To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(40)

“You’re on the flagship. Lot more comfortable than the confiscated pirate vessel we’re on.”

“Pirate vessel?” Eli frowned as he remembered the vision Auburn had told him about. “How sea worthy is the vessel? Any issues with it?”

“Why?”

Eli shook his head. There was more than one pirate ship out there, and yet...

Leopold’s eyes narrowed “I was thinking I should take the girl back with me. You focus on these negotiations so you can get home in time for your wedding.”

Eli’s expression remained impassive. “I see no reason she should leave with you.”

“Maybe she wants to.”

“I doubt she will choose to leave Prince Eli, but it might be best if she did,” Ndrek said. “You have made enemies, based on the recent assassination attempt, and they may use her to get to you.”

“I’ve considered that.” Eli sucked in a breath. “I station guards with her during the day.”

“But you worry it is not enough,” Ndrek said. “And you are correct. I would not trust any Qumarefi guards. While most are honest, all men have their price.”

“Not all men,” Leopold said.

Ndrek lifted his shoulders. “Enough do.”

The prince met Leopold’s gaze. “If she went back with you, you’d give me your word as a Knight to keep her safe until I return?”

“Might even protect her after you get back, seeing as you’re supposed to marry Lady Daniella.”

Eli stilled. “There is that. Auburn deserves better than to be a mistress. Even a royal one.”

“Might be the first time I’ve ever agreed with you,” Leopold said.

Eli stared at the closed door. “She wants children, and there are rules about royal bastards.”

“I know ‘em,” Leopold said. “Some say Dracor wrote ‘em, and maybe He did. Still never thought you’d put someone else ahead of yourself.”

“Me either.”

“Qumaref’s changed you,” Leopold said.

“Not for the better.”

“Not so sure about that.”

Eli dismissed it with a flick of his wrist. “I’m here for a trade agreement, and that’s what I’ll get.”

“You will need to complete that quickly if you are to make it back to Tamryn in time for your nuptials,” Ndrek said. “But then, a delay may better serve you, Your Highness.”

Eli considered that for a moment. If he didn’t make it back in time for his wedding, would Duke Calloway try to call it off permanently? Eli doubted it, but it would give them all more options to escape the marriage.

First, he had to figure out if he wanted to give up the crown. He already knew he didn’t want to marry Lady Daniella.

“Not that I’m anxious for you to come home, but after the assassination attempt, any reason you shouldn’t head back right now?” Leopold said.

“I’m close to striking a deal that will work for both sides.”

“A deal the Church won’t throw a fit about?”

“The Dragon Church won’t be happy, but they’ll make it work.”

“What’re you proposing?” Leopold asked.

“Opening trade routes between Tamryn and Qumaref. Tamryn opens its doors under the condition that whatever Qumaref trades to Tamryn is certified as produced without slave labor.”

Leopold’s eyes narrowed. “Who’s doing the certifying?”

“The Dragon Church.” Eli steepled his fingers. “I can think of no one more difficult to bribe or circumvent. It gives the Dragon Church a presence in Qumaref to spread their teachings, and it offers paying work for free men and women.”

“Qumaref does not understand how inflexible the Dragon Church is on corruption,” Ndrek said.

“Speaking from experience?” Eli asked.

Ndrek only smiled, showing his perfect white teeth.

“They’ll learn, but by then, they’ll have enjoyed the benefits of trade. The certification by the Dragon Church does not commence until the second year of the agreement. This gives the Church time to set up the apparatus of certification, and the Qumarefis time to comply.”

“Whole deal could be undone at the end of those two years,” Leopold said. “Don’t care how much Tamarians like Qumarefi goods. Church’ll stand firm behind that second-year clause.”

“I expect no less,” Eli said, “or I’d never have proposed it. I think it will work. I’ve talked with shrewd young men that see the benefits of trade with Tamryn and a path to wealth for themselves. They’ll make it work.”

Leopold mulled it over and then nodded. “Not half bad. You come up with that after you fell in love with the girl?”

Before Eli could respond, Auburn returned to the room with servants carrying jugs of chilled wine, trays of exotic fruits, and dishes of spiced meats.

Leopold ignored Eli as he plucked up a piece of fruit. “Mighty fine spread you got here.”

Auburn bowed her head. “I’m glad you’re pleased.”

“We were just talking about you,” Leopold said. “I understand you want to come to Tamryn.”

“I wish to return to Tamryn with Prince Eli,” Auburn said.