Assassin's Reign (The Assassin and her Dragon Princes Book 4)

by Ivy Clyde

  “Thank you,” I said, drawing her to me. “I needed you to save me again.”

  She chuckled against my chest. “I can’t believe you let those harpies bully you like that.”

  A mock sigh escaped me. “It’s not honorable for a dragon to be harsh to women.”

  She scoffed and punched my chest. “No wonder you need me to do your dirty job.”

  A laugh rumbled out of my chest. The carefree hum surprised me. It had been years since I laughed so freely. Taking a deep breath, I nuzzled my nose to the side of Daria’s neck.

  “I always need you by my side,” I whispered, letting my lips move against her sensitive skin.

  A shiver trembled through her body.

  She raised her head to glance up at me. Taking the opportunity, I captured her lips between mine. A soft ‘aah’ escaped her as she opened up her sweet mouth to me. My tongue delved in, reveling in the taste of her honeyed sweetness as she pressed her body against mine.

  My hands roamed all over her body, drawing shivers and moans of pleasure from her.

  A throbbing ache in my balls turned my attention to the raging monster between my thighs. Daria’s scent and soft moans had made it go painfully erect.

  My hands played with the laces holding up her gown to her luscious curves. She didn’t even seem aware of it as I kissed her thoroughly. Her fingers dug into the braids of my dark hair, her eyes closed.

  It was only when I was tugging at the dress, pulling it down to reveal her milky globes, she realized what I’d done.

  “What are you doing?” she said, her cheeks blushing a deep crimson. “Anyone could come in.”

  “They won’t,” I said, snaking my arm around her waist and pulling her against me. My head dipped down so I could plop a plump, pink nipple in my mouth.

  Daria’s head tipped backward as she moaned loudly. My hands tugged at the dress again, making it fall off her completely. The layers of fabric pooled around her ankles, leaving the rest of her body bare to me.

  “Cain,” she moaned. “Someone might…”

  “Sshh,” I breathed against her neck and pressed my hardness to her thighs. She half opened her gleaming green eyes to look up at me. With a sudden move, she began loosening the belt around my waist. A smile rose up on my lips as I helped her, getting rid of my clothes quickly.

  “I have missed you, love,” I whispered, pulling her against me. The feel of her soft breasts smashed against my hard chest lit a raging fire inside me. She was the strongest, most powerful lady in the four kingdoms but in my arms, she was a soft, pliable woman. My woman.

  The violently possessive thought had me pushing her against the wall behind the throne.

  “Cain,” she moaned as my arm wrapped around her waist. Positioning myself behind her, I let my thick head prod her buttocks.

  “It has been far too long since I’ve been inside you,” I whispered hoarsely in her ear.

  Her body trembled against mine.

  “Take me.” Her voice was a rough whisper. She was ready for this too and no longer cared if anyone entered the throne room. I knew no one would come in without one of the guards announcing a presence from outside the closed gates.

  Both our dignities were quite safe from prying eyes.

  Kissing a line along her shoulder, I positioned my head at her slick entrance. Gripping her hips, I pushed inside her, entering with half my length. Holding her to me, I thrust in once more to bury myself in her heated core.

  Daria moaned out, gripping the wall before her.

  I waited, giving her time to adjust to my thick girth in her tight channel.

  A few seconds later, she rolled her hips. It was my turn to groan as her walls pressed against my hardened shaft. Burying my head in the side of her neck, I began thrusting inside her.

  It felt amazing to be inside her tight, heated core. Her soft moans urged me to keep going, drawing out low grunts of intense pleasure from my lips.

  My shoulders went rigid and my ass muscles bunched as I continued to thrust inside her. It was slowly shifting from sweet lovemaking to rutting. I was fucking her and fucking her hard and fast. My hands squeezed her breasts.

  Soon, my strokes became short and powerful, making her ass jiggle with each of my thrusts.

  In my frenzy, I placed my mouth against the side of her neck. My intention was to kiss the soft skin but I ended up biting it hard.

  Daria cried out and suddenly went taut before losing all control. Her body trembled against mine as a massive orgasm shuddered through her. I groaned loudly, feeling the delicious pressure of her walls clenching around my rigid rod.

  I held her body tightly as her knees shook from the cascading pleasure. Part of me had half a mind to make sure she had no chance of getting away from me. My aggressive possessiveness for this woman shocked me. I’d never felt this strongly for a woman.

  For one single moment, I was doubly grateful to her for ridding me of all the women in my harem. There was no way any woman could bring out such powerful emotions within me. Daria would be the only one to whom I’d surrender my heart, body, and soul.

  I plunged inside her faster, slamming skin against skin. Her inner muscles pulsed around my throbbing cock. Her body was coiling tight once again, preparing her for another climax.

  My own pleasure took control of me even though I wanted to make it last longer for us. Desperate to reach my own high, I thrust into her with hard, fast strokes.

  I knew it wouldn’t be long now.

  My muscles tightened, coiling into that moment of pleasure, ready to explode.

  “Come with me, love,” I whispered, my voice grating out from between clenched teeth.

  A soft cry escaped her lips as she threw her back and braced herself against the wall.

  Next moment, I shattered inside her. My hot essence exploded inside her in thick streams. My hips bucked a few more times, making sure I emptied myself inside her completely.

  My mind swam with pleasure as she pulsed and throbbed around me, intent on milking me to the last drop. Her body shuddered against mine, her breathing erratic.

  She turned her head to glance up at me.

  Daria was beautiful at that moment.

  Her lips were swollen from my kisses. A flush rose up on her breasts and neck, her cheeks a pretty shade of crimson against her peach-soft skin. The long strands of her dark hair stuck to her sweaty skin and her emerald-green eyes were hazed with lust and utter satisfaction.

  “You’re gorgeous,” I said, capturing her lips between mine.

  My arms held her tightly, keeping her on her feet as I thoroughly kissed her sweet mouth.

  Gently pulling out of her, I turned her to face me. “You make me go crazy.”

  She smiled shyly, throwing her arms around my neck.

  “You could have at least offered me a drink before…” Her gaze moved around the ground where our clothes lay scattered.

  “Sorry, darling,” I said, resting my forehead against hers. “You make me forget about hospitality and honor. With you, I’m nothing but a wild beast.”

  “Just the way I like it,” she said, placing a warm hand against my cheek.

  Her tender gesture made me kiss her once more.

  As my lust cooled, I realized Daria was right. She’d traveled miles to come and see me and must’ve been exhausted. She was indeed in need of refreshment.

  Bending down, I collected her clothes and handed them to her. “Let me take care of you, Daria.”

  “Thank you,” she said with a shy smile. Taking the dress and her linen undergarment from my hands, she began dressing up.

  I hurried to get clothed too. There were commands to be sent to the kitchen for food and wine.

  17

  Daria

  I woke up in Cain’s bed the next morning.

  My eyes slowly fluttered open as I stretched my arms and legs luxuriously under the sheets. Bright sunlight streamed through the curtains at the windows, telling me it was late morning. Suppressing a y
awn, I sat up, clutching a sheet to my chest.

  The bedchamber was empty.

  Wrapping the sheet around me, I walked to one of the windows and looked out. An ornamental garden with a splendid marble fountain came in my view down below on the ground. The palace of Gweryn was second only to the royal residence of Huadu in terms of beauty.

  Turning away from the sight, I let my gaze sweep around the room. Fresh clothes were stacked up neatly in one corner. Smiling, I went to look at the lush lavender-hued gown Cain had chosen for me.

  Before putting it on, I went into the private bathing chamber that was through a narrow door in the furthest side of the room. Last night, I’d taken a luxuriously hot bath there.

  This morning, I decided to soak myself in the hot water again.

  The water came in through taps that were positioned around a marble bath that had been sunk into the floor of the bathing chamber. A network of pipes brought steaming hot water from a nearby hot spring. All I had to do was open the taps and let the bath get filled to the brim before taking a dip.

  I waited until the bath filled up.

  Steam wafted over the calm surface of the water as I turned off the last tap.

  Shedding off the blanket, I dipped a foot into the hot water. A hiss of pure pleasure escaped me as I lowered the rest of my body into the delicious heat.

  As I relaxed in my bath, I couldn’t help feeling a nip of jealousy. My mates were so much better at managing their courts and affairs than me. Their maids and servants listened to their commands without question. While I had to be wary of every single person that approached me, Adal, Cain, and Norvin seemed quite lax about the people serving them.

  Part of me didn’t want to go back to the hostile atmosphere of my palace. It would be amazing to just fly between the three kingdoms and spend each night with one of my mates.

  An exhausted sigh escaped me.

  I would have to leave Iorna in the next few hours to journey back to Drakhaven. It won’t be long before your palace is cleaned out of the nasty nobles, I told myself. Once the evidence of their treachery surfaces, you can punish them to death instantly.

  My dragon seemed pleased with the promise of violence and blood.

  They want to subdue me, I realized. Wear me down bit by bit, but I won’t give up. Drakhaven will rise to its earlier glory once again.

  Energy pulsed through my veins followed by a loud grunt from my stomach. I was hungry.

  Getting to my feet, I climbed out of the bath.

  Water dripped down the curves of my body in rivulets. Covering my body with the sheet, I went back to Cain’s bedchamber to dress up and hunt for food.

  I didn’t have to be worried though. Cain already waited for in the room. His silver-gray eyes lit up as soon as they fell on me. The intensity in his gaze left me breathless and blushing.

  “I am about to get dressed,” I said, clutching onto the sheet that had gone wet and was molded to the shape of my body. “You need to leave for a bit.”

  He shook his head. “Let me look, love. It will be a while before my eyes can feast upon you again.”

  Cain looked so grim with that idea that I let the blanket fall off me. A hot blush crept up my neck as I busied myself with getting dressed in the gown he’d left for me. Even though I didn’t glance at him, I could feel his gaze on me.

  With a sudden rush of heat, I felt his fingers on my skin.

  “Let me help,” he said, tightening the laces of the lavender-hued water silk gown. The fabric cascaded down my waist in ripples, giving a stunning effect each time I walked.

  Next, he helped put on the matching jewels he’d arranged for me. Hooking a heavy choker to the back of my neck, he turned me around to face him.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered and leaned down to kiss my lips.

  My stomach took the opportunity to grumble at that exact moment. Cain halted, looking at me with amused silvery eyes. The corner of his lips twitched as a smile hovered there.

  “My queen is hungry,” he said. “Forgive me for my selfishness, love. I forget you have needs too.”

  I nodded. “My appetite grows bigger each day,” I said with a soft, knowing smile. My hand went to rest against my flat stomach but I knew life was rapidly taking shape within me.

  Realization seemed to dawn on him too. “You are pregnant.” Taking my hand in his, he led me out of the room. “I should have come to fetch you for breakfast much earlier.”

  He led me out of his bedchambers and down a corridor. We passed several corridors and passageways with servants and guards, bowing down to both of us. While I’d stayed hidden with Adal and Norvin in their quarters, Cain was openly showing me off to his people.

  We went down to one of the lower levels of the palace. After a minute’s walk, he pushed the door to a room. At once, I was greeted with the sight and smell of a small banquet.

  “Come,” he said, leading me inside the room.

  I smiled at the spread before me.

  There were a variety of roast meats, baskets of fresh fruits, and platters of freshly baked bread and pastries. The smell wafting from them made my mouth water.

  “Let us eat,” he said, drawing a chair for me. He sat down beside me and quickly filled up my plate with the choicest selection from the feast before us. “Here you go.”

  I accepted the plate and attacked it with full gusto, my hunger urging me to eat as much as I could.

  Cain sighed from beside me. His silvery eyes were laden with anxiety. “You need someone to look after you,” he said in a pained voice. His hand came to rest on my head. “Let us set things right as soon as possible. I want to be able to spend as much time as possible with you and our baby.”

  I nodded, making up my mind to hurry up with the restoration of my government. Ren would have to be rushed with the selection exams for the new state officials.

  Once our meal was over, I got to my feet heavily. This was the moment I hated the most. Each time I had to say farewell to my mates, my heart broke a little.

  “We’ll be together very soon,” said Cain, brushing away the single tear that flowed down my cheek. “It’s only a matter of time.”

  18

  Daria

  It was dusk by the time I reached the perimeters of the palace of Fuvaros. Circling overhead, I took in the city as well as mountains surrounding it. From this height, everything looked peaceful.

  Finding a lone spot in one of the gardens, I landed on the ground. Shifting back to my human form, I strode forward, making my way to one of the entrances that would get me inside the palace. The wind felt especially cold tonight. Just before I entered through a doorway, I looked up at the sky.

  Black clouds were gathering on the western horizon and steadily making its way towards us. From the looks of it, a storm was approaching. A shiver of warning slithered down my spine. I was no good with foresight but I always followed the signals I received.

  I hurried through the corridors to reach my chambers.

  A few soldiers and maids lingered nearby but the passageways seemed unusually deserted that evening. The journey from Iorna to Drakhaven had been the longest I’d had to fly. Exhaustion made my limbs feel heavy and weak. I should’ve probably gone to see Ren or Jarina but decided to rest in my chambers for a while first.

  Reaching my room, I poured myself a goblet of wine. Its warmth flooded my veins, lulling me to relax further. The cot in the corner suddenly looked inviting.

  Without bothering to remove the dress, I climbed onto the bed and covered myself with a blanket. Only a few minutes, I told myself, laying my head on a pillow.

  My exhaustion must have been severe because I woke up hours later with a sudden start.

  Shrill shrieks sounded from somewhere above me. In the dark, Tuto’s ghostly white wings were stretched wide as he hooted in alarm. Next, I became aware of the heavy rain falling outside. The whole room was suddenly lit up by a tongue of lightning flashing in the sky. At that moment, I caught sight of the black shad
ows scattered all around the room.

  I was up on my feet in an instant. With a curse, I realized my usual weapons were missing from my person. The gown I wore now had been a gift from Cain.

  Heart pounding, I tried to calm myself. These men were mere assassins. Nothing I couldn’t handle even if I was weaponless for the moment.

  Conjuring my magic, I lit every lantern and candle in the room. As the place came alive in the glow of their soft flames, I counted the men who were poised ready to attack me from different positions.

  “Who sent you?” I asked in a cold tone. “Confess now and I’ll spare you torture and death.”

  One of the men thew a large scythe in my direction. Ducking, I let it rush past me and embed itself in the wall behind me.

  My dragon almost got out of control, bristling with rage as she targeted the men who’d come to hurt us and our child. “Not yet,” I told her. “I need a few of them for confessions. It is the only way to bring down those who’ve tried to hurt us over and over again.”

  “Burn,” I whispered.

  At once, flames leaped up on the dozen men standing around me. They gasped and cried out in unison.

  Next moment, their piercing screams of pain shattered the heavy silence of the entire palace. The flames covered their entire bodies and no matter how much they beat at them or rolled on the ground, they couldn’t douse the magical fires burning them alive.

  Choosing three men over the rest, I extinguished the flames on them.

  They gasped and panted, trying to catch their breaths but their wide gazes were fixed on their companions who were still screaming with the agony of being burned alive. If there were more assassins stationed outside in the corridors, they would know not to venture in.

  A few minutes passed.

  The sound of clanging armor plates came from outside the doors of my room. There were shouts and screams, followed by the sound of metal on metal. Casting a glance at the weeping men, I headed to the door.

  Wrenching open the door, I found the guards in close combat with other men who were clearly part of the mercenary that was sent to kill me.