To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(38)

“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?”