The Dragon's Eye (The Draconarid Book 1)

by Nira Steele

  Then she cast her eyes just a little further. Peeking carefully, she glanced sideways towards the chaise on the opposite side. Andie’s eyes caught a vision of beauty which almost made her trip on her hem. There was an exquisitely beautiful woman lying along the huge couch across from her. She was tall and slender in a way which radiated effortless lushness. The vivid red fabric of her gown almost glowed against her pale skin.

  Tilting her head back, the stunning woman raised a long hand to her ear. Extending one finger she ran it slowly down the side of her neck. Silver and gold glittered on her hand as she teased at the edge of her shimmering red veil…. Then she looked straight at Andie. She started speaking, her crimson lips curling around her words.

  “I see you have brought us some entertainment dear brother. Is this the ‘Dragon’s Eye’ I keep hearing about?” she spoke in fluent English. Her voice was smooth, deep yet feminine with that melodic rolling accent.

  Andie’s eyes dropped to the floor as she instantly slumped forward. What did she mean when she referred to Andie as entertainment? A feeling of dread crept into her mind as she recalled the gossip from the tavern. All those stories, those sordid narratives about the royal family – could they actually be true?

  Laurentius made a tiny huff before completely ignoring her.

  With a force of effort Andie managed to slightly slow her pace. Laurentius seemed to allow it, letting her fall behind as they reached the largest of the lounges. When they pulled up she had managed to position herself behind him.

  “Father, I have brought you our guest,” Laurentius said smoothly.

  “Ahh yes,” a deep rumbling voice answered. “Where is she then?”

  Her shield moved aside, exposing her to the Overlord.

  For a moment Andie did not know what to do. Glancing down she realised her hand was no longer on Laurentius’s arm. She felt the familiar rush of fear quickly overtaking her. This was dreadful - she could not step forward now without toppling over. For the second time in as many minutes she wanted to sink into the floor.

  Glancing up, Andie met a pair of clear blue eyes. A kind smile was crinkling the Overlord’s face.

  “Come here, young lady,” he spoke softly.

  Despite his obvious age he was still a very handsome man. His face bore the features of his children, so beguiling Andie could not tear her eyes away. A smooth long trail of pure white hair framed his mesmerising façade. A silver circlet sat over his brow, just a single band of the purest metal. He reached up towards Andie with his long fingers gleaming with jewelled rings.

  Twitching forward Andie grasped gratefully onto his hand. Immediately she felt it, the soft calmness flowing into her.

  “You see my dear? You have nothing to fear here,” he warbled in his deep warm voice. “Now tell me, how do you find our truculent guest?”

  He could only be referring to one person. Clearing her throat Andie pressed her free hand to her chest.

  “Well, Darius is a bit stubborn and headstrong but he has a good heart,” she managed to breathe out.

  “The typical attributes of royalty,” the Overlord responded. “Has he told you anything about the attack on his House?”

  “He said he wasn’t there when it happened. He was away somewhere on a hunting trip. When he did return, well, he couldn’t bring himself to talk about that.”

  The smile faded from the Overlord’s face.

  “Such a devastating event for someone so young. Do you think there is a chance he will stay with us?”

  “I’m not sure but I’m doing my best to convince him to.”

  “We are extremely pleased he has come to our House. Everyone had presumed his whole family had perished. As the youngest of three sons he has not been prepared for the task of ruling. He must be trained quickly so he can draw his people back to their home.”

  “I believe she understands the gravity of the situation,” Lord Laurentius said quietly.

  “Of course she does. She is a very special young lady.” Smiling again, the Overlord brought his free hand up to pat hers.

  Then another voice rose from the room.

  “Someone has found a way to become indispensable very quickly,” the young woman declared.

  Glancing over Andie saw her lift a long fluted glass to her lips. Taking a sip, she then rested the rim against her chin. Slowly blinking she fixed her gaze onto Andie.

  “Exactly how is this human able to exert such influence over a dragon?” she stated smoothly.

  Chuckling softly the Overlord turned to look at his daughter.

  “Have you not heard the news dear Sanna? She is the kin of the Mercator Domina,” he advised her. He then turned towards Andie and gave her a tiny nod. “Show her why you are called the Dragon’s Eye my dear.”

  Andie nervously pulled up one sleeve. Luckily this arm was the one hanging onto the Overlord’s hand. Realising the Eye stone was concealed she moved to open its cover. The effort proved unnecessary though as Sanna turned away with a sniff. Then the person sitting across from her made a quiet comment in Latin.

  Stunned, Andie realised it was a man. He sounded almost the same as Laurentius only his voice was slightly higher in tone. His appearance was a different matter though as he was almost a carbon copy of Sanna. If not for the line of his masculine jaw, Andie could have mistaken them for twin sisters.

  She could not help staring at him, at his incredibly beautiful façade. Not that he was paying any attention to Andie - in fact he seemed completely uninterested in her. Dressed in a long black robe he kept his eyes fixed onto his sister.

  The ethereal young woman smiled at her sibling.

  “Callidus, frater (clever, brother),” Sanna responded to him. Then the young royals began conversing in Latin, completely ignoring the rest of the room.

  Frowning slightly the Overlord turned to regard them. Giving his head the tiniest of shakes he then looked back at Andie.

  “Pay no attention to them. They have no concern for issues of any importance,” he stated levelly.

  Andie did not mind the diversion one bit. Despite the calming effect the Overlord was applying she had pretty much reached the end of her endurance.

  Moving slightly in his chair the ancient Draconarid focussed all of his attention back onto Andie.

  “Now I must ask you what your true title is young lady. Not the one you use every day, or the one my people have given you.”

  Andie’s face went blank. It was no accident people only knew her nickname. She had spent years concealing what her real name was. It was the scourge of her youth and she had shed many tears in sufferance for it. The butt of endless school jokes it had not been uttered for a very long time.

  However she could not withhold it now. Frowning, she let her eyes drop slowly to the floor. There was nothing she could do to avoid this, no excuse which would not sound trite or feeble. These people would never understand why she hated her real name so much. They would not be aware of how cruel human beings could be to each other.

  So Andie took a quick breath as she mustered up the courage to utter those four dreadful syllables.

  “Andromeda,” she spoke quietly. There, it was done.

  “Ahh, the daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus in Greek legends,” the Overlord declared. “She was chained to the rocks and left for the sea monster Cetus to eat before Perseus came and rescued her.”

  Andie looked up with a wide-eyed stare.

  “Your father is a master of the stars isn’t he? So fitting he should name his children after the constellations.” The Overlord was smiling again, despite the fact he had obviously shocked her. “It is a beautiful name that befits you dear girl, although I would not like to see you sacrificed to a monster.”

  “Th-thank you,” Andie managed to stutter.

  Crinkling his eyes again, the Overlord changed the subject.

  “So tell me. How is it you have so little fear of dragons? Even for the kin of the Mercator Domina you display remarkable courage.”
/>   Gaping slightly Andie scrambled to find the right words.

  “Well I am afraid of them, I mean normally… not that a dragon is normal or anything but I just really like them? Um….”

  The Overlord enjoyed her response immensely. Emitting a warm chuckle he leaned towards her.

  “It’s alright my dear. You do not have to explain your valour to me. We all find the courage when we are faced with something we truly desire. I believe you were destined to overcome this challenge.”

  To her own surprise, Andie actually understood what he was saying.

  “Like fate?” she ventured meekly.

  “You may be here to keep a belligerent dragon entertained but it is not your true calling. Whilst we might not fully comprehend it yet, there is a greater reason why you are here.”

  “I can’t explain it with words you know. I just seem to be on this path. It’s kind of crazy I got this far at all.”

  “Sometimes it is the people you least expect who accomplish astounding things.”

  Blushing slightly, Andie dropped her gaze.

  “I wish I was a little bit tougher though. My father’s always making fun of how weak my stomach is,” she admitted. Then she had a moment of inspiration and quickly began to frown. Lowering her voice, Andie attempted to do an impersonation.

  “Andie my girl, you have the intestinal fortitude of a puppy!” she exclaimed gruffly.

  Her statement made the Overlord laugh out loud. Tilting his head back he exposed a set of perfect teeth.

  “Oh my dear, you are a gem!” he warbled.

  Well at least Andie had managed one small piece of wit, even if it was a quote from her dad. Unfortunately the moment of levity had not gone unnoticed. Falling into silence the Overlord’s twin children had turned their attention to Andie.

  This time the young man was studying her intently. Furrowing his perfectly formed brows he started narrowing his eyes at her. Then Andie noticed they were framed by a line of smoky dark kohl. Looking closer, she could see his eyebrows had been painted with the same shade. Glancing over at Sanna, Andie realised she was wearing makeup too….

  “I think it is time our guest departed,” Laurentius said quietly.

  Blinking rapidly Andie looked up at him. Somehow she had forgotten he was even standing there. There was no trace of cosmetics upon his face - it was as natural as the Overlords.

  “Yes. I am sure her host family will be missing her,” the elderly Draconarid agreed. Patting her hand he then released it from his grasp.

  Instantly she felt breathless again. Laurentius stepped forward and smoothly placed her hand upon his arm. As the relieving calm flowed into her body Andie could not help but sigh.

  “Thank you for visiting us this evening. You may stay in my House for as long as your task takes,” the Overlord said warmly.

  “Thank you, your majesty,” Andie murmured. Lowering her head she made a little bow.

  Then she was being led away, past the lounges and the candles. Everything started blurring into a dreamlike haze as she glided along. All she perceived was softly lilting music and a faint delicious scent which reminded her of something.

  Eventually she found herself back at the dining table. Blinking slowly it took her a few seconds to realise where she was. There was something standing in front of her, a drape of beautiful lavender fabric.

  “Come dearest. We must leave immediately.”

  As reality slowly filtered in she recognised who was standing there. It was Willa, her big violet eyes staring up at her. Then Andie noticed the entire hall was completely silent. Quickly glancing through the open partitions, she saw people’s eyes fixed upon her.

  Fortunately the musicians then struck up a lively tune. It filled the air with a relieving sound which seemed to distract some people’s attention.

  Tessa moved up beside Andie and grabbed one of her arms in a vice-like grip. Then she began striding forward, towing Andie along like a miniature diesel train. Terenus moved in front of them and began clearing a path straight towards the exit.

  Once they were outside the cool air hit Andie. Sucking in a sharp breath she was abruptly jolted back to her senses.

  “Hey! Slow down before I fall over!” she implored her little friend.

  “Do you realise what just happened?” Tessa muttered as she kept stomping along the walkway.

  “Kinda?” Andie murmured.

  “She’s been enraptured,” Willa declared from behind them.

  Terenus was the first to reach the house. As soon as he arrived he smacked his palm against the front door’s opening stone. Instantly it flew sideways and he strode inside.

  “Inside people! Double time!” he barked.

  Tessa dragged her over the threshold before abruptly releasing her arm. Without thinking Andie rushed to her couch at the far end of the room. Sitting down quickly she dropped her head as the air around her erupted.

  “What in heaven’s name was he thinking?” Terenus blared. “Nobody’s ever been allowed into the private dining room. This is terrible, just terrible.”

  Tessa launched into a fierce defence.

  “But people take food in there all the time!” she yelled at her father.

  “No dearest,” Willa said levelly as she stepped between her husband and daughter. “All of the meals are delivered before the royal family arrives.”

  “What about the guard then?” Tessa demanded.

  “There was no guard!” Terenus snapped back.

  “Are you blind?” Tessa spat with a sneer. “The creepy bastard with a pike!”

  “Language!” Willa rebuked her.

  “What are you talking about, you daft girl?” Terenus shot back.

  “The one shrouded in white standing next to the archway. You saw him too didn’t you Andie? I was kneeling just outside the partitions when he appeared.”

  “What? You were nearby?” Andie murmured.

  “Oh for heaven’s sake don’t ask her anything! She’s been bewitched!” Terenus ranted as he clutched at the back of his head.

  “Hey! Don’t pick on her!” Tessa barked.

  “Did you see his Lordship kneel down in front of her?” Terenus spluttered. “By Juno’s tit, this is a catastrophe! That’s it - I think I’m going to have a stroke.”

  Willa rolled her eyes towards the ceiling as she declared, “Oh for heaven’s sake sit down. The last thing we need is your amateur theatrics.”

  Andie moved her hands up over her ears. Despite the unfolding drama she actually did not feel bad at all. Sure her meeting with the Overlord was intense but now it was over she was beginning to feel quite elated.

  He had been wonderful to meet in person. Kind and wise, he was everything Andie imagined he should be. He seemed to understand her, fully supporting her efforts to keep Darius here.

  Slinking out of her chair Andie wormed her way past the commotion. Creeping between the partitions she quietly snuck through the dining area. Reaching the hallway she paused and listened to the arguing. It did not sound like they would be stopping any time soon.

  Reaching her bedroom she began shedding the layers of her outfit. Carefully unfixing her hair clips, Andie began recalling the faces of the royal family. They really were extraordinary….

  Chapter 12 - Gardens and Gossip

  Andie had awoken to very quiet house.

  She wasn’t terribly surprised given the dramas of the night before. Tessa and her parents must have worn themselves out arguing about Andie’s meeting with the royal family. Much to her relief they did not quarrel for long but she did hear another brief exchange sometime after midnight.

  As a consequence Andie had decided to keep a low profile again today. Creeping into the kitchen, she made some breakfast before anyone else had woken up. Brewing some coffee with a quick round of toast, she then squirreled herself away behind the partitions in the lounge area.

  Peeking between the screens she saw Terenus enter the living room just after eight o’clock. Wrapped in the f
olds of a long dressing gown he lurched slowly in the direction of the kitchen. Tessa surfaced not long after her father, exiting the corridor which led to her room. She was still dressed in the crumpled mass of her white night gown as she passed slowly through the living area.

  Listening out, Andie could hear them talking in the kitchen.

  Eventually Tessa reappeared and shuffled quietly over to the lounges. Taking a seat, the little Draconarid sipped on a large mug of tea. Giving Andie a sluggish nod she murmured a quiet hello to her.

  Smirking slightly, Andie dropped her head as she said good morning to her friend. Tessa actually looked rather adorable with her little fringe sticking up. A few minutes later Terenus sauntered through the living area, apparently revived by the large coffee he was now carrying.

  “Good morning Andie,” he said levelly as he headed towards his room.

  “Good morning,” she responded quietly.

  Shortly thereafter Terenus reappeared dressed his long white Magister’s robes. Moving briskly towards the front door he pressed a hand to its activation stone. As he left the house a muted sound arose from beside Andie.

  Tessa had miraculously come to life. She had lowered her cup onto a small side table as she watched her father like a hawk. Then the moment he was gone she turned to Andie and winked at her.

  “Let’s get you out of here,” she declared with quick grin. Sitting up straight, she appeared to be completely alert now.

  “Are you okay?” Andie asked with a confused frown.

  “Absolutely. I just didn’t want father to get suspicious. Don’t be concerned about what happened last night. We argue with each other all the time.”

  “I’m so sorry about everything,” Andie murmured as she bowed her head.

  “It’s not your fault. Hey, you hardly asked for the attention.”

  “Yeah but it’s because of me,” Andie mumbled as her eyes fell to the floor.

  “Nonsense!” Tessa declared as she patted her fringe down. “We found out Overlord Tiberius just wanted to meet with you. Father went to the palace and asked about it.”

  “What!?” Andie gasped.

  “He paid them a visit just after midnight.”