by Delia Castel
“Marigold isn’t like that.”
With a shrug, he walked out of the study, heading for the grand staircase. “I hope for your sake that she isn’t. Excuse me, while I ready myself to receive the King’s Blessing.”
He was halfway up the stairs when Berrin spoke. “Matheson?”
“Yes?” He paused.
“You might want to give Marigold the benefit of the doubt. Once she’s received the King’s Blessing, she won’t be able to create a bond with any other dragon. She’s aware of this, but still wants to go ahead. Does that sound like the act of a duplicitous female?”
It didn’t, but Matheson didn’t want to hurt Berrin’s feelings by suggesting that Marigold didn’t fully understand the seriousness of the blessing. If his brother wanted to retain his optimism, he would not spoil his delusion. In time, Marigold would gain exposure to high society and all that it offered. There were dragons more handsome, more charming, with the ability to sweep a female into a blaze of luxury and excitement. Any one of those swains would give up a life of debauchery to have Marigold as a long-term lover.
He climbed to the mezzanine level of the grand staircase and paused in front of the giant portrait of his first ancestor, the armored knight who brandished the accursed Auburn flamberge. His arm throbbed with phantom pain, and Matheson scowled at yet another traitorous appendage. Berrin stared up from the foot of the stairs, his eyes bright. Matheson’s heart sank. He was beginning to realize why he had lost himself to a haze of papaver and distilled wormwood. The harsh reality of life was oftentimes too stark and painful to withstand.
He tore his gaze away from the heartbreaking sight and continued towards his room. In mere hours, he would be bonded to a she-dragon more beautiful than even Kaida, and he didn’t know if she would be the family’s salvation or ruin.
After a long shower, he entered his room, averting his gaze from the giant portrait of Mother and Father as dragons. His hands shook, and he sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the flask of distilled wormwood he had taken to the Papaver Palace. His tongue darted out to lick his dry lips. Once sip would give him the tranquility he needed to get through the ball. The suspicious voices in his head would quiet, and he could focus on obtaining the King’s Blessing. Then, after being declared a full dragon, he would contact Judge Embers and demand that he overturn the ridiculous ruling granting Uncle Hertz the family estate.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
“Who is it?”
“Can I come in?” asked Nanny from behind the door.
“No.”
The doorknob turned, and she stepped inside. “You’ve been up here for nearly two hours. Aren’t you ready yet?”
“What?” He stared up. “You’re joking.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “Have you ever known me to have a sense of humor?”
“Never. What do you want?”
“There’s no need to be so blunt!”
One corner of his lips curled into a smile. “Sorry, Nanny.”
“Well? What are you doing up here on your own?”
“Thinking,” he mumbled.
“Don’t think yourself out of a mate. The other two are making great progress with the young mistress, and you, the most handsome of the trio, are garnering nothing but annoyance and disgust.”
He raised his shoulders. “Maybe she likes the regimental type.”
“It’s the non-insulting type a female wants, not your smart mouth. Since I’ve walked in, all you’ve done is disparage the girl. If she really is a dragon, you should be pouring compliments on her pretty blonde head, not scorn.”
He slumped against the frame of his four-poster bed and rubbed his cheek against the soft, velvet bed curtain. “Pretty, is she? Are you hinting at a reason you never remarried after Bagot died?”
Her eyes flashed, face turned red, and her mouth fell open in an outraged O. “Don’t be a cheeky wretch!”
He snickered. “I can always rely on your dour presence. It’s like the cloud to my silver lining.”
“While you’re laughing like a simpleton, your brothers are securing their spots in your mate’s bed. I’d make a joke about you being left out with only your right hand as companionship, but I have no sense of humor.”
Shock hit him like a bucket of ice. “Nanny!”
“Don’t look at me like that.” She folded her arms across her thin chest. “I’m a mother of three. I know what boys get up to on those long, lonely nights. You’ve finally gotten yourself a mate. This should be your chance to turn your life around, not to continue wallowing in disappointment and lost love.”
He bowed his head. She was right, as usual. Even when he had been too drunk or deluded to connect with reality, Nanny had always been there, drumming common sense into him like a woodpecker. “I’ll do my best.”
“Good boy.” She bustled to the armoire, pulled out a suit of clothing, and laid it on the bed. “Put these on. You have a mate to impress.”
Chapter 15
Marigold stared down at the scroll from Governor Hertz. Her stomach churned, and her fingers tightened over the parchment. She still had no idea what the dragon wanted from her and wasn’t sure that she wanted to know. “I can’t read this.”
Polaris wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pressed a kiss on her temple. “We need to know what it says.”
“It’ll probably be something to sabotage our chances of getting the King’s Blessing.”
“I have no doubt of that. Would you like me to read it for you?”
Nodding, she handed over the scroll and exhaled. While the contents of the letter terrified her, the thought of having to read out cursive script in front of an educated gentleman made her stomach churn. “I only want to know if he says something important.”
“As you wish.” He cracked open the wax seal and scanned its contents. His lips grew thinner and thinner until they were a barely visible, white line.
Marigold tugged on her ear. “Is there anything I need to know?”
He scrunched it up in his fist. “It’s an overly-solicitous letter of introduction, saying he looks forward to making your acquaintance and that he requests a dance.”
“What was the point of that?”
“I think his aim is twofold: it’s an attempt to frighten you away if you are indeed Merry Gold, and he wishes to achieve an element of subterfuge.”
She tilted her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“By informing you that he will be at the ball this evening, he wishes to alert us that he has an alibi for attacking our home again.”
“That makes sense.” She stared into the dimly lit hallway, which stretched all the way to the main wing of the mansion. An unused wing would be the ideal place for one of the Governor’s bear shifters to hide.
“However,” he continued, “Uncle’s true purpose is to divide our attention. If we place all our efforts into defending the house, he will be free to abduct you with little resistance.”
Marigold’s heart skittered, and a bitter taste formed in the back of her mouth. After that experience with those awful bear shifters, any talk of Governor Hertz or his agents trying to take her away made her skin crawl. “Oh.”
“It’s possible that he will make a two-pronged attack, attempting to abduct you at the ball while having his minions attack the house.”
Even as she nodded, she felt her stomach, along with her hopes, drop to the marble floor of the hallway. “He’s going through all this trouble to capture me. What if he succeeds in hurting one of you?”
He stared at her, his stormy, indigo eyes boring into her soul like he could read her mind. “I do hope you’re not thinking of doing something heroic like sacrificing yourself to save us.”
Images of Berrin being impaled through the back with a broadsword rose to the forefront of her mind, and sweat broke out on her palms. She wiped her hands on the tails of her shirt, trying not to think of the blood that once coated them. She couldn
’t stand it if any of them got hurt on her account.
Bowing her head, Marigold considered her options. Governor Hertz was willing to order the death of anyone who stood in the way of his goals. But hadn’t he promised Matheson to drop his case in exchange for gaining possession of her? It was obvious that the bracelet linked her to an important family, but his reasons for obtaining her were still unclear. If she was that precious to him, why deposit her in a brothel to be violated by her parole officer and any number of males? Why send the same parole officer after her to exact his violent revenge?
“Marigold.” Polaris’ voice was stern. “You have not answered my question.”
She placed her fingertips on her brows, massaging her aching head. “I-I won’t do anything stupid. I promise.”
He cupped her face with both hands, tilting her head up, so they made eye contact. “Uncle Hertz is not of sound mind. He is desperate and a degenerate of the worst kind. That is a dangerous combination.”
“I agree.” She forced a smile, but when he continued boring into her with his hard glare, she added, “I won’t go anywhere near him. I promise.”
“Good, because you’re worth more to us than any fortune.” He pressed a kiss in the middle of her forehead and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
Inhaling his intoxicating, masculine scent, Marigold relaxed into his strong embrace. Even though his position as an officer of the King’s Regiment prevented him from forming an official mating bond with her, she was glad to have had this closeness with him. She wrapped her arms around him, hoping this wouldn’t be their last encounter. Normally, she would ask, but it seemed greedy to demand more, considering she was already mated to Berrin and was about to form a permanent bond with Matheson via the King’s Blessing.
Polaris placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the hallway, back into the main wing of the mansion. She gazed up at his handsome face with features very similar to Berrin, but darker and far more aggressive. He gazed down and winked, the gesture making Marigold flush. She was no novice at sex, but the things he had done to her, the places he had touched, the depths of pleasure he had wrung from her body had been incredible.
Berrin and Ella sat at the dining table, eating a hearty lamb stew. The rich aromas of rosemary and meat made her mouth water. While Ella wolfed down her portion, Berrin poked at his food. He raised his head and stared at her through glistening eyes. His lips parted, but no words came out.
Guilt clamped around Marigold’s heart like an iron maiden, its spikes piercing her until she wanted to confess what she had done with Berrin’s brother. She clapped her hand to her mouth. Had they misinterpreted Berrin’s words? She ached to say something, but it was impossible in front of Ella. Lady Brimstone and the Governor would force every fact, observation, and speculation from her lips.
“Miss Mulciber.” Polaris’ voice was cold. “You should not allow yourself to be used as a pawn against your friend.”
Marigold was about to chastise Polaris and tell him about her abusive home, when Ella dropped her spoon, staring up at him, eyes wide and shocked. “I’m sorry—”
“Did my father not offer to take you on as his ward on several occasions?” asked Polaris.
Marigold gaped. Why was he saying this now? Polaris hadn’t said anything before, when he had walked into the ballroom. Had he been preoccupied with the bad news from the King? It was odd to see him like this, when he hadn’t been this harsh to Marigold when she had been under suspicion of having murdered his parents.
Ella ducked her head. “Lord Auburn was very generous…”
“A number of people around Florus, many of whom owe your parents debts of gratitude for the births of their daughters, have offered you aid. You have refused help, preferring to stay in a home occupied by enemies.”
“You don’t understand,” she whispered.
Marigold chewed on her bottom lip, staring from Ella to Polaris. It hadn’t occurred to her that anyone else had attempted to help Ella.
Polaris folded his arms across his chest. “I do not purport to understanding your decisions. However, I will respect them and not interfere. What I will not tolerate is harm coming to my family because of your inexplicable desire to remain with such a deplorable guardian.”
Ella’s lips trembled, and Marigold hugged her own arms. She glanced at Berrin, whose gaze also darted between Polaris and Ella. Her friend looked so defeated, and Marigold wanted to say something, but all her words had dried up. She didn’t know what to think anymore, because there was a ring of truth in Polaris’ harsh words. Perhaps Ella didn’t understand the danger Governor Hertz posed. Marigold hadn’t told her about the bear shifters who had invaded the house and nearly killed Berrin and herself. It was unlikely that Governor Hertz would discuss murderous schemes in front of anyone who might reveal them to others.
Ella pulled herself out of the dining chair, casting her half-eaten bowl of stew a wistful glance. “I will leave. It was good to see you both, and I thank you for your hospitality.”
Polaris stood at the doorway, his eyes cold. Ella grabbed several bread rolls and stuffed them into the pocket of her skirts. She scurried over to the corner of the room and picked up a burlap bag, laden with supplies. Marigold assumed that Nanny had given them to her at some point during the day.
Throughout this, Marigold felt torn. On one hand, she hated to see someone in a desperate, helpless situation. It reminded her too much of life in Boreas and at the House of Corrections. But if Ella had rejected many offers of shelter over the years, then who was Marigold to interfere at this late stage? Ella had insisted that she had a plan, and that she didn’t need rescuing. Instead of worrying about Ella, Marigold needed to focus on the brothers, who faced a deadly situation not of their choosing.
“Ella,” she said. When her friend paused at the door, Marigold continued. “We are here when you are ready to accept help.”
Tears gleamed in Ella’s eyes, and she nodded.
“One moment, Miss Mulciber,” said Polaris.
Berrin stood, an angry flush on his cheeks. “I think she’s had enough of you.”
“Stand down, Berrin.”
He scowled at his older brother but held his silence. Marigold gulped, wondering what Polaris would ask. He advanced on Ella, who straightened and met his gaze. Marigold tilted her head to the side. She had always thought of Ella as a timid creature, and she wondered whether this bout of courage came from knowing that Polaris would never hurt her.
Polaris jerked his head at Marigold. “What does Uncle Hertz want with her?”
Marigold’s heart jumped. Why hadn’t she thought to ask Ella? She stared down at her feet. It was likely that Lady Brimstone would punish Ella for answering, but what was that compared to what Governor Hertz could order his minions to do to them?
Ella sucked in her bottom lip before saying, “Governor Hertz told Lady Brimstone that Merry Gold was the key to a fortune.”
“What kind?” asked Berrin.
“I don’t know, I swear. He said he’s been searching for someone fitting her description for ages. The Governor only found her because his new deputy asked him to appraise a bracelet he confiscated years ago from a street urchin.”
Marigold clenched her teeth. She was sure someone had mentioned that Lord Arctos was now the Assistant Governor of Boreas. But until now, she hadn’t thought it relevant to her plight. Not wanting to look invested in the conversation in case the Governor asked Ella how Marigold had reacted, she left Polaris to ask the questions.
“Why does he want the bracelet?” asked Berrin.
Ella shrugged. “He doesn’t care for the jewelry. He just wants to capture its rightful owner.”
“Does he want to mate with this…” Polaris paused as though trying to recall something. “Merry Gold?”
“I don’t think so… He told Lady Brimstone that he would use Merry Gold to fund a private militia to overthrow the humans in Habilis. He wants to hand her the country a
s a bride price.”
Marigold studied a spot on the rug. More disturbing than having him pursue her for some supposed fortune was the fact that he knew her true identity. And she didn’t believe for one moment that the Governor would spend a penny of that money on Lady Brimstone’s quest to regain her country.
“Is a counter-coup the reason why she sold your mother’s apothecary shops?” asked Berrin.
“Yes,” Ella said through gritted teeth. Angry red blotches appeared on her face. “Excuse me, I’m expected at home.” She hurried out of the room.
“I will see her out.” Polaris followed her down the hallway.
The disappearance of the pair left an uncomfortable void, waiting to be filled with explanations Marigold could not voice. Her chest tightened. That little confrontation with Ella was mild compared to having to face Berrin. They stared at each other from across the table. His breathing quickened, and he blinked several times, as though trying to stave off tears. Marigold dropped her gaze. She and Polaris had misinterpreted his suggestion to talk through their differences. Whatever he had meant, they ought to have taken the time to discuss things with him.
She walked around the table and stood in front of him, looking up into his eyes, which glistened like pools of aquamarine. “I…” She cringed, making sure to stare at his chest, which rose and fell at an alarmingly fast rate. If she had done the wrong thing, she couldn’t stand to see his reaction. “I slept with Polaris.”
“I know,” he murmured.
She pressed her palms onto his chest, which thumped so hard, she felt the vibrations of his heart through the fabric. “Are you upset?”
“I’m terrified.”
Her gaze snapped up. Berrin’s face had turned ashen, and his lips trembled. An ache formed at the back of Marigold’s throat, which spread to her chest and wrapped around her lungs tight as a constrictor’s embrace. “I don’t understand.”
