by Missy Lyons
If she had more time, she would be tempted to look in the closets and drawers for personal possessions. Surely he had not expected her to share such a personal space as his bedroom? It was one thing to share a tent on the trail but quite another to take up in his personal residence.
"Thank you, milady.” Sarah took the letter and pocketed it before turning around and leading Alyssa to the dinner hall.
Wrapping a thick scarf around her waist, she cursed her weakness for the girl. Alyssa liked her. Sarah had been kind to her. She deserved kindness in return. Alyssa was tempted to place the throwing stars down the bodice of her dress, but resisted the urge. It was just dinner after all; what would she possibly need weapons for?
The stairwell was tight and would make a tight area to fight in. Not big enough to swing a sword and get a full range, but it would be easy to defend by one man alone. Of course it would be days, maybe months before the keep itself was taken. The stairwell exited into an annex that opened up into the dining room.
It seemed a grand scale for something so private. Place settings for ten were set on a magnificent round table. Prince Xanther was there, already waiting for her. Without speaking, he rose to his feet and crossed the room to meet her. He grinned from ear to ear, seeing her in the gown he requested. Alyssa smiled back, happy to see she pleased him.
Sarah exited quietly, after seeing Alyssa enter the dining room.
The room was quiet and full of wary stares. There were eight men standing in the room, apparently waiting for Xanther and Alyssa.
Alyssa wasn't sure if the rude stares were because she was an Elisaid or because she was a woman. But she had to credit the legends with some of that nervous trepidation. Strangely enough her sister, Elsbeth, was not there.
Legendary warrior women. Independent women, running with the mountain lions, a history dripping with blood. Elisaid women dedicated themselves to their art of war. It was said they were witches, living a cursed life. Their abilities were not unknown. It had been suggested they practiced their first kill with their first man. It was never good to be a slave in an Elisaid camp. Alyssa smiled, baring pearly white teeth.
The shocked expressions around the room told her they knew something of the legends. “There, there,” she purred. “It's not like I am going to eat you.” She looked at Xanther purposefully. She had no intention of eating anyone here and he knew her threats were idle. Xanther on the other hand, she would love to take a bite out of.
"Is that a promise or a threat?"
"Take it however you want, Xanther.” She tried to make it sound uncaring but she could feel that ever present tension in her belly grow. Just being near him did something to her.
"My dear, you look ravishing. Perhaps tonight you can fulfill your promises,” Xanther said, taking her hand, raising it to grace her knuckles with a light kiss.
"Promises?” Alyssa questioned, then remembering what she just said, she blushed. Did he mean for her to eat him tonight?
Lord, the man was wicked! Instead of replying, she chose to ignore that comment and focused on the other comment. She felt beautiful, but that was beside the point. “I prefer my leathers to these clothes, but tonight I guess I will be humoring you, Xanther."
"This is the council of elders.” Xanther introduced her to each of the eight men there. Alyssa made a special care to attempt to remember the names and repeated names in her return greeting.
Xanther did not give her much time to adjust to the room before leading her to the circular table. With only one chair left, Alyssa assumed she would just stand, not being part of the meeting herself.
She stood close to Xanther as he chose to sit in the last chair. She did nothing when he grabbed her arm, pulling her into his lap. After it happened, she thought about the scene it might cause to disentangle herself and decided against moving.
Alyssa blushed at his intimate handling of her but did not pull away. The elders sat as well. Some of them looked uncomfortable, but they carried on as if it did not matter.
"Gentlemen. Would someone like to begin on any new news that has happened while I was away?"
"Milord, before we go on, where did the lady come from? The mark she bears, is it real?"
"Yes, it's real and so is she. Before we continue on the topic, I want everyone to know she is mine and there is to be no doubts whom she belongs to. I am claiming her."
There were murmurs of surprise and congratulations. Alyssa fought to bite her tongue. There was no need to chastise Xanther in front of his men. It was hard to keep the color from her cheeks, but his embrace was just so intimate. The earlier shock was sincere but it was over her being dressed and marked as a life servant. Not because she was a woman in a meeting full of men or an Elisaid warrior.
"Where is Jonathan? He is at the docks, preparing to receive a ship, the Golden Main, due here this week."
"He needs to be questioned about this matter, since the young lady tells me it was he who marked her. Alyssa and I will go see to that matter as soon as possible. Well, Alyssa, go ahead and tell your story."
"You mean you won't be talking for me?"
"Just explain how you got your mark,” he said, slightly frustrated.
Alyssa looked around the room at all the blank faces before starting. “Well, I guess it all started when my father died. You may have known him. He owned the West Indies Trading company. I came home to put his affairs in order and a man put me in the prison and marked me."
"But why would anyone do that?"
"For the trading company. I have not been here for the last year and I have to assume he stole my inheritance."
"Who?"
"Drake McAllister.” Gasps of surprise and shock went up around the room. “Oh, you know him then?"
"He is my steward,” Xanther said.
"He kept me for a week in the dungeon. Here in this very castle. He had one of your men mark me to keep the inheritance."
"It looks like Drake needs to be questioned as well.” Xanther let out a drawn out sigh, as he digested who had held her captive all that time.
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Chapter 10
The night had grown late with the encroaching darkness. Servants had lit up the rooms with oil lanterns and candelabras. For all the advancements on the island there still was no gas.
Alyssa yawned while stretching. “It has been a long day today. I sure am ready to go to sleep. When do you go to bed around here, Xanther?"
"Now is as good a time as any.” He grinned, before wrapping one arm around her waist to guide her upstairs. He took her to the same bedchamber she awoke in. He stood in the middle of the room and watched her as she made her way to the large bed.
When he made no move to leave the room, she asked, “So where is your room, Xanther?"
He smiled wide, turning to shut the door behind him. Alyssa's heart stopped and then flew to a near frantic pace, racing the blood through her veins.
This was the very same room she had awoken in earlier and taken a bath in, the one she wondered over who it may have belonged to. She felt a twinge of apprehension, letting the thoughts play through her head. He didn't look like a man who was on his way to bed. He looked like a man who was thinking wicked thoughts such as staying here.
"Thank you for escorting me to my bed, Xanther. It was most kind of you, but unnecessary. If you'll excuse me, I would really like to sleep."
"Alyssa, I think you know where my bed is."
Alyssa looked down at the bed. She had a sneaking suspicion he meant to sleep here with her. “That is taking this ‘by my side’ thing a bit far don't you think? Who do you need protection from in your bed? In the middle of the night? While you are sleeping?"
He was stalking her, coming closer to the bed and dangerously close to her.
"Alyssa—"
"No, because if you push your luck, you will be needing protection from me. Now where else can I sleep?"
"You may sleep here, Alyssa."
"And y
ou will actually let me sleep? I find that hard to believe with all the interest you have shown me so far."
"Ma Kerima.” He let the nickname in his native tongue slip out; he called her his heart and he meant it. “Let's call a truce. I will not do anything you do not want me to."
"Promise?” Alyssa arched one eyebrow, studying his face intently for signs of deceit.
"Yes, ma Kerima, I promise to wait until you are ready."
Alyssa removed her slippers, and pulled the covers down, before slipping in between the sheets fully clothed.
"You don't trust me, ma Kerima?” He chuckled softly, gesturing to her fully dressed state. “Is that how you intend to sleep? I am disappointed you still don't trust me."
"I trust you, Xanther. I know you are a man of your word. I don't trust myself, and for that reason alone, one more layer between us will not hurt."
He did not answer her, just laughed softly and began undressing. Alyssa rolled to her side; she didn't need to see his bare skin again. It would test what little control she had left to see him like that. But her tortured mind brought back stolen images of him, deliciously naked when she heard his clothing rustle.
Each piece of cloth hit the floor with a soft thump. She knew from experience he would sleep naked. She closed her eyes, attempting to banish the images only to find they grew more vivid and real.
The bed shifted with his weight, causing her body to roll into him. She struggled to back away before they touched overly long.
"I just want to hold you, Alyssa,” he whispered, pursuing her until she lay on the edge of the bed and they lay together. His arms were gentle but there was none of the expected mating heat she expected to claim her. His erection was hard; he held it close to her buttocks, but he didn't press it into her. It was her own body she fought to snuggle into him. As he promised, he didn't force her, he just held her close.
It was a long time before Alyssa could find a reprieve in sleep. His body cradled hers. One strong arm wrapped around her middle, and the length of him followed her body, wrapping her in a gentle layer of warmth and a loving caress. It disturbed her that she felt so good in his arms—she didn't feel like leaving. She felt too safe. Another few nights like this and she may even be tempted to act on her desires and claim a night of passion.
* * * *
Days passed quickly. Life settled as Alyssa adapted herself to castle life and accepted her responsibility for Xanther's safety. She stayed at his side, fully armed and cloaked in Elisaid garb during his meetings, constantly vigilant to attack. Searching faces for deceit, minds for trickery. A few had barriers, but most were open to her probing and loyal to their king.
On this day, Xanther took her to an area of the castle she had never seen before.
"Where are we going today?” she asked him.
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course, but..."
"I am taking you to meet someone very special to me and someone who wants to meet you. My father."
The castle was bigger than it looked from the outside, with the labyrinth of halls he led her down, Alyssa feared she would not remember the way out if Xanther didn't lead her out as well.
"How is he?"
"He is doing better now. He is still feeling the effects of the arsenic, but his body is flushing out the toxins. Luckily, the culprit didn't know how much he would have to give to a dragon to kill him.
"Look, Alyssa I don't want you to be shocked at his condition, so I have to tell you he may look different than normal. When we get sick, we can't call normal doctors. Sickness has to be cared for by our mates and our people. If it ever gets too bad, our bodies revert to our natural state."
"What are you telling me?"
"That my father is in his natural state, so don't be shocked."
What was that supposed to mean? Was the man naked?
Alyssa and Xanther stepped into the room, and Alyssa stopped dumbfounded at the sight before her.
Well, here was her undeniable proof that dragons existed. A giant dragon lay amid a bed of sand. A large fire warmed the room, its heat making the large room near stifling. The black monstrous beast was so beautiful it drew her breath away. He was the most fantastic creature that Alyssa had ever seen. A black dragon with scales that shimmered in the light like jewels. His eyes were onyx orbs, collecting the light of the fire in their depths. His wings were folded against the line of his back. He was lying on a bed of hot sand, gathering the heat against his skin.
Xanther watched Alyssa carefully. Her complexion paled somewhat but so far she remained standing. Xanther was relieved to see that she was not fainting this time. She would not go away believing this was just another dream.
"How are you feeling?"
Much better, son. The dragon had spoken with his mind. I hope to return in a day or two.
"Father, I could not get Isabella to return, but I have brought two others. I have something important to tell you. I have found my mate. Meet Alyssa Hawkins. Alyssa, this is my father, George Sinclair."
If you are his mate then you are family. Call me Father, dear!
"Father?” Alyssa answered, confused.
Well, if you aren't comfortable with that you can call me George.
"George? You are really his father? King George? But you are a dragon!"
Yes, I am. Would you like to touch me? I assure you, I am real.
Alyssa reached out her hand to touch the beast in front of her. The ridges of his scales were cool to her touch, hardened but smooth.
Xanther felt a twist of jealousy in his stomach that she wasn't reaching out to touch him with that inquisitive look. He would have gladly stood still for her examining hands and whimsical caresses.
"Oh my God,” Alyssa spoke sharply and removed her hands from the dragon suddenly. “Excuse my manners. It's nice to meet you, George."
You too, Alyssa. It's nice to have a daughter in the family. I always wanted more children. Maybe now I can have grandchildren.
"I don't think you understand. We haven't ... That is, I mean to say I am not his mate. I don't even know how we could if he's a ... and I'm not a..."
George looked at her as if she was a strange new curiosity. His black eyes lightened to a dark chocolate, watching her in deep thoughtfulness.
Well he has sure claimed you. You love her, son?
"With all my heart."
What about you, my beauty?
"I don't know. What is it about the men in your family and claiming women? You are asking too much. I can't love him. I barely know the man."
Don't break his heart. Love him. I am afraid for you, Xanther. I hoped you could learn from my mistake, about marrying outsiders.
What mistake? Did George get his heart broken by someone? His mate perhaps? Alyssa wished she knew who George had mated with, but they were deep in conversation and courtesy stopped her from interrupting.
"She wants to believe she is an Elisaid but she isn't. She is an outsider. That was something I have been meaning to talk to you about. She lived for years outside. She didn't even know she was dragon. Do you remember Captain Hawkins?"
How could I forget that pirate? He kept the waters free of outsiders for years.
"She was his daughter."
Why, that scoundrel! He told me that was his niece. He told me that his wife, Crystal, never had children. I let him come back. He said he missed the island and her people and that he wanted his niece to know something about her aunt.
"So you never knew there was new blood?"
Why would you think I had known?
"She was given the mark. Last year. By Jonathan."
I was never told. You know what would have happened if I was told.
Yes, Xanther knew. She would be surrounded by dragons seeking her as a mate. It made his blood boil to think of it. Even now she could be stolen from him. She had yet to accept him as her protector and her mate. He offered that protection freely and she was denying him, trying his patience.
"Drake M
cAllister gave papers to Jonathan that had the royal seal on it. It said that the king knew what had happened and had asked for it to happen,” Alyssa interrupted.
It looks like I am going to have to question Jonathan. He has been out of the castle, somewhere in Dragoons Landing seeing to a delivery at the port. When he gets back I will need to have a talk with him about how all this happened.
"She didn't even know she was dragon, Father."
Alyssa found out she accepted dragons as real now. It was possible she could be related to them. Maybe she could love Xanther.
Far too soon, it was time to go. Xanther had a meeting scheduled with the elders that evening and still had to dress for it. Alyssa couldn't help but think there was something she wanted to ask George before she left. It was on the tip of her mind but she couldn't remember. Xanther and Alyssa were well on their way to their chamber before she remembered. Alyssa wanted to know who his father had married.
* * * *
Xanther and Alyssa rode out early, towards the docks. Xanther enjoyed the idea of riding with her again. Alyssa had never ridden a horse before and it would slow them down to teach her on the way. It was miles before she broke the silence.
"Why did your father regret marrying an outsider? Who did he marry?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Maybe it matters to me. Please tell me. I am concerned why your father thinks you will make a mistake."
"Very well then. My father fell in love with an Elisaid. He thinks I will be hurt as he was."
"Who was it?"
"Lady Isabella. He loved her freely, and she gave her vows of fidelity. It was not long before she had twins. She left me with my father but took the daughter with her."
"Elsbeth,” Alyssa whispered, stunned at the news.
"Yes."
"Does she know who her father is? That you are her brother and what that makes her?"
"If she does, she was not raised to understand what it means to have either a brother or a father. I don't know if Isabella ever thought it important enough to tell her, but you must leave that to my father to decide when to talk to her."