Dragon Lord 6 - Dragon Lord's Destiny by Cynthia Sax

Author:Cynthia Sax [Sax, Cynthia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BIN 06479-02083
Published: 2013-07-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

He is Starke. Celestria slumped in her seat at one of the lower tables at King’s Keep, her body wedged between a constantly talking rotund friar and a tall thin landless lord with wandering hands. Her aunt and cousin were seated at the high table, where Grau would sit when his business with the king was completed.

He was above her touch, out of her circle. She smoothed down the skirts of her second best gown, vividly aware of its shabby fabric and sturdy construction. Those two faults had been pointed out by her aunt, the criticisms echoed by other maidens.

She normally feared little, but the other maidens terrified her. Even the sturdiest maiden had floated across the chamber as though treading on air. They had spoken cutting words in sweet tones -- asking her about her dowry, family, embroidery skill, knowledge of dancing. All of her answers had been found lacking.

The landless lord rested his slender fingers once again on her upper thigh. Celestria pushed his hand away. The friar continued to talk about the differences in wine from region to region, not requiring or wanting her opinion.

There was no reason for her to be here. Grau had ruined her for marriage. After spending time with him, every other male seemed dull and weak in comparison. Celestria chewed on her bottom lip, a habit her lady aunt called unrefined. There weren’t many other alternatives for a lady of her class.

“His Majesty, King Torsten,” a pompous voice boomed.

The hum of conversation faded and people stood. The landless lord eagerly assisted Celestria, brushing one of his arms against her right breast and running his hands over her hips. She gritted her teeth, tempted to stab him with the dagger she’d concealed in the folds of her skirts.

He took her silence as consent, squeezing her ass.

“Sir.” She straightened, glaring at him. “Kindly keep your --”

A big scarred hand clamped down on the back of the lord’s neck and a heartbeat later, he sailed across the banquet hall.

“Do not touch my mate,” Grau roared, his face dark, his eyes as black as night. The lord thudded against a stone wall and slid to the floor, his eyes wide, his mouth opening and closing.

Grau took a step toward his perceived rival. Celestria hurriedly put her body between the two males. “It was naught, Lord Starke.” She raised her hands, trying to pacify him. “I am unharmed.”

“He touched you.” Grau’s nostrils flared, smoke drifting around his battle-marked face. “She is mine.” He glared over her right shoulder.

“S-s-she is yours,” the landless lord squeaked. “I-I-I did not know. I-I-I --”

“He is a boy, Starke.” A large man clad in furs and rich fabric grinned. “Leave him be.” The stench of urine filled the air, and his nose wrinkled. “He has already pissed himself.” A gold collar encircled the man’s neck.

“Your Majesty.” Celestria sank into a clumsy curtsy.

He flicked his fingers. “Rise, Lady…”

“Lady Celestria, Your Majesty, of the North Mountains.” As she straightened, her slipper caught in the hem of her skirts, and she stumbled.

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