Free Guardian of His Heart [Guardian 2] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) by Lacey Denair Page B

outside door and went through. Just as she stepped outside, the men and boy children followed her out. That left Prince Domenic “Saber” inside.
    With his orders from the king, Mason had his men begin their assault at 10:00 p.m. that same evening, four hundred heavily armed troops entering four secret doors in the palace. Under his guidance they scattered, going into rooms the mercenaries didn’t feel needed guarding. At 11:00 p.m., the battle began. Mason and the king’s troops did not hesitate. They cut through the men, who betrayed their king, like butter, still outraged at what had happened to their brothers. They killed Margaret’s guards, showing them the same mercy they had shown the king’s royal guard, killing even those drugged after waking them up. They were made aware what was coming. Mason saw to it personally.
    Prince Domenic was located right where Mary told the king he would be.
    The wood in the door of Saber’s new quarters creaked, and he could hear the rattle of keys. The door opened, and in walked Mason.
    “Nice place. I love what you’ve done with it. Well, if you’re quite done vacationing, your father wishes to speak with you,” Mason said, dryly looking around.
    “Am I glad to see you, old friend,” Saber said as he threw his arm around the other man. “Yes, let’s go see my father. Tell me quickly. I must know. Where are my mate and children? Have they been harmed?”
    “Calm, prince. They are fine, with your father and eagerly awaiting you. Now quit dragging your ass, and let’s go. Unless you really like it here.” Mason laughed.
    The two men walked out to greetings. The troops were relieved to see their prince, battered, having taken a good beating from Margaret’s men, but alive.
    The residual fighting continued for hours until the last of the mercenaries surrendered. As Margaret’s men were so fond of stating, it was dragon custom, so they, too, were shown no mercy.
     
    * * * *
     
    As Mary watched from a peek hole in one of the secret passways, waiting for the right time, she finally saw her chance.
    Margaret’s parents rose that Saturday morning around 8:00 a.m. The now “dowager empress” had her royal consort order breakfast, which he enjoyed making into a great production.
    A short while later, a small woman with a rolling cart entered their sitting room, placing their breakfast on the table by a large bookcase then shuffled out slowly. With nothing amiss, the royals leisurely ate their breakfast, content with their status in the world. They only complained about not having enough butter on their toast and the coffee getting cold three times. Within fifteen minutes after drinking the hot coffee that Mary the “servant” carried to them, they were sound asleep, having been drugged. When Mary entered the room to see if the royals needed anything else, she discovered they, in fact, did not. The two were unceremoniously dragged down to the basement and locked into palace jail cells.
    At 10:20 a.m. Her Serene Highness Empress Margaret—as of last night she decided she would now be addressed—rose from her bed, stretched, and ordered her breakfast. Her Majesty’s breakfast was delivered by a small woman, who, when dismissed, shuffled from her room, taking her rolling cart with her. Thankfully, Margaret didn’t see the large smile on Mary’s face, once again having waited for her chance to “serve” her empress.
     
    * * * *
     
    Between two to four hours later, the ex-royals awoke in entirely new surroundings. Gone was the majesty they had coveted, and in its place were jail cells, gray and cold. Saber had instructed the guards to make sure everything was locked up tight, and then they left the three to their respective cells as Margaret screamed, ranted, and raved until her voice finally died. The Empress Margaret undoubtedly had the shortest reign in recorded history, having sat on the dragon throne for four days. No further lives were lost within the king’s