Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Silver fox. Those were the first two words that popped into Samuel’s head. The man was lithe in frame, not particularly tall, but well built. His white hair suited the tanned skin, his piercing blue eyes giving the impression that he could see all.
Who was this? Dimitri’s boss?
“Velichestvo, this is our client, Dr. Samuel Hunter,” Dimitri announced. It was the first time Samuel had heard anything like seriousness or reverence enter his tone. Not to mention the way Russian rolled over Dimitri’s tongue was so unexpectedly sexy, sending goosebumps all along his arms. Of course, it was all kind of ruined when he continued with, “I stumbled across him and brought him here.”
Something about the way Dimitri said this made it feel like he’d meant something else entirely. What, Samuel couldn’t imagine. So he’d been a little lost in a foreign country. Sue him.
Dimitri turned to complete the introduction. “Sammy, this is Rodrigo Valerii, head of the Valerii Clan and King of the Ice Dragons.”
…Come again?
Ingrained habit had him lifting his hand, accepting the handshake, even as the back of his brain exploded in brief panic.
Why the hell was he being introduced to the head of the clan? And not just the head of a clan, but a king! Did all the different types of dragons have kings? Should he have bowed instead of shaking the man’s hand? What was even the proper way to address a king?
He was simply here to hire a guide, nothing of international importance, for god’s sake!
Rodrigo didn’t find this odd. He smiled in pure delight. “Well, hello. Welcome to the Valerii Clan. I’m glad you’re here safely.”
“Ah, yes, thank you,” Samuel managed around a dazed feeling that locked his tongue up. No, seriously, why had Dimitri brought him here?
Rodrigo smoothly slid one hand into the pocket of his slacks while motioning toward a sofa with the other. “Come, sit, tell me what has brought you here.” He then turned that same easy grin toward Samuel’s companion. “Dimitri, find Evora please.”
“On it.” Dimitri was out the door with a bounce in his stride.
How did the king know I wanted to speak with Evora?
Samuel let that slide as he took the seat he was gestured to, while King Rodrigo settled on the edge of a large, comfortable-looking seat next to the sofa. Samuel might have been inwardly grateful Rodrigo hadn’t moved back to sit behind his desk. This arrangement was far more relaxed and informal, allowing him to worry less about being in the presence of dragon royalty.
“I’m not sure why Dimitri brought me here to talk to you,” Samuel started, as he didn’t know how else to say this. “I just need a guide from your clan to explore this area. There’s something of historical importance that I’m searching for. He did say I could speak with members of your clan and possibly look through your library as well. Do I need permission for that?”
“Not as such, no. We’re a very relaxed clan. As long as one of us is aware of your purpose here and that you mean no ill intent, you’re welcome.” Rodrigo sat forward a little and, damn, those arctic blue eyes were penetrating. Like he could see right through to the back of Samuel’s skull. “What are you seeking here?”
“Well…frankly, it’s almost a myth at this point.” Samuel’s heartbeat picked up and his mouth went dry. This was the first time he’d ever gotten the chance to discuss his research with someone, let alone a dragon who so very clearly had been around for several centuries. What was locked away in the king’s memories was a veritable treasure trove, and he couldn’t wait to dig in. “I’ve teased out mentions of a mage clan from a variety of obscure sources over the years, but I can’t even find a complete record of them. I hope you’ve got better information than I do. They were called the Sousa. Do you know them?”
Rodrigo’s eyebrows rose slightly. “I’ve heard the name. I know of them but never met them personally.”
Well, that was semi-heartening. “Even though you live in this area?”
“We immigrated here after the war. Was this clan here prior to the war or after?”
“Before. I think it was wiped out during the war.”
Shit. Shit. Shit. If the Ice Dragon Clan came in after, then the odds of them knowing anything or having the right records were slim to none. Still, he’d ask and do some research here. It didn’t hurt to do some digging.
“Why are you looking for them specifically?”
“It’s my field of study—the lost mage clans. Specifically, the ones in South America. This clan caught my interest because it was so specialized in its nature. I also find it odd that so little about them has survived into modern times. Most of the mage clans kept excellent records. Granted, most of the mages were lost during the war, but they did preserve as much knowledge as they could.”