To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(39)

Chapter 25





Fredrick Dracasan?” Leopold asked.

“Yes.”

“Wanna tell me why?”

“No,” Eli said.

“I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.”

Eli paused and considered. Leopold was a powerful man in Tamryn politics and within the Dragon church. He could be a valuable ally, and he knew the Knight would protect Auburn even from a member of the royal family. Trusting Leopold with information was a risk, but a calculated one. “Fredrick bribed one of my attachés.”

“You got proof?”

“Rolland’s word.”

“Not much, especially against a member of the royal family,” Leopold said. “Seems bribery is becoming more common these days.”

Ndrek bristled. “It is standard protocol in Qumaref to offer an incentive to local law enforcement to not always notice your activities.”

Leopold raised his shaggy eyebrows. “Not in Tamryn it isn’t.”

“Much to my chagrin. In Rolland’s case, it would have to be a large bribe to risk a prince’s wrath.”

“Tamarian citizenship,” Eli said.

“Quite the bribe, indeed.” Ndrek glanced at Auburn. “Almost impossible to get unless you’re born with it.”

“What’d Fredrick want Rolland to do?” Leopold asked.

“Get me home quickly.”

Leopold’s brows pinched together.

“It doesn’t seem harmful, other than jeopardizing the mission, but it doesn’t fit with Fredrick,” Eli said. “Why would he want me home early?”

“Dunno.” Leopold rubbed his chin. “Figure that out, and a lotta things about Fredrick might make more sense.”

Eli stilled. “Is Fredrick under investigation?”

“Not officially, not anymore. But I keep an eye on him. Like I do on you.”

So there had been official inquiries into his cousin. Eli compartmentalized that for later consideration.

“How’d you figure out Rolland was on the take?” Leopold asked.

“Rolland’s never lied, but he withheld information. Information Auburn gave me,” Eli said.

“Less risky. Easier for you to miss and harder to prove.” Leopold let out his breath and shook his head. “That sounds like Fredrick.”

Eli waited for Leopold to explain, but the Knight fell silent.

Ndrek glanced at Auburn. “It is easy to make a misstep in Qumaref that could have ended delicate negotiations or made an agreement impossible to reach. It is a good thing the sultan was so generous.”

Eli paused. “You think he gave her to me knowing I needed her help?”

“Once you arrived at the palace without a beard, he would have known you either did not have good council or did not listen to it,” Ndrek said.

“He bet on bad information and won.” Eli’s estimation of the sultan increased.

“Is it possible when Rolland failed to have you home by now, your cousin had Sir Leopold check up on you?” Auburn asked.

“Would’ve taken more than Fredrick to get Sir Leopold to sail to Qumaref,” Eli said.

Leopold grunted. “Came because King Garrett had a reliable source that said you were buying slaves.”

“Who was that reliable source?”

“You can bet I’m gonna find out, but that’ll have to wait until I get back to Tamryn.”

“Whoever it was is powerful enough to have the king’s ear,” Ndrek said.

“King Garrett keeps his own council, and he has a damn good intelligence network,” Leopold said. “His information is usually reliable, but if someone’s lying, they picked the right thing to lie about. It’s easy to believe bad things about Eli.”

“Easier to get things done when people think I’m capable of anything.”

After several moments of silence, Auburn stood. “You must be hungry and tired after your trip. I’ll arrange for refreshments.”

Leopold sprawled back in a chair opposite Eli. “Wouldn’t say no to that.”

“Take Sligo and two of the guards with you,” Eli said.

Auburn smiled at him, nodded, and left the room.

“Sligo’s still with you, I see.”

“One of the few I trust.”

“Trust has always been hard for you. What’d the lass do to earn it so quick?”

“As long as you’re in Qumaref, I’d be happy to introduce you to the sultan,” Eli said, avoiding Leopold’s question. “He can meet a Knight of Valor, and you can enjoy his hospitality in my place.”

“Sultan doesn’t have to know I’m here. Best if he didn’t.”

“Sir Leopold is good at many things, but as you admitted yourself, negotiating is not among them,” Ndrek said.

“I’m sure the sultan already knows you’re here. How long are you staying?”

“Long enough to restock the ship,” Leopold said. “I’m gonna find out who sent me on this goose chase, and I’m scrutinizing Fredrick’s activities a whole lot more.”

Eli almost felt sympathy for Fredrick. Almost. “Took you half the time it did me to get here.”