“And what does the prince say, My Lady?” He pushed back from the table where he was working and raised his arms to her.
Kathryn came over and slid into his lap. “I haven’t opened it,” she said as she cuddled into his embrace. “I didn’t think I should. It came with a sizable package.”
“Mmm.” He kissed her softly and took the letter from her hand. “Then let’s see what my brother has sent for us.” Breaking the wax seal, he unfolded the paper and read it around her.
After a few quiet moments, Kathryn’s curiosity got the better of her. “And?”
Patrick chuckled. “The eggs have hatched. Six healthy dragons—two girls and four boys. The rogue dragon and his family are being transported to a dragon colony away from human society.”
“So, he is getting away with murdering all those people?” Kathryn said crossly.
“No.” Patrick shook his head as he tried to soothe her. “He will be confined there for his crimes until a proper punishment can be decided. But the extenuating circumstances are being considered. Everything he did was to protect his injured mate. It was, after all, a bolt from the castle’s crossbows that nearly killed her.”
There was a likely chance that the dragon would be forced into human form and confined to the colony, but he didn’t share this bit of information. The fate of the dragon had been a sore subject since Patrick had called the queen in and she had spared the dragon’s life. So many people had lost their lives to his reign of terror.
Kathryn let out a deep sigh. “What else does it say?” She turned to look back at the letter.
Patrick kissed her lightly and went back to the letter. “My brother wishes us the best in our bonding and has sent us a present.” He looked up at the woman in his lap. “Would you like to go see what it is?”
“Yes.” She shifted out of his lap.
Standing, Patrick folded the letter and set it on his table before taking Kathryn’s hand. He wrapped it around his arm and guided her out of the castle. There was no telling what his family had sent.
Walking out into the bailey, Patrick looked at the wagon loaded with wrapped parcels. The men had already started to unload it. There were several long bolts of material.
One of the men pulled a roll of it loose. “My Lord,” he called. Inside was scarlet red material that had been made into banners for the castle. Embroidered in gold was a dragon rearing up with its wings extended.
Patrick laughed at the image. “My Queen Mother has a sense of humor.” He held the banner out for Kathryn to see.
“What do you mean?” she asked. She cocked her head and studied the magnificent piece of work, trying to see what Patrick found amusing.
Grinning, Patrick touched the neck of the dragon. “Each color of dragon has characteristic that separates it from the others. Gold dragons have a bone frill and horns to go with the tufted tail.”
“But this one doesn’t.” Kathryn looked over the image. “This one seems familiar.”
“It should. This is a red dragon. They just have the tufted tails,” Patrick explained. He snorted out a laugh. “This is me.” He rubbed his hand over the stitchwork. “A red dragon, claimed by the golds. Royal by the queen’s decree.”
Kathryn opened her mouth and shut it again, at a loss for words.
Sensing her inner turmoil, Patrick drew her to his side and kissed he cheek. “This doesn’t change anything,” he whispered. The royal family had claimed him a long time ago. It was just amusing to see it displayed so prominently by the queen's own hand.
“My Lord,” another man called from the other side of the cart.
Patrick turned Kathryn loose and went to see what else had been sent. The men handed down a cradle. Built for a human child, the thing had dragons carved in the sides. “Another gift from the Queen Mother.” He rubbed his hand down the relief. Again, the dragons had the tufted tails of the reds. “I guess she expects grandchildren soon.”
Kathryn blanched and dropped her hand to her flat stomach. “My Lord,” she said, distressed.
Patrick came over and took her hand reassuringly. “I have not suggested anything to anyone.” He kissed her cheek and drew in her scent. The delicate aroma had changed over the last few weeks, and he was almost positive she was with child. But he would wait until she was sure before offering his opinion on the matter. Women in any stage of pregnancy tended to be fickle. He knew. He had spent enough time in the nurseries with nesting females. “We will deal with it when the time comes,” he reassured her.
She relaxed under his gentle touch.
Kissing her cheek softly, he turned her around to take her back inside. The men could handle unloading whatever remained in the cart. Yes, they would deal with the future when it came, and he would be the happiest dragon in the land.
Acknowledgements
Here I find myself at the end of another book, flabbergasted at the overall response of my fans. When I sat down and started smithing words, I never dreamt that I would ever publish anything, let alone gain such a following for my work. Every day I wake up astounded by this whole thing. This past week I went to a book convention to meet people. I was floored that people were there to meet me. As I sit here writing this, trying not to publicly embarrass myself by bawling in my local coffee shop, I still can’t believe it. I just want to thank everyone that has seen fit to pick my novel and dedicate a slice of their life to my words. It doesn’t make a difference if you loved it or hated it, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I appreciate that my writing isn’t for everyone, what touches me is that you saw merit in it enough to pick it up (though I pray you enjoyed it). Thank you.
I’d like to thank Krys as he puts up with my running off to book conventions when I should be home taking care of things; Karl for understanding Mommy doesn’t always play games on her computer; and my friends at HobbyTown USA in Jackson. You’ve all been understanding and supportive since I first put pen to paper. Of course, I also have to thank the wonderful team of people at Crimson Tree Publishing for their hard work and sticking with me through this amazing journey. And last, but definitely not least, my family (Mom, Dad, Amanda, Jessica, Grandma, and many more) for listening to me ramble on about these stupid books. God bless the US Troops out defending our country. May you make it home safe. Thank you all.
About the Author
Originally from Ohio, Julie always dreamed of a job in science. Either shooting for the stars or delving into the mysteries of volcanoes. But, life never leads where you expect. In 2007, she moved to Mississippi to be with her significant other.
Now a mother of a hyperactive red headed boy, what time she’s not chasing down dirty socks and unsticking toys from the ceiling is spent crafting worlds readers can get lost it. Julie is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and lover of big words. She likes hiking, frogs, interesting earrings, and a plethora of other fun things.
Copyright
THIS book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the authors' imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.