Assassin's Reign (The Assassin and her Dragon Princes Book 4)

by Ivy Clyde

  My body quivered with eagerness as he lowered himself onto me. The touch of his naked skin against mine seared me instantly. I loved the heat that radiated off him.

  Positioning himself at my entrance, Norvin captured my lips in a distracting kiss. Half-lost to the kiss, I felt the thick head of his cock stretching my tight opening.

  I squirmed and moaned as Norvin pushed inside me. His initial thrusts were hard and forceful, but they became gentler once he buried himself fully in my warmth.

  Norvin was being immensely patient, kissing me deeply all the while his shaft thrust into me at a slow but steady rhythm.

  It wasn’t long before he was the only one trying to kiss me. My mouth was wide open as orgasms built inside me one after the other. The throbbing in my core made me lose my mind to everything else around me. I was lost to the pulsing pleasure that was radiating throughout my body, letting fire roar through my veins as I lay under him.

  “It feels incredible to be inside you,” he whispered in a ragged breath. His pace had picked up now and he was plunging into me with hard and fast strokes. “I love you so much, Daria.” Burying his face in the side of my neck, he thrust into me.

  My walls pulsed around his throbbing manhood, clenching onto him hard. My moans and soft cries of pleasure rang out in the silent room as he kept thrusting into my tightening channel.

  Norvin’s body went taut just as my control broke. His teeth sank into the soft skin of my neck as his body shuddered against mine. Next moment, his hot seeds exploded inside me, filling me to the brim as he held onto me tightly.

  My wrists must have been bruised by now despite the soft fabric that bound me. My arms ached from the strain of pulling at it.

  “I love you so much it hurts at times,” Norvin whispered against my neck.

  We were both panting hard, our hearts thundering in our chest. Gently pulling out of me, he removed the bindings from my wrists. Bringing them close to his face, he kissed the dark lines that had appeared on the flawless skin there.

  Pulling me against him, he smothered my face with light, feathery kisses. Next, he covered our cooling bodies with a blanket.

  A sigh of complete bliss escaped me as I nestled against his hard chest.

  Opening my eyes the next morning, I found Norvin’s side of the bed empty. Bright sunshine filtered through the curtains at the window, illuminating the bedchamber. My clothes and jewels were gathered and placed on a low stool at the foot of the bed.

  Clutching a sheet to my chest, I climbed out of the bed and headed towards one of the windows. Removing the curtain aside, I gazed out an extraordinary scenery. Dappled sunlight fell through gaps in low hanging gray clouds, illuminating a sea of dark green.

  “You are awake.” Turning from the beautiful sight, I found Norvin by the door.

  “Where did you go?” I asked, turning back to look at the green woods stretching as far as the horizon.

  “I gave my valet strict orders not to let anyone come into my private chambers today.” His arms slid around my waist as he lowered his chin onto my shoulder. “We’ll spend the whole day together.”

  I smiled and grasped at his hands. “Redfall is beautiful,” I said in a soft voice. “I haven’t seen such dark green woods anywhere.”

  “The constant rains help them grow strong and sturdy.” A heavy sigh escaped him.

  I turned around to gaze at him. “What’s wrong?”

  “My kingdom will take a long time to heal,” he said with a pained look in his beautiful purple-hued eyes. “Ivan extorted as much as he could from the people while I was gone.”

  “Your brother was just a puppet in his hands.”

  Norvin nodded and led me back to the center of the room. Making me sit at the edge of the bed, he took the spot beside me. “Noya ran away the moment he heard news of a new dragon flying over the palace. No one has seen him since the time I returned. He’s left behind a broken kingdom, disgruntled officials and a harem full of women.”

  My eyes flashed at the last phrase. “Women?”

  “I tell you about the sorry state of my nation and that’s what you get upset about?” Norvin grinned at my frown. Placing a hand over mine, he added, “No woman will ever compare to you. It’s not even a thing you should worry about.” His hand shifted over to my belly. “We’ll have a child soon. There’s no one in the world I care about as much as you.”

  Warmth spread through me at his words.

  Giving my hand another squeeze, he got to his feet. “I’ve arranged for some fresh clothes for you,” he said, gesturing towards a corner. I hadn’t noticed it before but an entire sofa was covered with boxes of jewelry and selections of beautiful dresses. “Your clothes are over there,” he added, showing me the stool by the bed’s foot. “Whatever you prefer.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll wait for you in the main parlor room. There’s hot breakfast waiting for us there.”

  As if on cue, my stomach grumbled.

  I started getting dressed in my own clothes as soon as Norvin left. The traditional gowns of Redfall were more extravagant with wide, flaring skirts but I’d need help to wear them properly.

  Letting the long length of my hair stay loose, I walked out of the bedchamber. A wide corridor led the way forward to other rooms but as I kept going forward, it opened up to a large, spacious room.

  The floral notes of nettle tea wafted to my nose, followed with the delicious smells of roasted meat and freshly-baked bread.

  “You commanded an entire feast for us?” I said, gazing at the food that had been spread over three consecutive tables.

  “It’s been months since I got to enjoy a feast,” he said in a grim voice. “All those times when we had to pretend to be poor merchants and not even eat meat at a tavern. I’ll never forget those days. Since you are here with me today, I got them to bring me a feast. Without good company, it’s not enjoyable at all.”

  “I suppose I’ve been lucky in that regard,” I said, taking up a plate. “Ren is a trusted, loyal friend at my side. I don’t know where I’d be without him.”

  “He’s still hanging around you?” He asked with an annoyed expression.

  I nodded, loading up the plate with bread rolls, slices of roasted meat and sweet fruit pastries. “He is the only one I trust in the palace. And perhaps, the old kitchen maid who knew me since I was a child. The rest of my officials would be happy to see me dead.”

  “If you need help, you only need to ask,” said Norvin.

  Anxiety settled over his beautiful features, giving me pause. “It’s a complicated situation at the moment. They can plot as much as they want against me. In the end, they will fall in their own traps. Circumstances are tense at the moment but I will get rid of every corrupt official from my court.”

  “That’s the kind of fire that’s needed to forge a new realm,” he said grimly. “People have already been extorted too badly. We need to give them a way to regain their livelihoods.”

  I nodded. “I believe we’ll each do our best.”

  Norvin began the feast by delving into a platter of saucy ribs. I ate from my plate, letting our light banter chase away the grim thoughts that always circled my mind. Let me enjoy my break without worrying, I told my brain. There will be enough time to get anxious once I go back home.

  A light drizzle fell over us as Norvin and I stood on the roof of the tower where I’d landed last night. The sky was completely covered by gray clouds now. It deepened the color of the woods down below.

  “Take care of yourself,” said Norvin, bringing me into a tight embrace. “I worry for both you and our child.”

  “You must remember to look after yourself too,” I said, my voice muffled against his chest. “And make sure to send all those harem women home!”

  His sniggers rumbled through his chest as he placed a kiss on the top of my head. “That shall be my priority, My Queen.” He captured my lips in a slow, languid kiss.

  I felt dizzy with the effects of h
is kiss as he parted from me. My heart wanted to stay with him longer but with a tight schedule, I had to say farewell to him for now.

  “We’ll meet again soon,” I said, stepping away from Norvin. “Wait for my word.”

  He tilted his head to me in a salute as I faced forward.

  Conjuring the shifting magic, I transformed into my dragon form and took flight.

  The drizzling rain continued to fall on me as I crossed across the vast ocean of green down below me. It was a pleasant sensation to feel the cold droplets against my hot scales. Veering towards the south, I headed for Gweryn, the capital of Iorna.

  It was a shorter journey to reach the borders of Iorna. The climate changed sharply as I flew over the hills, welcoming the cooler breezes that skimmed past my scales. This was the kingdom where I spent most of my life. A sudden bout of nostalgia affected me as I flew over the familiar terrain.

  As I soared over Gweryn, people pointed at me. Street vendors, as well as stationed guards, stared at me with awe and fearful fascination. Being daylight, my dragon form must have made quite an impression on them.

  After circling around the palace grounds a few times, I found an empty plot. Making it my destination, I flew lower.

  I shifted back to my human form as soon as my feet touched the ground. A cool breeze blew by, fluttering the skirt of my gown.

  Before I could decide in which direction to go, a well-dressed man approached me with four guards behind him. His gentle smile calmed me from reacting.

  “Welcome, Princess Daria,” said the stranger with a low tilt of his head. He seemed middle-aged with a scholarly appearance. “Welcome to Iorna.”

  “You know of me?”

  “Of course, Your Highness. Our Majesty has spoken of you and your aid to us.” He bowed again. “Please follow this humble servant so he can show you the way to His Majesty.”

  Jealousy pinched at me. If only my nobles were just as courteous to me!

  “Thank you,” I said with a hint of gratitude. “Please lead the way.”

  My heart soared as I walked through a pebbled path towards the palace’s main building. Cain was so close by, I couldn’t contain my excitement. As I followed the scholarly man, the guards flanked us, escorting us through the grounds. I already felt like an honored guest in Gweryn.

  16

  Cain

  The crowd before me consisted of my entire harem as well as my court officials. Standing on the lower steps that led to the dais where my throne stood, I watched them staring at me with open hostility.

  “There is no more discussion needed,” I told them. “My mind is made up.”

  “All I’m requesting Your Majesty is that you don’t act with haste,” said Lord Farei, whose daughter ruled the harem of my palace. “Wait a few more months before implementing your command.”

  His manner was cajoling but I could sense the underlying force in his words. He still thought he could sway my decisions. The days when the nobility held power over the ruling princes were over. They had to be reminded that Ivan was dead. Only the will of the dragon king (me) mattered now.

  “I want my command implemented immediately,” I said in a hard, unyielding tone. “Leave now.”

  “Please don’t do this to us!” cried Tarial, a young woman of the harem and the daughter of Lord Farei. She threw herself at my feet and started a tantrum, shouting for mercy. “We’ve been unworthy of your affections. It is our fault. We deserve death, Your Majesty!”

  The women chorused their agreement.

  I stared out at them, wondering how much easier it had been to topple the dragon emperor than making these women leave me and my palace. Unbidden, Daria’s face flashed in my mind. Without her, everything would have been impossible. Part of me wished she was by my side. I really believed she could have solved this problem for me.

  “You won’t even look at me!” shouted Tarial, proceeding to clutch my ankle.

  I bit my tongue from hurling out a curse at her. What was the matter with these women? There was no love or affection between us. I’d always been wary of them and the information they passed onto their fathers. Most of these women had forced their way into the palace, hoping to gain power by becoming my queen.

  I was no longer a spineless monarch who bent to the whims of their fathers. I had to wonder why they were so convinced I would hold on to my honor and not turn them to ashes for behaving like harpies? Did they no longer fear me despite me being a dragon?

  An exhausted sigh escaped me as Tarial continued her assault on my ankles and knees.

  “Stop that immediately!” said a hard, loud voice.

  My heart pounded in my chest as I searched the crowd. It had been an achingly familiar voice but she couldn’t really be here.

  The crowd parted and all gaze shifted from me to the figure standing behind them.

  I could feel my eyes widening as the vision walked forward.

  Daria strode forward, keeping her back ramrod straight. The lush green gown she wore swished alluringly around her hips and long legs as she approached the bottom of the dais. Her green eyes glittered like emeralds as she glared at Tarial.

  “Move.” That one word was uttered with a sharpness that could cut iron.

  Tarial’s face paled and she stood up at once.

  Daria raised her gaze to meet mine.

  “Daria…” I climbed the last few steps and stood before her. “Why are you here? Is everything all right in Drakhaven?”

  She nodded. “All is well.”

  Unable to hold myself back anymore, I pulled her into a tight embrace. “The goddesses know how much I’ve missed you,” I whispered. Her familiar scent wafted into my nostrils, making me breathe in deeply.

  She pushed at my chest and glared at me. “What’s happening here?”

  It was hard to suppress the grin that threatened to lift the corners of my lips. Daria was jealous. Holding her wrist, I turned us both to face forward. The women of my harem were staring at us with astonished gazes. They’d never seen me behave so warmly towards anyone.

  “W-who’s this?” Tarial blurted out.

  “This is Princess Daria of Drakhaven,” I declared proudly. “She will be my queen.”

  Daria glanced up at me. I smiled down at her. There was no doubt Daria would be my queen. In fact, she would be queen to all the four kingdoms.

  “Perhaps, the princess could help you with your decision, Your Majesty,” said Lord Farei.

  “What decision is he talking about?” asked Daria, turning her attention to me.

  “I have declared for my harem to be dismissed.”

  She gave me a nod before turning back to Lord Farei. “You should carry out your king’s command,” she said. “Why have you gathered even after the command has been given out?” There was a bite to her voice now.

  “It’s only been a week since he’s returned to us,” said Lord Helia, a conniving look on his wrinkly face. Two of his daughters were in the harem. “Isn’t it too rash to be taking decisions this early?”

  “And who are you to question your king? He has made his intentions very clear. Carry them out like loyal subjects instead of trying to impose your will on him.”

  “You shouldn’t even be speaking here,” spit out Tariel.

  “Really? Even after your king proclaimed to make me his queen?” She turned her fiery gaze on the leader of the harem. “Are you trying to rebel against His Majesty?” she added in a softer voice.

  “That’s-that’s not what I meant!” Tariel straightened her back, intent on pushing the issue to the last of her breath. “Before you came, he was enamored with us. We’ve been his companions all this time. Simply because you claim to be a princess of Drakhaven, we cannot give up on our king. We don’t even know if your claims are legitimate!”

  Daria’s eyes flashed but a cold smile came upon her lips. “You’ve been spying on your king and relaying information to your father,” she said in a cool, calm voice. “They, in turn, relayed those things to t
he traitorous man who made himself the emperor of the realm.”

  Every face in the mob paled at her words.

  “The traitor is dead, slain by me and the kings of Iorna, Baledonia, and Redfall. It was no easy battle, I’ll tell you that much.” She stepped down a step and let her gaze sweep over everyone. “But the fact is we won. We are claiming our thrones and power. If you know what is best for yourselves, bow down to your king and show him your loyalty. Right now!” she shouted out the last words.

  There was so much force in her words, the whole crowd bent their knees to us, even the reluctant Lord Farei.

  “What about our hearts?” said Tariel in a soft, wavering voice. “We have served His Majesty for so many years now. It would kill us to leave him. And most of these girls,” she added, gesturing at the women behind her. “Their families refuse to take them back. They will starve on the streets if His Majesty doesn’t show them mercy.”

  “The harem is dissolved,” said Daria in a strict voice. “However, if their families won’t take them back, they can stay at the palace as kitchen maids. Of course, we won’t be as cruel as to throw you out on the streets.”

  It was getting harder to keep up my impassiveness. Daria landed a fatal blow on them all. I doubted any of these spoiled women from the nobility would agree to stay in the palace as maids. They would rather take their chances on the streets.

  I was amazed by how calmly Daria handled the whole situation. It was almost a struggle not to grab her and kiss her fiercely right then.

  “I want every woman in the harem to declare whether they’ll leave tomorrow or be staying back to serve in the kitchens,” said Daria in an authoritative voice. “Either way, I want you all to clear the harem quarters by tomorrow afternoon.” She gestured towards the door. “All of you can leave now.”

  Tarial gnashed her teeth but turned around to stomp out of the throne room. The other women followed her with the nobles herding them all out.

  I exhaled out a long breath as the doors closed after them and silence settled in the courtroom.