Pendragon's Princess

Prologue

Kingdom of Deverdoeu

In the early age of Anglo-Saxon Britain…

The dragon is coming! The dragon is coming!

They say the dragon prince eats his foes and that he breathes fire and burns entire villages with just a sigh. When he turns into a dragon, he flaps his mighty wings and uses his sharp talons to pluck people from the ground and then he gobbles them up.

Katriona slunk down on the bench, fearful at her sister’s words. Tears gathered in her eyes, and she stifled a whimper. She didn’t want to get eaten.

Aye, and when he takes his fill, he feeds the remains to his beloved dragon friend. All except the eyes. Eyes are his favorite.

Katriona stood upon the chair and screamed with a force from her toes to her mouth. The screech called her mother’s attention.

Sweet Goddess Frige, save me. Cease giving your sister a fright, Mali. She’ll wet her clothes again and I have only just changed her. Mama scolded her sister before she turned back to the chore of readying the keep for their imminent company.

Mali made a teasing face at her, stuck out her tongue, and snickered. Her sister always told scary stories of the dragon king and his son, the prince. Katriona always believed her too. Her sister was wise, being she was twelve summers, seven more than she.

Eat your morning fare, Katriona. We must make haste this day. If the Goddess Frige aids me, I shall get all readied in time.

But Katriona didn’t want to hurry. Fear kept her from eating. Their guests would soon arrive, and she swore she’d be on her best behavior. She promised Papa, and she always tried to keep her promises to him. Papa was the biggest, meanest, bravest warrior in the kingdom. Everyone had to obey him, and that included her four brothers and three sisters. Even Mama rarely disobeyed him unless he angered her.

Being the youngest of King Raedwald’s brood, Katriona often went unnoticed. That was well and good since she liked to listen to the adults. She heard Papa say Heloise, who was supposed to wed the dragon prince, did something atrocious. Not that she understood what atrocious meant. She felt sorry for her sister because Heloise was sent away. Many said she was the prettiest of her father’s daughters, but also the wickedest.

One day Katriona would be a lady and she wanted to be as graceful as Heloise, but she would never be as pretty, for Mali told her so many times.

Katriona slunk lower on the bench when the massive door of their keep opened with its loud creak. Papa returned. She held her breath and took a quick peek to see if their guests arrived. Mali told her the dragon prince had a scaly face and horns on the top of his head. Although she’d like to see that, the thought of it frightened her.

She was suddenly plucked from the bench and lifted high. Her squeal sounded only until she saw Papa’s face.

My wee Katriona. Why are ye hiding beneath the tablecloth?

She pressed her small hand on his whiskered chin and giggled at the tickle. Mali snickered from the other end of the table.

Her mother saved her from having to answer, Mali’s been telling her frightful stories again. Mali, you shouldn’t scare her. Now finish your meal and keep silent.

Papa gave her sister a look of disapproval. Katriona set her arms around Papa’s neck and smiled because Mali would get what was coming to her. Papa always punished her sister when she teased her. She hoped he’d send her to bed this night without supper. That would serve her well.

But he said nothing. Katriona let out a small sigh of disappointment.

Papa, why do I get the gift and Mali doesn’t? Is it because she’s bad? She’d heard Mama and Papa talking the night before, and they spoke about a gift she would receive. Yet they gave her nothing, and she wondered what it was. Perchance it was a new doll stuffed with Master Elman’s hay. He had the softest hay of all the farms near Papa’s lands. Or perhaps the gift was what she’d asked Mama for, a pup of her own.

Papa laughed boisterously. Oh, my sweet wee one, the gift isn’t something we give you. It’s something you’re born with. Aye, ye have the gift for I see it in your eyes. Your grandmother would be pleased, for you got the gift from her. You have her mark. Mama will give you the pouch and explain when you’re older, when you can understand. He kissed her forehead and smiled.

Katriona rubbed the leaf-shaped mark on her wrist. It bothered her not, but she was glad to be the only one bestowed with Grandmother’s mark. She was more interested in the gift though. But why can I not have it now, Papa? I want the gift now. What’s in the pouch?

Not yet, my sweet. We have no time to discuss this. Our guests are arriving. They’re coming up the last incline. We should prepare. He pressed her face back with a forceful kiss on her cheek. Ah, wee princess, are you excited to meet your betrothed?

She wasn’t at all excited. The dragon prince would eat her. Yet she wouldn’t disappoint Papa and nodded. If she was a good lass, maybe he’d give her the gift now instead of waiting until she was older. Mayhap the dragon prince wasn’t hungry. And perhaps he wouldn’t eat her.

Do I gots to meet him? Can I see him on the morrow?

Papa let out a bellowed laugh. Aye, my wee, Katy. This day, you will meet your husband. He shall be pleased with ye because you are the most beautiful lass in the kingdom.

Katriona couldn’t hold back her smile because Papa said that about all his daughters. Only Papa praised her beauty though. Mama always chastised him too, because she said his compliments would turn her head. She didn’t know what Mama meant, and so, she kept her head still and her gaze on her handsome papa’s face.

Let us hope Lord Pryce accepts her. I am disheartened, my love, at Heloise’s behavior. The lass fled with only a note of her abhorrence of the prince. What an embarrassment. I am gladdened we remedied the tragedy. Papa tightened his hold on her.

Mama folded a cover and set it aside. We must hold hope they accept Katriona. I worry for Heloise for there’s been no word of her whereabouts. I fear something dreadful happened to her. Do you deem she wedded the man she professed to love?

Papa frowned. She is no longer a daughter of my heart. Och, she likely seduced the lad and did so on purpose so she wouldn’t have to wed King Pryce’s son. Her man should’ve come and gained our approval before she hailed off with him. If I ever find out who he is, I will lay him through for defiling our daughter and causing us such turmoil. She did it just to be spiteful.

Heloise did no such thing. She wrote that she is in love. You know how foolish one can be when love is involved. I wish I knew she was safe and well. My darling, let us not speak of such matters in front of the children. All will be well. Besides, we didn’t name which daughter we offered in the treaty. Katriona is the only one unattached, for Mali’s betrothal is well placed. Graciously, the prince is only a half-a-score older than Katriona.

Papa grumbled, and Katriona felt the rumble in his chest. Aye, aye. By the time he takes Katriona as his wife, he will be a man, mature, and capable of protecting her. Still, I am not pleased to send my baby so far from home. The lands to the west are dangerous. But we need this treaty to keep our borders secure. I will not have our lands marauded again, our people killed, or those barbarians setting foot on our soil.

Be calm, my darling. Worry not, for the Pendragon’s will accept the treaty and the betrothal. Need I remind you, they want the treaty as much as we do? Mama took up the bowls on the table and said, Mali, wash your hands and take your sister outside. We will gather to greet our guests.

Papa set her on her feet. She skulked by his side and held on to the hem of his tunic. Katriona didn’t want to go outside, and she didn’t want to meet the dragon prince. Please, Papa, do I gots to meet him this day?

Papa smiled and caressed her face. Aye, my sweet baby, you do. He’ll be pleased with ye too, so cease your worry. You will bring him joy and laughter, for you always make me cheerful. Now be a good lass and stay with Mali.

Keep yourselves clean, Mama called when Mali took her hand. Stay away from the puddles for it rained earlier.

Katriona tried to pull away, but her sister held her hand in a tight grip.

Outside, many gathered near the keep. Their small kingdom was home to many families. Katriona usually liked celebrations and gatherings. Mostly because her parents were often kept busy greeting people or joining in the revelry. That left her free to wander. She liked the freedom and often got into mischief. Her siblings were all older, and they never played with her. She didn’t mind because she spent her time at the stables or in the barn.

The steward spoke of a new litter of wolfhounds that were born the day before, when he’d given his morning report to Papa. She was supposed to be sleeping, but she liked to rise early. Katriona often sat on the keep’s stairs and watched the bustle of servants and warriors in the early morning.

She didn’t want to meet the dragon king or his son. She didn’t want to be eaten either. What she wanted was to see the pups. If only she could sneak away when her parents were busy, but too many watched her.

Mali squeezed her hand and hurt her fingers. She tried again to dislodge her sister’s hand, but Mali wouldn’t let go. Her eyes widened when the most beautiful horses cantered into the courtyard. Some horse’s manes were cut short and stood straight like blades of grass during a dry spell of no rain. Others had pretty ribbons weaved with laces in the long tresses of the mare’s manes. She was in awe at the ladies who sat upon the horses too. They wore exquisite garments, gowns of beautiful colors which gleamed with beads and jewels.

Mama and Papa came out of the keep and stood at the base of the steps. Her brothers and sisters, those who still lived at home, took the second step. She and Mali stood behind them on the third step. That suited her just fine because she could hide behind her siblings. Once everyone focused on their visitors, she would sneak away. That was if she could get Mali to release her hand.

Papa’s booming voice rose in greeting the dragon king, Pendragon, my comrade, Lord Pryce, welcome. It is good to see you and your family. I hope the journey was uneventful, for you have arrived safely. He clapped the dragon king’s shoulder.

Aye, there was nothing of account on the journey, graciously the travel was swift. Lord Raedwald, old friend, it is good to be here and to see you again.

Katriona squeezed between her youngest brother, Raen, and her third brother, Eric, to see the dragon king for herself. She gasped and took hold of a lock of her hair and twisted it. The dragon king was taller than Papa and he looked meaner too. He had light hair and dark eyes, as dark as a dragon’s. He didn’t appear frightening except for his size. She craned her neck, her eyes wide in amazement.

Katriona watched the king present his family. After he introduced his wife, Queen Arrian, he turned and then the giant placed his hand on the shoulder of a lad. She held her breath, knowing he was the one she was supposed to marry–the dragon prince. Mama told her she would make him a fine wife, but Katriona didn’t understand what marry meant or what a wife did. She shook her head when the lad gawked at her.

Papa called her name and Mali shoved her forward with a poke between her shoulders. Katriona tripped on the edge of her frock and fell into Eric who caught her and set her to rights.

Mama practiced with her of what she should say and do, but she was too nervous and forgot everything. She fiddled with the ribbons that laced her frock and she clung to Papa’s leg.

My sweet daughter, Princess Katriona. He nudged her forward.

She has beauty and grace, Raedwald. We’re pleased with the treaty. Let us finalize the details and covenant over a drink, the dragon king said. I thirst for something strong, mayhap a cup of wine?

Aye, we have prepared a fine feast and have plenty of wine. Our ale is not bad either. Our brewer has made the sweetest mead as well. We shall celebrate this eve and lift our cups in cheer, Papa said and gestured toward the door.

Katriona wanted to close her eyes. She was sure the giant king would pluck her from the ground and take a bite of her. When she peeked at the lad, she remembered… She was supposed to lift her frock and bestow a curtsey. Her small fingers clasped the edge of her hem, and she raised it slightly. But she lost her footing and fell head-first toward the giant dragon king.

She screamed loud enough to wake Freyja, her favored Goddess. Katriona knew the goddess slept during the day and wove her magical love at night. At least, that’s what Mama told her. With her eyes scrunched, she felt herself being placed on her feet. When she opened her eyes, the dragon king’s eyes glared. He wasn’t pleased with her, nor were her parents. She heard their gasps of displeasure but she dared not to look at them.

The big man laughed, and his large hands released her. She breathed a sigh of relief when he didn’t set her near his mouth. The lad who stood with him frowned. A sob caught in her throat, but she couldn’t stop the rest. She wailed, and tears streamed her cheeks. The lad glowered. She didn’t think much of him either. He had to be as old as her brother Eric who was ten summers older.

From behind her tears, her blue eyes widened when he smiled. Well, it was as much of a smile as he would allow. The dragon king’s son was tall and his face wasn’t yet covered with whiskers like Papa’s. He had dark hair that curled. Mama told her that Papa scared her once and caused her hair to curl. She wondered what frightened the dragon prince enough to curl his hair. Maybe the dragon’s fiery breath or perhaps the dragon’s wide wings knocked him down? She wanted to ask, but she kept quiet.

She’s a beautiful lass and my son will honor her. Won’t you, Rhydderch?

The lad didn’t appease his father or acknowledge the question with an answer until his mother prodded him. Is she not lovely, Rhyder? Have you not a gift for her?

She’ll do as well as any, I suppose, he granted. He pulled a rope with a shiny object dangling from it and approached.

Katriona wanted to flee, but she also wanted to see what the object was. She tilted her head when he placed the rope over her head. The glint of the purple and white amethyst sparkled in her eyes.

His father grunted in approval. Come, we shall toast to our prince and his princess.

Papa walked next to the dragon king and all the others left her standing on the steps alone with the young dragon prince.

You’re a wee thing and gawky. Aye, you will listen to me, lass.

Bother you. I don’t have to listen to you unless Papa tells me to.

You’ll obey me starting now. I’ll be your lord and husband. Did I not give you a gift?

Katriona didn’t like the way he spoke, and she pouted her lips. Fie on you. I don’t want your gift. As much as she wanted to keep the stone, she pulled it over her head and tossed it back to him. She wouldn’t let him make her weep, but his abruptness made her want to cry.

She took off in a sprint and ran as fast as her little feet would carry her. Tears dampened her cheeks. The barn was just ahead. It was the perfect sanctuary. She’d hide there until the unwanted guests left, which she hoped would be soon.

When she entered the dark barn, the sound of puppy yips called to her, and she rushed to their pen. She’d forgotten all about them. There, four tiny gray wolfhound pups squealed and yapped. Their mama lay near and wagged her tail. She smiled gleefully and was about to reach for a pup when voices came. Katriona slunk back and hid behind a crate. They entered the barn and stood near the pen.

I tell you, Rhyder, I saw her come in here.

What do I care, Sawyer? Let her be.

The lass is too young to be left on her own. Your father commanded your protection of her. She’s to be your lady love, his friend chortled. Best start looking after her now.

Stop teasing me or I’ll thrash you.

Katriona hurried to hide in the upper loft. She took the rungs and climbed the ladder. They’d better not touch the pups. She sat at the edge of the platform overhead and watched them suspiciously and hoped they would leave. The dragon prince didn’t look as tall from where she perched on the platform.

At least she isn’t unsightly, Sawyer said and laughed. I’d wager she still wets her nappy.

She is fairly young. I’d rather not have her as my lady, but the choice is not mine. I don’t need a lass to help me rule.

Sawyer snickered and knelt next to the pen. He retrieved a pup and held it against his chest. She was about to call out because they were her pups, not theirs.

You heard what your father said on the journey. It’s a good match and alliance. Not only will our eastern borders be protected, but we protect their western lands. What does it matter? You have years before you will take her as your wife. Mayhap by then, she’ll grow bosoms? Sawyer snickered.

Rhyder ignored him and petted a pup. I know we need the treaty, but I don’t want her or any lass. I’d rather fight with the soldiers and lead my father’s army. But I must obey my father for he is the king.

She listened to their harsh words. Even if she barely discerned what they spoke of, she understood the vehemence in their tone. The dragon prince was angry.

That made Katriona happy. She leaned forward to peer at them and spotted the biggest, fattest, ugliest spider crawling in the nearby hay. Its black hairy legs moved fast, and she gasped and drew the attention of the dragon prince.

There you are. Come down here at once.

Katriona shook her head.

I order you to come down now. You will heed me.

Nay.

Nay? Rhyder sounded appalled.

I cannot. Katriona’s eyes widened as the vile spider moved closer.

You will obey me, wee lass. I won’t put up with your disrespect.

The spider moved even closer, and she crept sideways, nearer the edge of the platform.

Sawyer had a good laugh. You should beat her for her disobedience.

The dragon prince turned a dark glance at his friend. Be quiet, Sawyer, you’re scaring her. Lass, come down before you hurt yourself.

She gulped a breath when the hairy spider ran up a board two inches from her arm. Katriona flung herself backward and tumbled through the air. Her eyes squeezed shut and her arms and legs flailed.

The dragon prince caught her.

He held her in his arms.

Sawyer laughed and filled the barn with his loud chortle. ’Tis a good start, Rhyder, she’s already falling for you.

Rhyder glared at his friend and set her on her feet and brushed hay from her hair. Are you harmed?

She shook her head. There’s a big spider up there. Kill it.

Sawyer grinned and said, She’s already giving you orders.

Rhyder shoved his friend’s chest and took the ladder. He smashed his hand against the spider. There, lass, it’s dead. He climbed back down. Killing a spider is nothing compared to taming a dragon.

Katriona screamed loud enough to evoke the God Thunor and ran from the barn, positive the dragon prince was getting hungry.

Chapter One

Dinas Emvys Hamlet, Britain

Fifteen years later…

Wails resonated from below. Rhydderch Pendragon, Rhyder to those closest to him, lord of all the lands within a two-day ride, stood with his hands on the wooden rail along the overlook of his solar. As far as the eye beheld, rocky slopes trailed downward toward the great waters. Barren crags buffered the hale winds from the vast sea. Caves speckled the edifice of the mountainous incline and housed creatures of great renown. One of which Rhyder held dear. Shrisy, his beloved dragon, hadn’t shown herself in days. Her absence worried him because all Rhyder had to do was whistle and his friend would come.

Shrisy was the last of her line. Someday soon, there’d be no dragons to bring good fortune to his lands. In the years since their arrival, his family coveted the prosperity the dragons brought. Instead of fearing them or killing the creatures, his ancestors befriended them, worshipped their strength, and found them to be tame. That was unless something irked the beasts and riled their tempers. Dragons had fierce tempers and training them to do one’s will wasn’t easy for the beasts had minds of their own. Yet his friendship with Shrisy was coveted, even if his dragon wasn’t always obedient.

He leaned over the protective rail of the overlook and searched for Shrisy. With a shrill whistle, he called again, but his dragon didn’t show herself. He heard nothing but the wails he’d caught in the wind the last few days. Even though he couldn’t see Shrisy, the yowls confirmed what he’d suspected. Rhyder feared age might be his dragon’s woe.

Your Grace, we were to meet in your chamber this morning.

He turned at the voice of his longtime friend and commander-in-arms, Sawyer, and nodded. Aye, I must’ve forgotten.

It’s unlike you to forget anything. No matter, we can speak here. Sawyer leaned against the rail and peered below. His dark, almost black eyes, surveyed the land beyond. What kept you, your vigilance for Shrisy?

I awoke early and exercised my sword arm. These days I get little use with the sword for it’s the truth, I wield a quill more than a sword. Rhyder glanced back at his friend before he returned his gaze to the incline.

It’s the forfeit of ruling the kingdom and overseeing an army. There’s no sighting of Shrisy yet? Sawyer set his hands on his hips in a stance he often took.

None and I loathe to admit my worry…

Your worry is warranted, Your Grace.

Rhyder shook his head. I told you not to address me formally when we’re alone. You’ve been my most trusted friend for years. We’re practically cousins since my uncle took you as his son when he found you and raised you as his own. He regarded his comrade’s unkempt garments and his black hair scraggly as if he’d been on the trail for a fortnight.

And grateful I am that your uncle happened upon me. I wish I remembered that day, but I was newly born. I would have perished in that bog, if not for my father.

Uncle David favored you and said he was blessed with the bravest of lads. Rhyder smiled and recalled fondly his uncle’s benevolent nature. Sawyer had more of a cynical and unforgiving arrogance, the complete opposite of the man who had raised him.

Sawyer laughed and stood near. Och, well, since I was his only child, he would’ve boasted of my prowess. You are my king and I won’t be insolent, Your Grace. Shrisy still won’t come at your call? Is there nothing we can do to lure her from the cave?

Nay, there’s nothing. I shall think about it and will find a way to entice her to come. Either that or I will need to scale this wall and find her myself.

Such a thing would be mighty risky and dangerous. It is too windy to try such a feat. At least, await until the weather calms. You might reach her by way of the beach. Some caves are accessible from the sands. Best wait until the beast is ready to come out or perhaps bait her with a fat deer.

A deer would entice her if it was tethered near the caves. I sense Shrisy is hurting and needs aid. Her woe fills my soul. I must find her and help if I can.

Even if you might find her, Your Grace… What could you do to aid her?

Rhyder closed his eyes in objection to such a thought. The matter brought forth his frustration, and he’d gotten little sleep in the last few days in ponder of a solution. Restlessness overtook him. I don’t know, but I must do something. I cannot let Shrisy die without at least offering comfort.

I detest then to burden you with more ill-tidings.

What is it? He continued to peer over the edge of the rail, and his jaw clenched in defeat.

Another man was found murdered in his bed.

Rhyder fisted his hands. Intense anger came upon him and forced a harsh breath from his nose. Another one? That makes four men in my army killed in their beds within a fortnight. What is going on?

I know not, Your Grace. Someone is intent to lessen your army. Greyor was stabbed whilst he slept. His family will lay him to rest on the morrow. Men are hollowing the ground now for his descent.

He shook his head in disbelief. "Why would someone in my kingdom want