The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I: Volume I

conversation, demand things of her.
    “Withdraw now and Darville will make peace with SeLenicca!” Janataea screamed at the ambassador’s back. Panic flushed the woman’s face.
    “Why do you fear such an alliance, Janataea?” Rosie asked. Her governess was wise and learned. But this was the first time she had exhibited any passion for politics.
    “SeLenicca cannot be trusted. Time and again they have sought to conquer Rossemeyer. When that fails, they resort to assassination of our royals. Your own father fell victim to one of their poisoned arrows. Some believe it best to maintain a balance rather than have any one kingdom dominate the other two. ’Tis best for Rossemeyer to keep SeLenicca weak and isolated.”
    “We hate SeLenicca, but we are not at war. Why?” Rosie wasn’t sure where the questions came from. Usually she was curious about things, like the shape of the shadow behind the wardrobe, never ideas. The breeze blowing in from the shore seemed to carry the question.
    Kevin-Rosse’s glowering presence cut off an answer. “Never utter those treasonous ideas of balance and peace, woman,” he hissed at Janataea. His long body bent nearly double to bring his face within inches of the governess’. “SeLenicca must never be allowed to gain enough strength to threaten us again.” Bright red splotches appeared on his cheeks and his breathing became harsh and uneven.
    “We’re lucky our ancient enemy has no unwed princess to offer Darville.” Janataea baited the ambassador. “He might prefer alliance with them.” Janataea’s wide-eyed innocence didn’t seem to appease Kevin-Rosse.
    “Silence, woman. Remember your place. You are not noble and your position in Princess Rossemikka’s household is tenuous. I cannot foresee the future Queen of Coronnan clinging to her childhood governess.” KevinRosse stood to his full height, straightening the wide pleats of his brocaded robe. Once more he was in command of all that lay within his field of sight.
    “Don’t count on it, Lord Ambassador. I shall retain my position of authority long after I see you dead.”
    “Your Highness, the barge appears to be docking. We must meet your groom.” Kevin-Rosse bowed low to Rosie, offering his arm in escort.
    Rosie pressed as far away from him as her deck chair would allow. A hiss of warning gathered behind her teeth. “I don’t want to.”
    “Rosie, behave!” Janataea sounded exasperated.
    Rosie looked at her hands clasped in her lap. She had to obey. But she didn’t have to let that man touch her.
    Gingerly, she stretched her body upward on the side of the chair opposite the ambassador. His arm was still presented for her convenience. She ignored it while she smoothed her gown. “I must wash my hands and face.”
     
    “She’s absolutely lovely, Your Grace,” Sir Holmes breathed into Darville’s ear.
    Across the wide expanse of the customs building, Darville watched his bride and her entourage disembark from the huge ship. Lovely wasn’t grand enough to describe the girl. She was a vision, his vision, of the most beautiful woman in the world. The naked woman he had seen in Shayla’s cave must have been a dragon-dream of portent. For the first time he looked upon this arranged marriage as something personally desirable.
    “Rossemikka,” Darville whispered. The air seemed to shimmer around her hair, covered in a golden net, and her iridescent gown. As promised, the neckline of her gown dipped deep into her cleavage. The heart-shaped curve of the bodice just barely circled the tips of her breasts, promising a wider view should she make any sudden movements.
    Perhaps this was the dragon-dream and his earlier vision the reality.
    “Give her the flowers, sir.” Holmes prodded Darville’s back.
    “Your Highness.” Darville bowed low in awe. Close up, he could see the rippling gold in her brown hair beneath the lace veil, the same color as his cat, Mica. He didn’t care that the white streak across her temple separated her from his dream vision of her.
    Boldly, he held out the fragrant bouquet. He retained his hold on the stems long enough for his fingers to seek her delicate hand as he transferred his token. The girl jerked her hand away from any contact with him. She buried her face in the flowers and refused to look at him.
    “You are more beautiful than all of the flowers in my realm, Princess Rossemikka.”
    Rosie lifted her head finally. But her eyes raised no higher than Darville’s