To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(50)

“Oh, he believes,” Ndrek said. “Or he would not be warning the crew.”





Chapter 30





The moon was high in the sky, its cool glow washing over the docked ships when explosions ripped through the night. Shouts followed, then the sound of running feet.

Leopold leapt out of his bunk and donned his armor when another explosion sounded outside the ship. “Stay with the girl.” The Knight grabbed his sword and shield and sprinted out of the cabin.

Ndrek cast a strong protection ward then sat beside Auburn. They listened to the sounds of clashing swords, running feet, and cursing. The smell of charred wood and the coppery scent of blood filled the air.

Auburn shivered as she stared down at her hands.

“It seems Prince Eli has made a powerful and relentless enemy. He is good at that.”

“Do you think he’s okay?”

“Most assuredly,” Ndrek said.

Auburn stayed silent as they listened to the battle. After a time, the sounds quieted then faded to nothing.

A few minutes later, Leopold pushed open the door.

Auburn paled at the blood that smeared his sword, shield, and armor. “Are you all right?”

“More of their blood than mine,” Leopold said. He took a moment to catch his breath then called a faint gold light to his hands. He touched the gold light to his chest and grunted.

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

Leopold nodded. “I’ll be fine, but they still sank that damn ship.”

“The one Auburn warned you about?”

Leopold growled an expletive. “Didn’t warn us about them attacking the flagship while they sank the other one.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Perhaps because your life was not in jeopardy aboard the flagship,” Ndrek said. “It is well-guarded. The attack on the flagship was a diversion.”

“Diversion is right. It kept us from getting to the other ship before it sank.” Leopold studied at Auburn. “Any thoughts on who’s behind it?”

“I can’t control the visions. When they come or when they don’t. What they show me, what they don’t.”

“That means no.”

“Let us be thankful we were aboard the flagship, whatever the reason,” Ndrek said.

Letting out his breath, Leopold cleaned the blood from his armor and sword. “Won’t be getting back to Tamryn any time soon to figure out who sent us on this goose chase.”

“Perhaps that was also their intent.”

Leopold loosed a string of curses. “We’ll find ‘em, but they bought themselves some time. It’ll be harder to follow a cold trail.”

“They do not know you if they think that will stop you.”

Leopold sheathed his sword. “This seals it. We’ll be going back on the flagship with Eli.”

“He will not be delighted,” Ndrek said.

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Leopold glanced over at Auburn. “I think he’ll manage.”



Eli was reviewing his notes for the fifth time and still couldn’t focus on them when Sligo opened the door to his room and waited for the prince to acknowledge him.

“What’s wrong?”

“There was an incident down at the docks.”

Eli paled. “Is she okay?”

“I could not obtain good information, but the ship she was on sank.”

Eli’s chest tightened and squeezed the air from his lungs. By the gods, her visions had said pirate ship, and a Knight was anything but a pirate. A lapse in judgment that could cost him everything.

“I’ve arranged for a fast carriage.”

Eli said nothing as he pulled on a nondescript cloak and followed Sligo out of the palace and down to the waiting vehicle. Designed for speed, the carriage wouldn’t survive a direct attack, but it was a chance Eli had to take.

Climbing in, he drew the curtains, and the conveyance leapt forward. Fear warred with anger as they raced out of the walled courtyard and thundered through Qumaref’s streets. He should never have let Auburn leave with Sir Leopold. She’d wanted to stay, and she was his to protect. If anything had happened to her...

Eli shut down the thought, closed his eyes, and swallowed the sour taste in his mouth. He’d never doubted he was making the right decision calling off his engagement to Daniella, but now he was certain.

His carriage stopped a distance back from the flagship, its dragon crest flapping in the sea breeze. Chaos filled the streets, making it impossible for the carriage to get any closer.

Eli leapt down and searched the crowds for any sign of Auburn’s copper hair. Panic chilled him and made him reckless as he found no trace of her.

The crowd parted for the imposing man dressed in black, but Sligo caught his arm. “It’s too difficult to keep you safe, Your Highness, even with me and your security team protecting you.”

“I have to find her.”

“Your enemies could have done this to draw you out.”

Eli said nothing as he continued to scan the sea of people.

“If I were trying to kill you, I would have,” Sligo said. “But you would’ve come with or without me once you learned of the ship.”

“I have to find her.”