Northern Realm Royal Dragons: Short Story (Northern Realm Royal Dragons Book 1) Read online

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  Contents

  By: Lisa Daniels

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  The Festival and Mr. Not-a-Prince

  Chapter 2

  A Place to Rest

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  No Rush

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  Northern Realm Royal Dragons

  Prequel

  Northern Realm Royal Dragons

  Book 1

  By: Lisa Daniels

  Prologue

  Marcellus removed his torn jacket, a difficult task with one of his arms broken. He began to shake the dirt off of it. Just because he had been stuck somewhere so far from home did not mean that he should look like a beggar as he worked to get back to the kingdoms. Sending reports on the deteriorating situations would no longer work. He needed to return to report on the latest disturbing events. Otherwise no one would believe him.

  “Really, pretty boy. You should be more worried about what we are going to do to you.”

  “Mmmm,” Marcellus responded, never taking his eyes off of the damaged jacket. When he got home, he was going to have to repair it. If he ever made it back home. He had spent so much time studying abroad then negotiating on behalf of the royal family that he doubted that anyone would even notice that he had been missing for an inordinate amount of time. For a second, he regretted not sending messages a little more regularly. If he hadn’t been injured, he would have returned home months ago. All that regular messages would have done was to have made people worry that something had happened to him—he had never been particularly consistent about saying what his priorities were or where he was going.

  The shape shifter stepped toward him. “Don’t say we didn’t warn you, little man.” He laughed. “You wouldn’t stand a chance even if both of your arms worked.”

  Marcellus looked up. “Oh, sorry, I forgot you were here.”

  The man narrowed his eyes. “For that, I’m going to teach you a lesson that will break your little mind before I break you.”

  “Mmmm,” Marcellus nodded, carefully placing his jacket to the side. He then turned to the shape shifter expectantly. “Go ahead.”

  The man shouted something in a guttural language that Marcellus had not learned. Several of the people flanking the leader began to shift.

  Flinching, Marcellus ended up averting his eyes.

  The leader began laughing, “Yes, now you begin to understand our power.”

  “Gods, but that looked incredibly painful. I don’t know how you can keep doing that to yourselves.”

  “You don’t need to understand, little human. Now, kill him.”

  Marcellus reached up and scratched his head, using his unhurt arm. “Human, huh. Is that what you thought?”

  The leader’s smile faded a little. “Oh, a bear shifter, huh? Trying to protect the worthless humans. Well, that changes things a little.” He gave a new command, and several other people emerged from the woods, their painful shifting already in progress.

  “Oh, humans, right.” Marcellus leaned forward. “So, which kingdom is this?”

  “Just die, you moron,” the leader said, stepping out of the way of more than a dozen shape shifters, many of whom were bears.

  Marcellus scratched his head again. “No, thanks. I’m even younger than cousin Aiden.” With a quick movement of his head, the shape shifters stopped their snarling and attempt to surround him. They never stood a chance as a bulky white dragon stood in front of them. The lucky ones died within the first minute.

  Chapter 1

  The Festival and Mr. Not-a-Prince

  “Nina, we have to go now if we are going to make it to the festival in time to do anything worth doing.”

  “One minute. I just need one more minute,” the princess shouted over her shoulder. She couldn’t afford to take her eyes off of the small pile because the injured mouse had run into it. If the poor thing was going to survive, she had to catch it before one of her cats, or worse, the staff, found it.

  Her older sister stepped into the closet. “It’s just a mouse. Why are you going through all of this?”

  “It’s a living creature. How could I not save the poor little thing?” A hand wrapped around her upper arm, and Nina felt something pull on her. “Paola, let me go, or I will tell Father.” Turning her big, blue eyes, she began to silently plead with her sister. Letting her lower lip stick out just a little, she knew that it was only a matter of time before Paola gave in to what she wanted. Her long, strawberry-blond hair perfectly framed her face as she pouted at her sister.

  “That is a hollow threat because you would have to tell him what you were doing.” Her older sister had always been unbelievably serious and cold. It would take a while to crack her determination, but Nina knew it would happen.

  “It will be worth it. You can’t go around manhandling me just because you want to find a husband. Even Dad will tell you that.”

  “You are so impossible!” Paola said, letting her go.

  “Then go without me. I really don’t want to go anyway.”

  “If you don’t go, I can’t go. And I’m already getting close to the age where I should be getting married.”

  “So what?” Nina asked, storming back into the closet. “Until recently, you didn’t really care. Go back to being that sister. I liked her a lot better.”

  This caused her sister to pause. When she did speak, Paola finally said, “I wish it were that easy, but lately… I don’t know. I just want someone to talk to.”

  Nina turned and placed her hands on her hips. “What am I, chopped liver?”

  Paola rolled her eyes. “I don’t think that I can talk to you about… certain things.”

  “We’ve never had boundaries before now. Why—”

  “You never want to talk about war.”

  Nina gave her an incredulous look. “Who wants to talk about that?”

  “People who are in control. You know that Father is getting old, and he won’t be alive forever, no matter how much—”

  Nina plugged her ears. “We aren’t going to talk about that. There is no reason to talk about that.”

  Gently wrapping a hand around Nina’s wrist, Paola pulled one of the hands away from her sister’s ear. “Alright. I won’t talk about it. But that is why I need to get married. Neither of us is going to be allowed to rule. Remember, it has to be a man. And you know who will take over the kingdom.”

  Nina’s face fell. “We are talking about it.”

  “I’m trying to explain why I am willing to get married now. Father and I had a heart-to-heart, and no matter how much I love my life, I at least have the option of picking my own husband now. And there is something in it for you too.” She smiled at her sister.

  “I’ll get to pick my husband?” Nina mumbled.

  Paola laughed and booped her little sister’s nose. “I was thinking that you would get to pick the bridesmaid dresses. You get to be the maid of honor, and you know that dresse
s really aren’t my thing.”

  Nina’s eyes lit up before she realized how rude that looked. “I will take my role very seriously. I promise to make your wedding the best wedding ever. As long as you pick a good man.”

  “Thank you, Nina,” Paola bumped her shoulder. “So can we leave now?”

  “I still have to save the mouse. The poor thing is in immediate danger, while ours is a future risk.”

  With a heavy sigh, Paola asked, “How can I help?”

  An hour later, the princesses were stepping out of their carriage at the festival. The sun was already low on the horizon, and Paola couldn’t help but shoot a look at Nina. “I don’t think there is enough time to really do much of anything.”

  “Oh, stop being such a pessimist. Look at how much fun everyone else is having.” Grabbing Paola’s hand, Nina took off into the crowd.

  The sights and smells were as amazing as Nina had remembered. She definitely loved festivals and celebrations, but she never had it in her to leave a helpless creature to a cruel fate. Nothing would make her regret helping, even if it meant missing something spectacularly fun. But once the mouse was safe, Nina’s mind had turned to the festival.

  They danced around a pole with some of the other nobles and a few people of lower classes, mostly because Nina had pulled them into the dance. As soon as the music stopped, she flopped down onto a chair, the laughter making it difficult to breathe. “Oh, I haven’t had that much fun in forever.”

  Paola folded her arms across her chest as her eyes surveyed the people around them. “If by forever you mean yesterday, then yes. Forever.” Her voice was sour.

  “Oh, pooh,” Nina said, giving her sister’s dress a swat. “You should try to have half as much fun as me. If you want to find a husband, you need to show you know how to have fun.”

  “What a load of—”

  “Excuse me.” A tall stranger with short, black hair interrupted the elder princess. Judging by his appearance, he was some kind of royalty, though neither princess had ever seen him or his country’s colors before. His eyes were a startling green, like the color of grass in the spring. His pronounced cheekbones managed to highlight his gorgeous eyes and voluptuous mouth. A smile immediately spread across Paola’s face. “Good day, Your Majesty.”

  The man’s smile faltered. “Um, I apologize, but I’m not a prince.”

  “Oh,” Paola’s face fell. “Then why did you disturb our conversation?” Her usual frown spread across her face.

  The man looked around, “Because you are the princesses of this fine little kingdom. At least that is what the knight over there said,” he pointed to an intimidating figure standing not too far from the women.

  Nina laughed, “Why would you ask poor old Aiken about us?”

  “Well, I—” Whatever he was going to say was quickly covered up. A stunning smile spread across his lips. “Because I was curious about the two gorgeous women who looked to be having such a marvelous time. You stood out the most.” He took Nina’s hand and gave it a kiss.

  A blush rose on her cheeks. Pulling her hand back, she pointed at her sister. “If you are looking to get married, I think you will find greater success hitting on my sister.”

  Paola’s eyes narrowed. “Stop being crass, Nina.”

  The man looked between the pair, the smile widening enough to expose his beautiful white teeth. “I am not here looking for a wife. Or a companion of that nature. I simply wanted directions as I’ve managed to get all turned around.”

  The princesses shared a look before Paola responded, “You could have asked literally anyone else.”

  “I did. I asked poor old Knight Aiken, and he said you two would be better able to help me.”

  Paola narrowed her eyes at Aiken. “Did you tell him you weren’t a prince?”

  “I don’t think so. I mean, I don’t exactly run around introducing myself as Marcellus Not-a-Prince.”

  Nina giggled. Bumping her arm, Paola said, “You should be careful, Marcellus Not-a-Prince, because you are speaking to a couple of princesses.”

  Nina cut in, “Oh, stop it, Paola. You were asking for it with that attitude.” She stood up and held out a hand to Marcellus. “I’m Princess Nina, and this is my older sister, Princess Paola.”

  Instead of taking her hand, he gave her a low bow. “It is an honor to meet you. Both of you,” he said meaningfully.

  The sisters shared a look before Nina asked, “So, where is it that you are trying to go that you need directions from a princess?”

  “Ah, the Blue Kingdom.”

  Again the sisters shared a look. This time Paola spoke, “There is no such kingdom.”

  Marcellus gave a nod. “Right, of course. Well, which of the kingdoms is right along the border with the… mountains?”

  Nina laughed, “Do you mean the Impossible Mountains?”

  He paused for a moment, his mouth slightly open. “Yes?”

  Nina laughed again as Paola’s frown deepened. “I don’t think this man is serious. Nina, I suggest we leave. I don’t like—”

  “Go on ahead. I want to stay and chat.” Nina smiled at the handsome young man.

  “Nina,” there was warning in Paola’s voice. “You’ve already saved one helpless creature today.”

  For the first time, the man laughed. It was a musical laugh that struck something deep in Nina. Cocking her head to the side, she leaned in a little as he said, “Oh, I can assure you that despite the state of my arm, I am not helpless.”

  Paola looked a little shaken. Licking her lips, she didn’t seem entirely sure of what to say.

  Nina looked closer at Marcellus. “Your arm!” she exclaimed.

  His eyes opened wide for a second. “Yes. It’s, um, broken at the moment.”

  Paola grabbed Nina. “Well, I am sorry that we could not help you, but—”

  “We can’t just leave him like this!”

  “Nina!”

  “Forget it, Paola. You go find yourself a husband. There are plenty of boring princes hanging out and having dinner. I’ll take care of our guest.”

  Nina grabbed Marcellus’ good hand and began running away from her sister. Paola’s voice carried over the crowd, but she had no ability to chase them.

  The next thing Nina knew, they were at the edge of the western forest.

  Marcellus stopped running and pulled his hand out of hers. “I’m sorry, Princess Nina, but I cannot let you—”

  Nina grabbed him again. “I’m taking you to the best doctor in our kingdom.”

  “I assure you that he cannot fix—”

  “There is nothing he can’t fix.” No matter what he said, Nina kept trying to pull him forward.

  Finally, he gave up trying to dissuade her and let the princess have her way. As he walked along behind her, he couldn’t keep the amusement out of his voice. “Why do I have the feeling you are accustomed to getting your way?”

  “Because you have a fantastic ability to read people. Now that we know there is no point in fighting, let’s pick up the pace!”

  Chapter 2

  A Place to Rest

  They had been running through the forest for nearly an hour when Nina finally began to slow down.

  “Are you lost?” Marcellus asked as she began to look around questioningly.

  “No. He should be around here.” Her head swiveled around.

  “We’ve just spent a considerable amount of time running into the woods. What kind of doctor lives so far in the woods?”

  “The best kind.” She continued to scan. “Ah! There. Come on.” She grabbed his hand and began to pull him forward.

  A few minutes later she ran through a clear barrier. Marcellus bounced off of it. Staggering backward, he clutched his arm. Nina looked back at him as a small building began to appear behind her.

  Marcellus began muttering as he cradled his injured arm.

  “Nina! It has been so long since I have seen you!” An old man strode up to her and threw his arms around her. “To wha
t do I owe—” His words died in his throat as he looked up. “Well, what do we have here?” The smile faded.

  Marcellus looked up. “Oh, I didn’t realize any of your kind lived among the humans.”

  The old man’s eyes widened. “What are—why—” Clearly at a loss for words, he looked over at Nina.

  Completely confused, she looked between the two men. “Master Benson, I’ve brought you a patient. Or at least I thought I did. He couldn’t go through the barrier.”

  “Of course he couldn’t! It’s meant to keep people like him out.” Benson still sounded shocked. The look that Marcellus gave him caused the old healer to amend his words. “I mean magic users. Not his species, of course. We would be lost if not for—”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Marcellus waved a hand. “I’m Duke Marcellus.”

  Benson frowned and looked away for a second. “Marcellus. Marcellus.” He then looked back at the man cradling his arm. “As in Prince Aiden’s cousin?” There was awe in his voice.

  “Yes. But he has no idea I am here. And if I’m being honest, I’m not supposed to be here. I was shot down, and well…” he held up his arm to emphasize his point.

  “I’ve heard that the shape shifters are on the move again.”

  “So I’ve come to realize. Don’t worry, they aren’t here yet.”

  Nina stepped between them. “I’m sorry. What is going on?”

  Benson smiled, “My dear little Nina, I always said that your tender heart was going to get you in a host of trouble, but I had absolutely no idea that you would get into that kind of trouble.” He smiled at her.

  Marcellus blinked for a second. Stepping up to the barrier, he motioned for Nina to come to him. Obediently she did, not sure what he wanted. As soon as she was through the barrier, he wrapped an arm around her. Beaming, Marcellus said, “You got it in one, Master Benson.”

  Nina frowned at the emphasis he placed on the title. It was only when she noticed how close his features were that she realized what he had implied. Her cheeks immediately turned pink as she froze.