The Shifter’s Hostage

by T. S. Ryder

  "I'm not telling you to do anything but listen to what she has to say – and then leave. Don't say a word until you know exactly how you want to respond, Benjamin."

  "I don't understand."

  Julia let out a sob mixed with a laugh. "You will soon. Benjamin . . . I'm sorry. I never meant . . . I mean, I didn't know . . . I . . . "

  The prince wrapped his arms around her, wishing he knew what was going on. What could she possibly tell him that would have her breaking down like this? She was always in control. Dread slipped into the pit of his stomach. Was she married? Sick? Dying?

  "Julia, tell me," he urged. His head felt foggy from the confusion and he struggled to concentrate. "Nothing you can say will make me turn away from you."

  Julia laughed through her tears. "Oh, Benjamin . . . I wish . . . "

  "Ben?" Maria gasped.

  He turned to her to see the color rapidly draining from her face. She slumped in her wheelchair, both hands clutching her chest. She opened her mouth and then her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she toppled over. Benjamin lunged, just catching the wheelchair from falling on her. Adrenaline spiked through his blood.

  Not again!

  "Mother! Mother!" Benjamin gathered her into his arms and shook her gently, trying to get her to respond. She hung limp, eyes half-closed. Was she breathing? He couldn't see her chest moving. "Mother!"

  Julia dropped to her knees beside him. She grasped Maria's wrist and held it for a few seconds. "She doesn't have a heartbeat."

  "Mother!"

  Benjamin froze, unable to process the situation. It couldn't be. It just couldn't. She couldn’t be dying. Couldn't be . . . dead.

  "Lay her on the floor," Julia ordered him. "Flat."

  Everything seemed to be spinning around him and he couldn't seem to focus on anything. His nostrils felt clogged, the air thick. It filled his lungs and made his fires flicker, riding low. His eyes drooped . . . He needed to breathe but his lungs weren't working.

  Julia bent over Maria, doing chest compressions. The scent lavender clung to him, with a nutty undertone. Suddenly Benjamin knew what it was. He stumbled to his feet and staggered to the window. He couldn’t get it open, so he grabbed the teapot sitting on the table and smashed it into the glass. A rush of air hit him square in the face, making the spinning of his head stop. He sucked in a deep breath and broke open the rest of the window to maximize airflow, then rushed to the door and kicked it open.

  "Medics," he shouted. "Hurry!"

  Running back, he pushed Julia aside and gathered Maria into his arms. His head spun and legs trembled but he carried her into the hallway and laid her back down for Julia to continue to do the chest compressions. The scent of lavender and almonds followed them out.

  "What's happening?" the medics asked him when they arrived.

  "It's an allergic reaction to almonds," Benjamin gasped. "But how did it get into the room?"

  "The humidifier," Julia said as the medics took over giving the queen CPR. She rushed to his side. "I saw Natalie with some essential oils today. She said it was for the queen's humidifier. It would be easy to slip some almond into it and mask it with lavender."

  Natalie. She knew the shared allergies to almonds that the queen and prince had – it was why she drank soymilk. A growl escaped Benjamin's throat as he got to his feet. He watched the medics wheel his mother away, then gestured for Julia to come with him. He was still weak but got stronger as his advanced healing kicked in. By the time they got to the housekeeping quarters, he was charging ahead and Julia jogged to keep up with him.

  Natalie sat behind the desk, writing something on a sheet. She jumped, then stood and bowed. Benjamin could see by the look on her face that she knew why he was there, but she didn't seem afraid. More like triumphant.

  "What did you do?" he growled.

  "What was necessary. You were never going to marry as long as Mommy was around to cover your ass. I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. I know you better than anybody else ever could. I know that you needed to be pushed to reach your full potential, but she never let you."

  "Natalie," Julia gasped. "What . . . You poisoned the queen?"

  Natalie sneered at her. "I poisoned the queen. Yes. I've been slipping almond extract into all of her favorite spices. The scent of habanero is too powerful for you to tell what else is in there. And after that coma, all she needed was a final push."

  "You could have killed them both!" Julia shouted. "Almond extract in the humidifier – of course Benjamin was going to visit her! He could have been killed as well."

  "No, the concentration is too small to kill a powerful young Dragon like you," she said to Benjamin. "Don't you understand? I love you. I just needed you to see what you could be. Even if it meant Julia would be your queen instead of me."

  She was insane. It was the only explanation to this. Benjamin snarled and lunged forward. Julia caught him and dragged him back before he could reach the blonde.

  "Don't," she said. "Benjamin, no. You can't kill her."

  "Watch me!"

  Julia dug her feet into the floor, pressing her weight against him to keep him back. "No! She'll go to jail and she'll be tried for what she did. But you can't just kill her. Think about what the media would do with that. Benjamin. Benjamin! Listen to me. Please."

  It took all the strength in his body but Benjamin stepped back. He nodded and Julia called for the guards. Within moments, Natalie was being dragged away. Benjamin collapsed into her chair. His gaze fell on what she had been writing. It was a suicide note. Well. It was a good thing he hadn't killed her since it appeared to be exactly what she wanted.

  Julia's arms wound around him. "I'm so sorry."

  "Mother will be fine. She's strong and we know what's been poisoning her . . . She'll be fine." Benjamin closed his eyes and prayed silently that he was right. As Julia's arms tightened, he opened his eyes again and looked at her. "What were you going to tell me?"

  She shuddered. "I can't. Not right now. But I will. I'll tell you soon, I promise."

  He opened his mouth to argue but she cut him off with a kiss. He needed her more than anything in that moment, so he kissed her back, teasing her mouth open as he did. Very well . . . She would tell him when she was ready. Until then, he wouldn't press.

  And in the meantime, he'd hold her as though his life depended on it.

  Chapter Eleven – Hurricane

  She felt like she might spiral away out of control if she let him go. Julia clung to her prince, grasping at his shirt as though he was her only lifeline in a turbulent ocean. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. Once she told him the truth, there was no way he would ever hold her like this again. She was surprised that the queen didn't have her locked away in the dungeons after her confession.

  Benjamin's hands slid over her hips and she knew that in a moment she'd be on the desk, legs wrapped around him. It was how they dealt with everything. Sad? Happy? Scared? Angry? Everything led to sex. Julia loved it. She loved having his body so close to hers that it felt like they were melting into one. She loved feeling Benjamin's breath on her face and hearing her name on his lips. She loved everything about him.

  No. I love the closeness, the feeling of safety when I'm with him. I don't love him.

  Her hands trembled but that only strengthened her resolve. Things had to end between them. She'd break up with him before telling him. That way it wouldn't hurt as much when he hated her for what she had done. But maybe she ought to wait until after Maria had recovered from her poisoning . . .

  Don't be a coward, Julia. Every excuse you make is just that ― an excuse. This has to happen and you know it. Better rip the band-aid off quickly.

  "I have to go," he whispered. "Will you be here tonight?"

  "Yes," she promised before she could remember why that was a bad idea.

  Benjamin pressed one last kiss to her mouth before leaving. She slumped onto the desk, breathing hard. What was she going to do now? How could she hurt
Benjamin more when he was already in such pain?

  She was so caught up in her thoughts that she almost forgot that Henry wasn't in daycare, but rather with Benjamin's PA. He'd be waiting for her now in the lobby. She hurried to the opulent room, focusing on what she needed to do right away. Collect Henry and go home.

  Benjamin beat her to the lobby and was holding Henry while he and Nicolas talked in low voices. Julia's chest twisted but she headed towards them, trying not to let her guilt and confusion show.

  A man in a guard's uniform came at her. She patted her pockets, looking for her lanyard and pulled it out just as he reached her. But as she opened her mouth to tell him that it was okay and she was allowed near the prince, a flash of silver caught her eye. Instinctively she jumped back, the blade in the man's hand scraping over her ribs as she did so. Pain blossomed as blood welled up through her shirt.

  Julia screamed. The man lunged. She threw herself to one side, tripping over her own feet.

  And then Benjamin was there. He roared as he slammed his fist into the man's chest. The knife went flying. Smoke billowed into the air and streaks of flame shot from Benjamin's mouth. He pummeled the man, who wildly tried to defend himself. The man fell back a step and the prince pressed forward, eyes blazing. Another burst of flame set the man's uniform alight and he yelped, swinging at Benjamin's face with one hand while beating at his clothing with the other.

  Hands grabbed her. Julia let out another yelp as she was dragged to her feet but it was only Nicolas, cradling Henry in one arm while he pulled her away from the fight. Benjamin kicked the man's feet out from under him and pinned him to the floor while guards rushed in.

  Julia reached for Henry but stopped when pain shot through her. Her shirt was slick with blood, making her feel dizzy. She swayed on the spot, clutching Nicolas's sleeve. Benjamin rushed over to them and gathered her into his arms.

  "Those guards took their sweet time coming," she mumbled through teeth gritted against the pain. "You could have been killed."

  Benjamin carried her out, Nicolas close behind. "He wasn't trying to kill me."

  "Then why—" Julia cut herself off as she understood. The assassin hadn't been after the prince. He'd been after her. But why? A glance at Benjamin's face was all the answer she needed. They were after her because she was with him. Her stomach twisted and she clung a little tighter to his neck. "Who sent them?"

  "I don't know yet," Benjamin said grimly. "But I'm going to find out."

  ***

  After taking her to the hospital wing and getting her bandaged up, Benjamin had taken Julia back to his room and posted guards throughout the hall to make sure that no unauthorized person came up. The one that had attacked her before was an imposter, proven by how quickly his clothing caught flame. All palace uniforms were made from a material impervious to Dragon fire.

  The painkillers she'd been given made Julia sleep for a couple hours. When she woke, Benjamin was still there, giving Henry a bottle. For a moment her whole body felt warm and a smile graced her face before she remembered what had happened – and what had to happen soon.

  She sat, moving carefully, and Benjamin smiled at her.

  "Hey. How are you feeling?"

  "Like I was stabbed and drugged." She shuddered. "Have you learned anything about the person who attacked me?"

  Benjamin sat beside her and moved Henry to his shoulder. It had taken her weeks to learn how to burp the baby properly and Julia felt a spike of awe and jealousy as Benjamin patted the baby's back, getting a burp with ease. Henry made a cooing noise and smiled at her.

  "He was hired to kill you in the palace," Benjamin said, a dark look passing over his face. "The instructions he'd been given were very clear. Whoever it was wanted you to die here. First Natalie poisoning Mother and now this? I don't feel safe in my own home anymore. It was probably Caitlyn who did it."

  Julia's mind flashed to Maria. But no, the queen had no reason to want her killed in the palace. Besides which, there was no time between Julia telling her the truth of what she had done and the queen collapsing for her to have hired a hitman. Caitlyn or any number of Benjamin's enemies and rivals were the most likely culprit.

  "I was targeted because we're together," she said slowly. "Because they think there is a possibility I could become your queen."

  Benjamin flinched. "Isn't there?"

  "Not when people are trying to assassinate me just for sleeping with you."

  Julia could have kicked herself the moment the words popped out. That wasn't fair to him. She was going to end things before this mess happened but the way she was going at it, the prince would think that it was because of the attack. She opened her mouth to explain but Benjamin cut her off with a kiss.

  "I know it's frightening," he whispered, putting an arm around her waist. "But I won't let anything happen to you. I promise. Security has been increased and nobody is going to be able to get anywhere near you. And if they do, I will rip them to shreds."

  "Benjamin—"

  Another soft kiss. "I don't know what it is Mother thinks you need to tell me but nothing can change how I feel. I lo—"

  "Don't!" Julia jumped to her feet. She backed away from him, trembling as though he was the one that came at her with the knife. "Don't you dare say it!"

  Benjamin stood, still cradling Henry on his shoulder. His brow knit but there was such warmth in his eyes that Julia wanted to scream. "Why? It's the truth, Julia. I'm not sure how it happened, but I want to spend the rest of my—"

  "I'm warning you, stop!"

  "—life with—"

  "Benjamin! No!" Julia pressed her hands over her eyes, pleading. It didn't help.

  "—you. I love you."

  Julia screwed her eyes shut tight. No. This couldn't be happening. He couldn’t have just said the last thing she wanted to hear. Her heart pounded, bile tasting in her throat. Her stomach coiled and tears burned her eyes. A part of her wanted to sing and shout hallelujah, but the rest of her was filled with dread. Did he love her? He wouldn't for long. Not when he found out what she really was. And it would rip her heart out.

  "You don't love me," she choked. "You can't love me. You don't know me. You're just using me like you've used all your women. Only now you need a mate, a queen, so the other kingdoms will stop attacking you. You don't love me. I don't love you."

  A lie if there ever was one.

  "Julia—"

  "No. No, I don't want to hear it. Give me my baby. I'm leaving. I'm not going to stick around to be assassinated over something so stupid. Love? What is that, anyway? Nothing but hormones and chemicals in the brain making you do stupid things. Give me my baby!"

  Benjamin handed over Henry. The yelling had made him start whimpering and fussing. Julia held him close, trying to soothe him. She glared at the prince, who stared at her with such a bewildered, hurt expression that she wanted to take it all back. But she couldn't. It was as much for his good as it was hers. Now she didn't have to tell him how she was just using him and he wouldn't have that pain.

  "It's over," she said. "I was going to break up with you tonight, but I guess it's just come early. Go find yourself someone else to be your queen."

  She marched past him, trying and failing to stop the tears from pouring down her face. Her heart felt like it had crumbled into dust. But it was for the best. For both of them. Benjamin deserved someone better than her . . . someone capable of real love.

  Chapter Twelve – The Truth

  Benjamin paused outside of Julia's door. After their fight – he still wasn't sure why she had gotten so angry, it must have just been stress and nerves – he had managed to convince her to stay in the palace for Henry's sake. He could hear the baby whimpering so that probably meant Julia was still awake. It was late at night, but he had been called for an emergency meeting.

  The hostilities that had halted when Maria woke from her coma were back in full force now that she was in the hospital again. She was awake but severely weakened. Her repeated exposur
e to almonds had left her immune system severely compromised. Without her advanced healing, she had contracted a severe case of pneumonia, which was affecting her heart as well as her lungs.

  Would she make it out this time?

  The prince pushed his doubts aside while his fire smoldered and continued on. He had to take care of the kingdom and trust that the doctors would take care of his mother. He soon made it to the war room and took his seat. The generals were slower to get there, but then again, none of them lived in the palace. When they had all arrived, Benjamin called the meeting to order.

  "Caitlyn and her allies are gearing up for a full-on war," General Karl stated when he was given the floor. "Our allies have made only shallow actions against them. If this ends in battle, I fear that we'll be in this alone. Nobody believes in an unmated Dragon. Your Highness, you need to be married."

  Benjamin pinched the bridge of his nose.

  "I know the council gave you to the end of the year, but you need to announce your marriage immediately. You are the similitude of the kingdom. Our enemies see you as weak and, therefore, the kingdom is weak. I've heard that you have had a human in your rooms every night for—"

  "Leave her out of this," Benjamin interrupted.

  Karl bowed his head briefly but didn't stop. "I know that she's a housekeeper and there will be some opposition to someone in your position marrying one so lowly, but a servant for a wife is better than no wife at all."

  "I told you to leave her out of it."

  He knew that this was how it was going to go. He didn't have time to drag his feet anymore – he needed to marry. But Julia had ended things between them. Would he be able to convince her to give them another shot? Did he even want to marry her when he couldn’t be sure he was doing it for the right reasons?

  "Give me two days." He looked at Karl. "I'll have a mate by then."

  One of the other generals scoffed. "The housekeeper?"

  "In the meantime, I want our enemies and allies both to know that we're not going to quail before them," Benjamin continued, ignoring him. "We are a strong kingdom, even if the prince doesn't have a future queen. My mother may be sick, but she is not dead and she is still strong. And I will have none of you doubt that. Understood?"