Prince of Desire

by Donna Grant

  The men's clothing was just as simple and out of date as the women's. Instead of the coif, they went bareheaded. Instead of the overcoat, gauntlets, painted leather boots, and hose, they wore long tunics, trews, and tall leather boots, just as Lucian did.

  It was as if Isabelle had stepped into another realm.

  Her gaze moved from the people to the structures. She recognized a blacksmith’s shop, a baker, and even a tailor’s shop. Everything was clean and beautiful. That's when she noticed how warm she had become.

  “Something wrong?” Lucian asked, a twinkle in his eyes as he waved at the people.

  “I’m warm.”

  He smiled and reached over to help her remove the thick woolen cloak. “Though we were cursed, the city has also been blessed. Nothing could live in these mountains as cold as it is. The Fae bespelled the city to keep it warm.”

  “Amazing,” Isabelle whispered. “So you were cursed and blessed by the Fae. Anything else you didn't tell me?”

  His hearty laugh brought a smile to her lips. “There are some things that are better left experienced rather than being told.”

  “I've got more surprises?”

  “Here's another one,” he said as he stopped in front of a massive water fountain.

  She could only gawk at the sheer size of the fountain and the sparkling stone it was constructed of. Isabelle eagerly went into Lucian’s waiting arms as she slid off the mare. She was drawn to the fountain, unable to stay away. She ran her hand over the amazing blue rocks that formed the structure of the fountain.

  “They’re smooth. And I see no cracks where the stones meet up,” she said and raised her gaze to Lucian.

  “Another gift from the Fae.”

  Isabelle turned back to the fountain and dipped her hand into the clear, cool water and brought it to her mouth. It tasted as fresh and enchanting as the city. It wasn't until she took Lucian's outstretched hand and turned to her mare that she got an up-close view of the castle.

  The structure was as similar as it was different from the castles in Scotland. The round turrets, battlements, and soaring towers mimicked the castles she knew, but the stone it was constructed of was similar to that of the fountain and shown brilliantly in the sun. There was no drawbridge, and the many stairs leading up the castle was something she had never seen before. Her gaze caught the numerous balconies overlooking the city from various chambers, and she found herself eager to investigate each room.

  “Want to take a closer look?” Lucian asked in her ear.

  She couldn't turn back now if she tried. She was bonded with Lucian, with Drahcir, and with its people. Isabelle threaded her hand with her mate’s. “Aye. Show me all of it.”

  * * * *

  People began to follow them to the castle. The road was long and winding as it rose to the highest peak. Lucian waved and talked to the people as they passed, but he couldn't introduce Isabelle. Not before his parents met her. It was tradition.

  Yet, everyone knew he’d brought home his princess.

  By the time they reached the top, Isabelle was breathless, her smile bright. Lucian should have put her on Elad and rode them to the castle, but he wanted her to remember her first trip up always.

  “I’m in awe of everything.”

  “You’re no’ tired?”

  “I’m exhausted, but I’m too overwhelmed to notice it yet.”

  Lucian laughed and smoothed back tendrils of her hair that had come loose in the rough winds of the mountains. “You'll get used to it all soon enough.”

  She rolled her eyes and stepped out of his arms to smooth her skirts. Over her head, Lucian spotted his parents as they emerged from the castle. His chest swelled as he smiled at them. He couldn’t wait to talk to both of them. There was so much he had to tell them.

  In the years of his absence, his father had aged greatly. Where once his beard had been as black as the night, it was littered with gray. And his mother hadn't fared much better. Her flawless face now had lines of worry around her mouth and eyes. As soon as they spotted him, his mother began to cry and his father slowly walked to him. Lucian met his father halfway and embraced the man he had always looked up to.

  “I’m so glad you’ve returned, son,” his father said as he stepped back and gave him a once over.

  Lucian’s throat closed with emotion when he saw the joy and pride in his father’s eyes. He smiled and moved to embrace his mother who hung back. Words weren't spoken. His mother couldn't stop crying, and his own emotion nearly choked him as he held her trembling body. Finally, Lucian moved to the side and motioned for Isabelle to come forward.

  For the first time since his arrival, his mother ceased her tears and his father turned his dark eyes to Isabelle.

  “Mother. Father. I’d like to introduce you to Isabelle. My mate.”

  “Saints be praised,” his father shouted and pulled her into his arms for a fierce hug before his mother pulled her away for a hug of her own.

  Lucian sat back and watched his parents fuss over Isabelle, welcoming her into the family. They shared a smile, he and Isabelle, as the people of Drahcir began to cheer loudly.

  “The wedding will be three days hence,” his mother said as she began to walk toward the castle doors, her arm firmly locked around Isabelle.

  Lucian turned to his father. “Where are Elric, Sorin, and Keiran? I expected them to greet us.”

  His father lowered his eyes. “You're the first to return, son.”

  Lucian was so stunned, he could only stare at his father. He had thought to be the last, not the first. No wonder his parents had aged so greatly in his absence. He needed to soothe their fears the only way he knew how. “They’ll return, Father. I know it. You know it.”

  His father nodded. “Enough talk of that. Let us celebrate your return.”

  “Wait,” Lucian said as he watched his mother and Isabelle disappear into the castle. “There's something you need to know. We were attacked.”

  “What?” his father exclaimed.

  Lucian sighed. “It was a Tnarg, Father. It was after Isabelle.”

  “Ye saints,” Urises said. “Are you sure? None have been encountered in....”

  “Generations,” Lucian supplied. “And I'm quite sure. The books that foretell our history have several depictions of the Tnargs. I used to have nightmares about the beasts. It disappeared as suddenly as it appeared after Isabelle sunk a blade into it.”

  “Isabelle?” the king repeated, his eyebrows raised high in his forehead.

  Lucian nodded. “The beast nearly had me. She saved me.”

  “A fine woman you’ve found as your mate, Lucian. I’m happy for you.” Urises ran a hand down his face. “Doona tell your mother of the attack. She's worried enough as it is.”

  “I hadna planned on it, and I’ll make sure Isabelle doesna either.”

  “Was it difficult for Isabelle to leave her family?”

  Lucian already missed her, even though she was only in the castle. He’d gotten used to her being by his side. “Nay. They were all dead. It was close though, Father. I wasna sure I could convince her.”

  “None of that matters now. You’re here, Isabelle is with you, and the people rejoice. Listen to their shouts of happiness, son,” he said and looked out over the people waving and cheering still.

  Lucian gave them a wave before they walked into the great hall. His gaze instantly found Isabelle. She and his mother sat in front of the massive hearth as they talked, their heads close together and smiles on both of their faces.

  “Ah, it’s good to see your mother smile again,” his father said from beside him. “You and Isabelle will help take her mind off the others.”

  All of a sudden, Isabelle turned her eyes to Lucian and smiled. She said something to his mother, then rose and walked toward him. He held out his arms as she drew close and pulled her against him.

  “Do you like it here?”

  She tilted her head up and grinned. “It’s amazing, unlike anything I coul
d’ve imagined, but I would be happy anywhere as long as you were with me.”

  It suddenly hit him then. He had done it. He had accomplished a quest, a quest where many had depended upon him. He should be proud of that, and he was, but it paled in comparison to what he held in his arms.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “And I you, my prince.”

  Chapter Eight

  Isabelle looked out over the people of Drahcir. In just a few moments time, the wedding would commence. She still didn't know how the seamstresses had finished her gown in time. It was a gown fit for a princess.

  The gold thread glittered in the deep burgundy material of her gown. The bottom had the large border that held intricate designs that were similar to the ones on her arm. There were also gems sewn on the gown – pearls, diamonds, and the most expensive of gems – garnets.

  She turned to look into the mirror again. Each time she looked at the expensively gowned woman with her hair in two long plaits and wrapped in the same deep burgundy as her gown, she couldn't believe it was her reflection.

  “Anxious?” asked a voice behind her.

  Isabelle turned to find Morag, Lucian's mother, in the doorway. “More than you know.”

  “There's nothing to be worried about, dear. You and Lucian were meant for each other.” Morag was tall and slender, her chestnut hair showing a few strands of silver. She held something up to Isabelle. “Now, you're going to need this.”

  “What is it?” Isabelle asked as Morag walked up behind her.

  “Every princess of this kingdom has worn this,” she said after it was placed on Isabelle's head.

  Isabelle looked in the mirror and gasped as she spotted the small crown on her head.

  “Wear it with pride, dear,” Morag said with a smile, her brown eyes holding a kindness that still surprised Isabelle. “Now, come. It’s time, and Lucian grows restless.”

  Isabelle followed Morag from the chamber, down the long hall and stairs to the great hall where Lucian waited for her. She drank in the sight of him in his royal finery. He still wore black, but she noticed his tunic was trimmed to match her gown. His black hair was left free to float in the breeze, and his black eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled at her.

  “A lovelier vision I’ve never beheld,” he said as she approached and took her hands. “Shall we?”

  “I've been waiting for you my entire life.”

  “Then you shall wait no more, my love,” he said and guided her from the great hall.

  Lucian wanted to run to the tower. After the assault from the Tnarg, he had been more than a little nervous about another attack. If he had had his way, the wedding ceremony would take place in the great hall or chapel, not on the tower for the kingdom to see. Isabelle's life was more important than tradition, but he hadn't been able to talk his parents into it.

  Much to the annoyance of his parents, he had worn his sword. There was no way he would allow himself to be unprepared if there was an attack. For whatever reason, that Tnarg wanted Isabelle dead, and Lucian had a feeling it would come back until the deed was done. Whether or not the beast could get into their kingdom was left unanswered.

  None of the books he’d poured over had mentioned that little – very important – fact.

  By the time they reached the top of the tower he focused on his bride. He was more than ready for the ceremony to be finished. His mother had refused to allow him to spend more than a few moments in Isabelle's company since their arrival. He wanted to kiss, touch, and taste his woman, and after today no one would be able to stop him again.

  The priest stood patiently awaiting them as Lucian and Isabelle came to stand before him. Below them, the entire kingdom of Drahcir was there to witness the ceremony.

  Lucian felt Isabelle's hand shake on his arm, and he quickly took hold of her hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. He listened to the priest's words with half an ear as his eyes looked for any signs of an attack.

  “Do you, Isabelle Ferguson, agree to take Prince Lucian Sinclair as your husband? To love, cherish, and obey?” the priest asked.

  Lucian looked down at Isabelle and watched as her mouth spread into a wide grin.

  “I do,” she answered.

  The priest then turned to Lucian. “Do you, Prince Lucian Sinclair, agree to take Isabelle Ferguson as your wife? To protect, cherish, and love?”

  “I do.”

  The priest gave them a smile and motioned someone to him. To Lucian's surprise, a Fae moved to stand before them. The Fae's unusual, mystical blue eyes swirled in the morning sun, and his white blond hair hung down his back and was held back from his face by many tiny intricate braids.

  “Lucian. Isabelle,” he said. “Today is a magical day, a day that puts Drahcir one step closer to continuing. I am here as emissary from King Theron and Queen Rufina who send their approval and blessing for this union.”

  He drew in a deep breath and gave them a smile as he raised his hand over them and said something in what could only be the Fae's language before he lowered his arm. “Enjoy your life together,” he said with a wink.

  The citizens of Drahcir erupted in cheers. Lucian wasted no time in taking Isabelle into his arms and tasting her sweet lips again. “Princess Isabelle. I like it.”

  She giggled and smiled up at him. “I do, too, my prince.”

  While his mother came to congratulate them, his father moved to the edge of the tower and said, “Let the celebrating begin.”

  They all laughed as the music and drinking began immediately all through the kingdom.

  The Fae stepped in front of Lucian as he tugged Isabelle out of the tower. “I heard you were attacked.”

  Lucian nodded and glanced to make sure his mother was occupied “We were.”

  “Who was it?”

  “A Tnarg.”

  The Fae mumbled something that Lucian was sure was a curse of some sort. “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. It tried to kill me, but it wanted Isabelle. It seemed verra interested that we were friends of the Fae.”

  Isabelle nodded as the Fae's gaze turned to her. “It didn't leave until I used Lucian's dagger on it.”

  “A weapon of the Fae,” the Fae mumbled. “Interesting. And you say you stabbed it?”

  Isabelle glanced at Lucian. “I did. It was about to kill Lucian. I had no other choice.”

  “Nay, you didn't,” the Fae agreed. He looked from Isabelle to Lucian. “You two have no idea what you've done, do you?”

  Lucian eyed the Fae. “And what exactly is it that we've done?”

  “The Tnarg's only goal is to kill any, and all, men and women that the children of Sinclair claim as their own. Very few have escaped it when it has decided to venture from its lair.”

  Lucian pulled Isabelle against him. “Nowhere in the texts of Drahcir's history does it state what the Tnargs are for. Can you tell us?”

  “I wish I could. You were very lucky.”

  “Aye, but will my brothers be as well?”

  The Fae looked away, his swirling blue eyes troubled. “That I cannot tell you. I must go.”

  The words had barely left his mouth before he vanished.

  “I didn't even know his name,” Isabelle said.

  Lucian hugged her and ran his hands down her back. He looked out of the kingdom to the gates and farther below, to the pass that led to the city. His thoughts turned to his brothers.

  “They will come,” Isabelle said, as if she could read his thoughts. “Your brothers will arrive soon.”

  He looked down into her sweet face. Her smile chased away his melancholy. “Aye, they will, my love. We Sinclairs doona give up easily.”

  “Thank God for that,” she said.

  Lucian glanced once more to the gates of the city. He had found his mate. He just prayed his brothers did as well.

  Look for more of the Royal Chronicles…

  Up next

  PRINCE OF SEDUCTION

  coming February 25, 2013

/>   Seduction has always come easy for Elric, one of four Drahcir princes. When he finds his mate he intends to convince her to return with him by using his famed seduction. His mate, however, isn’t like any woman he’s ever encountered, and its going to take Elric using his heart to win his mate.

  Marin takes a trip to Scotland to heal her broken heart after being left at the alter. The last thing she expects to find is a man who steals her breath with his kisses and makes her heart miss a beat with his smiles. Even as she tries to keep her distance, Marin is no match for Elric’s seductive charms. When a beast attacks, Marin must choose - Elric and his secret kingdom...or life without him.

  PRINCE OF LOVE

  March 4, 2013

  The youngest of the four princes, Sorin, has waited for the time he could search out his mate. Now it’s his time to due his duty, a duty he refuses to fail at. Not even the magical Tnarg’s who are trying to kill his mate will stand in his way. But the Tnarg is one step ahead of him. Sorin has little time to convince his mate of what he is and where he comes from. Will the unmistakable attraction they share be enough to convince her to leave all that she knows for a magical kingdom?

  Katrina feared she’d never find a man who held her interest. Until she meets Sorin. He’s charismatic, dangerous, and handsome as sin. She feels alive when she’s with him, as if she’s been waiting for him her entire life. Katrina knows they’re meant to be together, but can the love she feels growing in her heart be enough to leave her family behind forever?

  PRINCE OF PASSION

  March 11, 2013

  As eldest and heir to the throne of Drahcir, Keiran feels the weight of the ancient curse heavily on his shoulders. He had always allowed his passion to rule him, and for good or bad, he has followed that passion. But when he gives in to a night of desire and discovers his mate, will he be able to convince her to return with him in time to save his beloved kingdom…