Ravenborne Read online

  They had more in common than either race liked to believe.

  Too late, she felt Davad’s eyes on her as her shoulders shook slightly with the restrained amusement.

  “Do you find something amusing?”

  “Your religion.” She kept her gaze locked with his as she answered. Fear and indecision were luxuries she couldn’t afford to indulge in. “It has such a beautiful irony to it,” she whispered, making sure to make her voice low enough that only he could hear her.

  “I don’t see any irony.”

  “I know. That’s what makes it so beautiful.”

  Unfortunately, she didn’t get to hear his reply as the priest chose that moment to make his entrance. He wore indigo robes trimmed with golden archaic runes and the pompous arrogance of self-importance.

  “Please stand as we open with a word of prayer.” His rich voice reached every corner of the large room and reverberated with calm strength.

  “Our gods, we thank you for your wisdom in our time of ignorance,” he began. “For your strength in our time of weakness, for your righteousness in our time of wickedness. Please keep us in your light. Give our king the insight to guide us though all our challenges as you once did, with kindness and charity toward all. Amen.”

  The prayer over, she sat down, but her thoughts remained on the message. Had there ever been a ruler who had ruled with kindness or charity? Maybe in the beginning, but surely none of the recent kings. Apparently something else humans had in common with dragons. Power was addictive and corruptive to both races.

  “…which is why the gods gave us a king to lead us in the times they could not be here. But make no mistake, they will be with us once more, to guide us again, and when that day comes, when we are rejoined with them in their glory…” The priest’s voice took on the measured, monotone pitch of the indoctrinated as he continued, making it that much easier for her to block him out.

  She had heard the sermon a million times. True, he might not be using the exact words. But the message was always the same. The people must trust and serve the king if they were ever going to be reunited with the gods.

  Not that any of the gods were ever actually coming back.

  “…for it was Lyman who showed us the importance of compassion…”

  Leissa smiled at the mention of her brother. Things had been so much easier when he had been there to give her counsel. Even with the war. There were rebels and oppressors and causes and tyrannies and everyone knew which side they were on. Not anymore, though. Now everything was a dingy shade of gray. Including herself.

  When the people around her stood, Leissa stood. And when they sang, she sang. But all the time she was lost in memories and regrets. It was only when they started filing out of the pews did she actually take a moment to pay attention to what was going on around her. And, when she caught the tail end of the king’s conversation, she wished she’d been more attentive.

  “Gather the council. Tell them I need to see them right away.” He was talking to one of his valets in hushed tones, his jaw pulled into tight lines of irritation.

  He hadn’t said anything to her yet and she had to act fast before he did. Anything that required an emergency council meeting had the potential to tie up her entire evening. Turning toward the nearest exit, Leissa took a step but the king caught her.

  “That includes you.” Davad’s hand shot out to her waist to stop her. The single touch was enough to cause her entire body to stiffen with anger. “Meet me in my study.”

  “Of course, Your Highness,” she said, curtseying. There were too many eyes on her for her to say anything else.

  But as she walked toward the door, her anger grew. It swept through her like fire in her veins. Holding her face in an expressionless mask, she forced herself to continue taking measured steps, counting them as she went.

  Stepping through the doors, she was relieved to see one of her novices waiting for her. “I am to go to the king’s study immediately.” She took off her veil and shoved it at the girl. “Change my appointments and tell sister Kittal that if she doesn’t water the plants in the arboretum today she’ll be packing her bags to return home tomorrow.”

  “The king’s study?”

  “Yes, seems I’m suddenly invited back to the council meetings.”

  “Council meetings? Really?”

  “I know,” she said, sharing the woman’s surprise. “Apparently our king wishes to spend more time with me.”

  The woman puffed as she struggled to keep up with Leissa’s long strides. “Who would you like to accompany you to the meeting?”

  Leissa was never alone in the presence of the king if she could help it. She didn’t know how much good it would do, but if the king arrested her she wanted a witness. She never wanted to just vanish again. Someone should know.

  “Sebinna will do.” Maybe she did feel a little guilty about the way she had snapped at the girl. “Have her meet me there.”

  “Of course, Your Grace.” The woman curtseyed before rushing off. Sebinna would be waiting at the king’s study before she reached the room herself. Leissa accepted only the best into her order and each member knew she expected nothing less than excellence from them.

  The corridors were less congested now that the sermon was done and the people were attending to their own lives. She did pass the occasional servant or noble, but none seemed to notice her frenzied pace. Reaching the heavy double doors of Davad’s study, she gave Sebinna a grateful nod before jerking open the door and storming into the dark wood paneled room.

  “How dare you touch me,” she growled after the door had closed behind her. When a human crossed a boundary they had to be put back in their place. If not, they just kept pushing. And touching her without her consent was crossing a major boundary. One she couldn’t afford to have pushed.

  Davad looked up from the parchment he was studying calmly. “Would you mind asking your attendant to wait for you in the corridor?”

  “Yes, I would mind. My attendants are not for your convenience or safety. They’re for mine.”

  “Don’t you think that’s a tad bit melodramatic?”

  “Not at all.” She leveled her shoulders and met his gaze straight on as she continued. “Actually, you might want to consider keeping a couple men around too.”

  “Really? And why would I need that?”

  “Because if you ever touch me again, I will gladly add another life to my sentence.”

  “I’ve already told Jaylem about the…arrangement. You won’t find your escape from killing me.”

  So the prince already knew? Good. It proved that she was right in taking such drastic measures. This line had no plans on ever letting her finish her sentence. Still, as angry as she was, she couldn’t keep herself from provoking him. She didn’t even want to try. “Are you sure? Thanks to your family’s dalliances with non-royals your blood isn’t as strong as it once was. Jaylem might have a challenger to the crown.” She smiled sadistically as she took a step toward him. It was beyond madness for her to openly threaten him, but she couldn’t stop herself. Regardless of form, she was a dragon and she could only do so much of the meek and mild act.

  “Oh, he’ll be the next king. And I’m setting up a match to make sure the crown stays in the line for the foreseeable future.”

  “I wouldn’t bet on it.” She had to fight against the urge to rest her hand on her stomach.

  “Don’t test me, Leissa. I will win.”

  “Your arrogance will be your downfall.”

  “As will yours.”

  The door opened, ending the conversation. It took every ounce of her self-control to make her face expressionless as the council members filed into the room, but she managed. Walking to her ceremonial seat to the left of the King, Leissa made sure to keep her shoulders square and focus straight ahead as she watched the four men.

  Lord Imus, in usual fashion, rushed past the others to claim the chair on the king’s right, which was usually occupied by Right Hunter. His
face slid into a slimy smile of victory as he settled into the coveted chair. Lord Marcum, however, took a minute to look around the table and weigh the remaining chairs before choosing the one at Leissa’s left. Lord Lillyvander shook his head at their political posturing before sitting in the chair next to Marcum. The move left only the chair next to the obnoxious Imus for Captain Bellick.

  “I’ve called you here because there’s been a fire at the Lyman temple at Keep Jasper.” Davad stared at each of them in turn. “Two hundred fifty-three died in the blaze.”

  “Any royals?” Lord Lillyvander asked.

  Leave it to Lillyvander to cut to the chase. He wasn’t one for sentiment.

  “Two. Breant and Gium, both of the Jasper house,” Davad answered. There were a few muttered curses around the table. Breant and Gium weren’t just of the Jasper house, they were the last of the Jasper line. If the Lord and Lady couldn’t reproduce again it would be lost forever.

  “Lady Jasper? Do you think she’ll be able to bear another heir?” Lillyvander asked.

  “She could, but I don’t think she will. Not after nearly dying while birthing Gium. But she’s given her consent for her husband to take another wife,” Davad said.

  “I’ll start making a list of eligible ladies.” Lillyvander eyes sparkled as he was no doubt already making the list in his mind.

  Imus eyed Davad carefully before turning toward Lillyvander. “Make sure Alexandra Hunter is on the list.”

  “The Right’s sister?” The words escaped Leissa’s mouth before she could think better of it.

  Now it was Lillyvander who was studying the king. “Isn’t Prince Jaylem courting her?”

  So Davad was trying to get Hunter blood into his line. That would explain how he was planning on holding on to the throne for the next couple of generations. Not that it would be enough to challenge any offspring Leissa had.

  “She would make a good wife and leader,” Davad said stiffly.

  Imus nodded sharply. “For either family.”

  “Should I put Saraphina Raven down as well?” Lillyvander was working the numbers. She could see him running the lines in his head and comparing the king’s answers to the pieces still in play.

  “No.” Davad sat back in his chair and crossed his arms in front of his chest defensively. “She’s a guard now.”

  Imus smiled dryly. “A guard she may be, but she’s also royalty. She has the right to succession. Besides, she needn’t live with Lord Jasper to produce a couple of heirs.”

  Lillyvander stroked his beard as he continued to think. “Raven with Jasper? They would have strong children.”

  Even the usually quiet Marcum was nodding his approval. “Two vanishing lines could be saved with one marriage.”

  “It is an intriguing idea, but let’s not wager too much on it.” Davad looked strained as he talked.

  “One might suspect you of trying to control the lines if they did not know you well, Your Majesty,” Lillyvander said.

  “That has nothing to do with it. To be honest, disaster follows Raven and her engagements. I only worry more harm would befall the Jaspers should they welcome her into their home.”

  Leissa felt a sudden pang of guilt at the king’s words. She genuinely felt bad. The Raven girl had truly lived through more than her fair share of bad luck. And if there were any other way to guarantee her baby’s safety, Leissa would consider changing her orders.

  It would almost be worth it just to watch the king try to control the other houses as they vied for the Raven’s hand. Or, more accurately, for the purity of her blood. He probably thought he could command the girl into keeping her knees crossed. She wouldn’t doubt if he honestly believed he was powerful enough to stop love itself. And, under any other circumstances, it would’ve been fun to watch him try. But there wasn’t anything that could be done. She couldn’t have a telepath reporting to the king. Not right now.

  “Then you would not mind if my son, Orlan, courted her when she arrives?” Lillyvander asked. “I would be willing to risk a bit of bad luck to bring her into our line.”

  The king’s face was expressionless but, looking down to the man’s lap, Leissa noted how tightly he clenched his fists. “Certainly. As a first son, Orlan is free to court whomever he wishes.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Lillyvander said curtly.

  “But remember,” the king added. “As a guard, her first loyalty will always be to the crown, not family lines.”

  “Noted.”

  “Now, about the fire,” Davad continued. “With so many dead the people are going to want answers.”

  Imus cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Was it intentional?”

  Davad threw the man an exasperated look at the question. “Would we be here if it were an accident?”

  “I propose an inquest.” Lillyvander always proposed an inquest. He seemed the only one that ever asked questions when a ripple was sent through the succession lines.

  “Jasper’s already screaming for blood. He thinks the damned Rhuevians are back to their old tricks.” Davad pinched the bridge of his nose as he said the words.

  “With all due respect, I don’t think you’d find much support for that,” Marcum argued. “Their losses are large, but contained to one keep.”

  Imus shook his head stiffly in disagreement. “You’re going to need more than an inquest for this one. Grieving mothers don’t give a damn about inquests.”

  “He has a point, Your Majesty.” Leissa saw an opening and couldn’t pass up the chance. “Lord Jasper is a powerful royal. You wouldn’t want him to think you’re ignoring his plight by just sending a handful of scholars.”

  “Then what would you suggest? Declare war on our most powerful neighbor?” Davad asked dryly.

  “I would suggest you send him some troops,” she answered smoothly. “The added force will help not only with the rebuilding, but would also assure Lord Jasper and his subjects you are taking their tragedy seriously.”

  Lillyvander was already nodding. “How many?”

  “Not so many that they would overrun the keep, but enough to provide a good show of support,” she suggested vaguely.

  “One hundred and fifty.” Captain Bellick’s suggestion sounded about right.

  “And it would be a nice show of support if you were to visit them,” she added hopefully. If he left, she wouldn’t have to worry about the damned telepath. Joy rushed through her. It would be perfect.

  “It would go a long way in showing goodwill to the Jaspers.” Lillyvander’s attention was focused on the king, but it flickered ever so slightly to her from time to time. Did he know what she was doing? She wouldn’t put it past the shrewd man to have figured something out.

  “I’m afraid that isn’t open to debate.” Davad drew his eyebrows together in apparent irritation. “With the upcoming Harvest Festival and Jaylem’s impending betrothal, my place is here. The inquest and troops will have to do.”

  She cursed silently at the finality of the words. She still had the hope that either Elleum or his men would be able to take care of the Raven girl, but it would have been nice to have Davad out of the picture at their arrival. She could’ve used the time to make sure all her pieces were in place.

  “Are there any other suggestions?” Davad looked at each of them again, but after a minute of silence he nodded. “Then you’re dismissed.”

  Leissa stood first and tipped her head in a bow to the council before gesturing to her attendant.

  When they’d made it some distance down the corridor, Sebinna cleared her throat softly. “I am sorry about this morning, Your Grace.”

  “I overreacted, child.” Leissa admitted with a shrug. “When the king gives you an order, you have no choice but to follow it or you risk imprisonment.” She knew that better than most. “Think nothing more of it. Now, what’s next on my schedule?”

  “Your schedule has been cleared for the evening as you requested, my lady.”

  “Good. Send a request for Lord
Quince to meet me in my quarters. We’ve business to discuss.”

  Chapter Nine

  It was dark when Sara finally opened her eyes again. Rolling over on soft covers, she fought back the momentary panic that gripped her. She had no idea where she was or how she’d gotten there. Trying to focus, she sat up gingerly and took a deep breath. The spicy smell of sandalwood hung heavily in the air. Kavin had been here recently and that set her mind at ease. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He had promised.

  A weak flicker of light caught her attention as the flap to the tent was opened. “I see you’re awake.” Speak of the devil.

  “Yes, thank you. Did you set up the tent?”

  “I thought you could use some privacy, seeing as you’re obviously ill.”

  “I’m not ill. I just overdid it.”

  “I wasn’t talking about your physical health,” he said, his voice an octave lower with anger. “Pull a stunt like the one you did today again, and I swear, I’ll have you declared incompetent when we reach King’s Keep.”

  “It won’t happen again,” she promised, actually feeling a little guilty.

  “I don’t understand. Why didn’t you just come to me and tell me you were exhausted? I could have given you enough energy to make it through the day. Gods, I could’ve given you the energy to make it through a week.”

  “I had the energy to make it through the day,” she pointed out. Probably would’ve had more energy had she gone to sleep like a good girl last night, but that was just another lesson learned. “It was close, but I made it.”

  “It was damn close, Sara. I don’t think you know how close it was. It took me an hour of channeling to—”

  “I can do this, Kavin. I know I can. I just need some time to adjust.”