Dragons Against Them (Kingdoms of Fire and Ice #2)(58)

Life beneath Robert’s thumb could be quite smothering at times.

She paused at the first giant oak and scanned the vegetation around her, wondering if she would be able to discern Berinon’s emerald robe in all this green. He had responded almost immediately to her request to meet and without question as to why, so she hoped he did not misinterpret its intent. “To discuss a matter concerning my son,” was as specific as she had been lest someone intercept the scroll.

The snap of a twig nearby sent her pulse racing. Helena spun to find herself caught in a pair of emerald sleeves. But the relief that came upon recognizing it was indeed Berinon who held her was just as quickly extinguished as she took in the heavy-lidded look of lust in his eyes.

“Lena,” he breathed, bending to press his lips to her ear. Down along her cheek.

She froze, surprised by his boldness and scared at how the whisper turned her inside out. It was neither a demand nor a snarl, but rather a beckoning. A pledge to honor and satisfy, not take what was rightfully his.

His lips claimed hers then, fully and without hesitation or bashfulness. And while her body leaned into his, her hands clinging to his garment to bring him closer still, her mind was screaming that she must stop. He was not hers, nor she his.

She flattened her hands against his chest and shoved with what willpower she still maintained. “Enough.”

Hurt flashed across his face, but he released her as commanded.

“What is the meaning of this?” she asked.

“Did I startle you, my lady?”

“Startle me?” She fanned herself and took another step back. “The kiss on my hand in the gardens was one thing, Ber, but this.”

“You complained not last night.”

Last night? Helena looked him over from head to toe. Had he struck his head on something? Overindulged in drink or smoke this day? She leaned in to give him a subtle sniff. Nothing unusual greeted her senses.

“I know not of what you speak, good sir, but am thankful you have come. Zayne is missing.”

A crooked smile tugged at the wizard’s lips. “Is this how we shall begin, then, my lady? All right, when did you see him last?”

“He left for Forath to visit Princess Adelaide three days prior. The day after that, he sent a bizarre, vague message to me asking that I inquire as to my sisters’ intentions with King Jarin.”

“Your sisters?” Berinon’s smile faded.

“Aye. With Princess Rosalind still missing, I can only assume Jarin believes they have taken her. So I sent a subtle inquiry to Ella.”

“And?”

Helena scanned the woods, then withdrew Ella’s scroll from the folds of her gown. “She sent me this.”

Berinon read the scroll once, twice. His hands balled into fists, the parchment crushed in his grasp. With a growl, he stepped forward and grabbed her by the shoulders.

“Tell me, woman. Did you not seek my company this prior night?”

She leaned as far away from him as possible, frightened by the fury in his eyes. “I-I know not of what you speak. I have not left the grounds since returning from Forath after the celebration of Adelaide’s return.”

“You did not come to me, pledging your…”

Helena shook her head, cringing from the venom in his voice.

Berinon’s eyes took on an eerie emerald glow the likes of which she’d never seen before. With a snarl, he arched back and roared to the heavens.

“Giselle!”





Chapter 35





Zayne awoke to a gentle prodding at his left shoulder. He grumbled and frowned at being bothered, then heard the sound of a weak coo at his chest. Soft skin brushed against him, and the scent of flowers and honey tickled his senses.

Adelaide.

He opened his eyes to see her smiling up at him, eyes as bleary as his must also be.

“You have awakened.”

“Hard not to,” she said, “with these jokers poking and prodding us.”

“Forgive me, sire, but it is time,” said Brom.

Zayne propped himself on one elbow, careful not to bump his betrothed along the way. She curled tighter to him and let her eyes drift shut once more. “The sentries? Have their patterns changed?”

“Aye.”

It was Quinn who answered, a look of wary resolve on his face. Understandable, as the next few hours would bring the kingdom either peace or war. Which it would be, they had not a clue. For once, Zayne found himself wishing Berinon were here to say the sooth. Forath’s high wizard seemed to lack that ability. Or was stubbornly silent on the matter.

“Then we must fly.” Zayne pushed himself into a seated position and stretched, savoring the hum of energy pulsing through his body. He felt good as new. Better, actually, as Adelaide’s blood had awakened within him an inner strength he knew not before.

Beside him, she tried to rise as well. But, still weak from the enchantment, her arm collapsed beneath her, and she dropped to the floor with an annoyed huff. Cursing, she tried to push herself up again. This time when her arm gave way, he caught her.

“Thanks, but I don’t need your help,” she muttered.

“On the contrary, my lady. I believe you do.” Zayne pulled her into his lap and nuzzled the hollow beneath her ear. “You are rather adorable when weak and helpless.”