To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(37)

“We have an enormous library in Tamryn,” Eli said. “I spent a lot of time there in my youth. I’ll show it to you when we get to the palace.”

She grinned and curled up on his lap. He opened the book, and she coached him through the strange swirls and flourishes of the Qumarefi words.

A knock at the door without an accompanying password had Eli frowning and reaching for his sword as he stood to shield Auburn.

Two men barged into the room, one tall and broad, his steel-colored hair and faded blue eyes adding to his air of authority. The other was lean with ruddy skin and dark eyes. He wore mage’s robes that made him appear bulkier than he was.

“I couldn’t stop them, Your Highness,” Sligo said.

“Shouldn’t’ve tried.” The man with the steel-colored hair glared at Eli.

“Sir Leopold.” Eli raised a brow. “And your acquaintance.”

“Prince Eli, Ndrek,” Leopold said in introduction.

Ndrek bowed deeply.

“I assume you’ve vetted him before bringing him into my chambers,” Eli said.

“He’s not an assassin.” Leopold’s eyes fell on Auburn. “Bettin’ she’s not either if you have your back to her. Who is she?”

“You’re Qumarefi?” Eli asked Ndrek.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Ndrek said, his words lightly accented.

Eli studied the man dressed like a wizard. “What are you doing with Sir Leopold?”

“I am a businessman here to help him navigate the intricacies of Qumarefi society so he could meet with you,” Ndrek said.

“Why are you helping Leopold?”

“To return to his and the Dragon Church’s good graces.”

“Business in Qumaref may not follow the same rules as in Tamryn,” Auburn said, her voice soft and low as she moved closer to Eli.

Ndrek grinned, showing his white teeth. “That is an understatement.”

“Interesting company you keep, Sir Leopold.” Eli glanced from Ndrek up to the Knight of Valor. Not just any Knight, but one of the top-ranking men in the Dragon Church. One of the few men that out-ranked a prince, which meant only King Garrett could’ve sent him. Eli couldn’t fathom why. If the mage could teleport, his father would’ve sent Leopold days ago. But no Tamarian mages could do such a spell. At least, no mages Eli knew, and he made it a point to know them all.

“You gonna tell me who the girl is?”

“I want to know why you’re jeopardizing the negotiations my father asked me to oversee. I doubt you’re here because of the assassination attempt.”

“What assassination attempt?” Leopold asked.

“Two days ago.”

“You appear unharmed, Your Highness,” Ndrek said.

“Thanks to Sligo and some good information.”

Leopold swore under his breath. “These negotiations were a bad idea. Much as I don’t like you, if someone assassinated you in Qumaref, King Garrett would retaliate. We’d be facing war.”

“My father was concerned about sending me, but he believed the sultan wouldn’t take negotiations seriously with anyone less than a prince.”

“The king was correct,” Ndrek said.

Auburn’s gaze traveled over Leopold, pausing at the dragon-emblazoned shield he carried. “Is he a Knight?”

“Yes,” Eli said. “Not what you were expecting?”

Auburn shook her head.

Leopold’s eyes narrowed, then he peered around the prince at Auburn. “You need rescuing from him?”

Eli kept himself between Leopold and Auburn. “Been a while since you were in the business of rescuing maidens. If you ever were.”

Leopold ignored Eli and offered Auburn his hand.

Auburn slipped her arms around the prince. “I don’t need rescuing, but it’s kind of you to offer.”

“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.”