by Jasmine Walt
Dragon’s Curse
Book 3 of the Dragon’s Gift Trilogy
Jasmine Walt
May Sage
Dynamo Press
Copyright © 2017, Jasmine Walt and May Sage. All rights reserved. Published by Dynamo Press. This novel is a work of fiction. All characters, places, and incidents described in this publication are used fictitiously, or are entirely fictional. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, except by an authorized retailer, or with written permission of the publisher. Inquiries may be addressed via email to [email protected]
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Epilogue
Ghosts and Grudges - Bonus Chapters
About the Authors
Also by Jasmine Walt
1
As Dareena took a seat at the Privy Council table hastily set up in an underground chamber, she felt as if Death himself sat next to her. As if his cold, dead fingers trailed up her spine, taunting her. Telling her that while this time it had been Taldren lying broken and bloody at the bottom of the stairs, she could be next.
She looked to her mates for solace as they sat around the table along with Tariana, Shadley, and Ryolas. But their eyes were as bleak as her heart—no, more so. Lines of grief and pain etched themselves into Alistair’s face, more deeply than the others’. As a fellow soldier, he was closest to their fallen cousin. Had it only been last night she’d sat at the dining table with him as he flirted with Basilla?
And now, both were gone.
“Close the door,” Drystan ordered the guard standing outside. “Let no one pass unless it is a life or death matter.” They’d chosen this underground chamber because earth and stone interfered with most magic, and they didn’t want to take any chances that a spy might overhear.
The door shut behind the guard with a sense of finality that rippled through the room like a portent of doom. Silence fell upon the chamber, stretching out for long moments as the group gathered their thoughts.
“Tariana,” Alistair said, breaking the silence. “What news of our armies?”
“Our forces are recovering, but slowly,” Tariana said heavily. “We are working hard to recruit more men, but it will take months to get the Dragon Force back into fighting shape.”
“What about hiring mercenaries?” Lucyan asked. “There are armies across the sea that will fight for us, for a price.”
“I do not trust the loyalty of any man who can be bought,” Tariana said firmly. “And even if I were to hire a mercenary army, it still would not be enough to replenish our numbers.”
“Are you saying we’ll do nothing then?” Ryolas demanded. He clenched his fists, his eyes flashing. “We cannot simply stand by and allow the warlocks to continue their insidious assault. We must rescue my sister and beat back these treacherous bastards before they take over Terragaard!”
“We know that,” Tariana said. “That’s why we’re sitting in this room right now, trying to figure out our next move.”
“What of an alliance with Elvenhame?” Shadley asked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “Ryolas, do you think your father could be convinced to lend us his armies?”
“Under normal circumstances, he would do it in a heartbeat,” Ryolas said. “But I am not certain how much of the warlock’s spell remains. His judgment may still be impaired.”
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try,” Dareena said, speaking up for the first time. “Spell or not, the High King cannot stand by while a neighboring kingdom steals away his daughter.” While the king had seemed addled and weakened, Dareena had sensed that he was a good man. She was confident he would do the right thing, especially now that the warlock influencing him was no longer at the castle.
Ryolas nodded. “I will write up all the evidence against the warlocks today and send a raven to Castle Whitestone.”
“No.” Lucyan shook his head emphatically. “Do not send it directly to the castle. If your brother has been freed, he will find a way to intercept it. It is clear he cares only for himself, and he is more likely to twist this situation to his advantage than send us reinforcements or rescue Basilla.”
“Right.” Ryolas scowled at the mention of his brother. “I will send it to Lord Innell instead. He is a highly respected elder in the community and can be trusted to put the letter directly in my father’s hands.”
“Good,” Drystan said. “The envoy you sent back to Elvenhame will help as well, but we cannot afford to wait for them to arrive. I will send a letter alongside yours to inform the king that since the promise to not mistreat the hostage was broken, we will not entertain any more demands for reparations. But I will tell him that we are willing to offer a truce and negotiate peace once the warlocks have been dealt with.”
“Very well,” Ryolas agreed. “Still, it will take weeks to muster the armies, and we do not have that long to wait. Basilla might be getting dragged to the altar even as we speak. We cannot allow her to wed Mordan.”
“I believe warlock customs do not allow such hurried marriage ceremonies,” Lucyan said, “but you are right. We cannot afford to let Basilla remain in their clutches for long. I suggest you accompany me to the capital, where we can find out where Basilla is being kept, and hopefully rescue her.”
“Again?” Dareena said, dismayed. “You just returned, Lucyan. Surely Shadley can send his spies in your stead?” She knew it was selfish, but she did not want him to go running off behind enemy lines again.
“No, Lucyan should go,” Drystan said, nodding in approval. “I know you don’t want to be separated from any of us,” he added, squeezing Dareena’s hand under the table, “but Lucyan has been in warlock country before, and as a dragon, he can get there far faster than Shadley’s spies would on horseback.”
“Right.” Dareena bit her lip. “Basilla told me that all the metal in the warlock kingdom would dampen her magic and eventually poison her. If that is true, the longer she stays there, the more danger she is in.” As much as she hated it, Lucyan was right. If he could get to her faster than the spies could, she had to let him go.
“That is correct,” Ryolas said. “She will likely feel effects similar to what you and Alistair experienced in our country.”
Lucyan and Alistair shuddered in unison. “We’ll leave tonight, then,” Lucyan said. “But are you really certain you should be coming? Won’t the metal affect you?”
Ryolas shook his head. “Not as badly. All of our soldiers are trained regularly in its presence, so I’ve built up a resistance. Basilla has no such protection, ho
wever.”
“Speaking of soldiers,” Alistair said, looking to Tariana, “what if we put together some small strike forces? We can’t engage in all-out war, but we can carry out raids on strategically valuable targets.”
Tariana’s eyes gleamed. “We will have to do it in disguise, but that is an excellent idea,” she said. “If we have them pose as disaffected warlock citizens, that might help confuse the enemy.”
“How fast can you get these strike forces mobilized?” Drystan asked. “If we can successfully direct Shadowhaven’s attention back within its own borders, that may buy us some time.”
“A few days,” Tariana said. “We’ll do three to start with—one of dragon born, one human, and one mixed. I’ll give them instructions not to use superhuman force.”
“Good.” Drystan ran a hand through his hair. There were dark shadows beneath his eyes, and he looked as though he hadn’t slept in a week.
Dareena itched to run her hands over his tense shoulders and soothe him, but now was not the time or place.
“I will need to inform the council of all this,” Drystan continued. “Some of them will balk at the idea of forming an alliance with the elves, but we need to put an end to the enmity between us. It is high time we focused on the real enemy instead of killing each other over a lie.” His jaw clenched briefly. “Any questions?”
There was a beat of silence. “Do Lucyan and Ryolas really have to go alone?” Dareena asked. “I realize you can’t carry more than one person yet, Lucyan, but surely Shadley can send some spies along with you.”
“I already have an agent within Inkwall,” Shadley said, “but I can send a few more, if it pleases you.”
“It would,” Dareena said firmly. She met Lucyan’s gaze and raised her chin, daring him to challenge her.
He only smiled. “I don’t see any harm in having an entourage,” he said. “I could use more eyes and ears, and I know your spies will be discreet.”
“I’ll have them rendezvous with you at the Green Mermaid,” Shadley said.
“While you’re there,” Tariana said, “is there any chance you can get your hands on more of those protective amulets? We have enough for the officers, but we could use more for our strike forces. If I could outfit the entire Dragon Force, I would.”
“I’m not sure I can bring back quite that many,” Lucyan said, “but I should be able to get my hands on a few dozen.”
“Good,” Drystan said. He stood up from the table, his chair scraping loudly against the stone floor. “Now let’s get to work.”
2
By the time Lucyan made it back to the royal suite, night had fallen. He’d spent the entire day with Shadley and Ryolas going over the plan and preparing for the journey ahead. Though it would only take a few hours of flying to reach Shadowhaven’s border, the three of them agreed it would be best to leave at night. Flying under the cover of darkness would ensure no sentries spotted them.
Though it was late, neither his brothers nor his mate were in the suite. Alistair was with Tariana, discussing the strike force they were putting together, and Drystan was dealing with the council and various matters of state. Lucyan did not envy his older brother at this moment; while things were infinitely better now that they were reunited and the treasure had been recovered, there were many headaches to sort out.
Lucyan lifted one of the candles perched on a side table and blew a thin stream of fire over it to light the wick. Holding it aloft, he went to his chamber, then dug out a leather pack and stocked it with clothing and supplies. He made sure to leave room for the provisions the cook had already prepared—dried meats, cheese, and bread waited in the kitchens for him.
He was nearly done when the door creaked open and soft footsteps pattered on the carpet outside.
“Dareena?” he called softly. His heart, still heavy with the loss of Taldren, lifted as he caught her scent.
“Lucyan?” His door swung open, and Dareena stepped inside. Her long, dark hair was loose around her shoulders, and her gown flowed over her curvy form. Lucyan’s chest twinged with guilt at the sadness in her large green eyes; he wished more than anything that he didn’t have to leave her.
But he wasn’t leaving quite yet.
“Come here,” he said softly, holding his arms out. She went to him, curling into his embrace like a long-lost kitten returned home to her master. Lucyan sank his nose into her hair and took a deep whiff, letting her scent soothe him. Her sweet fragrance calmed him, but combined with her lush curves pressing against him, it also aroused him. His cock hardened, pressing against her belly.
A belly that would soon be round with their child.
Dareena lifted her head, her lips parting. Lucyan thought she was going to speak, but she only ran her tongue across her lower lip, a clear invitation that made him suck in a sharp breath. His little minx had grown quite comfortable in her sexuality, he thought as she leaned into him, pressing her breasts against his chest. Lucyan caught her mouth in his, pulling that lower lip gently between his teeth before sucking on it.
Her moan awoke the beast inside him, and his hands flew to the laces at her back. Dareena cried out in shock as Lucyan used his nails, sharper than the average human’s, to slice through them, as well as the petticoat beneath. Her gown sluiced to the floor, and Lucyan skimmed his hands over her silken, bare flesh, savoring the feel of her lush body.
But Lucyan’s hands weren’t the only ones busy. As he plundered her mouth with his skilled tongue, Dareena’s fingers worked at his trousers, undoing the buttons and pushing them down. She wrapped her small hand around his cock, and he groaned as she squeezed.
“I want to taste you,” she whispered against his mouth. Slowly, she sank to her knees, sliding her body down his front. Lucyan hissed as she cupped his balls and massaged them gently. He watched with anticipation as she parted her lips, then slowly, ever so slowly, slipped the head of his shaft between them.
“Gods.” Lucyan’s eyes nearly rolled back in his head. Her hot, wet mouth sent a surge of intense pleasure through him. Dareena’s mouth opened wider to accommodate his girth as she took in more of him, filling herself up with his cock. Her tongue slid along the length of him, tasting, exploring, driving him mad with need.
“Suck on it,” he rasped, grasping her hair.
She did, once, tightening her mouth around him and then releasing. Lucyan gripped the back of her head, pushing himself even farther into her mouth. She gasped, nearly gagging, but a few seconds later she relaxed, taking more. The sight of her staring up at him with those large green eyes, his cock almost completely buried in her mouth, was nearly enough to make him come.
“More,” he commanded.
Dareena obeyed. At first, she was a bit awkward, clearly inexperienced with the act. But her innocence in this area was incredibly arousing, and Lucyan patiently coached her, murmuring encouragements. Soon enough, he found himself gasping, clutching the footboard of the bed behind him as she sucked him, bringing him so close, so close to release…
“Lucyan? Dareena?”
Lucyan’s head jerked up at the sight of Drystan standing just beyond the doorway. Blast it, he hadn’t even thought to close the door, and he’d been so caught up in Dareena he hadn’t heard his brother enter the suite. Their gazes met over Dareena’s head, and Lucyan saw the conflict in his brother’s eyes. He was not thrilled to see the two of them together, but the lust Lucyan saw blazing inside his brother could not be denied.
“Are you going to come in, brother?” Lucyan asked, arching a brow. “Or will you merely watch?” He tightened his fist in Dareena’s hair, urging her to continue. She’d paused for a moment at the sound of Drystan’s voice, but at Lucyan’s urging, now continued where she’d left off.
Growling, Drystan stalked into the room and shut the door behind him. He stripped off his tunic and trousers, then sank to his knees behind Dareena, his cock hard and ready. Dareena’s back arched as Drystan reached around to her front, one hand latching onto her bre
ast, the other delving between her legs. She moaned as Drystan played with her folds, sending vibrations up Lucyan’s cock that shoved him straight over the edge. He came with a strangled cry, shooting his seed into her mouth, and she took it all, her throat bobbing as she swallowed.
“Blast it,” Lucyan panted, leaning against the bed as he pulled away. “I didn’t intend for it to be over that fast.”
“It might be over for you,” Dareena panted as Drystan pulled her flush against him, “but I’m not done yet.”
“Nor am I,” Drystan said, nibbling Dareena’s earlobe. He plunged two fingers inside her, and Dareena cried out, her eyes fluttering shut. A flush spilled across her cheekbones as she ground herself against Drystan’s hand, urging him to fuck her with his fingers. The older brother was more than happy to oblige, vibrating his fingers hard and fast against the sweet spot inside her.
Lucyan could already feel his cock swelling again as he watched his brother pleasure their mate. He dropped to his knees and took both her breasts in his hands, playing with her taut nipples while Drystan continued to work his magic on her. Dareena moaned, straining between them as she sought her release, one hand gripping Drystan’s thigh while the other sank into Lucyan’s mop of red hair.
“Come for us,” Drystan panted in her ear. “Now.”
“Yes,” she cried, throwing her head back against Drystan’s shoulder. Her body shook as the orgasm took her, and she shuddered as she came hard all over Drystan’s hand. Watching her come apart in their hands was the sexiest thing Lucyan had ever seen in his life. His cock was fully hard again, aching to be inside her.
