Dragon's Princess

SUMMER

A shock ran through my body—an electric current shone in his gaze that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on edge. What was he doing here?

The implications dawned on me—a hammer blow to my peace of mind.

There’s a Dragon in the courtyard.

I looked around, my mouth suddenly dry. All of these people were in danger.

Was he here for me?

He began to approach, his eyes never once leaving mine. He stalked through the crowd like a wraith, the smoothness of his footfalls otherworldly.

He had to be here for me. He knew who I was in the forest.

I had to get out of here. That way no one else would get caught up in whatever nightmare I’d found myself in.

I turned to Culling. He seemed to sense my panic, his even expression turning into one of worry. Did he disapprove of me hitting Wilkins? I shook my head.

Who cared?

“Are you okay, princess?” he asked, the picture of concern.

“I’m fine, just feeling a little under the weather,” I said, forcing out a smile. “I think I’ll retire to my rooms for the night. Thank you for accompanying me, King Culling. I had a wonderful time.” The words spilled from my mouth as I walked away.

Culling watched me go, and I could tell he didn’t quite believe me. He didn’t stop me, however, and I was grateful.

I didn’t want his blood—or anyone else’s—on my hands tonight.

I made my way through the crowd, looking over my shoulder. I couldn’t see Dane anymore, but I could feel his gaze on me.

Like a mouse fleeing from the shadow of a hawk.

“Summer!” Maddie ran up to me, a half-eaten cupcake on her plate. My heart kicked into overdrive.

“Go find King Culling, Maddie,” I urged. “I heard he was looking for you.”

With a squeal of excitement, she was gone, and I could breathe a little easier.

I ran up the grand staircase toward my chambers as fast as I could, the damned dress and heels hampering my movement.

I ripped my bedroom door open, shutting it behind me. My room was empty. Nell had already gone to enjoy the feast.

Thank goodness.

On impulse, I spun around and locked the door. I laughed, half in hysteria. As if a lock could stop a Dragon. Still, I felt a little more secure.

My security lasted for all of ten seconds when I began to see a black mist coil its way underneath the crack in my door. It swirled around my room for a moment, seemingly inspecting the space. The mist coalesced before me into the shape of a man, looming, threatening, and very, very naked.

“Weren’t you just wearing clothes?” I blurted out, my face red.

Dane just stared at me, his gaze lighting a fire within me. My heart pounded desperately against my ribcage, demanding it be let out to leap from my window, seeing as my body was too cowardly to do so.

He turned and unlocked my door, opening it to gather the crumpled clothes on the floor.

“My clothes cannot mist with me,” he explained. His voice was the rumble of thunder, the whisper of silk. It carried an incredible power, yet was soft on the ear. Like steel wrapped in velvet.

He closed the door behind him once again, the soft click of the lock echoing with a finality that had my stomach doing somersaults.

I was trapped, alone in my room with a Dragon.

He smiled at me, and my heart nearly stopped.

How could he be so hot?

“Does me being naked make you uncomfortable?” He stepped closer.

Yes.

“No,” I said.

“Good,” he said, tossing his clothes past me and onto my bed. “Clothes are so restrictive. I wonder why you humans even bother.” His gaze roved over my dress. No doubt he was imagining what I would look like without it on.

I felt myself clench at his gaze, a hot flush of excitement running down my spine.

Oh God…

He stepped even closer. Close enough that I could smell the intoxicating scent of him. Close enough that I could feel the intense heat radiating from his body.

I forced myself to stare up at him, my mouth a grim line of determination. I wouldn’t let him see I was terrified.

Even if my knees were wobbling.

“What do you want?” I forced out.

His eyes darkened, going from that enchanting blue-green to an alluring pitch-black.

“I want you…”

DANE

“...to stop your kingdom’s foolish hunt for Dragons,” I finished.

I watched as she let out the breath she’d been holding, listening to the frantic fluttering of her heartbeat.

This one was a joy to tease.

To torture.

I watched the delicious pink hue of her cheeks, the soft curve of her neck...

A perfect place for me to sink my teeth into.

I began to pace around her. She continued to look forward, her chin turned upwards in a defiant tilt. I smiled, letting out a soft breath on the back of her neck, amused at her attempt to control the shiver that ran down her spine.

“Your fool king continues to hunt us. Trap us.” I walked to her side, growling into her ear. “Enslave us.”

I completed my round so I stood before her again, but her expression had changed. It was no longer defiant, headstrong. Her eyes shone with concern, delicate eyebrows knit together in frustration.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I hate what my brother is doing. I wish I could stop it.”

“Wishes aren’t enough, princess.”

She frowned, opening her mouth to retort.

“Neither is disabling a trap or two in the dead of night.”

Her words died on her lips. I could see her mind whirring behind those bright eyes of hers.

We were silent, for a while. The sounds of the feast drifted up through the window, the noise of ignorant humans prospering while my kin rotted in their cells.

Not for long.

“What should I do then?” she asked.

“It’s obvious. Stop your king’s doomed conquest.” I raised an eyebrow at her. “And I was under the impression you were a smart girl.”

Her eyes narrowed at me, a fire lighting within her.

“How?” She forced the word out through gritted teeth.

“That is your problem, not mine.”

“What?” Incredulous, she nearly shouted the word. “This is our problem. I’m trying to find a solution here. Help me.”

“Oh, but I already have a solution, pet.” I took the single stride needed to close the distance between us, taking her chin between my fingers and tilting her face up to mine. My eyes bored into hers, and I let all of my venom, all of my malice, drip into a deadly whisper.

“I am the Lord of the Dusk Horde. And I will take my flight of Dragons and rain fire upon this little kingdom of yours.”

I watched the blood drain from her face. “Your puny walls of stone will not protect you. Your armies will be reduced to ash. Everything will burn. Everyone will die.”

Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her eyes peeled back with fear.

But not fear for herself.

Fear for her home.

Fear for her people.

How beautiful she looks in this moment.

I cupped her face with my hand.

“I’ve seen your compassion for my kind. I’ve watched your efforts from a distance. So I give you this one chance.” I stepped away from her, making my way toward her window. “Act soon, princess. I am not known for my patience.”

And with a swirl of mist, I was gone.

SUMMER

I stood rooted to the spot for a moment longer. As if I was still in his grip.

Commanding.

Consuming.

I waited until I was sure he was gone, until the pounding of my heart slowed to a normal pace. I waited until my breathing slowed, until my mind stopped swirling in my head, until my knees stopped shaking.

Then I made my move.

I kicked off those damned high heels and threw on my riding boots. I ripped the door open, walking down the staircase as quickly as I could without raising suspicion.

Dragons were coming, and they were going to kill us all.

I wanted nothing more than to curl up on my bed and cry. To throw the sheets over my head and despair.

But I had no time for that.

I had a kingdom to save.

I stalked my way out into the moonlight, taking the roundabout path to the Dragon pens. I snuck past the single patrolling guard, most of them on watch for the feast. I pulled open the large doors, closing them once again behind me to be engulfed in darkness.

My eyes took a moment to adjust to the gloom.

Cruel instruments of torture hung from the walls. Dark pools of dried, brackish blood stained the floor. The stink of decay and neglect permeated the air.

And the gaze of the golden Dragon pierced the darkness, watching me with a vigilant eye.

I stared back, a fierce determination filling me.

“I’m going to get you out of here,” I promised.

The great Dragon raised his head slightly to the rattle of chains.

“But first we’re going to show them what they’re doing is wrong.” I looked around the pens again, burning this horrific scene into my mind. How debasing it all was.

“I’ve got a plan.”