Kiss of the Dragon Read Online Free Page A

break my fast this glorious morn.”
    “We are honored to accept your generous hospitality, Your
Grace.” Charles bowed with respect as did Draco. “I look forward to meeting
your lovely daughter. We have heard of her beauty and gentle nature. I would
deem it an honor to be considered a suitor for Lady Bianca’s hand in marriage.”
    “You are most acceptable, Sir Charles. I hope to introduce
my lovely daughter at the morning meal. I pray I can talk you into joining us.”
    The Duke of Neige was overjoyed.
    After he had sifted through the dozens of unsuitable beaux
who had come from leagues away desiring to court and wed his precious Bianca,
he had almost given up hope of finding a man good enough for her. But this morn
his fortune changed. It had in fact brought him two fine knights, baron-knights
at that. He knew without a doubt that one or the other would do splendidly for
a son-in-law.
    Even though word had reached him that it was only Sir
Charles who had come looking to pay suit for his daughter, the duke could not
deny that either young warrior, Sir Charles or Sir Draco, would be acceptable
as a future son-in-law. They were strong, powerful warlords who had earned
their wealth with their wits and strength and would fight fiercely to hold it.
The reputations of the lords was far reaching as well, so that even the Duke of
Neige knew who they were. It was well known they were great favorites of the
king. And after so many weak-kneed, milk-faced boys out to marry their
fortunes, Richard Lemieux was more than pleased at his good fortune.
    “Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace. We accept
gladly.” A servant appeared at the older man’s side and whispered an urgent
message.
    “Forgive me, my lords, it seems that I have urgent business
elsewhere at the moment. My servants will see to your needs. I have already
sent a message to my daughter. She will present herself as soon as possible.
She keeps early hours and will be down presently.” He motioned a servant to
bring them cider and then left Sir Charles and Sir Draco to partake of his
hospitality.
    * * * * *
    “Who are they, Jabulani?” Bianca tried not to sound as
anxious as she felt. She was well aware of the army camped just outside her
father’s gates. She had watched for several hours as they made their way across
the valley below Castle Neige. As usual she had not slept well the night before
because of the dark dream and had risen from her tumbled bed clothing to
distract herself with her favorite pastime, writing children’s tales.
    The dark dreams had been plaguing her these last few weeks,
every night when she closed her eyes. The dreams were filled with sensuous
yearnings that made her body burn, but it was a dark, menacing face that
punctuated her dreams and left her longing for something that she did not
understand. It was as if her once peaceful nights had been taken over by some
dark demon and he would not let her go. Fortunately, she was in the habit of
rising early or she would never escape the troubling dreams that found her
tangled in her linen sheets, her skin covered in beads of perspiration. She
suspected the dreams were a foreboding of something yet to come and she had
become watchful of every new personage who entered her home.
    Now she stood anxiously waiting for an answer from her
giant, menacing bodyguard, who had just arrived at her door with news of what
she knew was another suitor at the gate. His wide, brilliant grin made her
uneasy at what his answer would be.
    “At least assure me that it is not another infuriating,
self-aggrandizing prince. I do not think I could make it through another
one-sided interview with that ilk.”
    “No, Beauty. These two are knights, baron-knights, both of
them. I understand that only one has come seeking your hand in marriage.” His
grin widened at the disgusted expression on her lovely face. He knew by the
look in her eyes that she was about to rebel at the summons he had brought her.
    “Tell