by Delia Castel
“I’m not sure if Grandfather and the King’s Secretary knew how long the magical bubble would last.” Polaris’ stormy, blue eyes met hers, and she shifted in her seat. “Even if we can’t find evidence of Uncle’s involvement in Mother and Father’s murder, he can be locked away for this particular crime.”
Polaris recounted the history outlined in the correspondence. Prince Aurelius, the youngest son of Old King Hydrus, had been convinced that his father’s widow had used a love spell to gain control of the Kingdom. She had seduced the four elder sons into marrying her in a haremage ceremony. All throughout Polaris’ explanation, he held eye contact with Marigold.
Her cheeks warmed at the attention of such an important male. Although she found him extremely handsome, she had to remind herself that Berrin was the brother who held her heart. She squeezed his hand and leaned into him.
“The assassins waited until Queen Imelda stood at the altar of the Moonstone Cathedral. According to legend, it was built at the mouth of a portal to the realm of fairies. Something went wrong with the assassins’ magical weapons, resulting in the magical disaster.”
“What happened?” asked Marigold.
“Even Uncle couldn’t explain. Grandfather locked him in the wine cellar without food or water to force information out of him, but it failed.”
Marigold exchanged a shocked glance with Berrin. “But members of the royal family are trapped within that bubble.”
Polaris nodded. “This is why a judge might not be as forgiving as the King’s Secretary. Princess Fornax has been confined there for twenty years, and King Vulcan is desperate to see his sister again.”
Marigold beamed. She didn’t even know Governor Hertz, but the dragon had been indirectly responsible for her incarceration, and directly responsible for depositing her in a brothel. Based on the conversation she had overheard in the morning, he probably killed his own brother and sister-in-law, too. He deserved the worst of punishments.
“Brilliant, Polaris!” said Berrin. “This will solve both our problems.”
Polaris winked and Marigold ducked her head. It might have been her imagination or wishful thinking, but he had given her a meaningful look when he mentioned a haremage. She shook away those lofty thoughts. Respectable, experienced gentleman never settled for servant girls, let alone fugitive ones.
“Will you contact Father’s advocate at the end of Festival Week?” asked Berrin.
Before Polaris could answer, someone pounded on the front door. His face hardened. “Run upstairs and ready yourselves with weapons.”
Chapter 16
Polaris walked through the hallway with slow, determined purpose, hoping to give Berrin and Marigold enough time to hide before whoever was behind the door stormed the house. The pair raced up the grand staircase, and he paused at the front door until their steps receded, and the bedroom door slammed shut. The thudding on the door continued, accompanied by the sound of Matheson apprehending the intruders. From the tone of his brother’s voice, he was a step away from murdering someone. For the briefest of moments, he closed his eyes, let out a calming breath, and opened the front door.
Two broad bear shifters, clad in the gray uniform of low-level Astellus government officials, stood at the doorstep. Several feet behind them, Matheson brandished his sword at another pair of bear shifters standing by their carriage. Despite the commotion, he did not miss the bailiff insignia on their vehicle.
He flared his nostrils and inhaled. “What is the meaning of this?”
The shorter of the pair rubbed a hand over his bristly, black beard. “I have a court order from Governor Hertz, awarding him possession of this house and all its contents.”
“Impossible. No court in the land operates during Festival Week.”
His partner, a large-nosed bear shifter whose mahogany beard stretched up to his eye sockets, coughed into his hand. “Judge Embers signed off the papers himself, Sir. We got called out to deliver them.”
The clank of a swords pulled Polaris’ attention away from the officials. Matheson struck at one of the shifter’s halberd, knocking it aside. The other pointed his weapon at Matheson, only for him to step into the official’s guard and slash at his stomach. The bear twisted his halberd, blocking Matheson’s strike with its shaft. Polaris shook his head. Arming such lumbering creatures with pole weapons was foolhardy.
He turned back to the officials standing on the doorstep. “When does this court order say we have to leave?”
The taller shifter pulled a scroll from this inside pocket, broke the seal, and unrolled it. Polaris ground his teeth at the male’s incompetence. His bushy, mahogany brows drew together, and his lips moved as he read in silence.
His companion leaned over and read, “By the end of Festival Week, Sir.”
Polaris held out his hand. He had some choice words to exchange with Judge Embers. “I will take possession of the document.”
The shifter holding the scroll rolled it up and held it behind his back. With eyes narrowed, he asked, “Are you Matheson Auburn?”
“The Dragon you seek is currently engaging your underlings in a sword fight and winning. If you wish to wait for him to defeat your colleagues, please do so.” His fingers twitched towards the scroll. “If, as I expect, you wish to return to your homes and enjoy an injury-free Festival Week, I suggest that you hand me the document now.”
The bear shifter glanced at his companion, who shrugged. “Here you go.” He placed the scroll in Polaris’ outstretched hand. “And if you don’t mind, please call your brother off?”
Polaris inclined his head. “Get into your vehicle.”
The bear shifter’s mouth fell slack. “I thought you were going to do something about your brother.”
“And I thought I told you to leave.” Polaris transformed his eyes, making sure to slit his pupils. “You are now trespassing in the home of a dragon. It is within my right to transform and grill you on my doorstep. I may even eat the evidence to avoid having to deal with the tedious issue of paperwork.” By the time he had finished his warning, he had changed his teeth into incisors.
The two bear shifters’ eyes bulged. Without a word, they turned around and sprinted down the entrance steps, across the courtyard, and into their vehicle. One of them struck the horses with a whip, making the beasts roar and bolt through the gates.
The pair defending themselves from Matheson edged back, trying to create enough distance to attack with their halberds. However, Matheson was too fast, even if he stumbled.
“Let them go, brother!” Polaris shouted.
Matheson turned to Polaris and snarled. The two bear shifters took that opportunity to turn around and sprint across the courtyard after the retreating carriage.
“And stay away!” Matheson yelled. He swaggered towards the house, his arms hanging like dead weight by his sides. The tip of his sword trailed through the gravel.
The sight of his brother loping about like a drunken vagrant caused a bitter tang to form in Polaris’ mouth. After all that posturing about being the only son who cared about Mother and Father, Matheson had gathered more than just information from the Papaver Palace. Sweat poured down Matheson’s pallid skin, plastering his ginger hair to his face. He stumbled up the steps, staring up at him with pupils so dilated, they sunk into his eyes like fathomless holes.
Polaris leaned back, staring down his nose at Matheson. “What have you taken?”
“Nothing.” Matheson reached the top of the stairs and stepped around Polaris to enter the house.
Polaris blocked his path. “Do not lie to me, brother.”
“I’m in no mood for one of your lectures. Let me inside.”
“You can sleep off whatever you took in the stables.”
Matheson’s knees buckled, and he doubled over with laughter. Tears spilled from his eyes, which appeared as dark as seaweed in the light of the late afternoon sun. He struggled for breath, wheezing and choking, his chest and shoulders convulsing like a caught fish fl
ailing for life. Polaris stepped back, stomach lurching. How could his brother have fallen so low? In his duty as a General of the King’s Regiment, Polaris had encountered dragons under the influence of papaver and fermented wormwood. But none had seemed as erratic as his brother.
Sorrow encased his heart, and he swallowed. “What in the name of Vulcan happened to you?”
“Can’t you see?” Matheson straightened, wiping away tears of mirth. “I’m sober!”
Polaris shook his head. “Get inside. I will share with you the briefing I gave Berrin on Grandfather’s will and the events that led to Uncle Hertz being banished to Boreas.”
“Uncle Hertz!” Matheson’s face twisted into a rictus of rage. “He’s been buying large quantities of papaver. Enough to kill the flames of two dragons. And he’s up to the gills in debt and amassing up exorbitant interest.”
Polaris’ jaw tightened. “That does not surprise me in the least.” He placed a hand on Matheson’s back. “Get inside. Our priorities have changed. Somehow, Uncle has convinced a judge to award him the Auburn estate. We need to fight this ruling and keep the family fortune out of his control.”
His eyes widened. “But the murder—”
“The forensic wizards still haven’t finished their magical investigation, and the sheriff is questioning neighbors to determine what they saw yesterday morning. There isn’t much we can do until we hear from them.”
“We can’t just stand around waiting for someone else to catch Uncle!”
Polaris placed his hands on Matheson’s shoulders. “The vaults are closed for Festival Week. If we wait to challenge Judge Ember’s ruling, Uncle will gain access to the family’s wealth and could mount a costly and expert defense against any murder accusations.”
Matheson’s eyes widened. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “I’m glad you’re here, brother.”
“As am I.” He gave Matheson’s shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Uncle Hertz and his agents will not get away with the sin he committed against our family.”
They stepped into the house, and Polaris gestured at the grand staircase. “Go upstairs and get cleaned up. We are going to see Judge Embers and get his ruling overturned. On the way, I will brief you on our case against Uncle Hertz.”
Matheson froze, his eyes round. “Why am I going, too? You’re better at keeping cool under stress.”
“As an officer of the King’s Regiment, I cannot inherit large amounts of wealth. That includes the Auburn estate, remember?”
He nodded. “All right. But how are you going to get to see a judge during Festival Week?”
“I’ll use my status as an officer of the King’s Guard to push our case forward.”
Matheson ran a shaky hand through his damp hair and nodded. When Polaris was sure his brother was ascending the stairs, he reopened the front door and walked around the perimeter of the house. The doors on each wing were locked, as were those that led to the patio. He even checked the downstairs windows, ensuring that no one could push them open. If he was going to leave Berrin alone at home to protect Marigold, he had to keep the place secure from intruders.
After checking all entrances to the house, he walked behind the magnolia trees, checking the property wall for holes. The sweet, citrus scent of the flowers engulfed him, and his heart ached for Mother and Father. They must have suffered immensely before they died. Whoever attacked must have been a serious threat. Mother and Father were both skilled in swordsmanship and could have defended themselves with weapons. Had they been overwhelmed by numbers? He rubbed his tightening chest with the heel of his hand and turned a corner. Uncle Hertz could have committed the act with accomplices. He certainly had ample motive, and if he owed so much to the owner of Papaver Palace, he might have resorted to such desperate measures.
The sun hung an hour away from the hills in the horizon within the steel-blue sky. He quickened his steps, eager to reach the Crown Court before it closed.
Blacksmith flew down from the roof and landed on his hind legs. With his tail swishing, he ruffled the white feathers on his head, and folded his wings behind his back.
“I’m leaving for a few hours. Berrin will be alone in the mansion with a young woman.” He tilted his head to the side, encouraging Polaris to continue. “Please watch the grounds for intruders. If anyone breaches the walls, attack them.”
The griffin gave him a solemn nod and soared up to the roof. Polaris exhaled, and his chest loosened. He didn’t think the murderers would return, but it was a relief to know that casual intruders would not be able to enter the mansion and its grounds. He walked back to the front and entered through the doors. If he was going to use his rank against the judge, he would don his full-dress uniform.
Polaris raced upstairs into his bedroom and dressed for the occasion. When he finished, he examined himself in the full-length mirror. Staring back at him was the cool façade of General Auburn. He stepped out of the room and knocked on Matheson’s door.
Berrin stood at the door to his bedroom with Marigold, their hands intertwined. His brother’s brow crinkled. “What’s happening now?”
“Somehow, Uncle Hertz has convinced a judge to award him the entire fortune.”
“How is that possible?” Berrin stepped out into the hallway with Marigold in tow.
“That is what I intend to find out.” Polaris’ eyes wandered down to Marigold’s curvaceous hips. The fabric of her breeches clung to her thighs, accentuating the V of her crotch. His member awoke, and he snatched his gaze away. Berrin had seen her first, and he would not do or say anything to encroach on his little brother’s first relationship.
From behind, Matheson’s door opened. He walked past Polaris, making sure to sneer at Marigold and shove past Berrin, before heading down the stairs. Polaris shook his head. There was no need for animosity at a time like this. He gave them both a half-smile and headed for the grand staircase.
“Don’t trials take a long time?” asked Berrin.
He turned. “Not unless they’re conducted in absentia.”
“What’s that?” asked Marigold.
“It’s when the defendant is unable to attend the trial.”
“Don’t you think it’s odd how he got a hearing so quickly and during Festival Week?” asked Berrin.
Polaris gripped the banister at the top of the stairs and grimaced. “It’s as though he knew Mother and Father would die, and planned accordingly.” The skin around his eyes grew hot. The more he thought about Uncle Hertz, the more he wanted to rip the dragon apart. In all his previous dealings with him, he had found the older dragon an inept coward. “Matheson discovered that Uncle purchased large quantities of papaver.”
Berrin flushed an angry red. “We can’t let him get away with this!”
Polaris turned to comfort his brother, but Marigold had already wrapped her arms around him. Her lush, round breasts pressed against his chest, and Polaris imagined how they would feel against him. He shook away his traitorous thoughts and cleared his throat. Being in close contact with the girl tended to do strange things to his brain. “I will take my leave. Berrin, do not allow anyone into the house or its grounds until my return. Not even the servants.”
Berrin and Marigold stared back with wide eyes. Polaris’ heart twisted. He hoped they wouldn’t be frightened on their own. Leaning forward, he ruffled his brother’s blond hair. “Blacksmith and his children are keeping an eye on the property. We won’t be gone for long. It will be all right.” He drew his hand back, placed it into his pocket, and pulled out the bracelet. “Thank you, Marigold. I took rubbings of the charms and look forward to examining them when I have a moment to breathe.”
She drew back from Berrin and stretched out her hand. Polaris placed the bracelet into her palm, and their fingers brushed. Once again, a jolt of arousal shot through his body and straight to his member. Before they could see his embarrassing display, he spun. “I have forgotten my medals. Stay in your room and out of trouble.”
Chapter 17
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Marigold stood at the top of the stairs with Berrin, watching Polaris and Matheson leave. Once the front door had slammed shut, and the key had turned in the lock, Marigold gazed up to Berrin. “Do you have any ideas for filling up our time?”
Berrin snaked his arm around her waist and grinned. “Perhaps we should finish what we began in the cabriolet.” He leaned into her, but she placed her fingers over his lips, making him furrow his brow. “What?”
“Not in the hallway.”
He grabbed hold of her hand. They walked back to his room and closed the door. Marigold guided him to the wall and lowered herself to her knees.
“What are you doing down there?” he asked between heavy breaths.
“I want to taste you.” She unbuttoned the placket of his breeches.
“I-is that wise?”
She giggled at his peculiar question and eased out his hardening penis.
Berrin sucked in a noisy breath, and she glanced up to catch him staring down at her, eyes round, lips parted.
Marigold made a show of wetting her own lips, making him whimper. The sound brought a frisson of arousal between her legs, and she pressed her lips on his rosy tip. The organ lengthened and thickened with every kiss until it was full and hot and pulsing.
“Oh,” he whispered. “That feels wonderful.”
She parted her lips and placed his bulbous tip on her tongue, holding him steady by the base. He tasted fantastic, and she wondered if that was a characteristic of all dragons or just Berrin. He shuddered, and she closed her lips around him.
Berrin gasped. “Mari, are you sure—”
With a flick of her tongue on the underside of his penis, he became silent. Marigold drew back, letting her lips slide over his hard flesh. Berrin shuddered, and his soft moans filled the silence.
He brushed the side of her face with tentative strokes of his fingertips, as though asking for permission. She hummed around her mouthful, and Berrin groaned.