To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(21)

Jaelin frowned. “Interesting, Your Highness.”

“Qumaref’s negotiations failed with Arren and K’tel.”

“You think the two are related.”

Eli lifted his shoulders. “I’d like to know what we’re up against, and you can go places a man can’t.”

The prince told Jaelin what little he’d learned, but he kept his suspicions to himself. He didn’t want to bias her findings.

“I will need time, Your Highness,” Jaelin said. “While she’s the subject of a lot of gossip, getting real information will be difficult. Premal will be easier. He’s a very public figure. Feared and hated.”

Eli paused for a moment. Many had said the same of him, and he hadn’t cared. Perhaps he needed to reassess that.

“Premal struck first, and I’ve put things in play so he knows I’ve hit back. The next move is his. The more information I have on what that move will be, the better.”

Jaelin bowed in acknowledgment and left his room.

Eli glanced back at the sleeping form in his bed. Nothing was going according to plan, but he couldn’t find it in himself to be angry. Taking off his jacket, he slid into bed beside her and smiled as she curled up in his arms.



Negotiations resumed the next day, and Prince Eli didn’t return to his rooms until the moon was high in the sky. He was in a dark humor as he sprawled back in an overstuffed chair.

Auburn brought him a class of cold water and a tray of crisp fruits.

He took the water.

“You’re upset.”

“Tired of listening to idiots talk so they can hear their own words. Even my patience has its limits. Only bright side was Premal wasn’t there.”

“That’s very unusual.”

A dark smile curved Eli’s lips, and he sipped his water. “He was ill, or so I understand.”

“Are negotiations going well?” Auburn asked.

“I don’t expect them to this early, but I also expected a level of professionalism that’s missing.”

Auburn helped him slip off his coat, and she loosened the gold dragon clasp on his tunic.

He caught her fingers. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you relax.” She slid behind him and rubbed his shoulders.

Eli stiffened. Normally the touch of another would have made it impossible for him to relax, but this was different, softer, calming. He eased back into her hands, his tension melting beneath her fingers

The prince closed his eyes and let himself enjoy her ministrations. “Where did you learn this?”

“Something we’re taught,” she said.

He cracked an eye. “Very thorough education.”

“I was the sultan’s, and this was a skill we’re allowed to practice on the eunuchs and other ladies in the harem.”

Eli winced, but he couldn’t hold tension under her deft hands.

“Most eunuchs are slaves,” Auburn said. “They didn’t have a choice in their assignment.”

“To do that to a boy...” Eli shook his head.

“There are far worse fates for a slave. They enjoy many comforts for their sacrifice.”

“Barbaric no matter how you look at it, and I’m trying to strike a trade agreement.”

“You might feel differently if you ever have a daughter.”

“Not many girls born to the Dracasan line, but if I have a daughter, she’ll learn to protect herself,” Eli said. “And I’d assign a Knight of Valor to be her bodyguard. They embraced Dracor, and a Knight would rather die than disappoint Him.”

“You would teach a girl to fight? To wield a weapon?”

“Any daughter of mine will be born with enemies, and I’ll make sure she’s equipped to deal with them. I may not be the best teacher, but there are several female Knights. One of them will help her.”

Auburn narrowed her eyes. “There are female Knights?”

Eli smiled at her skepticism. “Damn good ones. I’ll introduce you to them when we get to Tamryn.”

“You allow women outside the royal family to wield weapons?”

“I don’t allow Knights to do anything. They do as the Dragon God wills. Dracor blesses every Knight Himself.”

“You’ve had a tiring day.” Auburn offered Eli her hand. “Rest would be good, and you’ll have another long day of listening to men who love their words tomorrow.”

A smile tugged his lips. “Tempting offer, but I shouldn’t.”

“It’ll be more comfortable with our combined warmth in the cold desert night, and I understand you’re not interested in more than that.”

He traced his thumb over her plump lips and along her smooth cheek. “I am interested, and that’s why I shouldn’t sleep beside you.”

She focused on the floor.

“You don’t understand,” Eli said. “And I don’t know how to explain it to you. How to convince you it’s wrong to make love to you when you’re with me out of obligation.”

“I want to make you happy.”

Eli touched her cheek so she’d look up at him. “What makes you happy?”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me.” He dropped his hand to his side as the truth of his words slapped him.