The Dragon's Soul: Xan (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Kalissa Wayne

  “I didn’t find them, Your Majesty. The hunters did the best they could after everything was over. They said they couldn’t be sure but between twenty-five and thirty riders with twenty-six distinct markings. Too many people, horses and wagons came through the hamlet trying to pull the dead out, putting out fires and such. We generally just say twenty-five and let it go. When the children came to see what was happening, they insisted on filing a report with the mayor of Antioch. He told them he would push the report on to Governor Lucius and an investigation would ensue. Nothing was ever reported, and the children suddenly won’t speak of it anymore. Some disappeared, some relocated to other cities, some to other provinces. So yes, to answer the original question, if your soldiers wouldn’t have had your missive with the royal seal and wearing your royal colors, I would have defended myself.”

  “Reginald! We’re ready for the main course!” The king still stared at Remi, a thoughtful look on his face instead of the anger that had been there. Jarok still looked at her suspiciously, but Rizon and Nic just looked troubled. Yet again, Ad’har refrained from speaking, but then, he’d barely said two words since she had entered the room. Remi was afraid to look at Xan, to see what he thought of what she had said. His hand wrapped around hers where it still rested on his forearm and squeezed gently. She looked up at his face, and he was smiling down at her. She gave him a smile and squeezed his forearm in return.

  “Young lady, Remunada, I’d like to sit down with you and one of my trusted commanders tomorrow and discuss this issue. It’s disturbing to me that the outlying units of the army may be taking things into their own hands.” Minos snorted. “Though it wouldn’t be the first time someone thought being on the fringes of the kingdom gave them the right to do as they please. We’ll look into it because if what you are saying is true, and no doubt you believe it’s true, we have a bigger problem than just the rebels.”

  As Reggie and the two servants returned to the table with two trays loaded with food, Jarok asked a question that proved he wasn’t about to let the issue go. “So, Remunada, have you treated any of the rebels?”

  Chapter 15

  Remi stared at Jarok and felt the butterflies in her stomach turn into boulders falling into the pit of her belly. She held her tongue and just returned his stare.

  “Little one, tell him you haven’t and let us put this topic away until the morning.” Xan broke the silence as he reached for his flagon of ale. When Remi didn’t say anything, Xan turned to look at her. She was still in a staring match with Jarok. She was probably pale as she felt all the blood drain to her heart and she clasped her hands in her lap again.

  “Come, little sister.” Jarok sneered as he leaned forward onto the table. “You say you don’t lie, so speak up. Have you or have you not treated enemies of the crown? Have you given aid and comfort to those wishing to harm your king?”

  “I don’t lie, but there is a fine line between lying and withholding the truth. Have I knowingly given aid to the crown’s enemies? No, I have not knowingly given aid. Do I suspect some of my transient patients of being on the side opposite the crown? I think it’s very possible, but I don’t ask a person’s political views when they are laying on my table bleeding to death. I do not involve myself in politics unless it’s something that would be harmful to people around me.

  “So far, in and around Cynia, no battles have been held. Reports of various garrisons around the lake being raided for foodstuffs and weaponry, minor thievery if you will, abound. I’ve been questioned by the local magistrates as to if anyone has come in with certain types of injuries and I fully comply with their investigations. I also report any injuries that seem suspicious compared to the reasons given to me. I’m a firm believer in three sides to every story, and that’s why I stay out of politics.”

  Nic leaned forward, as well, though his expression remained quizzical. “Three sides? And what do you mean suspicious injuries?”

  Remi gripped her hands tightly. So far, she had not been doing well with meeting Xan’s family. Now she was in deep and trying to tread water. “I believe there are the two sides presented and then the truth, which is usually somewhere in between. Take the examples I’ve given you. If you have corrupt soldiers stealing from citizens and nothing being done about it, do you not think the citizens have a right to steal their things back? Especially the food and money that they need to feed and clothe their families. Winters can be harsh around the lake and the food stores you lay up during the growing months are all you have to survive the long dark months of winter.

  “The Lake District is not a wealthy district, the people are farmers, herders, fishermen, hunters and some craftspeople. They are lucky to see copper or silver in their trade with outsiders and barter with neighbors for what they can’t get elsewhere. The coins they get are saved until the fall when new shoes for the family are bought to prepare for winter. I do not hold these people accountable for regaining what is rightfully theirs when the law refuses to do anything.”

  Jarok interrupted, “And what of murder? Do you stand for murder?”

  Remi turned from Nic and addressed Jarok again. “Yes and no. Do I agree with anyone murdering to get what they want? No. In the instance of the relatives of those in Romia wanting justice? I would prefer to leave it to the magistrates, but as I said nothing was ever done. So if their sons or daughters want to hunt these soldiers down?” Remi paused and looked King Minos in the eye. “I pray for all their souls. Revenge will do nothing but eat your soul and your humanity.”

  Rizon spoke up for the first time, he looked troubled but not angry. “What of the suspicious injuries? How could an injury not be what it is?”

  “For example, if someone comes in and says they had a hunting accident, I would expect a broken bone from a fall, or lacerations from being gored by a wild boar, or clawed by a bear or big cat. When you see five small, deep lacerations on their back, it’s suspicious. I’ve never known anyone who goes hunting and gets five arrows mistakenly shot into their back.” Remi stayed calm, but her stomach was rebelling with nerves. She was struggling to hold down the soup she’d eaten.

  “Enough. This is the dinner table, and we are welcoming my new daughter to her new home. We will talk later of these situations, and investigate the things we have learned. For now, let’s finish eating the meal Cook has put before us.” King Minos nodded to Reggie, and the silent servants cleared their place settings and once again refilled them with what appeared to be braised lamb and vegetables.

  Silence reigned as the men began eating again, slowly returning to the inconsequential discussions of trade and weather. Remi tried to eat, and while the food was very tasty on her tongue, her throat was so dry from her nerves she could barely swallow. Reggie tried to refill her wine glass, but she requested either tea or water instead. With a tilt of his head, he went through the door leaving her alone with the royals.

  Remi became aware that Xan was asking her something only when the talk died down again. Shaking her head, she turned to Xan and asked what she had missed.

  “Rizon asked what your thoughts were on the trade taxes imposed between the districts. We tried to keep them as low as possible, but the upkeep of the highways for the transportation is starting to get bothersome. No one seems to mind it, but we’d like the opinion of someone who has to deal with the taxes.”

  Remi forced a smile, hoping this would go better than the last conversation. “I don’t have a problem with it, but then, I have multiple sources of income. Most of my patients barter for my services while I make currency from the potions and unguents I sell to other physicians and healers. Those who aren’t as fortunate as myself have a bit more of a problem. How do you assess taxes on the value of bartered services? Based on the relative value or the intrinsic value? And are the taxes the same for the trades done by ship? The docks are all maintained by the cities or hamlets, not the provincial government.” She shrugged, and a real smile touched her lips. “It all comes down to who you help, who you char
ge, and who gets the most use out of it.”

  Rizon smiled for the first time at her before turning to Xan. “Brother, I do believe you were blessed with a female who is beautiful, kind, and has a head for business.”

  Remi choked on the sip of water she had just taken. “I never said I had a head for business. It’s just common sense. If only a few people get the benefit of something at the expense of the many, it’s not worth it. If all people share in both the expense and benefit, not only does it make the expense smaller per person but also more tolerable.”

  King Minos had a small smile on his lips when he finally broke in again. “No more talk of business, politics, or religion. Let’s enjoy our meal and worry about the rest tomorrow. Anaxandros, trade places with my new daughter. I’d like to talk to her.” When Xan just looked to Remi, Minos pounded his fist on the table. “Now, boy. It’s not like I’m going to behead her or anything.” Xan stood and pulled Remi’s chair out, sitting after making sure she was situated in the chair next to his father. Xan switched her water glass for his mug of ale and just cocked a brow at her when she looked at him.

  “Now, Reginald. Where is my food?”

  “Sire, you’ve eaten the main course. Would you like more or were you referring to dessert?” Reggie stood near the king’s elbow and kept a straight face, though when he looked at Remi, his eyes twinkled merrily.

  King Minos looked around the table at the empty plates. “We need dessert. Cook had better have made what I requested!”

  Remi held down a smile. Her nerves were settling again, but the conversation was nothing but a series of landmines that she seemed to be tripping over. What good would it do her if she was Xan’s True One if the family hated her for her opinions?

  The servants quietly cleared the table and Reggie herded them from the room as he followed them through the door.

  Jarok was still eyeing her from his chair, and though the anger was gone from his eyes, the suspicion was still there. She didn’t understand his reaction. What could she have possibly done to warrant his suspicion? She had been dragged here with no warning, not told anything before being thrown into a cave with a possibly unstable shifter and now she was being held in suspicion by the man who was responsible for all of it. The longer Remi thought of it, the more her anger burned her fears away.

  What right did he have to accuse her of anything? She had never harmed anyone in her life…well, with the exception of the overly friendly men she’d had to dissuade. She felt her anger fire, and her spine stiffened. She would not back down from these men. With that settled, and feeling more calm and strong, she looked up as Reggie came in the door again.

  “Sire, Cook requests approximately fifteen minutes before dessert is ready. It needs to be at a certain temperature before it can be flambéed.”

  “Good. That will give me a chance to talk to my daughter. Remi, will you join me in a short walk around my gardens?” King Minos stood and extended his hand to help her up. Remi was shocked and looked to Xan.

  Xan stood and pulled out her seat. As she stood, he moved to take her arm, but the king stopped him. “Nay, my son. I want to talk to my daughter alone. Sit and enjoy your ale until we return.”

  The other men had stood, but Jarok made a short movement as if to protest, even as Xan did. “Father, I would prefer to accompany you. Remi is…”

  “Remi is to be your True One, and you can’t stand to be parted from her. We will only be in the gardens and will be back within ten minutes. Sit. All of you. I may be old, but I can still take care of myself and anyone who is in my presence.” The king’s voice hardened as he looked over all his sons, his gaze settling on Jarok.

  The king extended his elbow to Remi, who slid her hand into the crook of his arm. As he led her toward the open doors and the terrace beyond, she cast one last look over her shoulder. Xan didn’t appear happy, but he winked at her. Ad’har stood silently with his hands on his hips, watching with those dark eyes of his. Nic grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. Rizon was sitting and reaching for his ale mug while Jarok appeared to be gesturing toward someone outside one of the other doors.

  Stepping out into the night, the fresh smell of greenery, earth, and flowers assaulted Remi’s nose. Night Jasmine, heather, roses, hyacinth and a myriad of other fragrances mixed to make the night smell wonderful. At various places around the extensive balcony, pillars of light displayed various statuary, benches, or water elements that seemed amazing. All of this was on a balcony, at the top floor of the palace, set inside a fortress, inside a major city, within fortified walls that protected it all.

  King Minos walked her down measured paths, speaking softly of the different plants, statues, and points of interest. Remi realized what she thought was a meandering path was actually part of a flowing maze garden. She made a note to herself to ask if she could come here during the daylight to see it all.

  As they came upon a small circle bench, King Minos indicated she should sit. Remi made herself comfortable as the king walked around, touching various rose bushes and flowering vines.

  “This is my Agatha’s place. She always came here to get away from the stress of being…well…being a royal. She was a loving woman, kind, compassionate and willing to help anyone, but she hated court life. She hated the gossip, the backstabbing, and the currying-of-favor.” He turned and looked at Remi. “You remind me much of her. You have an inner fire, a sense of justice, but also a softness of heart. You will be well matched to my son. He needs someone who will keep him in line, stand up to him, but also understand he has a tough future.”

  “Now, daughter, I have many gifts that the dragon has given me, and one is the ability to read people well—their attitudes, body language and their auras. I can also tell when someone is lying, or trying to hide something. You seem to have adjusted well to everything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours, but there is something troubling you. Tell me what it is and let’s see what we can do to help you.” King Minos leaned against a stone pillar that was supporting a large honeysuckle vine.

  Remi didn’t know what to do. Should she be honest and ask or mind her own business and try to figure it out yourself?

  “Daughter, ask me what you will. Nothing you ask can disturb me, and I will hide nothing from you.”

  “Sire, I do not want to hurt you, but there are a few things I need to ask that I believe only you can answer.” Remi drew a deep breath and began.

  “Xan told me I’m his True One and explained what all it meant. So saying, that means that Queen Agatha…was your True One, correct?”

  “Yes, she is my True One.” The king’s voice had turned gruff.

  “I’m sorry, Sire. I won’t ask.”

  “No. Ask me what you will.”

  “Xan told me that once we were bonded, he would be unable to go to another woman, unable to touch another, unable to cheat on me.”

  “That is true. Is this what you doubt? I can tell you that once I saw Agatha, I was true to only her. I never saw another female after she came into my life.”

  “No, Sire. Well, that is only part of it. Xan also said that if…well, if something happened to me that he would follow me into the next life. I was just wondering…” Remi wrung her hands together in her lap, afraid she had overstepped.

  King Minos sighed and moved to sit next to her on the bench. He reached out and took her hands in his. His hands were rough and worn, not the hands of a pampered royal at all, but a working man’s hands. Remi couldn’t remove her gaze from his hands as he told her a story.

  “Remi, I will tell you what even my children do not know. On the night my youngest child was born, my dearest Agatha had complications. Even the best physicians in the city couldn’t help. She lived long enough to hold our child and make me promise that I would live until that child reached adulthood. I didn’t want to make that promise, but it was her dying wish.”

  The king sighed again and squeezed her hands. “The nanny took our child and left the room. I lay on the b
ed and held the very essence of my being as she started to struggle for breath. I prayed to every god I could call upon to spare her, my children and myself from her passing. With her dying breath, she reminded me of my promise and said she loved me.”

  A splash of water on their joined hands made Remi lift her gaze. The king was staring into the small fountain with a look of utter devastation on his face. She wanted to stop him, but couldn’t dredge the words through the pain she was feeling.

  As another tear rolled down his cheek, King Minos continued. “I held her as the very spark of my soul passed into the next life, and I couldn’t follow because I had promised. My dragon and I mourn her loss every day. The only thing holding me to this life is my daughter, Theodora. She is almost the spitting image of her mother. So you see, my new daughter, Xan will follow you into the next life unless you make him vow to stay. Even then, he is so late in life finding you, there is no guarantee he would be capable of staying. May the gods favor you that you won’t be in that situation for many, many decades to come, but there is always that chance.”

  As Remi released his hand and reached up to wipe the tear tracks from his cheeks, a buzzing noise rushed by her ear and an arrow sprouted from the king’s chest.

  Chapter 16

  Remi froze for a split second, not quite comprehending what was going on, then she tackled the king over the bench and covered him with her body while drawing a deep breath. Remi opened her mouth and let loose an ear-splitting shriek. As she paused to draw another breath, she heard the plants rustling and yells and curses from the vicinity of the dining room doors. She felt a slicing pain across her shoulder and arm and shrieked again.