Free The Dragon’s Treasure by Caitlin Ricci Page B

had already sent the same impatient guard away twice, saying, “Go away and tell my father that we’re coming.” Truthfully, he was getting frustrated, too, but when he saw her in the dress, he forgot all about that and gave her a short bow, delighting in her soft chuckle as she curtsied. He offered her his outstretched arm, which she eagerly took as he escorted her to a meal.
    At the door though, they met Zorin, dressed in all black as usual and wearing a deep scowl across his face.
    “Zorin,” Faolan growled, instantly stepping in front of Isabelle to shield her from his view.
    Zorin smirked and tilted his head slightly, his onyx eyes trained solely on Isabelle. “Your father needs to see you for business. She is not to come this time after all.”
    “But he said—” Faolan quickly argued.
    Zorin’s harsh eyes shot to him and narrowed. “Your father told me to tell you. It’s an order by him. Leave the girl here and come on. I don’t have time for this.”
    “Selfish bastard,” Isabelle spat at him. “I wouldn’t want to go anyway if I have to breathe the same air as you.”
    Zorin openly grinned at her. “I can make it so that you’re not breathing at all then, Princess,” he suggested casually, placing a hand on his hip, just inches from the hilt of his sword.
    “Leave her alone,” Faolan snapped at him.
    “Then come with me,” he replied, his attention once again fixed on Faolan.
    Faolan nodded and sighed loudly, running a hand through his long hair. “Fine.” He turned to Isabelle and stroked her gently on the arm. “Go back to your own room for now. I’ll tell them to bring you and Caden something to eat.”
    He watched her smile at him before he walked away.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    Caden was resting peacefully so she kissed his cheek and left him alone.
    Back in her room, Isabelle slumped warily into the closest chair. Despite their budding connection, Isabelle felt as if she shared a bed with a complete stranger, which did very little to help her sleep at night. Even if they did have separate rooms. To add to it, the mountain itself set her on edge. This was the dragon’s territory and although she had yet to see one up close, she knew they were out there somewhere, just waiting to snap her up.
    While it was true that the worst stories she had heard about dragons had come from Andrew, it was also true that no one had ever said anything kind about the beasts to contradict him either. By all accounts, they were giant, highly intelligent predators that could outrun even the fastest horses and had a taste for young women. Not the sort of thing she wished to meet at night, which was why she never ventured onto the ledge.
    A knock from the open doorway caught her attention and she turned to look at the guard standing there.
    “Lords Thadius, has changed his mind and he and Faolan wish to invite you to a late meal to be served in the great hall in precisely one hour,” he said. With a stiff bow, he was down the hall before Isabelle could even open her mouth to reply.
    She didn’t feel up to having a formal meal, or any meal really, but by the way the guard had made it sound she had little choice in the matter. With a sigh, she pushed herself up from the chair. After slipping her feet into the matching shoes and quickly twisting her hair up into an elegant knot, she was ready to go.
    A different guard, she was happy to see, was waiting patiently outside her room when she emerged. After giving her a small bow, he silently escorted her through the many corridors until they were standing before a stone archway.
    Isabelle took a breath and nervously smoothed her dress. A chuckle behind her caused her to turn toward the guard.
    “You should relax,” he whispered. “Lord Thadius likes to make meals sound like a more formal affair than they really are. Just remember to eat slowly and don’t speak unnecessarily. You’ll be fine. Now get in there, our lord hates to be kept waiting.”
    “Thank