Finding a Reliable Training Partner 3

Kane waited in the shadows of the stables. His right hand gripped his horse's reins as his eyes remained glued to the approaching road.

He had received word over an hour ago that Kylara had gone out with Prince Blaize.

"Godsdamn him!" Ishmael snarled in their mind. "If that pretty boy doesn't back off I'll rip his nose off his ugly face. Then we'll see how she likes him."

Kane grimaced at the images Ishmael conjured to their mind.

"I am going to talk to her and find out what she's thinking. I know she doesn't want to hear it, but I'll-"

"Tie her to our bed and make sure she understand every word." Ishmael finished. Kane covered their flaming red face with his hand. Ishmael had provided more mental pictures with his statement. Ishmael was very generous about doing that.

As if closing a door in his mind, Kane left Ishmael alone to his perverted thoughts.

He was determined. He would make Kylara listen. He wouldn't tie her to a bed but a chair, fully clothed? That was a possibility.

He had to make her listen. Kane need to explain about that day and beg for her forgiveness. Between Ishmael's ever present comments about her generous chest and luscious backside, and Kylara's icy glances, Kane felt like he was losing his mind.

The sounds of hoof beats reached Kane's ears and he shook himself out of his desperate thoughts.

Soon two horses appeared. Prince Blaize rode one and the other, though saddled, was riderless. The Prince was grinning broadly.

Kane stepped forward with an uneasy feeling in his gut. Prince Blaize's expression fell upon seeing him.

"Mr. Essenvir," the Prince began.

Kane cut him off, "Where's Kylara?"

Prince Blaize's eyebrows drew together in confusion. "I lost her." He said slowly.

Kane's eyes widened as it felt like Prince Blaize's horse had just kicked him in the gut. "Wher- Where did you lose her?" Kane asked desperately. He leapt into his saddle.

Prince Blaize's face betrayed even more confusion, "The Adventurer's Guild Training Grounds. We went inside and she ran off. I-"

Before Prince Blaize could even finish his sentence, Kane was galloping away.

***

Pharon knocked on the door to his father's study. His face had broken into a wide grin. Everything was going perfectly. Blaize had just told him telepathically that the Cow had taken the bait and was probably getting killed as they were communicating. The lawyers had just finished drawing up the Writ of Seizure for that commoners property, hence why he was here.

"Enter." Came his father's cold and regal voice through the door.

Pharon walked into his father's study and the smile on his face froze. For the first time in many years, Pharon saw emotion on his father's face. It was anger.

Pharon had to stop his hands from crumple writs. Why was it like this?

As Pharon's eyes fell on High Lord Volanti seated before his father's face, Pharon felt a cold sweat break out over his skin. However, he pushed his uneasiness down ruthlessly.

"I have some things for you to sign, Father." Pharon said stepping forward. The Dragon King beckoned for the documents.

As Pharon placed the papers down on the desk, he glanced at High Lord Volanti. The Elven Lord appeared completely at ease as if nothing was amiss.

The Dragon King picked up the top most sheaf of paper and began reading it. His eyes quickly moved back and forth across the page.

"Father, these are Writs of Seizure. The owners are commoners who had the audacity to threaten us. As punishment we are seizing their property." Pharon said. He placed a pen down beside the papers.

"Are you familiar with the Lord of Spiralis?" The Dragon King asked quietly as he set the paper down. He gave Pharon a piercing look.

Pharon smiled, "I confess, I am not, Father." He would have said more but the High Lord spoke over him.

"The Lord of Spiralis is a Branch Lord of Nolanar and the Earl of Highspire, in Avais. He also has close ties with several major international guilds." High Lord Volanti said, "Your father and I were just discussing him and his business partner."

"Do you know what his name is, Pharon?" The Dragon King asked tightly.

Pharon blinked and tamped down his irritation. Hadn't he just answered this?

Pharon forced another smile, "I don't see what this has to do with our property seizure, Father."

"The Lord of Spiralis' name is Thomas Jeffreys." Pharon grimaced at his father's cold words. "And his business partner is Lady Adamare of Arethusa." The Dragon King added.

"Females can't own property." Pharon replied automatically. Annoyance crossed the Dragon King's face. "As such," Pharon continued, "they bought their Vicerian property under false pretense and we have even more reason to strip them of it." The Dragon King became drumming his fingers on his desk.

"I cannot seize what I already own." He snapped, "Did you really think the 'genius investors' would know how to stop you?"

Pharon paled and turned to High Lord Volanti, "My Lord, I am sure you agree that that commoner and Cow are scum and we should be taking steps."

The High Lord gazed at him with a small smile on his face, "Honestly, what I am more concerned with is the safety of my participant. Where is Lady Adamare now?" Pharon began to sweat.

"Where is Lady Adamare, Pharon?" the Dragon King repeated.

Pharon swallowed hard, "She asked Blaize to take her to the Adventurer's Guild Training Grounds this morning. They may still be there." His voice was quiet.

High Lord Volanti sprang to his feet. Alarm painted his features. The Dragon King closed his eyes for a moment.

"Your horse is being saddled and squad 7 will be waiting for you in the courtyard." The Dragon King said as he reopened his eyes.

The High Lord nodded and swiftly left.

Pharon stared at the door in silence.

"Pharon, you and your brother have placed me in a tough position." The Dragon King began.

"I am sorry Father. We thought-"

"No! You didn't think! That is why I am in this mess." The Dragon King snapped. Then he calmly asked, "Is there any way you can spin this to put the blame entirely on Blaize?"

Pharon blinked and his hands clenched, "Father, it was my idea. The blame should rest on me."

"That is not what I asked." The Dragon King said coldly. Pharon swallowed, then slowly nodded. "Good, then that's what you will do. You will apologize to Lady Adamare and see she has everything she needs. You will tell her that everything was Blaize's fault and you will make her believe you. Then, when she trusts you, you will seduce her."

Pharon let out a sharp breath.

"Do you understand me, Pharon?" The Dragon King asked. Pharon felt the full weight of his father's power bearing down on him.

"Yes, Father." Pharon said lowering his head.

"Good. Go take care of it." The Dragon King finished.