Dragon Guard Protector: Prologue Preview

Chapter One

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Chapter One

Present time …

“… And I’m very thankful to have you here for this event and for your support of the Children’s Foundation. Because of your generosity, we will be able to keep our doors open to those who need it most. You all deserve a round of applause.” Queen Sybil paused her speech to let the audience applaud. “Thank you for allowing me to ramble on. Now, please, enjoy your lunch,” she concluded to the board members of the Queen’s Trust, major donors, and their guests, who all clapped once more and stood up as Her Majesty left the podium.

Vera caught Queen Sybil’s eye as she climbed down the steps of the dais. “That was an amazing speech, Your Majesty.”

“I have my staff to thank for that,” Queen Sybil chuckled. “Thank you again for all your hard work organizing this luncheon, Vera.”

“Of course, Your Majesty, my pleasure.”

“I can always count on you, and I know the Children’s Foundation is so close to your heart.” Queen Sybil linked arms with her. “Now, let’s go eat! I’m starving!” She placed a hand over her large belly. “We both are.”

“I’m sure you are.” Vera ignored the pang of envy growing in her chest. Queen Sybil, after all, had become her dearest friend in the last three years and she would never begrudge her any happiness.

I just wish I could have what she had.

A family of her own.

But maybe, she thought, just maybe, that might happen soon. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves at the excitement—and terror—at the steps she took weeks ago to make that dream come true. It had taken all her courage, but she finally did it.

“So,” Queen Sybil began, lowering her voice. “I see that Jarl Armundson is seated next to you. Again.” She nodded at their table in the center of the room, where the other VIPs were seated. Indeed, on the seat next to the one Vera was to occupy was the young jarl. “That’s what … the third time this month? He does seem to like these boring events a great deal.” She lifted a dark brow and nudged her with her elbow. “Unless he’s interested in something—or someone—else?”

“Oh please, could you be more obvious, Your Majesty?” Vera teased back, trying to shift the subject. “Tobi is an old friend of the family. He lives in London most of the year, but since his father died a few months ago and he inherited the jarldom, he’s decided to settle back in the Northern Isles.”

“And settle down, maybe?”

Vera grew quiet, not sure what to tell her friend, because she didn’t want to lie. She just wasn’t ready to discuss that with Queen Sybil yet.

Thank goodness they had arrived at the table before the queen could ask any more questions. All the other guests stood up as the queen took her place, as did Vera on her left. With a nod, Her Majesty sat down, and the other guests followed suit.

“Vera, I know I’ve said it a million times today, but you look beautiful,” Tobi remarked as she settled into her chair.

“Thank you. And I know I haven’t said it at all, but you look very nice too.” Of course, that was an understatement. Tall, blond, and athletic, Jarl Tobias Armundson was nothing short of a dreamy Prince Charming, especially in his dark, tailored Armani suit. His easy smile and sparkling blue eyes drew people in and she’d seen him in many a website and magazine list of top eligible bachelors in Europe.

“You are too kind,” he replied. “And this event is superb. Your hard work truly paid off.”

“I’m only happy to perform my duty as head of the organizing committee. And really, the staff did most of the difficult tasks.”

“You are not only gorgeous, but also talented and humble.” Tobi raised his wineglass toward her. “I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our dinner the other night.”

Vera reached for her glass and took a sip. “Mm-hmm.”

“And I was wondering”—he leaned in closer—“if you had thought about my question more since then?”

“Mm-hmm.”

The smile on his lips didn’t quite reach his eyes. “That’s not really an answer, is it?”

Vera swallowed the water. Hard. “Tobi … I need time.”

“Of course. I’m here if you have any more questions or concerns.” He leaned back in his chair. “It’s a big decision.”

Big didn’t even describe it.

Because how did one respond to a marriage proposal that seemingly came out of nowhere?

Thankfully, the luncheon service began. Vera felt a headache coming on and put her water glass down. As she watched the servers place hot rolls and pats of seashell-shaped butter on the plates, she contemplated Tobi’s words from that night.

The Armundsons and Solveigsons had been friendly for generations and she actually grew up around Tobi and his family. He was a few years older than her, so after he left for school abroad, she hadn’t seen much of him, except for a few gatherings here and there.

But since he moved back to the Northern Isles a few months ago, they’d bumped into each other frequently at events like today. Recently, they’d gone out to dinner several times, usually with her father but also by themselves. There was light flirting between them, but they hadn’t spoken of any kind of exclusive arrangement, which was why his proposal the other night had caught her off guard.

“I think it’s time I told you of my true intentions,” he had said as they finished their meal at La Niche, one of the best restaurants in Odelia. “It seems obvious to me that a union between our two families would be advantageous.”

Vera had nearly choked on her dessert. “I beg your pardon?”

“Vera,” he had said, taking her hand. “I admire and like you very much. And you wouldn’t have agreed to spend time with me the past couple of weeks if you didn’t feel the same way, right?”

She supposed he wasn’t wrong. “I … of course.”

“Then you must agree that we are compatible, in every way. Both in status and our mutual interests.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” She didn’t want to even hear it aloud.

“Yes. I think you and I should get married.”

It wasn’t exactly the proposal she’d dreamt of. “I … I don’t know what to say. We hardly know each other.”

“We’ve known each other since we were children,” he pointed out. “But you don’t have to say yes now. I understand that this may have come out of the blue, but I’ve always had feelings for you.”

Now, that took her aback. “Y-you do? You never mentioned it before.”

“You were much too young for me when I left for London,” he explained. “I didn’t even think of you in that way.”

“I see.”

“Perhaps I’m being too forward right now, and I don’t mean to come on strong. I’m not one to play games, and commitment is what I’m seeking with my proposal.” When she remained silent, he continued. “Perhaps we could spend more time getting to know each other? Then you can make your decision.”

What was she supposed to have said? That sounded reasonable enough. “I … of course.”

And so, here she was again with him, except this time, it was a public event. She’d been so busy the past couple of days, prepping for this event and her upcoming trip to Paris, that she hadn’t thought anything of it when Tobi suggested he pick her up in his car so they could ride to the Grand Odelia Hotel together where the event was being held. But when they arrived at the event and sat next to each other, it was an obvious signal to their peers that they were “together.”

It’s not that she was opposed to the idea of marriage. Indeed, for a while, it was all she ever thought of. It made her cringe, thinking of her antics in the past, trying to bag the then-Prince Aleksei. In her mind, their pairing had made sense.

But in the last three years, her idea of marriage and a husband had completely changed. And she had other priorities she wanted to pursue.

“Lady Vera! Lady Vera!”

Vera’s mood lifted as soon she heard the familiar young voice. “Lisbet,” she greeted warmly as the girl ran up to their table. “You were so excellent during the program.” Whenever there was an event for the Children’s Foundation, Vera always made sure to include the children. After all, they were the main reason they were here, and it was good for the board members and trustees to see where their money was going to.

Initially, the Children’s Foundation had been the main orphanage in the Northern Isles, caring for children who’d lost their parents or been abandoned. Since their population wasn’t that large, the original orphanage hadn’t been that big. But after the attack on the Northern Isles three years ago and the amount of lives lost when the drones had reached the cities, many children had been orphaned. With the help of the new queen, a new foundation had been born, and Vera had been one of the first to volunteer.

“I practiced my singing for a whole month,” Lisbet said proudly. Her eyes darted toward Tobi, her expression turning curious.

“And who’s this lovely young thing?” he asked.

Vera wrung her hands in her lap. “Tobi, this is Lisbet. Lisbet, meet Jarl Tobias Armundson.”

Lisbet executed a perfect little curtsey. “Nice to meet you, my lord.”

“Charming,” Tobi commented. “What is she doing here? Shouldn’t she be with the other children?” He cocked his head to the other side of the room, where all the other kids were seated.

“Lisbet knows she can always come to me,” Vera proclaimed in a chilly tone.

“Of course,” Tobi said apologetically. “I just thought … she shouldn’t miss her lunch.”

Vera stood up. “You’re right, I should see that she get some food.” Taking the child’s hand, she gently guided Lisbet back to the kids’ table. “I really am proud of you, Lisbet,” she began. “You’ve done so well.”

“Thank you, Lady Vera,” she said. “Mrs. Jacobsen says if I study my lessons really hard and work on being polite and kind, I might find a nice couple to adopt me this year.”

Vera’s step faltered. A nice couple to adopt her? But …

“That’s, er, nice.” When they reached the children’s table, she led Lisbet back to her seat and greeted the rest of the children, telling them how wonderful they were during the program. Before leaving, she leaned down toward Lisbet. “I’ll miss you, lilla du.”

“Stay safe in Paris,” she whispered back. “And don’t forget to send me postcards.”

“I won’t.” She smiled down at the girl. “And I’ll be back before you know it.”

Small arms reached around her neck and hugged her close, and a lump grew in Vera’s throat. Finally, they released each other, and she mussed Lisbet’s hair before turning on her heel. However, instead of going back to her chair, she marched toward the table where the staff of the Children’s Foundation were seated.

Sweat built up in her palms. Vera told herself she would be patient. She had already taken the first step a few weeks ago when she asked to speak privately with the director of the Children’s Foundation, Mrs. Lara Jacobsen. The director hadn’t been surprised by her request, but had told Vera she needed to look into a few things before giving her a final answer.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Jacobsen?” she said to the older blonde woman in a light-colored pantsuit.

“Lady Vera,” Lara Jacobsen greeted. “This has been such a wonderful luncheon. The children truly enjoyed themselves. Thank you so much for having us here.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of organizing an event without them.”

“Before Lady Vera became a member of the Queen’s Trust board and started volunteering with us, we were never invited to such hoity-toity events, much less the children,” she explained to the rest of the staffers. “Anyway, what can I do for you, my lady?”

“If you wouldn’t mind, could I speak to you in private? For just five minutes?”

Mrs. Jacobsen put her napkin on the table. “Of course. Let’s head to the ladies’ room.” She stood up, and they walked out of the ballroom, to the hallway off to the left of the lobby.

“Mrs. Jacobsen, I hope you don’t think I’m nagging, but I was wondering if you’d looked into the … matter I asked you about.”

“Oh yes, about that.” She slowed her steps until they stopped about halfway. “Actually, I have.”

Vera inhaled a quick breath. “And?”

The look on Mrs. Jacobsen’s face told Vera it was not the news she had hoped for. “Let me start by saying that personally, I fully support you and am grateful for everything you’ve done for the Children’s Trust. I know you and Lisbet have grown close over the last three years.”

Vera could feel the “but” coming up, so she braced herself.

“But … I’m really sorry, Lady Vera.” She let out a sigh. “Our laws are firm. Only a married couple can adopt a child they are not related to.”

Though Vera had prepared herself for this news, it still hit her hard hearing it aloud. “And no one has been granted an exception?”

“I’m afraid not since the laws were put in place decades ago,” she explained.

“But I can provide her with a good life. A better life with me. Should that not be reason enough?”

Mrs. Jacobsen gave her a sympathetic look. “I know that, my lady. And our laws are so terribly outdated. But they are still the law and were put in place to put a child’s best interests first.”

Vera bit her lip. “I see … and if I could hire a solicitor to take my case to the courts?”

“You could try, of course, but it might take a while. Years even. And then that means … well … Lisbet might …”

She knew what Mrs. Jacobsen was too polite to say. “Might lose her chance at having a real family.”

Sadness crossed the other woman’s face. “I don’t blame you for wanting to fight for her, but if she’s tied up in a court battle, no potential parents would want to take her in, knowing they’d have to give her up if the courts were to rule against them. It would be too painful for them to give up something they wanted so badly.”

Her heart sank, knowing what that pain was like. “I … understand.”

“Lady Vera.” Mrs. Jacobsen placed a comforting hand on her arm. “If I may be frank … you’re quite young, still. There’s time for you to meet a nice man and have a family of your own. And even if you could adopt Lisbet, no man would want to take care of a burden that wasn’t his.”

“She’s won’t be a burden,” she snapped, then quickly added, “I’m sorry. My apologies. I don’t mean to be rude.” And she did want children of her own, but she knew that Lisbet was hers too. Somehow, her heart had chosen this slip of girl the moment she’d laid eyes on her.

“No, I was the one being rude. Forgive me, my lady.” She bowed her head low. “I really don’t know your other options. You’re good friends with the king and queen. Perhaps they could influence parliament to update the laws? But then again, any kind of legislative action would also take years.”

That, and she would never think to abuse her relationship with Queen Sybil and King Aleksei in such a manner. But still, there was no stopping her heart from breaking at that very moment. “So there really is no way.”

“Well, there is one way,” Mrs. Jacobsen said. “The law says only a married couple could adopt.”

A married couple.

Vera’s stomach knotted. “I see.” She wrung her hands together. “Well … thank you anyway, Mrs. Jacobsen.” Giving the other woman a goodbye nod, she walked away, heading back toward the ballroom.

Where the solution to her problem was waiting.

She halted, shaking her head. No, that wasn’t the solution. It was the easy way out. Marrying Tobi just so she could adopt Lisbet didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel fair, not to Tobi or Lisbet.

But then she could get what she wanted.

It also felt selfish and wrong.

Despite wanting to provide a good, loving home for Lisbet, Vera knew she couldn’t just marry a man she didn’t know just to achieve her goals.

And then there was the fact that she didn’t love Tobi.

But did that matter? He’s a jarl, rich, and connected. And since when did you care about love?

Perhaps a few years ago, she didn’t think such a thing would matter to her. Shame filled her, thinking of how she’d acted growing up, thinking that marriage and a husband was just another accessory she could acquire to make herself superior to others.

Vera, remember what I—

She quickly shut that voice down. Oh, in the last few years she’d gotten better at it, but once in a while, she let her guard down and it still slipped by. Even after Erika Solveigson had died, her “lessons” remained ingrained in Vera’s brain, her voice a presence in her mind as she grew up, telling her that she had to get ahead by any means possible.

But that had changed in the last few years.

She had changed.

Right?

Straightening her shoulders, Vera mentally prepared herself to face Tobi and walked back into the ballroom. As she made her way back to her seat and spied Tobi, she wondered, would it be that bad? Couldn’t she learn to love him eventually?

From out of nowhere, a prickle came down the back of neck. Like someone was watching her. Following her instinct, she swung her gaze to the west side of the room by one of the exits. She halted, and a different kind of emotion gripped her as she stared back into the familiar steely gaze.

Him.

The eye contact with the Dragon Guard was brief as he continued to scan the room for threats. Yet, she couldn’t control the thrill that ran down the back of her knees, making them weaken.

Why did he always have to be around? Well, that was a silly question. He was a Dragon Guard, so of course he had to be with the queen. But why did he always unnerve her with those granite eyes?

And why did she feel lost whenever he wasn’t looking at her?

Try as she might, she’d never forget that night when she’d tried to help uncover a a traitor who may have been behind the assassination attempt on the king. She’d made a miscalculation and had been compromised. The way he charged in and rescued her made her heart flutter madly, like he was some hero in a fairy tale. Since then, she’d been tongue-tied around him, and her stomach refused to stop flipping when she spied him.

When her knees finally felt like they had returned to normal, she carefully made her way back to her seat. She gave one last glance at the children’s section and waved to Lisbet, who flashed her that adorable gap-toothed smile and waved back.

“Everything all right?” Tobi asked as he helped her into her chair.

“Yes.” She reached for her water, then changed her mind and picked up her wine glass instead. After a healthy sip, the warmth of the alcohol calmed the nerves she didn’t realize were frazzled. “Tobi, about your question …”

“Yes?”

“I want you to know … I’m considering it. Seriously.”

“You are?” His voiced rose hopefully.

“You’re right about a few things. However, I can’t give you an answer now, but I think when I come back from Paris in a few weeks, I’ll be closer to giving you one.”

His Prince Charming smile lit up his face. “That’s better than I could hope for.” Reaching for her hand, he held it up to his lips and kissed it softly. “I look forward to your answer.”

Vera pasted a stiff smile onto her face.

Dragon Guard Protector

Releases March 23, 2022