Return to Raven's Gate (Onyx Rock Book 1) by JOANN HERLEY

Author:JOANN HERLEY [HERLEY, JOANN]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joann Herley
Published: 2020-06-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Bees Drawn to Honey

COMMANDER BASIL ENTERED Prince Awin’s chamber to report on the failed attempt to capture the princess as well as the sudden emptying of the Raven’s Nest and Aviary. He found the prince standing before the hearth with both hands resting against the mantle, appearing to be deep in thought.

Nebula was seated in her usual chair with her hands resting on a tattered leather book in her lap. He thought that to be odd since it was known that she had been blind since arriving on the island. Her sheer golden gown glistened in the firelight, and if she had not been wearing her hair down, her charms would have been visible for all to see.

Basil looked away from her and stood waiting for Prince Awin to acknowledge him. With both hands clasped behind his back and his boots separated slightly, he watched the prince and took note of his clenched fists. It wasn’t a good sign, and he continued to wait expecting the worst.

“Commander, you are alone?” Prince Awin asked, without turning around. “Have you failed me?”

“Yes, My Prince,” replied Basil.

“Darfin, too?”

“Yes, My Prince. We have both failed you.”

“She is clever, and I truly expected her to outsmart Darfin. He is a young vampire and ignorant in the ways of his new powers. The fool is too big for his boots, but I put my trust in you. How did you fail me?”

“Darfin’s information was quite helpful, and it allowed me to find the princess easy enough. What I didn’t expect was her lack of fear and blatant resistance. She is bullheaded, full of pride, and knows how to dance with a dagger better than any of our guards. She could be quite deadly.”

“So, she bettered you, the Commander of my army? How do you explain this?”

Flustered by the prince’s ridicule, he blurted, “I drew first blood, but something unforeseen happened. She escaped.”

“Unforeseen?” Prince Awin asked, as he turned to face Basil with a furrowed brow.

“I took a vow to serve you not only in body but in truth. For that reason, I cannot hide what will surely condemn me.”

“Condemn you? I hear more regret than fear in your voice.”

“It is regret, fear of the unknown, and bewilderment that has allowed me to fail you.”

“Tell me what you believe will surely condemn you and let me decide your fate.”

Knowing full well his life could be over, he pulled his arm from behind his back and outstretched it toward the prince. Nervously, he slowly opened his hand to reveal the mark upon his palm.

“To my surprise, I am mated,” sighed Basil. “I have discovered that the princess and I are mates. Something held me back, and I found I could do nothing. Even though you commanded me to arrest her, I could not make myself arrest her. She ran, knowing I would never harm her and must always protect her.”

Prince Awin released a guttural sound through his tightly clenched teeth as his eyes turned a bright crimson.

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