To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(47)

“I didn’t ask for your permission.”

“I know you didn’t, but you won’t break Auburn’s heart by getting yourself killed.” Leopold glanced at Sligo. “You think it’s safe for him to go down to the docks?”

Sligo turned his attention from Leopold to Eli and back again. He kept his silence.

“Told ya so,” Leopold said.

Auburn fought back her tears. “Please keep yourself safe. I want to see you again in Tamryn.”

“Girl’s got sense in her head. Now say your goodbyes so we can be on our way before anyone finds out we’re leaving.”

“Give us a moment,” Eli said.

“Make it quick.” Leopold hefted her bags and closed the door behind himself

Biting back her sadness and tears, Auburn touched Eli’s signet ring around her neck. She unfastened the silk cord and let it fall into her hand.

Eli closed her fingers over it. “Keep it.”

She gazed down at where their hands touched and smiled, then refastened the cord around her neck.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I will see you in Tamryn. I promise.”

She held him, her tears dampening his shirt as she breathed in the rich masculine scent of him. Memorizing it in case she never saw him again. “This is happening too fast. I feel like we just found each other.”

“We’ll have a lifetime to explore what we’ve found.” He stroked her hair and held her tight, the hitch in his voice belying his impassive face. “Listen to Leopold. He’s gruff, but he’ll protect you.”

“I will. I hope the negotiations are successful.”

Eli leaned forward and touched his lips to hers, the kiss soft, tender, and filled with emotion. Auburn held onto him and the surge of raw emotion that flooded her.

Leopold popped his head around the door. “Carriage is waiting.”

“Take good care of her. I’m holding you personally responsible for her.”

“Don’t you worry about Auburn. I’ll make sure she’s okay.”

It was almost painful to let go of Eli, but Auburn forced her arms to her sides and walked away from the heat of his touch. She reminded herself of the danger she represented to the prince, knowing Premal would be far less interested in him if she were in Tamryn. Clinging to that knowledge, Auburn sucked in a breath as she glanced back at the man she loved.

Leopold closed the door.





Chapter 29





Ndrek met them in the hall, and he smiled at Auburn. “Are you ready, my dear? It may be a shock for you leaving the palace.”

Leopold frowned.

“She most likely has not been outside of these walls since the sultan purchased her.”

Auburn steeled her resolution and knuckled away her tears. “I won’t get to Tamryn staying inside the palace.”

“Put this on.” Leopold tossed her his cloak. “It’ll keep the worst of the sand off you.”

It would also help hide her.

Auburn slipped on the enormous cloak and hid her hair under the deep hood. Her heart ached, and her chest felt painfully tight, but she huddled into the cloak and followed Leopold and Ndrek.

There was something about Leopold that commanded obedience, and no one stopped them as they walked out of the palace and climbed into the waiting coach.

Auburn stayed buried beneath the folds of the cloak despite the heat. As the vehicle passed through the palace’s walls, she gripped the edge of the seat and sucked in a breath. Squat buildings and sand-strewn streets replaced the vibrancy and grandeur of the palace. She inched closer to the Knight, her nose wrinkling at the smell of animals, cooking food, and unwashed bodies.

“Your first look at freedom,” Ndrek said.

“I’m not sure I like it, but my son will.”

“Son?” Leopold’s fists balled. “Eli said... I’m gonna kill him.”

Auburn touched his arm. “I’m not with child, but I want to be a mother someday. And I want my son to be born free.”

“You will be a good mother,” Ndek said. “Few are brave enough to risk all that you have to give their children freedom.”

Leopold shook his head. “Eli’s a fool.”

Auburn blanched and stared down at her hands.

“The Dragon Church swears allegiance to the Crown, but they do not do so blindly,” Ndrek said.

“We make sure the man wearing that pretty trinket is worthy to wear it.” Leopold leaned back in his seat. “Eli hasn’t proven that yet.”

“He would make a good king. Hard but fair,” Auburn said.

Leopold paused. “Maybe he will, but that’s up to him and the Dragon God.”

“He’s worried about what will happen to Tamryn when his father dies.”

“He’s not the only one.” Leopold shook his head. “Boy had promise for a time. Might again.”

“Had promise once?” Auburn asked.

“Boy’s always fought for what he’s wanted, and he’s good at getting it. He used to want the right things.”

“Prince Eli wants to keep Tamryn safe and protect children he doesn’t yet have. He’s willing to sacrifice a lot to do it.”

“He told you that?”