War of the Princes 02: Dragoon by A. R. Ivanovich Read Free Book Online Page A

strong swimmer, but the ocean could be as violent and unpredictable as any Commander.
    “ You may be able to commission a ship at the harbor. But what if you cross the Prince's army? What then?”
    “ I really don't know.”
    “ It would be worth considering,” was his understatement. “I see your eyes have chosen a color. That'll help.”
    “ It wasn't a good enough disguise to trick you. How did you find me so quickly anyway?”
    “ My men stumbled upon something of yours. After that, it was only a matter of searching the city.”
    I tilted my head to one side. “What did you find?”
    Lord Brendon sat up in his chair and projected a single word . “In!”
    The doors behind me swung open and a group of people jostled into the room. Four of them were guards, and three of them were Kyle, Ruby and Sterling.

 
    C hapter 8: The Terms
     
     
     
     
     
     
    And just like that, I stepped firmly onto the hardened soil of my worst nightmare. My shock boiled down to fury within seconds. Ruby was clearly terrified, and stared frequently at the guns and swords worn by the guards. Sterling jerked his arm away from the clutches his captor, glaring with defiance. Kyle, meanwhile, just stood there smiling guiltily at me, with a hint of mischief in his eyes. Their hands were bound in front of them. Kyle waved awkwardly.
    I wanted to kill them.
    I wonder if I could get away with it. What's the penalty for murder in Breakwater?
    The headlines popped up in my imagination . After meeting for peaceful negotiations, Haven's first diplomat kills three. Taking in a breath, I attempted to steady my nerves, and turned back to face Lord Brendon.
    “ It appears that you were followed,” he observed.
    You're kidding me, Common-Lord Obvious.
    “Judging by your expression, you didn't expect them.”
    “ Nope.” I said, battling hysteria.
    Shaky words came tumbling from Ruby. “W-we were trying to–”
    “ A moment,” Brendon said, silencing her. “When we found them, they mentioned your name. I assumed correctly that you’d be drawn to the site of the fire, hideous as it is. Are these the people you seek, Miss Kestrel?”
    I wished they were. We’d be back in time for dinner and it’d be scones and celebrations for everyone. “No. But they are friends of mine.”
    “You keep reckless acquaintances, but then, the fish is never far from the shoal.”
    Whatever that means.
    I fought against the desire to look back at them. Their fates were up to me now. I couldn’t show weakness. “Are their restraints really necessary?”
    “They are , until I decide otherwise.”
    I swallowed. “You won't hurt them will you?”
    Brendon leaned onto the arm of his chair and looked at me like I was a colossal moron. “No, I won't. Though, it seems to me, on a mission such as yours, it would be a poor choice to bring other people that Prince Raserion would like to capture,” he mused.
    “I agree completely.”
    “ No matter. The cards have fallen and we must play our hands, such as they are. These foolish friends of yours may be of help, provided you can trust them,” Brendon said, resting his knuckles on his desk. “Will any others be joining you?”
    “ I don't think so,” I answered through my teeth.
    “ If they do come, give me your word that you will assure them that Breakwater is no threat.”
    His confidence in me was staggering. I wasn’t exactly an influential force in Haven. I was a nobody, but I’d do my best anyway. “Of course. I mean, I promise.”
    Lord Brendon looked us over and shifted in his hardwood chair. “ Rummel, Eley, take these four to the port veranda and see that they get some food. Their bonds can be removed when they arrive.”
    The guards bowed their heads in acknowledgement. “Yes, Lord.”
    I exhaled with relief, and began to walk toward my friends.
    Before I reached them, Brendon stopped us all short. “Wait.” His somber frown suggested that he was wrestling with a concern. “Remove their bonds