Kiss of the Dragon Read Online Free

see. But if the rumors of
Bianca de Neige’s beauty are even close to being true, I might find myself
fighting off every suitor who dares to show up at the gates of Castle de
Neige.”
    Draco snorted with disgust. “Tell me, knight-turned-bard, of
the legendary Bianca de Neige. Remind me again of this goddess’s attributes.”
    “You have heard the tales the same as I, Draco. She is said
to be magnificent! A true beauty, not only to look upon, but it is said that
she has a gentle nature and a voice so sweet that she is able to call down the
very birds of the air to eat seed from her delicate lily-white hands. Yea, it
does sound like a fairy tale, but we will soon find out if the ballads the
bards warble of the fair lady are true or not. And even if they are exaggerated
somewhat, there is always this to compensate for it.” Charles motioned toward
the impressive white castle that stood before them like a great snow sculpture.
“Her dowry will be sizable.”
    “You are ready to confront your future bride, then,
Charles?”
    “Yea, but first I must confront her father and secure his
permission for the match. That task could prove to be troublesome. It is
rumored that her admirers arrive by the dozens daily. She has even caught the
eye of a prince or two. I only pray she has not yet selected a likely suitor.”
    * * * * *
    “Father, you know how I detest the way I am paraded before
every prospective suitor like a brood mare. Please, give me more time. I know I
will find a man who will love me as you loved my mother.” Bianca watched
anxiously as her father paced over to the open window of her chambers and
stared at the new city of tents being set up just beyond his walls.
    “A new wave of hopeful suitors has arrived, it seems.”
    “I tire of them all. I wish they would all just pull up
stakes and leave.”
    The soft words together with the pleading look in his
daughter’s beautiful eyes came close to breaking his heart. He wanted nothing
more than to give Bianca what she wanted, but the memory of his new wife’s
determination to marry his only child off held his tongue. There would be no
peace in his household if he did not proceed with this plan. He knew without a
doubt that if Bianca did not marry soon and leave his castle, his lady wife
would never give him peace. The woman was obsessed with her scheme to be rid of
his beautiful Bianca.
    “Please, Father. You have to listen to me.”
    “I am well aware of your wishes, my daughter. And I have
considered long and hard what would be best for you. You must realize that you
have had more freedom than most fathers would have granted a girl child in your
position. Your stepmother reminds me daily of my failings in reining you in and
molding you into the perfect lady.”
    A small smile tilted his lips up at the corners as his mind
wandered over the memories of his little beauty growing up running wild through
the castle, her laughter and squeals of pleasure filling the halls. But now it
was time to let her go. A deep sadness filled him at the thought of her leaving
him when she finally married and moved away.
    Richard Lemieux, the fourth Duke de Neige, was a man well
past his prime and anxious to have his only daughter wed and settled with a
good husband, one who would treasure her as highly as he did. “Do not worry,
Bianca. I would never give my most precious treasure to the wrong man. I
promise you.”
    No. He would not give her to the first nobleman who rode
through his gates and requested her hand in marriage. The duke loved his
daughter above all things, even if he had neglected her of late. Something for
which he felt a great deal of guilt. But he planned to make up for his
remissness by finding her the perfect husband.
    * * * * *
    “I can see how the king was able to fight off the bloody
English with men such as you in his service. We are fortunate to have such
great knights defending our countryside from the enemy. Please, my lords,
please, join me as I