Once Upon a Quest

by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

The guard smiled and bowed when I walked inside the massive ballroom filled with wall-to-wall guests.

  Lucy loved balls; this was her thing. She used to attend one monthly, but I was in foreign territory here and possibly in over my head. People continued to stare, and I wondered if I had something on my face. Heads were turning, and—Ugh! Didn’t people know it was rude to stare? Tension filled me, and I snatched a glass of champagne from the waiter as he walked by. The orchestra was playing something I’d never heard before, which wasn’t surprising. At least the couples dancing seemed to be enjoying themselves. How did those ladies—Dear God! One woman’s corset was so tight, her poor breasts were pushed up to her chin. I had to look away. I felt sorry for them. It made my girls hurt just looking.

  I held my head high, and looked around the ballroom for the king and queen; I’d done enough people watching for the night. I knew they would introduce me to their sons, and after the introductions were made, I just needed to convince them to help me. Easy-peasy.

  “Princess Catherine, is that really you? We didn’t expect to see you here,” said a voice from behind me. I turned around, seeing the King and Queen of the Western Kingdom.

  Eliza and Christian were around my father’s age, but because of their half vampire blood, they looked much younger and, holy cow—so radiant. I bowed before them, nearly tripping over my feet. Stupid heels.

  “Good evening, your majesties,” I responded, wondering where the three princes’ were. Queen Eliza was tall and beautiful with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes, resting above high cheek bones and pouty red lips; her makeup was immaculate. Her husband, King Christian—dressed in a blue uniform—was tall as well with a stocky build, dark blond hair and a strong jaw, his eyes were a hypnotising shade of blue.

  “We heard about Princess Lucy, so that’s why we’re so shocked to see you here. Your father must be worried sick,” Eliza said, running her hand up and down my arm in a soothing gesture. She seemed genuine, but she must have realised I would be showing up here. They were aligned with the dragon shifters, and I needed to speak to their sons right away.

  “We’re working on a plan. My father told me about the ball and asked that I take Lucy’s place in order to speak to your sons. Are they available?” I enquired. “I mustn’t waste time, your highness.”

  I was becoming increasingly aware that everyone was staring at us. The music had even stopped playing; people were attempting to listen in on our conversation. Busy bodies. I was tempted to turn around and tell them to carry on. How rude.

  “Of course, we understand. Come with me, Catherine,” the king said, “and I will introduce you to Eric, Jameson and Tobias. They’re around here somewhere.” The king glanced around the room. The truth was, that I didn’t have time for pleasantries, every minute counted, and Christian must have realised that. Thank God!

  We left the ballroom and walked along a brightly-lit corridor, passing several chambers until we stopped in front of a large study. King Christian gestured for me to go inside.

  “I will bring my sons to you, just give me few minutes to locate them. Would you like for me to send in the staff with a drink or a small bite to eat? I’m sure you must be hungry.”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

  When he left me alone, I could finally breathe normally—sort of, but my stomach was in knots. That dress was getting in the way, and I just knew I already had blisters covering my feet. Fantastic. After pacing around or at least attempting to pace around the study, I took off my shoes. I couldn’t stay still, and it was so nice to feel carpet beneath my bare feet. I sighed in relief.

  After ten minutes of perusing the books lining the walls of the study, I wondered if the princes were ever going to show. I was at the point of considering taking the pins out of my hair, when the door finally opened. My heart nearly catapulted out of my chest when I saw three dark-haired men walking through the entryway. They were bloody gorgeous, more than I’d expected and much older, too—around my age. I was expecting pompous-looking, bloodsucking arseholes, not this. Holy hell.

  Don’t be intimidated by them. Just talk to these men about Lucy. Everything will be all right. And breathe. Don’t forget to do that; it’s important.

  Suddenly, there was no air in that study. Their energy hit me like an avalanche. King Christian was right behind them.

  “Right, this is Princess Catherine from the Southern Kingdom. She needs to speak to you boys urgently,” the king said, smiled at me and then shut the door. I looked at the three of them, wondering how to begin this conversation.

  “My name is Jameson, this is Eric and that’s Tobias,” the one to my right said. He was the tallest of the three with short, curly black hair and dark cerulean eyes that seemed to penetrate me from the moment he walked into the room. I didn’t like that one bit. Nope, not at all.

  Chapter 6

  “It’s nice to meet you—all of you.” I gave them an appraising glance. I brought my hand forward to greet Jameson—because that’s what ladies did, right?—and instead of shaking my hand, he leaned down and kissed my knuckles. Wait, did he just lick me? Eww. I pulled my hand back suddenly, maintaining a now-fake smile, and not a grimace, trying really hard not to wipe my hand on my dress. Germs!

  “Nice to meet you as well, Princess,” Jameson said after he’d slobbered on me. This was not happening. It was time to steer the conversation where I wanted it to go.

  “How about we have a seat, boys? I have some important business to discuss with you, that is if you have the time.” I thought I bat my eyelashes, but it probably looked like I had something in my eyes. I honestly had no idea.

  The three dhampirs smiled—I didn’t see a hint of fang, so that was good—and nodded toward the brown leather sofa resting near the far-right wall. I took that as an invitation to take a seat.

  “What do you have in mind?” Eric enquired, stepping forward with his hands clasped in front of him. Dear lord, did all dhampirs look like this? Tall, dark-haired with near-glowing blue eyes? I was getting off track again. Moving on.

  “Is it getting hot in here?” I fanned myself. “Is there a window we can open? It’s stifling.” Sweat was forming between my not-so-covered breasts—Thanks, Jane—and there was nothing I could do because of the damn corset that was suffocating the life out of me. I was burning it once I returned to the castle. No woman should have to endure such torture.

  Tobias laughed. “The room seems quite comfortable, my lady.” Was he patronising me? It was indeed, very hot. I was entirely too young for hot flashes.

  “All right, let’s get down to the reason I’m here,” I began, eying the three of them. They seemed to be amused, and at what, I had no idea. “As you know, my sister, Princess Lucy, was kidnapped by the Drakin Clan and I’m in need of your services.” There, I’d said it.

  Eric raised a questioning, albeit very handsome brow. Could dhampirs control a woman’s hormones? I was beginning to wonder. “And what makes you think we could be of assistance?”

  He knew damn well what I was asking but Eric was going to make me work for it. “Your family is aligned with the Drakins, and they’ve demanded a ransom of two more women or concubines rather, from our kingdom in exchange for Lucy’s life.” God, it was hot in here. I was going to die from the heat before I ever had a chance to save my sister.

  “That is very unfortunate, Princess,” Jameson interjected, coming to stand near his brother. Now, the three princes were standing before me, looking at me like I was to be their dinner. What the hell was my father thinking? This was not good. Not good at all!

  “Look,” I said, feeling frustrated, “I haven’t got much time—twelve days, no make that eleven, or my sister dies. Your alliance will help me crossover into the Eastern Lands and save my sister. It’s simple.” I looked at an invisible watch on my wrist. “Time’s ticking, boys. Are you going to help me or not?” So much for my ladylike charm.

  They laughed and not just any laugh, but a full belly
laugh. I stood, having had enough of their foolishness. “My sister’s life is no laughing matter, and I was of the impression you princes were upstanding young gentlemen. I guess I was ill informed.” I stood, picked up my dress, and began to storm out of the study, but remembered I was barefoot. Dammit! Where had I left those godforsaken shoes? I turned around to look for them.

  “Princess, wait. We may be able to help you, but we have a proposition of our own,” Eric said looking to his brothers for confirmation.

  I was bent over, under the desk, looking for my shoes; I’d only found one. “What?” I bumped my head, looking up at them when I attempted to stand. “What kind of proposition?” Damn, that was going to leave yet another knot on my head. It hurt like hell. I hoped it wasn’t bleeding, because vampires!

  “Have a seat, Princess, and we shall go over the details,” Jameson said as he righted me to my feet.

  “Thank you,” I said as I stumbled with one heel on and one heel off. Damn, I was a right mess.

  I smoothed my gawd-awful dress, sucked in what little breath I could while wearing that damnable corset and sat on the sofa. “You were saying.”

  “Yes.” Eric sat next to me and good lord, the smell: man, and soap and something else that made my senses go wild! Get a hold of yourself, Catherine! “We will help you but after we rescue your sister, you must choose one of us as your mate to become king, and rule at your side when the time comes.”

  I looked at him like he’d lost his damn mind and then smiled. He couldn’t be serious. “You’re serious? You want me to choose one of you to become king—of my kingdom—once my father passes?”

  “That is correct.” Jameson stepped forward, attempting to look into my soul again with his penetrating blue eyes. “These are our terms, Princess.” He was serious.

  “Well, too bad because Lucy is to become queen. I don’t want the crown.”

  “I’m afraid that is not up to you, Catherine,” Tobias countered. “You are the eldest and heir to the throne.”

  I was passing the crown to Lucy and there was nothing they could say or do about it.

  “Fine, we have a deal, but the joke is on you.” I looked between the three dhampirs, my soon-to-be companions, and asked, “So, when do we leave? Sooner rather than later, I presume.”

  Eric took my hand in his and surprisingly, he didn’t lick me like his brother had. “I will return to the Southern Kingdom with you tonight while my brothers get our affairs in order here. They will meet us there tomorrow morning and then we’ll begin our journey.”

  I nodded, slowly removing my hand from his. “That is a fine plan, gentlemen. I’m glad we could come to an amicable arrangement.” Did I just say that out loud? Amicable, my arse. These men, or dhampirs, rather, had no idea who they were dealing with. A princess, yes, but not the kind they were accustomed to. This was going to be fun.

  I smiled wickedly at the thought of kicking their arses all the way to the Eastern Lands. That would surely make them want to rescind their part of the agreement. Win-win for me!

  Eric stood. “Jameson, Tobias, ready our fighting gear and leave at first light. Inform the king and queen of our mission but be discreet. There are too many ears about the castle who would wish to do us harm.”

  “Wait, what do you mean?” I enquired a bit alarmed at this new revelation. “Why?”

  Eric looked at me with a mixture of playfulness and something else I couldn’t quite discern. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head, Princess.”

  He did not just say that to me.

  “My pretty little head? Because a woman couldn’t possibly fight her way out of a wet paper sack. What oh, what, would I ever do without you three boys to protect me?” I said in a sickly-sweet tone, itching to run him through with my sword—if I had it on me, but there had been nowhere to put it—and killing him wouldn’t help me get across the Eastern Lands. I’d just have to wait.

  He chuckled. “You are quite feisty. I like it.” He rubbed his hand across his very sexy—not sexy—jaw. “You see, Princess, everyone has enemies and it’s best to keep them close. If they learn the king and queen are unprotected, meaning we have left the castle, our enemies could take that as an opportunity to strike.”

  “But they’re vampires. Can’t they just kill them, drink their blood and rip their throats out before they even blinked?” I was so confused.

  It was Tobias’s turn to laugh. “Dhampirs, my sweet. And yes, while they are capable of those things, it is always best to show a force of strength at all times.”

  “Understood.” I nodded, not really understanding but each kingdom was run differently, and I was certain their guards wouldn’t allow anything to happen to the king and queen.

  “Very well, we’ll get on with it, then.” Tobias and Jameson left the room but not before giving me smouldering looks of what seemed like desire. Oh, they were in for such a surprise. I simply couldn’t wait!

  Eric called for my carriage after he’d changed from his formal wear and I’d found my other shoe. We stopped near the ballroom to bid our goodbyes to the king and queen.

  “Please, do be careful, son,” the queen said to him, brushing a lock of his black hair to the side. “Keep us apprised of the situation if you are able.”

  Queen Eliza looked at me. “My dear, Catherine, it was such a pleasure to meet you. I only wish it were under different circumstances.” She then kissed my cheek before I could duck out of the way. Dammit! I was either too short, or she was just too tall.

  “You as well.” Should I bow or call her my queen? No, because she isn’t. I went with a small bow instead. “Maybe I’ll be able to visit another time. Thank you for having me.” I sounded like an idiot.

  The king stepped forward and before I could say anything, wrapped his arms around me in a very tight hug. I could barely breath. I kept my arms to my side, feeling extremely uncomfortable. “You are such a delight and no doubt the apple of your father’s eye. Do take care.”

  I pulled myself from his embrace and nodded. “You as well, your majesty.” Everyone was so touchy-feely around here.

  Eric finally wrapped his arm around my elbow. “It’s time for us to take our leave. I will see you soon. Mother, Father, take good care of yourselves.”

  And with that, he escorted me back to my carriage, but not without a small mishap. I tripped over my heels on the second step, and nearly went flying down the stairs headfirst before he caught me. I knew I wouldn’t make it the whole night without humiliating myself.

  “Princess.” Eric attempted to hide his laughter, not very well, I might add. “May I help you into the carriage?”

  My face was beat-red. “Yes, thank you.” I wasn’t about to suffer yet another embarrassment falling into the carriage. So, I took his hand and he lifted me, not helped, lifted me into the seat of the carriage. Okay, so he was strong. That was good.

  Eric climbed in after me, sitting extremely close, rather than on the other side. This was going to be an uncomfortable ride home. Sigh.

  And we were off.

  Chapter 7

  “You know, there is another seat opposite us.” I gave Eric a sideways glance. “We’re in for quite a long journey, and I do wish for you to be comfortable.” I nearly choked as those words left my mouth. I wanted to be comfortable.

  “I’m content where I am but thank you for your concern.” I wanted to punch him.

  “Suit yourself.” I moved to the other seat and he chuckled.

  Why did he have to be so charming, I mean, arrogant? He continued to stare at me with a small smirk until I felt like he was undressing me with his eyes. Damn. It was getting hot in this carriage.

  Finally, I asked him, “What are you staring at? Do I have something on my face?”

  “Nothing in particular, however, you do look rather beautiful when you grimace.” I was not grimacing.

  I decided to ignore his remark and look out the window at the beautiful scenery I couldn’t see because it was dark. I needed air a
nyway. It was hot.

  A few moments later I felt something creeping up my leg. Oh, hell. I hated rodents. Was there a rodent in the carriage? I was never one to faint—ever, but I didn’t have a weapon to kill anything with. Taking a deep breath and saying a quick prayer to the heavens above, I slowly turned my head to find—You’ve got to be kidding me!

  “Remove your foot from beneath my dress before I remove your leg from your body.” My tone was even and deadly as I shot daggers from my eyes across the carriage. Eric had the nerve to laugh. I was not laughing.

  “My apologies, Catherine. While I would like to keep my leg, I can smell your desire from here.”

  My mouth fell open. Did I smell? No. I most certainly did not. “You’re an infuriating man. Do not touch me again.”

  He was on me in an instant, breathing my air. Had he never heard of personal space? Eric’s mouth was inches from my own and I felt my heart skip a beat.

  “Kiss me,” he said in a deep husky voice.

  I leaned back as far as I could. “Are you out of your mind?”

  “No, just the opposite.” And there was that damn grin again. Infuriating!

  He leaned in and I held up my hand. “Stop.” But he didn’t. He moved around my hand and crushed his full lips against mine, then something jolted from my stomach to my nether regions. Had I eaten bad food? Was I going to be sick? Oh, my! That would be dreadful!

  Eric parted my mouth with his tongue before I could object again; it danced with my own. Why was my tongue doing that? It had a mind of its own, I decided. But damn, this kiss felt so good, so right.

  I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, deepening the kiss—what the hell, I was going for it—and what felt like electricity charged throughout my entire body. Then his hand cupped my breast and I thought I might die.

  “Just because I’m—”

  “Stop talking, Catherine,” Eric interrupted against my mouth, “and kiss me.”

  “kissing you, doesn’t mean—”