Dragon's Heart Read Online Free Page B

of her plans hinged on finding the girl. The child was the key.
    “She was placed with a family in the city, for a time.”
    “What happened?”
    “I don’t know why, but she didn’t stay with them long.”
    “Where did she end up?” She was growing impatient; each passing moment was one closer to someone discovering their hiding place.
    “In the palace with the royal tutor and his wife.” He reached up to touch her cheek.
    “The Dunnhills?” she asked, a frown creasing her smooth features.
    “No. The Harlowes. Samuel and Mavis Harlowe took the girl in.”
    “Harlowe?” She blinked several times in quick succession while trying to recall where she’d heard the name before.
    “Yes. The girl you’re looking for is Serena Harlowe.” His hands roamed over her body, and he tried to slip them underneath her corset.
    “Stop,” she ordered. He groaned, frustration flashing in his eyes… though he complied. “You’ve done very well. Now, Andreas, I need you to do something else for me.”
    “I will do anything you require, my lady.”
    “Perfect.” She smiled and dragged her nail along his chin, leaving a thin trail of blood in its wake, but her prey didn’t react. “You will forget me. Forget that we had this conversation and go about the rest of your day. Tomorrow, when you have your daily training bout, you will have an accident and make a fatal error.” She licked the single drop of blood that clung to her nail. “Do you understand, Andreas?”
    Yes, my lady,” he said his voice dull, lifeless, emotionless.
    “Very well. You are dismissed.”
    “Yes, my lady.” He bowed, turned and walked down the hall, leaving her alone. She remained hidden in the alcove for several moments more, her mind turning over the information she had learned.
    So, the Dragon Fey whelp has been hiding in plain sight this whole time. She is close to the prince. We will have to tread carefully.
    Satisfied with the day’s work, she stepped out of the shadows and drifted back toward the main rooms of the castle.

Chapter 2
    T he next morning , Killian stood at his father’s right hand while the queen had her public audience. In light of her failing health, she believed it was important that the royal family showed a unified front to the people. Scanning the crowd of onlookers, the prince watched the expected faces of courtiers and palace staff. Interspersed among them were ones he didn’t recognize, those of diplomats and citizens who had come to petition the crown. Killian couldn’t help but notice the cluster of young women standing in the center of the room, all watching him as though he were a prize stallion about to be sold to the highest bidder. He fought to keep his emotions from displaying on his face, preferring not to show them how he felt about their attention. If the daily verbal sparring matches with my grandmother are any indication, I am nothing but a stud to them… someone to marry to improve their family’s position and ensure they are the mother of my successor. He turned his attention back to the man pleading his case before the queen.
    Doors at the far end of the hall opened to admit a member of the Royal Guard. She strode down the center of the room, and it took Killian a moment to recognize Michaels’s blonde hair and the slight hitch in her gait as she walked. The prince watched, with a neutral expression as she made her way up to the dais where Donnavon, captain of the Royal Guard, stood by the queen’s side.
    Killian couldn’t hear what was said between the two guards, but after a few exchanges, Michaels nodded, walked over to Ryan and informed the head of Killian’s detail that he was needed out on the training ground. She took over for Ryan as he approached the prince.
    “Your Highness,” Ryan whispered, “there has been an incident out in the practice ring. My presence is required. I will speak to you as soon as Her Majesty’s audience is completed.”
    “What is it?” Killian asked,