She had never acted rashly, never just leapt before thinking. This time, she’d leapt into his arms, no debate, no considering the consequences. She shivered, thoroughly confused.
“This is not the life I had planned,” she whispered. “And he is nothing like the husband I envisioned.”
* * *
Olek frowned, resenting his father’s man for his horrible timing. Never had he cursed his position as much as he did in that moment. His body had been strained to the point of explosion. He didn’t want to leave his wife. He wanted her to beg him to stay. If she’d have asked, he would have defied the order and gone back into her arms without hesitation.
Duty is duty. Now, go. The king is waiting.
Olek flinched. She’d been calm as she said it—too calm. What happened to the fiery passion of just moments ago? He wanted that version of his wife back.
He hesitated, torn between going back to Nadja and continuing on to the royal office. Knowing she had been right, he growled and stormed down the hall to meet his father. What else could he do?
Chapter 24
Olek’s mood had turned disagreeable by the time he arrived back home. The king’s need of him lasted well into the night. Zoran had nothing of relevance to report. He had followed a suspected Var spy into the swamps, but had to turn back before he could completely track the man down. Otherwise, he would not have made it to the coronation on time.
As if coronations, planetary Var threats, and unhappy marriages were not enough, they now had reports of a possible alien threat to their northern ore mines. Even though the rumors were unconfirmed, it was something they had to take very seriously. Galaxa-promethium was the lifeblood of the Draig intergalactic economy. The special ore was how they paid for everything offworld, including Galaxy Brides’ shipments.
Olek pressed a finger to the center of his throbbing forehead. After the problems with the current bridal shipment, they were forced to reconsider the Galaxy Brides’ trade agreement as well. Olek’s grandfather had put it into place during his rule hundreds of years ago. They had come to depend on bridal procurement for their very survival. If they stopped trading, he wasn’t sure what the people would do—especially the unmarried people. It could be the first Draig uprising in remembered history.
The Lithor Republic sent a communication via Lord Mirek much sooner than Olek had expected. It was nearly one hundred pages long and came with a ten page request that basically asked to set up an official meeting between two of their dignitaries. As always, Lord Mirek would go and meet with their dignitary, Barun Monke. For some reason, the Lithorian people insisted on formality each and every year and required a member of the immediate royal family to sign the agreement. They also sent all communications on paper with no electronic copy. Honor and common sense dictated the prince read every page, every time, to look for changes in the wording. It was one of Olek’s most dreaded tasks. His father took pity on him and helped with the smaller document. His generosity, however, did not extend to the one hundred page contractual tome. By the time they were finished drafting a response to the dignitary request, the king had decided to put the ceremony’s final preparations off until the next morning.
Olek’s head ached terribly from having to decipher the first part of the Lithorian mess. He deposited the hundred page communication on his desk, none too eager to sift through it.
Nadja was asleep. He looked at her for a long time, lying on his couch with a blanket and pillow. He wondered why she chose to sleep there instead of the bed where she had been staying. There wasn’t room for two of them and he had no wish to wake her so late. His body aching, his head throbbing, he fell into bed still wearing his clothes.
The next morning he awoke late. Nadja was already gone. He assumed she was checking on Princess Pia.
His dreams had been haunted by her kisses, overshadowed by the duties he faced and the attendance of the Var at the coronation festivities. The prince would not have admitted it, but the possibility of a Var threat to the royal princesses was in the back of his mind. He had no proof of their conspiring, only a husband’s worry over his bride.
Dressing quickly in a fresh change of clothes, he had no choice but to go back to the royal office to prepare for the night’s ceremony. The sooner he could get it done, the sooner he could be back home with his Nadja. A smile found his lips as he thought of her. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too averse to picking up where they had left off.
Chapter 25
Nadja trembled in nervous excitement, despite her determination to be calm and dignified. She’d been to celebrations, balls, parties, and numerous other royal events before. She’d even been the guest of honor, along with her father, at many of those functions, giving joint speeches with him, shaking hands, and smiling prettily for the crowds. So tonight should have been no different—but it was.
In her nervous anticipation, Nadja took twice as long with her hair to make sure it was perfectly upswept. She put on makeup and perfume. Looking at her bare throat and ears, she wished she hadn’t been so rash when getting rid of all her jewelry. Her diamond necklace would have gone perfectly with the gown she was to wear.
She’d spent most of the day with Pia, helping the woman get ready. Pia acted as if being accidently stabbed was an everyday occurrence. She moved around as if nothing had happened though Nadja knew the woman had to be sore. Pia didn’t hold a grudge and Nadja was glad for it, though she still felt guilty. Luckily, and to her great relief, Zoran was away while she was there.
Finishing her makeup, Nadja practiced smiling into the mirror before getting her gown. She held the light robe at her waist as she walked. Olek was still gone. She knew he was more than likely with his father.
The coronation gown was nothing like she’d pictured when she saw Bara’s quick sketch of the queen’s design. The dress was divided into two layers. The first was a softened, cream-colored, faille silk that overlaid a tight corset bodice on the top, with non-existent sleeves. It pushed her breasts up, but not too much. The cream skirt then flared out from the hips in a light sweeping effect that glided beautifully when she walked.
The top layer was more of a high-collared jacket of dark green. She’d been told green was Prince Olek’s royal color and she would be wearing it in some form at most royal functions, whether it was a gown or a simple sash. The jacket met at her waist with silver miniature dragon clips. The overskirt flowed, though it was heavier than the cream. Slipping into green dress slippers, she sighed, feeling every inch a princess.
“You look…lovely,” Olek said from the bedroom door. His gaze roamed hungrily over her.
Nadja turned, not having heard him walk in. She smiled, brushing down her skirt. “You don’t think it’s too much? The queen said—”
“It’s perfect,” he murmured. His eyes transfixed on her bodice, he seemed unable to stop himself from going to her. He began to reach for her waist. Nadja darted out of his embrace. Olek glanced up in surprise, clearly confused.
“I spent three hours on this hair. You are not going to ruin it,” she said, seriously. Her hands lifted to make sure he stayed back.
Olek gave her an easy smile. He took a step for her again, teasing her as he pretended to reach for her.
“Oh, stay back,” Nadja cried. “I mean it!”
Olek laughed. “I’ll agree, but only if you give me one kiss.”
Nadja eyed him suspiciously.
“Just one,” he said, taking a step forward. He dropped his hands to the side. “I won’t even touch you. See, I’ll keep my hands right here.”
Nadja, still watching him carefully, eased forward. His mouth stuck out expectantly and she pecked him on the cheek.
Olek’s hands instantly found her waist, pulling her to him. “You call that a kiss?”
Nadja struggled against his hold, though the power in his arms excited her. She swatted at his hands, trying to get free. “Olek, come on, let go.”
“Fine, but I will not forget. Promise to kiss me lat
er and I’ll let you go for now,” Olek said. His eyes dipped down to her cleavage with untold promises. Nadja knew he would be expecting more this night than just a kiss.
Weakly she nodded. “Now let me go. I have to go check on my hair and make sure you didn’t shake it loose.”
Olek nuzzled her neck playfully. “What if I promised not to touch your hair? Would you at least let me see the rest of this dress?”
Confused, she looked down, trying to see what he meant. “This is the whole dress.”
Olek’s hand shifted to undo one of the dragon clasps and his fingers dipped beneath the jacket at her waist. “I want to see under here.”
Nadja swallowed.
“And under here,” Olek huskily continued, his hand trailing underneath the overskirt to the back of her thigh. “Let me see what you’re wearing underneath this skirt. Will you take it off for me?”
Nadja was naked beneath the gown. Qurilixian fashion didn’t supply much in the way of underclothing. She nearly swooned when his lips gently assaulted her neck. Passion readily flooded into her limbs.
“You smell so good,” he whispered. “You feel so good.”
She moaned.
Olek undid the second and third clasps, completely freeing the top layer. He groaned as his eyes moved over the tight bodice clinging to her breasts. Her nipples tightened under the gown, responding to him.
“We’re going to be late,” Nadja said, though in truth she had no idea when the event was due to start. She swatted at his searching hands.
Olek chuckled, and grinned as if he’d been expecting her to come to her senses and stop him.
“Ah, solarflower,” Olek teased, “I won’t take too long.”
Nadja scrunched her nose, not completely understanding, but not liking the idea of a fast whatever-it-was he was planning.
“Is that a no?” Olek asked, stroking her thigh one last time before giving the bottom curve of her ass a hard squeeze. He let her go.
“Get dressed,” Nadja ordered, glancing at the bed. “Your clothes are right there.”
Olek’s eyes followed her nod. She’d already laid out the formal tunic that would match her dress the best. Leaning forward, he smacked her loudly on the lips and let her go. Nadja was almost sorry to feel his protective arms leave her.
“Do you want to help me get dressed?” he asked mischievously.
“I have to go fix this mess you’ve made of me,” she scolded, walking from the room.
Olek smiled after her like a fool. Then, sighing, he went about making himself presentable.
Chapter 26
Nadja peered around the common hall. The dining area was immaculate, from the red stone floor to the steep, arched ceilings. The center dome for light was larger than the one in their wing. Banners of the family crest lined the walls, one for each color of the family lines—green for Olek, red for Zoran, purple for the king and queen, black and blue-gray for the two other princes she had yet to meet. If they were anything like Zoran, she wasn’t in a rush for an introduction. Each banner had the embroidered silver symbol of the dragon.
Lines of dining tables reached across the floor, filled with villagers and attended to by servants who carted out endless pitchers of various drinks and set them out on the tables. Their combined voices created a low, constant murmur over the hall.
With a slight frown, Nadja realized no one had thought of decorations. There were tablecloths and a vase of flowers on the royal table, but the walls were bare and only goblets and pitchers graced the lower tables. Trust men to throw such a party.
Nadja would just have to offer her services next time. This was one area where her skills as a socialite would definitely come in handy. At least there were musicians setting up in the corner. That was something.
Glancing at Olek, she felt jittery. He was seated to her left. On her right was the king. He had smiled politely and welcomed her. But, beyond that, he didn’t speak to her and kept turned toward his wife. Even so, she was keenly aware of the man’s presence.
Pia sat next to the queen, appearing very uncomfortable with the arrangement. Prince Zoran was by her side, as forbidding as ever in his red Lintianese-style tunic. Next to him was Prince Yusef. Nadja had never seen him before. He was much darker in appearance than the rest of the family and acted as unhappy as Zoran. The seat next to him was empty. His princess did not come to the event.
The princes, the king, and the queen all wore silver crowns as a symbol of their sovereignty. Queen Mede’s was smaller in size, though of the same plain design. Nadja glanced at Olek’s head. The crown suited him.
“Where is your fourth brother?” Nadja asked curiously, leaning into Olek. “I thought it was important that all the brides attend tonight.”
“He’ll be here in a moment. His wife must come in and end her slavery first,” he said.
Nadja stiffened. She wasn’t sure she’d heard him right. Her gaze hardened in dismay. “Your brother made his wife a slave?” Her mouth pressed into a thin line.
“She did it to herself,” Olek defended.
Nadja frowned. It is just like a man to blame the woman!
Suddenly, the hall grew very quiet and her attention turned forward. Morrigan Blake walked slowly to the center of the room, her head down-turned in a way that made Nadja want to scream. The woman looked absolutely subdued. Where was the spunky, sarcastic Rigan she’d known on the ship? Where was the woman who always looked proudly to the distance, as if she were overrun with thoughts and ideas?
“What did you do to her?” Nadja whispered. Olek glanced at her questioningly, but she didn’t repeat herself.
“Queen Mede, King Llyr,” Morrigan said giving the royal couple a curtsey. Her voice wavered and she swallowed nervously. Nadja’s frowned deepened, desperately wanting to go to the woman’s rescue. What sort of a man would make his wife humiliate herself like this in public? She glared at Olek, wishing he would do something to help the poor woman. Morrigan continued, “I come to you as a humble slave, begging for your royal pardon. I have restored my honor and wish to seek your blessing.”
Nadja lifted her jaw.
“Prince Olek?” the queen asked.
Nadja glanced at her husband in shock. He had something to do with this? He allowed this to happen? Maybe he wasn’t the man she thought he was. Maybe she didn’t know him at all. He never told her about his work. What if his work included enslaving women or selling children? She really had no clue who these people were. All she’d seen was the glossy surface of palace life and the nearby village. Just as soon as she could manage, she was going to raid his office and find out what he was up to once and for all. So help him if he turned out to be another version of her father. She had not left one tyrant to live with another.
Her emotions told her that she was wrong. Olek couldn’t possibly be cruel. Then he spoke and logic argued otherwise.
“Yea,” Olek answered. Nadja turned her eyes forward, waiting quietly as the queen named her sons and husband, getting the same answers. How could the queen be a part of this? She seemed so lovely when they were together. Is this what they did to women who didn’t follow their royal dictates?
“And I say ‘yea’. She has spoken well,” Queen Mede said. “We have agreed. Now it is up to you, my son. Will this slave receive her pardon, Prince Ualan?”
Nadja couldn’t listen to anymore as Prince Ualan made his way down to his wife. She hadn’t noticed him joining them at the head table until that moment. Turning to Olek, she whispered, “How could you have allowed this to happen?”
Olek frowned, clearly not understanding. “I didn’t allow anything.”
“But, you’re taking part in it,” Nadja returned under heated breath.
“Yea,” Ualan announced. “I shall pardon my wife. She has proven herself very worthy of her title and of my family’s honor.”
“Arrogant wretch,” Nadja mumbled, watching Ualan lead his wife to the table.
“What?” Olek leaned in to better he
ar her.
“Nothing,” Nadja grumbled. When Morrigan looked up at her, she could tell the woman was upset. She looked ready to kill. Nadja smiled at that and gave her a stiff nod, glad to see the woman’s spirits hadn’t been completely broken.
“It is glad I am that all my sons have found brides. We are a house blessed,” the king announced when Ualan and Morrigan were seated. “Preost, crown the princesses.”
Nadja felt a crown being placed over her hair and automatically reached up to help the preost ease it on her head without messing up her upsweep. She didn’t turn around to look at the man as he spoke Qurilixian words she didn’t understand. She glanced around, happy and very much relieved to see there weren’t any visible cameras in the hall recording her image.
She felt Olek affectionately take her hand beneath the table and stiffened. He glanced at her, smiling kindly. For a moment, his gaze almost drew her in, but she looked away before she let it.
* * *
Olek blinked, not understanding what he had done. Ualan’s wife enslaved herself by her own will. Not even Ualan had any say in the matter. In fact, her enslavement actually made things worse for Ualan, because it was forbidden for a master to touch a slave in passion—even if that woman was his wife.
Nadja looked over at Princess Morrigan and her lips pressed harshly together, turning white. He wondered why she was getting so heated over the incident. It’s not like the family actually treated the woman like a slave.
“Nadja?” he asked, thinking she might be more upset about the coronation and using the Morrigan incident as an excuse. He knew she didn’t want to be a princess.
Instead of answering his entreaty, she inquired, “So who are the ambassadors we are trying to impress?”
Dragon Lords Books 1 - 4 Box Set: Anniversary Edition Page 44
