Prince of Love

by Donna Grant

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  Copyright ©2008 by Donna Grant

  First published in 2008, 2008

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Epilogue

  About the Author

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  A Total-e-bound Publication

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  The Royal Chronicles: Prince of Love

  ISBN #978-1-906328-13-9

  ©Copyright Donna Grant 2008

  Cover Art by Anne Cain ©Copyright January 2008

  Edited by Michele Paulin

  Total-e-bound books

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author's imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-e-bound eBooks.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-e-bound eBooks. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2007 by Total-e-bound eBooks 1 The Corner, Faldingworth Road, Spridlington, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 2DE, UK.

  Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-sizzling.

  The Royal Chronicles

  PRINCE OF LOVE

  Donna Grant

  Dedication

  For my readers, with love

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter One

  Invergarry, Scotland

  Summer, 1270

  Life had a funny way of turning sharp corners with no warning signs. Sorin Sinclair had thought he had learned to adapt in his search for his mate, but no matter how many times he thought he couldn't be surprised again, he was.

  He stared into familiar hazel eyes and wanted to shout for joy. Instead, he smiled at his eldest brother and heir to the kingdom of Drahcir.

  "Keiran? Is that really you?"

  His brother returned the smile and hugged him, slapping his hands on Sorin's back. “Aye, brother, ‘tis me."

  Sorin stepped back and looked into a face he feared he might never see again. “How?"

  "I don't have time to explain, and it doesn't matter,” Keiran answered. “'Tis good to see you."

  "I would have thought you'd have returned home by now. Have you not found your mate?"

  Keiran sighed and dropped his hand. “Nay, but not for lack of searching. It seems, little brother, that there are forces working against us."

  "What forces?"

  "I had a visit from a Fae who warned me that the Tnargs are looking for our mates, trying to find them before we do."

  Sorin loudly expelled a breath and leaned back against the building. The alley was deserted, giving them the privacy they needed. He didn't like hearing of the Tnargs, the magical beasts who had one mission—kill any mate of a prince of Drahcir.

  "This cannot be possible. It is hard enough trying to find our mates and convince them to leave their homes and families behind to come with us. And now you tell me the Tnargs are intentionally trying to find them before we do?"

  "Everyone thought that after all these centuries the angered Fae princess would have forgiven, or at least forgotten, our family. However, it seems she wants to end it all. Aimery tells me the Fae banished her from their realm for what she did. I don't think even Father knows of this."

  Sorin ran a hand down his face as he absorbed the news. “She's going to kill our mates, ensuring that we don't fulfil the curse upon our family. That's why the Tnargs are trying to locate our mates before us."

  Keiran nodded.

  "The Fae who visited you, are you sure you can trust him?"

  "Of course. ‘Tis Aimery,” Keiran said. “You might not have seen him the times he visited the castle, but I did. He can be trusted."

  Sorin ran a hand down his face. “Have you seen Elric or Lucian?"

  "Nay, but Aimery helped Elric find his mate. I have to assume that our brothers have returned home."

  "Of course,” Sorin said. “We'll make it, Keiran. I know it."

  His brother smiled and nodded, the doubt barely hidden in his hazel gaze. “Aye, we will. Keep your eyes opened for the Tnarg. You won't be able to miss the beast, and it won't hesitate to kill your mate. Once you find her, convince her quickly and get her post haste to Drahcir."

  "You're leaving?"

  "Our time is running thin, little brother, and I have yet to find my mate. Be safe. I'll see you soon."

  Sorin clasped his brother to him, almost unwilling to let him go. It had been so long since he'd seen any of his family, and parting again so quickly was torture.

  He released Keiran, and after one more wave, his brother disappeared into the crowded street. Sorin took a deep breath and turned to the inn he had been walking towards when Keiran had stepped in front of him.

  Knowing that the dreadful Tnargs were hunting their mates sent a chill of foreboding through him. His family meant the world to him. He would gladly give up his life to ensure their survival, but the curse wouldn't allow that.

  The damn curse that sent each of his brothers out of their magical kingdom to search for their mates. They were given until the fifth moon of the harvest year to return to Drahcir with their brides or the kingdom and all who inhabited it would cease to exist. Sorin and Keiran had less than two months to return home.

  He still wasn't sure how Keiran had come to be in Invergarry. Each time they left Drahcir, it was a different year for time moved much slower in their magical kingdom.

  As Sorin stood and looked around him, he was amazed at how few people actually saw him. They were so busy with their own lives, that few noticed anything other than what was right before them.

  It did afford Sorin the time he needed to survey everything around him. He had been searching for his mate for over a year now with no luck. Seeing Keiran had renewed his hope, especially learning that Elric and possibly Lucian had found their mates and were in Drahcir at that moment.

  He couldn't wait to see them and his parents again. A smile pulled at his lips as he thought of the tricks he and Elric had played on each other.

  That was when he heard it. A laugh that was musical and beautiful. A laugh that made him yearn to find its owner. He wanted to know what would make a woman laugh so. And he needed to know what kind of woman could gain his attention with such a delightful sound.

  Sorin pushed through the crowded street until he came to a group of people who watched a man juggling daggers. All aro
und him people gasped and applauded. Yet none of them laughed.

  He moved on, his ears listening for that delectable laugh once more. Then he heard it again. Sorin's feet moved faster through the street until he saw another crowd. He hurried to it, looking over heads to see a man who had a small white dog who did tricks.

  Sorin's eyes scanned the people, searching for the woman whose laugh had called to him. Then he found her. A beauty in a soft yellow gown with gilded hair, flashing blue eyes and an easy smile.

  He knew her instantly. His mate.

  All his life he heard his father speak of how he would feel when he found his mate. Sorin hadn't expected the nearly uncontrollable lust that surged through his veins. His cock thickened, begging him to take her as he was destined to do.

  Relief filled him. One obstacle had been overcome. Now that he found her though, he'd have to convince her to leave with him. But before could do that he needed to make love to her, to prove to her that they were indeed bound together.

  Sorin stayed with the crowd studying his mate as she watched the dog. When she finally moved off, he followed her, noting the older woman with her and the man who looked at her as if she were a treat at the end of a meal.

  It had never occurred to Sorin that his mate might already be married. His father had always said their mates would be waiting for them. Sorin didn't know what he would do if she were married, but there was no use worrying over it now, not until he knew it for a fact.

  As he followed the small group through Invergarry, his gaze moved around him, watching for any signs of the Tnarg. The only one he had ever seen had been in a book in his father's library. It had scared him so as a child that he hadn't been able to sleep for days.

  Even as a warrior, the thought of crossing paths with the creature gave him pause. The Tnargs’ only mission was to prevent him from returning to Drahcir with his mate. So far, the Sinclairs had won that battle. How many more times would victory fall on their side before the Tnargs won?

  Sorin's hand moved to rest on the hilt of the sword strapped to his hip. He prayed he didn't have to use his weapon, but Keiran wouldn't have come looking for him if the threat wasn't real.

  His gaze saw a flash of yellow turn down another street, and he hurried to catch up. When the man with his beauty stopped and bought her a bouquet of flowers, Sorin had the urge to punch him.

  Instead, he moved closer to the group. When they turned to move off, he noticed a drunk stumbling towards them. Sorin lengthened his strides to try to warn them, but the drunk ran into the beauty before he had a chance.

  Fortunately, Sorin caught her as she fell backwards. He looked down into her blue eyes and smiled. Her heart shaped face had the creamiest skin with gently arched brows and plump lips Sorin couldn't wait to kiss. He inwardly groaned as he imagined her mouth sliding over his cock.

  "Are you all right?” he asked.

  Her lips parted and her hands gripped his arms. “You caught me."

  Sorin bit back a chuckle. “'Tis fortunate for you that I did, least you would have fallen and muddied your pretty gown."

  "Release her, sir.” The man's voice was raised, irate.

  Sorin raised his head and looked at the man who had accompanied his beauty. Slowly, he righted his mate, daring the man to say another word.

  "I owe you my thanks, sir,” his beauty said.

  Sorin reluctantly released her and bowed his head. “None needed, my lady. Though you can repay me with your name."

  Her lips pulled up slightly at the corners. “Katrina."

  "Lady Katrina,” the brute added.

  Sorin ignored the man. “'Tis been a pleasure, Lady Katrina. I will be more than happy to rescue you again should you need it."

  She laughed, the sound music to his ears.

  "I will see to her,” the brute said.

  "Oh, Patrick, please,” Katrina said. “He is merely being polite."

  "As your intended, it is my job to look after you."

  Sorin's hands clenched at his side.

  "I haven't accepted your offer,” Katrina said, her lips tight with suppressed anger.

  Patrick glared at Sorin before he turned back to Katrina. “You will. Why put it off?"

  Sorin watched the exchange with interest. So, Katrina wasn't greatly interested in having Patrick as a husband or she would have already accepted him. It brought a smile to Sorin's face.

  He was about to step in when something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Someone, or something, had been watching him.

  "And your name, sir?"

  Sorin jerked his head back to Katrina to find her looking at him. “Sorin Sinclair at your service,” he said with a wink.

  She chuckled. “I am here visiting my aunt, sir. You are invited to dinner tomorrow night if you are available. ‘Tis the least I can do after you've so gallantly saved me from muddying my gown."

  "I would be honoured. Who is your aunt?” Sorin was overjoyed in his luck at getting to spend more time with Katrina without having to force an accidental meeting.

  "Lady Beatrice MacDuff."

  "Until tomorrow evening then,” Sorin said.

  "Until then,” she said and allowed Patrick to turn her away.

  Sorin watched as she walked away, the gentle sway of her hips fascinating. He couldn't wait to plunge inside of her as her hips thrust to meet his. And when she glanced over her shoulder, a smile on her lips, and Sorin knew he had caught her attention.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Two

  Katrina went to her chamber as soon as they reached her aunt's house. It had been a mistake to allow Patrick to accompany her aunt's, but she had been in a good mood. He was nothing if not persistent, but once they had encountered the dashingly handsome Sorin Sinclair, Patrick had pushed her to the breaking point in asking for an answer to his offer. It was times like these that she wished her father had accompanied her.

  By the time they had reached her aunt's house, Katrina had had enough. She had turned him down as gently as she could, but there was no denying the anger in his eyes. He had stormed off, and she knew she would never see him again. Somehow, she wasn't upset over that.

  She put a hand to her forehead and sighed as she leaned back against her door. As awful as it was, she had put off giving Patrick her answer because she hadn't wanted to hurt him. He had been kind to her, always eager to help her in any way. It was really too bad she didn't like him enough to consider him for a husband.

  A smile threatened when she recalled Sorin. She closed her eyes and sighed as she thought of his blond hair darkened with streaks of brunette and his eyes of the deepest brown. His skin was tanned from the sun and a shadow of whiskers darkened his jaw making him dangerous and exciting. His nose was slightly bent, as if it had been broken. His mouth was wide, his lips thin and his smile devastating.

  As soon as he'd caught her, she'd grabbed onto his arms and felt the strength in his muscles as he held her. Just thinking of touching him again sent a thrill racing through her.

  He was certainly charming and very pleasant to look upon. Suddenly, she was anxious about the next night. What would she wear? Would he come? Would he smile at her again, showing that dimple in his left cheek?

  She prayed he would for she hadn't felt such anticipation in a very long time.

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  Sorin stood looking at the building Katrina had vanished into. It was her aunt's home, the very place he would arrive for dinner the next night.

  He had been more than a little surprised to find her and Patrick discussing something on the front steps, something that Patrick obviously didn't agree with. Was it him?

  Sorin hoped it was. Patrick had made no attempt to hide the fact he didn't like him, not that Sorin cared. He was here for one thing—Katrina.

  Waiting until the next night would be impossible. He'd have to think of some way to get near her tomorrow. Time was of the essence, and he had none to waste. If he could, he'd climb up to her c
hamber right now.

  Instead, he kept to his position until sunset. Then he walked the dark alleys. The shadows hid everything, but what Sorin looked for would be easy to detect, even in the darkness.

  Many nights he had read of the Tnargs, especially when his brothers had left to search for their mates. Grand tales of how the Tnargs would lie in wait as the Sinclairs returned to Drahcir with their mates. The Tnargs would attack mercilessly. Many were wounded viciously, but none had died.

  Sorin wanted to make sure that continued. He wasn't about to be the one who failed to fulfil the prophecy because he wasn't vigilant enough.

  He sniffed the air. The stench of stale urine, garbage and unclean bodies soaked the night, but there was another smell that drew his attention.

  The Tnarg was here.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Three

  It was the sound of her laughter that woke Sorin from his doze. His body recognised his mate and roared to life, the hunger for her overruling everything. Soon, he'd claim her and take her to Drahcir where he planned to spend the days buried in her sweet warmth. His balls tightened just thinking of sinking into Katrina, but he tamped down his desire and rose to find his mate. He had spent most of the night searching for the Tnarg, but he'd never found the creature. Just knowing it was in the town unsettled him.

  Sorin knew he couldn't leave Katrina alone for a moment or the Tnarg would strike. So, when he heard her laughter, he rose from his spot across the street and cringed when he saw her mount a horse.

  "Shite,” he cursed and realised he would have a tough time keeping up with her without a mount of his own.

  His gaze quickly scanned the streets until he found an unattended horse and he hurriedly grabbed the reins to lead it away. Once he was mounted, he spotted Katrina as she disappeared down the street. He cursed beneath his breath and urged the horse into a gallop. Thankfully Katrina's blonde hair shown in the morning sun like a beacon leading Sorin through the streets.

  His gaze scanned the area as he searched for the Tnarg. He was more than pleased when they left the city and rode through the open countryside.