Dragon Ensnared: A Viking Dragon Fairy Tale (Lords of the Dragon Islands Book 7) by Isadora Montrose

Author:Isadora Montrose [Montrose, Isadora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Jareth~

Aunt Inge and Uncle Thorvald were trying to maintain their usual dignity. But they wore their grief on their faces. Jareth’s gut tightened. But he had already apologized three times.

“Are you okay?” Aunt Inge’s smile wobbled.

“I am now,” Jareth assured her. He apologized a fourth time. “I’m afraid that we lost track of time. Until we got back we didn’t even know how long we had been away. I’m sorry you were worried, but even if I had known how fast time was passing, I had no means of communication.”

“We?” The Eldest pounced.

“My mate was with me, sir. I have transformed the nixie, Iliana.”

Their questions came thick and fast. Jareth had to go over every aspect of the battle, the identity of the wraith, Iliana’s use of magic and Hel. To say nothing of their conversation with the goddess. It was obvious that the Eldest was making connections and reframing history in the light of Jareth’s experiences.

Aunt Inge was more troubled that they had never guessed that he had been having nightmares since his parents’ death. “You should have told us,” she repeated like a mantra, dabbing at her eyes.

“I knew your parents had been attacked, but I was never able to determine why or by whom,” Uncle Thorvald said. He shook his head in sorrow. “I thought that bringing you to Lind Island had made you safe. Now I discover that the countess knew where you were all along, and was able to target you within my walls.”

“But do you know why Vladimir the Enforcer would have wanted to kill Mama and Papa?” Jareth asked. “Or me? Was Brede just collateral damage?”

“Their death has always seemed inexplicable,” said the Eldest. “Of course they were rich – even by our standards.”

The House of Lindorm was the richest in Dragonry. And Johann and Nadia among the richest of the rich. As their sole heir, so was Jareth.

“But killing you would not have allowed Montenegro to claim your fortune,” continued Uncle Thor. “I’m afraid, that we must conclude that they were feeding on your fear.”

“That’s what psychopaths enjoy most,” agreed Aunt Inge.

It was an unsatisfactory explanation. But Jareth had to admit that he could not imagine a satisfactory one. “I slept so deeply last night,” he said, “That it was a revelation.” As it had been. Despite his morning sleepiness, he now felt invigorated.

“No dreams?” asked the Eldest.

“None that I recall, sir.”

“Probably for the best,” said Uncle Thorvald, but Jareth thought he seemed somehow disappointed. “We will expect you to bring your mate to Lind Island when we return home. As much as I would like to announce your betrothal at the ball, I think Iliana is not ready to meet so many dragons at once.”

“No, indeed,” said Aunt Inge. “Not yet. We will discuss the wedding when she has found her feet. I hope Lexi is making sure that her transition to mortal life goes smoothly.”

“I think so. They were discussing clothes at breakfast.”

“Clothes are the least of it, young man,” said Inge.

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