***
Wesley had finished his meeting with the Throne’s Council and rushed to his room to change when he heard vehicles approaching. A quick glance out of the window revealed a convoy of blacked out SUVs, confirming the arrival of his intended bride. Realizing his nervousness at meeting his future mate, he jerked his hand from the curtains and slunk away from the window. He’d known from a very young age who his mate would be and hadn’t really given it much thought until the Elders decreed each Prince take a mate.
Since he already had one waiting for him, he hadn’t hurried to consummate the union as the other three Princes had. But now, knowing that his three fellow leaders were happily mated and planning to bring new dragonlings into their families, he wondered if he had it in him. Would he be a good father and mate? Would he grow to love Elizabeth as his father loved his mother?
Never one to believe in fairy tales and such rubbish, Wesley tended to look on the more practical side of things. His future mate came from a decent and wealthy family. He’d never seen her but outward appearances never attributed to the real person inside. He’d seen unattractive women be absolutely the gentlest souls and he’d met supermodel gorgeous women who were hideous human beings. Of course, he was a man and he hoped that he and his mate found a mutual attraction to one another.
They had many centuries of being together to endure. Nevertheless, he would do his duty.
A gentle knock on his suite door had him snapping back to reality.
“Yes,” he called over his shoulder as he moved across his room to study the contents of his closet.
“Princess Elizabeth Henderson has just arrived,” a tall, gangly man announced from the open doorway. Wesley nodded at the man, letting him know he’d heard him and then waved his hand dismissively.
“Have Lance escort her to the Library, I’ll be down shortly,” Wesley ordered and began searching for something comfortable and presentable; he wanted to make a good impression after all.
Pulling on a pair of soft gray trousers and a black knit polo shirt, Wesley gave his reflection a cursory glance before heading for the stairs. When he reached the balcony guardrail, he stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes lit on the fiery-haired beauty on his brother’s arm.
His first impression was that she bore a close resemblance to the Greek goddess Artemis. Had he not known she was a Dragon, he would’ve believed her to be an Amazon. She was tall, the top of her head a mere few inches shy of Lance’s six-feet-two. Her red hair was pulled up in a severe bun on the top of her head but a few wisps had escaped to flutter lightly around her shoulders and long, slender neck.
His mouth watered at the thought of tearing her clothes off with nothing but his teeth. Her body was full, curvy and built for sex. High, full breasts threatened to spill out the V of her little black top and his fingers flexed at the notion of peeling that red, knee length pencil skirt down her legs.
When she turned her head toward Lance, she wore a smile that almost brought Wesley to his knees. His fire burst into flames deep down inside of him and his Dragon roared to life. He just hoped he could hold the beast off long enough to make it through the ritual.
If left to his base instinct, he’d have jumped the banister, landed directly before her and taken her right then and there for everyone to see. Every fiber of his being demanded he lay claim to the vixen before it was too late.
“Good grief Wesley, you’ve been without a woman far too long,” he murmured to himself and turned to descend the stairs. Walking with a raging hard-on wasn’t exactly comfortable, but he turned his thoughts to puppies, kittens and even his elderly grandmother. Imagining her naked wasn’t very appealing, so by the time he’d hit the Library’s threshold, everything was back to normal.
But the moment her abnormally green eyes met his, his body tightened taunt as a violin string. One mere strum and he was done for. Using all his training and self-control, he steeled himself and closed the distance between them.
“Princess Elizabeth, may I present my brother - and your betrothed - Prince Wesley Ingram, leader of the Fire Dragon Elementals,” Lance introduced and turned a beaming smile on his brother.
“My dear brother, I was just telling your beautiful bride-to-be about our parents,” Lance beamed.
Wesley extended an open palm and quietly waited for her to speak first. He didn’t trust himself not to say something stupid or inappropriate.
“Your photograph doesn’t do you justice, your Highness,” she greeted and he involuntarily shuddered at the sexy southern twang in her voice. Having been raised in South Texas, her accent was sweet, soft and an utter turn on. Hell, everything about her turned him on.
Wesley saw Lance fidget nervously from the corner of his eye and knew he was being a weirdo, so he managed a smile in return and using his thumb, he gently brushed the buttery softness of her skin.
“I imagine I was much younger - and more gangly - back then,” he quipped and was rewarded with a laugh - a full, honest laugh. “Was your trip comfortable?” he asked without releasing her hand just yet.
“Oh yes,” she hastened to answer. “I’m afraid I didn’t have much privacy, but I was quite comfortable.”
He smiled in return and forced himself to let her hand slide free of his. His skin burned and pulsated from the absence of her contact. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and never let her go.
Chapter 3
Beth let her hand drop to her side but kept her fingers folded tightly against her palm. She didn’t want to let on how much his touch had affected her. He stared at her like a man in a trance and she didn’t know whether it was because he’d found her less attractive than he’d hoped or on the slight chance he was into bigger girls - more so.
She shifted from one foot to another, not really sure what to do or say next. Her entire future stood before her – appearing somewhat befuddled if anyone asked her.
Tall with broad shoulders, he stood a whole head taller than her. His raven black hair was sheared close to his skull, as was military protocol, but it suited him very well. She’d known from the force of his grip that he was very strong but she’d expected a more formidable presence.
Instead, his coral blue eyes bored into her as if he could see right through her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked softly and when he flinched, all her fears and emotions came pouring out. “I’m sorry if I’m not what you expected or wanted, I understand if you wish to live separately after I’m with child, I promise, I won’t cause you any trouble or keep you from taking a mistress.”
Her chest heaved with every breath and it wasn’t long before tears blurred her eyes. She inhaled sharply when he stepped even closer to her and took her upper arms in a tight, firm grip.
“What the hell are you talking about?” he demanded softly. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I’m damn near speechless. I’m afraid I’ll say something stupid if I don’t monitor every word completely before it leaves my mouth,” he confessed.
“And just for the record,” he lowered his voice and she caught the edge of warning in it. “I’d never let you live away from me. That isn’t the way we do things anymore. Where would you get such an antiquated idea?”
Shock slammed into her like a freight train.
“I was raised to practice and obey the Ancient Ways,” she pulled away from him and folded her arms across her chest. “Does this mean your Faction is a Modern?” she demanded tartly. Her face burned and she knew that her skin had flushed and a heavy redness settled across her cheekbones and nose.
The shocked look on his face told her everything she needed to know. She cursed her body’s traitorous reaction to him and wondered just how she was to survive in a Modern Faction. It would be like an ice cube trying to survive in the desert. How could her parents have done this to her? How could they have kept this from her?
Their species were in the midst of a Civil War and she found herself on the opposite side from the man she
’d pledged to spend the rest of her life with. She couldn’t refuse to marry him now, it would bring shame on her and her family. And she believed Wesley when he said he refused to allow her to live separately from him.
She waited with baited breath while the Prince and his brother merely stared at each other in shock. Apparently they didn’t know of her family’s position in the war.
“Yes, your Highness,” Wesley answered and reached forward to take her hands in his once more. When she tightened her stance, he pried her arms free and gripped her firmly by the arms. “This Faction is Modern and after our ceremony, you will be too,” he informed.
She flinched as if he’d slapped her. She’d been packed up, shipped off and forgotten like an old piece of luggage. She’d left behind everything and everyone she’d ever loved out of dedication and duty. Now, her future husband demanded that she desert her core beliefs and embrace those she’d despised her entire life?
No matter how much her body burned for his touch or how deeply her soul cried out for him, she didn’t know if she could do as he commanded.
“I don’t know if I can do that,” she replied calmly, but struggled to keep her voice steady. “You’re asking me to abandon my entire belief system and that’s tantamount to spitting in my ancestors’ faces. How can you expect me to convert so easily?”
It was his turn to flinch but he recovered quickly and smiled down at her. Not a smile of vindictiveness, but a genuine, comforting smile. He lessened his grip on her arms but refused to completely let her go.
“I understand your reluctance,” he explained. “But may I ask a favor of you?”
She swallowed hard and hoped she wasn’t about to make yet another mistake and then nodded gently.
“Yes,” she answered.
“Good.” He exhaled in relief. “I’ll provide you with some books and manuscripts from my father’s private collection. They are the writings of an Ancient One who converted to Modernism. Actually, he was the founder of Modernism as we know it today. If you’ll just promise to read them with an open mind, I will delay our mating ritual for a few days,” he explained. “If after reading them you still wish to follow the Ancient Ways, I’ll free you of our betrothal.”
Her eyes snapped to his and she searched for any sign of treachery. When she saw nothing but sincere questioning, she forced herself to see the sincerity of his request. She wouldn’t be committing blasphemy by simply educating herself on the two separate teachings. Surely no one would condemn her for seeking knowledge and understanding.
After considering his proposal for several moments, she finally nodded her assent. He sighed deeply as if he’d been holding his breath. She found some solace in knowing that he didn’t demand she instantly embrace his ways and softened somewhat at knowing he planned to present her with an alternative and allow her the chance to make up her own mind.
It wasn’t something the Ancient Ones would have accepted nor excused. If she wanted to ponder on it, she had to admit that it was very comforting and exhilarating to be given the chance to form her own opinion and have a say in what happens to her.
“Thank you,” he murmured softly. “Now, I’ll have someone show you to your guest quarters so you can freshen up and rest.” He released her and stepped back, bowing gallantly. “I’ll also have someone bring you those writings. Will you come down for dinner at eight?” he asked.
Inside, she squealed like a delighted child. No one had ever given her such consideration before. The Ancient Ones’ teachings decreed that women were under complete control of first, their fathers and then their mates. They were not allowed to speak in public nor offer an opinion.
She knew her father sometimes asked her mother’s thoughts on certain things, but always in the privacy of their bedroom. She only knew about them because her room was right next to theirs and sometimes she eavesdropped - not that she’d ever admit to such a heinous act.
Her mother always obeyed her father and followed his orders explicitly. Beth found a new sense of childish wonder at the Prince’s thoughtfulness and took a few moments to savor the moment.
After she’d drawn the silence out for as long as possible, she smiled and dipped her chin shyly.
“Yes,” she answered. “Eight sounds wonderful. Thank you.” He nodded, returning her smile and moved aside to allow her to sweep past him. A housemaid waited in the doorway, ready to show her to her rooms.
Chapter 4
Wesley waited for Elizabeth to exit the Library before he turned to face his brother.
“How in the hell did I not know of this?” he demanded harshly. “Father must have known of their standing when he betrothed us. Why did he allow such disobedience from his own Faction?” He stepped up before the fireplace and lit the kindling with a flick of his wrist.
Flames burst to life before his eyes and he drew the heat into his pours like a soothing balm.
Lance stepped up beside him and clasped him on the shoulder, his contact meant to soothe and relax. Wesley looked down at his sibling and exhaled softly at the look of utter trust and support he saw. No matter how badly things went, he always had his brother to lean on. He’d done his damndest to be there for Lance and now their roles were reversed.
“Why did you promise to let her go?” Lance asked after a few moments. “There are only three available females amongst our Faction and the other two aren’t nearly as beautiful as Elizabeth.”
Wesley stiffened at his brother’s declaration, but quickly dismissed it as the compliment it was. He wasn’t interested in his soon-to-be sister, he just stated a fact. She was the most gorgeous creature Wesley had ever laid eyes upon and he had no intention of letting her go.
Yes, he’d promised to release her from their engagement. But he knew, deep down, that once she read those documents of Phillip the Peaceful, her view on the Ancient Ways would never be the same.
In a way, he regretted what he’d done to her. She grown up blindly believing in an obsolete way of life. She’d soon realize that the Ancient Ways were abandoned because of their hateful actions and murderous ways. He cursed her family for adhering to such an evil way of life.
He’d delay the ceremony for years if that’s what it took to make her realize that he wanted her more than anything else in this world.
“Because I had no other choice,” Wesley answered and turned to look at Lance. “I have no intention of letting her out of our arrangement,” he continued. “I mean, did you see her? She’s fucking gorgeous,” he declared and smirked. “I’ve never believed in love at first sight, but after meeting that beauty, I think I do now.”
Lance returned his smile and clapped him heartily on the back.
“Yes, brother, you’ve landed the perfect mate,” he agreed and then sobered. “Let’s just hope your little charade doesn’t backfire on you.”
Wesley clamped his lips together and merely nodded. There was much more than just his upcoming marriage depending on his little white lie. Were the opposition to learn that his mate-to-be was a Coffer supporter, there was no hope in hell that he’d keep her safe from either side. They would both want her: one would see her dead and the other would want her for a brood mare.
Shaking his head to dislodge the fear that surfaced at the thought of losing her, he turned and walked over to his desk. Taking the phone receiver in his hand, he dialed the number for the main library which was in the formal Royal House underground. Henry, the wizened old librarian took his sweet time in answering. Wesley filled Henry in on the Princess’s ignorance of their ways and requested the old documents be brought up from the vault for her to peruse.
“Are you sure that’s wise, Your Majesty?” Henry asked after a moment of silence. “Those scrolls are very fragile and very valuable. I’d hate to see anything happen to them.”
Wesley smiled at the old man’s concern. He was, for all intents and purposes, a true bibliophile. Henry loved his book as if they were his own blood-born children. He’d probably throw his life on the lin
e to protect them.
“You have my word that nothing will happen to them Henry,” Wesley consoled. “Both Lance and I will keep a close watch on them. Besides, if you’d met the Princess, you would see that there’s not a deceitful bone in her body.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Henry hastened to agree. “I didn’t mean to insinuate otherwise, please forgive me and my eccentric ways,” he pleaded.
“No apology necessary,” Wesley said and then paused as a brilliant idea flashed through his mind. “Henry, may I ask another favor of you?”
“Anything, Sire,” Henry readily agreed.
“Perhaps you could make yourself available should the Princess have any questions about the manuscripts. You know them better than anyone else and you are a wonderful teacher. I imagine you would provide a more comfortable study companion.”
Henry inhaled sharply on the other end and Wesley had a brief moment of panic. He hadn’t considered that Henry didn’t like to come above ground. He was an old dragon and the lack of extreme heat took its toll on him. He instantly felt guilty for asking so much of his friend. He opened his mouth to say such when a pleasant laugh echoed over the phone line.
“I would love to,” Henry exclaimed exuberantly. “I haven’t been above ground in decades. What better way to spend some time than with the lovely future Queen?”
Wesley laughed at the man’s haste in agreeing to keep the company of a young dragon.
“For all you know, she looks like a grotesque beast,” Wesley quipped to which Henry merely laughed harder.
“I remember her as a child, from when you were betrothed. She was a fetchingly serene girl, I’m more than sure she grew into quite an exquisite young woman,” he said.
Wesley’s smile dimmed instantly. He’d momentarily forgotten his newest obstacle.
“I should tell you Henry, Princess Elizabeth’s parents are followers of the Ancient Ones, that is the reason for my request,” he explained. “I want her to read the writings of Phillip the Peaceful and make up her own mind about Modernism.”
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