Kiss of the Dragon (36 page)

Draco shook his head to clear it of such painful thoughts.
He had to keep his mind on the problem at hand. He had the task of ridding
Castle Neige of an assassin.

“I think it best you returned to the castle.” When Jabulani
would have objected, Draco slashed his hand through the air to still his words.

“You have been found, Jabulani. If we know that you still
live, then the assassin could very well find out as well. It would seem that
you have more to lose than just your life.” Draco looked pointedly at the young
woman cradled beneath the large, muscular arm.

Jabulani’s gaze dropped to his wife and his eyes grew wide
as he realized what the nobleman was hinting at. “You should come back to the
castle. If this damned bastard does find out that you live, your life will be
forfeit for a certainty as well as anyone close to you.”

“No! I would never put my own in danger. I believe that your
finding me was luck. I must stay here and use what little anonymity I have to
help my Beauty. I know how to use the shadows. Nobody cares about a gypsy. The
Rom is good at becoming invisible when it is advantageous or desirable.”

“What of Lady Bianca? She misses you, Jabulani, and she will
have to know that you are unharmed and well.”

“And I miss her, but she will understand what must be done.
I am happy that she has finally found a man to care for her properly. I am no
longer needed there. And once I have fulfilled my duty to her, I will be moving
on with my family.”

Draco sat down on a fallen log and ran his hands through his
short black hair as the gravity of the situation hit him fully. His lady was in
jeopardy of being murdered by an unknown enemy. So far there was little information
to go on to stop that enemy. The only thing he did know for certain was that he
would be looking at every occupant of the castle whether it was a nobleman or a
servant. He would work his way through the lot as he determined who was guilty
and who was not.

Draco was a seasoned soldier with years of experience in
routing out the enemy and he had the reputation to prove it. He would go with
his gut instinct as he proceeded with his investigation. He would discover the
creator of this malevolent plot and eliminate him. Draco sighed deeply as he
rose to his feet and motioned for his brother to join him as he instructed
Jabulani. “I have to get back to Bianca. She is unaware of this plot and in
danger even as we discuss this matter. If you find out the villain’s identity,
send word immediately. I will do the same.” Draco paused before continuing,
“When we discover who it is, heads will roll and blood will flow.” He repeated
the adage that his sovereign was fond of quoting.

“I will send word the moment I find out anything. Do not be
surprised by the method of delivery. It will be effective if inconspicuous.”

“Good. Time is of the essence here. I feel it.”

“Yea. Keep my Beauty safe, Dragon.”

“I will protect her with all I have.”

They clasped hands and Draco turned to walk back to his
mount, his brother at his heels. Apparently Cynric had finally slaked his male
lust in the time it had taken Jabulani to show himself. He had appeared quickly
enough when the sounds of a skirmish had disrupted the morning peacefulness of
the encampment. But Draco was unconcerned about whether his brother had enjoyed
himself or not, now it was imperative to return to Castle Neige. Bianca would
be the most protected woman in all of the Provinces if he had to put every man
in his guard to stand watch over her every move. And when they were not
guarding the young Beauty de Neige, he would be. Draco would not leave her side
between dusk and dawn. No one would be allowed near her without his approval.

Bianca did not find Lord Draco when she descended to the
Great Hall. The hall was filled with many other guests who were breaking their
fast but he was nowhere to be found. She let Modesta lead her to the high table
where Lord Charles waited for them.

“I waited in the hope that you would join me for the morning
meal, dear ladies. I had begun to despair that you would not.” His gaze slid
over both woman but settled on the blushing Modesta as he took her hand and led
her to the table and helped her into her chair. He then assisted Bianca into
her chair before turning his attention on his future bride, treating her with
gentle manners.

“Have you seen Lord Draco this morning, my lord?” Her words
had a strange effect on him, causing him to pause. She glanced up and found
that he would not meet her eyes.

“Ah, yes, I recall now. He and his brother went for a
morning ride.” With that, he moved to Modesta’s side and taking her hand
brought it to his lips, taking his time kissing her. A sigh of pleasure escaped
Modesta as she gazed tenderly at the handsome nobleman who had captured her
heart.

Bianca hid a smile of amusement behind her hand as she
watched the by-play between the two. She was so happy for her cousin’s good
fortune. She would see to it that her father settled a large dowry on Modesta.
She would speak to him as soon as he was feeling better. His latest bout of
illness had not dissipated as she had expected. In fact, his health had
deteriorated at an alarming degree.

Even as these thoughts crossed her mind, a servant arrived
with a message requesting her presence in her father’s chambers as soon as
possible. For a moment, she stared at the missive and then she quickly made her
excuses to her cousin and the baron.

Bianca arrived at her father’s chambers to find Galen
waiting for her. “What is wrong? Is my father worse?”

“Her Grace requested that I examine the duke because he was
unable to rise from his bed this morn. I find it a bit strange that he has
become so ill in such a short time. I spoke with him only last night, his stomach
was bothering him a little but he had no other complaints. Come, my dear, let
us not keep your father waiting.” When they entered the room, they found
Heloise bending over her husband, speaking softly to him.

“The healer is here, my dear. I am sure he will know what to
do.” Heloise walked forward to meet Bianca and Galen, a look of deep concern on
her plump face. She was the picture of a distraught, loving wife.

“Galen, thank God you came so quickly. I fear the duke is
much worse. I am at my wit’s end as to what to do for him. My potions do not
seem to be working to ease his discomfort.”

At the mention that she had been doctoring her husband,
Galen raised a questioning brow. “What malady have you been doctoring him for,
Your Grace? I was not aware that he had more than a slight case of indigestion.
The diet I prescribed should have cured that.”

At his spoken censure, a dark flush of anger heated
Heloise’s face. With a great effort she managed to hold her tongue. Heloise did
not appreciate being criticized no matter that the one doing the criticizing
was a highly reputed healer.

“Heloise.” The weak voice coming from the bed drew all their
attention and the Duchess turned back to attend her husband.

“Rest, dear. Do not overtax yourself. Sir Galen is here as
well as your daughter.”

Her gaze swung to Bianca whose attention was focused solely
on the haggard man lying in the bed. Heloise’s gaze narrowed as she took in the
Beauty de Neige. The older woman was jealous that her stepdaughter managed to
look so lovely even in her distress. The boil of hate that had been festering
deep within her soul was near to bursting. And when it did, the poison would be
far-reaching. It would not be long, she promised herself.

Soon, my little beauty, soon.

An ominous chill swept over Bianca as her violet gaze met
the icy blue one so filled with hate. The abhorrence shocked her. Never had she
faced such malevolence. She moved closer to her father, bending down to kiss
his gaunt cheek.

“I love you, Father. Do not die.” Her whispered plea was for
her father’s ears alone.

He raised his hand to capture hers, squeezing it in a weak
gesture.

“Do not cry, my little Bianca. I am not about to die before
you are wed.” A fleeting smile touched his lips before his eyes closed and he
slept. Tears filled her eyes at the show of affection Bianca had missed so
dearly. She touched her father’s cheek lovingly before turning to the old
healer.

“Can you help him, Galen?”

“I will do what I can. Wait by the door, Bianca.”

Bianca nodded her head, but she did not move for a long
moment as she gazed down at her father’s face, lost in memories of her
childhood with her father being her only parent. They had been happy days,
those days that now seemed so long ago.

“Bianca.”

Her head jerked up at the sound of her name. She met Galen’s
eyes, warm with understanding and affection. “Go sit by the door until I am
finished here.” His tone was commanding but gentle. She obeyed him
unquestioningly.

After a thorough examination, which lasted for some time, it
was apparent that Galen was perplexed by what he found. He drew Heloise aside
and spoke quietly.

“What have you been giving him for his indigestion?”

“Only small doses of calamine and whort root. Willow bark
simmered in hot tea for his stomach pain. Nothing you would not have
recommended.” Her answers seemed honest and the remedies common but there was
something wrong here. Galen studied Heloise’s face as he asked, “Are you sure
that you have not given him anything that might make his malady worse?”

“Of course not!” But as Galen continued to look at her,
Heloise lost some of her usual composure. “What are you suggesting, sir? I
would never harm my husband!”

A gasp from behind her brought Heloise’s attention to Bianca
who had been waiting patiently for a diagnosis from the healer. In an attempt
to get Galen’s focus off her, Heloise raised an accusing finger and jabbed it
at Bianca.

“Too many apples, I am sure of it!” The words held an
outrageous accusation.

Bianca was horrified by her stepmother’s words. For some
reason Heloise wanted the blame for her husband’s illness to be placed on her
stepdaughter. She wanted Bianca to think that the fresh fruit she had picked
for her father had somehow made him grievously ill.

Bianca stared at her stepmother, watching as the woman stood
there making veiled insinuations, refusing to believe that any one could be so
ignoble, so evil. For a poisonous barb, it was the sharpest Heloise had hurled
at her so far and this one hurt her deeply, as she was sure her stepmother
intended.

As Galen watched her, Bianca crossed the room and stood next
to the bed. Resolutely, she refused to acknowledge the vicious suggestion that
her stepmother had just made. He glanced back at the haggard nobleman who lay
beneath the red velvet portiere of the enormous canopy bed as pale as the lacy
white linen he lay between. He retired from the room.

A short while later, Bianca found Galen breaking his fast in
the Great Hall. She questioned him about her father’s condition, but he had no
answers for her. She knew he had suspicions about the potions Heloise had been
giving her father. But like her, he was in no position to make accusations.
There was no proof Heloise had done anything to injure the duke. Galen finished
his meal and together they made their way up to his chambers were he looked in
on his youngest patient, Theron.

Bianca was relieved to find that that the young page was
recovering and would most likely be out of bed in another few days, to be
spoiled by several of the maidservants who had taken quite a liking to the
young orphan boy. Bianca spent a short while talking to him and reassuring him
that he was safe. Whatever had happened to him had wounded not only his body
but his mind as well. He had been so afraid to be left alone that Galen had sat
with him most of night after Theron had regained consciousness. He would
recover from his physical injuries. Galen had told her so. She would have to be
satisfied with that for now.

Bianca spent the rest of the morning looking for Draco to
tell him the good news, but he had not returned since he had left early this
morning. She had asked several knights if they had seen him but no one had. It
was afternoon before she began to panic.

She began to believe that he had mounted his great black
steed and ridden out of her life forever, never to return. But before the
thought could take hold, she calmed down enough to do some checking around the
stables and found out that Lord Draco and his younger brother had let it be
known before they left that they had gone hunting, just as Lord Charles had
told her. She was relieved to have this reaffirmed. Her confidence in their
personal relationship was shaky to say the least.

After having an amazingly difficult day, Bianca did not
think that she could take any more bad tidings. All she desired was to feel the
strength and warmth of Draco’s arms wrapped around her and the taste of his
sweet kiss upon her lips. But since she was in need of something to occupy her
mind until he returned, she decided to take her palfrey out for a ride. It was
not the usual time of the day that she like to ride, but it was something to do
and she needed the time to herself to clear her mind and think.

She found Leia preparing her wardrobe for the evening meal
when she returned to her chamber and, with her help changed into an old gown.

“I will be back in time to dress for supper. Do not tell my
stepmother where I have gone. I have had enough of the woman for one day.”

“Do not concern yourself about the duchess, my lady. I know
how to keep out of her way.” At her maid’s reassuring words, Bianca picked up a
pair of well-worn leather gloves and stole out of the castle. She made her way
to the stables managing to avoid anyone who would slow her down.

Glace, her little white palfrey, nickered noisily when she
saw Bianca. It had been with much joy that Bianca discovered her little mount
had made her way home safely after she had been ripped from her saddle by the
outlaws in the forest. Now Glace met her with impatience, stamping her forefoot
as she waited for her mistress to retrieve her bridle and saddle. It had been
several days since she had had the courage to ride out of the safety of the
castle walls and across the verdant green valley.

“Easy, ma petite. We will run soon enough and we will run
long and hard.” Her horse nudged her affectionately as she entered her stall to
saddle her. “Yea, it will be delicious to ride free with the wind once again.”

It was not hard to get out of the stables and through the
castle gate. In her old worn clothing and with her hair covered with a
kerchief, she was through the gate with no questions asked. Even if anyone did
recognize her, they merely waved at her as she rode by. Her people loved her
well and would do anything she asked. This was the case when she waved to Sir Gregory
who happened to be on guard duty at the portcullis this day. He smiled broadly
at her and waved her through.

“Do not go too far, my lady.” She nodded to let him know she
heard him.

With heart soaring and hoofs thundering along the well-worn
road, Bianca rode her horse hard and fast until they were across the lush green
valley and then she turned west toward the river Garonne. The afternoon sun
shone warm down on the rider and mount as they moved over hill and dale
reaching breakneck speed when they arrived at the flat, cultivated fields
beyond.

Bianca turned her mount north and made for higher ground
toward the bluffs that overlooked the Garonne. From there she could view the
river far below as it twisted through the valley, a sapphire ribbon between emerald
fields.

As she urged Glace up along the cliff edge, Bianca
unexpectedly discovered that she was not alone. She had just reached a small
grove of ash when a large gray stallion came out of nowhere straight for her.
Before she could guide Glace out of the way, the wild-eyed beast crashed into
them. Her palfrey and the gray went down in screams of terror and pain as
Bianca was thrown clear landing in a heap of tangled legs and skirt.

As she lay there fighting for breath, she watched as the
gray gained his feet and ran off with a wild-eyed, terrified Glace following
close at his heels. Bianca stared after the two mounts in consternation and
then she collapsed onto her back in the deep grass and cursed at the ill
fortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Damn you, Glace, how could you just run off and leave me
like this?”

The only answer she got was the sound of thundering hooves
receding into the distance leaving her with only the soft breeze rustling
through the grass and the leaves of the nearby trees. Grumbling a few choice
curses she had overheard a stable boy using, Bianca slowly gained her feet
moving carefully to make sure that she had not broken any bones. But it seemed
that the only thing to be truly hurt was her pride. She had always considered
herself as an excellent horsewoman and now she was left to find her way home
afoot with a bruised backside and scrapes and scratches on her arms and legs.

“Damn, damn, damn!” Her exclamation broke the silence around
her and then a thought came to her. She glanced behind her in the direction
from whence the wild gray had appeared. Had the horse been spooked and thrown
his rider? Without thought to the consequences of her actions, Bianca rushed up
the trail, intending to give aid.

But it was a powerful black stallion standing in the middle
of the path that stopped her in her tracks as she came around a particularly
thick bit of foliage. Bianca recognized Inferno instantly. As she drew closer,
the stallion began to dance away nervously, snorting and stamping the ground in
a threatening manner. She knew better than to approach the agitated horse, so
she kept her distance. Bianca glanced around for Draco, certain that he must be
near. A movement near the edge of the bluff caught her attention and she moved
closer. Lying on the ground with his upper body hanging dangerously over the
edge of the bluff was Draco. His precarious position had her hurrying to his
side. What in the world was he doing?