Vampire Legacy (Book 4 of the Dragon Heat series) by Ella J. Phoenix Read Free Book Online Page B

narrowed his eyes at her. “What are you implying, Lady Natalia?”
    She regarded Petran with suspicion, as if she hadn’t yet decided if he was trustworthy or not.
    “I told you before, milady, from what I’ve seen, I am the only one who is willing to listen. So please, speak.”
    She exhaled a resigned breath then continued, “Dragons are not susceptible to illnesses, your majesty, because our scorching body heat kills any germs or bacteria before it becomes strong enough to be lethal. The only way it could still be affecting my father is—”
    “Through continuous exposure,” Petran finished the sentence for her.
    She nodded. “I have treated many cases while volunteering at the convent in England in my formative years. The pattern I have noticed in this disease is very similar to some…” She paused and pursed her lips once again.
    Petran took a step closer and softly brushed her arm with his hand. “Natalia,” he whispered. “You can trust me.”
    She swallowed dry then took a step back, freeing herself from his touch. It was a subtle gesture, but failed to pass unnoticed by Petran. “The pattern is similar to some poisons used in warfare against our kind.”
    “What of the tea you’ve been giving him?” He asked. “It seems to help.”
    She nodded, moving to sit by her father’s side. “Yes, it helps to calm him but the outbursts are getting stronger, and more frequent. It’s not a good sign.” A choking sob muffled her last words.
    It was only then Petran realized just how brave Natalia had been—her father was dying, she was about to be promised in marriage to a tyrant and her land had been stricken by a curse. Nonetheless, this was the first time she’d ever showed any weakness. She was truly a warrior in her own right, worthy of a sword and shield.
    A tinge of regret prickled his heart. It would be a shame to cause her harm.
    “Have you shared your thoughts with your father?”
    She nodded affirmatively.
    “And what say him?”
    “That I am just a female who knows not of royal politics,” she replied in a slightly bitter tone. “Maybe he’s right. Maybe I’m just trying to find a way of not feeling so helpless.” She covered her face with both hands, trying to hide her tears.
    Oh, Mighty Soartas, what have you brought me into?
    Petran stepped forward feeling a strange warmth in his heart he cared not to admit. He didn’t want to get too involved but couldn’t stop himself. Furthermore, if Lady Natalia was right and Somenski was being purposely poised, then, Petran’s troubles were just beginning.
    He stroked her raveled locks, trying to comfort her. When she looked up at him, he crouched in front of her and gently wiped her tears with the back of his fingers. “Cry not, my dear,” he whispered. “I promise I’ll find out if your father is being poisoned or not.”
    Her grey eyes widened in surprise. “Would you do that?”
    He nodded.
    “Thank you,” she replied, “thank you so much. She released a long breath of relief, as a few tears rolled down her rosy cheeks.
    “But in order to do that,” Petran remarked. “I need to find out who would profit from his death.”
    She nodded and her gaze went cold. “I believe we both know who that is.”
    He shook his head. “Kalaur already has your hand in marriage, he doesn’t need your father’s death.”
    “He owes my father a small fortune in unpaid maritime fees,” she added.
    Oh, that little piece of news changed everything.
    “Kalaur has been having trouble paying his bills for the past year.”
    Petran nodded, taking in the news. “And if there is something your father never forgets it is an unpaid bill.” He stared at her grey eyes, and saw a depth of confidence he wasn’t expecting. “I understand the gravity of this situation, milady, but we need to have irrefutable evidence before accusing a Draconian Lord of plotting the murder of a fellow senator.”
    As if on cue, Somenski stirred on the bed. He was