Healing Fire Read Online Free PDF Page B

for him. But the royals, they could do anything . The royals could move freely, could demand any tithe. “Would you never like to see the places you read about?”
    “No. I’m not worthy to go. I’m just happy in my spot.”
    “Not worthy...” Lem stopped and went to his knees in front of Jules. “You are the most worthy, my prince.”
    “No. I’m marked. See?” Jules held out his hands, dark, oddly shaped marks exposed on both palms.
    Lem reached for them, touched very gently. There was almost a buzz, a tingle, though he was sure he must be imagining it.
    “I won’t burn you,” Jules told him. “I promise you.”
    “No, you could not.” Lem truly believed it. He could also feel the power in Jules’ hands, though. “These are not marks of shame. They are true power.”
    “The enemy wants them.”
    “They must know what they mean. You are important, Jules. This proves it.” Lem knew it, in his very scales. “We must learn why they want you.”
    “I don’t care. I don’t want to know.”
    “But it would be good to know why they want you. The more information we have, the better I can protect you.” His Master had taught him that.
    His charge shook his head, sighed, and Lem wrapped Jules in another hug, holding on.
    He would find out what the marks meant. He would protect Jules. It was his job, his position. His place. His need.
    Lem stroke Jules’ heavy pale hair, petting him. He would protect his prince, and he would convince Jules that he was important. A huge welling of purpose flooded him, centered him.
    He smiled, letting his devotion and fierceness show. “I will keep you safe, and the world will be the better for it.”
    “Whatever makes you happy, Lem.”
    “You are the one who should be happy.” He was only a guardian. His happiness had no bearing on anything.
    “I am, when I read to you.”
    “Is that the only time?” That didn’t seem right.
    “Mostly, yes. I love the escape, which I know is not right. Mabon told me I shouldn’t be a selfish man, to wish to escape a perfect life.”
    “Not a perfect life.” Lem knew that his prince had suffered a tragedy. His prince wasn’t happy. How was that perfect? “Especially if you are unhappy.” He wanted desperately to be able to make Jules happy.
    Jules offered him the barest smile. “You’re good to me.”
    “I pray you will always believe so.”
    “Why wouldn’t I?” Jules offered him another grin, this one stronger, more sure.
    He smiled back, the curve of Jules’ lips infectious. He surprised himself with the urge to dip his head, touch Jules’ lips with his. He took a step back, his nostrils flaring, shocked at himself.
    “Lem? Lem, did I burn you? Are you well?” Jules scrambled away from him.
    “No, you didn’t hurt me!” He went after Jules, refusing to let his prince think he had been injured.
    “Are you well? Shall I call for help?”
    “No, no, I’m fine. I swear it.” He took hold of Jules’ hands, holding them both in his. “You see?”
    “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t harm you. I didn’t mean to harm them.”
    “You didn’t harm me, my prince. You did nothing. It was me.” And perhaps he should have told someone he had these feelings for his prince, perhaps he should recuse himself. But he was selfish and could not.
    “You?” Oh, those huge eyes stared at him, gleaming, the color of emeralds.
    “Me.” Lem hung his head. “I almost kissed you.” Lem would normally have never admitted to it, but Jules needed to know it wasn’t his fault.
    “Oh. I’m not in line to be mated.” Jules patted his hand.
    “I have rutted. It’s compulsory.” They were trained to know what it was, to understand the wiles that could be used against them, tested with the most desirable of female dragons. Lem had far preferred the males who’d tested him, who’d rutted with him. What he wanted to do to Jules was... softer. Not simply rutting. “But I’ve never kissed anyone.”
    “No? Me either. They brought a