The Dragon Prince - Dragon MM Romance

By S.J. Smith

Prince Kirian is in danger. His uncle Silas has staged a coup–seeking to depose Kirian's father as king. Only narrowing managing to escape, Kirian becomes a fugitive as he seeks to travel west where he will find safety with his grandfather Sarkan, the ruler of Castle Drakon. Aiding Kirian in his quest is jaded mercenary Arken, and loyal young nobleman Tabor. With Arken's sword and Tabor's bow to keep him safe, Kirian must try and outwit and outrun the hunters that Silas has set after him. However, Kirian is not without powers of his own–his family is sometimes blessed with shape-shifting abilities, the power to transform into a dragon. As he seeks to save his family and unlock his powers, Kirian is on a quest to become The Dragon Prince.

A Standalone Short Story with No Cliffhanger!

• Language: English
• Publisher: American Shapeshifter Romance
• Release date: Nov 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386623045

Book preview

The Dragon Prince

Chapter 1

A pie and some ale please... ordered Arken, taking a seat at one of the stools at the inn’s bar. His stomach and his irritable horse had told him that it was time to stop. The Drunken Pony seemed like a sensible choice.

What news do you bring? asked the worried-looking innkeeper, placing a tankard of beer in front of Arken.

I bring no news... replied Arken without expression, taking an eager slurp from the tankard. I’m just here for some food.

These are troubled times, sighed the innkeeper dramatically, bustling around to plate up one of the pies that had been warming beside the fire. I rely on travelers like you to keep me up to date with the affairs of the world.

I’m afraid I have no interest in the affairs of the world, shrugged Arken, focusing his attention on the pie and ale in front of him.

There are rumors of a coup, continued the innkeeper, seemingly happy to carry on the conversation without any support from Arken. Although, I don’t know what to believe any more. There are so many conflicting stories. But I had heard that there was always trouble between the King and his brother Silas.

Arken remained silent.

What brings you to Garnet Valley? asked the innkeeper.

I’m just passing through, shrugged Arken blankly.

You’re carrying a sword...and you’re certainly not dressed like a laborer or a trader... observed the innkeeper. If you asked me I’d guess that you were some kind of mercenary...

No one is asking you, growled Arken darkly.

There was the sound of horses, the noise of a party arriving at the rear of the inn. Giving up on his inquisition of Arken, the innkeeper went out to see what was going on. Arken resolved to finish his meal quickly and get back on the road.

I’m sorry to disturb you, whispered the innkeeper conspiratorially, as he returning cautiously to the bar, but there’s someone here that I think you should meet.

I can’t imagine that anyone would have much interest in meeting me, growled Arken, tired of the innkeeper’s chatter. Who is it?

Shhh... cautioned the innkeeper. You must be discreet; these are dangerous times. The innkeeper gave a less than subtle signal to someone who was evidently watching from the door behind him.

A man appeared beside the innkeeper. He said, What’s your name, mercenary?

Who wants to know? replied Arken insolently, fed up with the intrigue that had disturbed his lunch.

I am Davidon–a loyal servant of King Ludus, ruler of Garnet Valley, announced the man importantly. I have an important mission that will be well-rewarded, but I need to know that you can be trusted.

I have no interest in the affairs of the Vacheron family, replied Arken.

I will pay you well. It’s a simple job. You will walk away a rich man. said Davidon.

What exactly are you asking me to do? asked Arken.

A simple delivery... explained Davidon. I will pay you half now and half when the package reaches its destination safely. I will pay in gold.

If it was all so simple you wouldn’t be paying so handsomely for it to be done, snarled Arken. What’s the package and where does it need to go?

To Castle Drakon, ten days’ ride from here, explained Davidon.

Ten days? laughed Arken, Only if you don’t stop to sleep or eat! Where’s the package?

It’s here... confirmed Davidon. A small figure stepped out from behind Davidon, his face covered by the hood of his robe. It was a handsome young man, aged around twenty.

A man? You want me to deliver a man? demanded Arken incredulously.

Not a mere man, corrected Davidon. "A prince. This is Prince Kirian, the only child of King Ludus."

Listen, shrugged Arken. I don’t know what’s going on up at Castle Vacheron, but I am not signing up to be a babysitter, you’re going to have to find some other sucker to help you out with this. I’m a soldier, not a courier.

Please sir... said Prince Kirian, stepping forward and removing the cloak of his hood to reveal his face. I am in terrible danger–I have nowhere else to turn. Please help me get to safety at Castle Drakon. If you don’t help me my uncle will have me killed.

Suddenly there was the sound of horses and loud shouting from outside the inn.

You have company! declared the innkeeper excitedly, peering out through the window.

Prince Kirian–you must leave now! insisted Davidon. Go! I will hold them as long as I can!

Out the back! urged the innkeeper. Follow the creek–not the road!

Davidon thrust a bag of gold towards Arken. Reluctantly Arken took the gold, knowing that he was suddenly buying into a fight that wasn’t his own. Arken grabbed the prince and led the way out the back towards the stables. He quickly threw his saddle onto his horse, leapt up, and then pulled the prince up to sit behind him.

Arken directed his horse to walk through the water of the creek into the cover of the surrounding woods. Looking back, they heard the sounds of fighting and saw that flames had begun to envelop the inn, the old wooden building quickly catching alight.

Oh my god... Davidon! gasped Prince Kirian. Arken pushed his horse onwards, deeper into the Amber Forest, away from the burning inn, away from Castle Vacheron.

Chapter 2

Arken hadn’t always been a soldier of fortune, a mercenary. He had once been a proud knight–a captain in the army of the Emperor of the Quartz Plains.

Arken had ridden at the head of a disciplined legion. They were men of honor, men of courage. That seemed like a lifetime ago now. A different time, when he was a different man.

It was only ten years ago that Arken’s world was torn apart. The Emperor