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

by Jay Lynn

  Though only a few minutes passed, the ensuing seconds felt like an eternity. The dragons took flight rounding the castle, but Edmund paid them little mind.

  Slowly retracing her footsteps, Jade appeared around the back of the castle.

  Edmund quickly strode to meet her, noting the becoming blush which was accompanying a wide smile on her face. Wrapping his arms about her small frame, Edmund exhaled with a long sigh.

  “I have dreamt of little else other than this moment since you were taken. For my own daughter to be taken from my castle—” Edmund’s words cut off as he gave Jade another tight squeeze. Stepping back, the duke gently took his daughter’s hands in his own. “If he harmed so much as one hair upon your head, my jewel, I swear to you there is nowhere within these realms that he shall be able to hide.”

  Tearing up, Jade’s eyes glowed. Gripping her father’s hands, she lightly shook her head. Jade had no doubt that he would do just as he said. “I am so lucky in my fortunes to have a father such as you. No, bearing his company was my only distress. Even so,” Jade turned back, looking towards the gardens. “Vincent is unable to do further harm.”

  Eyes tracking Jade’s line of sight, Edmund was easily able to understand her meaning. It would seem Alec has already dealt with this particular issue. The man never ceased to amaze him. Thoughts of Vincent’s treachery were swept away as Leona hurried down the steps and embraced her only child.

  Looking her daughter over, she cupped Jade’s face between her hands. “Jade, my precious girl, I have counted the moments until we would be united once more. Did he harm you?”

  Jade touched her mother’s cheek with a smile. “I am unharmed, Mother. It brings me great pleasure to be home. Pray, let us put this unpleasantness behind us. He is not worth another moment’s thought.”

  Above, the dragons passed by, heading towards the forest. Jade’s lips pursed together. I wonder where they might be traveling.

  Watching Jade’s expression, Edmund fought a smile. Vincent’s tyranny must not have been as heinous as he feared, for only one man seemed to be occupying his daughter’s mind.

  “I would surmise that the dragons are leaving to hunt. It has been a long journey for them as well. They need to rest as much as you, my jewel.”

  A thin smile spread across her face. “Of course.”

  “Come,” Leona encouraged, holding out a hand. “Let us retire to a warm hearth. You must be weary after your long journey.”

  If her mother had said this when she first landed, Jade might have agreed. Now, Alec’s touch seemed to be imprinted on her body. Jade’s lips tingled at the thought of his kiss. Weary was not how she was feeling.

  After a night of restless sleep, Jade woke to a sunny sky. Flakes of the first snow of the season drifted down outside the window of her new suite. During her absence, the duchess saw fit to relocate her daughter to another part of the castle. Jade’s new chamber was being freshly redecorated with linens and drapes ordered from Ariston. Though most of her furniture was the same, the unfamiliar space did not offer as much comfort as she had hoped.

  Gripping the shawl draped around her shoulders, Jade closed her eyes and slowly inhaled. A chill snaked about her ankles, crawling up her back as it caused her to shiver. Is someone present? Jade’s eyelids flew open. Spinning away from the window, she ran her hands up and down her arms while visually searching her chamber. There is nothing here, Jade firmly scolded. The dying embers of her fire would do little to fight the outside chill. There was no reason for her to suspect another intrusion.

  “He is no longer a threat,” Jade murmured to the empty room.

  Having witnessed the lord’s demise for herself, Jade knew there was no possibility that he could be lurking about. Still, the silence of her chamber was far from peaceful. Striding across the space, Jade rushed to her door and out into the corridor. As the number of steps away from her room grew, the slower her pace and heartrate became. Jade glanced over her shoulder prior to pausing her flight. The space behind her was completely empty. Shoulders sagging, she sighed. It would seem Vincent did more harm than I had hoped.

  In need of a calming presence, Jade continued her journey in search of Alec. A smile touched her lips. Merely being by his side was sure to be enough to settle her unease. The question was, where to seek him?

  Jade first traveled out to the gardens. The rows of snow-dusted bushes gave her most beloved retreat a whimsical appearance. Flurries still drifted down from the sky, but Jade gave them little mind. Making her way to the back of the gardens, she picked up her pace. Stepping into the clearing beyond, the grin on her face faded. The surrounding area was nothing but a blanket of perfect freshly fallen snow. With no evidence of Alec or the dragons having been there anytime this morning, Jade turned back and retraced her steps.

  The barracks was her next destination. In colder weather, the soldiers utilized a mix of the outdoor and indoor training areas. Entering the field behind the barracks, Jade saw several men sparring with swords and shields. Studying their faces, she fought a frown. Alec didn’t seem to be among either the men in the field or those observing along the sides. Rounding the back, she headed towards the indoor hall. Torches lit the walls of the bright space giving Jade a clear view of those inside. The noble had barely arrived when the other man she sought strode to her side.

  A pleasant smile adorned the gruff warrior’s face. “Lady Jade,” he said, greeting her fondly. “I sense that it’s too early to resume your lessons. Tell me, what brings you to the barracks?”

  Her eyes passing over the soldiers a second time, Jade fought for the small grin upon her face not to vanish. “As usual your senses are indeed correct. Though I do wish to begin our lessons anew, it was in seeking another swordsman which brought me hence.”

  Garth watched her for a second before his eyes widened thoughtfully. Turning to gaze back at his men, the warrior exhaled with a sigh. “Of that, I regret, I cannot be of any aid. I have yet to see Alec today.”

  Shoulders sagging, Jade’s gaze shifted to the floor. “Nor has anyone else.”

  Where is he?

  Garth looped his thumbs in his belt and sighed. “Seeing as the dragons haven’t returned to the castle, Alec’s most likely near Malcolm’s cottage with them.” When she made no reply, Garth peered at the top of her bent head. His expression softened. “Jade,” he called quietly.

  Blinking, the noblewoman looked back up at him.

  “Give him time. He’s bound to have a fair amount of anger in his heart. For any harm to come to the person you care for the most is a man’s worst nightmare.”

  Jade frowned. “Vincent’s madness was not Alec’s doing.”

  “No, it was not. However, that doesn’t stop a man from wishing he were able to prevent the misfortune from ever occurring.”

  A distinct sadness in Garth’s voice caused Jade to turn towards him.

  “Garth? Are you feeling unwell?”

  He gave her a small smile which didn’t even come close to reaching his eyes. “No, milady.”

  Liar. “What misfortune were you unable to prevent?”

  A long silence fell in which Jade became certain that the warrior had no intention of answering her prying question.

  When Garth next spoke, his words were barely above a whisper. “My family’s murder.”

  Jade’s lips parted, yet no words dared to come forth. A dull ache filled her heart for the kind man. Why would anyone desire to bring his family harm? Did this tragedy have anything to do with how he came to be a gladiator? One look at Garth’s mournful expression and Jade knew she couldn’t voice the sudden flow of questions.

  “I am so terribly sorry, Garth,” she said with true sincerity.

  The warrior released a long sigh. “It…it matters not who bears fault. Alec cares greatly for you. He is bound to feel some responsibility. Pray, we must be patient enough to give him the space he requires.”

  “Of course,” Jade replied with a nod. “I understand.”

/>   Though she might have said so, Jade didn’t really comprehend. She believed Vincent’s deceit should be strengthening her bond with Alec. Why did it seem to be pushing her and the sage apart instead?

  Despite the assurance that Alec would return to Stafford when he was ready, Jade’s mind would not allow her any reprieve. That night, she tossed and turned for hours on end. Kicking the covers aside with a groan, Jade dragged one of her blankets over towards a deep, comfortable chair beside the window. Curling up, she gazed longingly at the stars.

  “Pray, watch over my Alec, and return him safely hence,” she asked the ancient spirits.

  Hopefully, someone would hear her words and send Alec back to her by morning. Eyelids drifting closed, Jade eventually dozed off where she lay. The hazy darkness of sleep morphed into the vivid images of a luxurious garden. Moonlight painted a soft glow on the surrounding foliage. Jade strode through the rows of flowers, running her fingers over the petals as she went. The path opened up to reveal the large fountain at the center of the garden. A man stood watching the flow of water with his back to her. Jade’s breath caught in her throat.

  “Alec,” she whispered.

  Jade would know him anywhere.

  As the prince began to turn, Jade raced into his awaiting arms. Embracing her tightly, Alec twirled her around in a circle. His hands fluttered over the sleeves of her dress as they traveled upwards to weave their way into her long tresses. When his lips finally sought hers, Jade felt nothing but pure ecstasy. Body turning lighter than air, part of her was surprised that her feet were remaining on the ground.

  Trailing kisses across her cheek Alec embraced Jade once again. “I will always love you,” he breathed softly into her ear.

  Jade smiled brightly. “I love you too, darling.”

  Just when she thought her heart might burst with happiness, Jade felt Alec’s body tense. The next moment he stood in front of the fountain with a somber expression she had never seen him wear before. Lifting dull, pained eyes the prince slowly reached out towards her.

  “Goodbye, love.”

  “Good-goodbye?” Jade questioned, a tremor racing through her like cold water. “Alec, whatever do you mean?”

  Dashing forward, Jade reached for him. The moment her fingers connected with his, Alec burst apart into drops of water, as if his image had been nothing more than a reflection off the fountain’s spray.

  “No!” Jade cried bolting upright in her seat.

  Chest heaving, she pressed a hand to her breast as she sucked in gulps of air. How could heaven shift to hell so quickly? The twisted dream had felt so real. Touching her trembling lips, Jade could still feel Alec’s kiss as if he had been with her only a moment before.

  Where are you?

  Peering out the window, Jade caught sight of the first few rays of the sun. A new day had begun. Pulling the blanket off her lap, Jade strode to her wardrobe and searched for a gown that she could fashion without Ariel’s aid. Spying her freshly laundered trousers for weapons practice, Jade grabbed the more flexible garment instead. No matter what anyone insisted, Jade needed to see Alec immediately. She would give him the space he required later. For now, the noblewoman desperately wanted to see him. Otherwise, she feared her nightmare just might come to light.

  Heading across the courtyard, Jade strode as quickly as she dared towards the stables. If all went well, she should be able to sneak out of the castle grounds before her true directive was discovered. Being the daughter of the duke had its merits. Few would risk staying her course.

  Just as she was entering the stable’s threshold, someone called out to her. Without turning, she slipped inside as if she had not heard them. Sending a stable boy for her steed, she gripped the inside of her cloak. Pray, do not look for me. Pray, do not look for me.

  Another set of steps approached her, despite her silent pleas. Bright smile covering her face, Isabelle waved. “Good morning to you, Lady Jade. How are you fairing? Sorry I was not able to visit you yesterday. I’m sure you’re pleased to be back in Stafford.”

  Looking at the other woman, Jade sighed, a smile appearing on her lips in response.

  “Good morning, Izzy. It is a pleasure to see you. Do not fret, considering your sudden departure with the others, I had an inkling you would be quite busy upon our return.”

  The bubbly sage nodded. “Indeed,” she giggled. “In fact, I’ve just finished speaking with Malcolm.” Her gaze shifted to the nearly empty hallway. “Are you going for a ride?”

  Jade’s smile slipped. Looking first in one direction, then in the other, she lowered her voice to a whisper. “Do not speak a word of it, but I am traveling to Master Malcolm’s cottage to seek out Alec. My father does not wish for me to leave the castle grounds.”

  “Alec?” Isabelle repeated strangely.

  Jade dipped her head in a nod. “Indeed. I…” she dropped her gaze to her hands briefly. “I must admit, I am quite worried about him. Were you aware that he has not returned to the castle since our arrival?”

  Isabelle frowned. But Malcolm said Alec hasn’t been to his place. If that was so, then where in the realms had he gone? Considering Alec’s attachment to the noblewoman, Isabelle could not imagine him going too far from her side.

  “Are you saying that you haven’t seen Alec since the night of our return?”

  “No, I have not.”

  The sage rubbed a hand along the side of her face. “I will go with you. This way, you will at least have an escort should you run into some unforeseen mischief.”

  “Really?” Jade grinned. Reaching out, she gripped the other woman’s hands. “Thank you, Izzy. I am so pleased that I can rely on you as Alec does.”

  The blonde laughed. “I don’t know about that. I seem to cause him more trouble if nothing else.”

  Jade shook her head. “We both know that is not true. Come,” she encouraged summoning a servant to fetch Isabelle’s horse. “We should depart before Sir Roderick tries to intervene.”

  During the short ride to the sage’s dwelling, both women were unusually quiet. Jade found the lack of conversation even more unnerving. Isabelle was not one to stay her words, and for the sage to remain without some comment or another for the length of their journey, left a sour taste in Jade’s mouth. Her fingers gripped the reins tightly. Did she know something that Jade did not?

  Once the roof of the tiny cottage came into view, Jade urged her steed into a canter. She peered around for Cloud, but didn’t see Alec’s loyal horse in the open stable or grazing in the surrounding meadow. No smoke billowed from the chimney nor did a glow light the cottage from the inside. All was dark and serene. Too serene. Where was he?

  “Do you see him?” Jade questioned urgently.

  Isabelle’s light green eyes were scanning the area. “No, I don’t.”

  Dismounting, she tied the reins to the railing and set off around the back of the dwelling. Snow covered the ground in a thin, untouched blanket. Brows lowering, the sage carefully trekked down the slope to the edge of the swiftly flowing creek.

  Jade followed close behind. Her gaze shifted to the ground as she searched for even a single set of prints.

  “He has to be here,” she murmured with the hint of distress.

  I wish he were, Isabelle thought, for Jade’s sake if nothing else. If would seem that somehow the prince had vanished. Peering about once again, her eyes narrowed. Isabelle stilled. At the edge of the forest there was a patch of trees bare of snow on the lower half of the branches. It was unnatural for a few pines to be disturbed in such a way while others were not. Helping Jade to cross the creek, Isabelle strode over towards them. Nearing the forest, her steps stilled.

  Jade stood close to her side. “What is the matter? Did you find Alec?”

  “No,” Isabelle told her gazing at the large tracks leading into the trees. “But, I do believe I have found a dragon.”

  The noble’s face brightened. “A dragon? Then Alec is sure to be here. Come, let us greet them.”
>
  Isabelle held out her arm to cease Jade’s advance. If their battle two nights ago had taught her anything, it was that not all dragons were allies. There were some, just like humans, who would willingly bring them harm.

  “Careful, Jade,” Isabelle warned. “We know not if this creature is a friend. Alec’s guardians wouldn’t be hidden so deep within the trees that we could not see them. Perhaps, it would be better for you to remain inside while I investigate.”

  Jade crossed her arms. “If there is as much danger as you claim, then you very well may require my aid. I bear no desire to fight a dragon, yet I am still able to wield a sword.”

  When Jade refused to break eye contact, Isabelle sighed. “Well, it’s not as if I can force you to remain behind.”

  Taking the lead, the sorceress followed the prints into the forest. The freshly fallen snow lit the surrounding space like a blank canvas. Every movement of the animals, every impression, was brightened for them to see. Heart rate speeding up, Isabelle gripped the hilt of her sword. Her eyes darted to each noise that echoed around them. I really wish Alec was here right now. Having a more battle-hardened warrior might have helped to ease her nerves. Still, they trudged on, traveling ever deeper into the woods.

  At last they came upon a group of large rock outcroppings. Isabelle stilled her steps and motioned for Jade to move behind her. This was just the type of place which could hide a dragon.