Dragon Bride (SAMPLE)

Chapter Eleven

By the time Kendria got dressed and returned to Princess Aveline, the halls were crowded with guests. Noise echoed across the palace as they eagerly chatted away, eyes pasted to every possible entry. As Prince N'Jal had said, they were waiting to see and speak with her. The young woman wasn't a shy woman, but the mere thought of being surrounded by those fat, power-hungry, complacent people left an awful feeling in her stomach. She wasn't the most social being to exist. If she was cornered, who knows how she would react?

"Lady Glacies, my darling friend!" Princess Saga gushed.

She was quick to leave Princess Aveline's side and link her arm through Kendria's. She led her back to the small group of her and Kendria's sisters, but the walk was slow. The Rathkian princess walked without haste.

Kendria narrowed her gaze. "Oh, are we really friends now?"

Her grin was contagiously fake, not that many would notice. "Of course not. But we're allies in our annoyance with the perky princess of Hythe. I didn't miss your disapproval with her at dinner."

Kendria's felt her stomach flip. She thought she hid it well. "I don't know what you're talking about-"

"No need to lie, Kendria. At least not now. Watch me and learn how to lie better. You don't want her to notice."

"Alright. Then I'll ask a question. Why are you helping me?"

Her emerald, green eyes shifted to her face. "A favor for my brother. He asked me to watch over you and keep the vultures away as best as I can."

Kendria's heart fluttered with gratitude. "And what do you get in return?"

"I haven't decided yet, but I'm sure that I'll think of something. Now smile and loosen your fists."

She did it just in time for her sisters to approach and embrace her.

"Ugh, where were you this morning?" Nymeria demanded.

"We wanted to get ready with you, but you weren't in your guest chamber." said Lillianna.

She didn't know how to answer their questions.

'What's the best alternative to I was chased and nearly sucked out by shadowy ghost-like demons?'

Thankfully, she didn't have to answer.

"Ladies! Let's go to my private balcony. Breakfast should be ready by now!" Princess Aveline exclaimed.

The Hythe guards were quick to surround them and led them to a small table, littered with different kinds of bread and hot tea that smelled like wildflowers. For the most part, the ladies spent their breakfast getting to know each other in a gentle and almost friendly manner.

Kendria learned that Aveline liked to talk. She spent the entirety of her life learning to become the perfect woman. Apparently, she mastered the art of crocheting, politics, and conversations, all while dedicating her spare time to charity, even to other nations-things that Kendria knew nothing about. The more she spoke, the more she could picture her as the new Queen of Rathke. But to be the Queen, she'd be beside Prince N'Jal and every time she thought about it, her spirit became as green and his and his sister's eyes.

"So, Lillianna and Nymeria. I have a couple lords of Hythe that would love to meet with you. Handsome men, I assure you. Far more than the ones you've met here." She giggled.

Lillianna blushed. "Thank you, your Highness, but I really don't-"

"Oh, is there already someone here that you're interested in marrying?"

Lillianna nearly spat out her mouthful. Her face became as plump as a tomato. Once she managed to swallow, she shuttered and squirmed in her seat. Anything but a simple yes or no.