The man stumbled back, slipping on his own blood as he clutched his belly and screamed.
Auburn covered her mouth with a hand as Eli spun around and drew the dagger from his right boot. He was now several steps away from her.
Recognizing her vulnerability, Auburn leapt backward, trying to get to Eli. The guard closest to her lunged at her. She dodged around him, but Premal was behind the guard, and he grabbed her hair and yanked her to him.
He squeezed her hard, forcing the air from her lungs, but she swallowed back her scream and kept her face a mask. She didn’t want to break Eli’s concentration.
The prince’s gaze moved from the remaining two guards to Premal and back to the guards.
Auburn fought back her revulsion as Premal crushed his lips to hers and forced his tongue into her mouth. Letting her body fall limp, she refused to show fear or use her training to please him.
Premal’s grip on her tightened, bruising her as he shoved her against the wall and ground his body against hers.
Anger mixed with fear and the concoction burned through her, squeezing her thoughts and silencing her reason as Premal dug his fingers into her flesh.
She had to focus. Had to escape. To save herself and Eli.
Premal’s dagger crushed against her hip, and memories of Leopold’s teachings flooded her.
She had to get the dagger.
Steadying her breathing, Auburn searched for an opening.
“Stroke me,” Premal said.
When she didn’t comply, he grabbed her hand and shoved it against his rigid member.
Despite her fear, Auburn stayed rag-doll limp in his arms and let out a bored sigh.
Premal shook her hard enough that her teeth rattled. “You will learn how to treat your master!”
“You are not my master.”
Premal snarled and slapped her, sending her sprawling across the floor. He then grabbed her by the hair and yanked her back to her feet.
She tasted blood in her mouth and her vision blurred, but she refused to respond.
Eli cursed and slipped around one of the remaining guards to get to her, but the second one slashed at him, forcing the prince to halt and defend himself.
“Enough!” Premal bellowed. “Drop your sword or I will kill her!”
Eli glanced from Auburn to Premal and back to the men closing in on him.
By the gods, she couldn’t believe Eli was considering giving up his weapon. They’d kill him if he did, and she wouldn’t let him throw his life away.
Sucking in a breath, Auburn summoned her courage and elbowed Premal hard in the gut. Surprised, he released her, and Auburn grabbed the dagger on his belt. Turning with the grace of a dancer, she buried the dagger in his stomach.
Premal’s eyes widened as he stumbled back. Blood gushed from the dagger wound and soaked through his silk tunic.
Anger, fear, then panic contorted his face. He clutched at the dagger as he backed away from her and staggered down the hall.
Auburn stared at the blood on her hands. Premal’s blood.
Premal’s two remaining guards glanced at Eli then charged toward Auburn.
She stared at them, detached as she watched Eli bury his sword in the back of one man then slice his dagger across that man’s throat.
The man’s garbled scream helped Auburn recompose herself enough to dodge as the remaining guard lunged for her.
An arrow embedded itself in the last man’s chest. As he stumbled away from her, fire engulfed him.
Sligo stepped from the hidden passageway and lowered his hand crossbow as Ndrek and Sir Leopold sprinted down the hall.
Eli pulled Auburn into his arms. He stroked her hair as a shuddering breath escaped him. “I thought I was going to lose you.”
Auburn stared up at her prince and touched his face, his shoulders, his chest, reassuring herself that he was alive and well. Then she buried her face against him and held him tightly, her whole body trembling as her fear ebbed and relief flooded her.
Eli tightened his hold on her.
“We heard the commotion and didn’t see you fighting your way out,” Leopold said as he lowered his sword. “Ndrek thought Auburn might’ve snuck you out. Looks like he was right.”
A whisper of a smile curved Sligo’s lips as he pulled the daggers from the dead bodyguards, cleaned them, and handed them back to Eli.
Auburn glanced back to the servant’s passage. “Did you see...”
“The sultan passed me on my way to you,” Sligo said. “I don’t know if he survived. I recommend we regroup at the flagship.”
Leopold shook his head. “This trade agreement isn’t worth war.”
Eli tightened his arms around Auburn. “Some things aren’t worth risking.”
Sligo glanced toward the great hall as the sounds of battle whispered past them. “Let’s leave quickly. Qumaref may not be friendly depending on who wins this.”
Chapter 36
The flagship was restocked and ready to depart with the tide. There was a contagious energy in the air as the crew prepared for the long journey home.
Auburn’s pulse quickened as she breathed in the tangy sea air, and her fingers twined in the fabric of her gown. She was going to Tamryn.
Eli sat beside her. “How are you doing?”
“Nervous. Excited. Scared.”
He hugged her, and she leaned against him, basking in his warmth and rich woodsy scent.
Her heart clenched. The Twins had cursed her with unrequited love. She hadn’t thought she’d ever fall in love with someone, not like the stories, and she’d been okay with it. She’d marry for respect, affection, and her son.
This was the price for her freedom and the chance to have a family of her own. She thought of the unending days in the seraglio with no hope of a child. If the gods demanded this pain in tribute, she’d pay it.
Eli touched his lips to her forehead. “What’s bothering you?”
There was a knock at the door a moment before she could answer, and Leopold entered.
“Do I need to get better locks?”
“They wouldn’t stop me, but they’d make me more suspicious.” Leopold’s eyes fell on Auburn. “You could give the girl her own cabin. Then you wouldn’t care about the locks.”
“There are none to give her,” Eli said. “Space is even tighter with you and Ndrek aboard.”
“Sooner you admit the truth, the better, but that’s not why I’m here. There’s a messenger searching for you. Says he comes from the sultan. Can’t be sure, but Sligo thought he was on the up and up enough for me to come get you.”
“Stay with her,” Eli said.
“I was planning on it.”
“Please, be careful,” Auburn said as she tightened her grip on Eli.
“I will.” The prince kissed her fingers then stood and left the cabin.
Leopold watched him go. “Boy doesn’t know what a good thing the Twins gave him.”
Auburn blushed and stared down at her hands. “I’m just a-”
“Girl who kept her head, got Eli outta that hall, and used our training to escape Premal. You saved Eli’s life, maybe even the sultan’s, and prevented a war.”
“I’m glad you made me break the law to learn a few things.”
Leopold snorted. “Laws designed to oppress folks don’t sit right with Dracor or me. And you might get a medal. King Garrett is rather fond of his son.”
“I’m sure most parents are fond of their children,” Auburn said. “It’s a pity you have no children. You’d be a good father.”
“You’re the only one that thinks that.”
“Then I am the only one that’s right.”
“I’m starting to like you. There’s a streak of steel under all that meekness.”
Auburn smiled. “I’d like to learn more about protecting myself and Prince Eli, if you’re still inclined to teach me.”
“Couldn’t convince me not to. I hope this is the last time you’ll need it, but I doubt it.
”
A frown creased her brows. “Is Tamryn really that unsafe?”
“Eli’s circles can be.”
Auburn turned away, unable to meet Leopold’s gaze. “I doubt I’ll see Prince Eli after we reach Tamryn.”
“Keep telling yourself that. Might get your wish, but I doubt it.”
Auburn buried the seed of hope. “Always good to know how to protect myself, and the practice will serve me well.”
“Practice.” Leopold glanced out the window.
“You’re worried about your nephew.”
“Good boy with a head full of chicken feathers.”
“Hard to believe with you as an uncle.”
“You didn’t know my brother.” Leopold snorted. “He was like the Knights of Valor in all the stories, and he died because of it.”
“Then your nephew is very lucky to have you looking after him. Perhaps you trained sense into him.”
“Doubt that, but you tell me if Eli’s anything but kind to you. I’ll knock sense into him.”
Auburn bit her lower lip as Leopold studied her. She wanted to ask Sir Leopold about Lady Daniella, Tamryn’s royal succession, and the role of the Dragon Church. As the questions burned her tongue, Eli walked back into the room.
Leopold turned toward the prince. “Messenger have anything useful to say?”
“The sultan is inviting us back to the palace. Messenger claims loyalists quashed the incident and executed those involved.”
“You believe him?” Leopold asked.
Eli’s eyes narrowed. “Sligo’s contacts already told us the sultan survived. We don’t know who was behind the attack or if Premal is still alive.”
“Premal is very rich,” Auburn said. “He could have afforded to plot the assassination, pay to heal himself, and buy his way out of being captured.”
“I’ve got contacts looking into Premal. I want to know how he got so rich.”
“By the gods, I hate all of this cat-and-mouse stuff,” Leopold said.
Eli raised a brow. “Would you walk back into those negotiating rooms without more information?”
“I wouldn’t have walked into them in the first place.”
“Church and Crown are very different. Tamryn is better for it,” Eli said.
“‘Bout time you realized that.”
“I’m glad Eli came to Qumaref,” Auburn said. “If he hadn’t-”
“You’d have found another way out,” Leopold said.
Auburn was less certain, but she said nothing. As much as she wanted to go to Tamryn, she was no longer sure that was the source of her happiness.
“I’ll wait and see what unfolds,” Eli said. “I have no desire to walk into a trap, but I would also like to successfully conclude these negotiations.”
Leopold frowned at Eli. “You be good to her.”
Eli slipped his arms around Auburn. “That is one promise I can keep.”
Leopold snorted and left the room.
Auburn waited until Leopold had left then turned to Eli. “Are you going back?”
He threaded his fingers through her hair. “Maybe.”
Fear of losing him to Lady Daniella paled beside the cold lump in her chest at the thought of him dying. “I’m scared for you to go back to the palace.”
“I don’t relish the idea either, but I also can’t portray Tamryn as a cowardly nation.”
“You’re not a coward. No one will blame you for leaving.”
“They can and will.”
He said nothing more as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed, cradling her close to him. The heat of his body warmed and comforted her, and she held him, wishing she could keep him safe.
Dawn had yet to paint the sky, and Eli toyed with the rich copper strands of Auburn’s hair. He listened to her even breathing and let her warmth sooth him. But his thoughts kept sleep at bay.
Jaelin confirmed the sultan survived the assassination attempt though she wasn’t sure if the attack had been directed at Eli or the sultan. Many of the perpetrators had escaped or died in the fighting.
Eli thought of Rolland. Of Fredrick’s demands to get the prince home early. Assassination didn’t seem like his cousin, but he didn’t know Fredrick well. Eli regretting not probing to see if there was more to his cousin than philandering, drinking, and gambling.
If Fredrick was playing the role of a fop, he was a superb actor.
Eli slipped out of bed, dressed, and tucked the blankets back around Auburn. She murmured something and snuggled back into the warmth of their bed.
He touched a kiss to her forehead then went in search of Ndrek. The prince found him on deck, the mage’s face drawn and haggard as he leaned over the railing.
“Sailing doesn’t suit you.”
Ndrek turned and bowed low. “I would prefer to face a manticore, but Sir Leopold can be most persuasive.”
“I have something that can get you off the ship.”
“How may I be of service, Your Highness?”
“Leopold trusted you enough to bring you here, and he doesn’t trust easily,” Eli said.
Ndrek dipped his head. “The Knights and I have had our differences.”
“Of course you have. They’re Knights. But Leopold still brought you.” Eli paused. “What do you know of Premal?”
“Little other than he is one of the sultan’s advisers. He became an adviser because of his immense wealth.”
Eli narrowed his eyes. “He wasn’t born half as wealthy.”
“Investigating him makes sense after the assassination attempts, though it may be difficult to discover how he came into such wealth.”
“It’s about more than money.” Eli’s hands fisted at his sides. “Premal wants Auburn alive.”
“Are you certain?”
“He had the opportunity to kill her, and he didn’t.”
Ndrek’s eyes widened. “I would expect Premal to kill her in front of you to get his revenge.”
“He wants her for a reason, and I don’t think it’s just lust.”
“You fear he has not given up?”
Eli paused. “I believe Premal has dedicated himself to Rashalee.”
Ndrek rocked back on his heels. “If that is true, having something denied to him would obsess him.”
“Or possessing Auburn could be in service to his goddess.”
“What would Rashalee want with Auburn?”
“I don’t know, any more than I know why she was abducted and brought to Qumaref as a child. If my information is correct, Premal’s been after her a long time.”
Ndrek stilled. “Premal will try again if he still lives. And if he’s dead, Rashalee will send someone else. Someone we may not see coming.”
Eli nodded.
“What can I do to help, Your Highness?”
“You know more about Qumaref than we do, places to look, what things mean. Talk to Sligo. Offer him your help.”
“It will be done, Your Highness.”
Ndrek bowed to him, and Eli returned to his quarters, but the prince couldn’t settle enough to go back to bed without waking Auburn.
Eli paced, trying to piece together who his enemies were and what would be waiting for him in Tamryn.
The sun had climbed over the horizon, and Auburn still slept. She’d been tired lately, and he worried the stress of the last few weeks was draining her. Eli wanted to leave Qumaref and take her to his country estate. A sanctuary away from the machinations of succession. A place they could be together. A place she’d be safe.
But he couldn’t. Not yet.
He owed Dracor more than that. The Dragon Church. His father.
And the people of Qumaref deserved a chance at freedom. That meant returning to the sultan’s palace and continuing the negotiations.
He kissed Auburn, softly, gently, and whispered that he’d return to take her to Tamryn. Her breathing continued, deep and steady as she slept.
Eli called for Sligo and smiled at the carriage his bodyguard h
ad waiting for him. Seating himself, the prince watched as the early dawn light painted the quiet streets gold. He wanted to find the beauty in the city, see a hidden majesty beneath its cracked and faded façade, but he couldn’t. Not while Premal still threatened Auburn.
The carriage entered the exotic courtyard, but not even the monkeys or peacocks were awake yet. Guards patrolled the courtyards, and they waved the carriage to the main entrance where a handful of servants met Eli. They bowed until their foreheads touched the ground, then rose and led him back to the great hall.
The first thing the prince noticed was the quiet. Only a handful of people joined the sultan, and all of them were important. The brightly lit room smelled of lemon and rosewater, and it was difficult to believe it had been the site of a coup less than a fortnight ago.
“I am glad you accepted my invitation,” the sultan said.
“I’m glad you extended it.”
The sultan waved Eli towards a chair, and the prince sat down at the rich mahogany table. He noted that Premal was not in the room.
The sultan seemed to understand the urgency of reaching an agreement, and he dispensed with much of the normal showmanship and focused on the treaty.
By the midday break, they’d accomplished more than Eli had expected, more than he’d even hoped.
As the few people who’d accompanied the sultan dispersed to wait out the afternoon heat, Sultan Pandhuka motioned to him. “If you have a few moments, Prince Eli, I would like to speak with you.”
Eli nodded and walked with the sultan, both of their bodyguards falling in behind them as they strolled through the dim halls.
“I understand you have moved all of your nonessential people to your ship.”
“It seemed the prudent thing to do.”
Pandhuka nodded as he stared down the hall. “You will head back to Tamryn soon, yes?”
“I hope to leave with an agreement.”
“As do I.” The sultan paused again. “Your slave girl hid me from Premal. She saved my life.”
“And mine.”
“You are taking her back to Tamryn with you, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Yet, Tamryn does not permit slaves.”
To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1) Page 18
