst themselves.

“Prince Adal hardly ever makes an appearance,” said a young woman, her nose wrinkling in frustration. “He is the most handsome among all the princes but you rarely see him.”

“I like him the best too,” said an older woman in a dreamy voice. “He doesn’t get involved in politics but is generous when it comes to doing charity. A beautiful man with a beautiful heart.” Her eyes closed as she clutched at her heart.

“Yumo!” scolded the lady beside her. “Don’t let your husband hear you say that. It’s bad enough he knocks you around for not cooling his tea.”

Yumo giggled. “I’d leave my husband for him.”

The women around her gasped dramatically, but within moments, they started shaking their heads and laughing, returning back to their washing. I couldn’t believe there were so many women who yearned for Adal. It was natural, but the way he spoke about himself, he’d made me believe he was an ignored prince of the kingdom. From the conversation among the washerwomen, I could tell people took more notice of him than he thought.

For a moment, my mind flashed back to the time when we lay in bed, our bodies and limbs entangled in sheets. Heat shot down to my core as warmth flooded my cheeks. I’d thought I would be separated from Cain and Norvin when I left for Baledonia, but fate brought them along with me to meet up with Adal. I couldn’t wait for all of us to reunite again.

While the women were busy chatting, I sneaked close to one and grabbed her basket of freshly laundered clothes. It was essentially stealing but at the moment, I needed to be resourceful. My attire of leather breeches and long-slit tunic would stand out in Baledonia. Wearing a kimono-style dress was essential for my next task.

I went back to the spot where I’d left my pail of fish. Taking the other empty bucket, I headed into the woods. There were plenty of mushrooms in the shadowy undergrowth. After collecting handfuls of them, I picked wild onion and ginger roots. While digging for them, I found some edible purple sweet potatoes.

When the bucket was full, I went back to collect my fishes. Three more fishes got hooked to the lines I’d laid. Placing them with the previously caught ones, I strapped the basket of clothes to my back. I was weighed down but was determined to carry everything in one trip.

I was panting and gasping, my back groaning under the weight of my hauls as I made my way back to the cottage. It was early afternoon by the time I reached it. The shack already looked dark and unoccupied from the outside, giving no indication of the two men inside.

Cain rushed out to meet me before I reached the threshold of the cottage, relieving me of my burdens immediately.

“You look worn out,” he said as I gasped for more breath.

Clutching a stitch at my side, I bent low and inhaled deep lungfuls of air.

“What’s that you’ve got?” he asked, moving behind me.

“I stole it from some washerwomen,” I said, putting down the basket. “I can use the clothes to blend in when I go to town tomorrow.”

“What do you plan to do?”

I took in the room around me before replying. While I was gone, Cain had got rid of the cobwebs and most of the place looked clean. Norvin still lay on the cot, unmoving.

“I will go and buy better clothes,” I said, moving towards the bed to take a closer look at Norvin. He still looked the same but most of the cuts had stopped oozing blood now. It was a tiny improvement but at least he wasn’t bleeding any more. “Next, I’ll buy a horse. I am going to pretend to be Adal’s maid when I go to the palace of Huadu. They will let me in when I flash the jade tablet Adal left me.”

“That’s a good plan,” said Cain, casting a glance at the pail of fishes. “You got a lot of food for us.”

“Let’s prepare some soup for Norvin. We can have the same.” I strode further into the cottage to look at the man lying on the cot. Now that the blood had clotted, his usually flawless face had turned black and blue. The only good thing was that Cain had washed most of the wounds.

“Have some water, Daria,” said Cain, bringing me water in a small earthenware bowl.

“Thank you,” I said gratefully. The water felt amazingly refreshing after the exhausting trek back to the cottage. “We have to be careful here,” I said, handing him the bowl. “I saw the washerwomen not too far away from here.”

I felt so exhausted at the moment, I just wanted to curl up beside Norvin and sleep.

“I am no good with preparing food, Daria,” said Cain after a while. “I’ve survived so far from the palace because of the roadside taverns and inns.”

I exhaled a long breath and nodded. “I will brew some medicine for Norvin too. Feed it to him while I sort the rest out.”

It was a relief to see the bunch of twigs and branches that Cain gathered and placed near the hearth. All the things in the tiny kitchen space were clean and dust-free. While I toiled to look for food, he’d done his best to tidy our temporary home. A smile lifted the corners of my lips despite my exhaustion.

After lighting a fire in the hearth, I placed a kettle over it to boil.

“We’ll soon need more water,” said Cain, coming to stand beside me.

I nodded.

“I’ll go get us some more. Stay on your guard and look after him.” He gave me a nod and walked out of the cottage.

Warmth spread through me despite the tiredness. Cain was being so responsible and helpful. In all my missions before, I had to fend for myself no matter the state of my body. The other option would be death. To share the hardships with someone else made it less painful and tedious. More than ever, I felt grateful to have Cain by my side.

When the kettle emitted hisses of steam, I added the carefully measured herbs into the water. Letting it steep, I waited for the potion to be ready. It was a healing tonic that would speed up Norvin’s recovery. 

Once the potion was prepared, I poured the dark amber liquid into a clean earthen bowl and carried it to Norvin. Lifting his head on my lap, I slowly slipped the warm medicine into his mouth. His eyes stayed closed and he didn’t utter a word.

“You have to get well soon,” I said in a tear-choked voice. Until now, I never realized how much it would ache to see my princes hurt. While it was nice to feel their love, it was equally torturous to see them in pain. My helplessness seemed to choke me as I continued to feed him. 

“At least you’re a good patient.” Leaning down, I brushed my lips against his forehead. It was the only patch of skin on his face without a wound.

Covering him with Cain’s cloak, I proceeded to make our meal. It was basically dumping the cleaned fish and vegetables into a pot of water and boiling it up. There was some flavoring salt in my bundle. It would have to do.

Over the next hour, Cain filled all the buckets available in the cottage, making sure we wouldn’t have to step out of the cottage later. Night was quickly falling. The weather was cool now, but not as cold as the nights got in Iorna.

“I will keep watch while you rest,” said Cain as we were about to finish our meal.

“Are you sure you’ll be fine?” I asked.

“I feel fine, Daria. There will be time to rest tomorrow as well while you head out to town. But I want you to sleep tonight. You absolutely need it.”

“Thanks, Cain,” I said, leaning on his side. His arm came to wrap around me and for a while, I enjoyed the heat seeping through his body. I didn’t know when my eyes closed because the next thing I remembered was Cain placing me on the cot beside Norvin. “Just sleep,” he said, pecking my lips as I blearily opened my eyes.

The next morning, I woke up feeling energized and refreshed. Bright sunlight shone through the broken shutters of the cottage as I sat up, blinking against the harsh light. Norvin still remained unconscious.

I got out of bed and walked outside the cottage. Cain sat on the low steps right outside the threshold, gazing far in the distance.

“Merry morning,” I greeted him in a cheerful voice and sat down beside him.

“You seem well,” he said, turning to face me. He’d shaved away the dark stubble off his handsome face and wore fresh Baledonian-styled clothes. “I cleaned up using some of the water I got last night,” he explained, noticing me stare at his new attire. “I borrowed some clothes from the laundry basket.”

I chuckled. “That’s all right. Even if someone comes around, you can pretend to be a hunter. How good are you with the Baledonian dialect?”

“While I understand it perfectly, I have trouble speaking it,” he admitted.

A soft hoot sounded close by followed by a blast of air slapping me in the face. Next moment, Tuto flopped on the ground beside me, biting at my fingers.

“Tuto!” I scolded. “Don’t do that!”

He hooted indignantly, still flapping his large wings and glaring at me with widened, tawny eyes.

“I am sorry I left you behind,” I said, getting to my feet to get away from the angry owl. “I didn’t have a choice.”

Cain laughed as Tuto chased me around the small porch of the cottage. “Look, you found me,” I reasoned. “I was about to call for you anyway. Aren’t you glad to see me, Tuto?”

The owl paused in his attacks, looking up at me reproachfully. “Go sleep,” I said. “I won’t make you watch the place until tonight.”

With a hoot that very well may have sounded like ‘you better not if you know what’s best for you’, the ghostly-white owl flew inside the cottage. Sighing with relief, I went back to sit with Cain.

“Your pet has quite the temper. Does he get it from his mistress?”

I stared at him while his lips curved into a smile.

I sighed, knowing he was joking. “I will wash up and get dressed,” I said, running a hand through the long stray strands of my hair that had escaped the braid. My tresses felt awfully clumped and dry. Bringing forward my plait, I found it to be covered in dirt. “On second thought, I’ll go to the stream to wash up. A single bucket won’t be able to get rid of the filth sticking to me.”

“You must be careful,” said Cain, his voice suddenly wary. “Don’t let another man spy on you while you bathe.”

Chuckling and shaking my head, I went inside the cottage.

“What’s so funny?” he shouted after me. “I was being serious!”

Tuto was perched over the long wooden beam supporting the roof. He was already fast asleep with his head under his wings. I smiled at him. At least, he’d followed me here.

From the laundry basket, I selected a robe which had a few holes, a pink-skirted kimono and a thick black silken sash. Searching through the things there, I picked up a rag as well to use as a washcloth. Armed with these things, I headed to the bank of the stream.

The weather was warm already, so the cool waters felt especially good when I dipped my toe in the stream. As per Cain’s caution, I wore a robe before stepping into the stream.

It took a good while to clean out my body and hair. There were small pieces of stone still stuck to my hair from the explosion at the top of the tower. I didn’t have a mirror around so I couldn’t tell for sure but I must have appeared awful in front of Cain. My cheeks still hurt, so the bruises must have added extra ugliness to me.

When my body was free of grime once more and my hair, dirt-free, I climbed out of the stream. Afraid someone else might steal my clothes, I’d hidden them beside a tree trunk deeper in the woods. Reaching the spot, I dried off and put on the new Baledonian clothes. It took some time to wear the apparels properly as I wasn’t used to them, but when I was done, I was sure I looked the part of a Baledonian maid.

I went back to the cottage to find Cain heating some of last night’s soup.

He handed me a bowl of it and poured himself one as well.

“I’m feeling worried about him,” said Cain after a while. “Norvin should have woken up by now.”

I nodded, taking a large gulp of the soup. “His pulse isn’t erratic. He seems to be simply sleeping.”

“It still feels strange.”

“I want to get him to a better place than this,” I said, gesturing at the cottage around us. “I want a safe place to use my inner energy techniques to heal him. Interruption will harm both our health.”

Cain nodded. “Do you have the money you need?”

“Yes. A few gold coins should be enough. I will have Tuto keep a watch at night. You should rest too, Cain,” I said. His silver-gray eyes met mine in a forlorn expression. “I will meet Adal today and make sure to get both you and Norvin to the palace by tonight.”

“I’m not worried about that. I am just hoping Norvin will pull through.”

“He will,” I said, my voice more confident than I truly felt. “I will heal him even if I have to give up my life.”

“Daria!” Cain’s hand grabbed my wrist hard. “I don’t need you to go that far. Even Norvin wouldn’t want you to do that. No matter what happens, you can’t risk your life for us.”

I stayed silent, hiding my face with the bowl as I pretended to drink my soup. Apart from assassinating Emperor Ivan, my second task was to protect the three princes. It was a direct order from my master, Lady Elga. If I failed in my duty, only death waited for me.

“Thank you for the food,” I said, getting to my feet. “I will get going now.”

Cain moved close to pull me into a tight hug. “Be careful,” he whispered before letting me go.

I met his keen stare and nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

7

I went back to the spot by the stream’s bank where the washerwomen were gathered yesterday. They hadn’t come back today, but I was able to follow the narrow path along the brook’s edge that led to their village. Cain told me it was at the outskirts of Huadu so it won’t take more than an hour’s walk to reach the capital city.

Making my way through the village, I stole a farmer’s conical sedge hat, hanging on a low tree branch. It was tall, with a wide brim and was woven out of dried reeds. Most used it to save themselves from the harsh sun and rain, but for the day, I would use it to keep my face concealed.

The kimono-styled attire restricted a lot of my movement. Even without trying, they made my steps small and steady. I was sure I looked like one of the women in the village, gliding along the dirt path with an elegant gait.

No one glanced at me twice as I passed the village and got onto the road leading to the capital city. The hat kept my face concealed, not letting anyone watching realize a stranger was among them. It was a long walk, but the path was well-maintained and busy. Leafy trees lined the sides of the road, giving cool shade from the warm Baledonian sun.

Guards stood at the city’s gates. However, they were allowing others inside and only checking people with carts. I was able to slip through without any obstacle, entering the legendary city of Huadu.

The city was bustling with activity. Pagoda-style buildings rose on both sides of the street but were dwarfed by the tallest architecture visible in the far distance. The brightly painted red tiles of the palace roofs were noticeable even in the distance. Vendors lined the streets, selling everything from fruits to luxury silk goods. I’d expected Partaig to be like this. With the crowd of shoppers and other people milling about, I was able to walk without catching anyone’s notice.

Before going to meet Adal, I needed to get myself some new clothes and a horse. It was important I looked like I was employed by a prince.

Wandering through the busy streets, I came across a shop selling readymade clothes. It looked well-maintained from the outside with a number of ostentatious lanterns hanging from the roof. They were sure to cater to richer folk, promising good quality fabrics.

Parting open the reed curtains blocking the entrance of the shop, I entered a cool, dark room. Wooden rows filled with bales of cotton and silk fabrics lined the walls. The air was heavy with a mix of exotic floral perfumes and dried starch.

“Can I help you?” said a cold voice from behind me.

Turning around, I saw a young woman staring at me coldly. Her dark eyes took in my appearance from head to foot before meeting my gaze with a haughty glare.

“I want to buy a dress,” I said, keeping a pleasant façade.

“I don’t think you can afford to buy a dress made by my mistress,” she said with a nasty sneer.

I lifted my head, meeting her eyes for the first time. “Take my measurements or call your mistress. I need a dress right away.”

“Who are you?” she asked, curiosity seeping into her eyes. “How much money have you got?”

“I work for one of the princes,” I said, making my tone low. “Do you really want to stand there and argue with me? I could have both your mistress and you thrown into prison for such repeated insolence.”

Of course, I was bluffing but enjoyed the way her face paled. “You must be Prince Zane’s maid. I heard His Highness came into town this morning.”

I kept my face smooth, hiding the surprise I felt at hearing the name. Prince Zain was Ivan’s second son.

“Get going,” I said in a clipped tone. “Show me the clothes you’ve got here.”

She jumped, moving close to me and bowing. “Please, come this way,” she said, gesturing me to enter through a door.

Looking straight ahead, I crossed the threshold and entered a large space. The smell of perfume was heavier here. A few women were already seated in low chairs in the corner. They took one look at me and went back to talking amongst themselves.

“Please take a seat,” said the young maid. “I will call my mistress to attend to you.” She gave another bow and disappeared through another door in the corner.

“Did you hear the rumors, Gyumi?” asked a woman at the table. “A silver-scaled dragon was spotted in Partaig a few days ago.”

“What?” The other women eagerly leaned forward to hear more. I moved my own stool closer to them.

“It’s still a rumor because the Drakonia clan hasn’t given out any official report yet. My husband said Prince Zane came to the palace this morning. Isn’t that strange?”

“I hate it when they come to Huadu,” said the woman called Gyumi. “They make my husband so nervous.”

“Same with mine.”

“There’s one more news that’s come my way, ladies,” said a woman in a precious blue silk kimono. “Prince Cain is on the run now. He was caught rebelling with Prince Norvin of Redfall.”

“But wasn’t Prince Norvin already dead?”

The woman in the blue kimono shrugged. “There are so many strange news coming our way, it’s hard to really make sense of fact from rumor. But something’s definitely afoot. Why else would Prince Zane appear here so suddenly? They generally let the court know at least two weeks in advance so we can make the arrangements to receive them.”

Gyumi sneered, slapping the top of the table around which they were seated. “The Drakonians exhaust my patience.”

“Ssshhh!!!” The four women around her hissed loudly. “Don’t talk so loudly!”

They turned around to glance at me. I lowered my head, concealing my face effectively under the large conical hat.

“Just a peasant,” one of them whispered, going back to gossip about someone’s daughter who threw hot tea at an elderly matchmaker for matching her with an ugly, old man.

A new woman entered the room with the maid following after her. The first thing I noticed was the color of her clothes. They were as flashy as the bright makeup on her face. Her glossy black hair was wrapped in a large bun, positioned at the base of her neck. A number of jeweled ornaments were stuck into it, making it appear like an elaborate pin cushion.

She gestured at the maid behind her. The girl moved forward to the table with the gossiping women and placed wrapped parcels on it. While she distributed the things to the owners, her mistress approached me.

“What kind of clothing are you looking for?” she asked, looking down her nose at me.

“Something decent and fit to wear inside the palace,” I replied. “Nothing too luxurious. Whatever you can give me for a single gold coin.”

“Pay my servant and come this way with me.”

I tossed a coin to the pouting maid and followed the seamstress. She gestured at a number of shelves on the wall. “You can choose anything from here.”

“I’ll need you to alter them slightly,” I said, caressing the fabrics on the shelves. They weren’t too bad. “I will be riding a horse. Can you make them suitable for me?”

“You can add cotton pants underneath,” said the seamstress. “Choose the dress you like and I’ll find you something that matches.”

I gave her nod. “Thank you.”

As the noble ladies filed out of the room, I began looking through the colors and fabric on offer. My heart was swelling with excitement at the prospect of meeting Adal. The last time he’d seen me, I was completely naked.

Hiding the blush, I continued to look for something that would match the occasion without drawing too much attention.

In the end, I chose a pink kimono-dress embroidered with large peach blossoms. The seamstress brought me a pair of matching pink trousers which were quiet voluminous and looser than my leather breeches. To my surprise, it gave me more movement. The airiness also helped keep me cool in the warm Baledonian weather.

“I’ll need some hair ornaments as well,” I said. “Something simple will do.”

The young maid came back with a tray of hair-pins decorated with tiny carved jade flowers and non-precious stones. They were cheap but would go well with the dress.

“Where can I change my clothes?” I asked.

“You want to change here?” the young maid asked, staring at me curiously.

“Is that a problem?” I asked, raising my brows at her.

“No. No problem.”

She took me to a small room off the side of the main hall. Stepping out, she closed the door to give me the privacy I needed. There was also a tall full-sized mirror available. This had to be the place they got the fitting done.

I quickly changed out of my stolen clothes to put on the new attire. A smile rose on my lips as I admired the beautiful silk fabric with the woven peach blossoms. It felt especially good after wearing the rough hemp tunics during our travel.

Loosening my hair out of the tight braid, I fashioned my tresses into a simple bun behind my head. Taking a hairpin decorated with a single jade flower, I pierced it into the bun. My appearance was clean and fresh now but my face showed ugly bruises. I wondered if that was the reason the maid in the front treated me like dirt. Maybe she thought I had a wifebeater for a husband?

I scowled at the dark marks marring my pale face. They were the parting gifts from Mekhi.

Using a little of my inner energy, I healed the bruises. The action left me reeling and I had to clutch the wall to steady myself on my feet as a bout of exhaustion passed through me. I hated how weak my body had gone.

When I looked back at the mirror, my reflection smiled back at me. My face was flawless now.

Both the seamstress and the young maid were waiting right outside the changing room.

They gasped as soon as I came out. Their eyes widened at my sight, but I stepped past them quickly, not wanting them to guess the change which had me look prettier than before.

“Would you be considerate enough to extend our invitation to the prince?” said the seamstress as I placed the sedge hat on my head.

I tilted my head backward but didn’t fully turn. “I shall try.”

She bowed her head, her lips curving into a sly smile. “You are always welcome here, Miss. A guest of Prince Zain will always be highly treated by me and my staff.”

I scoffed, glancing at the young maid who’d been rude to me earlier. She bowed low, not meeting my eyes.

I walked out into the entrance hall of the shop. The streets outside sounded just as noisy as before. Taking a deep breath, I strode out, getting engulfed among the crowd.

As I moved forward through the jostling crowd to look for a stable, the palace towers came even closer. Suddenly, it felt ridiculous to get a horse just to ride the short distance. Deciding against buying one, I kept walking until I reached the vast palace gates.

Two soldiers sprang forward at my approach.

I stayed calm, letting them drink in my curves.

“What business do you have here?” one of the guards asked in a rough voice.

“I am here to meet Prince Adal,” I said, taking out the jade tablet he’d given me. “Please escort me to the prince immediately.”

The guard took the seal in his hand, inspecting it carefully. After a minute of scrutiny, he handed it back to me. Gesturing at another guard, he said, “Guide her to the sixth prince’s chamber.” He motioned for me to follow his companion.

The mammoth gates of the palace were opened up to me. I stared out at the gigantic statue of a dragon that rose in front of me. If I hadn’t seen a real dragon, I would’ve thought it to be larger than life. Compared to Cain’s dragon, the statue seemed small and tame.

“Come along, Miss,” said the guard in a bored voice.

The palace was beautifully decorated with lawns of exotic flowers. Everywhere I looked, something pretty caught my eye. It was hard not to stop and stare out at the magnificent panorama of the multi-colored gardens laid out in every corner.

“Step this way,” said the guard, gesturing towards an open doorway. “You’re far too distracted to be taken through the front entrance. We’ll take the longer route through here.”

The palace interiors were cool and silent. Maids and servants passed by us, but they never made a single noise, padding away on soft-soled shoes. Gold and bronze vases dotted the corridors through which we passed but they didn’t attract my attention as the ornamental gardens did. The royal family had used the warm weather to cultivate the most unique flower gardens in the four kingdoms.

I was led through several flights of stairs and consequent corridors. We seemed to walk and climb forever. At one point, I stopped trying to remember the way out. It was all too confusing.

The soldier stopped suddenly, making me bump into his back. “Watch it!” he scolded.

“Apologies,” I muttered.

“Wait here,” he said, motioning at a cluster of plush chairs around a table. “The prince will be with you soon.”

I took a seat, looking around the luxurious surroundings. A vast crystal chandelier hung over my head, throwing rainbow-hued patterns around the wall. There were several casements around, drawing in the cool breeze from outside. I glanced at the open doorway through which I came in.

My heart began pounding as I waited for Adal to arrive. It hadn’t been long since we last saw each other but it felt like weeks had passed in between. So much happened in the short span of time after he left for Baledonia.

I was lost in my thoughts for a while.

I started at the sound of soft approaching footsteps. Looking up, I saw a richly-dressed man standing at the doorway as the guard bowed low and turned around to walk away. It took me a moment to recognize the man I knew underneath the luxurious robes, elaborately braided hairstyle and the gold ornaments.

“Adal?” My whisper was barely audible as I got to my feet.

“What took you so long?” he asked, striding forward and pulling me into a tight hug. “You were supposed to have arrived yesterday.”

“Sorry about that,” I said, my voice muffled as my mouth got squashed against his hard chest.

He loosened his hold but still kept his arms wrapped around me. Leaning down, he took my lips in a slow, sensuous kiss. I’d missed his touch and taste. Forgetting the world for a moment, I wrapped my arms around his neck and swirled my tongue around his.

Warmth flooded my cheeks as Adal’s hands shifted down my waist to cup my bottom gently. I drew closer, pressing my body against him as our kiss grew more fervent. It had been less than a week since I last saw him but our reactions were like we were separated for years. Like a thirsty man, he drank deeply of me.

Heat pooled between my legs, a familiar throbbing ache starting at my core. I moaned into Adal’s mouth.

He leaned away for a moment, his usually calm blue eyes blazing with heat.

“We can’t do this now,” I said breathlessly even though my body begged for it to continue. Swallowing thickly, I said, “I must talk to you before everything else.”

His beautiful blue eyes searched my face for something. “What happened?”

“You know something happened?”

He nodded. “Rumors are flying over from Iorna every hour. From the scandal about Princess Helena to the sighting of a silver-scaled dragon. But the one that caused me to worry most was about Norvin getting caught.”

Looking away from him, I let out a long sigh. “It’s all true.”

8

 “It’s all true.”

I stared at Daria, not able to comprehend her words. All rumors aside, was the news of a silver-scaled dragon true as well?

Daria grasped my hand and pulled on it, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Can we speak somewhere more private?”

I nodded, taking her hand in mine. Daria’s sudden appearance made me lose my usual calm. I battled the lust raging within me, demanding me to take her right there. Struggling between the hunger of my body and hearing the news that all recent rumors were true, I’d let my guard down. If she hadn’t reminded me, I would’ve continued to speak to her in the parlor room where anyone from my brother to the servants could see and hear us.

You’re the one to be blamed, I thought with a secret smile.

Daria appeared before me in a traditional Baledonian dress. The pink silk attire with large woven peach blossoms suited her perfectly. She’d kept the makeup and ornaments to a bare minimum, unlike the ladies of court. It gave her a fresh appearance, making her the prettiest blossom in the palace of Huadu.

I guided her further into my quarters. It felt wonderful to have her so close to me again. Without her, I was lonelier in the palace than ever before.

Daria stared around the small room I’d brought her into. It was my private study and other than myself, no one was ever allowed to come here. Closing the door behind me, I motioned her to take a seat on one of the chairs.

“You are buried in tomes and scrolls,” said Daria, looking around at the shelves that lined all four walls of the room. Stacks of books filled the floor space while several tall vases were stuffed with scrolls. “Ayah! Before I forget, here’s the thing Cain wanted you to have.” Reaching inside her robes, she pulled out a silver cylinder.

“The scrolls he found in the sacred chambers?” Daria nodded as I took it from her. Placing it on the table before us, I said, “Tell me what happened after I left our company.”

Daria closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath in. When she looked back, her emerald-green eyes were laden with anxiety.

“Norvin got captured in Partaig,” she began after taking a deep breath. “Helena was supposed to have escaped to Drakhaven but chose to go to Partaig instead. I am guessing she received news of her brother arriving there and took advantage. She must have told him about meeting Cain in Carran and talked about his companions. I guess Norvin’s features made him an easily identified target.”

My heart turned cold. “Is he still with Mekhi?”

She shook her head. “There’s more to the tale.” She seemed to be contemplating for a moment like deciding where to begin. “Norvin rode out before us. While he reached Partaig and got captured, Cain and I went into the dragon temple and down into the chambers below.” Suddenly, her cheeks turned red as she blushed furiously.

Not understanding her reaction, I cautiously asked, “Did something happen while you were there?” She nodded, evading my eyes, continuing to blush furiously. I chuckled, amused by her expression. “Did Cain make a move on you?”

Her head snapped up as she stared at me.

“He did?” While a part of me felt the sting of jealousy, I knew he couldn’t help take some advantage while he was alone with her. It was impossible not to be attracted by a woman as beautiful and intelligent as Daria.

“At first, we were just looking around,” she began. “Then we reached a place with some very…err…erotic paintings.”

“The chamber for ritual mating,” I guessed.

“I am not sure what it’s called but we ended up sleeping together.” She raised her eyes to meet mine.

Jealousy nipped at my heart but I suppressed it. Daria looked anxious about it and that hurt me more. I’d already told her it was all right for her to develop relationships with Norvin and Cain. While it made sense to the logical side of me that was fiercely loyal to my two friends, I still couldn’t help the greedy side that wanted Daria all to myself.

Schooling my expression, I said, “Go on.”

“While we were together, something happened.” Her voice steadily got more confident as she set aside her shyness. “Just at the moment we hit our high, some bizarre magic bound us together. Cain couldn’t see it, but I could see the magic binding our bodies. Next moment, we’re both engulfed in flames.” After a pause, she said, “Cain was in terrible pain after that. And suddenly, he shifted into a silver-scaled dragon. I nearly passed out with fear and shock, but he told me it was him. That he wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Cain is the silver dragon?” I asked.

She nodded.

“And he transformed after mating with you?”

“Yes.”

“Daria, are you sure you’re not a descendant of the Fire Clan?”

I shook my head. “Cain asked me the same thing. I can’t be from any of the dragon families because I was never immune to fire before this. My magic keeps me safe and that’s what I use to conjure fire. It was never inherent like you and Cain.” She looked questioningly at me. “Do you have any idea what happened?”

“Not really,” I admitted. “As far as I know, a dragon born can shift into his true form only after mating with a blessed woman from the Fire Clan. The other way is to mate with a female dragon who’s achieved her true form.”

“Did you notice anything strange after we were together?”

I grinned. “I experienced many wonderful things when we were together, Daria.” My voice was suddenly husky as my body thrummed with the need to touch her. Her cheeks grew pink as she met my gaze.

“You haven’t felt any difference, have you?” she asked.

What could I tell her? After spending a single night with her, my mind was consumed with lust and desire. It was impossible to concentrate on anything else. I’d been waiting for her as soon as I came back to the palace, counting the hours until she would be back in my arms.

“If you’re asking whether I’ve suddenly shifted into a gigantic fire-breathing creature, then no,” I said with a sigh. “But we could give it another try…just in case.” I leaned forward and was just about to capture her lips between mine when she placed a finger on my mouth.

“I’m not done, Adal,” she said with a pout that had me smiling.

“Sorry, love. Please continue.”

“After coming out of the temple, we received news of Norvin’s capture. We were able to rescue him, but not in time.” Her lips trembled as her eyes filled with tears. “He’s badly injured. I’ve been so exhausted I couldn’t use my inner energy to heal him. Cain is waiting with him for you. Can you bring them to the palace so they have a place to hide?”

Ice flowed through my veins. It was bad that both Cain and Norvin had been implicated now. I’d expected only Daria to arrive but for a twist of fate, both my friends accompanied her. While it was an extremely dangerous situation, I was happy to have them back. It was terribly lonely without their company.

“Where are they now?”

“I can show you,” said Daria, getting to her feet.

I got up and moved towards her. Placing my hands on her shoulders, I made her sit on the chair again. “Tell me where they are and I will go get them. There’s a concealed tunnel I use to sneak out of the palace without being seen but it’s not suitable for too many. Even getting Cain and Norvin back with me would be cumbersome.”

“Are you sure you won’t need my help?”

“Absolutely. Stay here for now.”

I went out of the study to find a servant. From the tale Daria told me, I was sure she was exhausted and in need of a good meal and rest.

“Get me fruit, snacks, and tea,” I commanded a young maid passing by in the corridor. She bowed low and hurried away.

I waited there until she came back with another maid, carrying trays of food. Gesturing for them to take it inside the parlor room, I stood back. Once the dishes were laid out, they stepped away, bowing to me. I excused them with a wave of my hand.

Going back to Daria, I called her back to the parlor.

“I had some food brought for you,” I said, gesturing at the spread. “If you want to sleep, you can take my bed. The only thing I would request is you stay in these quarters until I get back. Prince Zane is in the palace right now.”

“I heard.”

Wisps of anxiety coiled around my gut. We seemed to be getting pushed in the corner. We’d expected it to happen, but not this soon. My elder brother was the ruling prince of Baledonia. He was meek and submissive, but I doubted Ivan cared. He sent his son to Huadu just to bully him or force him out of the way. I had to be careful to hide both Cain and Norvin while Zane stayed in the palace.

“Please, Daria,” I said, placing my hand on her shoulders. “Please stay here.”

She smiled at me and nodded. “I’m not going anywhere. Just make sure you get Norvin and Cain back.” She handed me a hand-drawn map. “You will find them if you follow the directions here.”

“Thank you, love,” I said, tucking the map inside my robes. Stepping close to her, I kissed her before leaving.

9

Adal left me in the spacious parlor room, closing the doors behind him. The table was laid with a variety of dishes, most of which I’d never tasted before. I walked closer, looking at the pretty food displayed in small porcelain plates. An ornate iron teapot, heavily carved with floral designs, steamed in the corner. I smiled at the arrangement, taking a moment to sigh with relief.

Adal promised me to get both Cain and Norvin back to the palace. It was my absolute trust in him that made me relax despite being in a completely strange place with no backup plan of an escape.

Taking a pink patterned china cup, I poured myself some fragrant tea. Choosing a selection of white dumplings, I took a small bite. “Mmm.” A moan escaped me at the amazing taste of the soft, meat-filled dumpling. Stuffing the rest of it in my mouth, I took a long draught of the tea. It was heavenly to eat such good food after the meager meals I’d been making from foraging.

Once I’d eaten my fill, I decided to look around Adal’s quarters.

I walked through the doorway into a narrow corridor. There were doors located on both sides but I didn’t look into any of them. The corridor ended in a pair of tall, glass doors. Pushing it open, I walked out in an open terrace.

A late afternoon sun shone overhead as I stepped out into a beautiful garden spread out over the vast space of the terrace floor. Roses, bunches of pink bougainvillea and other flowers were spread out everywhere. Breathing in the heady fragrances, I walked through the narrow pebbled pathway. I’d never seen anything like this before. Cool breezes blew by, making the long sleeves of my dress flutter backward as I looked all around at the myriad of exotic blossoms.

I stared up at the sparkling blue sky overhead, suddenly realizing how far I was from Linmoor.

I’d traveled to the other kingdoms on missions before but I’d never truly observed the things around me. My sole focus had been to kill my targets, nothing else. My goal was far more important now, and far more dangerous. With three companions at my side, it had been impossible to stay on a steady course. Every calamity brought a change in our plans. Yet, somehow I would have all three princes beside me now.

I took a seat on a bench nearby, content to spend the time there until my princes returned.

When the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned a dark purple, I began to worry once more. The distance from the palace to the shack by the stream wasn’t too far away. They should’ve been here by now.

Complete darkness fell over the terrace garden. My feet were getting tired from the hours of pacing.

Only when the moon rose high in the sky, did I hear noise coming from inside. Alert, I ran into the corridor, following it until I came back to the parlor room. Relief washed through me at the sight of Adal and Cain, standing beside a plush sofa with Norvin laid on it.

Rushing towards them, I hugged Adal. “Thank you so much for bringing them back safely.”

He patted my back gently. “I’m sorry it took so long. It was best to wait till night fell and we could come to the palace without being seen.”

Stepping away from him, I glanced at Cain. Meeting my gaze, he gave me a nod.

“Are we all staying here?” I asked, looking between Cain and Adal.

“We thought about it,” said Cain, taking a seat on the table and pouring himself cold tea. He drank it in one go and released a satisfied sigh. “Adal will give me a position among his servants. Norvin will be hidden in one of the rooms here while you go back to pretending as a maid.”

“Cain will be my personal book duster,” said Adal, pouring himself some tea as well.

“What is that?”

“A person to dust my books,” said Adal with a grin. He glanced at Cain and they both chuckled, sharing a private joke between them. Clearing his throat, Adal shifted his attention to me. “As a prince, I can make people do the most ridiculous of tasks. Walking with me in the archives and dusting things for me on the spot is a position many would kill to have. Besides, no one will be suspicious of him and we can talk for as long as we want without attracting attention.”

“What would I have to do as your maid?”

“Nothing much, other than keeping an eye on Norvin,” said Adal. “Servants will come daily to clean and deliver food, but you can command them if you like. Just make sure they don’t enter my study. It’s the best way to hide him.”

“Norvin’s features are so rare, anyone will suspect him to be the deposed Redfall prince just by taking a look at him,” said Cain. “You have to make sure he stays hidden.”

I decided to look for henna leaves the first thing the next morning. While I didn’t have the power to change his eye color, the natural dye would definitely hide the midnight-blue of his hair. I gazed at him, still unconscious on the sofa. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. It was the only sign he was alive.

Cain stuffed the rest of the cold food in his mouth. I watched him, feeling pity rise up inside me. If it weren’t for Helena, he could have gone back to his own palace and still lived as a ruling prince in Iorna. For the umpteenth time, I couldn’t help but curse the woman who brought such pain on me and my princes. Live well, Princess, I thought, gritting my teeth. Your days are numbered from now on.

“Zane is here,” said Adal after a while. “You have to stay concealed from him, Cain.”

“I’ll be careful,” said Cain, swallowing a whole dumpling.

“I will stay here until Norvin gets better,” I said, attracting both their gazes. “Once he is well, I will leave for Drakhaven and take him with me. Cain can hide here until I am able to kill Ivan.”

Cain brought his hands to cover his face as he shook his head. “You’re bravery has no limit, Daria. You were scared out of your mind when you saw me in the cave. It was the same when you saw me at the tower. If you were that terrified of my true form, how will you react to Ivan’s?”

I paled. It was something that haunted me ever since I saw a dragon for real.

“I never planned to kill him in his true form,” I said, suppressing the shudder that went through me. “I will find him at a vulnerable moment and kill him then.”

“There’s something else I’ve been thinking,” said Adal. “If we could find a way to turn ourselves into true dragons, we could take him on ourselves. Three dragons against one. It gives us a fair chance.”

“I have no idea how it happened with Cain,” I said, sitting down at the table between them. “Some of it could be the magic I felt in the underground chambers. But it may be something else altogether.”

“There’s only one way to test that theory,” said Adal, laying a hand over mine.

I met his intense gaze. My heart raced at once.

Cain coughed loudly and cleared his throat.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Adal,” he muttered. “Ask if she’s interested first.”

“I am,” I said, blushing furiously but keeping my gaze on Cain. “We can give it a try.” I turned towards Adal. “Is the dragon temple in Baledonia similar to the one in Iorna?”

“I have never been to the one in Iorna,” said Adal. “You’ll be the judge of that when I take you there.”

Cain got to his feet and stretched his body. “Get me some real food, Prince Adal. You’ve lost all sense of decorum,” grumbled Cain.

Chuckling, Adal nodded. “I was about to do that but you kept eating that leftover stuff. Let’s hide Norvin first, though.”

Cain and Adal carried Norvin inside one of the rooms. Cain stayed with him there while Adal came out. “I will go find a maid to serve us some food. When she comes in, ask her to clear away the table. She would do it anyway, but just pretend to be my personal handmaiden.”

“Got it!”

Adal gave me a smile and strode out through the door.

Coming back, he made me wait in the parlor, disappearing into one of the rooms down the corridor.

I nervously waited for the maids to arrive. It was one thing to pretend for a short while but my performance as a handmaiden had to be convincing. Suddenly, I wondered if the etiquettes in Baledonia were the same as in Iorna.

Soon, I watched three maids coming in. I kept a distance from them as they worked to clean the table and remove the leftover food. From time to time, they would furtively look my way, but other than that, they stayed quiet, moving quickly to set up the table with fresh dishes.

When everything was in place, they excused themselves. Making sure to close the door behind them, I called for both Adal and Cain.

A goofy grin appeared on Cain’s otherwise grim face. “I’ve been starving the past few days. Shifting takes the heck out of you.” He strode forward and sat at the table.

“I will stay with Norvin,” I said, walking past Adal. “You guys can catch up in the meantime.”

“Aren’t you hungry?” he asked, laying a gentle hand on my elbow.

“No. I am still full from before.”

I walked inside the room where Norvin was laid out on a bed. Reaching his side, I sat down at the edge and gently moved away the strands of hair falling on his face. His bruises looked slightly lighter than before but it could just be my imagination.

“Why aren’t you awake yet?” I asked in a soft voice. “Your injuries are healing. We are safe. We are together. Please, wake up.”

Silence.

I don’t know how long I sat there. My gaze was fixed on Norvin’s face, my mind lost in the memories we shared together since the first time I met him as a strange snake and called him Naya.

Frustration built up inside me.

Removing the blanket covering him, I took off his tunic. Once he was bare bodied, I helped him in a sitting position. It was a bit of struggle as Norvin was at least a foot taller than me.

Sitting behind him in a yogi-position, I placed my hands on his back. Closing my eyes, I began channeling my inner force into his body. I felt warmth and energy seeping out through the spot where I was connected with him. Norvin’s body siphoned away my strength, repairing every injury Mekhi inflicted on it.

I knew I should stop, the energy transfer was getting to be longer than what was required but I was determined to make Norvin wake him. Cold sweat trickled down my neck as my head swam. A hacking cough built up inside me and I sputtered, feeling something else rise up in my mouth, filling it up.

“Daria!”

The voice distracted me. My stomach heaved and with a loud cough, I threw up a splatter of blood.

“Stop it, Daria!” a familiar voice commanded.

I could no longer keep myself steady as my head swayed so badly, I felt my body fall back on the bed.

“What the hell were you trying to do?” Adal’s face swam in my vision as my eyes opened a crack.

“Why won’t he wake up?” I moaned.

“He is fine but you’re killing yourself!”

I felt my body lifted into a pair of strong arms. Adal’s sapphire-blue eyes were blazing with anger as he walked out of the room.

A minute later, I was being lowered onto a soft bed.

“Where are we?” I asked in a slurred voice.

“In my bedchambers.”

Too exhausted and with a throbbing headache that promised death, I lay on the softest pillow while Adal used a wet cloth to wash away the blood in my mouth and chin.

“You’re such a troublesome woman,” said Adal, his voice seething.

“Sorry,” I whispered.

“You’re not allowed to talk either. Just stay still.”

The spot beside me sunk as Adal’s weight settled over it. He covered both our bodies with a blanket and drew me against him. The heat seeping from his body warmed me immediately, driving away the chills that seemed to be settling into my bones. A contented sigh escaped me.

“Where is Cain?” I asked, speaking into his chest.

“He went to the servants’ quarters. You’re the one who keeps worrying me though.”

My heavy eyes closed as I nestled against him.

10

I woke up to an empty bed, but Adal’s warmth lingered among the bedsheets. Feeling better than last night, I rolled onto my back. The air smelled of lavender and sage, a scent I was beginning to associate with Adal.

Sitting up, I looked around, taking in the vast bedchambers belonging to the prince of Baledonia. It was lavishly decorated with painted walls and dark mahogany furniture. My dress from yesterday was hanging off the back of a chair. Dark crimson stains marred the pale pink fabric. Looking down, I realized I was wearing an under robe. On the same chair, lay a stack of fresh clothes.

Putting them on, I walked out of the bedchamber.

Adal was sitting at the table in the parlor room, his whole focus on a book. An array of breakfast dishes was laid out before him but they all looked untouched. Even as I approached him, his gaze remained stuck to the tome in his hands.

“What are you reading?” I asked, coming to stand before him.

He looked up, his eyes traveling down my body and up again to meet my gaze. “You’re looking better today.”

I nodded. “I feel better too.” Adal looked breathtaking in his royal robes of navy blue that made his azure eyes stand out even more in his beautiful face. Golden curls fell in soft waves around his shoulders. My hands itched to touch the silken strands. Instead, I asked, “Have you eaten yet?”

“No. I meant to eat but got distracted. Why don’t you join me?”

I sat down in the chair next to him. “Is Norvin still unconscious?”

He nodded. “He is alive, Daria,” said Adal in a soft but firm voice. “You don’t have to transfer your inner strength to him. Because of last night’s stunt, all his wounds have faded. I don’t think his unconsciousness is related to an injury. It’s something else.”

“Something else?”

“Perhaps, he doesn’t want to wake up yet. Give him some time.”

“What about Cain? Have you seen him yet?”

“No. I don’t go to the archives until late afternoon. That’s the place we’ll be meeting so that our relationship doesn’t appear to be anything more than master and servant.”

Taking a porcelain plate decorated with blue floral designs, I began loading it with dumplings and date cakes. “Have some food first,” I said, sliding it before him. Next, I poured him a cup of fragrant tea.

“Thank you, Daria,” he said appreciatively as he dug into a date and walnut cake. “You need to eat as well.”

I nodded, serving myself some of the meat-filled dumplings I’d tried yesterday.

“There is something else we need to deal with today,” said Adal after a while.

“Hmm?”

“There is an informal greeting arranged for Prince Zane’s welcome this morning. All the members of the royal family are required to go see him and pay their respects in the Lotus Garden today.”

“Can I come with you?”

He looked up from his tea. “I was thinking it’s best I go on my own.”

“I would like to see what he looks like. Also…how about I kill him? His death might compensate for Mekhi and Helena’s.”

Adal’s hand closed around my wrist firmly. “You’ll do no such thing.”

I could only stare at the stern expression in his face while my heart pounded at the tone of his voice. Just like Cain, he had the commanding voice that held power over me.

“Why not?” I asked, seething. I wasn’t going to give up so soon. The whole family of monsters had to die for what they did to the innocents of the four kingdoms.

“Have you forgotten where you are, Daria?” asked Adal, his cold sapphire eyes boring into me. “This is Huadu, not the wilderness. If Zane dies here, the whole Ning family will be implicated. At the very least, we’ll be punished with death. All of us. I don’t want petty revenge to affect my nephews and nieces.”

“Petty?”

“I say petty because his death will not amount to anything other than giving Ivan the ammunition to eradicate the whole royal family of Baledonia.”

All the air whooshed out of me as I slumped back in the chair. Adal removed his hold on my wrist and went back to sipping his tea, looking thoughtful.

When I’d finished the food on my plate, he turned to look at me. “Best to get it over with. Let’s go and greet Prince Zane. Make sure to always stay behind me.” He hesitated for a moment before saying, “No matter how crassly he talks, don’t open your mouth in front of him. Maids aren’t supposed to talk when the masters are speaking.”

“I can keep pretending,” I said tightly.

Cold settled in my heart as I frowned at Adal. While he was asking me to stay in control for the sake of his family, I couldn’t let go off the unfairness of the situation. Ivan and his children were inflicting their cruelty on us and there was nothing we could do. We were being bullied in every way and Adal was asking me to take it all without retaliating.

Adal got to his feet and straightened his robe. His beautiful face quickly became a mask of cold calmness as he strode forward. “Come along, Daria,” he said without a backward glance.

I followed after him, struggling to keep the scowl from my face. The palace suddenly didn’t seem so beautiful anymore. There were dozens of rules to be followed. Adal seemed uptight too. He’d never been strict with me before. Again, I blamed the palace for the change in him.

Keeping my head bowed, I followed after him, keeping a distance of a few feet behind him. We passed through several corridors, weaving our way down sweeping staircases, heading towards the place Adal told me about. This time, my gaze chased him. None of the beautiful paintings or other precious artifacts drew my eye anymore. They were all a façade, concealing the ugliness that came with a class system obeyed to an inch of life.

We walked out into an open courtyard. A warm breeze blew by, lifting the strands of my hair as I walked behind Adal. The subtle fragrance of lotus lingered in the air as we moved towards a gazebo made of marble pillars. All around us, small pools were created to house gigantic lotus plants. The blossoms were beautiful, their pink petals a pretty contrast against the dark green foliage.

A man sat in the chair positioned right under the gazebo. Getting closer, I stopped for a moment. The person resembled Mekhi so much, I almost took it to be him. Dark hair framed a handsome face while his pale gray eyes surveyed the people gathered around him with an expression cruel cunning. His gaze was just as dark as Mekhi’s, promising nothing but pain. He wore luxurious robes of dark red silk decorated with golden lotuses.

“Come, Daria.” Adal’s face was expressionless as he motioned for me to follow him.

We began walking towards the gazebo once more. Prince Zane had his brother’s dark hair but they were arranged in long dreadlocks. Gold bands and trinkets were coiled around them. As we reached nearer, Zane’s gaze fell on me. Something shifted behind those eyes. I bowed my head, knowing attracting the prince’s attention would bring nothing but trouble for Adal. It would have been much easier to just kill him and get it over with.

There was a gasp, followed by the clanking of a metal pot against stone. Raising my head, I found a maid at his feet, with a fallen wine jug nearby. Dark crimson stained the hem of Zane’s scarlet and gold robe. The young woman whispered apologies, hurrying to gather the fallen pieces.

“How dare you?” seethed Zane, kicking at her shoulder. She fell to the side, shaking all over.

There were a few members of the royal family present. It was evident by the lavishness of their robes but no one said a word. I looked towards Adal. While his mouth was pressed together in a thin line and his fists balled tightly, he didn’t move forward to rescue the fallen maid.

I made to move forward but Adal caught my wrist. His hold was so hard, it hurt.

“Don’t, Daria,” he hissed from the corner of his mouth.

He marched to the side, pulling me alongside him. For the fraction of a second, I felt Zane’s gaze follow us.

“I deserve to be punished,” cried the maid. “I’ll go and inform the disciplinary master right away.” She made another attempt to get to her feet but Zane caught hold of her arm. “Your Highness.”

As the woman shifted, I caught her face. She was the same person who’d delivered food to Adal’s quarters yesterday. While we didn’t speak, she wasn’t clumsy. It might have been pure nerves that made her drop the wine jug. If Adal was being thorny with me over Prince Zane, then the palace maids must have been cautioned even more severely.

“P-please, Your Highness,” she pleaded, shaking all over.

“It’s better to let the servants know not to make mistakes,” said Prince Zane, glancing at the man beside him. “Don’t you agree, Prince Kurozeru?”

“Of course,” said the man with a tilt of his head. I stared at Prince Kurozeru who was renowned as the ruling prince of Baledonia. His robes were of dark navy, similar to Adal’s. His dark hair was fashioned into an elegant knot to sit at the top of his head with a gold crown atop it. There were very few similarities between him and Adal.

“Your Highness!” whimpered the maid, looking towards Prince Kurozeru. “Please help me.”

The Baledonian prince averted his gaze without a word. What a coward! He couldn’t even protect a maid who worked in his palace. How did he rule over the rest of Baledonia?

My frustration rose. The woman had only dropped a jug. Why were they acting like she committed a cardinal sin? And then, it hit me. Perhaps, it was criminal to offend the visiting prince from Drakhaven. Even something as insignificant as splashing the prince’s hems with wine was worthy of a grim punishment.

A shriek shattered the silence of the garden.

Zane’s hand holding the maid’s wrist was now glowing orange. He was burning her.

“Please, stop!” she cried, thrashing in his hold as the flesh of her hand began sizzling. Within moments, her pleading turned to incoherent screaming. Adal’s nails would be leaving red crescent marks from the way he was balling his fists. Everyone’s gaze was either on the maid or they were looking away completely.

It was the perfect time to make my move.

Hiding behind Adal, I swiped a needle from under my long sleeve. It wasn’t a lethal poison but it would effectively make Zane pass out in seconds.

Taking my aim, I shot it straight at Zane.

The needle was too fine to be visible to the naked eye as it flew towards its target. It struck Zane in the side of his neck. His hand went up to slap the spot like he’d just been bitten by a mosquito. His dreadlocks effectively hid the fine silver needle.

Next moment, his hold over the maid loosened. Swaying on the spot like a drunkard, he fell to his knees and passed out within seconds. The maid whimpered, staring at the large patch of burnt skin and flesh on her wrist.

“Go away now,” hissed Prince Kurozeru at once.

The maid ran away from the scene as Kurozeru got down on his knees to look at the prince. “Guards!” he called in a tight voice. “Take Prince Zane to rest in his chambers. The Baledonian sun must have given him a heat stroke.”

I scoffed under my breath. A dragonborn falling down from heat stroke? It was laughable.

Adal turned back to glance at me. I wiped all emotion from my face.

His hand closed over my wrist as he dragged me away from the garden. I let him do it without protest, pretending to be the subservient maid.

He took me inside the palace, dragging me through a few corridors before pushing me inside an empty room. Shutting the door behind him, he approached me. Towering over me, he glared at me with intense eyes.

“What did you do?” he asked in a tight voice.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He pushed me against the wall. “Daria. Tell me the truth.”

“You expected me to stand and watch while he burned an innocent woman?”

“She wasn’t innocent,” he retorted. “She was being punished for her clumsiness.”

“You don’t believe that. He was bullying her for no reason.”

“Zane was bullying us, Daria!” he shouted.

“What?”

“Bullying a maid is equal to bullying her master. Didn’t you see my brother beside him? He was the one getting a lesson in humility, not the poor girl who dropped wine on Zane’s clothes. What if someone saw you hurting him?” He closed his eyes for a moment, seething. When he opened them again, he looked angry. “Your momentary justice would have led us all to be killed. You can’t do as you please here!”

“Nothing happened,” I shouted back.

“What would have I done if something happened to you?” His voice was suddenly choked with emotion. The blue of his eyes deepened as tears sprang up in them. Leaning down, he pressed his forehead against mine. “I can’t bear to lose you, Daria.”

Suddenly, my anger left me.

Adal was consumed with anxiety and frustration. Zane was having an effect on him and he was losing his calm. Raising a hand, I placed it on his cheek.

“Everything is all right,” I said in a soft voice.

He stared down at me, his gaze dropping to my lips and then down to my heaving breasts. Suddenly, I was frozen. All I could feel was the throbbing heat spreading through my body like wildfire. Could he feel it too?

As if in answer, he closed the distance between us, forcing me back against the wall with the mass of his body. I sucked in a breath. His eyes searched mine for rebuke or refusal. There was none at the moment. Winding my arms around his neck, I rose on my toes.

Our mouths met at the same time, crashing together. As my tongue swept across his, he caught my lower lip between his teeth and lightly nipped. I moaned into his mouth, letting my hands run down his chest and then up to throw his outer robe off his shoulders.

Adal copied my actions, his hands fervently untying the wide sash at my waist. Soon, we were clawing at each other, desperate to consume the other in every way.

There was no messing around this time. I was overwhelmed by a mounting urgency to feel the heat of his naked skin against mine. My emotions were all over the place. I wanted nothing more than to be consumed by him, lose my mind to the inferno his touch promised.

It was probably reckless for Adal to be doing this in an empty palace room where anyone could step in and see us. Somehow, neither of us cared. I just wanted him inside me- this man who could be both gentle and demanding, who had the ability to make me abandon my life for him, who held my heart in his hands.

He cupped a breast and squeezed it hard, pinching the nipple between his thumb and forefinger. I felt it tighten in his grip. He gave the bud a sudden twist, making me let out a yelp. I arched my back, pushing my body against his hard chest.

With a growl, Adal let my under robe drop away from my shoulders. I was as naked as him now.

He stepped closer, his erection pressing against the softness of my thighs. I took it in my grasp, my fingers barely wrapping around the girth as I began sliding them up and down his length.

Adal let out a moan, throwing his head backward.

He took my mouth in a deep kiss while I continued to pump him fast and firm. He moaned against my lips and called my name.

“I won’t last long if you keep doing that,” he said through gritted teeth as his eyes closed in an expression of pain and pleasure. “I want to be inside you.” He pushed two fingers inside me. I was already wet, so he slipped in easily. My inner muscles clamped around his digits as he drove deeper.

“Oh, goddess!” I moaned. “Adal…”

“Say you want me as badly as I want you,” he grit out, his fingers moving in and out of me at a rapid pace.

“Yes,” I whimpered, still continuing to pump his hardened length but my grip was failing as my head swam with pleasure.

He removed my hold from his cock and pulled his fingers out of my core. His hand came to part my thighs as he bent at the knees, positioning himself at my entrance.

I clung to his shoulders as he angled his hips, driving deep inside me with one hard, satisfying thrust.

“Oh fuck!” I cried at the sudden breach of my inner core.

He used the wall behind me to hold me upright as he thrust his cock deep inside me once again. Low grunts escaped his lips. My hand held onto the tight, bunched up muscles of his ass as I felt him move in and out of me.

Adal’s mouth dropped to my breasts. He took a bud in his mouth while his other hand grabbed my ass cheeks. It wasn’t the same as the first time we’d made love. We were both each other’s first. We’d explored each other’s bodies back then but now, we were consumed with lust.

He was pounding inside me now, and pounding me hard.

His thrusts were short and powerful like he was stabbing me with his cock. Placing his mouth on the side my neck, he bit the sensitive skin hard enough to hurt.

I cried out but still held onto his shoulders with all my might. The pain was only flaming the fiery lust throbbing through my entire body.

He was holding me firmly, as though there was no chance for me to get away.

He pistoned his hips faster, slamming skin against skin.

His hard length felt incredibly good inside me as every thrust hit that perfect spot. My inner walls were clamping around his cock. I was swiftly reaching the height of that pleasurable peak beyond which lay the greatest ecstasy. I wanted the moment to simultaneously last forever while also desperately wanting to find release.

Everything inside me coiled into that moment of pleasure and with a shuddering cry, I came.

My walls throbbed around his pulsing cock. Clutching my hands around his neck, I held onto him as waves of pleasure rippled through me. My knees threatened to give away. Only the support of his strong hands on my hips kept me on my feet.

“Daria,” he breathed against my neck while continuing to thrust inside me. “I am coming too.”

I felt another orgasm building inside me before the earlier one had subsided.

“Keep going,” I bit out, feeling his body tightening against mine.

He held me tight as he plunged in hard and fast, his mouth closing around mine for a deep kiss.

He shattered inside me, emptying himself as a roar escaped him. My own gasp was drowned in the kiss as he held me against him. Stream after stream of his hot seeds filled me to the brim. My mind swam with pleasure as he panted against my neck. Our bodies were joined together in that moment as pleasure shuddered through us.

He leaned back slightly to look at my face as I gasped for breath.

My body felt boneless and at the risk of slumping to the floor if he let go of me.

“That was incredible,” he whispered, his breath fanning the stray strands of hair near my neck. With a gentle tug, he pulled out of me.

I moaned, my mind still too dazed to form any coherent words.

Adal gently lowered me to the ground. He sat beside me and pulled me onto his lap.

As I leaned against him, Adal left fleeting kisses on my neck, shoulders, and arms. The hungry lust-crazed animals inside us had vanished and we were back to being gentle and loving.

He covered both our bodies with his outer robe as he continued to kiss and love me. At that moment, every other thought and worry vanished from my mind.

11

It was close to noon when Adal and I stepped out of the room.

On the way back, he strode a few paces before me, his gait easy and graceful. I brought up the rear, walking with my head bowed, like the perfect subservient maid. No one looking at us would know the filthy, hot time we spent together in the empty palace room.

As we were about to head up a flight of stairs, I paused. It alerted Adal immediately even though he’d been facing forward.

“Why did you stop?” he asked, looking down at me.

“I just thought of the woman who got injured. She must be in terrible pain after what Zane did to her.” Adal placed a finger on his lips, glancing all around the place. He looked back at me with a guarded expression. Understanding him, I made my voice softer. “I want to take some medicine to her. Can you tell me if there is a pharmacy in the palace?”

He stepped down the few stairs between us. “Someone will be there to look after her. There’s no need to worry about that.”

I shook my head. “I want to heal her a little.”

“Daria…” Concern clouded his beautiful blue eyes.

“I won’t heal her completely. Just enough, so she can stand the pain and heal faster. I’ll be careful not to reveal who I truly am.”

It was a moment before he spoke again. “You will find the royal pharmacy in the eastern wing of the palace. Show them the badge I gave you and they will give you whatever herbs you ask for. The servants’s quarters are further away to the east from the pharmacy.”

“Thank you. I’ll return shortly.”

“Stay on your guard.”

Giving him a nod, I turned around and hurried towards the pharmacy. Zane had burned through her skin and flesh. From personal experience, I knew the agony would be unbearable. Sympathy rose inside me for the young woman who always delivered food to Adal’s quarters. She was just a maid, intent on performing her duties well. A small mishap shouldn’t have brought her such an awful punishment.

The Baledonian sun beat down on me as I crossed the courtyards, heading for the eastern wing on the other side of the palace. Exuberant blossoms spilled from the landscaped gardens all around me, but my eyes were blind to them. All I could think was the way Zane treated a simple maid of the palace to make a point to the royal family. It was disgusting how the ruling prince couldn’t say a single thing to stop it.

The pharmacy building was easily noticeable due to the spicy and herbaceous aromas wafting from its open doors and windows. Stepping inside, I breathed in the cool air of the darkened interiors. The place was filled with wooden racks, each containing boxes of different herbs.

“Can I help you?” asked a grim voice from up ahead. A man in white robes strode towards me, his face set in a severe expression. His dark, oily hair was bound in a small knot at the top of his head. Piercing brown eyes swept me from head to toe. “Who are you?”

“I am Prince Adal’s handmaiden,” I said, taking out the seal Adal gave me. I handed it to him and watched him inspect it closely. “Could you please hurry up?”

The man slapped the seal back in my hand. “Some of the herbs here are extremely precious. I have to make sure I’m giving them to the right person or it will be my head that will roll for the mistake.” He stalked away towards the empty counter in the corner. “What do you need?”

“If you give me a piece of parchment, I’ll make a list for you.”

“You can write?” he asked, taking a closer look at me.

“Yes.”

He scoffed. “Of course, the scholar-prince will accept no less from his maid.” He leaned closer, whiffs of jasmine oil wafting from him. “You’re a pretty one too.”

“The parchment, please,” I replied.

“Are you this cold to the prince?” he asked, sneering at me.

I kept my expression neutral. Realizing he wouldn’t get much gossip or satisfaction from poking jibes at me, the man gave me a parchment and pushed the inkstone at me. Picking up the brush, I quickly made a list of pain-relieving herbs along with a generous amount of aloe salve.

I surveyed the area while the pharmacist collected my items. I pulled out a few boxes and found some very interesting herbs stored there. The man was right. Some of the things stored there were precious and would cost gold to be bought. At least, if I was ever in need of something, I knew where to come.

The man handed me a parcel wrapped in dried lotus leaves. “Everything the prince needs is here. I just cannot fathom why he would need herbs to soothe a burn.” His gaze raked over my body. A gray tongue flicked out to lick the corner of his mouth. “Where exactly did he burn you, little maid?”

“None of your business.” Turning around, I hurried out of the place. It was good if he thought the medicines were for me. Somehow, I could feel he was going to report it. To whom? That I had no idea. Even if it was Zane, at least, he wouldn’t know Adal’s maid was helping the woman he’d personally punished.

Following Adal’s directions, I reached the maids’ quarters. It was a group of several large cottages lined up in rows. Moving closer, I saw clothes and bedsheets drying in the sun and breeze. Women walked in and out of the houses, busy with their chores. No one minded me as I inched closer to them. Unlike the main palace quarters, there were no ornamental gardens around. Tall, leafy trees surrounded the area, giving it a peaceful, homely appearance.

Peering inside one of the cottages, I saw a hall filled with six cots. They were lined in a row with a single cupboard in the corner. After checking a few more houses, I realized this was the accommodation provided to all the palace maids.

The sound of soft sobs and several soothing murmurs halted me in my steps. Going closer, I stood at the threshold of one of the cottages. Three women surrounded the sobbing, thrashing maid on a cot. No one looked at me as I walked up to them.

The young woman’s wrist was a mass of burnt flesh. The smell was terrible, enough to make my stomach turn.

“It hurts too bad,” she cried, biting her bottom lip hard. “I wish I died than having to endure this pain.”

“How can one human do this to one another,” said one of the girls.

“He’s not human,” said the second girl, seething. “A beast resides inside all dragonborns.”

A harsh cry escaped the injured woman. She looked to be about sixteen years old with shiny black hair and light brown eyes. I moved forward, placing myself between the girls who surrounded her.

“Who are you?” asked one of them with a suspicious glare.

“I am here to help,” I said, placing a hand on the injured girl’s forehead. She was already burning up with a fever.

“Don’t touch Tori,” cried one of the girls, slapping my hand away.

I cast one warning look at her. “I told you I’m here to help.”

“You were there too,” said Tori in a weak voice. “You are the personal handmaiden to Prince Adal, aren’t you? I have seen you in his quarters recently.”

“I am.”

I rested my hand on her forehead again and closed my eyes, sending a sliver of my inner energy to penetrate her body. An instant gasp escaped Tori.

“You have a healing touch,” she said softly. Opening my eyes, I found a small smile tugging the corner of her mouth. “It still hurts but it suddenly feels much better.”

“I am glad,” I said, returning her smile.

“What is your name?” asked the girl who’d been previously rude to me.

“Darla,” I lied. Opening the package of medicines, I handed her three satchets. “Boil these herbs in water for ten minutes and bring it to her. It will relieve some of the pain and help her rest.”

“You brought her medicine?” she whispered, her eyes widening.

“Prince Adal is the kindest among all the princes,” said her friend, her eyes taking on a dreamy look. “No other prince would ever bother to help an ailing maid, but him.”

I cringed. Adal hadn’t really worried about her but at least, he was popular enough the maids didn’t think it was an out-of-character gesture.

“Go on,” I told the one with the satchets. “Brew them for her.” As she skipped out of the cottage, I brought out the tub of aloe ointment. “Use this salve every day. It will help to heal you quicker.”

“Thank you, Miss,” said Tori. Tears splashed down her cheeks as she looked at me. “Please thank Prince Adal for me. I’m so fortunate he was there when Prince Zane decided to punish me.”

I sighed internally, making up my mind to have a talk with Adal. He had to know how the maids and lower-ranked people believed him to be kind and just. They readily accepted his kindness without question. Even though he didn’t personally send me to help Tori, at least, he hadn’t stopped me from helping her.

“It will be several weeks before you are healed,” I told her. “But keep taking the medicine and apply the salve. If it gets over, come find me in Prince Adal’s quarters. I will get you some more herbs.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

Giving a nod to her two companions, I strode out of the cottage. Speeding up, I hurried back to Adal’s quarters, eager to speak to him.

12

It was a long walk from the maids’ lodgings. I was slightly panting by the time I reached the familiar corridor leading to Adal’s quarters.

Reaching the doorway leading into Adal’s parlor room, I gently pushed open the doors. Adal was sitting in a corner, absorbed in a tome. A shaft of sunlight fell on him, making his curls glimmer like real gold. His gaze was completely focused on the page he was reading.

He looked up just as I stepped inside the room. A smile rose on his lips as his eyes met mine. “You’re back.”

Moving further inside the room, I noticed the table in the corner was clean. None of the dishes and plates from breakfast remained there. Had someone else come in here while we were both away? The thought had me rushing past Adal to reach his study room.

My pounding heart slowed down as soon as my gaze fell on Norvin’s figure, still lying on the bed as before. The only change was that his face was back to its usual glory. Not a single bruise remained there after my energy transfer last night. It was worth getting weakened to restore his beauty and health. Now, I just had to wait for him to wake up.

“No matter who comes to clean the rooms in my quarters, they are strictly warned against entering this room,” said Adal, laying a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Norvin is safe here.”

I closed the door and stepped into the corridor. “I am not used to being in the palace,” I said, looking into his beautiful blue eyes. Even thinking of the way the maids were treated made me doubtful I’d ever like it there. In Linmoor, the welfare of our maids was taken very seriously. It was surprising to see how different the palace was to my old home.

“You’ll get used to it,” he said with a smile. Taking my hand in his, he led me back to the parlor. “How about we ask for lunch? I am already famished.”

I felt hungry too but remembered about the maid who usually brought the food to Adal’s quarters. Tori’s flesh was burnt away by Zane and she’d been writhing in agony. My appetite died just thinking of her. She must be in terrible pain despite the little bit of healing energy I sent her.

“You are thinking about the maid, aren’t you?” asked Adal, his face close to mine.

“It’s hard not to. Did you know she serves your quarters?”

“Not really,” he muttered, glancing away. “I never take notice of the people who come in here for their chores.” Pausing, he looked at my accusing stare. “Hey, it’s not like I ever mistreat them. I overlook all their shortcomings.”

“That’s worse!”

“How so?” His eyes were intense again like he was trying to search for the answer within my soul.

“It’s like you don’t even care,” I said, trying to explain. “If you get angry or even punish them lightly, they would know they exist to you. Otherwise, it’s just sad to be ignored like they mean nothing and can be replaced with anyone else and you wouldn’t even bat an eye.”

“I never thought of it that way…”

I exhaled a long breath. “It’s all right, Adal. I am just shocked by the way the maid was punished by Zane. If I hadn’t stopped it in time, he would have burnt away her bones too. I don’t think I could bear it.”

“You kill people, Daria. On command. Why should it affect you so much?”

“Killing is one thing. Torturing someone for no reason is different. I never play the torture game until I am looking for answers and even then, I don’t let it go on for too long. I use fear to drive them. Besides, the men I’ve assassinated were monsters.” It wasn’t much of an excuse but I refused to place myself in the same category as Prince Zane and his brother.

“Sshhh!” Adal suddenly whispered, putting a finger to my lips.

As silence fell in the room, I heard the sound of fast approaching footsteps. In an instant, I sprang behind him. Next moment, a pretty young maid in a blood red dress appeared at the doorway. Her dark eyes glanced at Adal before resting on me. I didn’t let my facial expression show the surprise I felt at the sight of her scarlet attire. It reminded me of Helena’s maids.

“Yes?” asked Adal in a lazy, commanding voice.

The maid shifted her attention on him and bowed low. “Prince Zane extends an invitation to you and your maid to this evening’s feast.” She stretched her arms out, holding an envelope of red and gold. “My master commands that your maid present herself there as well.”

Adal’s eyebrows rose high as he took the invitation letter from her. “You may leave.”

When she left, I turned to Adal. “Do you think they suspect anything?”

“I can’t be sure. If they suspected something, they would ask for me, not you.” He moved a strand of hair from my eyes. “You need to be careful though. I am not an important prince of the realm but pressuring me would still be fun for Zane.”

“You are important, Adal. You just don’t realize it.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Do you have any idea how many women wait for you to make an appearance at these royal gatherings? They think you’re the handsomest prince in Baledonia.”

He chuckled softly, looking at me with a soft gaze. “How would you know that, Daria?”

“I heard them talk with my own ears,” I said, gesturing at my right ear. “They all look forward to seeing you. I heard you help with charities too. The people appreciate your efforts even if you don’t see it. When I went to visit Tori…you know the maid who was injured today?” I said at the look of confusion on his face. “She thought you sent me to her. Once she told her friends I was your handmaiden, they trusted me immediately. That’s the kind of effect you have on people around you and you don’t even realize it.”

“I just want you to want me,” he whispered, leaning down to press his lips on my cheek. “I don’t care about the appreciation of others.”

At once, heat bloomed in my face. We’d just been intimate a few hours ago but my body throbbed with need once again. I took a step away from him, hoping to cool the warmth flowing through me. “If I am to attend the feast, I need to go take a bath. I don’t want him smelling us on each other.”

“I wish I could share a bath with you, Daria” he said with a sigh. “However, I need to go and meet Cain now. Feel free to use the bath in my quarters without any interference. I just wish I was there to help.”

Heat spread through my cheeks at his words. “I wish that too,” I whispered, lowering my lashes.

Pressing a kiss to my lips, he walked out of the room. All by myself, I decided to go find the bathing chamber. Following the hallway on the other side, I began my search.

I tried several rooms until coming across a chamber built completely of white marble. There were several open windows set among the walls, inviting cool breezes inside. Walking in, I saw a round bath sunk into the center of the floor. Several jeweled taps were set around it. With the way it was designed, I wouldn’t even have to call a maid for help.

A carved wardrobe stood in the corner. Opening it, I found the top shelves filled with poultices, fragrant oils, and soap balls. Stacks of fresh linen robes filled the lower end. After days of traveling in the wild, this bathing chamber was the most luxurious place I’d come across.

With a grin, I hurried to get rid of my clothes.

Once I was completely naked, I stepped into the empty basin carved into the floor and turned on the taps. Clean water gushed out immediately, filling up the bath. Placing a hand underneath one of the spouts, I reveled in the feeling of the crystal cool waters flowing across my palm.

When the bath was filled, I lowered myself into the water.

A sigh of utter bliss escaped me. If I live through the emperor’s assassination, I’m going to demand a private bathing chamber just like this one, I vowed, soaking my whole body in the cool waters.

For the feast that evening, Adal brought me a kimono-style dress of black silk with large crimson hibiscus flowers embroidered on it. It was beautiful but I wondered if it was appropriate to wear it as a handmaiden.

“Since you were invited by Prince Zane, it would be disrespectful not to wear the best you can manage,” said Adal, placing the dress on the bed in his chambers. I was still wearing a linen robe after my bath. “I also brought you these jewelry, so feel free to wear what you like. You looked so beautiful in red and gold that time in Linmoor Valley. I can never forget that image of you.”

“I am glad,” I said with a smile. “Helena ruined red for me.”

“Don’t let her,” he said grimly. “You look the prettiest in red.”

And just like that, red was back to being my favorite.

“Zane may think you’re just a maid,” said Adal. “If he approaches you, you must be on guard. I’ll try to watch out for you but depending on the situation, it may be better to keep a distance from me and do what you like to him. Lure him to some place where no one can see you and use the same poison on him. Let him think he’s gotten some disease.”

I chuckled. “He better not grope me,” I said. “Men have died in the past for that.”

Adal nodded, surprisingly not arguing the point.

When evening came along, I strolled down a garden path, staying a few feet behind Adal as he made his way through the crowd of assembled courtiers and royal members to reach the place where Prince Zane sat. Prince Kurozeru, the ruling prince of Baledonia, stood beside him. While he was dressed in his fine royal robes, he looked like a eunuch slave as he continuously bowed to Zane and acted as his servant rather than an actual ruler. It was both disgusting and shameful.

When Adal got closer, Zane’s eyes lit up. He waved away Adal’s greeting, his eyes seeking me. Sitting up in his chair, he motioned for me to come nearer.

With my head bowed, I went to stand beside Adal. Every fiber of my being was taut with tension.

“You’re the prettiest flower in Baledonia I’ve seen on this trip,” said Zane, keeping his cruel gaze on me.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” I replied, keeping my head low.

Zane got to his feet and swaggered towards me. Leaning close to me, he placed an arm over my shoulder. With a sudden move, he whirled me around. Stumbling, I crashed to his side.

“I’m so sorry, Your Highness,” I gasped, stepping away immediately.

Seeing me flustered made him happier as he leaned into me, his nose skimming the side of my neck. He took a long whiff and exhaled loudly.

“What is your name, pretty flower?” he asked, drawing me against him.

“Darla,” I lied.

“Have a taste of this wine,” he said, tipping his goblet at my lips.

From the corner of my eye, I looked for Adal. He’d disappeared. All I wanted to do was twist Zane’s arm around and pull it off the socket. Instead, I took a sip of the offered drink.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Putting a finger under my chin, he lifted my face. His pale gray eyes, so similar to his brother’s, glowed with lust as he stared at me. It made me sick but I kept my features wiped clean of any emotion.

“You are so submissive, Darla,” he whispered in a throaty voice. One thick finger traced a line from my throat to the middle of my chest. I grit my teeth, enduring his touch. “I think I’ll like you very much indeed.”

“Your Highness, may I show you something?” I said, deciding to go with Adal’s plan of luring him away from the crowd and then getting rid of him. There was no way I could let him continue and end up getting groped by him everywhere.

“Of course, pretty Darla,” he said, wrapping his arm around my waist. A cold shudder ran through me at his touch. He took it to be desire, tightening his hold on me. He walked with me, waving away the nobles who came forward to greet him. His attention was on me completely.

“Your Highness, are you feeling all right?” I asked.

“Hmm?”

“I saw you passed out earlier. You gave us such a fright this morning.”

“It was probably the Baledonian heat,” he said. “It’s the only thing I loathe about Baledonia. You see, in Drakhaven, the weather is milder. Would you like to go with me to see the castle there?”

I nodded. So, no one told the prince about the needle sticking out of his neck? The royal physician must have taken it out and kept silent. He had to be an intelligent man to keep it to himself. If word got out someone shot a poisoned needle at the prince of Drakhaven, there would be punishment for all. The clever man excused the whole thing by blaming the weather. I almost chuckled.

“Darla.” His voice was rough as he pressed me to his side. “Answer me.”

“Of course, Your Highness. It would be an honor. However, I was sold to Prince Adal and would not be free to do as I please. It’s an insignificant slave’s life.”

We were finally away from the crowded garden. It was a secluded corner of the grounds with no one around. It was the perfect chance to get rid of him.

“I will free you and take you away,” boasted Zane, caressing my cheek with rough fingers. “Everything in Baledonia belongs to me. Heck! Everything in the four kingdoms belongs to me.” He leaned so close to my face I could smell his wine-soaked breath. “I take what I like.” He lowered his head, intent on kissing me. The needle was ready between my fingers, just waiting for him to focus on me completely.

“You there!” a stern female voice called out from behind me.

Zane started, turning around at the interruption. I hid away the needle immediately. A middle-aged woman in luxurious robes strode forward, her angry gaze fixed on me.

“How dare you slack off and leave me behind?” she shouted, wrenching me out of Zane’s hold. “You are so daring to seduce the prince of Drakhaven.” The woman bowed low before Zane. “Forgive me, Your Highness. This shameless harlot needs a lesson in obeying her masters.”

I stared at the woman, utterly baffled by her rage and fierceness. She was a complete stranger. “Come along! See, if I don’t skin you alive today.” Before Zane could say a word, she tugged on my arm, dragging me across the lawn. While it made absolutely no sense, I let her do it. At least, this way I could escape Zane without employing the same trick twice.

The woman dragged me with her until we were inside the palace. She pushed me inside a room and shut the door behind her. My mouth fell open at the sight of Adal. He stood there with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Daria,” he said, stepping up to me. “I see you’ve met my mother.”

13

My mouth parted as I turned around to look at the woman who’d dragged me away from Zane, promising a lifetime of punishment and torture. Initially, I thought her to be a madwoman. But as my gaze fell on the gently smiling lady, I realized she was intelligent and clever. And breathtakingly beautiful under the light of the chandelier overhead.

“Forgive me for all the pushing and pulling,” said Adal’s mother. “I was trying to act convincing.”

I shook my head, smiling. “You were very convincing, Your Highness.”

Adal came to stand beside his mother, draping an arm over her slender shoulders. Seeing them together, I could see the close resemblance. Adal got most of his beauty from her. They shared the same sapphire blue eyes, pointed nose, and luscious full lips. Even the sunlight-gold of their hair was of the same shade. It became even more apparent that Adal was born of a different mother than Prince Kurozeru who had the common dark hair and eyes of most Baledonians.

“Let us go back to my quarters,” said Adal’s mother, glancing up at him. “We don’t want any prying eyes on us.” She walked forward and took my arm. “Come, Daria. Oh!” she said with a start. “Please call me Jifa.” This time, she was gentle as she led me out of the room and down the corridor.

I was astonished by her candid nature. By rank, she was second to the queen. Strangely, it felt like she already knew me.

Concubine Jifa’s quarters were larger than Adal’s, evident from the spacious parlor room. The furniture was more luxurious, the paintings more elaborate and the vases of solid gold around the place gave it an air of absolute regality.

“Someone is looking forward to seeing you,” she said, moving away to reach a doorway on the other side of the room. I smiled, thinking she meant Cain.

“Does your mother know who I am?” I asked.

“She knows you’re a companion in the mission against Ivan. More than that, I didn’t tell her. She hasn’t asked either, in case, they try to get the information out of her. Even if they kill her, it will be useless.”

“Thank you for saving me from Zane’s clutches. The man wanted to take me away with him to Drakhaven.”

“As if I’ll ever allow that,” he said, grinding his teeth. He grasped my hand tightly, pulling me against his chest.

I pushed at him. “Not here, Adal!” I hissed. “Your mother can come back anytime.”

He grinned mischievously before letting me go. Taking my hand, he led me to a plush sofa placed in the corner of the room. Seating me down, he poured me a cup of wine from the ornate jar. “How many children does Prince Kurzeru have?” I asked, thinking of the prince who was acting like a servant for Zane.

“He has three daughters. His two younger brothers have seven children between them. My sisters married outside the palace but they have their own children.” A grim look came upon his beautiful face. “It’s hard not to think of them before acting against Drakhaven. If calamity befell our clan, the children won’t be spared.”

No matter how disgusting it was, I suppose family was more important than pride. Cain, Adal, and Norvin had told me about the way Ivan commanded over them, snatching away their powers so that the ruling families were reduced to mere servants. They couldn’t do a thing to help their families. They could do even less for the people of their kingdoms.

“Adal. Daria.” Concubine Jifa’s voice rang out in the silent room. There was another woman behind her. They both walked forward, their eyes fixed on me.

“What do you think Kora?” asked Jifa, turning towards the woman beside her.

Kora was much older than her, her skin wrinkled at the mouth and corner of her eyes. Her clothes were simpler than Jifa’s. She seemed to be a handmaiden herself. Her pale blue eyes raked all over me. To my surprise, they were soon brimming with tears.

“My Lady, she looks exactly like her,” said Kora in a trembling voice. She brought up the sleeve of her dress to dab at her eyes.

I stared between them, feeling confused.

“What are you talking about, Kora?” asked Adal. “Who does she remind you of?”

Kora looked towards Jifa. “Where do I begin to explain, My Lady?”

Jifa held up her hand. “You can’t explain it in a day, Kora. The first thing you should ask her is whether she remembers you.”

I looked back at Kora. No matter how hard I tried, I could not remember seeing her in Linmoor Valley. Kora’s gaze fell on me. “Do you remember me, My Lady?”

I shook my head. “I was quite young when I came to Linmoor Valley. Maybe I was too young to remember you?”

“So you grew up there after all…” A sad look came over Kora as she looked away from me.

“Kora.” Concubine Jifa’s voice was full of warning. “Don’t even think about running from her!”

I looked towards Adal who looked just as stunned as me.

“What are you two talking about?” asked Adal. “Daria is from a place which is impossible for normal people to visit.”

“I never stepped foot in Linmoor,” said Kora, her voice trembling. She was suddenly hyperventilating. The poor woman was doubled up and gasping for air. Jifa patted her back and rubbed it until she could breathe properly again.

“Perhaps, you should go rest, Kora,” said Jifa.

“Thank you, My Lady.”

Jifa exhaled a long sigh after Kora left. She gave me a sympathetic glance and then smiled gently. “I am sure you’re very confused, Daria.”

“I am.”

“There’s something I would like to show you,” she said, gesturing me to come forward.

I got to my feet and moved towards her. Adal walked beside me and took my hand in his. The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by his mother but she made no comment. She swept away towards another doorway, leading us down a narrow passageway. Unlike the brightly lit parlor room, this area was hidden in shadows.

“This is a storage space,” said Jifa in a nonchalant voice. “People rarely come here because one of the previous queens took her life in a room here. They say her spirit still haunts these quarters. The ladies of the royal family were happy to give it up to the king’s concubine.”

She led us inside a small room which felt claustrophobic at the presence of just three people.

“I am not an idiot though,” continued Jifa. “While they thought they got away with giving the concubine the worst quarters possible in the palace, I discovered the secret compartments installed during the previous queen’s reign. They have been extremely useful. And her ghost doesn’t bother me at all.”

She pushed a particular exposed brick in the wall. It slid in easily and suddenly a chasm opened up before us. A dark chamber lay beyond it.

Picking up a lantern, Jifa walked inside.

Exchanging a glance with Adal, I followed after her.

There were several items littering the vast room but my gaze went to the large painting set against the furthest wall. Jifa came to a stop, placing the lantern on the floor. Stepping to the side, she gestured me to move forward.

I obeyed, eager to look at the painting. Reaching close, I stared into a portrait of a regal couple holding a tiny baby between them. The man was close to his early forties. He wore royal robes of red velvet and pure white ermine. His eyes shimmered in the dim light of the lantern and looked lifelike. However, it was when my gaze fell on the woman beside him that my mouth fell open.

“She looks like me,” I whispered, pointing a finger at the beautiful woman. She wore a matching gown of red velvet with her long, dark hair falling past her shoulders in light waves. The only difference was in our eyes. While hers were almond-shaped with blue irises, mine were green.

I looked back at the man. His eyes matched mine perfectly. They were as green as mine.

“Who are they?” I asked, turning to look at Jifa.

“They are the late king and queen of Drakhaven,” she revealed.

“Why does the queen resemble Daria, Mother?” asked Adal, coming to stand close to me. “And why have you saved this painting here? If anyone were to find it…”

Jifa raised a hand, cutting him off.

“I just wanted you to see this, Daria, and look in your memory. If you find Kora there, come to me and I’ll tell you what I know.”

“But I don’t remember her!”

Jifa bent down to pick up the lantern. “Come away now.”

Without a word, she led us back to the brightly lit parlor room. I struggled to find the memory Jifa and Kora insisted I had. If Kora met me before I was five years old, then I would never know. The memories of my life before then were completely lost.

“Is Daria related to the late Drakhaven queen?” asked Adal.

Jifa shook her head. “Don’t ask me things. It all depends on Daria now. If she can remember, I’ll tell her the rest.” She glanced at me. “Try to remember, Daria.”

I nodded, knowing it wouldn’t help. My mind was filled with questions but it was the memory with Kora that would unlock all the answers.

I was so wrapped in my thoughts I didn’t even realize the way Adal led me after we’d come out of his mother’s quarters. The sudden strong winds startled me. Looking around, I saw we were on top of an open tower. Everything was dark around us. Only the moonlight lit up the space around us. Bizarre instruments stood crowding us, some taller than me while the smaller ones covered a low, flat table in the corner.

“Where are we?” I asked, stepping onto the railed boundary of the tower. Down below, the palace grounds stretched for miles. Beyond it, lay the woods.

“This is the astronomy tower,” said Adal.

“These are the instruments you use for stargazing?” I asked, remembering the things Adal told me about his favorite hobby.

“They are.” He bent down to get a long tubular piece and held it to his eye. Squinting through it, he pointed at the moon. His hand adjusted the narrow barrels of the cylinder.

“Come take a look,” said Adal, without moving. As I shifted close, he kept his hand steady and allowed me to squint through it. At first, it seemed like I was staring at a gray land full of giant craters.

Then, I gasped. “Is that what the surface of the moon looks like?” I asked, my voice filled with wonder.

“Yes.”

I looked away from the bizarre sight. “What kind of magic is it?” I asked curiously.

He grinned. “It’s not magic, Daria. It is science. A combination of special crystals is able to bring forward a distant object into full view.” His voice got more excited as he explained about light rays and how they interacted with crystals. Most of it sounded fascinating but as he went on explaining more complex laws of nature, my mind strayed over to the painting I’d seen earlier.

Cain had asked if I was somehow related to the Fire Clan. It was one of the theories that could explain why Cain shifted into his true form after mating with me. Why hadn’t it happened with Adal yet? I’d already been with him twice and yet, he showed none of the signs that followed Cain’s transformation.

“Daria.” Adal had set aside his instrument and was looking at me closely. Taking my hand, he led me to a thick mattress set on the floor. Several pillows adorned it. He seated me on it and came to sit beside me. His fingers intertwined with mine as he gazed up towards the sky. “I’ve never brought anyone up here.”

My heart pounded in my chest, suddenly aware of the closeness between us and the heat rising in my core. Even though the night was cool, I could feel a trickle of perspiration roll down the curve of my lower back, making me shiver.

“Are you cold, Daria?” whispered Adal, slipping his arm around my waist without waiting for a reply.

I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. A part of me wanted to step away, break from his touch and search for the memory that would give me the answer as to why I resembled the murdered queen of Drakhaven. However, as a cool breeze blew by, I let out an exhausted sigh.

“How can I remember things I’ve long forgotten?” I asked, ignoring the way my body was begging for Adal’s touch.

“You need to relax, Daria,” he whispered as his hands slid down my sides, his touch firm on my hips as he cupped my bottom. “Answers come to a calm mind,” he whispered breathily in my ear, lightly nipping the lobe and sending shivers shooting through my body.

He pulled me against him and at once, I felt his member hardening through the layers of clothes between us. “Relax, Daria,” he coaxed, leaving soft, fluttery kisses on the side of my neck. His hand slowly raised the hem of my dress and I felt powerless to stop him, too eager to feel his heated touch as it slid up my thighs, coaxing out the first hint of my secret wetness. Soon, all thought vanished from my head and I opened up to him completely.

He kissed me, his warm lips gently enveloping mine, his hot tongue delicately teasing its way inside my mouth.

“Adal,” I whispered as he kissed me again with the most delicate sort of urgency. The world outside us melted away as Adal’s fingers teased my wet folds, making my body ignite in flames of desire.

Soon, our clothes fell away, leaving us completely bare to each other. A gentle breeze blew against my naked skin, but next moment, Adal was on top of me, covering me entirely with the mass of his body.

He began his kisses at my feet, moving up to caress and kiss the length of my legs, the softness of my inner thighs, his tongue cheekily brushing over my swollen clit.

“Adal,” I moaned, my hips jerking upward on their own accord.

His fingers slid inside my wet folds tenderly as I moaned and trembled. He was taking his time with me now, unlike the heated urgency of that morning.

Adal’s breath was hot against my sex as he whispered my name and slowly pushed his tongue inside me. My body clenched and then suddenly let go. As I trembled with the onslaught of the orgasm, Adal’s hand pushed my body down into the mattress, his hot tongue curling inside me. My back arched as my fingers clawed at his soft, golden curls.

“Please, Adal,” I pleaded. “Take me now.”

He moved over me once again, taking my lips in a deep kiss. As I moaned into his mouth, my hand reached down to hold the hardness pressing into my soft thighs.

He was thick and heavy between my fingers as I pulled at him. Spreading my legs around him, I invited him in, rubbing the swollen tip of his cock against my moist slit.

His eyes locked into mine as I raised my hips up to coax his head at my entrance. He leaned down on me, keeping his hands on either side of me as he thrust inside me, pushing himself in all the way.

My cry mixed with his low groan as he embedded himself fully inside me.

He moved at a steady rhythm inside me, all the while kissing my cheeks and lips. My hands rested on his hard pecks as he plunged deep into me, almost throwing me off the edge of ecstasy as each thrust hit that particular spot.

A monstrous orgasm was building inside me as he relentlessly thrust inside me. From the expression of pained pleasure on his face, I knew he would come inside me quickly. Gasping and moaning, I struggled to hold onto my climax, determined to reach it with him. I cried out, my nails clawing at his back as he pistoned into me.

The deep calm with which he’d started had evaporated altogether.

“Daria.” His voice was hard and pained. The blue of his irises glimmered in the moonlit night as he thrust into me.

I cried out as he pushed deep into me, no longer able to hold off the inevitable. Adal roared as he shattered inside me, filling me with burst after burst of his thick, creamy essence.

We lay in that position, gasping and moaning, as I felt him grow soft inside me. His mouth crashed onto mine, his tongue sucking on mine with a fervent desire to devour me. My mind was a blissful blank, basking in the afterglow of being so deeply intimate with one of the men I’d come to love.

14

I found myself back in Adal’s bedchambers the next morning.

Sitting up, I stretched my arms out to get rid of the stiffness. The sheet slipped off my body, reminding I was still naked from last night. My clothes were folded neatly on a chair nearby with a piece of parchment on it. Wrapping my body in the sheet, I climbed out of bed to take a look.

It was a note left by Adal. He would be in the archives all day, trying to decipher the scroll Cain found in the dragon temple of Iorna. If he was in the library, I was sure his personal book duster, Cain, would also keep him company. With a smile, I tucked the note in a compartment in my sleeve.

The sunlight pouring through the windows was bright and hot, meaning it was already close to noon. My body felt energized after the long hours of rest. Donning my clothes, I padded out into the corridor to reach the parlor room.

The table was spread with a wide variety of food. Smiling, I stuffed my mouth with the meat buns I’d come to prefer and poured myself some tea. It had gone cold but the fragrant brew was still delicious.

With both Cain and Adal gone for the day, I decided to spend the time with Norvin. While I knew nothing was wrong with him physically, the damage done by Mekhi had to be psychological. It had already been a few days now and I was worrying about him. His body wouldn’t last long without him eating and drinking properly. The thin gruel we fed him won’t sustain him forever.

I carried a basin of warm water to Adal’s study. Norvin’s body was hidden from the rest of maids and servants who came to the quarters for chores. Setting it down on a table near the bed, I took off Norvin’s tunic. The skin of his chest and abdomen were fully healed. They were as flawless as the smooth skin of his face. He was completely healed from the outside.

“I won’t let you be lost,” I said, placing a gentle hand on his forehead.

Norvin was the most demanding of the three princes. He was bold, unrestrained and an absolutely tease when he wanted to be. He was different from both Cain and Adal who stayed reserved on most occasions. It didn’t make Norvin any less caring than them. He’d sacrificed his life twice to save the common citizens. My heart swelled with pride for him but at the same, pain sliced through me at the sight of his listless body.

I dipped a linen towel in the basin. Squeezing the water out, I began washing his face and neck. My hand traveled down his chest and abdomen, scrubbing him gently.

“Does that feel refreshing?” I asked. “It can be so warm in Baledonia and this room is so stuffy.”

Silence.

Throwing the soaked towel back into the basin, I went to lift Norvin’s body in a sitting position. Before he could slump forward, I wrapped my arms around him and seated myself behind him. I let his body lean back onto mine. He was heavy, putting me to my limit as I kept arms wrapped around his torso.

Closing my eyes, I let my hand slide up to the side of his head. I was going to attempt to enter his psyche. Elga was a master of the technique, easily taking out information from her prey without going through the bloody hassle of torturing the victim. While I knew the technicalities of the practice, I’d never actually performed it on another person.

“There’s a first time for everything,” I muttered.

I envisioned the flow of energy going through both our bodies. I could see the rainbow colored threads passing through my being but for Norvin, only strings of white and indigo were wrapped around him.

I focused harder, pressing my palms to the side of his head.

The vision of the energy threads disappeared completely and a new image started opening up before me. My eyes were still closed and a strange new scenery unfolded before me, it was like being dropped into a dream. It wasn’t my dream as I was still lucid. I was now in Norvin’s dream.

We were both standing on the edge of a high cliff. A massive castle with tall, pointed piers rose up behind us. In front, a few steps away, lay a sharp fall down into a gushing river. The waters churned and frothed as it wound its way down the valley hundreds of feet down below. Loose rocks rolled out from under Norvin’s feet as he stared out into the distance.

“Why are we here?” I asked.

“Wouldn’t it better if I were to fall in the waters and stay drowned?” Norvin’s voice was deadly serious. “Staying alive while others died is really, really hard.” He turned around to gaze at me. Curiosity flickered in those purple-hued eyes as he stared at me. “How come you’re here?”

“Why are you here?” I returned. “You survived the fall. There’s no need for you to be back here.”

“If I stayed dead, the massacre in Partaig wouldn’t have happened.” His eyes filled with tears as his anguished voice ripped through me. “If I stayed dead, you’d never be hurt!” he shouted.

I shook my head. “It’s got nothing to do with you. Mekhi is cruel, using you as an excuse to hurt innocent people. If you think this way, if you believe him, you are giving him power over you.” I took a step closer to him. “Do you have any idea how worried we are for you? Norvin! You need to wake up right now.”

“Why?” His gaze was intense as he looked into my eyes searchingly. “Wouldn’t it be easier without me?”

“Nothing is easy without you,” I replied, matching his gaze. “I love you. Have you forgotten that?”

“Cain and Adal are better men to love,” he said in a bitter voice. “You never got hurt because of them. They both keep you safe, unlike me.” A humorless chuckle escaped him. “I can’t even protect the woman I love. How pathetic am I?” The anguish in his voice hurt my heart too.

Swallowing the choking sobs stuck in my neck, I reached for his hand. Keeping the pain out of my voice, I said, “Do you think I’m an ordinary woman? I can protect myself and the men who love me. You should stop beating yourself about it and accept it. I love you, Norvin. I can take a hundred lashes and sword strikes for you. The only thing I ask in return is you don’t give up. Continue fighting. Stay by my side. It’s the only way I can be strong enough and not run away from the mission I’ve taken on myself. Because let me tell you. Dragons are fucking scary creatures!”

Norvin’s lips twitched imperceptibly at the last comment. “Dragons are scary. No other assassin with half a brain would have dared to take up the job. And you…Daria…you volunteered for the job.”

“Because I fell in love with you three the moment I met you,” I said. “I was so desperate to be close to the three of you I didn’t care if it was a monstrous dragon waiting for me at the end of the road. I was willing to battle any other monster along the way too. Because of that…” I swallowed the sob threatening to choke me. Taking a deep breath, I stared up at him. “You don’t get to give up on me. I will get hurt but as long as I’m alive, I’ll keep fighting.”

“Daria.” He closed his eyes, bringing the hand that held his to his cheek. “Why do you always have to be so strong?”

“For your sake, I can’t afford to be weak. If you want me to be weak, then you’re going to have to stay strong.”

A low chuckle escaped him as he drew me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. “You’re not afraid to fall with me.”

“No. As long as you’re with me, I’ll never be afraid.”

“Remember those words.” Taking me along with him, he shifted. Next moment, my stomach lurched as Norvin jumped off the ledge, holding me tight to him. My insides swooped as we fell towards the churning waters down below. I closed my eyes, pressing my face into his chest, fully expecting to hit the cold, hard waters down below. Instead, I felt a soft mattress underneath me.

Heart hammering in my chest, I slowly opened my eyes. The shadowy corners of Adal’s study came in my vision. It took another moment to realize I’d been dreaming. That I was inside Norvin’s dream.

“You’re still sweating,” said a familiar voice as a gentle hand came to rest on my forehead.

I shifted on the bed and felt my entire body tangled with another. Rolling me onto my side, Norvin made me face him. His beautiful purple-hued eyes stared into mine.

“This is not a dream, is it?” I whispered.

“No.”

I moved to sit up but Norvin’s hands pressed down my shoulders to keep me down. “Move,” I said, attempting to get up once again. He pushed down into the bed again.

“Where are you going?” he asked, his gaze burning with intensity.

“I am going to the palace archives to find Adal and Cain. They would want to know you’ve woken up.”

“You’re shaking,” he said, his eyes raking my body.

“I’m excited to have you back,” I said, my voice trembling. “Also, I’m still in a bit of shock. I’d forgotten I was in a dream and that none of it was real.”

One of his hands came to caress my cheek. “It was real for me.”

“I’m not saying the emotions weren’t real,” I said, feeling my skin heat up at his touch. “Just that if we fell from a height, we wouldn’t wake up in bed.”

Norvin’s eyes darkened. Using both his hands, he caught my wrists, lifting them over my head as he bore down on me. With a sudden movement, he smashed his lips to mine. Keeping a firm hold on my wrists, he pressed his body against mine. His tongue darted into my mouth the instant I gasped out. He sucked the air out of me as his tongue tasted every crevice of my mouth.

His kiss wasn’t soft or teasing. It was raw and desperate.

I writhed under him, twisting my wrists in his hold, frantic to touch him but Norvin wouldn’t relent. He kept his hold firm and unyielding as he kissed me hard and fierce. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation. It was like Norvin wouldn’t let me do a thing. It was his moment. He would be the only one to touch, to feel, to make me cry out with both pain and pleasure.

Keeping his mouth latched to mine, he held both my wrists in one hand, freeing the other to untie the sash at my waist. It was more like ripping it off and roughly tearing down the rest of the clothes that kept my body hidden from him. Within seconds, I felt his heated skin touching my bare skin.

I moaned out, frantic to press my body against his.

Norvin still wouldn’t let me go free. But as his lips descended down my chin and onto my neck, I did the only thing I was left to do. Parting my thighs, I let him sink further into me as I wrapped my legs around him.

Norvin’s mouth latched onto a nipple, biting and sucking. The teasing jabs of pain ignited my body with the flames of fire as I moaned loudly. Norvin’s thick manhood hardened against my soft thighs, making my core come alive with aching throbs.

I wanted to reach out and hold his length in my hand but my wrists were still in his grasp. His hand moved down my stomach to reach for my sex. I gasped as his fingers dipped inside my wet lips. Writhing underneath him, I jerked my hips upward, eager to feel the roughness of his skin against my slippery slit.

“I want you so much, Daria,” he said, lifting his face from my breasts. His purple-hued eyes were blazing as they locked with mine.

“I want you in me,” I said, my voice pleading. “Please, Norvin.”

His mouth crashed against mine once more, drowning all my pleas. His tongue attacked mine in a way that left me wanting to claw at his back. Robbed of the use of my hands, I could only writhe against him as his fingers continued to dip in and out of my core.

My whole body was on fire, tightening and throbbing. If he didn’t stop, I would come soon.

My cries of pleasure were drowned as Norvin continued to kiss me. My mouth opened wide, but I was too lost to respond. Norvin took the advantage, fervently kissing me.

Suddenly, he lifted his head to stare down at me. I was breathless, my breasts heaving. I looked up at him as he hovered over me, breathing heavily, his eyes blazing with desire.

“I want you so much, Daria,” he said, his voice thick and rough.

I stared at him in a lusty haze, drinking every inch of him. He was so beautiful with his long midnight-blue hair falling down his muscular shoulders. If he would let me, I’d lick every inch of those hardened pecs and abs until I reached the thick, erect length of his manhood.

“I need you inside me, Norvin. Like right now.”

He parted my thighs, positioning himself at my entrance. I almost cried out at the feel of his hardened head poking at my dripping slits. He entered me with one rough thrust.

I cried out, my body not expecting his width, but enjoying the sensation at the same time. My body twisted underneath his, pushing my hips upward to take his length deeper inside me. His mouth closed around mine, kissing me fervently as his tongue fought with mine for dominance.

Suddenly, he pulled out, leaving me empty and aching, before entering me with another hard thrust. My mouth gaped wide open, unable to kiss him as his tongue moved around mine.

My body arched up, trying to draw him in deeper inside me.

Norvin’s mouth moved to my neck. Alternately kissing and biting, he had me moaning wildly. He pulled almost all the way out again and plunged in once more.

I was crying from a mix of pain and pleasure, anticipation nearly driving me mad. “Stop teasing me!” I demanded.

His luscious lips curled up at the corner as he began thrusting in hard and fast, filling every available inch inside me. I was crying out his name now, engulfed in a haze of pleasure.

“You feel so incredibly good,” he whispered in a breathless voice. His teeth came to bite on the shell of my ear next, triggering my first orgasm. As I trembled underneath him, my core pulsing against his thick, thrusting member, Norvin continued kissing my neck and shoulders.

His movements built another orgasm just as the previous one had barely subsided. My toes were curling tight as my thighs tightened their hold on his hips.

He thrust in me hard a few more time before he was biting down my shoulder and breasts in his own climax. His hold over my wrists finally loosened and I was able to hold onto his shoulders as my body throbbed and pulsed under him.

His seeds spilled inside me, filling me to the brim as we lay like that for a while, breathless.

Slowly, he lifted off me, his face hovering inches from mine. His gaze was searching as he stared down at me.

“That was incredible,” I whispered, reaching up to brush the hair out of his eyes.

Norvin fell beside me, covering our bodies with a sheet. I nestled into his chest, reveling in the heat radiating out of him.

“So, I am guessing we’re in Adal’s study?” he said, his voice suddenly light and full of laughter.

I nodded. “It’s the only place the servants aren’t allowed. So we hid you here.”

He laughed even more now.

“What is it? Did I do something wrong?” I asked, feeling self-conscious. While I knew Cain and Adal were considerate enough to never say anything while we were intimate, Norvin wouldn’t let it slide.

He shook his head, still laughing.

“What is it?” I demanded, glaring at him.

“Imagine Adal coming here to study and all he can smell and think of is us two doing the nasty in his sacred space.”

My hand rose up to cover my mouth as I chuckled.

“You’re so bad,” I said, hitting his shoulder. “You wake up and the first thing you do is this.” I was smiling. Wrapping my arms around him, I nestled back into his chest. “I have missed you so much, Norvin. Don’t ever do something like this again.”

His arm came to hold me tight. “I won’t.”

“Did you know Cain shifted into his true form, a silver dragon?”

“What?” He jerked, almost sitting up.

I chuckled. “You even rode on his back as we fled from Partaig.”

“What?” He held my shoulders and shook me gently. “Tell me everything from the start, woman.”

I lay back against the pillow and made a show to primly cover up my nakedness while he glared at me with frustration. “All right, now I can tell you tale.”

15

I sat at my favorite desk in the library, determined to finish translating the scroll Cain found in the sacred chambers of the dragon temple in Iorna. Stacks of parchment lay to my left while my favorite inkstone and brush lay to my right. A vast casement opened up before me, giving me a view to the clear blue sky outside. Fresh cool breezes often blew in, bringing in the intoxicating fragrances of jasmine blossoms. Inhaling deeply, I was reminded of Daria. She often smelled of jasmine and lotus.

Bringing the tips of my fingers together, I closed my eyes. It was time to get to work. Don’t distract me, heart, I commanded as the vision of Daria’s pretty face refused to leave my mind’s eyes.

Exhaling a long breath, I let the smile teasing the corner of my lips spread wide. The archives were the one place in the entire palace of Baledonia where I wouldn’t be disturbed. No one ever came in unless forced to. So, over the next few minutes, I let my mind think of her.

The last few days had been perfect. Daria brought out a side of me I never knew existed within me. It was a raw, desperate kind of passion. My mother made me suppress my emotions since I was a child. Not only was I the last to be in line for the throne, I was also the son of a concubine. While she was never mistreated, the late queen, as well as her children, were cold towards us. After my father passed away, Mother made sure I stayed away from politics and the fight over the throne.

“It’s the only way to keep you safe,” she insisted.

While my brothers were taught archery and sword fight, my mother firmly let me grow up without any martial art practice. I suppose it kept me out of my brothers’ ways. They never considered me a threat. While things went according to my mother’s plans, I began resenting my own weakness. For years, I felt inferior to my brothers and friends.

Still, I kept my feelings suppressed deep within myself, channeling all my efforts to become a scholar. I was able to teach myself the ancient tongue as well, the language in which all ancient scrolls were written in. As far as I knew I was one of the few alive who could do it. Emperor Ivan had most of the scholars from the previous dynasties slaughtered.

The only time I’ve truly felt equal to my companions was when I was with Daria. She had a way of treating us like she really loved us. I’d been apprehensive of the arrangement, not really sure how three men would handle belonging to the same woman, but somehow, it was only getting easier as time passed.

While Daria was deeply concerned about Norvin not waking up, she never ignored me or Cain. I’d been deeply intimate with her the past few days, yet when we were together, it didn’t feel like I was sharing her with anyone. When we were together, she was mine alone.

Perhaps, Cain was right. We had to give it a try. If a man could handle a harem of women, Daria could certainly do it too. We just had to give up our prejudice of thinking women were in any way inferior to men.

The more time I spent with Daria, the more I was convinced of the fact.

Daria was lesser to no man.

She was beautiful, intelligent and a strong warrior. I doubted anyone could compare to her in the four kingdoms. And she was mine.

As a smile hovered on my lips, my mind stabbed at my happy bubble by reminding me of Norvin. While he was fully healed, thanks to Daria’s fatal energy transfer, he was still not waking up. If it went on any longer, his life would be in danger again.

“Why do you look so glum?” said a deep, familiar voice from in front of me. Looking up, I saw Cain leaning down on the table. He was garbed in a servant’s attire but still managed to look like a king. The cloth over his broad muscular shoulders stretched tight, giving a glimpse of the impressive physique underneath. Among the three, Cain was the best warrior. And in my opinion, the most handsome too.

He poked me in the forehead with his finger. “Why do you look like that, Adal?” he asked with laughter in his voice. “You’re completely unfocused. I have never seen you like this.”

I could say the same to him. Cain rarely let down his guard. However, he looked completely at ease in a strange palace, away from his kingdom.

“I was thinking of Norvin,” I said. “I’m wondering what Mekhi did to him to make him like that.”

Cain’s features hardened at once. “He killed many of my people to force Norvin into submission. When we found him in the tower, we couldn’t even recognize him. Mekhi hurt him so much, he was just a battered pulp.” His fists balled together. “I am going to kill him the next time I see him.”

“If Daria doesn’t beat you to it.”

Cain smirked at that. “She’s adding names to her list. Helena is on there too.”

Helena…the adopted princess of Drakhaven, the legendary saintess who could cure any disease. It had all been utter bullshit. From the time, I heard of her prowess, I was suspicious. Daria proved it to be true, but letting her go was a mistake. But I couldn’t blame Cain for it. Killing her would have brought Ivan’s wrath upon his people. It would have been an open call for war with Drakhaven.

“Did you get started yet?” asked Cain, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I was about to…” With his gaze on me, I took the long cylinder and dropped the scrolls on my desk. Opening them, I flattened them. Cain came around the desk to help place weights on the corner. He leaned down beside me, staring at the page.

“Can you read this?” he asked, staring intently at the parchment.

“Of course.”

I took up my brush and soaked in the black liquid ink. Pushing the original scrolls to my left, I placed a fresh parchment before me.

“Don’t hover, Cain,” I said, beginning the translation. “Take a chair and sit down.”

As the minutes passed by and I got engrossed in my work, Cain shifted his chair to the window and sat looking out of it, keeping his legs resting on the ledge. He gave me the space to go through the dozen parchments that had been tightly packed inside the container.

A few hours passed.

I already learned what the scrolls said while translating. However, I kept my surprise to myself, hoping to share the incredulity with Cain after he finished reading it too.

Cain was already fast asleep, snoozing in the chair with a towel over his head to keep the sunlight out of his eyes. Getting to my feet, I stretched out my arms. I often forgot to move around when I was engrossed in reading or writing, leaving me with sore muscles.

The information in the scrolls was far too enticing and engaging for me to stop to take a break. Even my eyes were tired.

The late afternoon sun shone brightly over the garden down below. Before waking Cain, I took a moment to soak in the peaceful environment. Once I let out what I learned, there wouldn’t be any peace for us.

“Cain,” I said in a tight voice, shaking a shoulder.

He shifted in the chair, opening one silvery eye to squint up at me. “Are you done yet?”

“I am.”

“Does it say anything important or is it recipes for fruit ales?”

I shook his shoulder more urgently, urging him to wake up and get serious.

“Okay, okay…” he muttered, straightening up and yawning. “What does it say?”

“It tells us exactly how we can turn into our true dragon forms.”

“What?” Cain was suddenly staring at me with his intense gray eyes. It was the reaction I was hoping for. “How? Is it something to do with the sacred chambers?”

“It’s got to do with both the temple chambers as well as Daria,” I said. Going to my desk, I stacked up the sheets of the translation. They came out to be thirty pages. Taking them, I went back to Cain. “Here…read it.”

He took it from my hands and set the stack on his laps. “Just tell me what it says,” he said in a low, tense voice.

I sighed, taking the sheets back from him. “It repeats the facts we already knew. To turn into our true dragon, we have to mate with a blessed Fire Clan woman or a female dragon. Simply being intimate in a room wouldn’t do it though. It has to be in a place where the sacred energies of heaven and earth are concentrated. For us, that’s the location of the dragon temples in the four kingdoms.”

“So when I was intimate with Daria in the sacred chambers, it triggered the process?”

I nodded. “You and Daria must have ventured into the mating chambers of the temple. The magic is strongest there.”

“We were led by the paintings,” he said in a low voice, his eyes closed. “We bathed in the pool there and proceeded to the most massive chamber in the temple. It even had a bed ready for us. It was dusty but the way we were feeling, neither of us minded.” His eyes opened as he grinned.

“That’s how you were able to shift into your true form. But Cain,” I said, my voice still tensed. “It also means that Daria is a blessed woman of the Fire Clan.”

“I already suspected it,” said Cain. “However, she remembers nothing about the past before she came to Linmoor.”

I knew that too. The strange conversation between her and my mother flashed into my mind. She’d claimed her handmaiden knew something about her but would reveal it to her only if she remembered the woman. Daria was already frustrated with her own memories that stubbornly refused to let her recall anything.

“Adal.” Cain was suddenly upon me. “You can shift into your true form as well.”

“I know.” The idea was so overwhelming, I didn’t even want to think of it but my mind refused to settle down. Just the thought of it filled me with nervous anticipation. “What is it like?”

Cain smiled exuberantly. “It will feel like you’re being killed, but once that’s over it’s incredible.”

“It hurts?”

“Oh yes, my friend!” he said, gripping me by the shoulders. “You will go through hell before experiencing heaven.” He was clutching me hard enough to make me wince. “But Adal,” said Cain, his voice grim. “Do you understand what it really means now? We can go up against Ivan. If the three of us can shift into our true forms and defeat him, Daria will be safe and we can claim back our kingdoms from Ivan.”

Tears pricked my eyes as deep emotions welled up inside me. We’d been under Ivan’s thumbs for far too long. We could finally fight back.

“Aren’t you glad Daria never chose between us?” asked Cain. “If she had, only one of us could ever achieve our true forms.”

I nodded, feeling gratitude and incredulity well up inside me. “It must be fate,” I said. “The goddesses have answered our prayers and it came to us in the form of Daria. She was fated to be our mates. I felt the bond with her the moment I laid eyes on her.”

“It was the same for me.” He smiled, glancing at me with a shrewd look. “Do you remember how you acted the first time I told you about her?”

I remembered. Cain paid the innkeeper in Oakhedge to keep the tavern open all night so he could meet Daria again. It had annoyed me to see him so besotted over a woman he’d just met on the streets. If it had been me in his place, I would have been just as desperate for her.

“I apologize, Cain.”

He waved his hand at me, moving closer to drape an arm over my shoulder. “Forget it. We should go tell Daria and drench Norvin with a bucket of ice-cold water if that’s what it would take to wake up the wanker.”

I laughed at Cain’s crude language. I suppose we’d never felt this free until now. We were closer than ever to defeating Ivan. With Daria by our side, nothing seemed impossible.

The last rays of the sun shone into the darkening library hall. Before Cain could steer me away, I halted. No servants would be coming in anyway, but I wasn’t taking a chance. Too much was at stake. Going to the desk, I picked up the ancient scrolls as well as the pile of translated pages. Blue flames erupted in both my palms, flaming the parchments.

“Good thinking,” said Cain, coming to stand beside me. His silver eyes mirrored the dancing blue flames as the pieces of parchment smoked and curled up into ashes.

16

I lay back against the pillows, looking around at the thick tomes Adal kept in his study. There were no windows in the room, making it feel even more claustrophobic. After staying locked in my mind, I yearned to venture outside to breathe in some fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun on my face but Daria refused to let me step outside.

“We’ve got to disguise you better before you leave the study,” she insisted. “I don’t want anyone else finding you out while we stay here. Please wait here until I get back from the royal pharmacy.”

“Pharmacy?”

She nodded. “I am going to make some changes to your appearance so no one can tell it’s you. Please, just stay here.” Her sparkling green eyes widened adorably as she beseeched me.

“Fine,” I’d relented, letting her skip out of the room in excitement.

Once she left, I fell back to contemplating my last memories. While I stayed locked inside my mind, thinking it was the best way to protect myself and others, the realization that I was only hurting myself came a little too late.

Mekhi was one mindfucker I’d love to get the chance to kill someday. He took such pleasure in peeling every inch of my face and then proceeding to tie up Daria, threatening to do the same to her. It was at that instant I decided to give up. I couldn’t bear to let her get hurt when she risked her life to save me. I was so badly injured, I knew I wouldn’t be able to save her. I’d retreated into a dark corner of my mind, hoping to never see the light again.

Daria brought me back from it all, saving me from the torment I was inflicting on myself.

A desperate kind of hunger consumed me when I found Daria unhurt. She looked beautiful as always, her body soft and warm against mine. I let my need for her drown me, taking her for the first time. The fact that she’d already been shared by both Adal and Cain didn’t matter to me any longer. As long as I could have her with me, nothing else mattered. I loved Daria. If an unconventional relationship was the key to stay by her side, then I would gladly be part of it.

Now that I was back to the world of the living, my mind went back to the incredible news she’d shared with me. Cain achieved his true dragon form right after being intimate with her for the first time. The jealous part of me wondered if it meant he had greater right to her than me or Adal.

I clutched at my hair, trying to suppress the waves of jealousy that rose within.

With it, came guilt.

Neither Cain nor Adal ever reacted like me. They were always calm about the unconventional relationship between us all. Why was I the only one who couldn’t keep the jealousy in check?

“What are you doing?” Daria’s familiar voice spoke from the doorway.

Raising my head, I looked at her. She carried a tray of food in her hand. The sight of it made my stomach roar. Jumping off the bed, I was before her in an instant.

“Give this to me.” Taking the tray from her, I set it on the low table in the corner. This was probably Adal’s desk judging from the stacks of parchment and books covering the surface, but for the moment I pushed everything away to place the tray. “I’m starving.”

“Of course, you are,” said Daria, coming to sit beside me as I shoveled rice into my mouth along with strips of meat in a saucy gravy. “Slow down,” she said, rubbing my back. “You’ll die choking.”

I muttered an incoherent response, proceeding to wash down the mouthful of rice and meat with a large gulp of hot soup. Baledonian food was exceptionally flavorful despite the lightness. My mind forgot about everything as I continued to devour the food.

When everything on the tray was cleared and I’d burped heartily, did I look up at Daria who was watching me like she was fascinated. Part of me felt really glad she could stare at me with such adoration. I brought nothing but trouble to our group.

“Did you get whatever you needed from the pharmacy?” I asked.

“Yep! She brought forward a small basket and removed the cloth covering the top. Among the large lemons peeking out, there was a heavy pouch.

“What will you do with these?” I asked.

“I’m going to use the lemons to clean this room,” she said as a fierce blush rose on her cheeks. “This is Adal’s private study, after all. We shouldn’t stretch our welcome too much, don’t you think?”

I grinned, not at all worried about Adal smelling my scent on her or his study.

“What about this?” I asked, picking up the pouch.

“That’s dried henna. I am going to dye your hair.”

I made a face at that. Henna had a horrible way of leaving the skin and hair tinged with a shade of revolting orange.

“It will hide your identity,” she pressed. “Your eyes and hair give you away far too much.” When I wasn’t convinced, she added, “You’ll still be handsome even if your hair turns orange!”

I chuckled.

“Stay here. I’ll be right back!”

Over the next hour, I watched Daria clean and wipe every corner of the study. The scent of lemons hung in the air, bringing freshness to the closed space. I pulled away the blankets and sheets from the cot to help Daria in her mission of ridding the obvious evidence of our lovemaking.

“All done!” she finally announced. “After I fix your hair, maybe you can stay with Cain in the servants’ quarters.”

I scoffed. “I am staying with you.”

“I wish you could,” she said in a sad voice. Moving the buckets away, she sat down beside me and laid her head on my shoulder. I took her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers.

“You just want me to be safe?” I asked, easily guessing her argument.

“It’s only for a few days. You can leave with me when I go to Drakhaven. Cain can remain here or come with us. We will have to plan things later. But for now,” she said, getting to her feet and hauling me up. “We are going to the bath and giving you a new look.”

A defeated sigh escaped me as I let Daria drag me to the bathing chamber.

“Get in,” she said, gesturing at the circular bath sunk into the center of the floor. Bending down on her knees, she opened the faucets. Spring water gushed in, steadily filling up the bath. “Come on, Norvin.”

“Only if you get in with me.”

“Not yet.” Getting up, she brought an earthenware bowl from a cabinet. “I need to work on your hair first. Please, just get in first.”

While she mixed henna with water in the bowl, I stripped out of the last shred of clothing and stepped into the bath. The water was cool and refreshing. I took several dips, enjoying the feeling of being in water once again. For some reason, water always energized me. It was the only reason I survived the first time Mekhi tried to kill me.

“Come over here,” said Daria, gesturing me towards the edge of the bath.

The bowl beside her was full of a dark greenish-brown muck. Yuck!

She held onto my shoulders and pressed down on them until half my chest was below the water’s surface. “Stay still!” Scooping some of the henna mixture, she began applying it on my head.

“It smells awful,” I complained as she quickly worked her way down the length of my hair.

“It’s all for your good,” she insisted. “Now, hold still. We have to let the hair dry with the mixture on it.”

“At least get in here,” I demanded.

She chuckled softly. “I will go and make sure everything’s fine in the main quarters and be back. The henna would be dry by then.”

I was left to stay in the bath with my hair up in a ridiculous bun on top of my head. It was already past noon and I wanted some more time alone with Daria before Adal came back from the library.

Daria came back after an hour. Carrying a bucket over to me, she began washing my hair, not letting the water in the bath turn a murky brown from the henna paste.

“Your hair is dark brown now,” she muttered excitedly, washing the long length of my tresses. “At least, no one will know it’s you at a glance. I wish I could to change the color of your eyes.”

“Is that even possible?”

“One of the assassins back in Linmoor could do it. She was an expert at changing her appearance. If she were with us, she could make you look like Mekhi too.”

“Ugh!”

“Still, it’s a handy skill to have.”

Once my hair was washed completely, Daria let the length of my tresses drape over my shoulder. It was then, I caught the new shade my hair became. It was murky brown now. Turning around sharply, I caught hold of her wrist and pulled her into the bath. She gasped, falling into the water with a loud splash.

Daria’s head bobbed out of the water, her hair covering her eyes and face. She sputtered and coughed, and out of nowhere, landed a punch to my jaw. To my luck, it wasn’t hard.

“Couldn’t you wait a few more minutes?” she shouted, swiping the wet hair away from her eyes to glare at me.

“Nope.” I moved towards her, extending my arms to pull her body against mine. “Adal and Cain will be back any time. I want to spend some more time with you alone.”

Her frown melted away at that.

Moving closer to me, she put her arms around my neck, drawing in closer for a kiss. I grasped her around the waist, pulling her body to me and crashing my mouth onto hers. My tongue pushed through her parted lips, sucking and tasting the sweet cavern of her mouth. No matter how many times I kissed her, it never satiated my thirst for her.

My hands moved down to her hips, pressing her stomach against the rising hardness of my manhood. She was still fully clothed, and suddenly I felt frustrated with the layers of fabrics between our bodies. I wanted to feel her warmth against me.

Nipping at her bottom lip, I tore at the sash at her waist, loosening the kimono-style dress she wore. She moaned out, arching her neck backward. My mouth sucked at the sensitive skin there while my hands frantically pulled away the clothes covering her body.

When she was completely bared to me and her clothes floating on the water’s surface, I drew her back to me. Daria’s cheeks were flushed red and her green eyes hazy with lust. I swiped her dark strands away and began kissing the water droplets on her shoulders. Her eyes closed as she pressed her body against me, whispering my name.

“As much as I’m loving this,” she moaned into my ear. “We have to stop. Adal and Cain will be back any minute. Also, if one of the maids sees us like this, she will cause an uproar. Palace maids aren’t supposed to engage in sexual activities with strange men.”

“I don’t want to stop,” I groaned, loving the feel of her soft body against mine.

“We must!” She pushed at my chest, propelling away from me. Collecting her clothes floating in the bath, she got out of the water, giving me an eyeful of her glorious naked body. My hardness refused to subside. My balls screamed for release.

Daria disappeared from the bathing chamber. With nothing else to do, I relieved myself by fisting my thick length. I thought of her tight core and the way she’d moaned when I was inside her. My release was powerful. With a roar, I felt my body shudder hard as ribbons of my creamy, white essence came gushing out.

I leaned back against the edge of the bath, panting breathlessly.

Taking a deep breath, I plunged into the water, reaching the bottom of the bath to pull out the stopper. The water gushed out, leaving me standing in the empty hollow.

Climbing out, I saw a stack of fresh clothes laid out for me. They were in the traditional Baledonian-style attire with a long, loose tunic and baggy trousers, all tied together at the waist. Donning them, I stepped out of the bathing chamber. My hair, now a dark brown, hung loose.

I searched the quarters for Daria, finally coming across her in one of the closed rooms. She was dressed in fresh clothes too and sitting in front of an ornate mirror, brushing the long lengths of her ebony hair. She used a jeweled comb, and for a moment, I felt struck at the sight.

Daria reminded me of my mother. When I was still a child, I loved watching her comb the long lengths of her midnight blue hair. My favorite pastime was to brush it for her. It was one of those candid moments I got to spend with her, away from my imposing father and the rest of the maids. My throat felt choked at the memory. It’d been years since I let myself think of her. She died along with my father after getting poisoned by Ivan.

Walking forward, I gently took the comb from Daria’s hand. She watched me curiously as I slowly began to brush her hair. A smile rose on her lips and she turned towards the mirror, letting me do it for her. Standing behind her, I gently removed the knots and tangles, leaving her hair smooth and shiny once more.

Daria picked up the small tubs of ointments and perfumed oils and began dabbing some on her cheeks and neck as I continued to comb her hair.

“Thank you, Norvin,” she said after a while. “It felt really good and soothing.” Getting to her feet, she moved forward to stand before me. Rising on her toes, she threw her arms around my neck. All I could do was stare into the depths of her emerald-green eyes as she moved to kiss me. I held her as we shared a long, deep kiss, our bodies melding against one another.

17

Norvin stayed with me until my hair was fashioned into a traditional Baledonian hairstyle with strings of braids around my face and loose flowing hair at the back. Tiny pearls and ribbons decorated the braids. I was surprised how gentle Norvin could be. It was the first time he’d shown me such a tender side to him.

“Do you feel hungry?” I asked, turning to face him. “I’d expected Cain and Adal to be back already. Maybe I should go looking for them and tell them the news. They’ve been worried for you.”

“While I was sleeping, did you know I could hear everything?” he asked, giving me an intense stare.

“No. If you could hear us, you should’ve just woken up. You should’ve known how worried we were.”

“If anything like this ever happens, don’t use your inner energy to heal me, Daria,” he said in a grim tone. “It’s a very dangerous craft. People with dragonblood will heal fast anyway.”

“If it’s for one of you, I don’t mind.”

“No, Daria. I forbid it!”

I stared at him, torn between laughing and getting angry. I wanted to tell him he didn’t control me, but part of me knew he was saying it to protect me. Exhaling a long breath, I said, “I will be careful, but if it’s needed I will do it. Nothing’s more important to me than you three.” Even if I wasn’t in love with the three princes, it was the task Lady Elga handed me. Failing at it was death too.

Getting to my feet, I gestured towards the door. “Let’s wait in the parlor. It will be good to see the looks of surprise on their faces.” Taking his hand in mine, I pulled him behind me.

My heart soared within me. I would be together with the three princes after a long time. The occasion was worth celebrating. However, it would soon be time to leave Baledonia. The task of assassinating Ivan loomed ever closer.

We entered the parlor and at the same time, the door opened. Cain and Adal’s glance went to Norvin beside me and after a moment of confusion, they roared! They strode inside, hugging Norvin together. I stepped aside, giving the princes some space.

It was fun to watch the way they started hitting him after the moment of hugs had passed.

“What took you so long to wake up?” asked Cain, slapping the back of Norvin’s head.

Before Norvin could recover from the whack, Adal punched him in the shoulder. “We were so worried!”

“And what happened to your hair?” asked Cain, tugging at the strands. “It looks horrid.”

“Thanks,” grumbled Norvin. “It’s nice to see you too.”

“Oww! Stop it!” Norvin cried out, ducking a blow from Cain. “I’m sorry,” he said in a softer voice. “But, thank you for not giving up on me.”

“You know we would never do that,” said Cain in a serious voice. “We’re together in this, no matter what happens.”

“But Cain…” Norvin stepped before Cain. “You lost your throne because of me.”

Cain shook his head. “The throne wasn’t worth anything. It was more of a burden. My people were already suffering and I couldn’t do a single thing to help them. Perhaps, with me gone, Ivan would treat them better.”

A humorless chuckle escaped Norvin. “You really think so?”

“No, but I keep telling myself that.” When Norvin continued to look anxious, Cain drew him into a hug. “I am glad we were able to escape with you. That’s the only outcome I wanted.”

“I can leave for Drakhaven immediately,” I added. “The sooner I finish Ivan off, the sooner you can gain back your kingdoms. And don’t mind me while I take out Mekhi and Helena too.”

Adal and Cain exchanged a glance between them.

“About that, Daria,” began Adal, glancing at Cain.

“We have to tell you something,” said Cain. He looked towards Norvin. “Have you eaten?”

“Daria fed me earlier but I could do with some more food.”

I was on my feet at once. “Why don’t you settle down and I’ll go order for some food to be brought in?”

“Thank you, Daria. That would be great.”

I was about to walk to the doorway when I caught Adal looking at Cain again. It looked like they wanted to tell me something. What were they so nervous about?

I headed to the palace kitchen to tell them about the food. With three grown men, we were going to need a lot of dishes.

The palace kitchen was busy as usual with a number of men and women preparing vegetables and meat. Giant pots and pans bubbled over huge hearths. The place was vast and spacious but felt hot and claustrophobic because of the chaotic hustle and bustle. Fumes and vapors rose in the air, adding to the heat and humidity.

Winding my way through the toiling men and women, I reached the one in charge. He was an aging man with a shrewd gaze. The moment he saw me approaching him, he strode forward. “If it isn’t the new handmaiden to Prince Adal.”

I tilted my head.

“The prince would like a large feast taken to his quarters,” I said.

He scoffed. “The prince is eating thrice as much as he usually did before. You must be some kind of vixen to make him want so much food. And just look at you! The prince is hungry and you appear quite fresh and rosy.”

“It is none of your business,” I said coldly. “Please make sure you send the food to his quarters as soon as possible.”

He stepped in front of me before I could turn away. “How much would you take to service me, young lady?” he asked, leaning into me.

I chuckled at the man’s enthusiasm. He looked older than seventy already. “I don’t think you can afford me or…keep up with me.” When men approached me with such lewd intentions, I usually injured them badly but this man was already too feeble. One blow and he might die. With a sigh, I walked away, eager to get away from the uncomfortable atmosphere of the kitchen.

Back in Adal’s quarters, everyone was seated in his study.

“We will go back to the parlor once the food arrives and the maids leave,” explained Adal. “Until then, we would like to speak to you about something.”

I went to sit on a low stool in the corner. The princes were seated at the edge of the cot there. They were all looking at me with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

“What is it?” I asked slowly.

“We found out about Cain’s transformation,” said Adal. “The scroll you brought me gives us the exact facts about the conditions which allows a dragonborn to shift into his true form.”

“What does it say?” I asked, looking between him and Cain.

“The sacred chambers of the dragon temples have strong magic concentrated within them. When a dragonborn mates with a blessed woman from the Fire Clan, he will be able to shift into his true form.” Adal’s gaze was intense as he said, “You are a woman of the Fire Clan, Daria. There is no other explanation about what happened when you got intimate with Cain in the dragon temple.”

“Wasn’t the Fire Clan eradicated completely?” I asked, remembering the tale Adal told me while we were still in Linmoor.

“Yes, but miraculously you survived,” said Cain. “Perhaps, your parents were able to save you before Ivan’s men could get to you. Maybe that’s how you ended up in Linmoor.”

It was odd to finally find out a piece of my missing past. Even though I didn’t know who my parents were, at least, now I knew where I came from.

“You’re the only woman who can help us,” said Adal. “It must be fate you chose to be with all three of us, Daria. Otherwise, things would be very, very awkward.”

Norvin chuckled. “Like they aren’t awkward already.”

“It’s not awkward to be with Daria,” said Adal. “No. It feels natural.” His blue eyes came to rest on me. “Do you feel any different?”

I shook my head. My body craved the touch of all three princes.

Norvin clutched at his hair and looked up at both Cain and Adal. “Don’t get ideas, you two,” he said in a grim voice. “Just because I am with Daria, doesn’t mean you’ll get to see my twigs and berries. Never happening,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Neither one of us have ever expressed a desire to peek at your twigs and berries, Norvin,” said Cain with a shake of his head.

I giggled.

“Come with me to the dragon temple tomorrow,” said Adal.

I stared at him, understanding what he meant. If we could be intimate in the sacred halls, there was a chance he could shift into his true form as well. While I really wanted to help him achieve it, the thought of him turning into a mammoth creature with terrifying teeth and claws scared me. I didn’t fear much in this world but a dragon really tested that.

“I won’t hurt you, Daria,” said Adal in an anguished voice. “If Cain could keep his humanity after shifting, I am sure I can too.”

“I know you won’t hurt me, Adal,” I said. From the way he looked at me, I knew he feared the whole process too. I gulped, trying to get the fear out of my mind. It was a matter of protecting Adal. If he could achieve his true form, he wouldn’t have to fear Zane or Ivan. That thought calmed me considerably. I gave a small nod. “We’ll go tomorrow.”

“I can’t believe we’ll actually be able to shift into our true form,” said Norvin with awe-struck expression. “I didn’t even dare to dream of it.”

“Don’t get your hopes up yet,” I said. “Just because it happened with Cain, I don’t know if it will happen with you too. We’ve been intimate, but did you ever feel anything different?” I looked between him and Adal.

“This would be different, though,” said Adal. “The sacred chambers are built over specific points where the energies from heaven and earth meet. It’s no ordinary place. They have the power to grant as well as subdue any kind of magic.”

“We just hope you’ll take the chance to see if it works,” added Cain.

“I am ready,” I said, my voice wavering. “At the very least, I would be prepared for it, unlike last time.” Despite my nerves, I felt good about one thing. All three princes wanted to be with me. At this moment, they were loyal to each other and willing to be my mates. There was no jealousy dividing them. We were all together in this.

18

I stayed in my allocated room that night. Cain went back to the servants’ quarters while Adal thought it was best to keep Norvin hidden in his private study. With Prince Zane still residing in the palace, he thought it best to use the safer option.

It seemed like I’d just gone to bed one moment and the next, the first rays of the sun were coming through the gauzy curtains. My mind was apprehending the moment of Adal’s transformation. I couldn’t stop thinking of the sword-like teeth Cain’s dragon had. While I knew he would never hurt me, it was still terrifying to look a dragon in the eye.

As the birds started a chorus outside, I climbed out of bed.

Sleep would not come to me.

Choosing a pale pink dress with lotus blossoms embroidered on it, I started getting dressed. It was important to give Adal the impression I was happy to help him. Honestly, I was…just not the way the transformation occurred. It wasn’t just seeing a new dragon appear but also to witness the sheer agony before it happened. Steeling my heart, I spent the next few hours doing a complicated hairstyle that I would ordinarily not even try out.

I heard the maids come in to clean and start arranging the table for breakfast.

Deciding to greet them, I headed out of my bedchamber. To my astonishment, Adal was already present there. He was dressed in his royal blue robes, looking breathtakingly handsome.

The maids went about their chores and discreetly stole glances at him while he remained buried in a book. Adal was ignorant about the effect his beauty had on other women. He always thought he was unnoticed. If he only knew the truth…

“Let’s eat,” said Adal once the maids filed out of the room.

“Should I call Norvin?”

He shook his head. “Let him rest.”

I gave a nod and sat down on one of the chairs. Adal served me meat buns, delicate date and walnut pastries and slices of cut fruit. He had an easy smile on his face. Seeing it helped to calm the tension in my body.

“You know, Daria,” he said in a light voice as he poured me tea. “I am nervous too but since you will be my side, I am being brave.”

I looked up at him, meeting his stunning blue eyes. “Cain told you how it goes?”

“Yes. He said the first shift will hurt like hell.”

The image of Cain thrashing around with agony flashed in my mind. We’d just had sex and as amazing as it had been, everything was wiped from my mind when he started shifting. The pain had brought him to his knees and the vast underground chambers were ringing with his shrieks.

“He endured it,” I said in a soft voice. “I am sure you will too.”

Starting to eat, I noticed he hadn’t filled a plate for himself. Putting down my chopsticks, I loaded a plate with food and pushed it towards him.

“We can be nervous together,” I said with a smile. “We should both eat something to build our strengths to face the challenges to come.”

He chuckled, pulling the plate closer. “I wish it was more romantic,” he said, drinking deeply from his cup of tea.

“We’ll make it romantic.” I placed a hand on his. At once, warmth shot through me. Merely touching him brought out the aching need within me.

When breakfast was over, Adal wrote a note for Norvin. We both decided to let him rest for now. Gesturing forward, Adal led me out of the parlor and into the corridor outside his quarters. Since it was still early in the morning, the palace was empty except for the maids and servants busy with their chores.

“I am glad we’re able to slip without anyone noticing,” said Adal as we walked down a path towards the stables. “Zane is sure to make people spy on me.”

“I wish I could kill him,” I muttered.

“Not yet, Daria.”

I sighed. “Fine, but if he comes onto me again, he will lose at least one of his fingers,” I said darkly. “The man was determined to claim me from you and take me back to Drakhaven.”

Adal’s hand closed around my wrist. I almost stumbled forward as he came to a sudden halt. Pulling me against him, he brought his lips close to my ear. “I’ll never allow him to take you away, Daria. That’s a promise despite the consequences.”

His husky voice was so intense it left my heart pounding. His warm breath fanned the stray strands of hair against my neck, making me yearn for his touch. Just as suddenly as he’d caught me, Adal released me.

The Baledonian sun shone on him, making his blond curls burn like gold. He looked utterly beautiful in his royal robes. The dark indigo brought out the intensity of his sapphire-blue eyes.

“No woman can ever match your beauty,” I whispered, staring at him transfixed.

An easy chuckle escaped him. “You’re more beautiful, Daria,” he replied, leaning down to kiss my cheek. The spot where his lips touched my skin burned hot. “Come along! I can barely wait to get to the sacred chambers now.”

And just like that, all our anxieties vanished.

Reaching the stable, Adal chose a well-bred horse with snow-white fur. It was a pretty creature with large brown eyes and a calm temper.

Adal helped me mount the horse before seating himself behind me. Taking the reins, he made the horse trot forward. Instead of taking the front gates of the palace, Adal rode towards the woods stretching behind the palace. The guards stationed there bowed as he passed but no one stopped us. My heart thumped hard. It felt like Mekhi or Zane’s men would attack us at any moment.

To our luck, no one stopped us as we followed the pathway through the woods.

The dragon temple of Baledonia rose up in the sky, higher than the trees surrounding it. The top of the pagoda-style structure was mounted by a gigantic sculpture of a roaring dragon. It wasn’t as lifelike as the one in Iorna but still appeared imposing with its mouth open in an enraged snarl.

Moving through the winding pathway, we came before a tall archway. Pillars of white marble, with dragons snaking their way to the top, supported the massive archway that proclaimed it as the gateway to the Baledonian dragon temple.

“Come,” said Adal, giving a gentle tug to my hand to break me out of my enchantment.

I stumbled after him, walking on an uphill path leading towards the temple. Through the gaps in the foliage, I caught glimpses of the structure but not fully.

When we finally reached the grounds, I felt my breath leave in a hush.

Up close, the temple rose so high I had to arch my head backward to see its peak. Adal tied the reins of the horse to a nearby tree while I took my time to survey the area. It was similar to the dragon temple of Iorna in terms of location. Both sites were away from town and concealed in a wooded area.

“It is majestic,” said Adal, coming to stand beside me and looking up at the dragon statue mounted on the roof.

“Do the priests come in the morning and evening?”

“Just morning. They come very early to clean up the place and make it ready for worshipping. After that, they return the next morning.” He turned away to the left corner of the courtyard. Following his gaze, I spotted a wide, circular basin mounted on a stone pedestal.

I followed after Adal as he walked towards it.

Reaching it, I found the basin filled to the brim with clean water. The clear blue sky was reflected on its glassy surface.

“We purify ourselves first,” said Adal, bending down to take a wooden ladle with a long rod resting by the pedestal. He dipped it in the water, filling it up. “Extend your hands.”

I did as he instructed, putting forth my hands, palm-side up.

Adal poured the water over my hands and I quickly rinsed them.

“One more time,” said Adal, going back to scoop more water. “This time, rinse your mouth.”

Once again, I followed his instruction.

“The last thing,” he said, smiling gently. “Remove your shoes and place them to the side.” When I did, Adal poured a scoop of cool water over my feet. “Now you’re ready.”

“Should I help you out too?” I asked.

“That’s all right. I can manage,” he said, performing the whole process quickly.

We walked the rest of the way to the temple’s unguarded doorway on our bare feet. As the sole of my feet touched the marble tiles of the courtyard, I could feel wisps of earth magic infusing within me. It was oddly pleasant as it fused with my inner energies in a positive way, strengthening my inner powers.

The cool and dark interiors of the temple soon came in view. The main chamber was built completely in white marble, from the ceilings to the floors. A golden statue of four dragons, coiled around each other, was mounted against the furthest wall. The replica was much smaller than the one in Iorna but the fact it was made of pure gold took one’s breath away.

An altar of dark mahogany was set before it. From the offering bowls to the candlesticks, everything was made of pure gold. Under the glow of the hanging lamps, the whole shrine seemed to glow with a golden radiance.

“This place is amazing,” I whispered, simply staring at the magnificent sight before me.

“Nothing much has changed since my ancestors built it a few thousand years ago,” said Adal, standing beside me and gazing up at the altar before us.

“Why isn’t this place guarded?” I asked, my voice echoing around the quiet space.

“The statue is rooted deep in the earth,” said Adal in a low voice. “If someone wanted to steal it, they would have to go through a lot of trouble. The disturbance would be enough to alert people as far as the town. It’s been this way for hundreds of years now. The temple is open to the public on certain festival days, but they are wary to make any mistake. Damaging or disrespecting the ancestors will cost them their lives.”

He slowly walked around the statue. “Back in the days when true dragons ruled the kingdoms, the punishment would involve being burned to death by the ruling dragon. It was enough to keep any sane person from even thinking about stealing or damaging the temple pieces.”

I swallowed, noting the information in the back of my mind.

“This way, Daria,” he called, walking away through a doorway. I followed him into a spacious but empty room. “This is used as a prayer hall,” he said, moving across it to reach another doorway. A wooden staircase came into view. Gesturing towards it, he climbed the stairs.

At the top, we came upon an open balcony, overlooking the whole valley of Huadu. Beyond the woods surrounding the temple, we could see the shimmering palace walls in the distance. A cool breeze blew by, buffeting the long sleeves of my dress.

“It is so peaceful here.”

“We should come here another time,” said Adal, clasping my hand. “I’d like to watch this view the whole day with you by my side.”

Closing my eyes, I exhaled a sigh.

Next moment, I felt Adal’s lips gently kissing my eyelids and cheeks. I smiled, opening my eyes.

“This place is different from the temple in Iorna,” I said as he began trailing kisses down the side of my neck. A moan escaped me as he hit a particular spot.

“The sacred chambers are enclosed here too,” he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. “The whole structure is built over it.”

“Show me the way,” I said, my voice ragged. His sudden closeness was shooting fire through me, making my whole body throb with need. I needed him inside me that instant!

He chuckled, stepping away. Tightening his hold on my wrist, he walked down the corridor, pulling me in his wake. A sudden haste had come over him too as he strode inside an adjoining room.

The place was empty except for a canvas painting of an autumnal wood, large enough to cover an entire wall.

Walking forward, he pulled it away, revealing several Baledonian alphabets sticking out in thick gold letters filling the surface of the wall.

Moving closer, I realized they were in order of the actual alphabets, repeated over and over until the whole wall was covered with them. Adal lifted his hand, hitting the letters in a particular sequence. The gold pieces touched by his hand sunk into the wall.

Before I could ask what he did, a straight crack appeared in the wall. With low groans, a doorway opened up as the two parts slid further apart.

“Fire of the heart,” said Adal in a low voice. He took a step forward to stand at the threshold of the doorway. “It’s the code to open the sacred chambers. Come along now.”

I followed Adal down a stone staircase. His hand flared up in large, leaping flames, enveloping us both in an orb of light and warmth as we walked down the pitch black cavern. The doorway behind us shut closed just as we descended down a few steps. The way to the sacred chambers of the Baledonian temple was exactly the same as Iorna’s.

It was several minutes before we reached the end of the staircase. Adal moved forward, lighting the torches lining the wall. As the cavernous chamber came into view, I noticed a gateway before us. Dragons were coiled around the tall pillars, their eyes of onyx reflecting the flames of the torches. They glared at us in silent snarls as we walked past them.

The floor was completely covered in grass!

After walking over the rough stones of the staircase, the soles of my feet were sore. The soft grass underneath my roughened feet felt good at once.

“How is it possible?” I whispered in awe.

“It’s one of the strange miracles here,” said Adal.

As soon as I took a few steps, I felt stronger earth magic infusing through my feet. It was the reason the grass grew in that dark cave without any sunlight, water or fresh air.

I followed after Adal, looking all around the cavernous passageway. Statues of dragons and goddesses in various poses lined the tunnel.

“Do you know the way to the mating chamber?” I asked after a while.

“We are headed that way.” Just as he said the words, the low ceilinged corridor suddenly opened up. A vast chamber lay before us, the ceiling so high it was invisible in the darkness. A dragon could easily move around there without feeling constrained.

“You are nervous again,” said Adal.

A rough chuckle escaped me. “It feels strange to be doing this out of necessity. I’m wondering how the women in the older days felt about it. The king would marry a blessed woman from the Fire Clan just for the sake of shifting into their true forms. They were just using them for their own gain.”

“It’s not like that, Daria,” said Adal, turning me around to face him. “These women would be queen, they would hold the highest positions in the kingdom next to the king. They were protected and respected.”

“But they weren’t always loved.”

“You have no control over your heart,” said Adal in a soft voice. “It’s not easy being a king. Can you imagine the weight of responsibilities on a single person? He must always put the interest of his people before him. For that sake, he would have to shift into his true form just so he can protect them. Even if it meant marrying someone else, he would do it. The queens are never kind to the concubines the king married.”

It was at the moment, I realized Adal’s mother was a concubine. Had she suffered under the previous queen?

“It’s not like that with us, Daria,” said Adal, bringing my focus back to him. “We are lucky. We really are in love with you and you, with us.”

A weight seemed to lift away from my chest. Raising my arms, I wrapped them around his neck. His hands closed around my waist, drawing me against him. “I’m so glad it’s me who can do this for you,” I whispered. “I don’t think I could’ve tolerated another woman.”

Adal’s luscious lips curved into a smile. Leaning down, he took my lips in a kiss. It was slow and gentle, beginning with the lightest touch of our tongues. However, one taste of his honeyed lips and I wanted more. Heat radiated out from the spots his hands touched. Moaning into his mouth, I pressed against him.

Along with the fire flowing through my veins, I could feel wisps of magic wrapping their tendrils around both Adal and me. As Adal’s mouth skimmed down the side of my neck, I lost all train of thought, only being aware of the way my core throbbed like a second heart in my body.

It was hard to tell who was more desperate between us. We kissed deeply while our hands clawed at each other’s clothes. Each time we separated to make the process easier, we’d get attracted like two pieces of magnet, eager for a kiss, a taste, touch.

Adal tore off my under robe in one strong, sudden pull. A yelp escaped me as I felt the cloth snap off, stinging my soft skin. Completely bare before him, my knees threatened to give way. He must have realized it too because the next moment, he lifted me up, two strong arms effortlessly taking the weight of my slim frame as I put my arms around his neck.

I felt his manhood teasing my folds, the head parting through their wetness, threatening to penetrate me. “Adal,” I moaned, arching backward as he kissed the column of my throat. “I want you right now.” My voice was ragged with need.

He slowly lowered me down onto him, impaling me inch by exquisite inch.

I moaned with pleasure as he slipped in, stretching me wide and filling me completely. Just when I thought he was fully inside me, he withdrew and then thrust back in, hitting me deeper than before. “Ohh!” I gasped out, tightening my hold around his neck.

Adal was taking over me completely, delivering thrust after hard thrust into my soaked pussy as I hung onto his neck. We only paused to kiss, but even that was intermittent as I was unable to control the constant moans of pleasure escaping me.

When a few seconds passed and I didn’t feel him moving in, I became aware of my surroundings. Adal was walking towards the bed in the far side of the vast chamber, holding my body with no more effort than if I were a rag doll. He was still embedded inside me, his cock pulsating against my tightening core.

Reaching the bed, he lowered me onto the mattress. He positioned himself over me, his cock never leaving me. Our eyes met for one instant before he slammed into me. I gasped out, closing my eyes as he started thrusting inside me.

“You feel so incredible, Daria,” he groaned in a husky voice. His lips teased the shell of my ear as his breath tickled my sensitive skin. “I feel so addicted to your body. Can I ever have enough?”

Before I could respond, he held onto my body and rolled onto his back, taking me with him. I cried out with surprise, finding myself mounted over him.

Lowering my head, I kissed him.

Adal’s beautiful face was strained as he groaned with pleasure. I lowered a hard nipple into his waiting mouth. He sucked it into his mouth immediately, flicking the tip with his tongue. It sent shivers of pleasure coursing through me, making my body throb harder.

Pulling away, I straightened my back.

Laying my hands on Adal’s chest, I ran delicate fingers over his hard muscles and rolled my hips around his length, effectively riding him. As my pleasure rose higher than ever before, I raised my hands to my head and pulled out the pins and clips binding my hair in a bun. With them gone, the long length of my dark tresses rippled down my shoulders.

“You’re beautiful, Daria,” whispered Adal as he stared up at me.

My hair fell onto his chest and as I leaned down to kiss him, they curtained us with their long, flowing length. Within seconds, Adal renewed his hard thrusts and I felt myself at the edge of pleasure. My juices flowed down his shaft and I knew I was close.

My insides, from my stomach to my core, tightened around his pulsing member.

Our corresponding cries mingled together as we both climaxed together. My mind went blank for a moment as nothing but pure pleasure cascaded down my body. I fell myself fall on his chest with him still buried inside.

Adal’s arms wrapped around my body, holding me against him tightly as his seeds exploded inside me.

Our bodies were entangled together, trembling and shuddering against each other.

As the high that came with release began to ebb away, something else took its place. Adal’s face and the chamber around me vanished to be replaced with utter darkness. Something heavy seemed to be slamming over my face, cutting away both vision and air. I gasped, fighting against the rising darkness like I was drowning in a sea of black miasma.

I called out for help but no words escaped me.

I thrashed, but couldn’t feel my arms or legs.

Nothing but the blackness endured.

19

I’d barely pulled out of Daria, my mind still lost to the incredible high when I noticed the first sign something had gone wrong. My mate lay among the pillows, completely spent, but something was very off about it. Her eyes were shut and she barely seemed to be breathing. Moments ago, she’d rode my cock, crying and moaning my name but now, she lay deathly still.

“Daria,” I whispered, my voice suddenly too loud in the still and silent chamber. My hands grasped her shoulders, shaking her gently but she wouldn’t wake up. “Please open your eyes. You’re scaring me.”

She remained still, while a burning sensation erupted inside me.

Clutching at my chest, I fell away from Daria, breathing hard as the new sensation threatened to overwhelm me. Dragonborns never felt the burn of anything. Placing a hand directly over fire resulted in a gentle, soothing warmth over the skin. Fire didn’t affect us the same way it did ordinary humans. They would scream and feel their skins crackling and decimating.

However, at this moment, I felt the same. Fire erupted in my heart, sending its white-hot tendrils running through my veins, spreading throughout my body. I screamed from the agony, hastily leaping away from Daria to avoid hurting her.

A cry of pure anguish escaped me as I writhed on the floor of the chamber, trying to drown the invisible flames. In that haze of pain, a sudden realization occurred to me. Cain had explained some of the things he’d experienced when he shifted.

“It felt like I was being burnt from the inside out.” His voice crossed my mind and suddenly, I felt calmer despite the unbearable agony.

“Daria,” I called out, panting through my pain. “Wake up.”

No response.

Next moment, the inferno blazing inside me reached to such an unbearable degree, it drowned every thought in my head. I shrieked out, the chords of my neck straining and bulging as I felt my bones melt away within my body. I saw red in my vision as another primal beast-like roar escaped me, the sound both terrifying and majestic. I was ready to give in, asking the dragon gods to kill me just so I could escape it all.

The muscles and bones in my body broke, melted and re-fused all the while I continued to scream.

And just as suddenly as it started, the pain stopped.

The red in my vision slowly faded away to be replaced with the dimly lit walls of the underground hall. Looking around, I felt my head brush against something hard. Stone crumbled from the scrape of my hard scalp and rolled down my body to fall to the ground, several feet below!

As my gaze traversed down the length of my body, I realized with a start I’d shifted into my true form. The bed at the center of the hall looked minuscule from where my eyes were located. I felt power surging through every fiber of my being, waiting to be unleashed. My scales glinted with a bluish glow in the dim surroundings.

“Daria,” I called out. My voice came out like a low rumble of thunder.

I craned my long neck down to reach her. She was still unconscious. I nudged her arm gently but stopped immediately. Long, red scratches appeared on the flawless porcelain skin. My dragon hide was far too hard against the softness of her skin.

My elation of having achieved the greatest gift of life was dimming. What happened to Daria? While I was able to shift in the exact manner that Cain predicted, he never told me about her blacking out. We’d been intimate but this never happened before, no matter how aggressive or passionate I got. My instincts told me it was something to do with the magic of the sacred chambers.

I willed my body to shift back to my human form. While my dragon form begged me to walk, run and fly among the clouds to try out its new abilities, I couldn’t stop worrying about my mate. She’d given me the greatest and most impossible gift of all. There was no way I could leave her lying so listlessly on the large bed without tending to her.

My body shrunk within the blink of an eye. Standing naked in my human form, I went to the bed. Sitting down beside her, I felt her pulse. It was regular. A sigh of deep relief escaped me. At least, she was alive.

The items of our clothing lay scattered on the floor. Rising from the bed, I collected them, ignoring the tattered bits of Daria’s under robe which I’d ripped in a mindless frenzy to get to her body. After getting dressed, I helped Daria put on her clothes as well. It was time to take her back to the palace to rest.

When she was fully dressed, I carried her up the stairs to reach the second-floor landing of the temple. It was early afternoon now. Wind buffeted around us, making the long length of Daria’s hair blow about her. Casting one glance at the valley around us, I made my way to the main prayer hall.

To our luck, the temple courtyard was empty and deserted. Putting on my shoes and helping Daria with hers, I carried her to the horse. It was a struggle to drape her limp body over the creature’s back. Deciding against riding with her like that, I took the reins in my hand and led the horse through the wooded path to reach the palace.

The way back was uneventful but every person who saw me knew exactly who I was. While they respectfully bowed their heads, I couldn’t help the unease stirring inside me. No prince would walk with a fainted maiden draped over the back of a horse.

It was a relief to get back to the palace grounds and leave the horse at the stables. Ignoring the maids and servants on my path who offered to carry Daria, I hurried towards my quarters. At least, Norvin would be there to help me with her without the need of asking for a maid which would only lead to more questions.

“We’re almost there,” I said, pushing open the large doors leading into my quarters. “You’re going to be fine.” I doubted whether Daria heard me but I kept repeating the soothing words for my sake.

Norvin appeared in the parlor room just as I took a few steps inside. He looked ridiculous with the brown hair now but his purple-hued eyes took in Daria’s limp body in my arms.

“What happened to her?” he asked immediately, striding towards me.

“I don’t know,” I said, looking down at Daria. She seemed to be asleep but I knew it wasn’t normal. “Let’s take her into her chambers.”

Norvin followed after me as I took Daria into her room. I laid her among the pillows and pressed a hand to her forehead. It wasn’t warm.

“What happened, Adal?” asked Norvin.

“I have no idea why she collapsed like this,” I said, turning to face him. “Everything happened the way Cain explained it would. I went through the horrifying agony of shifting into my dragon form but he never mentioned this happening to Daria before. I must go and find him now.”

“Wait!” Norvin took a step forward and gripped both my shoulders hard. His face was so close to me now, I could see how wide his eyes were. “You shifted?” he whispered.

I nodded.

Astonishment spread through him as he moved away, swiping his fingers through his long, mucky hair. “So, Daria really is a blessed woman of the Fire Clan?”

“I suppose she is.” Walking towards him, I gripped his upper arm hard, bringing him out of his moment of elation. “Stay here with Daria. Guard her with your life. I’m going to search for Cain and bring him here.”

Norvin’s expression changed. His gaze turned grim as he gave me a nod. “I will stay with her.”

Thanking the goddesses for the blessing of bringing my companions to me, I headed out to look for Cain. There was no one else in the world I could trust to keep Daria safe than Norvin and Cain. As incredible as it was to shift into my true dragon form, we were all bound by a new relationship now. Daria was our woman now, belonging to us equally.

20

I seemed to be falling through a veil of black mist. It began with a choking, breathless sensation which threatened to drown me, but as time passed, some of it lifted. The suffocating miasma dispersed, leaving me to fall through wisps of black cloud.

When my feet gently touched the ground, I looked ahead as a pinpoint source of light slowly began to grow bigger. Moving forward, I found myself before an oval-framed ornate mirror. However, instead of seeing my reflection, I was staring out onto a scene.

A young child in a red dress ran through a courtyard lined by tall pillars. She laughed and cried with mirth, running on her small bare feet. Red petals drifted down from the trees nearby as she got chased by several maids.

Confused, but enthralled by the child’s carefree laughter, I continued looking on the scene. She suddenly came to a halt, right before me on the opposite of the mirror. Gazing at her closely, I could see my resemblance to her. Ebony curls framed her pretty face. Jewel-green eyes stared back at me, like I was staring at myself. My hand rose to touch her but felt only the cool, smooth surface of the mirror.

Black fog drifted across the glass, erasing away the scene.

When it cleared up again, I saw the girl in the arms of a handsome well-built man. He smiled down at her tenderly while she incessantly talked about something. I couldn’t hear the words she spoke but the man’s lips curved in a smile. With a start, I recognized him. He was King Helmut of Drakhaven. I’d seen him before in the painting in Adal’s mother’s vault.

“Why am I being shown this?” I wondered aloud as Queen Eibhlin came onto the scene to pick up the child from her husband’s arms.

While some of my features matched the king and queen, I felt I was closely related to the child. Who was she? And why was I being shown their old memories? A part of me already knew I was somehow connected to them. But why would these scenes come up in my mind right after I’d mated with Adal?

Adal…Adal…where was he? Was he able to shift?

The mirror before me dissolved as soon as my mind focused on him. More of the black mist floated by as if a gust of wind was chasing them away. My lungs filled with air and with a wracking cough, I felt myself wake from the subduing dream.

My eyes blinked in confusion as the walls of my chambers came into view. I shifted, feeling the soft warmth of the blankets over me.

“She’s waking up!” It was Norvin’s voice.

Weren’t we in the underground chamber of the temple?

As the haze cleared from my eyes, I saw three familiar faces hovering over me, each wearing the same expression of intense anxiety.

“Good goddess, Daria!” Adal’s sigh of relief was loud as he leaned down to pull me into a tight hug. “What happened to you?”

I stared up into his anxious blue eyes and saw my blank face reflected in them. “Why are we here?” I asked. “How did I get here from the temple?”

“You don’t remember? You passed out right after we…,” Adal stared at me meaningfully. I blinked as the memories of my time with him resurfaced in my mind.

I slowly nodded. “What happened afterward?” I asked, holding the sides of my head and closing my eyes. The memory of the suffocating blackness and the strange scenes I saw in my dream came to me.

“I was able to shift into my true form.”

“Really?” I asked, staring up at Adal. “Oh wow! That’s amazing.”

He smiled gently. “You’re the one who’s amazing, Daria. I never thought there would be another dragon after Ivan died.” He glanced at Cain and then back at me. “Now there are two dragons in the realm, all thanks to you.”

“I wish I could have seen you,” I said, feeling disappointed I missed out on seeing Adal’s dragon.

“So do I.” He pressed a hand to my forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever.”

I shook my head. “I saw some strange visions in my head. There was a child who could’ve been related to me. She was with the late king and queen of Drakhaven.”

Adal exchanged a glance with both Cain and Norvin. “Maybe the whole thing was too stressful for you, Daria. You even used up a lot of your inner strength to heal Norvin. We want you to rest well now.”

“No.” I didn’t feel weak physically. There was slight soreness between my thighs from our lovemaking but it wasn’t exhaustion as they believed. “The sacred chambers of the dragon temples are incredibly powerful,” I said slowly. “Maybe they unlocked some of my old memories from before I was five years old. I know I’m connected to the old king and queen somehow. Even your mother and her maid hinted towards it. Maybe I am one of their relatives.”

Adal sat at the edge of the bed while Cain and Norvin took their place in chairs nearby.

“What is she talking about, Adal?” asked Cain in a deep voice.

“Daria met my mother recently,” said Adal, addressing him. “We were both taken into one of her private vaults where she stored an old painting of King Helmut and Queen Eibhleen. Daria has some resemblance to them. I think my mother’s maid knows something about her past and her connection to the royal family but she refused to tell us anything until Daria remembered her. The old maid has been by my mother’s side for years now, so I can’t even force her to tell me anything. My mother will protect her.”

“It’s not so far-fetched if you think about it,” said Norvin. “Daria could definitely be related to the late queen. She is, after all, a blessed woman of the Fire Clan. Somehow, she survived the massacre on the clan. Daria,” he called, drawing my gaze to him. “Perhaps, you saw something too bloody and vicious during the chaos and don’t want to remember it. Maybe you’ve been safe from Ivan’s wrath because you forgot all your connection to them.”

It was a reasonable explanation. Maybe the suffocating fog was the part of my mind that had drowned those memories, doing its best to keep them from me. But what could be worse than being burnt and beaten to near death? Could my past be worse than the time I spent in Linmoor?

“When I was with Cain,” I began. “I noticed a new ability unlock within me.”

“What new ability, Daria?” asked Cain, his voice heavy with anxiety. “Why didn’t you tell me about it before?”

“I wasn’t sure of it myself back then, but now I can touch fire and stay as unburned as you three.”

“Fire never affected you before.”

“You don’t understand,” I said, shaking my head. “Only by channeling magic I can stay protected from being burnt. However, when we were together, there was a moment when both our bodies ignited on flames. I don’t think you noticed it in the heat of the moment. Even I was too engrossed to use magic. If it wasn’t for the sudden emergence of the ability, I would have been badly burnt.”

“So along with us, you’re seeing changes happening to you too, Daria,” said Norvin. “I wonder what incredible powers you’ll manifest when you mate with me in those sacred chambers.” He grinned widely, winking heartily.

It made me chuckle. Running my fingers through my hair, I realized they were loose and unbound. I turned to Adal. “You carried me back here?”

“I had to. You have no idea how scared I was. You barely allowed me to get excited after shifting into my true form.”

I chuckled. “Apologies, Prince Adal,” I said, tilting my head.

He pulled me into another embrace, holding me close to him. “I’m just glad you’re all right, Daria.” Kissing my lips briefly, he moved away. “I’ll get you some food now. Make sure you rest well.”

“Yep! Rest well, my love,” said Norvin, his intense eyes on me. “I want you fresh and at your best when you’re with me.”

“I’m always at my best,” I retorted while my cheeks flamed.

“Men,” said Cain in his deep voice. “You’re awfully lucky to be with her. I can’t wait to get out of here so I can have her to myself again.”

“You had her to yourself all the way from Iorna,” said Norvin. “It’s my turn now.”

I chuckled, hearing them bickering over me. But there was no viciousness there. They were laughing and slapping each other’s shoulders, like they were mere lads in a village, boasting of their conquests. I watched them all, feeling my heart soar with happiness. While my mind couldn’t stop thinking of the strange visions I saw, at the moment, I just wanted to be part of the family we’d created together.

Moments like these were rare for us. So, taking a deep breath, I smiled and joined in with them.

Next morning, I woke up to a bright morning. Sunlight streamed through the light curtains of my room, warming up the air. Stretching my arms over my head, I climbed out of bed. My body felt well rested and none of the soreness remained. Looking down, I realized I was still clad in yesterday’s clothes.

The first thing I needed was a bath before Norvin came to see me. He didn’t want to waste another day when both his companions managed to shift into their true forms. Adal protested, wanting me to rest another day, but I already felt well enough last night. There was no need to let another day go by.

Our circumstances were precarious. Any moment, we could face a new problem from Zane or one of his brothers who may decide to march into Baledonia after taking over Iorna. Prince Kurozeru was too much of a pushover to resist the Drakhaven princes. By chance Mekhi came over to keep his brother company, he would definitely recognize Norvin despite the altered color of his hair.

It was dangerous for Cain to be in the servants’ quarters as well. If he came upon Zane, he would definitely be recognized.

No, I’d decided. My princes need to get stronger as soon as possible.

Stripping off the clothes, I donned a light linen robe and headed into the bathing chamber. Switching on the faucets, I let the vast circular bowl fill up with water.

Last time I was here, I found a cabinet of fragrant oils and soaps. Collecting them, I placed them on the edge of the bath and slid into the water.

I spent the next hour taking a luxuriously long bath. It was one of the perks of living in the palace and I used to its maximum advantage. Traveling outdoors for days had taught me the importance of an indoor bathing chamber. As long as I stayed in the palace of Baledonia, I would make sure to use it as many times as possible. Even the warm weather of the kingdom encouraged frequent baths.

After the refreshing wash, I felt clean and fragrant from the wonderful soaps. The nervousness I’d felt about going to the dragon temple yesterday was gone. Part of the reason was I missed out Adal’s transformation completely. It felt like a heated lovemaking session ending in weird dreams and waking up back in my chambers.

Deep within, I knew more memories would surface after I spent time with Norvin in the mating chamber. Elga had warned me at the start of my journey.

“The memories that you’ve so adamantly locked away...you will face them soon. You should be prepared for that.” Elga’s voice echoed loud in my head.

“Did you know everything about my past?” I whispered to myself in the quiet bathing chamber.

“There are many things I am privy to, child. I won’t disclose them to you.” Elga’s words came back to haunt me.

“Fine!” I hissed, tightening the knot of my robe. “I’ll find it on my own.”

Norvin was waiting for me in my room. His face lit up as soon as his gaze fell on me.

“Merry morning,” he greeted, coming over to me. “I was wondering where you went.” Leaning down, he let his nose skim along the side of my neck. “You smell so good, Daria. My mouth is already watering. I can’t wait to eat you.”

An image of Norvin’s head pressed between my thighs rose up in my mind. Heat raced up my neck and onto my cheeks. “Be patient,” I sputtered as he grinned at me.

“I’m only joking,” he said in a soft voice, stepping away from me. He gestured at the chair before the mirror. “Let me help you do your hair.”

I gave a nod, walking towards the chair and sinking down on it. Norvin took up a towel and placed several combs in a row on the table nearby. Like the last time we were together, Norvin began brushing the long lengths of my hair with a gentle hand. It was the most relaxing moment for us as he tenderly loosened the knots and tangles while I just sat back and unwound.

“Are you excited?” I asked after a while.

“More like nervous,” he said with a chuckle. “Both Adal and Cain say the process is painful.”

“Mmm. It is.”

His hand paused for a moment before he began brushing my hair again.

“They were able to get through it. So can you.”

“Thank you, Daria. If it weren’t for you, none of this would be possible.” His voice grew grimmer as he added, “I hope I’m not pushing you too much. It was only yesterday you were with Adal. He even brought you back unconscious. Maybe I shouldn’t be too greedy?”

I turned around in my seat to face him. “We don’t have the luxury to delay, Norvin. And honestly, I feel fine. Although I must warn you. I may black out today as well.”

The comb slipped out of his hand. “What?”

“There are blocks around my mind I can’t break through on my own. I am going to use the magic in the sacred chambers to unlock my memories today. I may black out, Norvin. But here’s the thing. Don’t bring me back to the palace until I’ve woken up on my own. I need the answers to the riddles of the images I saw yesterday.”

“Are you sure it won’t be dangerous for you?”

“I am sure. If Adal didn’t bring me back, I may have been able to get all the answers. It’s very important I do, Norvin. I want to know who I truly am. It’s frustrating not to know. I don’t want to live my life knowing myself as nothing but an assassin of Linmoor.”

He pressed a hand to my shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry. I’ll let you snooze down in the caves as long as you want, okay? I’ll watch over you and protect you.”

I looked into his gentle purple-hued eyes and saw only genuine sincerity. Warmth bloomed in my chest as I closed a hand over his. “Thank you.”

21

I spent most of the night in the palace library as sleep eluded me after the excitement of the day.

I fell asleep there, waking up the next morning. My mind still refused to calm down, so I went back to the archives to read on the dragon lore books still allowed on our shelves. Most of them were stories about old heroes and heroines of the ancient world with nothing of importance, but at least I could imagine myself doing some of the incredible feats scribed in the yellowing pages.

It was close to noon when I felt my stomach groaning with hunger. Closing the book I’d been reading, I got to my feet and stretched. The sun shone bright and hot outside. It was time to return to my quarters and relax with a bath and some food. Placing the tome in its designated shelf, I walked out of the library.

My quarters were quiet when I returned.

It was easy to guess where both Daria and Norvin were. While I wanted her to rest, she and Norvin insisted on going back to the temple. Time was of essence at the moment and neither wanted to waste the small patch of peace we were enjoying.

The table in the parlor was still laden with food. The sight of it reminded me I was hungry. I was about to start on a platter of sliced watermelons when movement outside the room halted me. “Who’s there?” I asked shortly.

A maid appeared at the threshold.

“Your Highness,” she said, bowing before me. The woman was unfamiliar to me. Her scarlet dress, fashioned differently from the usual Baledonian attires, gave me pause. “His Highness, Prince Zane wishes to see you.”

I smoothed my features, not letting my surprise show. “That is fine,” I said in a neutral voice. “But why were you sneaking around? Just come in to announce whatever message it is.”

“Apologies, Your Highness,” she mumbled.

The young woman shifted from one foot to the other, clutching her hands together. She refused to look at me directly. I could tell she was nervous and wanted to be anywhere but here.

“Why are you still standing there?” I asked.

Her head jerked up to meet my gaze. “I shall leave, then.”

I watched her hurry out of the room. Leaning back in my chair, I poured myself a cup of cooling tea, thinking about her strange behavior. Did Zane send her to spy on me? Unease swirled in my gut. What could he want with a useless prince like me? Suddenly, I was glad both Daria and Norvin were away from my quarters that day.

Swallowing two more cups of tea, I got to my feet. It was better to see what Zane wanted than sit in my chambers contemplating about it.

I headed towards the third floor of the palace where he and his entourage were being housed. Instead of guards, he had maids stand before the doors. Each was pretty but had the same look of nervousness as the girl who came to deliver his message.

Was he terrorizing them? I still didn’t forget the maid he bullied a few days ago. If it hadn’t been for Daria’s interference, she would be dead by now. Rage bubbled up in my heart to see these women being bullied without consequences. As royals, we were supposed to protect the weak. It was our duty and we were miserably failing at it.

I loosened my fists which were tightly balled at my side. There was no way Zane could see my true feelings. I had to act as nonchalant and cowardly like my elder brothers.

“Announce my presence,” I told the nearest maid.

Giving a bow, she disappeared inside the corridor. I waited for a few minutes, taking in the bruises on the other women’s hands and faces. Anger boiled inside me to think these maids weren’t even bothering to complain about their posts. They already knew how utterly useless the ruling prince was. So they were silently taking the abuse.

“The prince will see you now,” said a voice near me. The maid who went to notify him had returned. “I shall escort you, Your Highness.”

I gestured for her to lead the way.

There were more maids lining the corridor we passed through. Dressed in fine, gauzy clothes with expressionless faces, they stood like mere ornament pieces. The dragon inside me roared to come out and chew out the man responsible for treating these women with such scorn.

“You didn’t keep me waiting, Prince Adal,” called out Zane as soon as I stepped inside a vast visitors’ hall. Zane was seated on a high dais, acting like a king in a throne room.

“I was free, Your Highness,” I said with a bow. “Unlike my brothers, I am not entangled in anything important. How may I be of service to you?” The words I uttered were like poison, threatening to choke me but I kept up my oily tone and head slightly tilted.

Zane chuckled. “I like you, Prince Adal. You’re not pretentious like the rest of your brothers.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” I said with a smile and bowed lower.

“Do you know why I called for you?”

“I’m afraid there’s not much I would be able to help you with.”

Zane stepped down from the dais to stand before me. Gripping my shoulder, he pulled me closer. “Only you can help in this regard,” he whispered. His breath stank. “You know that pretty maid of yours? Darla?”

I froze. “What about her, Your Highness?”

“I want her.” He drew closer, his hot breath in my ear. “Won’t you let me have her?” A loud chuckle escaped him as he pushed me away. “Your body is heating up,” he spat, pointing a finger at me. “You hate giving up on her that much? She must be something special, huh?”

“Of course, not. She’s just a maid,” I said. “Another woman can replace her easily. There’s no shortage of beautiful women in Baledonia.”

“Well said!” he barked, slapping my back hard.

I ground my teeth, keeping quiet.

“Bring her to me, then.”

I bowed before him. “She is not in my quarters at the moment, Your Highness. I sent her out on a chore already. I’ll send her your way the moment she arrives.”

“Good.” He walked away to the dais to sit on his ornamental chair. “I am be looking forward to seeing her again.”

Turning around, I willed myself not to stomp out of the room. My heart was pounding with a mix of rage and trepidation. Zane wanted Daria, the only woman I’d ever loved and will ever love. The dragon within me fought to come out. I could sense its fierce loyalty to Daria. It threatened to raze the whole kingdom to dust to protect her.

We can’t do that, I hissed under my breath. We can’t! Every life is precious. Patience is what we need to get out of this situation.

While I was distracted in a losing battle with my dragon, my feet went its own way into the male servants’ quarters. Looking around the vast hall, I found the cot I was searching for. A tall figure lay on it while the rest of the beds in the place were empty.

“Cain,” I called out.

He jumped up at once to rush towards me.

“Adal?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”

“Come with me,” I said in a tight voice, walking back to my quarters. It was easy to be overheard in the servants’ lodgings. He followed after me, keeping his questions to himself, but I could feel the tension rising from him.

Only when we were safely locked in my study, did he advance on me. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Zane wants Daria to go to him.”

“What?”

“He took a liking to her the moment he saw her,” I said, looking up into his steely, gray eyes contorted in confusion. “Last time, my mother intervened before he could make a move, but this time, he’s not playing around. He’s commanded me to hand her over to him.”

“Fuck! She will kill him for it.”

“I know. She would kill him if he pushes her too hard. I’m not worried about him at all but his death would definitely lead to the annihilation of my family.”

“She’ll have to leave immediately, won’t she?”

I nodded.

“But if she leaves, you’ll be the one to be punished.”

“I know,” I seethed. “It’s better that way. At least, my family…”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Cain shouted, grabbing my shoulders and pushing me away. “You can’t surrender to Zane. Have you forgotten you’re a true dragon now? You don’t need to take shit from him or any of your brothers anymore.”

I stared up at him. Cain was fuming, his broad chest heaving with deep emotions.

“You don’t have to worry about what happens to your brothers. They’ve never cared for you. So, come with us. We’ll leave with Daria tonight. All four of us will leave for Drakhaven.”

I never even considered the possibility of leaving with them. Cain’s words brought a new wave of freedom within me.

“If everything goes well, Norvin would be able to shift into his true form as well,” said Cain. “Three true dragons mated to Daria. Do you think Zane or even the emperor can ever touch her while we still breathe?”

My dragon roared within me. “No. He will never touch her.”

He grabbed my upper arm, pulling me close to him so his hot breath fanned the stray strands on my forehead. “Stay in your quarters now. Don’t make a move that will alert Zane. He’s sure to have people watching your every move. He’s biding his time until Daria steps inside the palace again.”

I nodded. “You go to the dragon temple and wait for Daria and Norvin to come out. Tell them to wait for me someplace. Perhaps, the shack you were all staying in just outside of Huadu? I’ll slip out late at night and meet you there.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

We stared at each other for a moment, both heaving from a mix unrest and trepidation.

“This is really happening,” I whispered.

“Yes, my friend. It’s really happening. We’re all heading to Drakhaven.”

22

I stood at the threshold of the vast underground chamber with Daria at my side. Taking in the scale of the room beyond, my gaze zeroed in on the single cot at the center.

“Is that where you and Adal spent all morning yesterday?” I asked, gesturing towards the bed.

“Yes,” she said, her cheeks flushing pink. “All mating chambers come with a bed like that. I’m sure the temple in Redfall must have something similar to this.”

“The temple above the ground is different in style and architecture, but I suppose it’s what’s underneath that matters. The sacred chambers are the same in Redfall too.”

Stepping in front of me, Daria grabbed the lapels of my tunic. My hands went to close upon hers immediately. Meeting her gaze, I chuckled. “Are you impatient, Daria?”

“I want to unlock my memories as quickly as possible.”

I cocked a brow at her. “How amorous of you.”

She grinned, her green eyes glinting in the dark. “We’ll make it romantic.” Putting her arms around my neck, she drew closer. Her closeness ignited my body on fire and suddenly, I no longer cared why she wanted to have sex with me. I just wanted to bury myself in her core and lose myself in her heat.

My hands slid down to the swell of her ass. “I’m not taking you on that bed.”

“The ground looks too hard,” she whispered, staring at me with a pout.

“Then we’ll avoid that too.”

Closing the distance between us, I forced her against the wall beside the doorway. My large mass covered her petite body. Her breath hitched as soon as she met my heated gaze. Amused by her reaction, I placed my hands on either side of her face, letting my mouth crash against hers. Her tongue swept across mine, giving me a taste of her honeyed sweetness. I caught her plump lower lip between my teeth and gave a light nip.

A small noise escaped her as I licked her lip, taking away the sting of the nip.

Her head leaned back against the wall as she let me deepen the kiss. Her hands ran down my back, tugging at the sash at my waist. Continuing to kiss her, I pulled away the belt, loosening my tunic. Daria’s hands slipped underneath my shirt. Her soft palms felt incredibly good against my hard muscles.

I mimicked her actions, desperate to consume her in every way.

It was a good thing Daria dressed simply for the occasion. Even her hairstyle was a simple braid without any additional embellishments.

“I’m didn’t arm myself,” she’d said while I helped her get dressed that morning. “I’m making sure there’s least resistance between us. Also, I don’t want to be poked with the wrong needle when we’re losing ourselves,” she’d added with a chuckle.

One hand tugged at the belt at her waist while the other grabbed the hem of her dress, sliding it up her legs. She moaned into my mouth, undoing the clasps holding the belt. In my impatience, I bit down on her lip.

“Norvin,” she gasped out, pulling her dress down her shoulders, revealing her beautiful, luscious breasts to me.

My hunger consumed me. There was no more messing around. Taking off my tunic, I threw it away and latched my mouth onto a rosebud nipple.

Daria cried out, her arms coming to hold my head to her chest.

My erection was already rigid and pressing painfully against the front of my breeches. I groaned into the swell of her breasts as Daria loosened my breeches. I let it slide off my legs as my cock came free.

Her hand felt cool against my hot flesh as her fingers wrapped around my girth, pumping me fast and firm. My head swam with pleasure as my member hardened even more. I knew I wouldn’t last long, and I wanted to be inside her.

I let my hand slide down the curve of her navel to reach the most intimate spot of her body. My fingers skirted over the soft curls to slide between her folds. She ground her hips, rubbing her sex against my hand even as she continued to pump me.

My fingers slipped inside her wet and dripping core, her inner muscles clamping around my digit as I pushed them deep.

“Aahh, Norvin!” She gasped, closing her eyes. Her back leaned against the wall for support as she ground her hips to rub her swollen clit against my hand. Her flushed cheeks and lust-glazed eyes fanned the flames of my own hunger.

I removed my fingers from her core, getting an immediate retort from her. “I want to be inside you,” I told her, placating her so she would stay still. She released my shaft and I was able to position myself at her entrance.

Daria clung to my shoulders and parted her thighs for me to enter her. Angling my hips, I drove deep inside her with one hard, satisfying thrust. Her slippery folds sucked me in immediately. Daria gasped out, digging her nails into my skin.

The wall behind her helped support her weight and allowed her to stay standing while her knees threatened to buckle. I thrust deep inside her, reveling in the feel of velvety tightness around my cock.

Desperate grunts escaped my lips, my ass muscles bunching as I plunged inside her. My hand came to grasp a breast while my lips latched onto her gasping, open mouth.

I continued to move inside her. My thrusts were short and powerful, impaling her with my cock. Placing my mouth against her neck, I bit down on the soft skin. I didn’t mean to hurt her but couldn’t control myself. Daria cried out, so I swept my tongue over the angry red mark, soothing it for her.

I held her firmly, like I was making sure she wasn’t getting away.

I pistoned my hips faster, slamming my balls against her ass. She felt so good, her walls clamping tight around me. By now, I’d forgotten we were reaching the moment where we’d both be bound by the magic of the sacred chambers. As her core tightened, I knew it won’t be long before we both reached our climax.

Everything inside me coiled into that moment of pleasure, ready to explode. Desperate moans escaped Daria’s lips as she clung to my neck for support. Just looking at the expression of pain and pleasure on her pretty face was enough to make me lose control.

“Fuck! Daria, I’m coming,” I grated out from between gritted teeth.

Her pussy tightened impossibly around my cock. “I’m close,” she bit out. “Don’t stop yet!”

I drove in, fighting against the moment of pleasure. Just as she shattered around me, I held her tight and let my own climax take over as I exploded inside her. My mind swam with pleasure as she pulsed around my throbbing cock, her body trembling and breathing ragged. Stream after stream of my seeds gushed in her womb, filling her completely and spilling over.

I leaned back slightly to look into Daria’s face. I loved seeing her like this. Her lips were swollen from my kisses, her cheeks flushed a deep pink, strands of her dark hair stuck to her sweaty face, and her green eyes glazed with a combination of wild abandon and utter satisfaction.

I gently pulled out of her and rested my forehead against hers as we both panted breathlessly.

“What now?” I whispered.

“It’ll happen any moment,” she said through her pants.

23

Leaning against the wall for support, I stared at Norvin. I knew the magic would take over him soon enough. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, he choked, his purple-hued eyes widening. He stepped away from me, clutching at his chest and I knew it was happening.

In my mind’s eyes, I could see blue-tinged flames beginning to engulf his body. I still felt boneless after the intense session we just had, so I remained leaning against the wall to keep myself on my feet.

“I am burning!” he shouted, falling to his knees. His voice was ragged from screaming. “It’s too hot…too much! Daria, help me!”

My heart ached to hear his anguish. I stumbled forward, falling on my knees beside him. His skin was searing to the touch. If it wasn’t for my newfound powers that kept me safe from heat, I would have needed to channel magic to even be close to him.

“It’s the moment of transformation,” I said, rubbing his back, realizing every muscle was held rigid as he gasped out with pain. He fell to the ground completely, shrieking with agony. My eyes watered to see him in so much pain but there was nothing I could do. The first shift from human form to dragon was mercilessly excruciating.

I clapped my hands over my ears, desperate to block out the animalistic shrieks escaping Norvin’s throat. I whimpered, remaining on the ground as he thrashed before me.

And just as suddenly, it stopped.

A blinding haze of light engulfed Norvin. Brushing away the tears clinging to my lashes, I stared as a magnificent creature emerged from it. Getting to my feet, I stared up at him.

Unlike Cain’s fearsome form, Norvin’s dragon was like a long snake with beautiful, glittering blue scales. He rose up in the air, his lithe body coiling as his full body unfurled. Long horns of white stone crowned the front of his forehead. Jagged spikes lined the length of his back. The dragon’s large purple eyes stared down at me haughtily.

“It’s you, Naya!” I cried, jumping up and down with tears running down my eyes. “But you’re not a snake. You’re a freakin’ dragon!”

The dragon, if you can believe it, rolled its eyes at me.

I laughed through my tears, still as naked as the day I was born. Norvin’s dragon took a nose down dive towards me. His length coiled around me, but none of those lethal spikes on his back touched me. I was admiring the glitter of his scales that caught the light of flames burning in the brackets but an overwhelming darkness was suddenly falling over me.

This time, I didn’t fight against it. I let the black veil fall over me, sweeping me into a deep corner of my mind. Once again, I stood before the mirror, gazing out into a scene with the child I’d seen yesterday.

She was sitting in the lap of her mother, Queen Eibhlin. A maid sat beside them, holding a platter of cut fruit pieces and with a start, I recognized her as the woman who served Jifa, Adal’s mother. Kora was much younger here, smiling along with her lady as they talked and fed the child.

“Daria is growing up to be more like you every day, My Lady,” said Kora, taking the child’s pudgy hand in hers.

The air in my lungs whooshed out. I’d noticed the similarities between me and the child before but…she was supposed to be me? I was Queen Eibhlin’s daughter, the one who was supposed to have been killed off by Emperor Ivan years ago.

“Daria will be strong like her father,” said the queen. “She is our eldest child and the heir to the Drakhaven throne in the future.” An anxious look came over her beautiful features. “She needs to grow strong quickly. There are vultures circling around her already.”

“Are you talking about Prince Ivan, My Lady?” Kora’s voice sounded fearful too.

“He…he approached me the other day,” said Queen Eibhlin. “He is being too forceful, Kora. I don’t know what to do anymore. Should I tell my husband?”

“You have to, My Lady. Prince Ivan shouldn’t be disrespecting the queen of this great kingdom. You have the power to have him arrested.”

“And then what, Kora? I’ll be forced to tell the world how disgustingly he’s been behaving towards me. It will bring so much shame to our family and the king. It’s too much for me to bear!”

The child thrashed her arms playfully, but the motion upturned the platter of fruit in Kora’s hand. Pieces of fruit tumbled onto the floor, followed by the shocked gasps of both the queen and her maid.

Black fog chased away the scene, leaving me shocked to the core. Before I could let any thought form in my head, another vision opened up before me.

King Helmut and Queen Eibhlin were dressed in exquisite robes of black silk. Dragons were embroidered in gold threads along their long, wide sleeves. Crowns, studded with glowing red rubies, graced their brows. I’d never seen anyone look as magnificent and imposing as them. The young child was just as awe-struck as me when she stared up at her parents.

“Why can’t I go to the feast, Royal Father?” she demanded in her lisping voice.

“You’re too young, child,” said King Helmut in a surprisingly patient voice. “You won’t even be able to seat yourself at the table. As a princess, you must always look dignified. Otherwise, you skip the public festivities.” He chuckled at the grumpy expression on his daughter’s face. “It’s not as amazing as you think, child. It is boring and you’d want to run back to your chambers. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you grow up.”

“Royal Mother said I am going to grow up to be as strong as you,” said the child in a self-important tone.

“Did she now?” The king glanced at his wife with a cocked eyebrow.

“Women should be strong enough to defend themselves,” said the queen, her voice grim.

King Helmut stared at her a moment longer, his expression turning thoughtful.

“Your Majesties,” said a voice from behind the child. “The court is ready to receive you.”

“We must leave now, Daria. Be good and play in your chambers, okay?” He turned towards the queen. “Let us go, my love.” He extended his hand towards her. With an assured smile, she took it, sweeping out of the room with the king.

“Don’t go,” I whispered, feeling my throat choking with emotion. “Mother…father…please don’t go!” Tears ran down my face. No matter how much I begged, the king and queen disappeared from the room, leaving the child behind.

Fear clouded my heart despite knowing the outcome of the royal banquet that night. They would be poisoned along with the royals of the other three kingdoms. Ivan would kill them all tonight.

Brushing away the tears from eyes, I looked at the child. She walked out of the room and headed somewhere in the palace. I watched her crossing corridor after corridor, moving without any restriction throughout the vast palace of Drakhaven. As I watched the corners unfold before me, recognition bloomed within me.

“You are going to the throne room!” I gasped, suddenly remembering the directions to it. “Don’t go there, idiot!”

The maids moving to and fro with platters of food ignored the child. She just wanted to peer out to take a look at what a royal feast looked like, see her parents preside over the other royals and cheer on.

The child hit a solid barrier and gasped, rubbing her forehead. Looking up, she saw a tall boy staring down at her. His silvery gray eyes were painfully familiar.

“Who is this?” Another boy of the same age came to stand beside him. He had beautiful sapphire-blue eyes and locks of sunshine-gold hair. His gaze was kind as he placed a gentle hand on the child’s head. “Are you okay, little one?”

The child stared at them. “You are both so pretty!” She smiled shyly, playing with her handkerchief while she watched them from under her long lashes.

“Hey! You haven’t seen pretty until you’ve looked at me, princess,” said another voice. The child turned around and gaped at the handsome boy with purple-hued eyes and long, wild locks of midnight-blue hair. “Am I not the best among them?”

The child stifled a giggle and nodded. The boy sank to his knee and handed her a single lotus blossom. “For you, my princess,” he said.

I clutched at my heart. Norvin, Cain, and Adal…we’d already met each other years ago and our meeting was the same as now. I liked the three princes from the moment my gaze fell on them. The child’s dazzled expression as she looked at each of the princes was proof of that. While it was easy to talk to Norvin with his open personality, she still had a crush on Adal and Cain.

“Where were you hurrying off to?” asked Cain.

“I am going to peek into the banquet hall,” said the child. “Just peek,” she repeated.

“Better hurry up then,” said Adal. “I think it’s already started.”

“What are your names?”

“I am Prince Cain,” said Cain, pointing to himself. Gesturing to his left, he said, “This is Prince Adal. And the one who gave you the lotus is Prince Norvin.”

The child gave a nod. “I will find you later!” she cried and ran off down the hallway. She didn’t even have the patience to tell them her name. Maybe, if she had, they would have remembered the little princess of Drakhaven whom they’d met. I must have seemed like a random child belonging to a maid, running wild through the palace. Norvin was simply jesting when he called me princess.

The child was near the corridor leading to the banquet hall but something made her pause. There was a horrible sound of shrieking. Armed guards marched past her to enter the hall. She stood, wondering what was going on. Her hands shook as she slowly approached the threshold.

Peering through the doorway, she stared out onto a scene of carnage. The guards stood motionless, gathered in the center of the hall as they looked around themselves. Every guest sat around the long table was slumped forward. Thick streams of blood and saliva drooled from their mouths while the world was reflected in their wide, lifeless eyes.

The child looked to the head of the table. Her father was in a similar state, slumped onto a plate while blood gurgled out of his mouth. The queen was screaming and tearing at the crown on her head.

A man rose from the table to walk towards Queen Eibhlin. The child hadn’t noticed him before among the sea of men who lay slumped onto the heavily laden table. Reaching the queen, he shook her hard and then slapped her face.

“Shut up! Crying won’t bring them back from the dead.” The man had the same dark hair as King Helmut. He was tall and well-built, but the expression in his deadpan eyes was cold and cruel. I knew who he was. And so did the child, but she was frozen at the scene unfolding before her.

“Let me go,” cried the queen. “Guards! Search the castle. Find the one who committed this atrocious act. Find them now!”

The guards gathered there bowed low and hurried out of the hall. Ivan started laughing, proceeding to grab the queen around the waist and force a kiss on her.

“What are you doing, Ivan?” shouted the queen, throwing him off her. “Have you lost your mind? Do you know what will happen to Drakhaven? The royals from the three kingdoms are dead!”

“I know they’re dead,” said Ivan in a soft voice. “It’s time you and I took over the four kingdoms.”

“Have you gone mad?” she asked desperately. Her face was deathly pale and a haunted look came over her eyes. “How could you be thinking that right now? Your brother is dead. My husband…” At this point, she got too choked to speak.

Ivan stepped forward to grab her around the neck in his thick fingers. “I am your husband now, Eibhlin.”

“Let go!” she shouted, clawing at his hand.

It only infuriated him. He slapped her hard, the hit so powerful the queen went limp in his hold. As he loosened his grip, she slumped forward. Before she could fall to the ground, he picked up her body in his arms. He swept out of the room, not even noticing the child who stood behind the door.

The young princess walked inside the massive banquet hall, her wide eyes taking in the lavishly laden table with gold and silverware and the men and women slumped over it. I could feel her heart thundering in her chest, sending waves of icy cold water through her veins. She stood beside her father and shook him with her tiny hands.

She cried, pled, threw a tantrum, but the man wouldn’t move.

He was dead to her. And the world.

It didn’t occur to the sobbing child but it felt awfully odd to see the palace so quiet. There were no guards or palace maids coming in at all, like someone already barricaded the banquet hall to all outside presence.

At long last, the child walked away. I could feel her heart breaking, the first sighs of fear whispering in her mind as she made her way through the empty palace corridors to her mother’s chambers. Uncle must have taken her there when she fainted. She hated the fact that he hit her but at least, she would be there to comfort her.

She reached the queen’s chambers and was surprised to find it empty. No one was there. Normally, Kora would be around, supervising the flowers to go into vases or preparing her mother’s gowns for the day, but no one was there.

Time passed. Both the child and I waited.

We both jumped at the sound of shouting. It sounded like a woman was shrieking and crying as she struggled against someone.

The child hurried away to hide behind a massive vase.

Ivan entered the queen’s chamber, dragging her by the hair. Her royal gown was in tatters now. Dark bruises marred the pale skin of her face, neck, and arms. Her eyes were wild as she shouted for Ivan to die and burn.

“That’s no way to talk to your new husband,” he roared over her crying.

He threw her onto the bed as she wept pitifully.

“You are my queen, Eibhlin,” said Ivan. “My seeds burn in your womb now. I may have even left an heir inside you today.”

“No…no…”

“You’re mine now. Once you get over the shock, you’ll see the blessing that’s come your way. You will be queen to the four kingdoms, not just Drakhaven.”

“I’ll never be your queen,” said Eibhlin, sitting up on the bed. Her eyes were cold as she stared at him resolutely. Streak of tears, bruises, and red scratches marred her beautiful face. “I’ll never be anything to you other than your brother’s wife whom you raped tonight. I’ll be the victim of your hunger for power. Nothing else.”

She got to her feet and slowly back towards the open casement in the room. The child watched, her heart pounding with fear. She’d never seen her mother look this way. Her usual beauty and calmness were gone, replaced by a horrified woman who’d been torn and shredded to nothing. The girl wanted to reach out to her mother but sheer terror paralyzed her.

The velvet curtains of the casement blew around the queen, like formless hands coiling around her trembling body. For the first time, Ivan looked scared.

“Come this way, Eibhlin,” he said shortly. “Come away!”

“I am nothing to you other than your brother’s wife,” said the queen. “Nothing.” Her feet left the ledge. Throwing out her hand, she let her body fall away. Ivan ran after her but a dull thud sounded before he’d even gotten close to the window.

A single cry of rage escaped him he called out her name.

Black fog skidded across the mirror’s surface through which I watched the story unfold. I waited for it to clear away, but the mirror remained black.

“How did I end up in Linmoor?” I asked but the mirror remained blank.

Stepping away from it, I closed my eyes, willing myself to return to the present world. Next moment, I felt my body lying on a sheet. As my lashes blinked open, I found myself back in the underground chamber of the temple.

“You’re finally awake, Daria,” said a voice from beside me. Turning towards it, I saw Norvin looking down at me with anxious eyes.

24

The fabric of my skirt rustled between my legs as I got to my feet. Norvin had dressed me while I lay unconscious, watching the memories replay in my mind. It was unnerving to think how long I’d suppressed them.

“There’s a spring flowing through these chambers,” he said, handing me a gold goblet. “The water tastes quite fresh. Have some.”

“Thank you,” I said, accepting it. The water was cool and refreshing, soothing the crackling dryness in my throat.

He watched me closely. “You were out for hours, Daria,” he said slowly. “I was close to waking you up or carrying you back to the palace.”

“I am glad you didn’t.”

His gaze narrowed a fraction. “Did you get back your memories?”

I nodded.

“Wow…so were you a spoiled fat little child of the Fire Clan?” he asked in a mocking, excited tone but I could easily sense the underlying tension in his voice.

“You’re right about me being fat and spoiled,” I said with a bitter smile, remembering how chubby I was as a child. “I was so spoiled I couldn’t take what happened to my parents. A part of me wishes I didn’t know.”

Norvin drew me to his chest, hugging me warmly. “No matter what happened, at least we got to meet each other in this lifetime. I am sorry about what happened to you, Daria, but those events led me to you.”

“We met before it all happened,” I said, resting my head against his chest. “I met all three of you as a child.”

“How is that possible?” He stepped away to look at me.

“I never told you my name back then…and the world has probably forgotten the name of Drakhaven’s princess. But…I was always Daria.”

He stared at me, his gaze so intense it felt like he was trying to look past my physical body and into my soul. “You’re saying you are the princess of Drakhaven?”

I nodded. “Do you remember meeting a young child on the day of the massacre?”

He was silent for a moment. “The moment we were all told to go back to our chambers by the royal guards. It was a royal command and we couldn’t disobey. It was right then we came across a cute little servant girl.”

I nodded. “That was me.”

A wild chuckle escaped him as he ran his fingers through the long lengths of his henna-dyed hair. “I never forgot her…that wild child saying she wanted to peek into the royal banquet. I always thought of her and what happened to her after all the chaos ended.” He glanced at me, swiping his hand at my neck to move away a stray strand. “I’m glad you’re safe, little princess.” He drew me into another warming hug. When I continued to look glum, he said, “What is bothering you?”

“Being in these sacred chambers is opening blocks to both my memories and powers. I am both the child of a dragonborn and a blessed woman of the Fire Clan. My ability to withstand heat should have manifested as soon as I was born. I was keeping my memories suppressed but what about the other thing?”

Norvin looked thoughtful for a moment. “Cain and Adal said Lady Elga could suppress their powers. Each time they visited her, the fire in their bloods would turn cold.”

A shudder went through me. So, it had been my master who locked away my abilities, leaving me to suffer a horrendous accident. Even though I was the daughter of a dragon, I was scared of fire. However, if she truly wished to incapacitate me, why teach me air and fire magic?

A frustrated noise escaped me as I pulled at my hair. My past was complicated enough and Elga added her own convoluted touches to it.

“How about we go back to the palace and get something to eat?” said Norvin, giving me a hesitant smile. “You can tell us everything you remember. Adal and Cain would want to hear it as well.”

I gave a nod. “We’ve been down here far too long. Adal must be worried by now.”

Taking my hand in his, he led the way back to the upper levels of the temple.

The temple over the sacred chambers was dark by now. He let blue flames erupt onto his palm as we walked through the empty hallways to reach the exit doorway.

I breathed in the cool, fresh breeze deeply the moment we stepped out into the courtyard outside. We’d barely left the building when a dark figure approached us. Norvin put off the flames quickly, drowning us in darkness.

“Don’t worry,” said a familiar voice. “It’s me.” It was Cain’s voice.

“You gave us a fright, mate,” said Norvin, striding forward to meet him. “Why are you here?”

“Adal sent me to relay a message to you both,” said Cain. His voice was heavy with concern. “Right after you left, Zane called for Adal. He demanded to own you, Daria.”

“What?”

“Adal agreed, of course, knowing Zane wouldn’t be able to get to you immediately. He told us to wait for him at the same shack we stayed before entering the palace.”

“Adal wants to leave the palace behind?” I asked, baffled. The present reality seemed too much at the moment. Minutes ago I and Norvin were talking about food and a good night’s rest and now we were being told to flee Baledonia.

“We are all marching to Drakhaven,” said Cain. He glanced at Norvin. “Did it happen, brother?”

“It did,” said Norvin. They were talking about the mating ritual and his shifting into his true dragon form.

“I waited for hours for you two to show up,” said Cain. “What were you both up to?”

“Daria needed time,” said Norvin. He glanced down at me. “I was really hoping for a big meal tonight but I suppose we improvise on that?”

I shook my head. “You and Cain go ahead without me. I still need to talk to someone in the palace.”

“What are you talking about?” said Norvin, gripping my upper arm. “You can’t go back there. Zane and his men must be waiting to capture you. That’s the reason Adal wants to flee as well.”

I moved his hand away. “I have to do this. I have to know how I ended up in Linmoor.”

“What are you talking about, Daria?” asked Cain. He stood close to me and with Norvin at my side, I felt walled in.

“I know who I am,” I said. “My past memories came back to me. I just need to know how I ended up under Elga. Jifa’s maid has the answer to that question. I must see her before leaving Baledonia.”

“It will be very dangerous, Daria,” said Cain. “You will implicate both Adal and his mother.”

“Won’t they be implicated when he leaves with us? Zane won’t forgive him for that.” Norvin and Cain swore under their breaths. “I can take care of myself,” I added. “You know I can. Wait for me at the shack and I’ll come back to you.”

“We should be staying together,” said Cain. “I can’t just let you go in the wolf’s den by yourself.”

“I’ll be fine,” I said. “Zane will be watching out for me and Adal. I don’t want him to come across you or Norvin. It’s the best chance for both of you to get out of the palace. If you get caught, the royal family will be punished. As far as I know, Adal wants his nephews and nieces safe.”

“We’ll both be dying with worry until you return. You understand that, right?” Norvin sounded angry.

I exhaled a long breath. “Have you thought about what I told you? Do you understand how my fate is linked to you and the assassination of Ivan? I have survived this long just for this. My whole life has been the journey towards this one goal. I am going to kill him no matter what. I promise not to die before that.”

“Daria…can you at least tell me what you saw in your old memories?”

“I saw my parents being murdered by Ivan,” I said, glancing up at him. “I am the rightful heir to the throne of Drakhaven, not Ivan.”

“Your parents…” Cain glanced at Norvin and then back at me. “You are King Helmut’s daughter?”

“I am,” I said bitterly. “I saw it all happen before my eyes. My mother killed herself after what Ivan did to her. As her daughter, as a woman…I can never forgive him.”

“She even remembers meeting us, Cain,” said Norvin. “And I remember her too. I just had no idea she was the little princess.”

“What are you on about now?”

“You were there too, Cain,” said Norvin. “In fact, the three of us were together when we met Daria the first time in Drakhaven.”

With a sudden move, Cain pulled me towards him. Stumbling forward, I crashed into his chest. Holding me there, he said, “Promise me you’ll find us at the shack.”

“I promise. There’s no way I’ll die before I’ve accomplished my mission. That’s my vow as an assassin and as the princess of Drakhaven.”

Cain took a step back and glanced at Norvin. “We should get going.”

“Don’t make us wait too long, Daria.”

“I won’t,” I promised.

I watched the two men cross the deserted courtyard and melt into the shadows outside the gates. Taking a deep breath, I marched towards the palace. A kind of energy mixed together with rage and curiosity surged through me.

Did Elga know who I was from the very beginning?

“Your blood is too strong to be wasted.” Elga’s voice floated into my mind.

She insisted I trained with elements of fire and air. Over the years, she even let me become proficient in martial arts and potions. No other assassin in Linmoor could boast as many talents as me. Elga was relentless, not even caring I hated the very notion of using my skills to kill. Somehow, she managed to beat that out of me until I was killing men without questioning their names and backgrounds. She commanded and I killed.

Was I being trained to kill Ivan from the very beginning?

Did she taint my hands with blood so I wouldn’t hesitate when the time came?

It was farfetched to think Elga knew about my origins, but when it came to the old hag, one could never be sure of anything.

My steps took me back to the palace and I entered through the gates opening to the woods. It was a less guarded area than the front gates. I needed to reach Jifa and Kora before Zane’s men captured me.

Adal’s seal got me through the gates without any questions. Once inside the palace, I hurried up the stairs to reach Jifa’s quarters. In my haste, I began cursing the vastness of the palace. Everything seemed too far away and I was panting by the time I slipped through the doorway of her parlor room.

Adal’s mother was seated in a corner with Kora. They both looked subdued and neither spoke.

They both looked up at the sound of my approach.

“Daria, what are you doing here?” asked Jifa, getting to her feet and running towards me. She looked worried and her face was too pale for my liking.

“I came to speak to Kora,” I said, glancing at the older woman behind Jifa. “I remember you. You were my mother’s maid.”

Jifa gasped, her hands rising to cover her wide open mouth. “Oh, my goddess! You remember, Princess!”

It was odd to hear her calling me princess and knowing she wasn’t being endearing or mocking me. I really was the princess of Drakhaven.

Silent tears poured down Kora’s weathered cheeks.

“The last thing I remember about my past is the moment my mother took her life. I was frozen with fear when it happened. Everything is a blank after that until I found myself as a servant girl in Linmoor.”

“I will tell you everything honestly, Your Highness,” said Kora, dipping into a low bow and almost sinking into the floor. “I will accept whichever way you want to punish me after hearing it.”

“Tell me.”

Taking my hand, Jifa led me to the plush sofa in the corner. Once I was seated, she sat beside me and gestured for Kora to talk.

“It was chaos when everyone found out what happened that evening in the banquet hall. Ivan’s guards stopped anyone from finding out and whatever rebellion or clashes occurred in the aftermath, he was able to subdue them all with sheer power.”

I gave a nod. I’d expected as much from the power-hungry bastard. It was sickening to think of him as my uncle.

“I found you passed out behind a vase in the queen’s chambers. You were the only person I was searching throughout the castle. I knew that once Ivan’s mind was freed from the immediate retaliation of the people, he would look for you. So I had to use the time to rescue you, Your Highness.”

“You saved me from him?”

Kora looked uncomfortable. She evaded looking at me directly. “Yes, I saved you from him. Yes. But…” She swallowed hard. “I took off all your clothes and jewels, dressed you in rags and took you out of the palace. There were soldiers looking for you everywhere.”

“That was a smart move,” I said. “You don’t have to be worried about that, Kora.”

She shook her head. “That’s not the worst of it, Your Highness.”

“You went completely silent, My Princess,” said Kora, her voice thick with tears. “I was so worried. You wouldn’t eat. You wouldn’t cry. You won’t even talk to me. You looked at me like I was a stranger.” She burst into tears, hiding her face in her sleeves while I and Jifa stared at her with pity.

“I thought you would die if you stayed with me. It was the last thing I wanted after my precious mistress passed away. So, when I met a wise woman on the road, and she insisted you were born for great things, I opened up about you. I told her who you were.”

“A wise woman?” I asked, narrowing my gaze. “Gray hair, wrinkled face like a raisin and eyes as calm as a lake on a summer’s day?”

Kora nodded. “She said her name was Elga. I don’t trust people easily but there was no doubt she was someone extremely powerful. She promised to be your warden. She promised to look after you and make you strong. She said you would overthrow the tyrant who snatched everything from you. I…in my moment of desperation, I believed her.”

She sank lower to the ground until her forehead touched the floor. “I didn’t know what else to do, Your Highness. It seemed the best way to keep you safe.”

“Rise up, Kora,” I said. My hands clutched onto my skirt as they shook with emotion. Swallowing, I tried to keep my voice level. “You were successful in your attempt to keep me safe. If you took me anywhere else with you, Ivan was sure to capture and kill me. Linmoor Valley was truly the only place in the four kingdoms where you could’ve hidden me.” A long sigh escaped me as I thought about the merciless ways Elga used to prepare me for the things she promised Kora.

However, could I really blame Elga for all my misfortunes? It was my uncle, Ivan, who snatched away my family and home, leaving me no choice but to hide and grow up in a place like Linmoor Valley.

Elga must have suppressed my abilities to keep my identity a secret from the rest of the assassins. She did teach me to use air and fire magic, so it wasn’t like she wanted to keep me powerless. No, the woman kept her promise to keep me safe and make me strong enough to go up against Emperor Ivan.

“Your Highness,” said Kora, trembling from head to foot. “I deserve to die for abandoning you.”

“You had no choice, Kora,” I said in a strict tone. There was nothing she could do to help a child who’d gone into complete shock. “You were merely a maid with your own life at risk. I don’t blame you, Kora.” Heck! It was getting harder to blame Elga too. The old hag had plenty of reasons to drive me as hard as she did. Taking a deep breath, I shoved away my feelings about Elga. It would always be too complicated when it came to her and now wasn’t the time to delve into them.

“How did you come to live here?” I asked.

“Her Highness,” she said, gesturing at Jifa. “used to be Queen Eibhlin’s handmaiden. After she left to marry the king of Baledonia, I was given her position. So when I was at my wit’s end without a place to go, I chose to come here. Her Highness protected me all these years. No one knows of my past identity as Queen Eibhlin’s maid.”

Surprised, I stared at the woman beside me. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“The queen would have wanted me to do it. She was the most magnanimous person I’d ever met. She let me leave her side so I could marry the man I fell in love with. When I came to Baledonia after the marriage, I had so much gold and fine clothes, no one even remembered my humble roots. Your mother was truly a great queen.” Jifa got to her feet and bowed before me. “It is an honor to meet you, Princess Daria.”

“The honor is all mine,” I whispered, overwhelmed by the threads of destiny connecting me to every person I cared about…as well as the people I hated the most in the world.

I moved forward to make Jifa stand up. If things went the way I wanted to, she might as well be my mother-in-law! Her hands came to grasp at the front of my dress so she could steady herself. I was about to ask her if she was all right when the doors to the parlor were suddenly thrown open.

Jifa and Kora hurriedly swiped at their eyes, struggling to wipe away the emotions still etched onto their faces. A group of soldiers marched inside to surround me from all sides. Behind them, came Zane, his cold dark eyes fixed on me.

“You’ve been very troublesome to find, my pretty butterfly,” he said in a low, soft voice. His thin lips stretched into a grin as he stepped closer to me. I stood frozen, debating whether to fight or submit. I didn’t want to implicate Jifa. While Adal could flee the palace, it would be too much for an aging woman like her and Kora.

“I wasn’t aware you were looking for me, Your Highness,” I said, tilting my head and lowering my lashes. “Forgive this little maid.”

He chuckled softly. “Only if you come with me.”

I looked around at the soldiers. “These men frighten me,” I said in a small voice, feigning weakness.

“Move away from her,” he commanded.

The men obeyed at once, fanning out behind me but opening the way towards the prince.

“Come, my darling Darla,” he said, extending his hand towards me.

It was a struggle not to cringe. He was practically my cousin.

However, I kept my face smooth and hid all my discomfort and rage. I let him take my hand and crush it in his grasp as he dragged me out of Jifa’s quarters.

25

I followed Zane through the corridor and down a staircase until we reached a courtyard. It was quiet and empty. Turning around to face the soldiers behind us, he said, “Stay here.” Glancing at me, he motioned for me to continue following him.

Taking a deep breath, I obeyed, wondering what fresh scheme he’d hatched. At least, my princes are away from the palace, I thought with a sliver of relief. I just need to get out of his clutches and meet up with them.

Zane walked into a tower room on the other side of the courtyard. Only a few of the torches mounted on the wall were burning, keeping most of the place hidden in shadows. A single winding staircase led the way up to the top of the tall tower. Unease flooded me instantly. As far as I knew, his quarters were spread across the whole third-floor landing of the palace. If he was bringing me here, I could only guess the deviousness of his intentions.

He glanced back at me, grinning maliciously, making his intent clear as day.

My hands swiped across the bodice of my dress and came back empty. Fuck! My mind screamed at me. I realized too late I wasn’t armed with a single dart or needle. I’d removed them all from my clothes when I went to the temple with Norvin. In my haste to see Jifa and Kora, I hadn’t even thought of arming myself the moment I got into the palace.

“You should never allow your emotions to rule your actions.” Elga’s cold voice floated into my head.

What did she know? The old tyrant wasn’t the one to find out her parents were murdered by the very man she was set up to assassinate. Ivan was my uncle by blood. And the man I was following right now was my cousin.

Zane stopped at the top of the stairs beyond which lay an open doorway, leading into a room I could partially see. He gestured for me go in.

Keeping my expression neutral, I stepped forward.

The room was minimally furnished. A single bed stood in one corner. Few porcelain vases decorated the empty space. Tall windows, large enough for a man to get through, were cut on all sides of the circular room. Several candles burnt in the tiers of tall candelabra, bathing the place in warm light.

“What are we doing here, Your Highness?” I asked, looking all around the room. There was nothing sharp or heavy I could use against him. Maybe I could use the vases but they were tall, almost as high as my shoulder. They would be heavy and slow me down if I were to attack him using one of them.  If he were a normal man, my air and fire magic would have been enough to subdue him but Zane was a dragonborn. Fire wouldn’t affect him at all.

“Let’s have a drink first,” he said, moving forward to pour some wine from a fine metallic flask. Another object I could use to hit him in the head. But was it heavy enough to inflict serious injury? I took the goblet he offered.

“Drink,” he said, keeping his dark gaze on me. He watched me as I took a few sips. A slow smile spread across his lips. “You’re so good, Darla. So obedient and yielding. I would have loved to keep you by my side. It pains me to think you won’t live too long.”

“Exc…” I couldn’t even utter the whole word as my heart came to a skidding stop. The goblet slipped out of my fingers and fell to the ground. I clutched at my chest and froze. “What did you give me?” I asked in a pained voice. My air pipe was constricting dangerously, leaving me to gasp and pant.

“Just a little something to keep you submissive, my sweet,” he said in a deep, husky voice that seemed to skim all over my skin like a flurry of moths. I shuddered. Black spots began appearing in my vision.

I can’t die yet, I screamed in my mind. Not like this.

Even as my body succumbed to the lack of air, my consciousness retreated into a more aware corner of my mind. Zane may have weakened me temporarily but I wouldn’t give up that easily.

As time passed, I realized the poison wasn’t meant to kill me. It was used to stun and keep me unconscious. Reaching into the deepest reservoirs of my inner energy, I forced my heartbeat to slow down, in turn slowing down the poison from passing through my system and blacking me out completely. It wouldn’t protect me for long but would give me time to figure out an escape from Zane’s trap.

My eyes fluttered open. Everything was hazy. My body lay on something soft, not the rough, hard ground I’d anticipated. A dark shape loomed over me, blocking away most of my sight. The sound of clothes being forcefully ripped came to my ears next.

“Such delicate skin,” Zane’s voice whispered against my ears as his fingers skimmed over the expanse of my bare stomach. I struggled to move but felt his weight pressing down on me. “That good-for-nothing prince must have enjoyed tasting it every night.”

“Get away from me,” I grit out, but my voice sounded frail to my own ears.

“You’re a resilient one,” said Zane, ripping more of my clothes. “I am going to take my time breaking you in. Mekhi wanted to kill you right away but I wanted my share of fun before that. I’d wanted to fuck you the moment I saw you.” His fingers gripped me by the chin and forced me to look up at him. His face was still hazy as he breathed down on me. “You’re out of your mind but still so pretty.” Leaning down, he crashed his mouth against mine, shoving his tongue forcibly through my lips.

I struggled against him but my weak flailing was pathetic against his brute strength.

“You taste so sweet,” he whispered, his hand coming to squeeze a breast.

I am being molested by my own cousin, I thought as his hands groped all over my body. Would he do this if he knew the truth of who I was? A part of me already knew the answer. He would do it anyway and then proceed to kill me.

Zane’s body sunk further between my thighs as his mouth began kissing and sucking at the side of my neck. None of it did anything for me. I imagined a dog lapping at my neck while letting my mind come up with a solution. At least, in this position, I was able to turn my head and look around the room.

Managing to pull out my left arm from underneath him, I focused my remaining energy at the vases in the corner. A blast of air left my palm, knocking them on the floor.

The resounding crash got him off me.

“What was that?” He moved off me for a moment, giving me space to slide off the bed. My legs were still limp, refusing to support my weight. “Bloody open windows,” I heard him curse, kicking at the pieces of broken porcelain.

I dragged my body away from the bed and towards one of those open windows Zane was cursing.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he shouted, gripping my shoulders. “Get back!”

He flipped me around, letting my back graze against the cold stone floor. Pulling me close to him, he stared right into my face.

“I know who you are, Darla,” he seethed. “You’re the maid spotted with Prince Cain in Carran. A week ago you escaped from Partaig, leaving my brother injured and hallucinating. Now that I know you are in the service of Prince Adal, how long do you think he has to live?”

I froze.

“What have you done with Adal?” I asked.

“Mekhi and Helena have arrived this evening. They will deal with him while I get to take care of you.” His fingers slipped around my neck, holding me in a choking hold. “You thought you’d be able to escape the wrath of Drakhaven?”

A rough chuckle escaped me. Zane tightened his grip, sneering at me.

“Drakhaven doesn’t belong to you,” I whispered through the choking hold. “It’s mine. I will make sure to cleanse away the filth that’s you and your father.”

Zane’s boot collided with my stomach as he kicked me hard. The blow was hard enough to knock me backward and fall several feet away. I gasped hard, tasting blood in my mouth.

“A puny maid like you has a very daring mouth,” Zane spat out. He was no longer smiling. His dark eyes burned with rage as he stepped towards me with a raised sword.

I braced myself, knowing I was completely defenseless against him for the moment. He swiped at me, cutting into my torso and chest. The blow wasn’t too hard or I’d be halved in two. The strike was just enough to give me pain and bleed out.

I writhed on my back, feeling the poison work its way into my blood faster. It won’t be long before I blacked out completely, from both the toxin’s effect and blood loss.

“You’re finally down on your back.” He swiped a lock of hair from his face and dropped the sword. It clattered on the floor but it was too far away for me to reach.

Sweat beaded my forehead. I was getting weaker, close to succumbing to my body’s plea for escaping the pain throbbing all over me. Still, I dragged my body towards the only weapon in the room. It was my only salvation at the moment.

Zane began loosening his breeches. “By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be begging me to kill you,” he promised. Zane revealed his thick, hardened erection. It was disgusting to think the sight of me lying in tattered clothes with blood pouring out was somehow turning him on.

What kind of monsters did Ivan spawn?

It was hard to accept I was related to them by blood.

Zane moved forward, his erection pointing at me.

My hand reached forward towards the sword but it was still a feet away.  The sound of rushing blood filled my ears as I struggled to reach for the weapon. I could never stand for him to get inside me. In my desperation, I lighted the bed on fire. As the flames rose high, lighting up the tower room, I heard only laughter.

“Helena told me about your special abilities with fire. It’s quite interesting,” said Zane, stroking his shaft, lengthening it. “But you’ve forgotten one important thing. It has no effect on me. I’m a dragonborn.”

“I still want you to burn, asshole,” I hissed.

Leaning down, he gripped my chin and slapped me. It was hard enough to black me out and cut my inner cheek. Blood dribbled down my chin as he lowered himself further.

He was upon me now, the mass of his body covering me. He forced my thighs apart, positioning himself between them. My fingers grazed the hilt of the sword.

And just as his cock started prodding at my dry folds, my hand closed upon the hilt.

“You whore!” Zane roared as I weakly held the sword. He easily pulled it out of my reach but my hands came up to grasp the blade, holding it with the last of my strength even though it was cutting through my palms.

Thick streams of blood ran down my arms but I kept my hold over it. My hands glowed red hot as I focused my magic onto it.

“What the hell are you doing?” Zane shouted as the part of the blade I held began glowing. “Breaking my sword won’t save you from the fate awaiting you.”

Part of the blade melted enough to droop. I snatched at it, breaking it off. A piece of the blade clattered to the floor.

“Enough of this nonsense,” he barked, throwing away the broken sword. My bleeding fingers curled around the smaller piece of the sword’s broken blade.

Zane forced me on my back, his pale eyes glowing with malice and lust. I thought I’d seen the worst of men, men who kidnapped children and sold them to slavery, men who sold their daughters for a bag of grain, men who bled young girls to sell their blood…But Zane was a special monster. His drug and pleasure came from the pain and blood of his victim.

This would have to do, I decided as he positioned himself over my body, his hands clutching onto my bare breasts. His hardened cock prodded my thighs as his mouth latched onto the side of neck, biting hard enough to draw blood.

I ground my teeth against the pain. Thanks to my master, I’d endured worse in my life.

Mustering all my strength into one strike, I shifted under Zane and caught hold of his erection. It pulsed in my hand, and for a moment he arched his back and closed his eyes with an appreciative groan.

Did he actually think I was going to make this easier for him?

Grasping his cock in one hand and the piece of blade in the other, I struck him hard and fast. The blade flashed like a streak of lightning before cutting his dick at the hilt.

Zane howled as the length of his cock detached at the root.

He screamed in pain and shock, staring down at me with wide eyes. His gaze slowly traveled down to look at the length of limp dick clutched in my fingers. Fresh howls filled the air once more as I kicked him away and dragged my body towards one of the windows.

Zane didn’t come after me. He writhed on the floor, screaming like a rabid animal as blood gushed out of his severed cock.

Flames rose all around us. Black smoke billowed out of the open windows of the tower room. It was surely enough to alert the soldiers and guards of the palace. I brought myself to stand on unsteady feet under one of the casements looking down at several hundred feet between me and the ground.

“Help me,” I whispered as smoke and ash billowed all around me, threatening to choke the life out of my lungs.

“I am coming, Daria,” a familiar voice spoke in my mind. “I am coming.” The relief at hearing Adal’s voice was so great that I let go of all inhibitions, welcoming the black veil that fell on me like a gentle blanket.

26

I shouldered the bundle of clothes on my back. Only a few hours remained until midnight, late enough for both Norvin and Daria to have joined Cain by now in the shack outside of Huadu. Once I reached them, we could make our way to Drakhaven.

I was about to move towards the doorway when it was suddenly thrown open. Halting, I stared at the wild-eyed woman before me. It was Kora, my mother’s trusted handmaiden. Acting with such defiance was severely punished in the palace. While I would never harm the lady who’d accompanied my mother for years, there was something about her haggard appearance that gave me pause.

Kora was a very reserved lady, sometimes hanging in the background like she was a part of it. She never spoke unless she was asked a question. To see her in such a disheveled mess, alarmed me like nothing else.

“What is going on, Kora?” I asked, dropping the bundle at my feet. “Is my mother all right?”

“It’s not Lady Jifa,” she said, falling helplessly in my arms. “It’s the princess.”

That was odd. Why was she seeking me out for one of my nieces? “You should go find my brothers,” I said. “They will call for the royal physician.”

She shook her head. “They won’t do a thing for her. You’re the only one who can protect Princess Daria now.”

That name had me clutching onto her small trembling shoulders. “What happened to Daria?” I asked, ignoring the old woman’s misuse of the title.

“She was with Lady Jifa and me. Prince Zane came unannounced and took her away. She didn’t put up a fight at all and went with him meekly.”

“She was trying to protect you and Mother,” I said, guessing why Daria didn’t resist being captured. Turning my attention back on her, I tightened my grip on her shoulders. “Look at me, Kora.” She hesitated but stared up at me with wide, frightened eyes. The old, wrinkling woman looked like a child at the moment. “Stay with my mother. You both have to be calm no matter what happens. Do you understand?”

She nodded.

“It’s not the time to lose your heads, Kora. I will get Daria. I’ll tear this palace down if I have to. Just make sure you and Mother stay safe. It’s the only way I can do what needs to be done.”

Kora took a deep breath and visibly looked calmer. “Make sure you protect the princess, Prince Adal. Lady Jifa and I can look after ourselves.”

I had no idea why she was calling Daria a princess. Shock, perhaps? Still, there was no time to lose. Leaving Kora behind, I hurried down the corridor to reach the staircase. Zane’s quarters were located on the opposite side of the palace from mine.

I was about to cross a courtyard when a group of several people marched towards me. My eldest brother, Prince Kurozeru, was in the front. Beside him, stood Prince Sarigey and Prince Kusana. All three of my half-brothers stared at me coldly as royal guards and soldiers fanned out behind them.

The flames of their torches lit up the two figures standing behind the group.

I froze at the sight. It was Mekhi and Helena.

“Is that him?” asked Mekhi, his gray eyes focused on me.

“That’s him,” said Helena. “Prince Cain’s third companion.”

My fists balled together. “Where is Daria?”

“Adal!” snapped Kurozeru. “How can you still think of that woman when your own life is in jeopardy?”

“What have you done with her?” I shouted, my gaze not leaving Helena’s.

A soft laugh escaped her. “See? I knew she was fucking all three princes,” she said, turning to Mekhi. “Why else would he be so worried about her?”

“Don’t talk about her with your filthy mouth, Helena,” I yelled, balling my fists tightly in an attempt not to attack her.

Rage flashed in her black eyes. For a second, her gaze flickered to the tall tower on the far side of the courtyard.

“Shouldn’t you be arresting him?” said Mekhi, jerking my eldest brother out of his thoughts.

“Of course, Your Highness,” said Prince Kurozeru, bowing his head.

“What’s my crime, brother?” I asked Kurozeru directly. “They have no proof I was ever with Prince Cain. You will just take her word for it?”

“My word is Drakhaven’s word,” said Helena.

Prince Kurozeru gestured for the soldiers to march forward.

“Please, Brother,” I said, almost pleading. “Tell me where they’ve taken Daria. I’ll not harm any of our people in the palace if you just let us go.”

Mekhi scoffed. “Stop wasting our time. What can a useless scholar like you do anyway? You’re just an ingrate who sided with the rebel princes.”

Soldiers gathered around me. None of them knew I could shift into my true dragon form. I didn’t care about them underestimating me but my pounding heart was desperate to find Daria. She was supposed to have left with Norvin and Cain to the shack outside the city. What was she doing here?

The guards inched forward, their spears pointing at me.

“What’s going on up there?” Prince Kurozeru suddenly asked, looking up towards the tower in the distance. Everyone’s attention went towards it. The room at the top was glowing like a beacon in the dark. It was being engulfed in flames.

“Don’t worry about it, Kurozeru,” said Melhi. “Even if the whole tower is lit on fire, Zane will be perfectly fine.”

“We may just have to dig him from under the rubble,” said Helena with a chuckle.

“Is she there?” I demanded. “Is Zane up there with Daria?”

“Get him,” said Mekhi in a lazy drawl.

“Stop resisting, Prince Adal,” said the head of the guards. “Don’t make it difficult for us.”

“Difficult for you?” I shouted. “You will hurt one of your princes upon their word?”

“It’s either you or the rest of us,” said Kurozeru. “I have nothing against you, Adal. You never interfered in politics, showed no interest in the throne. Me and my brothers have always been happy to give you a pass. But now…things have changed. You are related to a traitor to the four kingdoms. I can no longer protect you.”

“Protect me? Like you would ever do that! You’ve never cared for me because I stayed away from all court proceedings. I never stood in your way.”

Kurozeru glared at me. “Are you saying you’ve got the power to sit on the throne?”

“I am the only one in Baledonia with that right,” I spat.

“Your Highness,” interrupted one of the soldiers. “The tower room…”

Kurozeru glanced at the tower. So did everyone else.

Clouds of black smoke were billowing out of the tower room. The soldiers shifted, anxiety overcoming their features as they watched the raging fire consume the top of the tower. A sudden shriek shattered the silence of the night.

For the first time, Mekhi took several steps towards the tower.

“What’s happening, Brother?” asked Helena, stepping beside him.

“That was Zane’s voice,” said Mekhi in a grim tone. “I’m sure of it.”

Animalistic cries filled the courtyard. It was coming from the burning tower.

“What has she done to him?” Helena shrieked. Turning back to the guards, she gestured for them to move towards the tower. “Go up there and see what’s happening,” she commanded.

“We can’t, My Lady,” said the head of the guards. “Unlike the dragonborn lords, we will perish in such a fire.”

“Brother.” She turned worried eyes towards Cain. “Do something.”

Mekhi took several more steps towards the tower. While their attention was diverted, I inched forward too. Desperately praying for Daria to be safe, I stared hard at the windows consumed with smoke and fire.

From amidst the flames, a figure came to stand at the window. It was hard to tell who it was from the distance but the moment a gust of wind blew by and thick waist-long hair shifted along the air currents, I knew it was Daria.

I had to reach her. There was no way I could storm the tower while the soldiers, my brothers, and Mekhi stood in my way. Even with the distance between us, I knew Daria needed help.

There was only one chance for us to escape the palace.

Closing my eyes, I called for my inner dragon to take over. I expected bone-melting pain to consume me, but my body transformed in the blink of an eye. There was no agony like the first time I shifted. It was almost seamless.

Terrified screams filled the air. Opening my eyes, I stared down at the soldiers from a height of several feet. They scattered away, leaving their masters to look up at me with stunned expressions.

Taking a deep breath, I roared, letting clouds of fire and ash escape me. Mekhi dragged Helena with him and disappeared inside the palace. My brothers were nowhere to seen either. They must have been the first ones to flee the scene.

“Help me.” Daria’s voice sounded loud and clear in my head.

“I am coming,” I said back to her. A low rumble escaped me but I knew she was able to hear me. It was the same telepathic ability that Cain had told me about. Both Daria and I were connected to each other.

Stretching my wings to their widest expanse, I rose on my hind legs. My dragon’s vastness filled the palace courtyard completely. Moonlight and the flames from the burning tower made my golden scales glint in the dark.

I’d never flown before. The only time my dragon got a chance to stretch its legs was in the sacred chambers of the temple. I let my inner dragon take over, hoping it would know how to fly up to the top of the tower where Daria waited for me.

My wings swept forward, creating a gust of wind behind its massive length, giving my whole body a pleasant lift. As my feet rose from the ground, my wings beat harder and faster. It was the most amazing, freeing sensation to be able to soar up in the sky. The feel of the cool night air flowing over my body felt especially good. Every last shackle binding me to the palace seemed to fall off as I circled the top of the burning tower.

Daria’s figure slumped forward. My heart rose into my mouth as her body plummeted towards the ground. Focusing my attention on her, I dived down, my forelimbs stretching out to catch her.

A roar escaped me as my talons clutched around Daria’s limp body. I tried to speak to her but it felt like her mind had completely shut off. She didn’t answer to any of anxious pleas.

Great gusts of wind swept over me as I flew away from the palace. It turned into a twinkling minuscule structure on the ground below. Daria was in my arms but I didn’t know how badly she was hurt. I was flying towards the shack where she’d sheltered together with Cain and Norvin. I could only hope they were safe and sound.

There was no place to hide anymore.

A war was coming.

And we were bringing it to Emperor Ivan.

Ready for the next part in Daria’s journey?

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for reading until the end.

I am overwhelmed by your support for this absolutely unknown author. Not only did you read my first book, you even read the second one. You have no idea what it means to me. By profession, I am an engineer. Even though I studied in Scotland, my Asian parents always made it clear they wouldn’t support me if I ever stepped into arts.

As a person, I love painting. As a kid, I dreamed of being a manga artist, sketching and telling stories. Of course, the dream never came true, but now that I’m past 30 years, earning my own living with no parent breathing down my neck, I am finally able to muster the courage to write.

I write under a pen name, so my family and friends know nothing about this side of me. I have a different Facebook profile which I use solely to interact with other writers and artists. They have become my tribe. And now, you.

Your support is the best motivation I could ever get. It’s a prize I cherish the most. So, thank you, thank you, thank you so much, dear reader! You made the dream come true for that little kid that still lives in me.

Lastly, I hope you enjoyed the story and would consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Even a simple “I liked it” will make my day.

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About Ivy

Ivy is an Electrical engineer by profession. She started writing fanfiction in her spare time and after a whole year of writing; she decided to start writing an original series with her own characters.

Although, work and tight deadlines often have her drinking coffee, she is a tea-lover at heart. She loves to read, but keeps taking trips to Hogwarts now and then. (Who could miss JKR’s lovely invitation?) Her favorite current TV shows are Game of Thrones and Pretty Little Liars.