Prince, Prelude-Legend

By Claudy Conn

Seductive, powerful Lamia DuLaine is used to getting what she wants—and she wants Julian Talbot. From the moment she sees him in the hedonistic atmosphere of 1814 Brussels, she knows she must have the roguishly handsome lord, and nothing as inconsequential as an innocent chit of a fiancée will stand in her way. After all, Lamia has more than just beauty in her arsenal; a thousand years of living have given the DuLaine unparalleled expertise at manipulating humans, especially men.

Julian’s betrothed, Maxie Reigate, however, is more than just a simple, pretty miss; she has powers of her own—some of which even she doesn’t yet know about. And Maxie also has an ally in her corner: the Fae Prince of the House of Dagda.

But Prince Breslyn’s role in this battle may be limited, for he has another human woman to worry about, one who has been badly used by the Fae queen’s friend Gaisioch. Plus, Bres has promised his queen that in the matter of Julian, Maxie, and Lamia, he won’t directly interfere...but will he be able to keep that promise?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claudy Conn
• Release date: May 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476033815

Claudy Conn

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Claudy Conn is a multi published author who got her start with her bestselling historical/regency romances.She tells us that she fell in love with the fantasy/paranormal genre and created a world of paranormal.She hopes you will read and enjoy and join her on her facebook where she loves to interact with her readers.page.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudy-Conn-Paranormal-Romance-Author/135826686471445

Book preview

Prince Prelude—Legend

Breslyn’s mission was to observe and report—nothing more

When DuLaine first saw Julian Talbot, it was as though she felt the humanity in herself all at once, all over again. However, in reality more than a thousand years had passed; the humanity in Lamia DuLaine had been extinguished long ago.

She watched him. He was tall, and his black waves of hair framed a chiseled, roguishly handsome face. His deep blue eyes twinkled as he conversed and laughed with his companions, unaware of her stare.

She watched and chided herself. He was a man, only a man. However, there was something magnetic in his appearance, something glowing in his aura … something that made her feel suddenly alive. She could feel electricity vibrate off his body and fluctuate in a rhythm that penetrated to a place her soul had once occupied.

She couldn’t look away from him.

In that short space of time, she knew she had to have him. She had to walk beside him, lust with him, and make him her own!

* * *

The queen and Breslyn hovered in another dimension to observe the creature DuLaine and plan their strategy. At this point, the queen advised Breslyn, his mission was to observe and report—nothing more.

His silver eyes glittered with irritation and uncertainty. Observation isn’t going to be enough. At what point do we do something to avert disaster? For that is where the situation is headed.

You are too impatient, my Prince, said his queen softly.

The Queen of the Fae rarely took any deep interest in humans, for their lives were too short to concern her; however, these particular humans were different. Maxine Reigate and Julian Talbot mattered to her. She had carried her secret for centuries, and suddenly things were beginning to unravel indelicately. The matter had to be handled, and she trusted Prince Breslyn to aid her in this.

Breslyn, you must watch both the Reigate child and Julian for me. I have other proceedings to attend to in Council.

He looked down through the airwaves she had parted like a curtain and there saw Lord Talbot. He switched scenes and saw the woman he had come to think of as the beast: Lamia DuLaine.

We could arrange to have the DuLaine taken—that doesn’t break the Treaty exactly, now does it? I mean, she isn’t really human anymore.

The queen bristled. You know better. We may not play with Destiny. I trust in you to do this, Breslyn. And, my Prince, try and control that propensity you have for getting involved with humans. Use the Féth Fiada whenever you can. Remain invisible. Please do not become embroiled with these particular humans—understood?

For a moment he thought to argue. Humans were fascinating, and he loved interacting with them. He sighed over this edict. It would be most difficult—for how was he to protect the queen’s interests if he didn’t become involved? However, the prince nodded dutifully—though what she didn’t know, he thought, wouldn’t hurt her.

Also by Claudy Conn

Legend Series

Spellbound—Legend

Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette)

Shee Willow—Legend

Prince in the Mist (Novella)

Trapped—Legend

Free Falling—Legend

Catch & Hold—Legend

~

Through Time Series

Through Time-Pursuit

Through Time-Whiplash

Coming in June 2013: Through Time-Slamming

~

Shadow Series

ShadowLove—Stalkers

ShadowHeart—Slayer

ShadowLife—Hybrid

~

Hungry Moon Series

Hungry Moon: Quicksilver

~

Risqué Regencies

Myriah Fire

Oh, Cherry Ripe

Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

Taffeta & Hotspur

Wildfire Kiss

Runaway Heart

Netherby Halls

After the Storm

Lady Bess

Coming soon: Lady X (occult historical romance)

~

DarkLove (published by Wild Rose Press)

What reviewers are saying

about Claudy’s books

Spellbound—Legend: One hot and thrilling book

I fell for all three of the main characters, fun loving Maxie, dark and brooding Julian, and one hot Fae, Breslyn. However, it wasn’t just the characters that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was the entire involved plot that included jealously, betrayal, magic, murder, and, of course, hot passion … The well-written out mixture of myth and legend, not to mention the characters, all in today’s world has me Joyfully Recommending Spellbound—Legend as one book you won’t want to miss.

~ Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

Trapped Legend has my pulse skyrocketing!

A clever, fast paced, unpredictable blend of action, adventure, mystery, magic and steamy hot loving … I picked it up and couldn’t tear myself away from it until I read the last page.

I highly recommend each book in Claudy’s Legend series. You’re seriously missing out on some wonderful adventures if you haven’t read the previous stories. It’s by far one of the most exceptionally crafted, enchanting Fae series I’ve ever read.

~ Candice Stauffer, author

ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT

ShadowLove—Stalkers is filled with steaming action and dramatic tension … Claudy delicately plants the seeds for future development and characters without distracting from the excitement and romance of Stalkers. The result is that she has a paranormal, vampire series, of romance novels, which carries her own unique and spicy aroma.

ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT … and yes, I am blushing.

~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

Five Cups and a CTTR (Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommend) Award

ShadowLove—Stalkers is a story that immediately hooks the reader. It reminds me of a roller coaster just beginning, only to plunge into speed, drawing the reader into non-stop action. Intense and spellbinding, this paranormal romance kept this reader engrossed until the conclusion. I loved the passion and chemistry between the main characters. With tremendous action and well thought out characters, this fantastic read sizzles and sparks like a firecracker.

~ Coffee Time Romance & More

Five Stars for ShadowHeart—Slayer

This second in Conn’s Shadow series is filled with vampires, a vampire slayer, demons, wizards, a Fae prince and an unlikely romance. Claudy Conn does an excellent job of making this a standalone story while incorporating some of the characters from the first book and introducing us to several new characters. The war is still brewing and now the fae are becoming involved. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This is another one I couldn’t put down and read in a single sitting. I got so caught up in the action I was sad to see it end. Fans of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and vampire genres should enjoy this as well.

~ Wild About Bones on GoodReads

Advance praise for Lady Bess

Another 5 star adventure from the mind of Claudy Conn to take you down the rough road to romance and the battles along the way.

~ Jutzie, Amazon.com top 1000 reviewer

Five stars – If I could give this book a 10 I really would

Lady Bess grabs you from the beginning to the end. I had stopped reading historical romances but am so glad that I read this one. (I love all Claudy Conn's books especially her paranormal romances) … You’ll have to read this book for yourself and, believe me, you will just love this one! If I could give this book a 10 I really would. This book made me want to read more of historical romances again. Claudy Conn has a unique writing style, and her books grab you from start to finish!

~ Pisces40 on Amazon.com

5 out of 5 stars

Fanning the flames of Myriah Fire!

What was once an innocent, if rollicking, regency romance has exploded with passion as Claudy Conn revisits Myriah Fire to turn up the heat.

The addition of unbridled sexual passion to Myriah Fire’s strong story brings dimensions of maturity and depth to the struggles faced by Myriah and Kit, without diminishing any of the innocence, joy or charm found in the original story. This revised version of Myriah Fire allows Claudy’s regency followers to appreciate what her paranormal romance fans have discovered—mind-bending eroticism.

A truly captivating tale with a blast of added sizzle, Myriah Fire will kindle the flames of your heart and burn up the night.

~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

Love, love, love Myriah Fire!

It’s a brilliant, fast-paced, and ‘true to its title’, ‘going to catch you on fire’ romance. Looking forward to more! Hoping Claudy Conn plans to share more of her historical treasures with us.

~ Candice Stauffer, author

Myriah has always been my favorite

This is a sweet, funny, charming romance. The characters are likeable and the story is well told. I loved all of the Claudette Williams (now Claudy Conn) books, but this one has always been my favorite. I hope she will put out more of her backlist.

~ lmjolicoeur on Smashwords

5 Stars for Rogues, Rakes, and Jewels!

Being a huge fan of Jane Austen, with Emma and Pride and Prejudice being two of my favorite romance novels, I was thrilled when Claudy sent me her regency romance to review. This novel had everything: danger, a villain, twists, and more secrets between characters then I could count. I really enjoyed the story and the strong female lead. One thing that I will say about Conn’s Regency romance is this is no Jane Austen. There was serious heat in the book between the main characters. That just made this an even better Regency piece. I recommend it for a fun and delightful read. I will look to read her other Regency romances now.

~ Emily Walker’s Reviews

Prince

Prelude—Legend

By

Claudy Conn

Copyright Page

Prince

Prelude—Legend

By Claudy Conn

http://www.claudyconn.com

Copyright © 2013 by Claudy Conn

Edited by: Karen Babcock

Cover Artist: Kendra Egert

All rights reserved

Published in the United States of America

First edition, 2012

Smashwords edition

Second edition, May 2013

Excerpt of Spellbound—Legend

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Excerpt of After the Storm

Copyright © 2013 by Claudy Conn

Excerpt of Through Time-Pursuit

Copyright © 2013 by Claudy Conn

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Discover this and other titles by Claudy Conn at Smashwords.com:

Legend Series

Prince Prelude—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/159840

Spellbound—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96103

Aaibhe—Shee Queen – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110252

Shee Willow—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103389

Prince in the Mist – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104045

Trapped—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/112028

Free Falling—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92368

Catch & Hold—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124602

Through Time Series

Through Time-Pursuit – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210166

Through Time-Whiplash – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/292696

Shadow Series

ShadowLove—Stalkers – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63037

ShadowHeart—Slayer – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84350

ShadowLife—Hybrid – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/143173

Hungry Moon Series

Hungry Moon: Quicksilver – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/257284

Risqué Regencies

Oh, Cherry Ripe – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135532

Myriah Fire – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/109011

Rogues, Rakes & Jewels – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171997

Taffeta and Hotspur – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179452

Wildfire Kiss – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/221331

Runaway Heart – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/239110

Netherby Halls – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272171

After the Storm – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/282460

Lady Bess – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/310820

~ Prologue ~

ACCORDING TO THE humans’ Encyclopedia Britannica, Fairy is a race of supernatural beings who have magic powers and sometimes meddle in human affairs.

(I must agree, and I meddle more than my brethren.)

It goes on to explain that we are well known in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and that we are very powerful and sometimes dangerous beings who can be friendly, mischievous, or cruel, depending on our whim. Sadly, it is true.

The human reference advises that we occasionally take human lovers, as the Fae find human sexuality inviting and are drawn to the passion humans possess. However, it cautions, Fae, unlike humans, are immortal. True again.

History has called us the Tuatha Dé Danaan, and we’re also known as the Seelie Fae. I should like you to know more about who we are. You see, the truth is we came long before the written word put us in Ireland at 1000 BC, and we are so much greater than the written word can describe. We are, to a one, quite stunning—and I am even more captivating than my peers. In fact, let me describe myself. I am Prince Breslyn, last male of the Dagda line, which is one of the four Royal Houses of the Seelie Fae.

If you have read the Legend books or my first novella, then I need no introduction, but for those of you who haven’t yet read the series, I will give you a brief description of who and what I am.

As I mentioned, I am a Royal Fae Prince of the Tuatha Dé Danaan. I am a Council member (although I rarely attend the boring meetings). I am well over six feet six inches and taller than most male Fae, who are as a race quite unusually tall and warrior built.

My dark blonde hair is long, and I usually slick it back and keep it tethered at the back of my neck with leathers. My eyes are silver, my face chiseled, and I have been described by Fae and human alike as much more than handsome.

I wear a gold torque with the etchings of my Royal House—Dagda—and I like tattoos and wear a band of Celtic knots and ancient runes around my biceps.

What is really important is this: I adore humans, especially female humans.

That gets me into all kinds of trouble with my Queen Aaibhe, who feels that my interactions with humans are a break from our treaty and an infringement on the rules of Fate.

Five hundred years ago I fell in love for the first time with a human. Her name was Chartelle, and we were happy for a time.

When human life and immortal life meet, there is only one conclusion, and when it happens, the one left behind will find himself or herself heartbroken.

We Fae are rumored to lack the equivalent of a human heart. Untrue. I know, because my heart broke, and I grieved and went on missing my Chartelle for centuries.

Those centuries—just about five—were a blur, and had it not been for my young sister and charge, Aida, and her friend Ete, who in later years was appointed to sit on the Council, I think that first depression I felt would not have lifted.

A human friend, one of the MacCleans, said something once to me about ‘time healing’. For me that is totally incorrect: time doesn’t heal per say, but it does dull the pain of loss, a pain that returns in quiet moments when one least expects it to. I was suffering just such a discomfort when visiting the MacCleans in the year 1814 in their home in Scotland. They were entertaining, hosting a thing they called a ‘cotillion’, and I looked across the room and saw her …

Her name, I was told, was Destinee, and she was exquisite.

In fact, I could not look away. Her long black hair, black as the velvet night sky, was piled in dangling curls around her angelic face. Stars twinkled through the curls. Her heart-shaped countenance was classically beautiful, her eyes almond-shaped and bright blue, her neck long. By Danu, I started walking in her direction, thinking that the silk of her form-fitting Regency gown of blue needed to come off—and I was just the one to accomplish the feat.

She looked up, and our eyes met. I can tell you that I saw her catch her breath; I know I was breathing in short spurts of desire. I bent and took her white-gloved hand and brought it up even as I opened the buttons of the glove, found her flesh, and pressed it to my lips.

She blushed, and her lashes lowered. Sir! I must object.

Must you? I quipped as I started to introduce myself. My beauty … allow me to intro—

She cut me off. Oh, I know who you are, you are Lord Dagda, Breslyn. In fact, Lady MacClean spoke of you to me only this morning.

Did she? I frowned, for although her ladyship and I have been friends for all her life (the MacCleans all know the truth of who I am), I was not sure just what she would tell her female acquaintances.

Oh, yes … she says that you are the best of all good men.

As one can imagine, I was much relieved, as I had decided that this beauty and I must get to know one another. And you have the advantage of me—you know who I am, but I do not know who you are.

I am Destinee LaBlanc.

I must have frowned, for she blushed. I realized she saw I had heard the gossip; I hurriedly tried to put her at ease. That is a lovely name and suits you.

Lady MacClean has been very kind and has offered me a situation here. She, in fact, provided me with the clothes upon my back, for just before my father shot himself to death, he had lost everything … and had even gambled … She broke off and looked away.

I know—you needn’t speak of it. Yours is not the shame. It is on him. How a father can offer up his daughter … but Lord MacClean put a stop to it and brought you here to his wife, proving once again the worth of the MacClean clan.

Yes, and I am so happy to be able to assist with the children. They are all wonderful.

I wanted to take her into my arms right at that moment. I wanted to hold her, kiss her, seduce her, and tear the clothing from her delectable body so I could ram the hard-on beating in my pants inside her.

I saw at once, however, that she was a delicate flower, and thus, I made up my mind to do something else entirely. I decided to court Destinee LaBlanc.

* * *

The Regency time was an era of fashion, art, culture, and extreme social etiquette. It was also headed for war with Napoleon.

There seemed to be an urgency about the business of hedonism, especially in Brussels, where balls were being given nearly every night in spite of the pending war. And at those balls and soirees, hushed whispers centered on what Wellington was about to do or what information had just escaped the Home Office.

We were removed from the main hub of gossip in Scotland but peripherally interested all the same. I found myself more and more attracted to Destinee as time flew by during my courtship. For the first time in a long time, I wanted the woman, not just the bedding of her. You may ask at some point if I loved her, and to this day, I cannot tell you that I did. I most certainly wanted her …

You may recognize the name Gaiscioch. He plays a major role in the Legend series, and he and I were always at opposite ends of the Council, very much in each other’s way. He was a dear friend of the queen’s, and yet I had for centuries sensed an evil in him.

I should have known. I should have realized that day when I walked with Destinee in the village and he appeared and bent over her hand demanding an introduction. She seemed … taken with him.

He had not used compulsion on her, and still she seemed to like him. It troubled me. As I drove her home in the MacClean carriage, she said, He is very striking with that white streak in his hair … and so very handsome.

Do you think so? I felt myself stiffen and wondered how it was that both Fae and human females did not see past Gais’s good looks. He wasn’t even a Royal, but even in Faery, he captured Fae hearts. It annoyed the hell out of me.

She laughed, held my arm, and looked up into my eyes. Not, by any means, as attractive as you, my big handsome Lord Dagda.

Why do you never call me Breslyn? It was a sticking point between us.

It would not be seemly. I work for the MacCleans.

Whatever I wish is seemly, I answered. Say my name, Destinee—for I have a desire to hear it on your lips.

No, I shall not cross that line.

You will say it before this day is done, I answered, much annoyed with her. I clicked the horses forward and into a faster pace.

But I did not see her the remainder of the day, as she stayed with the children in the schoolroom and then later retired to her own chambers, not even emerging for dinner.

I went to Casey—Lady MacClean—and took her hand. Walk with me, Cass.

She fell into step with me as we took a tour of the halls of MacClean and said, Ah, has she rejected your offer?

My offer? No … I didn’t think she was ready, so I did not offer, I answered, a bit taken aback. Would she reject it if I were to offer?

Yes. She touched my cheek. "She loves you and thinks you the most handsome man in all of Scotland, but she is not in love with you."

Oddly enough, I was not hurt. I was taken with her and I wanted her, but love? I don’t think I was in love. I see …

She laughed and said, Yes, you do, don’t you … this is not the one, my darling Breslyn. She is but a diversion for you. She intrigues you more than any other female of your acquaintance, but you and I … we both know she is not the one.

I grinned; Casey always made me grin. She was full with child and was due any day, and I found her absolutely lovely. Aye then, but you are, my sweet.

What’s that? Shawn MacClean—a big brute of a Scotsman, Casey’s husband, and one of my dearest friends—shouted out as he came down the hall at us. I’ll thank ye to get yer grubby hands off m’woman!

I didn’t know at that moment why Destinee had remained above stairs. I didn’t know that she had a visitor who had decided to hurt us both.

I didn’t know what Gaiscioch had done …

Until the next morning, when Shawn stormed through the castle and grabbed me by the shoulders to exclaim, Casey is beside herself! Ye must do something, old friend.

Anything—what is it?

The LaBlanc chit is gone, and she left a note saying that she is off with someone called Gaiscioch.

Damnation and bloody hell! I’ll have his neck for this, I will.

He is a Fae then? Shawn asked on a dark look.

Aye, and for the moment, there be naught we can do, for, Shawn, I fear she went with him of her own free will. I shook my head. I saw her face when she met him, and I saw the way she looked at him. He didn’t compel her, but to leave in this fashion …?

He must have compelled her in the end. She would not have gone with him otherwise, would she?

I wasn’t sure at that point, and so I went with Shawn to her room. There I saw the evidence of their night of lovemaking and imagined the promises he must have made