Read Online Burn (Dragon Souls) by Penelope Fletcher - Free Book Online Page A

is agreeable?”
    Her return smile trembled. “Uhhuh.” Hand shaking, she picked up her goblet and took a gulp of cool water.
    Koen studied her, not sure what was going on. She didn’t look sick, just upset. “Are you unwell?”
    Paling, she shook her head.
    His eyes narrowed. “Then why do you need a physician?”
    Lord Tyr sniggered. “Surely you jest, my King. The chastity,” he leered, “of the First Chosen is being assured.” He eyed Marina with evil glee. “You look peaked, Lady Zar.”
    “ Princess ,” Myron corrected. His gaze sharpened on Marina then flickered in realisation. His expression turned wrathful. “Withhold your insinuations, Artur. This is a celebration.”
    Jaw clenching, Koen’s sun bronzed complexion leeched of colour until he looked as sickly as Marina felt.
    She raised her glass in sympathy. She took another greedy mouthful, wondering where the wine bearers where at. “At least I’m not the only one surprised,” she muttered. Turning to the Dragon Lord seated beside her, she held out her hand. “I’m Marina. You are?”
    No older than fifteen the male stared adoringly. He took her hand in his then squeaked.
    He turned crimson.
    Marina’s lips twitched. “I’m sure that’s not your name.”
    “Ryu.” The boy seemed relieved to have spoken normally. His words were hindered by a sigmatism, and made worse by a nervous stammer. “Viktor of House Ryu.”
    Koen’s voice was low and hoarse in her other ear. “Marina, I did not realise this would be a problem. When we are on Earth I had no expectations of you following me here. Forgive me.”
    Smiling at Viktor, flashing a palm to request he wait a moment, she twisted in her seat to glare at Koen. “Forgive you?”
    “I never intended to cause you shame.”
    “You have nothing to be sorry about.” She was annoyed at this arrogant ‘male’ reaction. “It takes two. Don’t worry, Koen. Daniil has a plan.” She softened, realising why he’d felt compelled to apologise. “Sorry for snipping at you. I was stunned and took it out on you.”
    “I should have remembered.” He rubbed the nape of his neck. “I avoid Aver. I am usually scouting for hiding places at this stage of the tournament.” His jaw clenched. “You should not have to go through this.”
    Fighting the urge to dip her fingers in a pitcher wine and scrawl the letter I for ‘impure’ on her forehead, Marina settled. She gave Koen a genuine smile. Dramatics wouldn’t help the situation, and her reaction was making him volatile. “It’ll be fine. Daniil’s all over it.”
    “Regardless, I shall come to the examination and explain. Myron will listen.”
    “Throwing your weight around isn’t going to help.” She hesitated. Decided he better know all of it sine he’d be asked to verify or deny her claim. “We’re going to say you ravished me. I doubt you’re going to want to be in the same Kingdom let alone the same room when Mikhail and the Regent witness my hysterical sobbing.”
    “That,” he began slowly, fighting laughter, “is a dreadful plan.”
    She grinned relieved he wasn’t offended. “I suggested telling the truth but Daniil thinks the Courts will look more favourably upon a set upon woman than a wanton one.”
    The noise at the table had kept their quiet yet intense conversation under wraps. However their shared laughter and warm smiles drew attention.
    Eyes began to turn their way.
    Marina steered the conversation to safer waters then left Koen to ponder their latest obstacle.
    As she spooned a mound of delicious smelling fish onto her plate, she remembered the Dragon Lord patiently waiting. She offered him the serving ladle. “Smells good, doesn’t it?”
    Viktor took the spoon. He flushed deeper as their fingers grazed. “It is my favourite.”
    “Tell me,” she airily waved her fork, “how come you’re sitting up at this end with the old folks instead of down there with the young cool people?”
    “My Sire.” He sighed.