The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume II

throat. Only a little redness lingered to remind them of the assassin.
    The Rover, Piedro, was safely confined to his dungeon cell. Quinnault had checked only a few moments ago to make certain his prisoner hadn’t slipped away.
    He knew how to deal with physical danger to himself and Katie. He didn’t know how to ask what had transpired between Katie and Kinnsell before Piedro had entered her room. They would have to discuss it before the wedding. First he had to make sure there would be a wedding.
    “The dragon will determine if you are fully human and worthy to be our queen,” he replied, not knowing how to address the other problems facing them.
    The maids had dressed her in a simple white shift that hung lightly on her body. The fine linen fabric revealed tantalizing hints of curves. He could see the outline of her legs and wanted more.
    “One of your magicians is going to create an illusion of a dragon, to make me think I face a monster worse than that assassin last night,” Katie continued, mulling over the problem. “I can deal with that, though I don’t like other people messing with my mind.” She shook her beautiful head, the soft curls bouncing and catching glimmers of torchlight.
    Only you, Scarecrow. You’re the only one I trust with my thoughts.
    Then let me in. Let me see what truly frightens you so that I can combat it for you.
    Her mind snapped shut once more.
    I can’t let you see my secrets until we are wed, until you can’t send me home.
    “I’ve seen into your mind, Katie. You have secrets, but that doesn’t make you a monster. I know that you are good, and kind, and honest. You care for me. What more do I need to know?”
    A tear touched her eye, and she blinked it away quickly.
    “Kiss me, Scarecrow. Quickly before I lose my courage.”
    He bent his head, savoring the warmth of her trembling mouth. She stood on tiptoe to bring him closer yet, clinging to him with a kind of desperation. He enfolded her into his arms, keeping her close to his heart.
    “I won’t let anyone hurt you, Katie. Not my people, or your father, or the dragons.”
    “I can deal with your monsters, Your Grace. I expected primitive plumbing and no central heating. Assassination and kidnap are facts of life for the nobility of my world as well as yours. What bothers me is the lack of privacy. Am I never going to be allowed to be alone?” She gestured with her head to the bevy of maids who stood behind her, respectfully looking away from their new mistress. The almost smile was back in her eyes.
    When he had left her last night, Quinnault had ordered two of them to sleep in the room despite Katie’s protestations. They should have been there before the Rover tried to strangle her. But Katie had sent them away. Had she wanted merely to guard her privacy or to have a moment to argue with her father? And how had Piedro known she would prefer to sleep alone? Most noblewomen always kept a maid in their beds if their husbands were not there to warm them.
    “Servants, courtiers, and pests are a way of life for nobility on this world, I’m afraid.” Quinnault spoke quietly into her ear so that none of the hovering servants, courtiers, and pests could overhear. He didn’t trust his telepathy to penetrate her barriers. A few more kisses and no barriers would stand between them. Not even their clothes. “There will be moments we can steal away from them, but not often. All these people are a sign of respect for my authority as well as part of our security.”
    Assassination and betrayal had been a way of life for three generations in Coronnan during the Great Wars of Disruption. He liked to think he’d eliminated those factors. True power lay in maintaining peace not imposing war. But, he knew, many people—including some of his Council—hadn’t accepted that premise yet.
    Piedro had made it clear that he intended to end Quinnault’s reign by making it look as if he had murdered his own betrothed.
    But Piedro hadn’t acted alone. Who had hired the Rover?
    Quinnault checked the shadows for signs of unwanted intruders. There were a lot of shadows. ’Twas barely dawn outside. The interior of the keep was still dark and damp with night chill. Quinnault shivered inside his heavy tunic and cloak. Katie must be freezing in the simple shift that symbolized purity and her maiden status.
    His thoughts jerked to a halt. He hadn’t thought for a moment to inquire about previous lovers. Somehow, it hadn’t seemed