Dragon's Heart (31 page)

“But what fun it would be to watch her wriggle free,” he whispered against her neck, loud enough so only she could hear.

“I’m starting to think this was an ill-conceived plan,” Bronwynn muttered.

“What makes you say that?” Ryan asked trying to hide the laughter and failing.

“We forgot to plan how to part them.”

“Perhaps a sleeping draft in their tea might have worked.”

“What if they didn’t have tea this morning?”

“A reminder of impending royal duties?”

Serena listened to the rapid-fire back and forth between her two friends before she shook her head and mused. “I think they are mocking us, my prince.”

“Oh, they are most definitely, my love,” Killian replied.

“However, they are quite correct.” Serena turned in the circle of his arms. “We both have royal duties.”

“My life has been nothing but duty.”

“Remember what you must search for.” Her fingers whispered along his jaw when she said, “And the reward, should you find what you seek.” Serena licked her lips and then nibbled on the lower one for a second.

“As my lady, my love commands,” he whispered before giving her a final, lingering kiss.

When they parted, Killian slipped his hand into hers, and they walked out of the lodge. The clearing was a bustle of activity, men and women in Royal Guard uniforms watered mounts and checked tack alongside others who wore armor but no livery. For the first time since leaving Haven, Killian realized that every guard was loyal to him, not his wife, or his father.

“Ryan?” Serena asked to catch her friend’s attention, amusement coloring her question.

“Yes?” He paused and turned to look at her.

“Are you limping?”

“Training mishap,” he answered with a grumble before turning and walking away.

“You have to watch out for the wings,” Bronwynn said in a mocking, singsong tone, stretching the last word out, so it had two syllables instead of one.

“Wings?” Killian stopped and stared at Serena.

She blushed and looked down at the ground for a moment. He squeezed her hand. “Yes. Wings,” she answered, but before Killian could respond, he was wrapped in not only Serena’s arms, but a pair of huge, leathery red and gold dusted wings. He glanced away from her face long enough to see that they were completely hidden from view.

“Now, this has potential, my princess.” He slid his hand behind her neck and drew her to him for a kiss. “So many ideas.”

“Next time, my love.” Serena brushed her lips against his, her arms and wings slipping away from him.

As Killian watched the great leathery appendages seem to fold in on themselves and shrink before disappearing, as if they’d never existed. The world shifted, but the ground beneath his feet didn’t open and swallow him.
The woman you love has huge wings and is a creature out of stories.
He took a deep breath. There would be time to sort out all of his emotions later. For now, he draped his arm around her waist and whispered, “Would I be right to assume the men and women not in uniform are your guards, my lady?”

“They are.” Serena smiled as two black-clad women stepped up to them. “Killian, I would like to introduce you to Siobhan and Zanna. They are two of my bodyguards.”

He nodded and inclined his head and shoulders toward them in a half bow. “I thank you, ladies, for keeping my beloved safe. I look forward to becoming better acquainted in the future.”

“Your Highness.” Zanna nodded and offered a formal bow to Killian.

“Your Highness.” Siobhan bowed and turned her attention to Serena. “Princess, we have your mount prepared as is Prince Killian’s. We are ready to depart as soon as you give the word.”

“Thank you,” Serena replied.

“I wonder what would happen if we simply never gave the order,” Killian mused, his words tickling her neck.

“I think Ryan and Bronwynn would be forced to do something that could cause them to lose their heads or hang.”

“And that is not what either of us wants to see happen.”

“So glad to hear that, your royal Highness,” Ryan muttered as he limped past the couple on his way to his mount.

Serena laughed, letting Ryan’s snide remark go unanswered. She led Killian to her horse where the steed stood pawing the ground. Then, she reached out and laid her free hand on the animal’s neck.

Killian touched her cheek, his gaze drifting from her eyes to her mouth. He licked his lips and closed the short distance remaining. When their lips were almost touching, he whispered, “Do what you must. Come to Haven soon. I love you.” Their lips met in a gentle kiss, full of promise and hope.

“Have a care for yourself, my prince. I do not trust your wife. I love you so much and do not wish to lose you to that harpy.”

Killian smiled, his thumb stroking her cheek. “As my princess commands.” He stepped back and held out a hand, offering her a leg up. With his help, she swung into the saddle and gathered her mount’s reins, delighted Killian’s hand was still on her knee.

“My ladies.” He turned to the women he knew were closest to Serena. “I give my love and my heart unto your care. See to it she stays safe and whole until I next lay eyes upon her.”

Bronwynn had glanced at each of her sisters in turn before meeting the prince’s gaze. “We will, your Highness.”

“You have my gratitude.” He reached up and caught one of Serena’s hands in his and kissed the back of it before turning toward his own mount.

Killian swung into the saddle and watched as Serena and her people started down the road at an easy trot.

“Your Highness?” Ryan asked.

“I know, Ryan. We must go,” Killian answered and turned his horse in the opposite direction, toward Haven.

The End