Flames of Auriel (A Caeles Adventure Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

Ever since Bryce had started to hang out with the young prince a few years back, they had become a united front against the prince’s summer torment.
    They were startled when a throat cleared behind them. “You are aware that she has a temper that rivals her own patron, right? If you knew what was good for you, you’d want a happy wife, not one who despises you.”
    They turned at the sound of their teacher’s warning. Sir Cole Algart, a retired knight, had been their instructor on all things combative for the last few years. He was the one to give the prince his beloved bow and taught Bryce and him how to use it. The boys cast their guilt-ridden gazes to the ground. They knew they were in for another lecture about chivalry and honor.
    “At least, that is what I would have wanted if I had ever married, but alas I have always been meant for the life of a bachelor.” The old man’s wrinkled brow crinkled further as he lifted a sword from the training room wall and gestured toward the prince.
    “That’s quite a shiner you have there, Prince Asher.”
    “I fell.”
    “Yes, right into a fist–” He winced when Asher’s elbow landed in his ribs.
    “Oh really? I heard you were being impolite to your lady and the Dark One deemed you unfit to be a man, so he walloped you one.” Their teacher gestured to the boys to get into their fighting position.
    “She did not wallop me one!” Asher could feel the heat in his face as he jerked his practice sword from the wall.
    “Ah, so the truth comes out.” Sir Cole moved himself until he was in position between the two boys. “You should be wooing your lady, not laughing at her peculiar choice in attire.” He smirked as the prince’s face started to fill with a heated rage.
    “But since you seem to be hell bent on keeping her away, you can at least get some training out of it.” He raised his sword in guard, “Now, you swine, show me that a silly girl has not caused you to lose your head.”
    Asher had been teased the rest of the summer about getting beat up by a girl. Though, he was bigger now, Asher did not really want to take the chance of that happening again. Plus, there were more creative ways to get back at him than a frontal attack. Zoe’s country was known for their vicious tacticians. Who knows what nasties she could come up with?
    “Come on, your highness.” The brunette whose name he still did not know pressed her chest up against his side, a pout on her lips. “You don’t want some flat-chested princess when you can have these.” She placed his hand on her large breast, the fullness of it spilling out of his hand. Seeing he was about to give in the blonde reached her hand below the covers and grabbed him between the legs.
    The prince groaned as she squeezed him, “Tell mother I overslept and will be down shortly.” He turned to kiss the brunette still pressed against his side. Was this a good idea? Probably not, but if he was going to spend the rest of his life with a boorish girl for a wife he was going to get his pleasure where he could.
    Bryce shook his head at him, “Fine. Fine. Do what you like. It’s your funeral.”
    “I’ll take my chances.” Asher said between kisses. He fell back onto the bed as the door clicked closed. Somewhere in the distance trumpets blew, announcing a visitor approaching, but the dark-haired prince did not seem to hear them over his distracting companions.
    ***
    If the maid had not come in when she did Asher probably would not have gotten out of his bed all day. Upon seeing the prince in his full bed, the pretty blonde maid blushed, mumbling, “Pardon me, your highness. I thought you would be down with your mother greeting the princess. I can come back later.”
    Asher cursed and to the protest of his bedmates jumped out of the bed. He did not have time to bathe. He would be lucky if Zoe did not come barging in on him, tired of being kept waiting.
    He pulled a tunic over his head before shoving his breeches on.