The Lady Prince Read online

  Daene stood as well, his eyes felt as if they were on fire. He looked at the man before him, and all he could see was Lyra’s lifeless body slumped and bloody against the wall. A power that he had never experienced flowed through him. His body seemed to thrum with it. He knew Kripken realized he was meeting his death. But Daene had no ear for pleas of mercy.

  Daene approached him slowly without a sound, with every muscle and sinew dancing under the beautiful dragon scales. Kripken shifted into his full dragon, but it would not be enough. Daene’s long, curved claws swiped across Kripken’s chest with such speed Kripken had to look down to see if he’d been hurt. Blood poured from Kripken’s wounds as he retaliated against the dark dragon. His claws made the distinct sound of claws hitting metal. Even in his dragon form, Daene could see the shock in Kripken’s face.

  Daene lunged forward, and he clamped his powerful jaws around Kripken’s neck. There was an audible snap as Daene jerked violently before disengaging his sharp teeth from Kripken’s flesh. Kripken stood without a word grasping. His wound hemorrhaged. His head lopped to the side at a grotesque angle. Daene began to back up slowly, his red eyes, intense and unwavering, trained on Kripken. He watched as death strangled the remaining life from his enemy.

  Daene took a deep breath. He threw his head back and then forward as he let loose a torrent of fire. The blast was explosive.

  The corridors were black when Daene recalled his fire. The dark, ash shape of Kripken stood like a statue. Daene blew again, without fire this time. The ashes scattered in the hall like black dust.

  Chapter 14

  He turned to them, his eyes seemed to water with blood tears. He collapsed to his knees and fell face forward. Lyra woke to the sound of a scuffle and a loud roar. She saw Seven hovering over her, then her green eyes lighting with glee. “Oh, thank goodness,” she breathed out, hugging Lyra to her.

  Lyra blinked profusely, trying to come to grips with the events happening around her. A loud thud echoed in the corridor followed by a second thud. Lyra scrambled into the hall to see Daene, his eyes a blood red and seemed to be glowing. A warm air whipped up around him, making his hair take on the quality of living flame. Scales began to appear on his skin. Deep purple scales reflected the light coming from the room. His face and head contorted into that of a full Draegonii, and Lyra stopped breathing.

  Lyra couldn’t believe how beautiful he was as a Draegonii. The necklace was now a tattoo upon his skin. The stone seemed rather large and pulsed slowly. She looked to Kripken with a smile of triumph on her face. Kripken’s held the expression of horror.

  Lyra couldn’t help the pride that swelled within her as she watched Daene become such a magnificent beast. Daene began to make short work of Kripken. Kripken was no match for the enraged Draegonii. Daene threw back his head. Mesmerized by the battle, Lyra couldn’t look away. She felt Seven push her down and out of harm’s way.

  When Lyra looked again, the walls were blackened from the fire, ashes floated like ghosts. Then Daene turned to them, his eyes filled with red tears. Lyra wanted to run to him and hold him. She wanted to tell him all the things she had come to realize while in Kripken’ clutches. But to her horror, Daene collapsed to his knees. And then, he fell face forward. Lyra screamed as she ran to him.

  “What’s wrong with him?” Lyra cried, turning him on his back. She saw not a mark on him, yet his breathing appeared to get more and more shallow.

  “There is too much power in that stone,” Seven said nervously coming to his side. “I have to remove the stone.”

  “What? Do you even know how?” Lyra ran to get her knife and skidded to a stop as she knelt. “I’ll cut it out.” She poised the knife at the base of his throat. Seven stilled her hand.

  “You could cause more harm that way. I will remove it. The stone is a natural element.” Seven closed her eyes in concentration.

  Lyra felt helpless. She didn’t know what to do. She just prayed Seven knew what she was doing. Seven poised her hands palm down over the pulsing tattoo like stone. It began to slowly disengage itself from his body. Daene shifted back to his humanoid form.

  “Take the stone,” Seven said weakly, propping herself against the nearest wall. “Chip a piece of the stone with your knife. Hurry.”

  Lyra grabbed the hovering stone and used the hilt of her knife to batter the stone. Sweat broke out across her brow as the stone would not give easily. Tears blurred her eyes. She knew he was dying and she was failing him. Then mercifully a piece broke off. Carefully, Lyra placed it back in the spot the stone had rested. His body immediately absorbed the stone.

  Lyra and Seven said nothing as they waited. Tears streamed down Lyra’s face as she stared into his handsome visage. He had to live through this. She didn’t know when she began caring for this thief, but she did. And she needed him to live. Daene’s dark eyes were suddenly staring into hers. Lyra whooped with glee, and without a pause, she pressed her lips to his. The rogue didn’t miss a beat as he quickly met hers with ardor.

  Seven cleared her throat. Lyra and Daene looked at her. “I hate to put a damper on the mood, but we’re in the midst of our enemy’s camp.”

  Daene and Lyra looked down the corridor to see a crowd of servants and warriors blocking their exit. Daene stood a little unsteady but ready for battle. Lyra tore the end of her nightgown off and braced her knife in one hand. With Daene alive and by her side, she could handle anything else.

  Chapter 15

  “Who would have ever guessed he was hated by everyone in his lair?” Daene asked in faux disbelief. “We should have stayed for the party.”

  Lyra caught the quick glance he slid to her and Seven. “What, and have them realize you robbed them blind?” Lyra snickered.

  “There was plenty left for them to divide among themselves,” Daene said, defending himself.

  “More like tear each other to pieces.” Seven laughed.

  “That is not our concern. I got what I came for.” He looked at Lyra, but she could not hold his gaze. It began to dawn on her the way she had openly kissed Daene when he opened his eyes. Yes, she had berated herself earlier thinking she should have been more honest with her blossoming feelings toward him, but now that he was right here, she found herself shy and in new territory. Her thoughts were broken by Daene declaring, “We have a stop to make.” He looked at her again but said nothing.

  “Good, I need a bath,” Lyra muttered to herself while she stared at the dried blood on her skin. Although she was covered in a dark robe, she wanted the stench of Kripken off her. She turned to Seven. “Want to explain what you did back there?” For the first time, Seven looked tongue-tied.

  “Let’s just say it’s a good thing you were on her good side.” Daene looked at Seven in amusement.

  “You’re a witch?” Lyra stopped her horse. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It’s rather hard admitting it. Witches are no more favorably looked upon than a Draegonii or even an independent woman.” Seven’s eyes met theirs as she stopped her horse.

  “Oh.” Lyra looked at the young girl. “Fair enough. You’re among friends Seven. Friends who are in no place to judge.” She gave Daene a meaningful look. She had been guilty of judging too soon.

  Seven shrugged. “I have a lot to learn.”

  “Have you proper instruction?” Lyra asked. In her mind, she briefly ran through the damage Seven could do without proper training.

  “Only what Mother could sneak and teach me. Father would have her killed if he knew.”

  Lyra shook her head, still amazed that men could be so stupid. “I know someone who can help you. And thank you, Seven, for all your help.”

  Seven blushed again. “I wanted to stay with you awhile and learn how to defend myself. I plan to issue the challenge to become the next Lady Prince. I don’t want to run for the rest of my life. Maybe I’ll become like you, Lyra, and help those girls who don’t want to be shackled in a loveless marriage for the rest of their life.”

  Lyra be
amed proudly at her. “I could certainly use the help. Thank you, Seven. It will be an honor to have you by my side.” She urged the horse to get moving again.

  “How moving.” Daene drawled looking at the two women. Then he set his horse into a full run. The women looked at each other and laughed before they raced to catch up to him.

  * * * *

  “So you’re just going to give that away?” Lyra asked as they walked away from the crowd of people whooping with joy and gratitude at the money and jewelry Daene had given them from Kripken’s coffers.

  “They deserve it. He’s probably been robbing them blind for years.” Daene led Lyra into the small shack of a hotel where Seven waited. She sat at a worn wood table, sipping suspiciously from the bowl in front of her.

  “So, the rumors are true. You do steal.” Lyra grinned, baiting him deliberately.

  “Hmm, yes, and as a Draegonii, I do rob virgins of their virtue.” His handsome face turned wickedly sensual as he gave her a heated look. They both sat with Seven, who finally pushed the bowl away in disgust.

  “I taste no chicken in that chicken stew,” she complained and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I’m not even sure those are vegetables floating around.”

  “Well, unless you’re going to go hunting, it’s the best they have.” Daene made lazy circles with one partially unsheathed claw on the table.

  “How long are we staying here?” Seven asked, quickly dismissing the thought of hunting.

  “You are staying here through the night,” Daene informed her. “That lovely couple we met the first time we passed through will keep an eye on you. Lyra and I have much to discuss. She will come with me.”

  Lyra’s head snapped up at his casual announcement. If there were a moment to protest, it would be now. Lyra said nothing.

  “Oh, please.” Seven laughed. “I’m not naïve. You’re taking her into the forest to—”

  “Did I mention that Draegonii are really private creatures and don’t take too kindly to having their personal matters discussed as idle conversation?” Daene butted in. He let his eyes take on a slightly red glow for affect. With the stone he seemed in complete control of his powers. Lyra knew he was only trying to frighten Seven. Apparently it worked.

  “I’m tired. It’s been a long day. I’ll see you both in the morning.” Seven let her chair scrape the floor, and she made her way hastily out the door to inquire about sleeping arrangements.

  “You frightened her,” Lyra observed with the tiniest grin. Daene let his eyes settle back to normal as he held her gaze.

  “She could use a little fear in the right places,” he answered not a bit apologetic.

  “I agree.” Lyra broke the connection, her nerves giving way.

  “Are you afraid of me Lyra?” he dropped his voice and put his elbows on the table as he leaned toward her. “Does the thought of being alone with me frighten you?”

  Her mind quickly went back to the feel of his hard body atop hers. The way his tongue had played between her legs causing pleasure she had never known before. He not only caused sensations in her body that she had no previous experience with, he caused them in her heart as well. The rogue had found a way into the center of her heart, and right now, she didn’t know what to do about it. “I am not afraid of you,” Lyra said truthfully, though her heart sped at the thought of being alone with him.

  Daene stood then, mimicking Seven as his chair grated against the hard dirty floor. He held his hand out in invitation. Lyra took a deep breath then rose, placing her hand shyly in his large one. Immediately his warm fingers wrapped around her hand securely. “You have no reason to be,” he said softly, leading her out of the small building. “Just trust me.”

  As Daene had promised earlier, he told Lyra about the night her brother died. She listened silently. Lyra felt the hot tears gather, but she refused to let them fall. Kripken would not get this victory over her. He was done spreading pain.

  She did, however, find solace in Daene’s presence. There was something comforting about him just being with her. She didn’t know him well, yet she felt right about being with him. Yes, he was arrogant and secretive. And he had way too much sensuality, but there was more to him. He was also a protector, a giver, and was noble in all the ways that counted. And for whatever insane reason, she was in love with him.

  The sound of water played about her ears and she sighed out loud. It would be absolutely heavenly to have a bath. The night air was warm with the lightest of breezes. It was perfect for a night swim.

  They came upon a small clearing with a small body of water that looked like black glass. He grabbed her other hand and began to walk backward toward the water with a reassuring smile on his face. Lyra could stop things at any moment. But she didn’t want to. Instead, she executed the right she had fought for. She made a choice and followed him. Daene, indeed, had become many things to her. He was also, without question, going to be her lover.

  Chapter 16

  He stopped them both at the edge of the water and undressed. Lyra felt as if her legs were going to give out beneath her. With slow movements, he removed her clothing and tossed them onto the bank. Lyra’s gaze followed the clothing, too afraid to look at Daene. Would he see her heart so open for him? She followed him almost obediently into the water as he led her by the hand.

  The warm water lapped at her like a faithful pet. His eyes glowed a faint red as he turned, his stare unwavering as he met hers. By allowing him to guide her, she knew exactly what her acquiescence indicated. And she wanted it. Lyra let Daene lead her into the water until it gently surrounded her waist. He cupped his hand in the water and let it trickle down her chest to her breast. Lyra sighed at the sensation.

  He repeated the motion until her soft skin shone wet and slick in the moonlight. Daene made his touch more intimate. He cupped the water in his hands then ran it along her skin, rubbing the blood from the soft surface. Her tongue grew thick in her mouth as she allowed him total access to her body. If she thought it was testing her nerves letting him undress her, she obviously had no clue.

  He stood in front of her gloriously naked under the full light of the moon slowly bathing her. Shyly at first, Lyra dipped her hands in the water and ran her fingers across the solid muscles of his chest. For just a second, his hands stilled then continued with their ministrations with renewed vigor. Magnetic energy buzzed between them as they stared into the others eyes.

  Softly his hands ran across her face, gently working Kripken’s foul blood from her body. Lyra closed her eyes as he washed her, blindly touching his body, reveling in the sensation of the contact. She could feel him vibrate with excitement as she touched him. He caressed and held either side of her face in his hands. When Lyra started the process of taking a deep breath, he kissed the very breath from her. His tongue sensuously forced her mouth apart. Tasting her, seducing her into forgetting all her reservations, he expertly aroused her with just a kiss.

  He softly broke the kiss, placing small kisses on her chin then down her neck. He nuzzled her neck, letting his warm breath dance over her already feverish skin. Then he placed light kisses where he nuzzled her. Lyra dropped he head back, and she kept her eyes closing, unable to focus on anything but the feel of his kisses. His tongue circled on a tender spot alongside her neck and then he gently bit. Lyra bucked against him, and he bit harder. She moaned, loving the feeling of being claimed and dominated.

  He took one large hand and urged her pelvis closer to his. His kisses traveled along the ridge of her shoulder where he bit down into her again. Harder this time, and deep within her core, she felt her walls contract. Her breath caught and she found her nails digging into his firm flesh. It was then she caught the gruff moan of pleasure that escaped from him.

  He stretched her arm out and placed kisses along the length of it, swirling his tongue and tasting her skin. Shivers of desire pulsed up and down her spine. When he came to her wrist, he swirled his tongue around the pulse that was beating out of
control. Her breath hitched as he did the same to her other arm. Her body began to change into a gel-like substance as he tuned it to his desire. When he finished tending to the pulse in her wrist, he took one long, lean finger and tilted her face up to his. “Relax, Lyra.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know what to do,” she confessed. In this area, her wife training was severely limited. She had kissed a man or two, had even let one fondle her breast. It hadn’t been enjoyable, and she’d quickly ended the escapade. But Daene was causing a bevy of sensations she didn’t want to end.

  “Enjoy yourself,” he whispered against the shell of her ear. “Enjoy me.” His head dipped, and he captured her nipple between his firm, moist lips and drew on it. Lyra arched her back as she clung to him, her nails embedding themselves in his hips as he suckled her. He switched breasts, and Lyra couldn’t keep the moan she was holding at bay any longer. He licked at her breast, nipping her in the fleshiest parts, and then blowing warm air onto it soothing it. Lyra couldn’t get enough of it.

  She moaned again as she responded eagerly, pushing her body closer to his, feeding off his warmth. She could feel his arousal build as a warm wind whipped around them. Lyra reached up, tangled her fingers in the fine strands of his silken hair, and pulled him as close as two lovers could possibly get. He growled low in his throat and broke the contact long enough to look into her aroused eyes. “His scent was all over you, Lyra. I can’t tell if….Did he…” he began to ask before his hand traveled down to the junction of her thighs and began to make slow circles against her clitoris.