The Dragon Kings Book Eight: The Dragon Kings, #8

By Kimberly Loth

With Liam in the hands of the queen, Sid has no idea what to do.

As plans for war heat up, Sid questions his ability to lead his people.

Meanwhile at the castle, Liam manages to hang on to his life, but is sent down to a cold dungeon. He must win the heart of the queen to get out, but her people have told her that he's there to kill her.

Late night meetings with her maid Grace might be his only way out. He has to act fast though or he might not live to see another day…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimberly Loth
• Release date: Jun 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223660422

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Isa stared at the man on the ground. She tried poking his face and tugging on his arms, but he wouldn’t wake up. This wasn’t good. Isa shivered, rubbed her arms, and then blew into her hands, warming her face. Maybe she shouldn’t have given him her cloak. But he might die.

She stared out through the trees. Missy needed to run faster.

Isa stood and lifted the man’s feet. She pulled on him but couldn’t move him more than a few inches. Isa was highly skilled in many things, but brute strength was not one of them. It would take her too long to get to the castle. She hoped Missy brought at least two or three men with her. Otherwise, they’d never get him back alive.

The snow began to fall harder, and the wind started up. Isa paced in circles around the man, trying to keep herself warm. He was so exotic looking. His skin was not as pale as most of the guardians and his hair a golden blonde, though he wore it long like Jude. His dark lashes rested on his smooth skin. He was beyond handsome.

His clothes were like none she’d ever seen, and although they were winter clothes, they weren’t sturdy enough for the extreme cold. She wondered for a second if he was a dragon.

That’s stupid. Dragons would fly in, not freeze to death in the woods. How did he get here and manage to stay alive so far? She had so many questions, but if he died, she would never get those answers.

A motion came from the trees, and Isa stared through the snow. Finally. Missy bounded toward her, Grace following.

Isa’s heart sank. Grace wouldn’t be able to help at all. She wasn’t any stronger than Isa.

Dragon’s Teeth! What’s this? Grace asked, her eyes wide. She’d hastily thrown on a cloak and gloves, but she wasn’t dressed for a long time outside either.

A man I’ve never seen before, but there is no way you and I will get him to the castle. I need you to bring me guardians, three or four of them at least.

Missy growled, and Isa dropped her eyes to the man, but he still hadn’t stirred. Missy stared at her but didn’t growl again. She’d never understood that fox.

Grace looked once more at the man and raced toward the castle though it wasn’t easy because she hadn’t put on snowshoes. Grace took far longer than Isa would’ve liked. He would freeze to death before people got here to help him.

Missy lay across the man’s chest and nuzzled his cheek, her white fur bright against his chapped face.

You like him too? Isa couldn’t explain her attraction to him, but she wanted him to live.

Missy swished her tail back and forth.

Isa knelt on the ground and studied the man some more. She’d never had an outsider in the castle before, and she was so excited to learn more about him.

That is if he survived.

What are you doing here? she muttered to him.

Missy yelped, and the man flinched. Isa shook him. Are you awake? You have to get up.

He wouldn’t die out here after all.

He groaned, and Missy yelped again, pushing against his cheek with her nose.

Isa grabbed his shoulders. Come on, wake up.

His eyelids fluttered open, and Isa stared into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen.

CHAPTER 2

Liam had to be careful. Even in his frozen delirium, he knew he was in enemy territory, but he was distracted by the black-haired beauty who stood over him. She couldn’t be that much older than he was. He had to keep his wits about him, or he’d be dead. Course, the weather about did him in already. His limbs were numb.

Oh, you’re awake, thank the gods. Can you stand? She spoke English but with a lilting accent that was quite beautiful. It was hard to tell what she looked like as she was completely bundled up with a red hooded jacket over thick black pants. A grown-up Red-Riding Hood. Her bright white cloak lay over him.

He was able to move his arms a little, and he tried to wiggle his feet, but he couldn’t tell if they actually did anything. I’m not sure.

She jumped when he spoke but didn’t say anything more. His voice had come out weak. What was he thinking, trying to freeze to death out here? Felix would be so disappointed with him. A pang in his chest reminded him that Felix was dead, and someone was responsible for his death.

Well, try, will you? she asked. Her wide blue eyes were mesmerizing, but he could be hallucinating because of the cold. He tried to focus on the trees behind her, but they blurred together, so he watched her again.

She rubbed her hands together, took her cloak back, and buttoned it up. Then, she offered him her hand. He took it but could barely feel anything. He certainly couldn’t feel his legs and hoped he wouldn’t be losing any limbs. The woman tugged on his hand and managed to help him stand, but his knees buckled.

She looped his arm around her shoulder and laced her arm around his waist. We’ve got to get you to the castle as soon as possible.

The castle. Right. Where there was an evil queen who would kill him on sight. Maybe not. Maybe they wouldn’t ask too many questions since he was coming in nearly frozen to death.

Maybe this girl was a servant or something. This was looking better and better. Though he had to be careful what he said because his mind was foggy and had trouble focusing. He’d be liable to say something he shouldn’t.

She led the way, and he stumbled on next to her.

She grunted and continued on. Sorry I can’t be more help, but this is better than waiting. I sent Missy to get help, but she came back with Lady Grace. Can you believe it? So I sent Grace to fetch a few guardians, but they’ll take too long. What’s your name?

He thought for a moment and saw no reason to lie. Liam.

I’m Isa.

That was a pretty name. And she was dressed well, so probably not a cook or a maid. Though maybe everyone dressed that way in the freezing cold weather. Liam had a story all worked out about why he was here, but right now, he couldn’t put the details together because his mind was fuzzy. He hoped they’d let him sleep and heal before they started asking questions because he wasn’t ready to answer