The Dragon King's Knightsong

By M.R. Abbott

The royals are all enjoying the annual social, making matches and alliances as they have for centuries. Mira is an unconventional princess. Arthurian is the only royal outcast in all the kingdoms. When their paths collide, and sparks fly, Mira's family is less than accepting, but before they can break up this new friendship, chaos ensues. Cast f

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rogue Treasures Self Publishing Services
• Release date: Jan 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9781962300056

M.R. Abbott

M. R. Abbott is a wife and mother living in North Idaho where she homeschools her son. She has been an avid reader since childhood and loves to write stories that captivate the imagination. When she isn't reading or writing, she can be found exploring nature with her family or adventuring with her son and his fury best friend Sir Rexington of the Centennial.

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The Dragon King's Knightsong Copy

Knightsong Book 1

M.R. Abbott

To the man who could do anything and didn't believe in can't

We miss you every day, Pop.

Curtis Scott Marston Sr.- a real man of inspiration.

Copyright © [2024] by [M.R. Abbott]

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

1

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Mira stared out the window as the carriage bumped along. She was lost in thought as her father droned on about the royal social they were on their way to attend. This social was an important tradition to all the nations. It was how they kept each other in check, introduced future rulers to each other, and found spouses for their children. As a princess, she was strictly there to build friendships and find a marriage that could strengthen her father’s kingdom. She didn’t mind building friendships and boosting her father’s standings, but year after year, it was the same princes and nobles vying for her attention and scaring off any other potential suitors as they fought over her. She didn’t like any of them, and every time she tried to get to know new suitors, they would aggressively scare them off.

Miramis, are you listening to me? her father, King Azielius, asked in a disapproving tone. He sat across the carriage from her between her sister and brother. His blue eyes narrowed at Mira as he scratched his chin through his thick white beard in frustration.

Sorry, what were you saying? she replied, looking away from the window.

He was reminding you of your duties as a princess at the social, Her older sister, Aurelia, scolded her. Her arms were folded across her chest as she glared at her younger sister. Even angry, she was beautiful with her long black curly hair, bright hazel eyes, and flawless porcelain skin. You need to get your head out of the clouds and focus on at least getting an official courtship this year.

You were only recently engaged, their eldest brother, Koa, reminded Aurelia. He straightened up next to Mira and stared pointedly at their sister. He wrapped a strong arm around Mira’s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze. His blue eyes were fiery as he spoke again. Mira will be fine. She is beautiful and intelligent, and with the magic threshold she possesses, men fight for her attention.

I never said any of that wasn’t true, and despite only recently becoming engaged, I was courted for three years before being proposed to, Aurelia argued crossly. Prince Aaron is a man of calculated decisions.

Hopefully, if you ever go to war, he calculates a little faster, Nole, whom Mira and their older siblings lovingly referred to as the spare heir, scoffed. He was staring out the window on the opposite side of the carriage from Mira, slumped against the wall, seeming indifferent to the conversation as his deep brown eyes scanned the landscape. He shook out his loose brown hair before looking at Aurelia. If not, your new kingdom could be wiped off the map before he decides what to wear to the war room.

This is no way for princes and princesses to act, the royal advisor, Keanibarsharem, announced sternly from the other side of Koa. He was a tall, sallow-skinned man with long, greasy black hair and beady black eyes. He glared at Mira before speaking. Mira will perform her duty to the best of her ability as she has been trained to do since birth. If she has not found a proper courtship yet, then I must believe that it is because there hasn’t been one beneficial enough to your father for her to consider accepting.

It isn’t just about my benefit, The King reminded him. I do not want any of my children to marry solely for the benefit of my kingdom—especially my daughters. My kingdom will no longer be their concern when they marry into other kingdoms. I want them to be happy or at least content with their chosen spouse.

You still must consider what it will do to your kingdom, sire, Keanibarsharem replied, frustrated. If your children marry the wrong people, it could cost you allies, trades, or worse, bring you war.

I am aware that there are limitations, the king told him sternly. That does not change my mind. My children are not political pawns.

Father, with all due respect, there is no way to prevent us from being political pawns, Mira interjected. Whether by you or by others. As royals, that is unavoidable.

I can still do my best to prevent it, he told her, shaking his head as the carriage came to a stop. Your mother and I were both royals, and we found real love. That is all we ever wanted for our children.

We appreciate that, Father, and we love you so much for it, but if we are to be used as political pawns, I would rather it be for your benefit than another, Mira assured him as a guard opened the carriage door.

We will discuss this more later, her father sighed heavily as he rose and exited the carriage. Koa rose to follow, then Nole and Aurelia, but Keanibarsharem put a hand on Mira’s shoulder, holding her back.

No matter what your father says, don’t forget your place, he warned her sternly. Your father may have idealistic views on these things, but you are intelligent enough to realize that’s not how the world works. In this world, a woman of your position is meant to be pretty and speak when spoken to.

I’m well aware, Keanibarsharem, Mira assured him, pulling out of his grasp and heading for the carriage door. He followed her closely and leaned into her ear.

You are much prettier than your sister, he sneered, wrapping a long, slender finger through her brown curls and pulling until she turned her soft blue eyes to meet his dark gaze. I expect you to return from the ball with a list of suitors wanting official courtships. No more tantrums and no more games.

I will try harder this year, she told him, shivering. She pulled away and rushed out of the carriage to join her family as they made their way up to a large, elegant castle.

Mira admired the large, swirling stained-glass accents glinting in the afternoon sun. The white polished marble spires shined even brighter alongside the glass, making her squint. Keanibarsharem stepped in next to her, placed a hand firmly on her back, and opened a hand fan above her face to shield her from the glare. It took everything Mira had not to jerk away from the man’s touch in front of everyone.

A lady’s face must always stay relaxed. Squinting will cause early wrinkles and scare away your potential suitors, Keanibarsharem chastised her quietly as the large doors ahead of them opened.

King Azielius! It’s been far too long, King Jahfiel’s rich voice rang through the entrance hall as he approached them. He smiled broadly, his deep brown eyes twinkled, and he held his arms open wide as he strode towards King Azielius.

King Jahfiel! King Azielius shouted, stepping forward and embracing the elvish man. They stepped away from each other, holding onto one another’s shoulders. Jahfiel was tall for an elf, standing nearly a head taller than Mira’s father. I agree. We will have to sit down with a drink later and catch up.

King Azielius, I thought that was your carriage coming up the drive, Queen Kahmill’s sweet voice rang out from the top of the stairs behind her husband. She swept her long micro braids over her shoulder as she smiled and descended the stairs. Where are those beautiful children of yours?

Your majesty, Koa stepped forward, placing his right hand over his heart.

Don’t be ridiculous, child; I changed your diapers when the nannies were out, the queen laughed as she descended the stairs and pulled Koa into a warm hug. Jahfiel and Azielius have been friends since they were boys.

Auntie, Mira smiled as she stepped away from Keanibarsharem and hugged the queen tightly. When she stepped away, Keanibarsharem grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back to his side while glaring at her.

You do not break form even if another royal invites you to do so, he hissed angrily in her ear as Nole and Aurelia stepped up and hugged the queen. Imagine what other royals would think if they came in behind you.

They will think other royals adore her, Queen Kahmill snapped, pulling Mira away from him again and holding her close. Her usually warm golden eyes were dark with rage as she stared at Keanibarsharem. I will remind you that elves have exceptional hearing, and if I catch you saying anything like that again to my sweet Miramis, I will personally see to your dismissal.

What happened? King Azielius asked, startled.

Your advisor needs to be reminded of his place, the queen told him angrily. Telling your children it isn’t okay to relax around us isn’t acceptable. I was there within hours of their births, changed their diapers, took part in their christenings, helped prepare their debuts….

They are just as much our family as any of our other nieces and nephews, King Jahfiel said angrily, placing a hand on his wife’s shoulder to quiet her. This is only ever a problem when he is present.

It is my responsibility to train the princes and princesses to be proper royals and ensure they find proper marriages, Keanibarsharem announced, straightening up even taller. Such informalities are only appropriate in private, and this most certainly isn’t private.

You know that I do not abide by such stuffy rules of etiquette, King Azielius told him, frowning. There should be no such formalities between family.

With all due respect, sire, Princess Miramis is in a delicate situation this year, and I think it best that you allow me to guide her more closely, he responded, taking a step toward Mira. She is turning 19 this year, and it is putting her dangerously close to undesirable for courtships. I fear she may go unmarried if she doesn’t straighten it out this year.

You are an awful man, the queen snarled at him. There is more to marriage and courtship than just age.

You are correct, Keanibarsharem agreed, raising his chin slightly. There are royal rankings, beauty, etiquette, fertility, resources, and alliances. I could go on and on about all the little factors, but age is a particularly important one because kings and princes want younger women who can produce many children for them. An heir, a spare, and a few daughters to bargain with. You may not like it, but this is the world you reside in, and these young royals must navigate correctly to thrive.

How can you let such an awful creature around these beautiful babies? the queen demanded, staring at King Azielius angrily.

I promise you I had no idea this is how he would be acting. Normally, he is much more docile, King Azielius assured her. Keanibarsharem, go to your quarters, and we will discuss this nonsense later.

As you wish, Keanibarsharem replied through gritted teeth as he bowed. He gave Mira one last pointed look before departing. The queen squeezed Mira tightly to herself as she watched him leave.

Don’t you dare listen to that awful, awful man, Queen Kahmill told Mira, grabbing her by the chin and forcing her to make eye contact. You don’t ever treat me like a stranger. You are one of my babies, and I will not have it. You understand me?

Yes, ma’am, Mira nodded vigorously. Only a few things scared Mira, but at the top of the list was her auntie. Queen Kahmill was the most loving person in the world but also easily the scariest when angry, and if you hurt one of her babies, not a soul in this world could save you.

I really don’t know what has gotten into him. I swear he isn’t usually like this. He must be worried about Miramis, King Azielius swore to them.

He is like this all the time, just not so loud about it, Mira shook her head and sighed. He never had to be this way with Aurelia because she is really good at etiquette and following rules.

Every chance she gets, Mira runs off to hide in the library or to run through the woods with Silver and Perrel, Nole put in with an eye roll when mentioning her dire wolf and falcon. Then, when put into a social situation, her mouth gets away from her, and she makes it difficult for him to do his job. The poor man is at his wit's end.

So, you agree with him? Koa demanded angrily, turning on his brother.

I didn’t say that. I was merely pointing out the facts, Nole told him indifferently. Knowing his job and knowing our sister, I can understand if he cracks. I swear sometimes she defies him on purpose.

That’s not true, Mira argued angrily.

That is enough, Azielius said before Mira could begin yelling at her brother. I will not have you fighting amongst yourselves. I will deal with Keanibarsharem and sort this out. The rest of you go get ready for tonight’s ball.

Yes, let's enjoy being reunited tonight and worry about that stuffy man later, Queen Kahmill agreed as she began pulling Mira by the hand towards the stairs. Your aunt and uncle arrived earlier, and your cousins are dying to see you.

What about Jahf and Auzie? Nole asked, referring to Queen Kahmill and King Jahfiel’s oldest sons.

They are around somewhere. They have been greeting the other princes and princesses, but I’m sure they will come find you as soon as they know you have arrived. Auzie has been waiting for Mira all day, Kahmill said with a knowing smile and a wink.

Mira blushed, not knowing what to say. Kahmill had hoped that Mira and Auzie would marry one day after discovering her second son had developed a crush. Unlike his mother, Auzie understood it was very one-sided, and even though he wished to court her, he respected the fact that she was not interested. He was like a cousin to her and named after her father. It felt too strange.

That’s fine, but Jahf owes me a favor I plan to collect tonight, Koa said, laughing at Mira’s uncomfortable blush. I need him to hold off the hoard while I try my luck with Princess Liandra.

I thought you were interested in Princess Taya, Aurelia asked, confused. Mira raised an eyebrow and watched their brother carefully. He had been talking about Princess Taya the week before they left.

I was, but she has already accepted three other prince's courtships, and I find that to be a bit too crowded. If she is accepting so many at once, she is either very indecisive or relishing in the attention. Either way, I won’t be adding to the mess, he answered, annoyed. Princess Taya and I have had a few brief interactions that have been pleasant. I am hoping to get to know her better tonight and see about initiating a courtship if it goes well.

Hopefully, it goes well for you, Mira offered sincerely.

Aurelia! Mira! a musical voice called down the hall, catching everyone’s attention. They watched as their cousin Vita skipped down the hall towards them. Her thick brown curls bounced with every step, and her blue eyes sparkled. We were beginning to think something had happened to you. Where are the twins?

Una and Pruitt were left home at the last moment, Aurelia informed her with a sour expression. They made the poor choice to flood the grand entry just before we left.

Oh my! Vita exclaimed, covering her mouth with both hands.

They didn’t mean to flood the grand entry. They were trying to prank their governess with squirting flowers, but they don’t have the best magic control yet, Nole said, rolling his eyes