To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(41)

“I’d be right pleased if you’d come back to Tamryn with me instead. I’d see you safe and settled.”

“Settled?” Auburn glanced up at Eli. “What is that a euphemism for?”

“Eli thinks you need to find a husband and all that nonsense,” Leopold said. “I figured you’d like to look around before he gets back and barks orders.”

Eli’s eyes narrowed at Leopold. “There’s no reason she can’t stay in Qumaref with me until I depart.”

“Did you forget the assassin that tried to kill you? If he gets lucky where would that leave Auburn?”

“With Sligo.”

“He will have a difficult time getting her out of Tamryn without your name and title behind him,” Ndrek said.

“Premal would stop me.” Auburn shivered.

Eli tightened his arms around her. “I will protect you.”

“If you’re alive to do it,” Leopold said.

Eli thought of the man that had broken into his rooms and tried to hurt Auburn. He thought of Premal’s bold proposition and the assassination attempt.

“What would happen to me if I went with you to Tamryn?” Auburn asked. “Eli offered to let me stay with him upon our return.”

“I’ve got ties to the Countess of Highland. She’d take right good care of you. Help you find a husband if you wanted one. Probably help you find a husband even if you don’t want one.”

The words made Eli’s fists ball, but he forced himself to contemplate Leopold’s offer. While he wanted Auburn to stay with him, he wanted to keep her safe more. He knew Premal would use whatever means possible to get to her, and he couldn’t take the chance of the sultan’s adviser succeeding.

Eli sucked in a breath and wondered if his father had known the queen’s life was being threatened. Wondered if King Garrett had done everything in his power to protect her, or if he’d risked her life out of selfishness.

Stroking a thumb over Auburn’s knuckles, Eli waited for her to meet his gaze. “As much as I want you here with me, you’ll be safer going back with Sir Leopold. Your wellbeing means everything.”

“Are you sure?” Auburn asked. “I’d rather stay with you.”

Her words cut through him and tightened around his heart. “I want that, too, but I want to know you’re safe more.”

Auburn studied her hands and nodded.

Eli glanced over at Leopold. “There’s something else we need to consider.”

“What’s that?”

“Auburn isn’t from Qumaref, yet, she’s here. We don’t know how long Premal’s reach is.”

“You think he’ll come after her in Tamryn?” Leopold said.

“I think it’s a possibility. He’s been after her for many years. I doubt an ocean will stop him.”

“I can give her the protection of the Dragon Church until you get back.”

Eli gazed at Auburn and stroked his thumb over her wrist and into her palm. “That means the Knights of Valor will protect you. Premal wouldn’t be able to get to you, and I know you’d be safe. Safer than alone in these rooms. Safer than anywhere in Qumaref.”





Chapter 26





Auburn wanted to stay, to capture every moment with Eli, but the prince was right. Her life was in danger as long as she was in Qumaref, and by staying, she endangered Eli as well.

Her gaze flickered from Eli to the Knight, and she nodded. “I’ll go back with you, Sir Leopold.”

Eli’s arms tightened around her. “She’ll stay at the palace.”

“Political marriages.” Leopold glanced at Auburn and shook his head. “Damn fools, if you ask me. But you didn’t.”

Auburn avoided meeting Leopold’s gaze. She’d schooled herself not to think about what would happen when they reached Tamryn, and Eli had made it easy for her. While he’d told her all about his home, he’d never spoken of a wife or children.

He’d also never mentioned a fiancée.

Biting her lip, Auburn focused on her hands and admitted to herself there was no reason Eli would’ve told her such things. While her heart was foolish enough to harbor an impossible hope, she’d understood the realities.

Prince Eli found her desirable and cared about her, but there was nothing more between them. Couldn’t be anything more. Tamryn permitted the man she loved one wife, and he was marrying another.

Lacing her fingers together, Auburn reminded herself that she’d known things would be different between her and Eli when they arrived in Tamryn. That wouldn’t change just because her heart hadn’t listened to reason.

But she hadn’t expected to lose him so completely.

Auburn leaned against the prince and took a deep breath, letting the scent of him fill her as his nearness quelled the ache in her chest. Swallowing hard, she kept her eyes focused on the floor and blinked back tears.

“C’mon now. Been a long time since I made a girl cry.” Leopold offered her a handkerchief.

She accepted it and dabbed her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“If it were me, I’d be crying tears of joy to escape Prince Eli,” Leopold said.

Eli ignored Leopold as he thumbed away her tears. “I promise I’ll rejoin you in a few weeks, and we’ll explore Aerius and the rest of Tamryn together.”