The Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon Read Free Book Online Page B

followed behind her. With the
rich buttery shade of her gown and the heavy gold jewelry at her
neck, her fair skin and silvery-blond hair, she was as dazzling as
the sunrise. Rhun heard the other men’s indrawn breaths and knew a
moment of fierce possessiveness. He would keep her safe! No man
would touch her!
    But by what right did he claim the role of
her protector? Was it because Arthur had charged him with the
responsibility, or because he felt in some way she already belonged
to him? A dangerous notion, and one that could easily lead him to
disaster. He must not forget his allegiance to his commander, the
solemn oath he had sworn. That oath must come before any feelings
he had for Eastra.
    Now she was walking directly towards him. He
frowned and shook his head faintly, trying to indicate it was
Arthur she must present herself to. Gradually, she shifted course
and approached the high king with a cool, regal grace. Arthur
greeted her with a bow, then said, “Princess Eastra, no matter what
you may have heard about us, we are not crude savages. As long as
Cerdic honors the truce, I promise you will be safe and well cared
for.”
    Bridei, standing a little behind Arthur,
immediately translated his words into Saxon. Eastra looked puzzled,
and Rhun wondered if she had not realized the implications of being
a hostage and was unsettled by the threat implicit in Arthur’s
words. But then she spoke in clear Briton, and he understood what
had confused her. “I speak your language,” she said. “I have no
need for anyone to translate for me.”
    Arthur looked surprised, then nodded. “I’m
pleased you know our tongue. Perhaps you will not feel so lonely
and isolated during your stay with our people.” He motioned to
Rhun. “This is Rhun ap Maelgwn. He will take you to a fortress in
the north where you will be safe.”
    Rhun bowed. As Eastra met his gaze, he
struggled to keep his face expressionless. Arthur said, “Rhun,
escort Princess Eastra to the cart she will ride in.”
    “Please.” Eastra put up her hand in an
imploring gesture. “I would rather ride astride.”
    “It’s a long journey.” Arthur regarded her
intently. “You might well be more comfortable in a cart.”
    “Nay, I would rather ride.”
    Rhun was impressed by her stubbornness, and
also relieved he would not have to stay to the back of the army
train with the slow-moving wains and other baggage. He smiled at
her, then thought better of showing such warmth. He wasn’t supposed
to know this woman.
    Arthur motioned for one of the young armor
bearers to come forward and take the lead of the packhorse from the
Saxon servant. Then he turned to Bedwyr, his captain of the horse.
“Find her a mount. Some beast with an easy gait, but enough spirit
to keep up.”
    Bedwyr nodded and hurried off.
    Arthur motioned across the field to Cerdic,
indicating with a formal salute that the hostage had been accepted.
Cerdic motioned back. Then the Saxons seemed to swallow up Mordred
as the mass of warriors moved back to the fortress. Beside Rhun,
Cador muttered an oath. “I don’t like it. I can’t help feeling we
have offered the seawolves a willing spy rather than a
hostage.”
    “Watch your tongue. Remember the woman.” Cei
motioned with his head toward Eastra.
    Cador barely spared a glance for her. “She
may speak our tongue, but she’s naught but a helpless female.”
    An angry retort rose on Rhun’s tongue, but
he bit it back. Let Cador ignore her and think her of no account.
She would be safer that way.
    Everyone began to move off. Arthur motioned
to Rhun. “Wait here until Bedwyr brings her horse.” To Eastra he
said, “Is there anything else you require, princess?”
    She shook her head.
    As soon as Arthur left, Rhun moved nearer to
Eastra and spoke in a low voice. “Do you mean to travel wearing all
your finery? Would you not be more comfortable in a plainer, looser
garment?”
    “Cerdic bid me dress as a princess.”
    “But did he not also