“You’re not here about the assassination attempt,” Eli said, “and you’re the worst negotiator in all of Tamryn.”
“Oh, I negotiate just fine.”
“You issue ultimatums. That is not negotiating. So why are you here? Knights don’t lie, or so I’m told.”
Leopold studied Eli. “You’re fitting in well. Fancy new clothes, a new beard, buying slave girls.”
Eli stiffened. “I’ve never bought a slave.”
“Then what’s she?” Leopold thumbed at Auburn.
“Part of my retinue.”
“I’ve known you your whole life. You don’t let folks touch you, much less put their arms around you. You don’t protect them, you don’t defend them, and you never leave your back exposed to them. Not even to your fiancée.”
“My association with Lady Daniella is about forging an alliance.”
“An alliance? Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
“Fiancée? Alliance?” Auburn’s words caught in her throat as she froze at his side.
Damn Leopold. Despite the political repercussions, Eli would toss Knight out of his rooms if he thought he could. This was not how Auburn was supposed to find out about Lady Daniella, if she ever had to find out.
The prince kept his face impassive as he slid an arm around her and held her close. “My engagement to Lady Daniella is a business arrangement.”
“Is it now?” Leopold leaned forward. “And what’s the girl behind you?”
“As I said before, she’s a member of my retinue.”
Leopold reached past Eli and held up the ring Auburn wore around her neck. “Any other members of your retinue have your personal signet ring?”
Eli glared at the Knight until he dropped the ring. “I gave her my ring to protect her.”
“From what?”
“It’s complicated.”
Leopold regarded Auburn. “I’m not as stupid as you think, but you better let her explain. I won’t believe you.”
“You will leave her alone,” Eli said.
The sudden chill in the prince’s tone made Leopold pause as Eli stepped closer. The prince kept himself in front of Auburn, shielding her as he stared at Leopold.
Leopold stepped back, slowly, as if he were facing off against a viper.
“If you have proof of some misdeed and are here to arrest me, so be it.” Clipped and formal, Eli’s words dripped with royal authority. “Otherwise, you will take your leave.”
“They aren’t really going to arrest you, are they?” Auburn asked, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
“Is he buying slaves?” Leopold said.
“The sultan gifted me to him, and he’s been nothing but kind.”
“Eli? Kind?” Leopold snorted.
Auburn’s eyes narrowed. “You’re sure he’s a Knight of Valor?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Eli said. “Leave, Sir Leopold. You’ve concluded your business. Now you’re intruding.”
Leopold tilted his head and peered around the prince. “So the sultan gifted you? He do that often?”
“Not often,” Auburn said.
Ndrek raised his brows. “A gift meant to impress.”
“People aren’t gifts,” Leopold snapped.
“In Qumaref they are.” Ndrek said.
Leopold’s fists balled at his sides, but he didn’t argue as he turned his faded blue gaze to Eli. “What are you gonna do with her?”
“My arrangements with a member of my retinue are none of your business.”
“If he leaves her here, she will be executed or worse,” Ndrek said. “He will have to sell her, which would be against your laws.”
“Prince Eli’s promised to take me back to Tamryn with him.”
“You’re really taking her to Tamryn?” Leopold met the prince’s cold gaze.
“She’s a member of my retinue. Of course I am.” Eli’s finality brooked no argument. “Why are you still here?”
“Not leaving until I know the whole story. The sooner you tell me, the sooner you get rid of me.”
“There’s nothing more to tell,” Eli said.
“How’d you come by a slave as a gift?”
“An off comment to the sultan.”
Auburn explained what had happened, and Leopold frowned.
“Not unlike the sultan,” Ndrek said. “He has been known to give lavish gifts impetuously. Given her unusual beauty, she would be a very special gift. Reserved for someone he wishes to impress.”
Leopold grit his teeth. “By Dracor’s claws, I hate Qumaref.”
“You would not be alone,” Ndrek said.
“You sure that’s how it happened?” Leopold’s faded gaze held Auburn.
“There were many who witnessed it, should you wish to ask them.”
“There is another way,” Ndrek said. “Slaves are tattooed, and a slave in the sultan’s harem would have a special tattoo.”
Auburn lowered her head but nodded. She slipped from the chaise, and before Eli could stop her, she knelt and bowed her head to the floor.
Eli yanked her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her as he glared at Ndrek. Cold anger filled him, tapering only when Auburn laid her head against his chest.
“Where’s the tattoo?”
“You haven’t seen it?” Ndrek asked.
“Maybe you’ve got more reptile blood than I thought,” Leopold said.
“Where is this tattoo?” Eli ground out the words from between clenched teeth.
“The small of my back.” Auburn started to lift her tunic.
Eli stopped her. “You don’t have to show anyone.”
“No need to see it.” Ndrek spread his hands in front of him. “She is from the sultan’s harem.”
“Can we get the tattoo off of her?” Eli asked.
“It is expensive and difficult to do.”
“Arrange for it as soon as we get her back to Tamryn. Discreetly. If anyone else learns of it...” Eli couldn’t stop the anger from twisting across his normally expressionless face.
Ndrek grimaced and bowed his head. “Of course, Your Highness. You have my word on it.”
Eli glared at the Knight. “Satisfied?”
“Looks like you’re on the up and up with the girl.”
“Good, then as long as you’re not arresting me and you won’t leave, you can be of assistance. That’s what Knights do, I’ve been told,” Eli said.
“Assist you?” Sir Leopold’s steel-colored brows rose.
“What do you know about my cousin Fredrick?”
Chapter 25
Fredrick Dracasan?” Leopold asked.
“Yes.”
“Wanna tell me why?”
“No,” Eli said.
“I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
Eli paused and considered. Leopold was a powerful man in Tamryn politics and within the Dragon church. He could be a valuable ally, and he knew the Knight would protect Auburn even from a member of the royal family. Trusting Leopold with information was a risk, but a calculated one. “Fredrick bribed one of my attachés.”
“You got proof?”
“Rolland’s word.”
“Not much, especially against a member of the royal family,” Leopold said. “Seems bribery is becoming more common these days.”
Ndrek bristled. “It is standard protocol in Qumaref to offer an incentive to local law enforcement to not always notice your activities.”
Leopold raised his shaggy eyebrows. “Not in Tamryn it isn’t.”
“Much to my chagrin. In Rolland’s case, it would have to be a large bribe to risk a prince’s wrath.”
“Tamarian citizenship,” Eli said.
“Quite the bribe, indeed.” Ndrek glanced at Auburn. “Almost impossible to get unless you’re born with it.”
“What’d Fredrick want Rolland to do?” Leopold asked.
“Get me home quickly.”
Leopold’s brows pinched together.
�
��It doesn’t seem harmful, other than jeopardizing the mission, but it doesn’t fit with Fredrick,” Eli said. “Why would he want me home early?”
“Dunno.” Leopold rubbed his chin. “Figure that out, and a lotta things about Fredrick might make more sense.”
Eli stilled. “Is Fredrick under investigation?”
“Not officially, not anymore. But I keep an eye on him. Like I do on you.”
So there had been official inquiries into his cousin. Eli compartmentalized that for later consideration.
“How’d you figure out Rolland was on the take?” Leopold asked.
“Rolland’s never lied, but he withheld information. Information Auburn gave me,” Eli said.
“Less risky. Easier for you to miss and harder to prove.” Leopold let out his breath and shook his head. “That sounds like Fredrick.”
Eli waited for Leopold to explain, but the Knight fell silent.
Ndrek glanced at Auburn. “It is easy to make a misstep in Qumaref that could have ended delicate negotiations or made an agreement impossible to reach. It is a good thing the sultan was so generous.”
Eli paused. “You think he gave her to me knowing I needed her help?”
“Once you arrived at the palace without a beard, he would have known you either did not have good council or did not listen to it,” Ndrek said.
“He bet on bad information and won.” Eli’s estimation of the sultan increased.
“Is it possible when Rolland failed to have you home by now, your cousin had Sir Leopold check up on you?” Auburn asked.
“Would’ve taken more than Fredrick to get Sir Leopold to sail to Qumaref,” Eli said.
Leopold grunted. “Came because King Garrett had a reliable source that said you were buying slaves.”
“Who was that reliable source?”
“You can bet I’m gonna find out, but that’ll have to wait until I get back to Tamryn.”
“Whoever it was is powerful enough to have the king’s ear,” Ndrek said.
“King Garrett keeps his own council, and he has a damn good intelligence network,” Leopold said. “His information is usually reliable, but if someone’s lying, they picked the right thing to lie about. It’s easy to believe bad things about Eli.”
“Easier to get things done when people think I’m capable of anything.”
After several moments of silence, Auburn stood. “You must be hungry and tired after your trip. I’ll arrange for refreshments.”
Leopold sprawled back in a chair opposite Eli. “Wouldn’t say no to that.”
“Take Sligo and two of the guards with you,” Eli said.
Auburn smiled at him, nodded, and left the room.
“Sligo’s still with you, I see.”
“One of the few I trust.”
“Trust has always been hard for you. What’d the lass do to earn it so quick?”
“As long as you’re in Qumaref, I’d be happy to introduce you to the sultan,” Eli said, avoiding Leopold’s question. “He can meet a Knight of Valor, and you can enjoy his hospitality in my place.”
“Sultan doesn’t have to know I’m here. Best if he didn’t.”
“Sir Leopold is good at many things, but as you admitted yourself, negotiating is not among them,” Ndrek said.
“I’m sure the sultan already knows you’re here. How long are you staying?”
“Long enough to restock the ship,” Leopold said. “I’m gonna find out who sent me on this goose chase, and I’m scrutinizing Fredrick’s activities a whole lot more.”
Eli almost felt sympathy for Fredrick. Almost. “Took you half the time it did me to get here.”
“You’re on the flagship. Lot more comfortable than the confiscated pirate vessel we’re on.”
“Pirate vessel?” Eli frowned as he remembered the vision Auburn had told him about. “How sea worthy is the vessel? Any issues with it?”
“Why?”
Eli shook his head. There was more than one pirate ship out there, and yet...
Leopold’s eyes narrowed “I was thinking I should take the girl back with me. You focus on these negotiations so you can get home in time for your wedding.”
Eli’s expression remained impassive. “I see no reason she should leave with you.”
“Maybe she wants to.”
“I doubt she will choose to leave Prince Eli, but it might be best if she did,” Ndrek said. “You have made enemies, based on the recent assassination attempt, and they may use her to get to you.”
“I’ve considered that.” Eli sucked in a breath. “I station guards with her during the day.”
“But you worry it is not enough,” Ndrek said. “And you are correct. I would not trust any Qumarefi guards. While most are honest, all men have their price.”
“Not all men,” Leopold said.
Ndrek lifted his shoulders. “Enough do.”
The prince met Leopold’s gaze. “If she went back with you, you’d give me your word as a Knight to keep her safe until I return?”
“Might even protect her after you get back, seeing as you’re supposed to marry Lady Daniella.”
Eli stilled. “There is that. Auburn deserves better than to be a mistress. Even a royal one.”
“Might be the first time I’ve ever agreed with you,” Leopold said.
Eli stared at the closed door. “She wants children, and there are rules about royal bastards.”
“I know ‘em,” Leopold said. “Some say Dracor wrote ‘em, and maybe He did. Still never thought you’d put someone else ahead of yourself.”
“Me either.”
“Qumaref’s changed you,” Leopold said.
“Not for the better.”
“Not so sure about that.”
Eli dismissed it with a flick of his wrist. “I’m here for a trade agreement, and that’s what I’ll get.”
“You will need to complete that quickly if you are to make it back to Tamryn in time for your nuptials,” Ndrek said. “But then, a delay may better serve you, Your Highness.”
Eli considered that for a moment. If he didn’t make it back in time for his wedding, would Duke Calloway try to call it off permanently? Eli doubted it, but it would give them all more options to escape the marriage.
First, he had to figure out if he wanted to give up the crown. He already knew he didn’t want to marry Lady Daniella.
“Not that I’m anxious for you to come home, but after the assassination attempt, any reason you shouldn’t head back right now?” Leopold said.
“I’m close to striking a deal that will work for both sides.”
“A deal the Church won’t throw a fit about?”
“The Dragon Church won’t be happy, but they’ll make it work.”
“What’re you proposing?” Leopold asked.
“Opening trade routes between Tamryn and Qumaref. Tamryn opens its doors under the condition that whatever Qumaref trades to Tamryn is certified as produced without slave labor.”
Leopold’s eyes narrowed. “Who’s doing the certifying?”
“The Dragon Church.” Eli steepled his fingers. “I can think of no one more difficult to bribe or circumvent. It gives the Dragon Church a presence in Qumaref to spread their teachings, and it offers paying work for free men and women.”
“Qumaref does not understand how inflexible the Dragon Church is on corruption,” Ndrek said.
“Speaking from experience?” Eli asked.
Ndrek only smiled, showing his perfect white teeth.
“They’ll learn, but by then, they’ll have enjoyed the benefits of trade. The certification by the Dragon Church does not commence until the second year of the agreement. This gives the Church time to set up the apparatus of certification, and the Qumarefis time to comply.”
“Whole deal could be undone at the end of those two years,” Leopold said. “Don’t care how much Tamarians like Qumarefi goods. Church’ll stand firm behind that second-year clause.”
“I expect no less,
” Eli said, “or I’d never have proposed it. I think it will work. I’ve talked with shrewd young men that see the benefits of trade with Tamryn and a path to wealth for themselves. They’ll make it work.”
Leopold mulled it over and then nodded. “Not half bad. You come up with that after you fell in love with the girl?”
Before Eli could respond, Auburn returned to the room with servants carrying jugs of chilled wine, trays of exotic fruits, and dishes of spiced meats.
Leopold ignored Eli as he plucked up a piece of fruit. “Mighty fine spread you got here.”
Auburn bowed her head. “I’m glad you’re pleased.”
“We were just talking about you,” Leopold said. “I understand you want to come to Tamryn.”
“I wish to return to Tamryn with Prince Eli,” Auburn said.
“I’d be right pleased if you’d come back to Tamryn with me instead. I’d see you safe and settled.”
“Settled?” Auburn glanced up at Eli. “What is that a euphemism for?”
“Eli thinks you need to find a husband and all that nonsense,” Leopold said. “I figured you’d like to look around before he gets back and barks orders.”
Eli’s eyes narrowed at Leopold. “There’s no reason she can’t stay in Qumaref with me until I depart.”
“Did you forget the assassin that tried to kill you? If he gets lucky where would that leave Auburn?”
“With Sligo.”
“He will have a difficult time getting her out of Tamryn without your name and title behind him,” Ndrek said.
“Premal would stop me.” Auburn shivered.
Eli tightened his arms around her. “I will protect you.”
“If you’re alive to do it,” Leopold said.
Eli thought of the man that had broken into his rooms and tried to hurt Auburn. He thought of Premal’s bold proposition and the assassination attempt.
“What would happen to me if I went with you to Tamryn?” Auburn asked. “Eli offered to let me stay with him upon our return.”
“I’ve got ties to the Countess of Highland. She’d take right good care of you. Help you find a husband if you wanted one. Probably help you find a husband even if you don’t want one.”
The words made Eli’s fists ball, but he forced himself to contemplate Leopold’s offer. While he wanted Auburn to stay with him, he wanted to keep her safe more. He knew Premal would use whatever means possible to get to her, and he couldn’t take the chance of the sultan’s adviser succeeding.
To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1) Page 12
