Dragon's Angel Read online

  She pulled away. “You're still going."

  "Damn,” he murmured.

  "Language."

  "Again, sorry.” He hated these functions. The stuffy people bored him to tears with their talk of investments, endowments they made just to see their names listed; the vain people who pretended to care. They grated on his last nerve.

  "The Staunton's will be there. Their daughter Evelyn will be there. She's returning from Europe just in time."

  He smirked. Eva-lin. The haughty way she said her name, the upturned nose, the arrogant belle of the ball. He'd been so sure he was in love with her that he'd bought a ring. He had the date set to propose but nausea had washed over him. Still, he pushed himself to do it.

  He sat her down on a swing on the back terrace of a friend's estate. The entire time he was forming the words it felt so wrong. “Evelyn, marry me. Say yes and I'll be the happiest man in the world.” It had felt like a lie somehow, but he wanted her to be his wife.

  She'd laughed in his face. “Marry you? I'd never marry you. I don't love you, Xavier. I'm never getting married. Not now, not ever. I'm perfectly happy with the way my life is."

  His pride had been hurt, he was sure she'd broken his heart. But as time passed he realized two things: he hadn't truly loved her, and she'd have made his life hell.

  "What if I said I had a date for Saturday night?"

  "I'd agree most heartily. I shall be waiting and ready by six thirty. You'd better not be late."

  Times like these he missed his father. Not just because the man's death left a void in his heart but also because his mother clung to him for these functions and he hated it. He didn't begrudge his mother her friends. His duty was to be with her, by her side, supporting her when he could. Still he was tired of these formal functions and wished just once for the nerve to tell her no. He was thirty years old for God sake. So why couldn't he tell her no?

  "Xavier?"

  He turned to look down into his mother's eyes. “I'll be ready. You know you really need to find a man."

  She sighed and her eyes misted over. She pulled away from him, walked into the parlor and sat down on a Queen Anne chair. “I had a good man. For almost forty years. A wonderful man."

  He went over and knelt beside her seat. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so cavalier.” He seemed to be doing a lot of apologizing lately.

  He took her hand and squeezed it. “I know you and Father loved each other very much. But it's been almost five years."

  "Has it been that long?” she asked in a distracted manner. “Sometimes it feels like yesterday. Sometimes it feels like one hundred.” She dabbed at her eyes with her fingertips. “Besides, I'm too old to think of dating again."

  "You're a stunning, vibrant woman, and you know it."

  She brushed at her eyes and allowed a grin. “I am, aren't I?” She laughed and he felt the world brighten. “You know I'd be very happy for you to have a real date, Xavier. I'm old enough to consider becoming a grandmother, in another ten years or so."

  He chuckled. “I'm not ready for that yet."

  "Maybe you and Evelyn can spend some time together now that she'll be back."

  He groaned. “No matchmaking. Evil and I couldn't make a go of it before, what makes you think we could do it now?"

  "Because Evelyn and you have both grown up. Although when you speak in that tone it's hard for me to remember."

  "She isn't the one for me. I realized that a long time ago.” He watched her face. “I'll play nicely, I promise. But don't even think about trying to set us up again. She's not my type."

  "I don't think you know what your type is."

  He'd never bothered to share all the details of what happened between he and Evil those many years ago and he wasn't about to rehash ancient history. Maybe his mother was right. He really wasn't sure what his type was. But he knew what it wasn't. It wasn't Eva-lin.

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  Three

  King Alistair Montrose paced back and forth in his chamber. He couldn't stop the mounting frustration. “Where is the Seer?” he shouted for the hundredth time.

  A knock at the door turned his head so quickly he nearly lost balance. “Enter!” He shouted the command and slid the crown on top of his head. He'd long ago found the magic that could protect his thoughts from her, the way to seal himself safely away from her magic. As long as he wore the crown, held the scepter, and kept the single dragon scale in his possession, she could not read his thoughts, enter his rooms, or discover his secret caches of knowledge. He would stay king and she would remain under his control.

  The woman's blood-red robes flowed around as she swept into the room. “You sent for me, Your Highness?"

  "There is something in the air. I know there is treachery. Tell me what it is."

  She nodded and poured water into a crystal chalice sitting beside the sparkling decanter on a small table beneath his window. Sweeping her hand over the rim of the glass, she put her face close and gazed inside. Her quick intake of breath made his heart stop.

  "Tell me what you see."

  "I see the union of a dragon and a unicorn. I see your power being stripped, and the crown wrested from your head.” She turned her black eyes on him. “I see your demise."

  "Preposterous. The Draco and Alicorno lines have been decimated. You are losing your touch, Seer."

  She puffed up and leveled a gaze at him. “I see two halves. When they come together the bloodlines of both houses will surge afresh. They will take the throne and rule this land. Magic lies deep in the marrow of their bones and when the spark ignites, they will be more powerful than you. You will know pain and defeat."

  For the briefest of moments he was frightened. Many years ago it had been foreseen that a union of this nature would be his death. That was why he went to such pains to eliminate the entire line of each house. Blood soaked the ground, fire stripped the lands, but he was victorious. It was inconceivable that there was any living dragon or unicorn.

  The Seer still hadn't removed her gaze from him. “It was indeed a miracle that they survived, despite your best efforts."

  "Tell me where to find them."

  She turned back to her chalice. She was silent, seeming to be lost in the water.

  "Well?"

  She didn't look up, and kept silent.

  "Answer me, witch."

  She jerked her eyes to meet his. “I cannot find them."

  "Then they do not exist,” he sneered. She'd made him worry for nothing. “You're growing tiresome, Seer. If you do not stop making false conclusions I will have to find a new Seer."

  She bowed low. “I tell only what I see, Your Highness. I merely mean I cannot find them in this world."

  He dropped onto his seat. “Then as I said, they do not exist. There is no other world."

  She didn't say anything but bowed once more. “I beg your leave."

  "Granted."

  He watched her sweep out of the room. When the door shut behind her, he closed his eyes. “In this world,” her words haunted him. What other world was there?

  * * * *

  The Seer stalked back to her apartments. Montrose was becoming increasingly difficult. He was still able to keep her power at bay. His mind was cloudy and she couldn't read his thoughts. How was he able to thwart her every move? Whenever she tried to enter his chambers unless he'd granted her access she couldn't pass through the door or walls. How would she ever get him out of the way?

  She had to find them—the descendants of the Draco and Alicorno lines. If they came to power, then not only would Alistair be defeated but she'd find herself with a shorter lifespan.

  Where was their hiding place? There was no doubt they still lived, the vision wouldn't have been so clear otherwise. The hard task would be locating them.

  She walked over to her caldron of water and waved a hand over the top. It took time for the images to form and she grew impatient. Suddenly the surface bubbled. When it calmed, the descendants’
location was clear.

  Grabbing up the hem of her robes she dashed from the door and shouted for her most trusted guard. “Vrono!"

  "Madam.” He bowed low. “How might I serve you?"

  "Come with me. We have a very important task."

  He nodded and she led him from the palace grounds, across the fields. At the edge of the wooded glen she paused. “What you will see you must tell no one. Do you understand?"

  "As you command."

  "Very good.” They picked a trail through the overgrown path, the way nearly invisible through the brush and trees. They came to a waterfall and she lifted her hands. The water stopped midair and she heard Vrono suck in a stunned breath. “Come,” she commanded and didn't look to see if he obeyed.

  The twists and turns of the cavern wound deep into the mountain. Along the rock walls and in the openings were webs of the Metilama spider waiting for the bats and insects they depended on for their survival.

  The path ended at a junction with two offshoots. Which way? She closed her eyes and tried to find the answer.

  The doorway to the left.

  She continued forward and came to a stop at a wall covered with Delinca vines. Each deadly red flower had fifteen rounded petals and poison-coated thorns.

  She opened and closed her fists several times then raised the clenched hands and began a ripping motion in the air. The vines slowly relinquished their hold and slid, wilted, to the dirt floor.

  "Exzues Ma dialamta.” A swirling vortex sprang to life. She turned to face Vrono and motioned him onward. Stepping into the vortex she felt the floating sensation before the ground became solid beneath her feet.

  "Madam?” Vrono's voice had a slight tremor.

  "Another world,” was all she said as explanation. “Now to find those we seek.” She slid her eyelids closed. “Child of light, child of fire, show me the ones that I desire."

  They were nearby. Foolish Xylia Blacdrake. She didn't move her son far from the portal. Then again, the progeny of Zaphin à and Altus Silverhorn was here also. The protectors of the offspring had failed. Bad for the children, good for her.

  "You are to retrieve the children of Blacdrake and Siverhorn houses."

  "How will I find them?"

  "The woman is a small one. Her silver blonde hair is the color of the third moon. Her eyes as lavender as the Grogan sky. She is close by, standing behind a building up this black river. You must bring her to me. I want the woman at once. Blacdrake is a tall man with dark hair and deep green eyes. He will sense her distress and follow. When you have her, bring her back to this spot and touch this crystal.” She handed Vrono a deep blue gem attached to a leather thong.

  He slid it over his head. “It shall be done."

  "Wait. You do not look like you belong."

  He was dressed in the standard High Guard fashion. His long gray tunic hung over black leggings that tucked into high black boots. An onyx metal breastplate fastened across his shoulders and his sword hung across his back suspended by a wide leather strap. His long white-blond hair fell to his waist.

  She pointed a finger at him and sliced it downward through the air. Black heavy weight pants replaced his leggings. The tunic tightened and shrank to a short-sleeved shirt that accented his broad chest. His hair was pulled back and bound by a thin leather strip. The only thing remaining of his formal garb were the boots.

  He looked himself up and down. He lifted his legs one at a time. “This material is uncomfortable."

  "You won't wear it for long, Vrono. Now go, get the woman and bring her to me."

  He bowed low. “Yes, Madam."

  Vrono hurried away to do her bidding and she stepped back through the portal. Like a window, she was able to look through it and watch for his return.

  * * * *

  The pounding of someone on her door jerked Keely off the sofa.

  "Come on K. We know you're in there."

  "Yeah, K. Open up."

  Her best friends, Renee and Diann, were beating the door and making enough noise to wake the dead. “Just a minute. Hang on.” She ran over and undid the locks. Grabbing each woman by the arm, she jerked them inside. “What's wrong with you two? Make enough racket?"

  "Why? Do you think there should've been more?” Renee laughed and pounded on a wall. “Get off your ass. Come with us and let's do something fun."

  Keely let loose an exasperated sigh. “I just don't feel in a partying mood."

  "Exactly why you need to come with us,” Di reasoned. “The best way to get over whatever's bugging you is by going out with two of the sexiest women on the planet; dancing, maybe do some drinking and see what kind of fish are swimming."

  She really didn't want to go out. She shot a pleading look at Renee then at Di. “I just want to veg out tonight."

  "Absolutely not. You're turning into one of those reclusive crazy women. Next thing we know you'll be out collecting a bunch of cats."

  Renee jerked her head and shot a look at Di. “Some of us happen to like cats."

  "Nasty vile creatures,” Keely laughed. Maybe this was the distraction she needed. “All right, I give up."

  "Great. Let's go raid closets and makeup.” Renee dragged her down the hall by her hand. They shoved her onto the commode while Renee took control of the hair and makeup situation. In the bedroom Di rummaged through her closet.

  "Oh hey. Love the pink halter. Can I borrow it?” The walls and clothes lining the closet muffled Di's words.

  "That's not what you're supposed to be doing,” Renee shouted back. “Now.” She pulled the curling iron from the cabinet and while it heated, she applied makeup to Keely's face.

  "I'm a big girl, you know. I can do this for myself."

  "I know, but it's fun."

  It was no use arguing with either of them.

  After her hair was properly coiffed and her makeup applied, she was dragged into the bedroom. On the bed lay an ivory sheer lace camisole and a sheer shirt in matching color. Her jeans lay under the pile and ivory ankle boots sat waiting on the floor. “Where's the lace bra that goes under the cammi?"

  "I don't know,” Di answered in feigned innocence.

  "You expect me to wear that alone? My headlights would be shining for the world to see."

  "High beams all the way Babe,” Di grinned.

  "No. Absolutely not."

  "Come on K. For once let it all hang out."

  "If I wear that, it will."

  Renee and Di laughed and Keely looked back down at the top. “What the hell. You only live once, right?” She changed into the camisole and turned to face the mirror. At least the lace roses were strategically placed to cover her nipples. She slid on the jeans and ankle boots.

  Di and Renee were busy going through her jewelry chest picking up and discarding necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

  Keely reached over and grabbed a simple silver chain with a silver unicorn pendant and matching earrings. The amethyst stones that served as the unicorn eyes sparkled in the light as she studied her reflection.

  "Ready?” Renee was standing in the door chomping at the bit to get moving. “I want to dance. Let's go."

  Keely shifted in the back seat of the car trying to get comfortable. Wearing this lace thing by itself was an itchy and uncomfortable experience. She was still fidgeting when Renee parked in front of the bar.

  "Everybody out,” Renee ordered and tossed her door open.

  There was a side door on the building that was open to allow fresh air to enter and circulate through the crowded bar. Music filled the room and spilled out into the night.

  * * * *

  Xavier paced the room. The classical music played low almost completely buried by the voices crowding around him. At least he'd been spared a confrontation with Evelyn. So far he hadn't—

  "Blackie."

  Her voice effectively ended his evening. Damn. He shot a look toward his mother, but she was in the middle of a group of women chatting and smiling. Xavier sighed and turned
to face Evelyn.

  She hadn't changed much in the three years since he'd last seen her. The once waist length, sandy blonde hair now only touched her shoulders and was styled into a peek-a-boo fashion similar to Veronica Lake, one of his mother's favorite actresses.

  Evelyn's body-hugging black dress made her fair skin appear too pale. Her large blue eyes didn't seem to sparkle as much as they used to.

  "Hello Evie."

  She tilted her chin in expectation of a kiss on the cheek. When he didn't offer it, a pout formed on her full lips. “Is that anyway to greet an old friend?"

  "How've you been?” Not that he was interested but he had promised to be polite.

  "I'm exhausted. The flight was long and first class? Ha. What a joke. I'm definitely going to have to see about private planes from now on."

  "And miss out on the experience of meeting new people?” he jibed.

  She shrugged her shoulders and placed a hand on his. “Come sit and talk with me.” She gave him a gentle pull and he followed to a settee. He waited while she lowered down to the cushion.

  Seating himself a good space from her he scanned the room, barely acknowledging she was there.

  "What have you been doing to keep busy, Blackie?"

  Her hand traced along his. “No sign of a wedding ring. That's a good sign for me.” She smiled in her best seductress manner.

  "Working at the investment house. No wife, yet."

  "Working? Your father left you enough to live off the interest for the rest of your life."

  He stiffened his spine. “I enjoy working, gives me something to fill my days. Have you ever considered working, Evil?” The word came out harsher than he intended.

  She smirked at the nickname and then shook her head. “Maybe I'll just have to find a husband who enjoys working all day. My job will be keeping his nights busy. Interested?"

  "Not anymore.” He pushed up. “Have a good night, Evie."

  He made his way to his mother and placed a light hand on her elbow. She looked up at him. “Is something wrong?” she whispered.

  "No, I just wanted to let you know I was leaving. I'll send the car back for you about midnight."