Of Princes and Dragons
Book 2
Lynne Hill-Clark
Copyright © 2017 by Lynne Hill-Clark
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise), except for short quotes for review purposes only, without prior written permission from Hill-Clark & Associates, the copyright owner of the book.
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events are purely the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to anyone, living or dead, is coincidental.
Cover design by We Got You Covered
Published in the United States
Second Edition 2019
Created with Vellum
Contents
Dedication
Other Books By Lynne Hill-Clark
Dragon
Prologue
1. Chapter 1 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
2. Chapter 2 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
3. Chapter 3 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
4. Chapter 4 Constantinople 600 A.D
5. Chapter 5 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
6. Chapter 6 Outskirts of Venice 1223 A.D
7. Chapter 7 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
8. Chapter 8 London 1457 A.D
9. Chapter 9 Wallachia 1457 A.D
10. Chapter 10 Wallachia 1457 A.D
11. Chapter 11 The Beginning 1262 A.D
12. Chapter 12 Wallachia 1262 A.D
13. Chapter 13 Copenhagen 1386 A.D
14. Chapter 14 Copenhagen 1386 A.D
15. Chapter 15 Wallachia 1262 A.D
16. Chapter 16 Wallachia 1262 A.D
17. Chapter 17 Wallachia 1262 A.D
18. Chapter 18 France 1431 A.D
19. Chapter 19 Copenhagen 1431 A.D
20. Chapter 20 Wallachia 1262 A.D
21. Chapter 21 Wallachia 1262 A.D
22. Chapter 22 Wallachia 1262 A.D
23. Chapter 23 Wallachia 1262 A.D
24. Chapter 24 Wallachia 1263 A.D
25. Chapter 25 Venice 1354 A.D
26. Chapter 26 Wallachia 1354 A.D
27. Chapter 27 Wallachia 1354 A.D
28. Chapter 28 Wallachia 1354 A.D
29. Chapter 29 Middle East 1354 A.D
30. Chapter 30 Northern Anatolia 1354 A.D
31. Chapter 31 Northern Anatolia 1355 A.D
32. Chapter 32 Northern Anatolia 1355 A.D
33. Chapter 33 Rhodes 1355 A.D
34. Chapter 34 Ottoman Empire 1415 A.D
35. Chapter 35 Constantinople 1415 A.D
36. Chapter 36 Constantinople 1416 A.D
37. Chapter 37 Constantinople 1416 A.D
38. Chapter 38 Constantinople 1416 A.D
39. Chapter 39 Middle East 1416 A.D
40. Chapter 40 Wallachia 1455 A.D
41. Chapter 41 Wallachia 1455 A.D
42. Chapter 42 Wallachia 1455 A.D
43. Chapter 43 Wallachia 1455 A.D
44. Chapter 44 Wallachia 1456 A.D
45. Chapter 45 Wallachia 1456 A.D
46. Chapter 46 Wallachia 1456 A.D
47. Chapter 47 Sibiu 1456 A.D
48. Chapter 48 Wallachia 1456 A.D
49. Chapter 49 Wallachia 1456 A.D
50. Chapter 50 Wallachia 1457 A.D
51. Chapter 51 Copenhagen 1457 A.D
52. Chapter 52 Wallachia 1458 A.D
53. Chapter 53 Wallachia 1458 A.D
54. Chapter 54 Wallachia 1458 A.D
55. Chapter 55 Holy Roman Empire 1458 A.D
56. Chapter 56 Wallachia 1458 A.D
57. Chapter 57 Wallachia 1458 A.D
58. Chapter 58 Wallachia 1462 A.D
59. Chapter 59 Wallachia 1462 A.D
60. Chapter 60 Wallachia 1462 A.D
61. Chapter 61 Wallachia 1462 A.D
62. Chapter 62 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
63. Chapter 63 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
64. Chapter 64 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
65. Chapter 65 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
66. Chapter 66 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
67. Chapter 67 Holy Roman Empire 1462 A.D
68. Chapter 68 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
69. Chapter 69 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
70. Chapter 70 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
71. Chapter 71 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
72. Chapter 72 Copenhagen 1462 A.D
73. Chapter 73 Holy Roman Empire 1462 A.D
74. Chapter 74 Copenhagen 1475 A.D
75. Chapter 75 Copenhagen 1500 A.D
76. Chapter 76 Holy Roman Empire 1551 A.D
77. Chapter 77 Copenhagen 1551 A.D
78. Chapter 78 Copenhagen 1551 A.D
79. Chapter 79 The Alps 1551 A.D
80. Chapter 80 The Alps 1551 A.D
81. Chapter 81 The Alps 1551 A.D
82. Chapter 82 The Alps 1551 A.D
83. Chapter 83 Copenhagen 1551 A.D
Epilogue
About Book 3
List of Characters
Vocabulary List
Acknowledgments
About the Author
This book is dedicated to Tony and Kalin.
Thanks for putting up with me while I wrote these stories!
Other Books By Lynne Hill-Clark
Of Lords and Commoners Book 1
Of Princes and Dragons Book 2
Of Gods and Goddesses Book 3
A Woman’s World Series
Coming soon
Dragon
He is known the world over
Yet what is a dragon?
Is he a hero or a villain?
That is a matter of where one is from
In some parts, the dragon is a symbol of good luck
One who drives away evil spirits
He is wise and strong
Still others view him as a symbol of greed and power
A violent and destructive creature
A truly evil being
Can he be both — a wicked hero?
Prologue
Vallachia strolled in a high mountain meadow. The lush green forest around her felt familiar. The evergreens were similar to the ones near her childhood home. A small mountain lake was nestled in the bottom of the basin. It looked pristine and refreshing. Her thoughts strayed to how wonderful a good swim would be when she saw him. On the opposite side of the lake stood the figure of a burly man. He wore a long black chlamys, the bottom of which brushed the grass beneath his feet as he moved toward her. His clothes were not simply black; they were the type of black that stole all the light. This was in deep contrast to her flowing white gown alight in the bright summer sun.
With a closer look, her lips parted in amazement. She knew him. In fact, she had been waiting centuries for him. After hundreds of years she had finally found ... Teller. Her initial trepidation about the intimidating figure was replaced with joy.
He is alive! she thought. Regardless of his deadpan stare, her heart leapt into her throat. She smiled but the gesture was not returned; his face remained emotionless.
“Teller, it is me, Vallachia.”
His silence caused a shiver to pass through her. His dark eyes studied her with an eerie hunger. She forced her feet to cautiously move toward him.
Teller’s body doubled in size … then tripled. His skin turned blood red and his clothes melted away. His body continued to grow and morph. Scales formed across his skin.
Vallachia instinctively backed away. She found herself staring at a dragon, whose head towered above the tallest trees. Her heart drummed in her ears. The beast’s shiny golden eyes focused on her. His m
assive head swung through the air as it lunged for her. His sword-like teeth were about to rip into her when she awoke with a sharp inhale.
Chapter 1 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
It had been a year since they ended the plagues in Europe, in which rogue vampires decimated half the human population in some regions. The High Court of Elders, led by Lord Chastellain, in turn eliminated more than half of the vampire population, thus restoring the fragile balance between humans and vampires. This allowed the Court to move into a time of peace, which called for a celebration.
Even the hundreds of vampire skulls had been removed from the main entrance to Lord Chastellain’s castle. This was a great improvement as far as Vallachia was concerned. Gardeners were brought in and the palace looked majestic once again, like something out of a children’s fairy story.
Mari, Sonia, Mary and Elizabeth were with Vallachia in her chambers getting ready for the festivities. Vallachia rejoiced in the feminine energy. It was a welcome change. They were able to put their swords to rest and at least pretend to be normal women. Even wearing a poofy silk brocade was tolerable for Vallachia. It was nice to feel and look womanly — especially since it was only for the evening.
This gala would be different, which concerned Vallachia. In the past she had always danced with Prince Elijah, Lord Chastellain’s only son, but this time he had a different partner. Vallachia was not looking forward to having to dance with anyone else or possibly everyone else.
Elijah often had mistresses in the past, probably more than Vallachia knew about. However, this new woman was different. She was the first one Elijah was candid about being with. Over the past year their affair had developed and was no longer a secret.
She called herself Patricia. She and her father were refugees — of sorts — from Southern Europe. They came to the Court to learn how to feed without killing and they now lived here in the castle. Undoubtedly she and Elijah would be together at the dance. He seemed happy and this in turn pleased Vallachia. The problem was that Elijah had always kept unwanted suitors away; now Vallachia would have to deal with them herself. She was planning to escape shortly after the formalities were over and her dutiful appearance as a high-ranking member of the Court was fulfilled.
At the long table set aside for the leaders, Vallachia sat to the left of Lord Chastellain with Riddick by her side as was customary. Riddick was their commander in chief. Behind the lord stood John, waiting in the shadows, always at the lord’s behest. John was the lord’s top advisor. To the right of the lord sat his son and Patricia.
After the lord’s brief speech and celebratory toast, Elijah and Patricia moved to the dance floor. A man approached Vallachia but Riddick stood and glared at the poor fellow. The stranger quickly did an about-face, retreating swiftly. This was a common reaction to Riddick’s massive form, for which Vallachia was grateful.
“Come, let’s dance,” Riddick grabbed Vallachia under the arm, pulling her to her feet — not giving her a choice in the matter.
He still does not know how to ask a woman to dance, as a true gentleman should. At least he has not completely changed, Vallachia smiled to herself.
They moved gracefully around the dance floor.
“You look beautiful, Val,” Riddick said. “It is nice to see you out of your battle garb and dressed as a proper lady.”
“Now you are going to be a gentleman?” Val gave him a playful smile.
“No, not entirely.”
“It is good to know that you are still you. Though, I have to admit it is nice to be out of my armor.”
Riddick chuckled, then his expression turned serious. “How are you faring?”
“I am well. Why do you ask?”
He rolled his eyes and glanced toward Elijah and Patricia, thus pointing out the perceived problem, “You are no longer his favorite mistress.”
Val laughed; that was what this must look like. “Elijah appears content and that is all that matters.”
Riddick studied her face. “You are sincere. You are not upset in the least?”
“No and I have no reason to be upset.”
Riddick shook his head. “You are the most peculiar woman I have ever met. I have watched you and Elijah for the better part of one hundred years, you are obviously in love with him.”
Vallachia was thoughtful for a moment. Is it that obvious? She decided that it probably was.
“I swear,” Riddick continued. “Even after so many years I have not figured you out. I suppose I never will.”
“That is because you don’t know the whole story. I was never Elijah’s mistress. The truth is I love someone else.” Riddick looked at her with a glint of hope so she quickly added, “I’m still in love with a boy from my childhood.”
“Your childhood? Wouldn’t he be at least fifty years dead by now?”
“No, I turned him into a vampire.” She said this last word quietly, as if it were a secret — a terrible secret. “Surely he is not dead. He is out there somewhere.”
“Why haven’t you gone to him?”
“I’m always looking for any sign of him but I don’t know where he is.”
“And he has not bothered to find you?”
Val shook her head no and fought the tears that were threatening to form in her large crystal-blue eyes.
“Everyone knows who you are in our world. He could have easily found you. So he is either dead or he does not want you.”
Vallachia refused to believe either one of those options. She would not believe it. Yet his words were still painful and she fought the urge to rub the aching sensation out of her heart, even though she knew it would not help.
“Don’t you think it is high time you let him go?” Riddick said this in the softest voice she had ever heard him use. He knew his words had hurt her. “You know ... you remind me of ... her.”
Vallachia’s eyes widened in surprise at this odd comment. She barely noticed when he leaned in close, as if to kiss her. “Who do I remind you of?” For ninety-two years she had wondered about his past — his human life. Will he finally tell me? He had always shut down when anyone asked him about it. Curiosity consumed her.
As his lips were about to reach hers, someone tapped Riddick’s shoulder and he turned to see who it was.
“May I?” Lord Chastellain said, as he gave Riddick an icy stare that said he was getting too close and needed to back off.
Vallachia frowned. Wonderful, the lord is playing the part of a jealous lover.
Riddick gracefully swung her around and held her hand out to Chastellain. “Of course, My Lord,” he bowed slightly and gave Val a sarcastic smile that said, Enjoy, before he strode off.
Val watched after him for a moment, not wanting him to leave. What did he mean by that? Who do I remind him of? But Riddick was gone and she was left to dance with Elijah’s father — the ruler of all vampires.
“Riddick is correct, my dear,” he said.
“About what, My Lord?”
“It is long past due that you move on and forget about that boy from your childhood.”
“You were listening to us?” Her voice was full of disgust.
The lord was not flustered or deterred by her tone. “You are going to lose him,” he glanced toward his son.
Vallachia followed his gaze. She did not fancy the thought of Elijah marrying. She would lose his friendship, for his bride would not approve of their relationship. Not to mention, his bride would occupy much of his time.
“You are very well aware that a man can only wait so long?” Chastellain said.
Vallachia wished she knew where Teller was, because then she could decide. She would gladly choose Elijah if she knew there was no hope for her to be with Teller. However, as long as there was a chance — no matter how small — she would hang on. She had always had a strong sense that she was meant to be with Teller. The way it felt when they touched was unique. Surely she would never feel that way with anyone else. He was the only one for her. This was one thing she was certain
of. They must be together, someday, somehow.
These thoughts were uncomfortable and dancing with Lord Chastellain was even more discomfiting. With a slight bow Val said, “If that is all, My Lord, then I am going to retire. I am rather tired.” This was a lie — her mind was racing and she did not want to dance anymore unless it was with Elijah. And he was otherwise occupied.
Chapter 2 Copenhagen 1354 A.D
Vallachia headed straight for her balcony and gazed out over the enchanted city of Copenhagen. She wished that her girlfriends would join her, as they would distract her and lift her spirits. She had always been good at staying busy, never an idle moment. She took no time to dwell on Teller or her love life in general — or rather the lack of a love life. Her friends were enjoying themselves, as they very well should. They had earned it. She should have been with them and normally would have.
Of Princes and Dragons: Book 2 (Lords and Commoners) Page 1