Dragon Lords Books 1 - 4 Box Set: Anniversary Edition

by Michelle M. Pillow

  Nadja nodded, also giving Bara a reassuring smile.

  “And you, Nadja? Were you abuzz with the idea?” the queen asked thoughtfully.

  Before stopping to think, she answered honestly, “No. I wanted a simple man like a fat, country doctor.”

  Nadja blinked in surprise, realizing what she had revealed. Her mouth opened in instant apology. This battle really was between Olek and herself. She liked Queen Mede too much to say anything offensive to her.

  The queen shook her head to stop any apology and chuckled.

  “That is to say I thought it was an advertising ploy by the company to get women to sign on for the trip,” Nadja explained. She lowered her arms as the dressmaker finished. “And your other sons? Did they all find brides?”

  “Yes,” the queen answered. The news should have made a mother happy, but Nadja could tell she was troubled. “They have. As have my four nephews.”

  “Can I ask their names?” Nadja inquired, curious as to which of the women had also won the notice of nobility.

  “My oldest, Prince Ualan is married to Morrigan Blake. Zoran married a woman named Pia and,” Queen Mede paused and chuckled. “To tell the truth, Yusef’s bride won’t give him a name so we don’t know.”

  Nadja’s giggle joined the queen’s. “And your nephews? Are they here at the palace?”

  “No, they live in the mountain fortress. I’m afraid their luck has been most unfortunate.” The queen’s gaze clouded slightly and Nadja swore she saw the color of her eyes shift. Bara tugged her arm to get her to hold still, so Nadja couldn’t confirm it.

  “How so?” Nadja prompted.

  “It is nothing to be concerned over. You have your own new marriage to settle into.” Queen Mede paused, speaking to the dressmaker. She motioned her hands in the shape of Nadja’s hips. Bara answered. When they’d finished, the queen continued, “I suppose all brides need time to settle into marriage. I was born here so it was not the same for me. I did not have a new home world to get accustomed to.”

  “But they are settling?” Nadja insisted. There was something in the woman’s expression that caused her concern. She thought of the women on the ship. Though she hadn’t known them long, she felt a certain kinship to them from the Galaxy Brides’ journey.

  “I’m afraid one has fallen ill. Riona Grey. Do you know her?”

  “I believe she was friends with a woman named Olena and came with her sister?” Nadja didn’t really think telling the queen that her nephew married a gambler was a topic she wanted to get in to. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “She breathed in the pollen from the yellow plants that grow along the forest floor outside the palace. The one you mentioned wanting to get a sample of?”

  Nadja nodded.

  “She had a reaction to it and now sleeps very deeply and will not wake.”

  “A coma?” Nadja deduced in surprise. She jumped off the stool, much to the dressmaker’s ire. She moved away from Bara, who instantly began to scold her. She ignored the woman, not understanding anything she said. “Don’t you have access to a medical booth?”

  “We do. It didn’t help,” the queen said.

  “But Riona can breathe?” Nadja insisted. There was very little the MAPH medical booths couldn’t cure or at least help. And a coma induced by plant pollen? The transmission would suggest a simple allergic reaction, but the medical booth should have been able to counteract that easily. Even twentieth century Old Earth doctors with their primitive tools could have helped an allergy. “Is it an old unit? Outdated? That doesn’t make sense. What kind of allergic—”

  The door suddenly slid open, cutting off her words and her thoughts. Olek walked in, wearing the same tunic as the day before, only it was a little more wrinkled. Nadja’s carpenter was with him. Her smile faded when the prince looked at her, and she affected an indifferent air.

  Olek spoke to the carpenter in their native language, pointing at the sun room and giving him obvious commands. The carpenter nodded at Nadja’s attention, but listened to her husband.

  She chased after the men as they went to examine the sun room’s entryway.

  “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Nadja pulled on Olek’s arm. She was careful to keep her voice low.

  She studied him suspiciously trying to ascertain if he had been with anyone the night before. A beard shadowed his features and his eyes were darkened as if he hadn’t slept. Her heart beat wildly and for a moment she forgot to speak. When his mouth quizzically curled at her silence, it was as if they were the only two in the room.

  The spell was interrupted as the dressmaker came to tug on Nadja’s arm, intent on dragging her back to the stool. It was clear by the tone of Bara’s voice that Nadja was still being scolded. Olek’s smile deepened, his eyes holding her in their depths.

  Hearing Queen Mede’s chuckle, Nadja blinked. Then, frowning at Olek as she came back to her senses, she demanded, “You’d better not tell him to change anything I ordered.”

  Olek turned his back, ignoring her.

  Nadja’s heart fluttered in her chest as she watched for Olek’s piercing gaze to find her again. Her limbs were weakened as she again lifted her arms for the dressmaker. The woman forced her to turn, so she could no longer see what Olek was up to. She was too proud to attempt a peek.

  * * *

  Queen Mede smiled a secret smile, having witnessed the look between her son and his new wife. They may be at odds, but the passion was definitely there. One boy would soon be settled. Now, there were only seven more to go.

  King Llyr would be delighted to know that all was going to be fine on this front, even if the couple didn’t realize it yet for themselves.

  Chapter 13

  To Nadja’s delight, the carpenter had begun work on the doorframe. After the dressmaker had finished her many measurements, it was time to pick out the patterns. Queen Mede was a great help, as she chose the most appropriate gowns for each of a princess’ occasions. When it came down to the material, Olek’s closet was examined, and matching designs were sketched out for Nadja’s formal wear.

  By the time they’d finished, Nadja was exhausted. The queen left with the dressmaker, winking at Nadja as she passed through the doorway. Nadja gave her a tired smile in return. Leaving the carpenter to his work, she wandered toward the kitchen. The queen had offered to let her dine in the common hall with the rest of the castle, but Nadja had refused. Eating at home suited her more than dining in front of a room filled with palace residents.

  Crossing by Olek’s office door, she couldn’t help peeking in. The night before she had explored the home while putting away all her purchases and unpacking her suitcases. His office was neatly organized, except for his desk, which was cluttered with electronic organizers and stacks of paper written in several different languages she couldn’t read.

  Before she realized what she was doing, Nadja had stepped into the office instead of the kitchen. Olek blinked, looking up in surprise to see her. He had taken a shower and shaved. The color of his dark cotton shirt brought out his eyes. His hair was still a little wet, combed back from his face to hang damp around his shoulders.

  “All finished?” Olek asked, leaning back in his chair and stretching his hands behind his head.

  A slight, humorous smile found its way naturally to his lips and Nadja realized he just couldn’t help himself. She nodded, pressing her lips thoughtfully together. “I told your mother to make sure the dressmaker shows you the list first. Queen Mede ordered a good amount on my behalf and I wasn’t sure what my budget was.”

  “You don’t have one.” His hands stayed threaded behind his head.

  “Oh,” Nadja gasped in surprise. “The queen said I could put everything on our account. I’m sorry I should have asked before going shopping. I’ll pay you back for everything—wait here.”

  Nadja hurried to the bedroom closet to dig through her luggage. Pulling out a gold box that her father had given her, she brought it back toward Olek’s office.
When she reached the living room, he was there waiting for her. The carpenter had disappeared into the sun room.

  Nadja held the gold box against her stomach as she pulled the lid open. It was filled with jewelry. She fingered several of the pieces lightly before lifting a diamond necklace so he could see it. Her hand trembled and she tried to act indifferent as she dropped the necklace back onto the pile.

  “I planned on getting rid of this stuff anyway.” Nadja gave a small shrug. “I’m not sure who to take it to. I didn’t see any brokers when I was in the village. Maybe you know someone who’d buy it. Then, you could just take whatever cash I owe you for your trouble, plus what I owe for yesterday’s shopping, and the gowns, then give me back what’s left.”

  “Nadja—”

  “No, it’s all right. I trust you to be fair about it,” she broke in. She held out the box to him and when he didn’t readily take it, she shoved it into his chest.

  Olek reluctantly held onto it instead of letting it fall.

  Carefully, she added, “Maybe a jeweler could melt it down before reselling it.”

  “This isn’t necessary. I don’t expect you to sell your belongings—”

  Again she interrupted before he could finish. “No, really,” Nadja said a little too eagerly. “I don’t want any of it and the cash would help me out until I can find a job.”

  “You have a job.”

  “Being a princess?” Nadja shook her head. “No thanks. I’m sure I can find something that pays decently enough. I can earn my own way. It’s what I planned on doing anyway.”

  “When I said you didn’t have a budget, I simply meant you could buy whatever you needed. I won’t limit you.” Olek set the box aside and moved to stand before her. “I can well afford it. There is no need for you to sell your jewels or seek other employment.”

  Nadja glanced down to avoid meeting his eyes. Instead, she found herself looking at the simple Qurilixian cotton drawstring pants he wore. Queen Mede had told her it was the casual style often worn during the evenings. She took a step back, her body all too willing to remember what his had felt like next to hers, and how she had ached for hours afterwards.

  “All the same,” she answered. “I would have you get rid of that stuff. I don’t want any of it, and I won’t change my mind. Just make sure you tell the jeweler to take my name off of everything before he sells it.”

  Olek conceded with a nod. Nadja relaxed.

  “We need groceries,” she said, changing the subject with ease as she went to the kitchen.

  “I usually dine in the hall. My brother Ualan is the cook in the family.”

  “Is that where you ate last night?” Nadja queried, feigning disinterest. “With your brother?”

  “I ate at the royal office.”

  “With your brothers?” she probed. Even though she made a great show of rummaging through his refrigerator, everything inside her concentrated on his answer.

  “No. I was with my father.”

  “I don’t really care what you do,” Nadja lied. Frowning, she slammed the door shut. There was nothing within that tempted her. She went to the cupboard and repeated the same procedure, rummaging through, finding nothing, and shutting the door.

  After her third unsuccessful try, Olek stepped forward, offering, “We could stop and get something on the way to the library. Or I could have food delivered there if you like. I promised to take you.”

  “Oh.” Nadja thought that maybe he had forgotten. He tried to move closer and she artfully avoided contact with him as she went into the living room. Olek followed behind her. “If it’s not too much trouble, then that would be fine. You don’t have to stay there with me if you have work to tend to. I just need to know where it is.”

  “I have time.”

  “Let me grab my translator.” Nadja walked into their bedroom. Once out of view, she took a deep breath and then another. Olek made it very hard to concentrate.

  * * *

  Olek’s heart ached in disappointment. His wife seemed so eager to get rid of him. Earlier, when he’d come home, he’d heard her laughter with the queen through the door. He’d thought to find her in a better mood, but one look in his direction and her smile had faded. She had looked so beautiful, standing tall on the dressmaker’s stool, wearing the soft cotton top and pants of his people.

  She’d avoided him most of the day, so he’d been surprised when she’d shown up in his office. He had to hold his hands behind his head to keep them from reaching out for her. He desperately would love to kiss her lush lips, as he had his way with her on his desktop. At this point, he’d settle for just holding her next to him—anything to have her close.

  It had not been his intention to stay out all night. He’d wondered if she was going to ask him where he had been, or if she’d be mad at him for not sending word. He’d heard wives sometimes did things like that. The slightly possessive tinge in her words when she finally mentioned it told him that, even though she might still be upset with him, she obviously cared enough to be jealous at the idea he might have been up to something untoward.

  In fact, it had been quite the opposite. The king suspected someone had tried to break into the royal office and they’d been pouring over the possibilities. As far as they could tell, nothing was missing. That event, and a few others, led them to a very troubling conclusion. It was possible they had a spy in their midst. They decided not to alarm anyone else in the family until they knew for sure. With troubled marriages, Lady Riona in a coma, Princess Morrigan self-indentured, every other noble marriage in trouble, and King Attor in all likelihood gearing up for another brutal round of ‘which side can kill the other faster’…well, it didn’t seem like the best time to trouble everyone with the possibility of a traitor.

  Olek frowned as his eyes fell on the golden jewelry box. Nadja’s name had been engraved on a few of the pieces so the valuables clearly weren’t stolen. Picking the box up, he took it to the safe hidden in his office floor. Even though she said she didn’t want it, he would hold if for her just in case she changed her mind, or until she told him the real reason for wanting to get rid of it. As his fingers lightly dug through the top layer of jewelry, he couldn’t help but wonder who had given her so many expensive gifts.

  Taking some of the papers off his desk, he put them into a long, narrow case encrusted with his royal seal. Nadja waited for him until he came back. She was lovely, and he ached to hold her. He couldn’t help but smile whenever he saw her. However, it felt like his smile was becoming less and less frequent as of late.

  Nadja curiously glanced at his case but didn’t ask about it. Olek stopped her at the door and, spoke a random succession of Qurilixian words, before whispering, “Loudly give a command so it can record your voice.”

  “Open,” Nadja stated. Olek confirmed her voice command, and motioned for her to speak again. “Open,” she repeated and the door slid open.

  Repeating the same procedure, he had her order the door to close. She smiled thoughtfully when they were finished, clearly pleased that she would be able to leave on her own. Olek said nothing as he led her out into the hall, but couldn’t help wondering if she thought about escaping him.

  * * *

  The palace library was much larger than Nadja imagined it would be. Books, giant old tomes of the written word, lined the high shelving. Nothing was on a computer and the musty smell of dust and age hung thick on the air. Nadja instantly loved being in the room.

  Though she found a few books written in a very dated dialect of the Old Star language, they were mostly dated novels from Old Earth. The books she was interested in were in the planet’s native language. She was glad she had brought her book translator with her, until she realized it didn’t translate the Qurilixian script. Luckily, Olek was able to load a program onto her unit that could.

  He stayed patiently out of her way as she figured out their filing system. Sitting on one of the low red chairs, he took out a pencil and began to work. She caught his eyes
on her ass a few times as she made her way around but tried to act like she didn’t notice.

  Nadja lifted up on her toes to scan a book’s binding and then pulled her arm down to read the title on her little screen. She stubbornly refused to ask him for help, though it would have sped the process along.

  A servant brought lunch, a simple fare of meat, cheese and bread. Nadja made a sandwich and ate standing up while she searched, refusing to sit with her husband. Olek merely picked at the plate, lounging back in his chair as he made the pretense of not watching her.

  Finally, several thick volumes and a few hours later, she was ready to go. Olek eyed her load, glancing over the titles. Nadja half-expected him to order her to put some of them back. She’d chosen several medical texts, an encyclopedia of the planet’s herb and plant life, gardening, and more than a few scientific journals.

  “Do I need to tell someone I am taking these?” Nadja asked. It was the first thing she had said to him in hours and her voice was husky from little use.

  It had been very disconcerting to have him so near, watching her. His sultry eyes left her weak. So many times she wanted to cross over to him and just start kissing his perfect mouth, touching his perfect body. Nadja had never been so bold and she hadn’t forgotten what happened the day before.

  Olek blinked, as if surprised to hear her finally speak. He had attempted conversation a few times only to be shushed by her silence. “No, it is the family library. You may take what you like, but when you’re done, bring them back for the others.”

  Nadja nodded, surprised at how readily they accepted a stranger into their midst as part of their family. She hadn’t been denied a single thing. Olek reached to lift the heavy load from her arms into his. Nadja almost refused, but they were heavy so she let him take them.