To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)

by Elizabeth Drake

  “An exquisite piece,” Ndrek said. “An engagement gift for Lady Daniella?”

  Eli said nothing as he closed the box.

  Ndrek suppressed a smile as mischief glittered in his dark eyes. “Your Highness, about tonight’s dinner and entertainment.”

  “You know a way I can get out of it?”

  “No, but it would be considered proper to bring Auburn as your companion.”

  “Companion?” Eli frowned. “The sultan doesn’t bring one.”

  “Because he has twenty-two wives. Imagine the backlash he would suffer to choose one so publicly over the others.”

  Eli’s frown deepened.

  “Having more than one wife in Qumaref is not so different than it would be in Tamryn. In a way, Tamryn’s laws are a blessing.”

  “I can’t imagine twenty-two wives.”

  “Nor can I,” Ndrek said. “But it would be considered within proper etiquette to bring Auburn and having her with you might make your night more enjoyable.”

  “Or make her a target.”

  “She already is one, Your Highness. And that necklace will only make her more so.”

  Eli contemplated the package. “I meant it to protect her.”

  “And it will, but not from the ones that wish you dead.”

  Eli walked into his rooms and his chest constricted as he found Auburn resting on the sofa with a glass of water beside her.

  When she saw him, genuine happiness tugged her lips into a smile, and she jumped up and hugged him. Eli slid an arm around her and held her close as he drank in the soft scent of her. “Are you all right? You look tired.”

  “I worked her hard today,” Leopold said. “Sligo would be a better teacher for her, but I do well enough.”

  Auburn stared down at her hands. “He was teaching me to defend myself. To protect you, and maybe my son.”

  “I thought you weren’t allowed to touch a weapon,” Eli said.

  “We dispensed with that real quick.” Leopold’s gaze fell on the package in Eli’s hand.

  “I’m glad he could get through to you.” Eli paused. “I have something for you.”

  Leopold excused himself.

  “A gift? For me?” Auburn’s eyes widened.

  Eli handed it to her. “Commissioned just for you.”

  Her hands shook as she opened the box, and a brilliant smile curved her lips. She touched a finger to the carved gold dragons and over the large sapphire. “Words can’t do it justice.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  Eli smiled, satisfied that she was so pleased. The thought tripped him, made him pause. He’d given Daniella an expensive engagement gift, and he’d felt nothing at her thanks. It had sealed a partnership, nothing more, and they’d both known it.

  This gift meant something. His conqueror grinned. It marked Auburn as his.

  But only if he was done fighting for the crown.

  Eli swallowed. Yes, he was done. Every time Auburn smiled, his royal campaign sunk further below his need for her. If he couldn’t have both, than sacrificing his ambition was the best choice. For himself and for Tamryn. There was still a great deal he could do for his people, things that wouldn’t tear the kingdom apart.

  Uncertainty wound through his thoughts. After how long and hard he’d he worked to take the crown, did he want to throw it all away? Was he selfish enough to foist the burden of ruling off on his children? Or worse yet, leave Tamryn with no monarch?

  He remembered the paralyzing fear when he’d thought she was dead. How he’d have given anything, even his own life, to get her back.

  He’d never been willing to sacrifice that for the throne.

  He stroked Auburn’s cheek. The Twins’ curse was worse than he’d thought and more powerful than he’d imagined. Yet, he couldn’t deny he was following the right path as he slipped the necklace around Auburn’s neck and fastened it into place.

  As hard as it was, he had to believe in Dracor. Had to trust He would do what was right for Tamryn, and Eli would fight to do what was right for any children he ever had. Especially if that child was also Auburn’s.

  The prince watched their reflection in the mirror, him dark and imposing behind her. She traced a finger over the necklace, then turned back to him and smiled.

  That smile undid him. Made him want to give her everything and more. Made him want to protect her and keep her safe, and a queen was never safe.

  Abandoning his quest for the throne was the best thing for her, and the right thing for Tamryn. If the Dragon God had wanted him to be king, He’d have bestowed His blessing already.

  It would be a sacrifice for their son, but with Auburn’s help, they would raise him to be worthy of the throne.

  He thought again of the red dragon tabard she’d seen in her visions. Yes, Knight of Valor initiates wore one, but a prince wore something similar when the Dragon Church crowned him king. By the gods, he hoped it was his child in her visions.

  Eli wrapped her in his arms and held her close. He breathed in the rich scent of her and basked in the feel of her warm and soft in his arms.

  At that moment, he was happier than he could remember being. Settling for less than the throne wasn’t settling. Not if he had her.

  “Don’t mean to break this up,” Leopold said from the doorway. “But Sligo says you got dinner with the sultan.”

  Eli smiled down at Auburn. “It would please me if you’d join me.”

  Her eyes saucered.

  “I’m assured it’s well within proper etiquette,” Eli said.

  “Do you understand what asking me to accompany you means?”

  The prince paused.

  “It means that you’re telling everyone you favor me above all others, even if just for the night.”

  Eli thumbed over Auburn’s cheek. “There is no one I would rather have beside me. Tonight and always. Had I known it was allowed sooner, you’d have joined me every night.”

  She hugged him as a brilliant smile lit her face.

  “Sultan’s still waiting,” Leopold said.

  Eli glared at the Knight as Auburn hugged the prince again then hurried off to change clothes.

  As she slipped into the dressing room, Leopold glanced over at Eli. “Quite the trinket you put around her neck.”

  “A gift.”

  “Men give gifts like that to their wives and lovers. Not to ladies they’re trying to marry off to someone else.”

  Eli raised a haughty brow. “Not that I need to explain anything to you, but things are different. I have no intention of marrying her off.”

  “And here I’d thought you’d changed.”

  “I don’t care what you think, but you can be assured I will take good care of Auburn.”

  Leopold rocked back on his heels. “Royal crest, isn’t it?”

  “My family’s crest, yes.”

  “Does that mean you finally got some sense?”

  Eli frowned, but before he could press Leopold, Auburn entered the room gowned in ice blue silk.

  The prince couldn’t take his eyes from her. Her milk-pale skin looked flawless as the silk skimmed her soft curves and pooled around her. The curve of her lush lips, both sweet and beguiling, lured him in and made him want to plunder them as he tangled his hands in her copper-colored hair. And the necklace he’d given her blazed at her throat.

  He swallowed hard and opened his arms to her. “You look amazing.”

  Auburn slipped into them and laid her head against his chest.

  “He’s right. You look real pretty,” Leopold said. “Nice girl, too.”

  “He’s jealous he didn’t find you first. Only a woman of your patience and kindness could tolerate him.”

  She touched her necklace and smiled up at Eli. “I’m very lucky. The gods have blessed me.”

  “And you’ve had the strength to act on that blessing.” Eli offered Auburn his arm, and she took it. The prince laid his other hand over top of hers and led her out of their suite.

&
nbsp; Rolland and several other attachés were waiting.

  “We’re running late, Your Highness,” Rolland said, his eyes fixing on Auburn.

  Eli offered no explanation as he led Auburn through the palace and down to the sumptuous dinner.

  Pausing outside the grand hall, Eli glanced back at Rolland and lowered his voice so none of the other attachés could hear. “Is there a reason you never told me it would be within proper etiquette to bring Auburn to these dinners? I thought we’d settled where your allegiances fell.”

  Rolland’s eyes widened.

  Eli said nothing more as the guards opened the large oak doors, and the prince led Auburn into the great hall.

  Chapter 34

  The heavy scent of rich spices filled the room as haunting music drifted among the quiet hum of voices. Opulent silk pillows richly beaded in shining silver littered the floor. The long low table already overflowed with succulent offerings and chilled wines.

  Steeling himself against the pungent aromas and growing din of the courtiers, Eli kept his face impassive as he tightened his grip on Auburn. He noted that there were fewer diners than there had been before the assassination attempts, but there were still far more people than he liked.

  Eli preferred to take his meals in his rooms. Eating alone was safer, more enjoyable, and gave him time to think. He had to endure some things, and the prince took his seat beside the sultan.

  The sultan grinned when he saw Auburn and his eyes fell to the necklace. “You are not yet married, no?”

  “No,” Eli said.

  “Unfortunate that Tamryn only allows one wife. It must make forging alliances more difficult.”

  Eli tightened his hand over top of Auburn’s. “The same laws bind all Tamarians. It forces us to find other ways to make alliances.”

  “I would be interested in knowing more about your Dragon God.”

  “I’ll have someone better versed in His path discuss Him with you. I’m more familiar with the practical matters of dealing with the Dragon Church than the theological ones.”

  “Yet your plan would bring the difficulty of dealing with this Dragon Church to Qumaref’s shores, yes?”

  “Difficult, yes, but the people trust them. The nobility trust them. They can make unpopular things easier.”

  The sultan grinned. “A double-edged sword then.”

  “Aren’t all powerful allies?”

  “True.” The sultan stabbed a hunk of meat with his green-glowing dagger and peered over at Auburn. A smile tugged his lips. “You are enjoying your gift, I see.”

  Eli laced his fingers with Auburn’s. “Beyond measure.”

  Color crept across her cheeks as she smiled up at the prince.

  “Ha!” The sultan slapped his thigh. “They said her tongue was as fiery as her hair and her heart as cold as her eyes. You cured her of both.”

  “I’m pleased that you trusted me with her, even if she would have been difficult for some.” Eli glanced at Premal and raised a brow.

  “Slaves need a firm hand,” Premal said.

  “I suspect Prince Eli has been giving her more than just a firm hand.” The sultan chortled, pleased with his own joke.

  Premal stiffened and glared at Eli. The adviser stood and bowed to the sultan then strode out of the room.

  The sultan smiled as Premal left. “Beautiful women are to be enjoyed, not broken, but I can see you know that.”

  Eli slipped a protective arm around Auburn and kept his face a mask as servants brought trays laden with meats, cheeses, and fruits.

  Without words, Auburn helped the prince select dishes that appealed to his Tamarian palette and wine that refreshed without clouding his senses. She then engaged him with light conversation and amusing anecdotes.

  Eli found the evening far more bearable than he’d expected as he enjoyed the time with her. Even the courtier’s banter was less irritating. Auburn touched his hand as she quietly explained the silly story being discussed at the main table, and a smile snuck past the expressionless mask he usually wore.

  As they ate, the first group of entertainers came forward, their elaborate costumes a rainbow of shimmering color in the fading light. Beads jangled as the ladies danced, their dark eyes peeking over sheer veils as their bodies undulated to the music.

  While the entertainers were lovely, they were like holding a match before the sun. Eli stroked his fingers along Auburn’s bare arm, and he let the heat, music and dancers infect him as he anticipated returning to his suite.

  A second group of dancers emerged. These were young men, naked from the waist up with their baggy silk trousers ending just below their knees. They wore a gold bangle on each wrist and one on each ankle above bare feet.

  They thrust their arms toward the sky and stomped their feet in a powerful display filled with dark repressive energy. Sweat beaded on their foreheads and glistened across their chests as they punched, kicked, and leapt to the violent beat.

  Eli said nothing, his expression unreadable as he watched the display of strength and masculinity. A dangerous, primal dance whose aggression marred its beauty.

  The troupe finished their performance and bowed low before the sultan. As one of the young men stood, he grabbed a dagger hidden inside his puffed pants and lunged.

  Instinct and training took over as Eli kicked the man’s legs out from underneath him and sent the dancer tumbling back. As Eli reached for his sword, the dancer bounced away.

  Sligo appeared from the shadows behind the dancer and slit his throat in a single fluid move.

  Eli glanced behind them, but the two guards usually stationed with the sultan were both gone.

  As the dancer slumped to the floor and blood pooled around him, the music faded and the sound of clashing swords pierced the great hall. Courtiers screamed and raced towards the doors, sending dishes clattering to the floor, spilling wine, and scattering food.

  The sultan’s eyes widened as he stared at the dead body then turned his attention to Sligo and Prince Eli.

  The large oak doors that led into the great hall splintered.

  Auburn took Eli’s hand. “The servant’s entrance. We must hurry.”

  Eli glanced at the sultan. “Palace guards trustworthy?”

  “Some of them.”

  Eli said nothing as he followed Auburn. The sultan paused, but he trailed after them, his jeweled scimitar drawn.

  Auburn wove through the turmoil as the main doors crashed open and armed men cut a path through diners, servants, and dancers.

  Leading Eli and the sultan to the back of the cavernous room, Auburn ran her hand along a wall and a secret door snicked open. “How servants come into the great hall so they aren’t seen,” she said as she ducked inside the passage.

  Eli stayed silent as he followed her into the dark corridor.

  She closed the door then guided them through the dimly lit passage, her slippered feet noiseless as they delved into the heart of the palace.

  Eli glanced over his shoulder several times, but only the sultan followed them.

  “Passage ends here,” Auburn whispered. “We’re in the servant areas now, so no need to hide their passing.”

  “Where?” Eli asked.

  “Close to the kitchens.”

  “How do we get out of the palace from here?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  Eli nodded and stepped in front of her, sword and dagger drawn, as she slid the door aside.

  “I knew you’d come this way, princeling. Willing to follow your whore anywhere.” Premal grinned, and the four large men with the adviser drew their swords.

  Chapter 35

  The bright light of the hall made it difficult to see into the passageway, and Auburn stood in front of the sultan to shield him further. She prayed it was enough for Pandhuka to escape to safety and send reinforcements.

  Eli stepped through the door, and Auburn followed him. Fear slid through her at the greed twisting Premal’s face, followed by anger. She’d led Eli into
Premal’s trap, and Auburn would do whatever was necessary to make sure the prince escaped.

  Premal stared at the darkness behind them, but if he saw the sultan, he gave no indication. Sweat beaded Premal’s brow and color flushed his cheeks. Blood stained the hem of his trousers, and his sleeve was torn. Perverse delight darkened his eyes, and he reminded Auburn of a wild mongrel thrown a piece of steak.

  Calm and collected in his pristine black suit, Eli raised a brow. “So this is where the sultan keeps you when you aren’t licking his boots.”

  Anger reddened Premal’s face. “Your words are worthless and come from a man that takes council from a slave.”

  Eli only raised a taunting brow.

  “I knew you’d come. Knew you’d try to sneak away rather than stand and fight. You’re proof Tamryn is nothing. A shadow of a sleeping dragon.”

  Eli stepped between her and the adviser, blocking her from Premal’s view.

  Premal thrust out his hand and growled at Auburn. “Come. Now.”

  “Stay behind me.”

  “He’s not giving the orders!” Premal snapped his fingers at the guards. “Give me the girl and kill the Tamarian.”

  Eli crouched in front of her as the four men closed in on him. Darting to the left, he deflected a blow from the man farthest down, pivoted, and buried his dagger in the man’s chest. The prince then jabbed upward as Leopold had tried to teach her. The blade slid under the attacker’s ribs and pierce his heart.

  The man clutched at the dagger, stumbling back as blood coated his shirt and pooled on the ground at his feet. Eli spun away and grabbed the dagger he wore strapped to his left ankle. He dropped back into a fighting stance as the three remaining guards paused and reassessed the threat the prince posed.

  Auburn swallowed back the bile burning her throat as blood slicked the floor and filled the room with its sweet coppery scent. She’d never seen a man die before, but by the gods, she wouldn’t let Premal kill Eli.

  As Eli faced off against the guards, Premal lunged at her. Auburn sidestepped him, dancing out of his reach and closer to Eli.

  The guards glanced toward Auburn, and the prince threw his dagger into the throat of the man closest to him, then sprinted forward and ran the same guard through with his sword.