The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I: Volume I

Katrina dismissed the offer reluctantly.
    “I may not be able to meet the price again. Think long and hard. I will try to speak to you again. Later.” The man faded into the crowd, as if he’d never been there at all.
    Iza continued to prattle, unaware of the exchange. “Look. Look, there behind the Lord Chancellor rides the king. So far back from the queen and princess. Do you suppose the rumors are true, that Miranda will divorce him and outlaw his hideous religion?”
    Katrina returned her attention to the parade, deliberately pushing aside all thoughts of the strange encounter with the cloaked man. She sought the figure of the outland king who had bewitched young Miranda and mercilessly ruled SeLenicca ever since. What had happened to weaken the adoration that used to shine from the queen’s eyes? Katrina didn’t care as long as the man she hated was brought low and stripped of power.
    “The outland woman riding beside Simeon, who is she?” Katrina asked. The tall beauty with black hair and blue eyes rode a sleek black steed draped in silver-and-black ribbons. Her black gown trimmed in silver lace dipped immodestly low into her bosom. Undoubtedly, steed and gown had been chosen to set her apart from the sea of blond citizens riding equally light-colored steeds.
    “Her?” Iza spat. “His latest mistress. He calls her ‘niece.’ But everyone knows he has no siblings. Gossip in the city says he flaunted her at the palace once too often. Miranda threw him out. That’s why she’s going to rescind the Edict of Joint Monarchy.”
    “Simeon’s niece looks pregnant.” Katrina scanned the elegant curves of the tall woman. A noticeable bulge filled her black gown.
    “She does, doesn’t she? And Miranda isn’t. The nobles call us workers immoral. They should look to themselves before they condemn us,” Iza sniffed.
    “Simeon can’t be trusted. Someone should warn Miranda.” Katrina eyed the man she hated. “He’ll kill her before he relinquishes power.”
    “Don’t be silly. Guards and councillors and lacemakers surround the queen day and night.”
    “Guards won’t stop a sorcerer.”
    As if he heard her sneer, Simeon turned his burning gaze directly to Katrina. His eyes widened as he stared at her. Then his lips curled up in a mocking, self-satisfied grin. Insolently he blew her a kiss.
    Katrina stepped back, shocked and revolted. Her hand reached to her throat in surprise. She gathered the lace shawl protectively around her. The king’s gaze followed her hands. His eyes narrowed and seethed with emotion.
    Why do you wait so long to come to me and meet your destiny, Katrina Kaantille?
    The words echoed around her head. She hadn’t really heard them. Her imagination had interpreted the flirtatious gesture and fed upon her fears.
    “He saluted you!” Iza gasped. “You didn’t tell me you knew the king.”
    “I don’t.” Katrina turned her face toward the head of the procession so she wouldn’t have to look at King Simeon. “He’s a notorious flirt.”
    Queen Miranda twisted her body to speak to the princess. Her steed chose that moment to shy away from the noisy crowd. A flash of blue light stabbed the skittish animal’s hindquarters. The frightened mare reared high, screaming in pain. Miranda fought for control of the reins.
    Another flash of blue light pierced the frightened steed in the chest. The animal reared again and circled, trying to bolt away from the magical dart. Miranda lost the reins and control of the headstrong beast. She bounced out of her saddle. She lay unmoving on the cobblestones, blood staining her four white-gold plaits.

Chapter 16
     
    P eople screamed. Steeds reared and circled in confused panic. Princess Jaranda cried out. Noble ladies swooned. Guards rushed forward to form a protective ring around the queen. King Simeon pushed the converging crowd aside.
    Hastily he knelt and cradled his wife in his arms, the picture of a devoted husband. Katrina watched him closely, not trusting the concern written on his face. He tested Miranda’s pulse, then lifted his head, eyes searching the crowd. Briefly he exchanged a look with the black-gowned woman. She nodded slightly, knowingly.
    Then Simeon looked up, directly at Katrina, as if he always knew where to find her in the crowd. His gaze locked with hers. A malicious smile played across his face.
    Unbidden, his thoughts invaded her mind. You won’t get away from me this time, little lacemaker.
    Katrina shook her