Once Upon a Quest

by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

  “Catherine.”

  “I’m going to choose you,” I said against his amazingly soft and kissable lips.

  Unfortunately, he pulled away, but he was smiling. “We shall see about that, Princess.”

  I touched my mouth, wondering where he’d learned to kiss like that and then decided I didn’t want to know. “Get back in your seat, Prince. We’re done here.” I pushed him off me. I was positive I was grinning like an idiot, so I decided to look out the window again instead. It was so damn hot in that carriage, I was certain to pass out from heat exhaustion. It had to be that insufferable corset.

  “So you say.” I heard him chuckle but refused to look at him.

  Oh, that vampire, half vampire or whatever, was going to be the death of me. Kissable lips or not, he needed to keep his hands to himself. We had a job to do. Damn him.

  When we finally pulled up in front of the castle, I wanted to leap out of the carriage, but my damn heels stopped me. Thomas opened my door. “My lady.” He held out his hand to help me down. Now he was a gentleman, unlike the dhampir in the carriage. “Thank you, Thomas.”

  Eric was standing beside me in no time at all, taking in the large castle before him. “It’s beautiful here.”

  “Don’t get used to it.” I didn’t allow him to say another word, and took off walking toward the double-doored entrance.

  Jane and Dr. Kingsley met me in the foyer, both wearing miserable looks. “What is it, Jane?”

  “It’s the king. I’m afraid he’s taken a turn for the worse. Oh, madam, there was so much blood. I had to call in the doctor!” She started wailing and my heart stopped. Father couldn’t leave me now. No. It wasn’t his time; he had been fine earlier.

  I kicked off my heels, leaving my companion where he stood and then took off running up the stairs toward the king’s chamber.

  Without knocking, I barged through the door. “Father! Are you all right? Jane said—”

  “Yes, yes, I’m fine. Jane is a bit of a worry wart. I just need to rest.” He coughed into his handkerchief and there was blood. I wanted to cry. “How was the ball?”

  “Seriously? You’re asking me about that now when you could be dying?” My eyes were wide with concern and I sat beside him on the bed, taking his hand.

  “I am dying, Catherine, just not today. So, how did it go? Were you able to convince the dhampirs to come to our aid?”

  “I—yes, but they had conditions of their own. Those brothers are completely insane, and I have no idea how anyone tolerates them, especially Eric, the eldest. He’s horrible. Just horrible.” I looked at my father’s face. His colour seemed okay but I could tell he wasn’t feeling like himself.

  “Well, what were their terms?” He was direct and to the point.

  “Those idiots said I had to choose one of them as my mate and future king once you, I mean, after you pass on. Can you believe the nerve of those vampires?” I was shaking my head. “I agreed, of course, only to help rescue Lucy, but I have no intention of marrying any of them.”

  “Splendid.” He grinned from ear to ear.

  “I know! Can you believe them?” Wait. Did he just say, “splendid?” So I asked just to be certain. “What? Whatever do you mean?” The blood from his coughing fit must have rushed to his brain.

  He patted my hand. “Marrying one the princes from the Western Kingdom is a wonderful idea and will strengthen our alliance, uniting our kingdoms. Don’t you see? You’ve done well, my darling girl.”

  My mouth dropped open in shock. “They are dhampirs. I am not. I do not see how that will benefit me at all!” I nearly shouted but remembered my place.

  He was still smiling like he’d just won a prize. “You’re not thinking of it in terms of what’s best for the kingdom, Catherine. You’re only thinking of yourself.”

  “Well, yeah. I have no intention of getting married. Ever. This is ludicrous. Let Lucy marry one them. She wants to settle down. She can choose.”

  My father shook his head. “Catherine, whether you want the responsibility or not, you will become queen. It has already been decreed upon my death. It’s best you prepare yourself.” Now he was sounding like Lucy.

  “Fine, father. I’ll see how it goes,” I reluctantly agreed. “But I’m worried about you. Are you sure you’re all right? Do you need anything? I can have the cook whip you up some hot soup, or would you prefer a shot of whiskey to help you sleep?”

  “You may look and act like your mother, but you’re still your father’s daughter.” He patted my cheek with a genuine smile. “I am fine, Catherine. You’ve had a long day and you need to rest. You can explain your upcoming journey in the morning after you’ve slept.”

  “All right.” I kissed him on the cheek. “I love you.” I was not going to cry, so I decided to turn away and walk out the door.

  Heaving a huge sigh, I headed toward my own chamber, ready for this night to be over and done with. I was already pulling at the bodice of my dress, attempting to loosen that damn corset, when I opened the door to find Eric sitting on my bed.

  “What the hell are you doing in my chamber?” I stalked toward him. “Get off my bed. I sleep there.” I looked down at him with utter disdain. Who did he think he was? Making himself at home in my room and on my bed? Just no. That certainly wouldn’t do.

  He smirked, showcasing a dimple in his left cheek I hadn’t seen earlier. It made him look even more—nope, not going there. “How is your father, Princess?”

  “Fine, thank you for asking. Now, if you will, please leave.” I pointed toward the door. “It’s simply indecent for a man to be in my room without another lady present.”

  He stood from my bed and closed the distance between us. I took a step back. I was not kissing him again. “Jane said you were one who tended not to care about the rules.” He licked his delectable lips and I couldn’t help but stare.

  “Jane let you in my chamber?” I asked aghast. I was definitely going to kill Jane.

  “She’s readying a room for me now and said I could wait here; that you wouldn’t mind.” Oh, she was so fired. Definitely fired.

  “Well, I do mind.” I sidestepped him when he leaned down to kiss me again. What was with this half vampire and personal space? I stalked toward the corridor. “Jane!”

  I heard the sound of shuffling feet and Jane appeared from the next room. “Yes, my lady?” Her hands were full of linens.

  “Will you please show our guest to his own room?” He came to stand beside me, way too close, I might add.

  “But it’s not ready yet, Princess—”

  “I don’t care.” I turned to Eric who was now breathing my air again. God, he smelled so good. I cleared my throat. “Your room awaits, Prince.”

  “Jane, give us a minute,” the prince said without taking his eyes off me, and when I glanced at Jane out of the corner of my eye, she looked like she’d swallowed something rancid. I was about to tell her he wasn’t her boss, but she disappeared into his chamber. Dammit.

  I was against the wall within seconds. My chest was rising and falling in rapid movements because I could barely breathe. Dear God, I’d never met a man so forward. My hands were pinned above my head by one of his, and he dipped his head, smelling my hair, then kissed the line of my jaw. Shit! Was he going to bite me? Oh, hell no!

  I attempted to break free from his hold, but he held fast; I couldn’t move. When he kissed the corner of my mouth, I thought I was going to die. No man had ever made me feel like this, like a puddle of goo. Not that I had much to compare him to, but holy crap! When his lips touched mine, passion like I’d never felt before ripped through me and I moaned into his mouth. He tasted divine, and I had no idea what was going on with my body, but it pushed forward of its own accord to feel the hard planes of his chest. And oh, my, were they hard—something else was, too. Oh, my!

  I needed air. I pulled away, breathing heavily, looking into his darkened, heated stare. “Thank you.” I wanted to slap myself. Thank you? Why the hell did I
just say that? Oh, my God.

  He laughed and let go of my arms. “You’re welcome, Catherine. I’ll be going to my chamber now. Sleep well.” He grabbed my waist, pulling me to him, and planted what I know had to be an indecent kiss right smack on my mouth. But, boy, it was magnificent. Then he let go and walked toward his chamber without another word.

  Oh, he thought he was going to play a game and win. We would see about that. I might be attracted to said dhampir, but he was playing a game I intended to win. Game on.

  Now, to get out of this dress, shower and sleep—plan Eric’s demise—that sounded like fun—and then go to sleep.

  I did all of that, except plan Eric’s demise. Instead, I had horribly, delicious dreams about getting him naked. I was going to have a talk with whomever controlled my dreams, because that was simply uncalled for.

  Chapter 8

  I awoke around six a.m. with a huge grin splitting my face. Why was I grinning? Oh, the dream… Yeah, about that. My hormones needed to check themselves because that was so not happening. Why was I covered in sweat? Oh! I wasn’t going to think another thought about it. Throwing my coverlet to the side, I sat up and quickly jumped out of bed. I was in need of a very cold shower.

  After I was showered, I pulled my long curly mop into a high ponytail, and grabbed a pair of black trousers and a white button-down shirt from my wardrobe. I donned my undergarments and clothes, then my boots and weapons belt.

  A soft knock at the door came as I was about to grab my sword. “Come in, Jane.”

  “Morning, my lady. The king has asked for you to join him and your companions for breakfast in the main dining room.” She was ringing her hands. As well she should be after the stunt she’d pulled last night.

  “Very well. I’ll be down momentarily.”

  “Princess, are you aware there are now three dhampirs downstairs?” She looked a bit frightened.

  “Yes, I was aware there would be three, but I didn’t know the other two had arrived. Don’t be frightened, Jane. They’re harmless.” I hoped I wasn’t lying. “They won’t drink your blood and they eat regular food.”

  She took a relieved breath. “All right. I’ll see you downstairs.” She bowed and then walked out of the door.

  I hurried downstairs, on the other end of the castle, toward the main dining room. I didn’t want to be the last one to arrive. That would be rude. When I walked through the archway, four pairs of eyes settled on me. I was late. Damn the luck.

  I cleared my throat and took my seat next to my father. Jameson and Tobias were on his left, while I sat to his right and, next to Eric who I hadn’t seen sitting near my chair when I arrived. Fantastic!

  “Good morning, everyone,” I said, placing a cloth napkin in my lap. “Good to see you up and about, father.”

  “Morning, Catherine.” The king nodded toward me. “I trust you slept well.”

  This was so awkward.

  “Yes, father. Well enough.” I turned to Jameson and Tobias and then took a sip of water. “How was your journey? Not too unpleasant I hope.”

  They looked a bit bewildered. “It was fine, yes,” Tobias answered in a strange tone.

  The cook arrived through the side door just in time to break up this dreadful conversation.

  She set a plate in front of each of us. “Thank you, Monique.” I gave her a wide smile. “Do you mind bringing me some coffee? I looked around the table. Gentlemen?”

  Tobias and Jameson shook their heads. “No, thank you.”

  “I’ll have a cup,” Eric said. Of course he would.

  What was wrong with his brothers, though? They seemed a bit off. “All right. Out with it. What the he—I mean, what is wrong with you two?” I pointed toward Tobias and Jameson.

  My father laughed and then sipped his juice.

  Jameson looked to Tobias and shrugged. “You’re wearing trousers and a man’s shirt.”

  “I’m aware. Problem?” I raised a brow. They had no idea they were dealing with a less than prim and proper princess.

  The king was really laughing now.

  “Do you always dress this way?” Tobias enquired and then looked to his brother.

  “Why yes. Yes, I do. Would you like for me to get up and model my attire for you while our eggs get cold?” I picked my napkin up from my lap and placed it on the table.

  Eric burst out laughing next to me. “It’s wonderful. Isn’t she something?” he asked his brothers and then put his hand on my thigh.

  I took a sharp intake of breath. My heart did that thing again. Damn him. I pushed his hand away.

  Tobias and Jameson smiled but it seemed a bit strained, like they needed to use the facilities. I thought their reaction was quite hilarious myself.

  The king spoke, “Gentlemen, meet the future queen, the real Catherine with no frills. Careful or she might kick your arse. She’s quite the swordsman.”

  “Woman, father.” I corrected him.

  “Yes, dear.” His face was jovial and eyes full of mirth. I hadn’t seen him smile this much in quite a long time. It was nice.

  “She’s definitely all woman,” Eric said, and I elbowed him in the gut. “Ooof!”

  “Shut your mouth, Prince, lest I shut it for you.” I grinned widely just in time for coffee. “Ah, Monique. Thank you so much, dear.” I took my cup and sipped generously and then set it down on the table. “Shall we eat now?”

  Everyone looked down at their plates and began eating. This was a glorious breakfast indeed.

  Once we finished our food, Monique came in to clear the dishes but not without refilling my coffee. She knew me so well. I was a horrible grouch without it.

  My father turned to Tobias and Jameson and asked them of our plans to get into the Eastern Lands. Jameson, being the more talkative of the two, responded. “It seems we will have to travel through part of the Northern Kingdom due to the difficult terrain. While we’re there, we hope to gather a few more allies.”

  Eric raised his hand to speak. “Even so, allies or not, the plan is to gain access to the Eastern Lands. We’ll disguise Catherine and help get her close to the palace. In the meantime, we will distract Julius long enough to find out where Princess Lucy is being held.” He sipped is coffee and then set it back on the table. “I think our best bet is to have them believe we want in on their ransom, requesting a lady of our own to”—he stopped to look at me and I nodded for him to continue—“use for our tastes, in a manner of speaking.”

  “What just one damn minute. I thought you didn’t drink blood.” I looked at Eric incredulously.

  “Catherine, we don’t unless we need to heal, however, Julius doesn’t need to know we won’t be requiring a girl for our own pleasure.”

  Well, that was just shit. Pleasure, my arse and, no! “No. I don’t like it.”

  “Which part, dear?” the king enquired.

  Seriously. “The woman. That’s absurd and barbaric.” A hint of a smile crossed my father’s face. He was not going to laugh at me.

  “Do I detect a bit of jealousy in your tone?” Eric turned to look in my eyes.

  Yes. “Absolutely not!” I looked to his brothers. “Jameson, Tobias, what are your thoughts?” They had to be more reasonable.

  They smiled and nodded toward Eric. “We believe it is an excellent plan, Princess.”

  “Of course you do.” I turned my head, rolling my eyes. These men were just horrible. I could never see myself with any of them. Ever.

  “Very well. I like it, boys. It’s a solid plan, just bring my girls back home safe and sound.” The king stood and shook each of their hands. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “Likewise,” they said in unison.

  I turned to look at them. Morons. All of them. Not my father, he was sick and possibly losing his faculties. I had to work extremely hard to contain my huff of indignation and frustration.

  Eric slid his hand on my thigh again and squeezed. I grabbed a fork that Monique had thankfully left behind and stabbed him with i
t on the top of his grabby hand. Ah. Now I felt satisfied.

  “Fuck, that hurt!”

  I stood from the table. “It was supposed to. Keep your hands to yourself.” I threw a wicked grin over my shoulder and walked out of the dining room. I stuck my head back in for one last thing. “Oh, and get your shit together, boys, because we’re leaving soon.”

  They’d surely never met a princess like me. I was going to enjoy this quest all the way to the Eastern Lands.

  Chapter 9

  “Ready the horses,” I called out to Tom. I walked toward the stables to make sure my fighting saddle was prepared. It was. “Tom, please be sure to use this one.”

  “I will, my lady.” He nodded with a sad expression. “I pray for your safe return and Princess Lucy’s as well.” Did he have tears in his eyes? Please don’t cry, Tom. Not you, too?

  “Thank you, Tom.” I patted his shoulder and then turned back toward the castle. I couldn’t deal with more crying. My own tears were bad enough.

  When I walked into the foyer, the three dhampirs were standing off to the side having a conversation in a hushed tone. Hmm. I wondered what they were talking about.

  I strolled right over to them, interrupting Jameson mid-rant. “Oh, did I interrupt?” I gave them an innocent face. “What’s got you so upset, James? Anything I can do to help?” I rubbed my hand down his arm and heard Eric growl next to me. I could barely contain the laughter I was holding inside.

  Jameson turned toward me with a guarded expression. “Princess, it has come to our attention that Eric has laid his claim on you. Is that correct?”

  Oh, so a fork to the hand didn’t even deter that man. I knew something else that might.

  “Don’t be silly, James. Eric is full of shit.” I turned to give him a withering look. “I have chosen no one, but if you’re lucky and you just might get lucky, if you know what I mean,” I winked at him, “that person could very well be you.” And here I thought I couldn’t flirt. I was doing quite well for an amateur. Who knew I had it in me?

  The menacing growl that escaped Eric’s throat would have made a lesser woman cower in a corner. Good thing I wasn’t a lesser woman. “Do you have something stuck in your throat, Eric? Are you choking?” I hit him hard on the back, knocking him forward. Oops. “Do you need a glass of water?” Oh, shit. I’d really pissed him off, but Tobias and James were laughing so hard, I guessed I was safe.