Page 10 of The Soul of the Dragon

He shrugged. "I couldn't say. A lot longer than I've lived. A hundred years maybe. And he only rules over this realm. There are two others with their own kings."

I nodded as he continued down the corridor. I had a sinking feeling that my King had left out pertinent details about the fae. No one seemed all that surprised by my appearance, and this sudden offer of help from the King’s dragon guard made no sense at all.

"Even if your father did know him from some time in the past, I'm afraid he has changed in recent years. Whatever it is you need help with, there will likely be a high price. I hope you are prepared to pay it."

"I'm afraid I don't have any gold with me. I had to travel light."

Scarfacelaughed. "The last thing he needs is more gold. Trust me though, he'll find something of value he wants from you. He always does."

I couldn't imagine what. But if it was in my power to give it to him, I would. Nothing was more important than returning home with that amulet.Nothing.

"Have you enjoyed your stay here thus far?"

What the hell was up with this unimportant small talk? I was beginning to think I was wrong about my initial assessment of this man.

"I'm not here for enjoyment. I have business to conduct and then if it's all the same, I'd like to return home as soon as possible."

He smiled, and again I got the impression that something was amiss. His eager to oblige attitude didn't suit him. It was all a facade I was sure of it.

“Here we are.” He waved his hand at the door, and it swept open in front of us. "Stay close until you've been introduced and then let him guide the conversation. Be mindful of how you ask for his help or you'll be shut out before you can ask a question. He's more curious than helpful.”

I drew my brows together in confusion a moment before scarface entered the room and I followed. What the hell choice did I have? This was going to be my do or die moment whether I liked it or not.

To prove I was ready I let loose a low growl that only he and I would hear.

His head swung in my direction and a huge smile broke over his face.

What the hell?

“Your highness,” the man began. “You wished to speak to me?”

“Magnus, my boy,” a voice thundered from the back corner of the room. "Took you long enough.”

The edge of warning in that tone set me on alert. Whatever he was, I guessed it wasn’t happy.

Power crackled in the room like electricity. It coated my skin and prickled my tongue.

Whatever his reasons were for hiding, it certainly wasn’t from lack of power. This fae made the whole room tremble and that was saying something because no one other than my father had ever given me a moment’s pause.

“We had an incident with some of the guard. It’s handled.”

“I would hope so,” he said, finally turning to face his nephew and me standing next to him. “What the fuck? Who is this?” he roared, the power in his voice shaking the entire room.

“Isaac Ferguson.”

I turned sharply at the way my name rolled off his tongue as if he’d just brought his uncle the prize of the century.

The room turned eerily silent as the king stared down at me from his position on the dais. His eyes narrowed, and he studied me as if he was looking for something specific.

“Ferguson, you say? That’s a name I haven’t heard in a very long time. And to be honest, never thought I would again.”

My muscles tightened and I shot a look over to Magnus as if he might explain to me what the hell was going on. I had the feeling he’d brought me here for some other reason than for me to ask the King for a favor.

“Yes, your Majesty. Isaac Gunn Ferguson.”

“Well, isn’t this interesting. Magnus where did you findthisMr. Ferguson?”

“In the village. He’s been in and out for days, but today he made a move to get inside the castle, so I thought I would save us all the trouble and brought him here directly. I figured you'd want to talk with him."

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