I grabbed James's hand while placing my other hand on Draco's snout. "My place is here with a man I love and the dragon I'm bonded to. They need me as much as I need them."
"I just want what is best for you, Evelyn."
"I know, mother. You've done your duty though. I've grown up and our kingdom will be united with the Scottish throne. The line of assassin's will continue."
"I don't care about that. I care about you. You are my daughter. I want you safe and happy," she said, walking forward and embracing me.
"I know, mother, and I love you. You've done well. Now it's time to let me go."
"How?" she asked.
"I don't know."
"Let's return to the festivities before we are missed," James said, glancing at the door as loud voices grew near.
"The guards should be outside," my father said.
"Yes. They should."
The two men drew near the door to inspect the commotion. The doors flew open, hitting both my father and James in the chest throwing the backwards. My mother ran to my father as I knelt down near James. Neither of them stirred.
"He's breathing!" my mother cried out.
"So is James." I stood as two men, surrounded by a handful of women, strolled in.
The two men at the center of the group were well dressed. Their cloaks were a dark black with red satin linings. Their black tunics were tucked into black breeches while their knee length, black, leather boots hugged snuggly to their calves.
The others wore cloaks, covering most of their faces, and masks.
I stepped back, bumping into Draco as they pushed forward toward mother and me.
"Who are they?" I cried out.
"Agnolo," my mother said.
"Ah, Lady...or should I say Queen Joselyn." The man bowed low to my mother. "It's so good to see you doing well."
His eyes turned to me. A creepy smile crept over his face. I couldn't tell if he admired me or had more sinister thoughts.
"You had a child," the second man hissed, spitting toward me.
"Mother." I side-stepped to where she stood.
She pushed me behind her as Draco let out a low, menacing growl that emanated from deep within his body. I glanced at him as smoke billowed from his nose and the light of his fire glowed in his mouth.
"There is no reason for you to be here. This is a happy time for the Scottish king."
"Yes. It is his birthday, and I believe he's your lovely little petunia's future father-in-law."
"What?" my mother recoiled at his revelation.
"She is marrying the perfectly delicious prince James, is she not?"
Mother said nothing.
The smile spread across his face as he stepped forward. "I thought so. Child. Come forward."
I looked from the man, who obviously ruled over the group, to my mother.
"No. She stays back. There is no need for you to be near her, Agnolo."
"I don't believe I was talking to you, dewdrop." He stared me in the eyes, almost hypnotizing me. "Come, child."
I stepped around my mother and tentatively approached him. He lifted my chin to meet his gaze. "What a lovely rose. You truly are the jewel of England. She looks so much like you my most favorite former assassin."
"Agnolo..."
"Fear not, sweet queen, I am not here to kill her. Yet. I shall save that for later. I am here to offer you a compromise. All this nasty business of you marrying and producing a most stunning example of beauty, if you hand her over to us to become an assassin."
"No. Absolutely not. She's not an assassin," my mother said, grasping my arm and pulling me back.
"You have been training her though."
She pursed her lips together, trying to think of something to say when Draco lurched forward, putting me behind his leg.
"A dragon? Well my, my. I have not seen one of you since I was but a boy. I thought those nasty knights killed you all off."
"They didn't. You shall not have Evelyn."
"Let me run him through," the other man said.
"No, no, Berard. You mustn't destroy something so rare and magnificent. Especially not a dragon. We are not monsters."
"He's just a beast. We destroy beasts."
"No. He's not just a beast. He's Evelyn's dragon. You bonded with a woman? An English princess at that. Remarkable." Agnolo turned back to my mother. "You did create a remarkable creature, my lovely petunia.
"She's not a creature. She is my daughter. Mine. You shall not have her."
He shook his head as he glanced at me again. "Then you shall die."
He turned on his heels and strolled back through the doors without another word followed by the women and the man he called Berard.
"Who was that?" I cried.
"That is what remains of the leaders of the Guild. "I don't know how they found you. There must be a spy. He knew everything."
"How old is that man?" Draco asked, his scales growing cold.
"His age? I don't know. Is it important?"
"Perhaps. He said he remembered seeing dragons as a young boy. Dragons have not openly been near people in over a hundred years. Not since I was a hatchling."
"What?" my mother asked.
"Is he an immortal?" Draco asked.
"I-I don't know. I never thought so. Perhaps."
"An immortal?" I asked.
"Yes. A human who has some magical abilities. Usually it's bestowed upon them by witches or other beings."
"Witches?" I asked. "I am so...I can't." I sat down and put my head in my hands. "They want to kill me?"
"I've been warning you this would happen," my mother said, pacing the room.
My father and James slowly sat up and looked about. I leaned against Draco as mother informed them both of what happened and the fact that I was going to die.
Chapter thirteen
"Impossible!" James shouted, standing up.
"It's not. I told you there was no hiding from the Guild," my mother replied, shaking her head.
"I don't understand how they could know."
"They just do," my mother shouted at him.
"I don't want to die."
"What, Evelyn?"
"I don't want to die. I'd rather stay alive," I said again.
James held out his hand for me. Graciously I took it, allowing him to pull me to my feet. I nearly collapsed into his arms. I felt terrified and weak. Something I was not used to at all. I chewed the sides of my cheeks, attempting to subdue the sobs that threatened to escape. My eyes glassed over as tears built up.
"You'll b alright, Evelyn. I won't let anything happen to you." He held me tight to his body.
My mother stood beside us shaking her head. "No. You can't keep her safe. The only one who can, is Evelyn."
"Me?" I asked.
"I've taught you everything I know. You need to be strong and vigilant. There is no telling when they will strike."
The doors creaked open and a guard poked his head inside. His eyebrows stitched together and he seemed troubled.
Draco shimmered out of sight as James whipped his head around. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Uh, do forgive me, majesty. It's just some of the lords are inquiring about your whereabouts."
"It is none of their concern," James shouted.
"Yes. I know, sire; however, one of the servant girls is dead."
"What?" His voice filled with terror.
"We managed to hide her body before anyone saw her, but you should probably see her."
"How did she die?"
"An arrow to the heart."
"An arrow? Did you catch who did it?" James asked, his hands shaking in mine.
"No. Nobody saw anything. She was standing near the entrance to the kitchen and just dropped dead with an arrow in her heart."
"It's them," my mother said.
"Are you sure?" my father asked.
"Yes."
"Who, Madame?"
James motioned for the guard to lead him out. The man nodded his head and left the rest of us standing in the barn. My fear slowly turned to anger. It bubbled in my stomach. They attacked an innocent girl for no reason. They threatened me simply because of who my mother was at one time. I furrowed my brows and paced the room. I couldn't allow anyone else to die because of a group of insane men and women.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm going with James." I picked my skirts up off the ground and scurried after the prince.
I saw the guard leading him around the back of the castle, his cape fluttering in the wind.
"James!" I called, running after them.
A small, white tent had been set up behind the castle as an extra outdoor kitchen. The men disappeared inside. I dropped my skirts and straightened the tiara on my head before pulling the front flap of the tent back. James turned to look at me as he stood over stop of a body. My breath hitched as I saw the blood dripping off the table she laid on.
"You shouldn't be here, Evelyn."
"She died because of me. I want to see her."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I need to. This is the world I'm in now. Nothing is safe for me."
"Evelyn!" my mother shouted, grabbing my arm. "Don't go in there. You don't need to see."
"I do." I pulled away from her and moved forward.
"I've tried protecting you from this."
"I know. It's okay. Like you said, they were bound to find me eventually."
A tear slid down her cheek as I continued forward. James grasped my hand and moved to the side so I could see the servant girl. She wasn't much younger than I. Her brown hair curled and twisted, I imagined it hung down her back in beautiful, chocolate waves. Now though, it lay scattered on the table. I reached out, grasping her cold chin. I turned her face toward me and examined every inch of her. She was pretty. Her skin pale and flawless except for a smudge on her cheek. I took the handkerchief tucked in my sleeve and wiped at the mark that disgraced her lovely skin. It was dried blood. I released her chin, watching as her head fell to the side, and continued to stare at her. The front of her dress and apron had large wet, red spot that grew to large proportions. In the center, a jagged cut showed where the arrow pierced her body.
"Are you alright?" James asked.
"I'm fine. I feel bad for the poor girl. Do you know if she was the target? Or did they think she was someone else?"
"Who do you think they thought she was?"
"Even I know she has a resemblance to me. It's eerie how much she looks like me."
"It's possible."
"But why would they think I'd wear a servant girls dress and apron?" I pondered aloud.
"To remain hidden in plain sight?"
"Perhaps." I tore my gaze away from the girl and looked around at the scarcely populated tent. "What is to be done with her?"
"Her body will be returned to her family, if she has one. And they will be paid her yearly salary for five years to help compensate her missed wages."
"That is very generous," my father said.
"Yes. Well it's the least I can do since she was killed outside my kitchen," James said.
I nodded my head and left the tent. "I'm returning to the festivities. We've been gone for quite some time."
"Evelyn?"
I tuned to face my father. "What?"
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Absolutely. Why wouldn't it be? We're here at an amazing festival celebrating the fifth year of the king of Scotland, a young girl is dead, and a group of insane people wants to kill me. Why wouldn't everything be okay?"
James approached me and held onto my shoulders, staring into my eyes. Sadness and concern flooded them. "It's okay to be scared."
"I'm fine, James. I'll be fine. I know I can protect myself."
"You're not going to do anything foolish are you?" he asked.
I shook my head at him, the curls bouncing about my face as my tiara flopped back and forth. "No."
He straightened the jeweled crown out and tucked my loose hair behind my ears. "I'd prefer if you would stay near your parents or me. I love you, Evelyn."
"James..." my voice trailed off as watched him. Sighing heavily I relented. "I love you, too."
He held out his arm for me. I looped mine through and we walked into the happy festival. Lords and ladies cheered as the prince and I came through the crowds. Barrels of ale and wine were set up around the encampment. Far off the men continued to throw cabers and toss the rocks. Banners waved and music played gaily. I wanted to enjoy in the happy time. I wanted to celebrate the king's birthday. However, no part of me was joyous. Deep down I was angry and scared. I searched the crowds for anyone who looked like those invading my life and those around me.
"Shall we announce our engagement?" James whispered.
"Now? Do you think it's the right time? After what happened and is happening?" I asked.
"It will show the Guild we are standing together. That no matter what you have the English and Scottish kingdoms by your side."
"Yes. I suppose that would show them that I am not vulnerable. Even though I do feel like it."
He dug into a pocket within his doublet and withdrew a green velvet bag. "What is this?"
"Open it and find out. I wanted to wait to give it to you, but if we announce our engagement I want you to have this."
I unclasped the golden dragon, which snapped in half, and folded back the flap. A beautiful gold ring, which twisted into beautiful ropes about the center holding sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. I looked at James who reached for the ring.
"It was my mother's. Upon her death I acquired it so that I may give it to my future wife."
"You're giving it to me?" I asked.
"You are my future wife and you are bound to this land as much as I am. I know you will not leave and you are a true Scottish woman."
"I can't thank you enough, James. Let's announce it. To everyone. We'll have another announcement in England so that the English people also know."
"Where shall we wed?" he asked.
"Here. I'm sure you'll find a marvelous place."
"I have a few places in mind." He held my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it lightly. The gems in my ring gleamed in the sunlight.
The tall, lanky man who skulked about the castle appeared from nowhere. "Bring my father." James commanded.
The man bowed low and disappeared inside the massive tent. He reemerged pushing the king in a large and awkward looking chair with small wheels on it.
"What's going on?" my mother asked.
"You'll see," I said, smiling.
"Attention! Attention please!" The lords and ladies grew quiet as the music died down. "I, well, we have an announcement. The kingdoms of Scotland and England shall be united in marriage as Princess Evelyn and I will be married."
Cheers erupted from the crowds; music began even louder and more cheerful than before, as more casks of ale and wine were brought from within the castle.
My stomach continued to churn and butterflies fluttered inside as I pondered over the realization I was getting married and there were people trying to kill me. I hoped that when I did say I do I wasn't bringing an unknown force of evil upon the Scottish people.
Chapter fourteen
The kitchen staff emerged from the depths of the cookery, carrying a large platter with an immaculate cake resting a top. The beautiful greens, golds, reds, and oranges. The king seemed to smile. At least the corner of the left side of his mouth twitched upward.
"He's happy," James whispered, squeezing my hand.
"Good. Do you think he knows what's going on?"
"I have no doubt. He's not with us on the outside, but I believe he's the old King Alastair inside."
"I'm sure he is, dear."
James released my hand and grabbed the knife resting on the platter. "We gather for festivities and merriment to cele
brate the fiftieth year of King Alastair! He's had a long and prosperous reign with, hopefully, many more years to come."
The crowds erupted into cheers as James sliced into the cake. Andrew took the knife from him and began cutting it into slices for all to enjoy. I happily accepted a plate and slowly ate it, scanning the crowds for anyone out of place. My eyes rested on a servant girl who held a platter of fruit toward the back. Her jet-black hair and beautiful olive skin contrasted greatly to the other servant girls whose red hair and pale skin matched the setting of the dreary day perfectly.
Her plump, red lips turned downward at the corners, her thick eyebrows stitched together, and her piecing black eyes trained on me. No matter where I went or whom I talked to, she watched. Despite the warm fall day, I felt chills running through my body. I didn't like the feeling.
"Evelyn, get inside." My mother grasped my arm and led me toward the castle.
"Why?"
"Something's not right. I have a feeling else bad is going to happen."
"You felt it too?" I asked.
"What do you mean too?"
"There is a servant girl toward the back who doesn't quite fit in, and she's been staring at me for the past half of an hour or so," I mumbled, taking a side-glance where I'd last seen her.
She was gone.
My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach and my eyes widened. "Where is she? Where did she go?"
I heard a ping and the sound of metal on metal. A blade appeared in the palm of my mother's hand. "To the castle."
"I'm not going anywhere. They will not scare me."
"Evelyn, do as I say. This is for your protection."
"Is everything quite alright?" James asked.
"No. One of them are still around. I don't know where she went though," I said. "Does anyone not look like they belong?"
James looked around before shaking his head. "Everyone seems to be accounted for."
His gaze stopped though. He'd found her. I looked where he was looking and she'd abandoned the platter of fruit. She slunk through the crowds, watching my every move. I turned and darted toward the dragons' barn. She leapt on a table and over a few people into a clearing. I didn't expect her to be so fast.
"Get that woman!" my father shouted.
"Guards! Save the princess!"
The Defender's Daughter: The Defender's Book 2 Page 9
