Pendragon's Princess

by Kara Griffin

  “I tell ye, Rhyder, I saw her come in here.”

  “What do I care, Sawyer? Let her be.”

  “The lass is too young to be left on her own. Your father commanded your protection of her. She’s to be your lady.” His friend chortled. “Best start looking after her now.”

  “Stop teasing me or I’ll thrash you.”

  Katriona hurried to hide in the upper loft. She took the rungs and climbed the ladder. They’d better not touch the pups. She sat at the edge of the platform overhead and watched them suspiciously, hoping they would leave. The dragon prince didn’t look as tall from where she perched on the platform.

  “At least she isn’t unsightly,” Sawyer said and laughed. “I’d wager she still wets her nappy.”

  “She is fairly young. I’d rather not have her as my lady, but the choice is not mine. I don’t need a lass to help me rule.”

  Sawyer snickered and bent to retrieve one of the pups. She was about to call out because they were her pups, not theirs.

  “You heard what your father said on the journey. It’s a good match and alliance. Not only will our eastern borders be protected, but we protect their western lands. What does it matter? You have years before you will take her as your wife. Mayhap by then, she’ll grow bosoms?” Sawyer snickered.

  Rhyder ignored him and petted a pup. “I know we need the treaty, but I don’t want her or any lass. I’d rather fight with the soldiers and lead my father’s army. But I must obey my father for he is the king.”

  She listened to their harsh words. Even if she barely discerned what they spoke of, she understood the vehemence in their tone. The dragon prince was angry.

  That made Katriona happy. She leaned forward to peer at them and spotted the biggest, fattest, ugliest spider crawling in the nearby hay. Its black hairy legs moved fast, and she gasped and drew the attention of the dragon prince.

  “There you are. Come down here at once.”

  Katriona shook her head.

  “I order you to come down now. You will heed me.”

  “Nay.”

  “Nay?” Rhyder sounded appalled.

  “I cannot.” Katriona’s eyes widened as the vile spider moved closer.

  “You will obey me, wee lass. I won’t put up with your disrespect.”

  The spider moved even closer, and she crept sideways, nearer the edge of the platform.

  Sawyer had a good laugh. “You should beat her for her disobedience.”

  The dragon prince turned a dark glance at his friend. “Be quiet, Sawyer, you’re scaring her. Lass, come down before you hurt yourself.”

  She took a gulp of breath when the hairy spider ran up a board two inches from her arm. Katriona flung herself back and tumbled through the air. Her eyes squeezed shut and her arms and legs flailed.

  The dragon prince caught her.

  He held her in his arms.

  Sawyer laughed and filled the barn with his loud chortle. “’Tis a good start, Rhyder, she’s already falling for you.”

  Rhyder glared at his friend and set her on her feet and brushed hay from her hair. “Are you harmed?”

  She shook her head. “There’s a big spider up there. Kill it.”

  Sawyer grinned and said, “She’s already giving you orders.”

  Rhyder shoved his friend’s chest and took the ladder. He smashed his hand against the spider. “There, lass, it’s dead.” He climbed back down. “Killing a spider is nothing compared to taming a dragon.”

  Katriona screamed loud enough to evoke the God Thunor and ran from the barn, positive the dragon prince was getting hungry.

  Chapter ONE

  Dinas Emvys Hamlet

  Britain

  Fifteen years later…

  Wails resonated from below. Rhydderch Pendragon, Rhyder to those closest to him, lord of all the lands within a two day ride, stood with his hands on the wooden rail along the overlook of his solar. As far as the eye beheld, rocky slopes trailed downward toward the great waters. Barren crags buffered the hale winds from the vast sea. Caves speckled the edifice of the mountainous incline and housed creatures of great renowned. One of which Rhyder held dear. Shrisy, his beloved dragon, hadn’t shown herself in days. The absence worried him for Rhyder all but whistled and his friend would come.

  Shrisy was the last of her line. Someday soon, there’d be no dragon to bring good fortune to his lands. In the years since their arrival, his family coveted the prosperity the dragons brought. Instead of fearing them or killing the creatures, his ancestors befriended them, worshipped their strength, and found them to be somewhat tame. That was unless something irked the beasts and riled their tempers. Training a dragon to do one’s will wasn’t easy for the beasts had minds of their own. Yet his friendship with Shrisy was coveted even if his dragon wasn’t always obedient.

  He leaned over the protective rail of the overlook and searched for Shrisy. With a shrill whistle, he called again, but his dragon didn’t show herself. He heard nothing but the wails he’d caught in the last few days. Even though he couldn’t see Shrisy, the yowls confirmed what he’d suspected. Rhyder feared age might be his dragon’s woe.

  “Your Grace, we were to meet in your chamber this morning.”

  He turned at the voice of his longtime friend and commander-in-arms, Sawyer, and nodded. “Aye, I must’ve forgotten.”

  “It’s unlike you to forget anything. No matter, we can speak here.” Sawyer leaned against the rail and peered below. His dark, almost black eyes, surveyed the land beyond. “What kept you, your vigilance of Shrisy?”

  “I awoke early and decided to exercise my sword arm. These days I get little use with the sword for it’s the truth, I wield a quill more than a sword.” Rhyder glanced back at his friend before returning his gaze to the incline.

  “It’s the forfeit of ruling the kingdom and overseeing an army. No sighting of Shrisy yet?” Sawyer set his hands on his hips in a stance he often took.

  “None and I loathe admitting my worry…”

  “I know ye worry, Your Grace.”

  Rhyder shook his head. “I told you not to address me formally when we’re alone. You’ve been my most trusted friend for years. We’re practically cousins since my uncle took you as his son when he found you and raised you as his own.” He regarded his comrade’s unkempt garments and his black hair scraggly as if he’d been on the trail for a fortnight.

  “And grateful I am that your uncle happened upon me. I wish I remembered that day but I was newly born. I would’ve perished in that bog if not for my father.”

  “Uncle David favored you and said he was blessed with the bravest of lads.” Rhyder smiled recalling fondly his uncle’s benevolent nature. Sawyer had more of a cynical and unforgiving arrogance, the complete opposite of the man who had raised him.

  Sawyer laughed and stood near. “Och, well, since I was his only child, he would’ve boasted of my prowess. You are my king and I won’t be insolent, Your Grace. Shrisy won’t come at your call? Is there nothing we can do to lure her from the cave?”

  “Nay, there’s nothing. I shall think on it and will find a way to entice her to come. Either that or I will need to scale this wall and find her myself.”

  “Your grace, such a thing would be mighty risky and dangerous. ‘Tis too windy to try such a fete. You might reach her by way of the beach. Some caves are accessible from the sands. Best wait until the beast is ready to come out or mayhap bait her with a fat deer.”

  “A deer would entice her if it was tethered near the cave. I sense Shrisy is hurting and needs aid. I have to find her and help if I can.”

  “Even if you might find her, Your Grace… What could you do to aid her?”

  Rhyder closed his eyes in objection to such a thought. The matter brought forth his frustration, and he’d gotten little sleep in the last few days. Restlessness overtook him. “I don’t know, but I have to do something. I cannot let Shrisy die without at least offering comfort.”

  “I hate being the burden of
more ill tidings.”

  “What is it?” He continued to peer over the edge of the rail, his jaw clenched in defeat.

  “Another man was found murdered in his bed.”

  Rhyder fisted his hands. Intense anger came upon him and forced harsh breath from his nose. “Another one? That makes four men in my army killed in their beds within a fortnight. What is going on?”

  “I know not, Your Grace. Someone is intent to lessen your army. It was Greyor. His family will lay him to rest on the morrow. Men are hollowing the ground now for his descent.”

  He shook his head in disbelief. “Why would someone in my kingdom want to lessen our army and numbers? Gregor was a fine soldier, too. Triple the night watch and inform his family I will attend his burial. All should be watchful.”

  “Aye, Your Grace, I will. You received a missive from King Raedwald.”

  “And what does our good ally say?” Rhyder continued to watch for Shrisy and his attention waned with his preoccupation of the wayward dragon.

  Sawyer stepped sideways and closer to redirect him. “It is of import. We have an urgent matter to discuss and it is probably good we do it here, in private.”

  “Is Raedwald’s lands in danger? Is he being invaded by Wulfar again? Wulfar is never satisfied with the plunder he takes. Tell me it is not so. I suppose I must aid King Raedwald as we agreed.” He was ready to set out and take command of his soldiers and head east, but Sawyer stopped him by blocking his path.

  “Nay, Your Grace, we are well protected. Our sentry reported no breach and King Raedwald does not speak of war or needing aid. Wulfar has been quiet of late. I suppose he is raiding other lands, hopefully to the north or the east. At least we squelched the last invasion.”

  “Merica’s king is a thistle in my arse. You would think his vast lands would content him, but he covets more. Is that not why the Romans fled? Aye, they had land aplenty but wanted more and couldn’t handle the many invasions and uprisings.”

  “You detest Wulfar because of his treachery against your parents and my father. The murderous knave. We should’ve confronted him long ago and slaughtered his people as he did ours.”

  Rhyder lowered his gaze. Talk of his parent’s deaths always brought sadness and regret. “I would have but our kingdom needed me. I couldn’t hail off to war when our people suffered at the loss of their king and queen. The kingdom comes first, all else second. Wulfar will pay for his murderous deceit one day when the time is right. If it is not Wulfar, who you wish to speak of, tell me your news.”

  Sawyer pulled away from the rail and faced him. “It is not politics I wish to discuss, but more of a personal matter.”

  “You hesitate which tells me I will not like it. Come and tell me this news.” Rhyder shifted his gaze and focused on his friend’s face. His comrade’s expression turned serious, more somber than he’d ever seen.

  “He writes your bride is on her way and you have shirked your duty in sending for her. King Raedwald is displeased you didn’t answer his requests for visitation to discuss the matter. He means to honor the pact he made with your father and insists you honor it as well. His daughter will cross our border on the morrow.”

  “My bride?” He wanted to laugh but refrained from doing so. Instead, he knelt and picked up a large rock and tossed it over the edge. The rock skidded over the rocky incline and landed hundreds of feet below. He’d hoped the noise might provoke his dragon’s curiosity, but only wails came from below.

  “Aye, Your Grace, your bride. You remember her, do you not? The princess you pledged yourself to years ago.” Sawyer chuckled. “The very one who swore you were going to eat her.”

  Rhyder smiled at the remembrance. “Aye, I remember. How can I forget the silly lass? I also recall you having a dislike of her, but she was quite wee then.”

  “She is to be your lady, Your Grace. My dislike is and was insincere. You have my complete loyalty, as does she.”

  “Your devotion pleases me, but it is unnecessary to claim it so passionately. I know you’re loyal and I will never question your faithfulness.” He slapped his friend’s back and nodded. Although of late his comrade was as absent as his dragon, for he’d searched for Sawyer countless times and had to give up his search. Rhyder considered asking his friend of his whereabouts, but with Shrisy his only focus, he’d put it off.

  Sawyer smirked and settled his hands on his hips. “Many years passed since your betrothal. She’s a grown woman now. Regardless, she’s on her way and expects to be greeted by you, her husband. We should make preparations for the ceremony and feast. We need to call the priest.”

  Rhyder pressed his tired eyes and hoped to ease the sleeplessness from them. He’d slept likely two hours at a time since his dragon’s absence. “I am in no mood to entertain.”

  “You never are, but entertain you must. Surely the lady expects a lavish wedding. She is a princess and one from a wealthy kingdom. Lest ye forget, she is marrying a king.”

  “She cannot come at a worse time.”

  Sawyer grinned. “Aye, but we cannot turn her away. I’ll ask Merrion to help prepare for her arrival and to plan the feast.”

  “My sister will be pleased to use her talents. Be sure to tell her I requested it. You know how she is when you try to command her.” Rhyder grinned for his sister could be difficult, especially when dealing with his commander. They had a love/hate relationship and more brotherly/sisterly than what he had with her. Of course, she wouldn’t ever disobey him or voice any complaint in his presence.

  “Don’t I know it? I suggest we go at earliest light to meet the procession. We’ll need to take a guard. I should hasten and make ready for our leave.”

  Rhyder leaned his forearms on the wooden beam in front of him and shook his head. “I cannot leave. You will go and meet her. Ensure her safety on the remainder of her journey.”

  “She will expect you, Your Grace. I would—”

  “Make whatever excuse you will. But I must see to Shrisy. Until I am assured of her wellbeing, I will not leave the hamlet. Make haste, Sawyer.”

  “Very well, Your Grace, yet I am unable to think of any credible reason why you won’t meet her. She will be disappointed. And from what I recall of the princess, she was a mite outspoken.”

  Rhyder shrugged his shoulder. “Princess Katriona was a wee lass and an undisciplined child. Hopefully, she’s learned to quiet her tongue and curbed her restraint. But she’s bound to be disappointed in the union. This marriage has always been a convenience…an alliance for both our kingdoms. I doubt she will care one way or another.”

  Sawyer bellowed a laugh. “Convenience or nay, she will care. Women are funny that way, Your Grace. I just hope for your sake she’s at least grown bosoms since we last saw her.”

  He shoved his friend’s shoulder at his jest. “Go and take a good number of men with you. It will help to show we care even if a little. And don’t forget to tell Merrion to make preparations. Ensure it befits the lady’s position. Just because the marriage is a convenience, it doesn’t mean the marriage is insignificant. As you said she is to be my queen.”

  Sawyer set his hand on his shoulder. “I hope Shrisy shows herself soon.”

  “As do I.” Rhyder kept watch over the cliff and thought about the woman he was to wed.

  He hadn’t thought of Katriona Baldach in a long time, not since his father’s passing. Then, his father reminded him of his duty with a covenant attached to his coronation. Try as he might, he couldn’t recall what the princess looked like. She was mayhap five or six when he and his family journeyed east and made the treaty. He remembered her falling from the loft in the barn and catching her. That memory had fixed itself and he’d never forget how fearful he’d been at the time. She could’ve been killed in the fall.

  If it wasn’t for his dragon’s absence, he might be pleased she was coming and perhaps excited for the celebration and union. But his heart wasn’t in it and he realized he’d have to make a show of mirth. He wouldn’t want his
wife’s displeasure even if he’d jested about it. Rhyder took his vows to his kingdom and any he made sincerely. Even a marriage he wasn’t at one time thrilled about. But now being of a score and a half, he needed to think of his lineage. The family line his father boasted of time and again must, at all costs, continue.

  Shrisy’s untimely ailment forced him to admit one era was ending and another was beginning. If he lost Shrisy, his lands and kingdom were subject to misfortune. That was the last thing he wanted, but he would face whatever would come.

  Loss and acceptance stiffened his resolve. A Pendragon never backed down from any challenge be it woman, enemy, or dragon.

  Chapter TWO

  Katriona kept her eyes closed. She tried to sleep, but with her arrival at her wedding, rest was impossible. That and the jarring ride in the carriage kept her from slumber. The envoy stopped, and a knock came upon the door. At once it was opened.

  Her brother Raen stood with his blond hair covering his left eye. Katriona longed to cut his long locks, but her brother wouldn’t let her near with a dagger.

  He smiled and leaned his shoulder on the wood. “We will stop and rest here overnight. We are not far off and should reach Pendragon’s lands on the morrow. Tents are being erected, sister. Make haste.” He helped her from the carriage and then assisted her sister Mali.

  Katriona returned his smile. “I’m pleased to hear that. This journey is wearisome and long. The rode was quite bumpy. I fear my backside is bruised.”

  “Aye and we’re sure to have headaches for a sennight.” Mali giggled and rubbed her temples.

  Raen laughed at their jests. “Try riding a horse the entire journey and tell me your complaints then, sisters. You want to talk about bruises. My balls—”

  Katriona slapped a hand over his lips. “We know well that you love speaking about your balls, dear brother, but we care not to hear how bruised they are.”