Dragon Defense (Heirs to the Throne Book 3) Page 5

  Donovan nodded. “Good, we’re happy to return Tamarind to her father. She hasn’t been an easy guest to tolerate.” Donovan grinned at the rider’s astonished expression.

  Salizar quickly recovered his arrogance. “The Mullah of Kesh places a high value on his daughter, the jewel of the desert; therefore, as ransom the mullah offers twenty desert horses, a casket filled with gold, and a string of fine pearls.”

  Donovan’s face reddened in anger. “We didn’t ask the Mullah to ransom his daughter!”

  “Sire, may I speak with you for a moment,” Andrew interrupted. Donovan nodded, needing to calm his anger. “Sire,” Andrew whispered, “during my youth I traded horses with desert people and learned their customs. If you return the girl without accepting a ransom, it diminishes her value to the tribe and might disgrace her family.”

  Dismayed, Donovan stared at Andrew. “What can we do? I can’t bargain for a ransom, it’s against everything I believe.”

  “Permit me to negotiate on your behalf. The funds can pay for damages caused by riders to the castle.” Andrew awaited a reply.

  Donovan thought a moment and whispered, “Go ahead. Give Trenton ten days to organize a trip to the spaceport to coincide with her departure.” He leaned back against the high carved throne and watched.

  Andrew turned to Salizar. “The crown is insulted by the mullah’s offer!” Andrew said with a stony expression and stiff demeanor. “Jarrack paid a higher price for the girl one year ago! Clearly you hope to make a profit and brand us idiots!”

  Salizar smirked and eased into a relaxed posture. Now that the bargaining began in earnest, he felt reassured. “King Donovan can’t blame us for the lower price. The girl might be spoiled by the attention of undesirables.”

  Andrew’s eyes narrowed with anger. “You toy with the king! An unwed princess is trained to slit the throat of an assailant or die by her own hand if touched by anyone except her lawful husband. See for yourself.” Andrew gestured with disdain. “The girl is alive and treated as an honored guest.”

  Salizar gazed at Tamarind who sat cross-legged on silk pillows, guarded by two Samurai women. “She appears to be whole,” Salizar conceded in a respectful tone.

  “Tamarind, come here!” Andrew commanded.

  Donovan flinched, remembering the vile temper tantrums of the princess, but she rose in a fluid motion and meekly approached the throne. Andrew ignored the girl and asked, “Would you examine the woman?”

  Salizar glanced at the jeweled dagger hanging from Tamarind’s belt and said, “No!” He tried to avert his gaze, but Tamarind stared at him with sea-green eyes rimmed by dark lashes above a sheer veil. Thick black hair, swept seductively to one side, framed her chiseled face and exposed her slender neck. Salizar’s gaze followed the flow of hair draped over a narrow shoulder and spread like a veil over curves accented by shimmering folds of gold fabric. He obviously ached to possess the woman.

  Andrew laughed and Salizar blinked. “Your eyes betray her value!” Tamarind’s eyelashes fluttered, pleased with the compliment. “Now, present your true offer. Do not insult the king again!”

  Donovan detected a flicker of amusement in the rider’s eyes.

  Salizar said, “The Mullah of Kesh offers forty horses, two caskets of gold, a string of pearls, and this jewel.” He held out a glittering emerald and turned so everyone saw the gem. Murmurs spread and Salizar grinned, his straight white teeth gleaming under a black moustache.

  “A better offer,” Andrew said. “But it is rumored that Jarrack paid sixty horses, three caskets of gold, plus several jewels like those you offer.”

  Salizar scowled. “Rumors tantalize the unwary with half-truths and dreams of the impossible.”

  “Oh? Let’s ask the girl.” Andrew turned to Tamarind. “Tell us my beauty, what is your value?”

  Tamarind frowned. If she lied, her value would be publicly lowered, but if she told the truth, her father would pay a higher ransom. She shrugged. “A true princess is beyond price but the mullah accepted sixty horses, three caskets of gold, the pearls, and that jewel as a mere token of his friendship with Jarrack.” She lowered her eyes in feigned humility.

  “You see?” Andrew turned a cold stare on Salizar. “Jarrack understood the girl’s value. Give us four caskets of gold and the jewels. Horses, we have in excess.”

  Salizar swallowed hard. “Sire, the horses graze on the plains nearby, and we brought only three caskets of gold.”

  “We know.” Andrew grinned. “Take ten days to sell the animals for the extra gold. If you’re good at bargaining, you can secure a small profit for yourself.”

  Refusing the horses was a stroke of genius. Andrew gained prestige by shunning the true offer while publicly stating the expected value of the horses. Salizar saved face and could sell the steeds at a high price.

  “I’ll return with the agreed ransom in ten days, sire.” Salizar bowed, touching his forehead and chest, and then swiftly departed from the Great Hall. Tamarind sauntered out of the hall with a lofty attitude.

  “Well done, Andrew.” Donovan chuckled.

  Andrew grinned. “Sire, the price Jarrack paid was the boast of every desert trader over the last year. I recouped gold he squandered from the treasury.”

  Donovan said, “Your wit and experience prove valuable to the crown. I’d hate to bargain against you.”

  The young man beamed with pride.

  “Enough of this!” Donovan shouted, “Give us some music.”

  A chord rang out as Rondall strummed a lute, and his mellow voice broke into a lively tune. Donovan relaxed for the first time in days.

  Krystal leaned close. “Apparently we sold our favorite guest for a lofty sum.” Her husky voice filled with merriment.

  “We recouped gold that Jarrack squandered.” Donovan tried to sound serious but Krystal heard his mental words. Glad to be rid of the little pest.

  Me too, she said mentally. So why did you ask for ten days? Does Trenton plan a special visit to the spaceport?

  Donovan grinned. I can never fool you. Spare parts for the computers are sitting there, and he can use Tamarind’s journey as a distraction from the desert riders.

  Krystal pretended to stare at the crowd. Are we going to need the planetary defense system soon?

  We must be prepared. Trenton and Chella want to train some extra youngsters to man the boards. Maybe Angela’s school will give us a chance to run aptitude tests and introduce useful skills.

  Krystal leaned close. “My darling husband, you want to keep these young men busy and away from our daughters.”

  “Sounds like a good idea.”

  She nodded. “Young people learn new skills and love to keep secrets. I’ll get Angela to ask Chella to help with the school.”

  They enjoyed the music, watching candidates for their school.

  Rondall’s daughter, Keisha, joined the tune and played a lap harp. Their voices blended with enchanting harmony. Andrew mingled with young people, basking in the praise of his peers.

  Lordlings hovered around the royal princesses, everyone except Caston. He watched the singers and heard nothing but the dulcet tones of Keisha’s voice. The girl felt his stare and glanced at Caston with dark eyes filled with love.

  Lord Shelby noticed the direction of his son’s attention. “Caston, forget about that wench! We’re here to win a princess. Already that redheaded whelp, Andrew, gained Donovan’s respect. Listen to me and forget your little tramp.”

  Usually slow to anger, Caston’s temper flared. “Don’t call her a tramp!” His voice trembled. “Her father turned me down, said a lazy lordling wasn’t good enough for his daughter. If Keisha accepted me I’d give up my title and future inheritance for her!”

  Lord Shelby’s face reddened but Ryan stepped between Caston and their father to cool the situation. “This is no place to air family disputes,” Ryan whispered. Lord Shelby stiffened and noticed curious stares directed their way.

  “Right you are,” Shelby sai
d and glanced gratefully at Ryan. “Would that you were my legal son, I’d proclaim you heir.”

  Ryan winced.

  “I’d like nothing better,” Caston interjected, “but we don’t choose our birthright. Ryan’s my dearest friend and paxman. He merits a place of honor at my side.”

  “A king needs a strong sword to guard his back,” Lord Shelby said in a matter-of-fact tone. “See to it you both remember your station.”

  Caston glanced at Keisha but she played to the crowd, unaware of him. “Yes, a king needs many things, and I’m forever reminded of my station in life.”

  A loud trilling sound erupted from above. The crowd gasped as a large head swayed to the rhythm of the music over the balcony. “It’s a dragon!” Brandon cried and drew his sword. Lord Dartmouth joined his son with sword drawn. “Get the archers. That thing is dangerous! Protect the women!”

  Donovan grinned. “No need to worry Dar, Flash is a pet.”

  “Pet?” Dar growled, “Who in their right mind keeps a dragon as a pet?”

  Donovan shrugged and gestured at Felesia. “Meet my daughter, Felesia. She keeps several unusual pets, including a panther, a hawk, and a mongoose. Felesia, please persuade Flash to stay out of sight.”

  “I’ll try father, but she enjoys the music.” Felesia turned to Lord Dartmouth. “You recognized Flash. Have you seen other dragons?”

  Brandon stepped forward, his sultry eyes intent on the beautiful girl. “We’ve got cliffs full of the beasts along our seashore. They fish the ocean and regularly attack our fleet. They’re dangerous.” He eyed the large head swaying above with its gleaming facetted eyes and rows of sharp teeth.

  The dragon returned his stare, curious about Felesia’s new human companion.

  “Flash isn’t dangerous.” Felesia’s laugh captivated Brandon. “We raised her from a hatchling so she’s tame.” Flash squawked and spread filmy wings to display the colors of her name. Brandon cringed and backed away.

  “Please, Felesia,” Krystal interrupted. “Flash is making people nervous.”

  The girl sighed and stared at Flash; her eyes turned glassy for a moment. “Flash says she’s sorry and will stay outside. In return she asks the musicians to play the music a little louder.”

  “I’ll see to it.” Krystal rose to speak to Rondall.

  Brandon’s eyes widened. “You spoke to the dragon with your mind?”

  “Yes. It’s not so hard. Jordan and I can both speak to her.”

  “Jordan?” Brandon finally noticed the dark-eyed young man standing behind Felesia. He saw that Jordan was in love with Felesia. Any girl Brandon desired fell under his spell, so he naturally assumed he’d attract this one. If the delectable young woman already formed an attachment, she presented more of a challenge.

  “You haven’t met my sisters, Lauryn and Tessa. Here they come now.”

  Brandon followed Felesia’s gaze and his heart skipped. An auburn-haired beauty accompanied by her fair-haired sister walked toward them. “What a feast for the eyes. What is a young man to do?”

  “Exercise restraint.” Brandon recognized Angela’s soft voice. “Angela! It’s good to see you, cousin.” He pecked her cheek, but she avoided the hug he offered.

  “The last time we met you tried to convince me that we should be kissing cousins.” Angela frowned. “I’d rather not tempt you.”

  “Dearest cousin, can you blame a young boy? I was besotted by your beauty, literally driven mad.” Brandon’s easy manner and warm smile made Angela soften.

  “Be careful. These girls have talents to rival their beauty.”

  Brandon gazed at the girls talking among themselves and enjoyed the talents he could see.

  “Felesia speaks with animals that fiercely protect her, Tessa hosts the minds of wolves, and Lauryn is a telepathic healer. She can hear your thoughts or stop your heart at will.” Angela watched for Brandon’s reaction.

  He looked undisturbed. “Thanks for the warning. Information is valuable so I’m in your debt.” He winked at her. “What about you!”

  She backed away. “I’m not a kissing cousin, nor a bed-warming cousin.”

  “I want to learn more about the school you plan to open.” He oozed with cultivated charm.

  “It’s exciting. Krystal pledged support for the school, and we’ll open as soon as a hall is ready.” Angela loved talking about the school and rattled on while Brandon watched the three sisters.

  Josh approached the princesses to introduce Julian and Ross. Julian nearly tripped as he tried to shake hands, but Ross deftly diverted a crash. Caston and Ryan joined the group of young people, laughing and talking like fast friends.

  *****

  Frowning, Donovan watched a crowd grow around his daughters. Krystal squeezed his arm. “Don’t look so sour. Fathers eventually lose their daughters to handsome young men.”

  “I know but I don’t have to enjoy it. When Jarrack trapped me in stasis, I missed watching them grow up,” he grumbled.

  “So did I, but we can’t turn back the clock. Let’s focus on planning the ball.”

  “Won’t a ball invite more lordlings and unattached young ladies?”

  “That’s the idea. Young people need a way to meet each other and fall in love.”

  “What are we running, a marriage service?” Donovan scoffed.

  “I’ll see to the arrangements, since you’ve got the Council to deal with.”

  “Thanks for reminding me, I need your help. The guilds demand concessions. Help me negotiate compromises, because the lords will only bend so far,” Donovan stated.

  “I’ll do what I can. The guilds have good arguments on their side.” The conversation diverted Donovan’s attention and helped him forget to worry about his daughters.

  Krystal listened with part of her attention, but she watched the youngsters with interest. She needed to teach her daughters about handling attention, but it was hard to talk to any of the girls.

  She felt inadequate. How was it that she could negotiate with tradesmen, lords, and soldiers, but she could hardly speak two sentences to her girls? Motherhood wasn’t easy.

  *****

  Tamarind felt overjoyed. Her father sent a ransom and increased her value in the eyes of the infidels. In ten days she’d leave and languish in the luxury of her father’s palace. He’d surely find a better husband for her, one who could pay a high bride’s price and elevate her importance.

  After all, Tamarind was the jewel of the desert and should fetch the highest bride’s price in history. She peered at her reflection in the mirror, adjusted her veil, and struck a beguiling pose, fluttering her long lashes. She’d be the first woman in her husband’s harem.

  Jarrack paid a high bride’s price but insulted her by attempting to avoid a marriage ceremony. She barely escaped and several loyal guards died. The next day Krystal’s army of peasants, wolves and Samurai defeated Jarrack.

  She felt glad to see him defeated! The filthy snake failed to respect her value, so the gods struck him down for sacrilege. A true son of the desert wouldn’t fall to infidels. Jarrack angered the gods and died.

  After months of waiting, Tamarind worried that her father might not send a ransom. She’d done her best to maintain status like any princess of breeding. It was fun—screaming, cursing, throwing breakables, and threatening infidels who might look her way. The tantrums and their effect began to bore as time dragged on.

  Finally Tamarind decided to seduce the king. She thought she’d become one of his wives, a lower position than she deserved, but King Donovan paid her no attention. Then she learned that infidels kept only one wife and feared the king would give her to an underling. Must she kill herself as custom demanded? Could she do it?

  Now, her value remained intact and she’d travel in style back to her father. One day she’d be the pampered wife of a great pasha. She dreamed about her new life, covered in silks and jewels, with servants and secondary wives that catered to her every wish.

  Jarrack was a f
ool, defeated by farmers and women. Her father couldn’t be felled by lowly subjects. She glanced disdainfully at the Samurai women who guarded her. Women as guards! They acted superior, obeying orders with surly attitudes. She’d be grateful to return to people who understood her value.

  *****

  “I’d love see the dragons at the seaside. Perhaps we’d find a mate for Flash.” Felesia said.

  “I’d be happy to show them to you, but wild dragons are not friendly like your little one.” Brandon leaned close to Felesia as he spoke, inhaling the scent of her.

  “Little one!” Felesia objected, “I remember her mother and Flash is almost the same size.”

  “Her mother was young and inexperienced. Dragons don’t attack a giant eel without help. I’ve seen them attack in an organized group.”

  “Really?” Felesia’s eyes widened.

  Brandon saw little starbursts of gold and brown in her eyes and longed to feel her long lashes brush against his skin.

  He murmured, “I’ve seen many wonders, happy dolphins dance across the ocean waves, giant whales sing eerie tunes, and furry otters steal from our nets. We must be careful to avoid the giant eels!” He leaned so close he could glimpse the curve of Felesia’s breast down the neck of her tunic.

  “I’m sure it’s not all you’d like to show her!” Brandon didn’t notice Jordan until he was standing a foot away with a scowl on his face. “I’ll show you my fist!”

  Felesia’s face reddened. “Brandon’s telling me about dragons.”

  “I can see what he’s doing.”

  Felesia realized how close Brandon sat and stood abruptly.

  Felesia frowned at Jordan. “Why are you acting so foolish?”

  Jordan glared at Brandon, “I understand him too well.”

  Brandon grinned. “I’ll leave you two to your disagreement.” Brandon rose in a fluid motion and sauntered off toward the gardens.

  “Jordan! What’s that all about?” Felesia sounded hurt and angry.