Cursed Read Free

knew what other damage a crazed, flying, fire-breathing reptile would cause?

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PART III
    “He’s in mourning, Princess, what did you expect?”
    “And I’m not? She was my sister, captain! But do I go gallivanting off to hunt down the mindless creature that killed her? No. Because I have a responsibility to maintain order, to set a good example for the people.”
    Markus glowered  as he entered the room, marching toward  the throne in  such a way that Captain Gaius reached for his sword . It took all of his self control to not bark at his subordinate . He’d thought, out of all people, his sister-in-law would at least support his decision.
    “The dragon went rogue, Eivonne. The only logical reasons for it to come here are it getting kicked out of the mountain flock or it’s sick. Either way, it’s a danger to the people. You know I grew up near the mountains. No one here knows dragons better than I and no one else handles the people better than you now that Adrienne is… gone. It’s why I asked you to come.”
    Eivonne’s face turned almost as red as her hair. “I’m sorry, Markus. You ’re right, of course,  I just… didn’t ever expect to have to do this. Will you keep me posted? The sooner that monster is eliminated, the better for all of us.”
    Markus nodded. He noted that his captain wouldn’t look him in the eye and frowned. That was never a good sign among ranks.
    The great doors to the throne room burst open, slamming against the walls with a crack that made hi m wince .
    The guards lowered their spears toward  the unexpected guest, but pulled them back up again, bowing to Councilman Havard as he raised a brow and strode forward.
    “Security has improved since last night, I see.” His voice rubbed like sandpaper in Markus’ ears. Havard walked past him as if he’d turned invisible, a stark difference to when Adrienne had been there to keep the Council members in tight rein. “Good. Ah, Eivonne! You look m ore glorious than ever, my dear.” He bowed to kiss the princess’s hand, flourishing his coattails and bowing so low his long nose almost bumped into his bent knee.
    Eivonne smiled. “This is not the appropriate time for flattery, Councilman.”
    “But it is always the appropriate time for truth, Your Grace. I merely wish to brighten your day after the horrors I heard of last night.”
    “Horrors in which I’m sure you  had no part.” Markus crossed his arms and leaned against one of the pillars.
    Havard smirked, taking on the tone of a father explaining simple matters to a young child. “I must confess I don’t know what you mean, your majesty. Though I applaud your take on suspecting all around you. We must be ever vigilant and consider all possibilities, no matter how ridiculous, mustn’t we?”
    Eivonne snorted. “Surely you don’t think Havard would be able to control a dragon, Markus? You know better than most that none have accomplished such a feat.”
    Markus shrugged. “Just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I was born common and am now king , aren’t I? Of course, it might be easier if the person who did manage to control a dragon were, say, part reptile themselves, no?”
    Havard’s black eyes glinted, but the anger soon faded into a slippery grin. “Such ideas. It’s no wonder her late highness found you amusing, my lord.”
    Eivonne pursed her lips. “Watch yourself when you speak of the deceased, Havard. I know neither of you like each other, so you won’t have to put up with the other’s company for long. Markus, I believe you have a hunt to prepare for. Havard, I’m glad you answered my summons. I could use someone to give me a leg up among the Council, perhaps some insight into my sister’s projects before…”
    “Don’t dwell on it, Princess. The news of Adrienne’s untimely departure from this world pains us all, but I couldn’t imagine how much it tortures you.”
    Markus watched Havard step in to