The Dragon Marked Chronicles: Prince of Dragons (Book 2)

by Jay Lynn

  “Why are you saying this?” Alec demanded, his words raw and barely above a whisper.

  “Because I speak the truth. You are my son, Alakaid.”

  “It’s true. The dragon’s magic was given to King Stephan, the first ruler of Malyndor,” Malcolm confirmed.

  Sights lowering to the floor, Alec raked his fingers through his hair several times. “What happened?”

  Kalendra twisted her fingers on her lap. Somehow, she managed to keep her gaze steady.

  “One evening, some men broke into our country estate with the help of a few traitorous soldiers and took you. The Royal Guard followed suit. There was a crash. Instead of surrendering, your kidnappers set fire to the carriage, ending both their lives and at the time, what we believed to be yours. When the sages were able to diminish the blaze, there was nothing left save for a charred frame.”

  “So that’s it?” Alec questioned.

  There was something missing from her story. Clearly, he hadn’t been in the carriage. Didn’t they do a more thorough search? If they believed the Baron was involved, then why hadn’t he been punished? Suddenly, Alec could picture the twisted smile Baron Hawkins would wear so often when he saw him. This man tormented him for years, and Alec never understood the reason for it. It made so much sense now. The Baron wasn’t merely enjoying striking some worthless slave. No, he was taking his vengeance out on his enemy’s child. Which would mean Alec really was the son of Queen Kalendra. Alec’s grip tightened on the chair. That would also make him not just a noble, but a prince of Malyndor.

  So much for family, Alec thought bitterly. All those years he was trying to find them and save his family. Here, they ruled an entire kingdom, yet hadn’t bothered to protect one small boy.

  Do not trust her, whispered a woman’s voice within his mind.

  “You left me there,” Alec said, his tone devoid of emotion. Face closed off, he glanced back at Kalendra.

  Face paling, she rose to her feet. “No. You are mistaken. There were scorched remains. We believed you had perished. If there had been any chance of you being alive I would not have stopped until you were found.”

  “I was alive.”

  A strained silence rang through the air.

  “He used to beat me for no reason. Imagine learning it was all due to that monster hating your parents.”

  Turning away, Alec started towards the door.

  “Alec, you have every right to despise me, but pray don’t turn your back on your family,” Malcolm said coming to stand beside the warrior.

  Alec sighed heavily. “I…I don’t despise you, Malcolm. I know you only seek what’s best for me, but this— I can’t do this right now.”

  Hand grasping the door handle, Alec paused as Kalendra tried to cease his flight. “Pray Alakaid, we need to talk. Your father will be arriving once word reaches him that you are here.”

  Malcolm closed his eyes as Alec bristled.

  “Leos is my father,” the younger sorcerer coldly informed her as he peered at his mother from over his shoulder. “He called me his son even when I was nothing and took me as his family. I will not betray him. We’ve never even spoke before this day, Your Majesty. I’m sorry, but you said it yourself…” Alec opened the door, his words barely above a whisper. “Your son perished.”

  Taking a step outside, Alec was forced to a halt. With Kalendra’s voice calling his name still echoing in the sudden silence, he looked down into Isabelle’s flashing eyes. Arms crossed, she blocked his path as the soldiers posted in the corridor stood still as stone.

  “Where are you going?” she demanded with a frown.

  How much did she hear? Alec couldn’t say. At the moment, he didn’t have the patience for one of the sorceress’s interrogations.

  “Not now, Isabelle.” Alec brushed past her.

  “Coward,” she snapped quietly.

  Spinning around, Alec towered over her with narrowed eyes and a tense jaw. “Care to enlighten me?”

  “You heard me,” Isabelle returned. Curling her hands into fists, she ignored her pounding heart. He won’t harm me. Taking a deep breath she refused to avert her gaze. “I said you’re a coward.”

  “I’m not a coward,” he just about growled.

  “Normally I would agree. Why are you behaving like this? I’ve never known you to run from anything. As for your family, they are victims just as much as you. You shouldn’t blame them for thinking you were dead. You’re stronger than that.”

  “Wait, you knew?” That’s right, she called him ‘Prince Pouty’ only a short time ago.

  “No, I didn’t. Not until everyone else did after your powers exploded,” she denied, holding up her hands. “Come now, Alec. This isn’t like you. I know you.”

  Though his expression revealed nothing, Isabelle could see an internal battle within the depths of his eyes.

  Turning his head away, a tendon pressed against the skin on his neck.

  “You don’t know what I am, Isabelle. I don’t even know anymore.”

  Jerking away, he disappeared down the hall without so much as a backward glance. His guards jogged after him, causing Alec to quicken his pace. Must they follow him about? Alec’s nails dug into the palms of his hands. The mark on his back tingled. The sorcerer couldn’t risk his powers threatening to overwhelm him again. It was possible he might actually harm someone.

  “I don’t require an escort,” Alec stiffly informed the soldiers matching his hasty steps.

  “I’m sorry, Your Highness. The Duke ordered us to protect you,” a man cautiously answered.

  “It’s Alec.”

  Protect him? Alec was the one to train these men. Besides he wasn’t the one who needed a guard. Couldn’t they see he was struggling to keep his magic at bay? Descending the main staircase Alec headed straight for the castle’s front door.

  “Cassidy! Ardys!” he hollered without breaking his stride.

  Gliding towards him, Ardys landed gently in the center of the courtyard. Aiding Alec onto his back, he stretched out his wings and rose into the air without a word.

  Shouting for him to come back, the soldiers stood baffled as they watched their charge soar away towards the western forest. They couldn’t really force him to stay when he had his own private dragons.

  Back inside the sorcerer’s chambers, Kalendra dropped down into the nearest chair. “That did not fare well,” she stated, her eyes focused on the floor. “He despises me. For my own son to detest me so…”

  “He doesn’t despise you, Kalendra,” Malcolm told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Alec needs some time to process this. It would be a lot for anyone to discover they’re a prince after being raised as a slave.”

  “I suppose it was too much to hope he would be pleased by the news.”

  “Give him time. If there is one thing I do know, it is that Alec cares greatly for his mother. He’s never ceased trying to find you.”

  A large shadow passing by the windows caught the sage’s eye. Brows lowering, he walked toward the open balcony doors. Perched on the lower rooftop, Cassidy stretched her neck to peer inside the room.

  “Greetings, wizard,” she purred. Catching sight of Kalendra her gaze narrowed slightly. “I see your Queen decided to pay him a visit.”

  “Is Alec alright?” Why is the dragon here? Shouldn’t she be with Alec?

  “He’s with Ardys,” she informed him as if she knew his thoughts. “Fear not, we have no intention of leaving his side.”

  Malcolm nodded. “Good. He needs someone to talk to at the moment.”

  “Agreed. You’ve proven yourself to be quite protective of him, which is why I’m here. We dragons may not be able to answer all the questions he is bound to have.”

  Behind the wizard, Kalendra walked slowly to the doorway. “I should speak with him. His situation was His Majesty’s and my doing. We should never have allowed our son to be stolen.”

  Cassidy glared at the queen. “No, not you,” she snarled prior to shifting her ey
es back to Malcolm. “Come, wizard.”

  Lowering her one front leg, she dipped her head so Malcolm could climb onto her back.

  His upper body pulling back for a moment, he didn’t move. I never thought I’d see the day… Directing his gaze to the queen, he bowed. “I shall pay you a call later, Your Majesty.”

  There was no point in trying to argue with the dragon. If Cassidy didn’t want Kalendra to join them, then she wouldn’t allow it. Getting on her bad side would not be to his benefit. Besides, Malcolm was happy to get another chance to clear the air. The dragon might be able to aid him.

  Bracing himself against the increasing wind, Alec didn’t bother to look where Ardys was heading. It didn’t matter as long as it was away from the castle. After a short flight, he was surprised to see the red dragon had landed in the meadow behind Malcolm’s cottage.

  “Why did you bring me here?”

  “To meet someone.”

  “Who?”

  He only just left the sage so Alec knew the dwelling was empty. Not that he minded. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to see anyone else at the moment. You certainly were keeping a hell of a secret Malcolm. Kicking a stone into the creek, the sorcerer crossed his arms and stared blankly at the flowing water. Had he really heard them right?

  “It can’t be true. They are mistaken,” Alec muttered unhappily.

  “Oh? Who would be mistaken?” questioned a deep gravelly voice from the forest.

  Alec quickly twisted around, a fireball materializing in his palm. “Who said that?”

  “Ready for another match are you, marked one?”

  Behind the sorcerer Ardys smiled. “He’s a friend.”

  Stepping out of the shadows a large black dragon with blazing red eyes appeared. Though shorter than Ardys, he was still a deadly and dangerous foe. Alec didn’t lower his defenses as the creature drew closer. Instinctively, he knew this was the black dragon who challenged him at the village outside Marcia. Was he here to pick another fight?

  “A serious one, aren’t you?” the dragon observed with the hint of a grin. He made no move to attack.

  “Now isn’t the best time to be toying with him, Tatsu. The human queen finally realized who he is and paid Alec a visit.”

  “Hmm... So, how is your mother? I didn’t expect her to arrive so quickly from Ariston.”

  Still poised for a fight, Alec’s eyes tracked Tatsu’s every move. “What do you know of her?”

  The large black creature snorted a waft of smoke trailing from his nose. “You sound surprised. All dragons knew the marked one would be born into the royal family.”

  “Then our little battle was what—an act of boredom?”

  Tatsu drew in closer with a gleam in his eyes. “Perhaps, I wanted to see if you had a true dragon’s spirit.”

  The dragon pulled back, his gaze lifting.

  A frown tugged at his lips as Alec twisted to follow Tatsu’s line of sight. Cassidy just arrived and as she lowered her body to the ground, the warrior knew she wasn’t alone.

  Brushing the hair back from his face, Malcolm slid down beaming. “I must say what a ride!” he patted Cassidy’s leg. “Thank you, my friend. What a ride indeed.”

  Lips parting, Alec strode over to them as his gaze darted between the two. He had to fight to keep a smirk from appearing. At least one of us is enjoying ourselves. “I didn’t expect the two of you to be so well acquainted.”

  Malcolm’s smile grew. “I dare say its proof of the good your power is already doing for Malyndor. Communication has always been key to any lasting alliance.” Catching sight of the other visitor his brows rose. “I wasn’t aware you already had company.”

  Glancing back, Alec peered at Tatsu. “Me either. Today seems to be full of surprises.”

  The three dragons moved to stand beside each other prior to sitting back on their hind legs. Positioned next to his teacher, Alec gazed at them in turn. Why do I have the feeling this meeting wasn’t an accident?

  “I know not what the three of you are up to, but would you at least care to tell me your name this time?”

  “I am Tatsu.”

  “May I ask what brings you here, Tatsu?” Alec questioned, repeating the dragon’s name for Malcolm’s benefit.

  “Now that your powers have fully awakened, I am here to protect you as one of your guardians.”

  The sorcerer’s eyes shifted to Ardys and then Cassidy. “Wait, so this entire time you were merely sent to watch over me? What was all that talk about being friends?”

  From what the black one said, they all knew he was a prince. More and more Alec seemed to be the only one left out of the loop. This wasn’t just a secret Malcolm kept hidden; his whole life was a lie! Everything he’d been searching for was all for not.

  “We are friends,” Cassidy insisted. “Our meeting in the woods was not planned. This forest is my home and once I knew who you were, I had to prove myself in order to be granted the honor of being named your guardian.”

  “That’s why you were gone when I left for Marcia,” he said to himself.

  Cassidy nodded. “I will not fail to protect you again.”

  “His capture was not your fault,” Ardys insisted. “I was the one to lose him the first time.”

  “The first time?”

  Ardys exhaled grimly. “I was charged with watching over you as a child.”

  Taken back, Alec’s mind couldn’t seem to process this information. If Ardys was originally his guardian, then he must have known Alec didn’t die when he was taken. The dragon would have followed his kidnappers. Meaning, the reason he was imprisoned was probably because he tracked Alec to Zerrok.

  “All those years you were imprisoned were because of me,” the sorcerer whispered.

  “I don’t regret the past, as you shouldn’t. The struggles we face are what make us strong. It is what makes us warriors,” Ardys told him puffing out his chest. “A pampered prince could not do what you have done, Alec. He could never do what you will have to.”

  Alec frowned, his gaze dropping to the ground.

  Malcolm’s eyes switched between Alec and the dragons as they spoke. Only able to understand Alec’s words, it wasn’t easy for him to track the conversation. Good thing he was the Cunning Sage.

  “Don’t fret about what has been,” the wise sage told the younger man, placing a hand on his shoulder. “The past can’t be changed. The only thing we can do is move forward and learn from our experiences.”

  Slowly nodding his head, Alec sighed, lifting his shoulders. “So, does anyone know how I’m supposed to unite our races?”

  “Always ready for the next battle. I like it,” Tatsu said approvingly.

  Cassidy glared at him.

  “First, it would be wise for you to learn to control your awakened powers,” Malcolm answered thoughtfully. “The enchantment on your necklace may shield you from detection, however, it can’t hide larger surges.”

  The dragons exchanged knowing glances.

  “What?” Alec questioned with a frown.

  “The wizard is right,” Cassidy told him. “When you use greater amounts of power, it’s possible for other dragons to sense it. You need to be careful with exposing your location to the enemy.”

  Alec grew quiet. Her words struck a chord with him. There was something else she wasn’t telling him, the sorcerer could sense it. Normally, Alec didn’t use much magic during battle. Glancing at Ardys he recalled his return from Zerrok. Healing the red dragon was an exception. Then there was his loss of control in the courtyard.

  “They’re already here, aren’t they?”

  “Who?” Malcolm asked.

  “The Iron Scales Clan. They’re rebel dragons seeking to destroy the dragon emperor and empress. King Titus said there were reports of dragons fighting each other near our southwestern border. After that, a dozen or so entered Malyndor from Ellfraya. These dragons are looking for more of the enemy, aren’t they?”

  Cassidy dipped her head. “That’s correct
, little one. Humans aren’t the only ones who seek the power of the marked one. Many believe if you were to perish, then the magic within you would disappear, weakening our rulers.”

  “We were sent as guardians to aid Cassidy in watching over you,” Ardys added.

  “Humph,” Tatsu grunted. “It’s a good thing I arrived when I did, or it might have been all for not.”

  “Wait, Stafford was attacked?” Alec questioned with furrowed brows, causing Malcolm to narrow his eyes as he listened intently.

  “Yes, last night. We managed to keep them from reaching the city.”

  “What did he say?” the sage asked.

  “Stafford was attacked last night, but they took care of the enemy before they reached the city.”

  “I see. What are the chances of more dragons arriving?”

  Cassidy spoke this time so both sages could understand what they were saying. “We should be safe for now. Even with such a massive surge, the enemy would have to be within a few hundred miles to pinpoint Alec’s exact location. If there were anyone else close by, then we would have already engaged them.”

  “That’s good, I guess.”

  Snorting, Tatsu gazed over at the green dragon. “I know you like him Cassidy, but you’re being too soft on this human. We should take him back to Ellfraya before the Iron Scales Clan finds him again.”

  She shook her head and stamped a foot on the ground. “No. Emperor Draco and Empress Shiori both agreed he could remain with his kind until the time is right. He deserves to enjoy his life in the time prior to when the ceremony can be completed.”

  “I thought the ceremony could be done at any time.”

  “Not quite,” Cassidy told the wizard. “From what I was told, it can only be performed when the moon is in proper alignment and sinks closer to the earth.”

  Fingers cupping his chin Malcolm bobbed his head. “Of course. During times when the moon is closest, the spiritual nexus holds greater power. That would enhance Alec’s power as well.”

  “Great,” Alec said throwing his hands up in the air. “Even when I am ready, I’ll have to wait on the moon.”

  Ardys tipped his head back to gaze at the sky. After a few seconds, he sadly looked back at the warrior. “You need not worry. It shall be arriving soon.”