To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(55)

Eli’s frown deepened.

“Having more than one wife in Qumaref is not so different than it would be in Tamryn. In a way, Tamryn’s laws are a blessing.”

“I can’t imagine twenty-two wives.”

“Nor can I,” Ndrek said. “But it would be considered within proper etiquette to bring Auburn and having her with you might make your night more enjoyable.”

“Or make her a target.”

“She already is one, Your Highness. And that necklace will only make her more so.”

Eli contemplated the package. “I meant it to protect her.”

“And it will, but not from the ones that wish you dead.”

Eli walked into his rooms and his chest constricted as he found Auburn resting on the sofa with a glass of water beside her.

When she saw him, genuine happiness tugged her lips into a smile, and she jumped up and hugged him. Eli slid an arm around her and held her close as he drank in the soft scent of her. “Are you all right? You look tired.”

“I worked her hard today,” Leopold said. “Sligo would be a better teacher for her, but I do well enough.”

Auburn stared down at her hands. “He was teaching me to defend myself. To protect you, and maybe my son.”

“I thought you weren’t allowed to touch a weapon,” Eli said.

“We dispensed with that real quick.” Leopold’s gaze fell on the package in Eli’s hand.

“I’m glad he could get through to you.” Eli paused. “I have something for you.”

Leopold excused himself.

“A gift? For me?” Auburn’s eyes widened.

Eli handed it to her. “Commissioned just for you.”

Her hands shook as she opened the box, and a brilliant smile curved her lips. She touched a finger to the carved gold dragons and over the large sapphire. “Words can’t do it justice.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Eli smiled, satisfied that she was so pleased. The thought tripped him, made him pause. He’d given Daniella an expensive engagement gift, and he’d felt nothing at her thanks. It had sealed a partnership, nothing more, and they’d both known it.

This gift meant something. His conqueror grinned. It marked Auburn as his.

But only if he was done fighting for the crown.

Eli swallowed. Yes, he was done. Every time Auburn smiled, his royal campaign sunk further below his need for her. If he couldn’t have both, than sacrificing his ambition was the best choice. For himself and for Tamryn. There was still a great deal he could do for his people, things that wouldn’t tear the kingdom apart.

Uncertainty wound through his thoughts. After how long and hard he’d he worked to take the crown, did he want to throw it all away? Was he selfish enough to foist the burden of ruling off on his children? Or worse yet, leave Tamryn with no monarch?

He remembered the paralyzing fear when he’d thought she was dead. How he’d have given anything, even his own life, to get her back.

He’d never been willing to sacrifice that for the throne.

He stroked Auburn’s cheek. The Twins’ curse was worse than he’d thought and more powerful than he’d imagined. Yet, he couldn’t deny he was following the right path as he slipped the necklace around Auburn’s neck and fastened it into place.

As hard as it was, he had to believe in Dracor. Had to trust He would do what was right for Tamryn, and Eli would fight to do what was right for any children he ever had. Especially if that child was also Auburn’s.

The prince watched their reflection in the mirror, him dark and imposing behind her. She traced a finger over the necklace, then turned back to him and smiled.

That smile undid him. Made him want to give her everything and more. Made him want to protect her and keep her safe, and a queen was never safe.

Abandoning his quest for the throne was the best thing for her, and the right thing for Tamryn. If the Dragon God had wanted him to be king, He’d have bestowed His blessing already.

It would be a sacrifice for their son, but with Auburn’s help, they would raise him to be worthy of the throne.

He thought again of the red dragon tabard she’d seen in her visions. Yes, Knight of Valor initiates wore one, but a prince wore something similar when the Dragon Church crowned him king. By the gods, he hoped it was his child in her visions.

Eli wrapped her in his arms and held her close. He breathed in the rich scent of her and basked in the feel of her warm and soft in his arms.

At that moment, he was happier than he could remember being. Settling for less than the throne wasn’t settling. Not if he had her.

“Don’t mean to break this up,” Leopold said from the doorway. “But Sligo says you got dinner with the sultan.”

Eli smiled down at Auburn. “It would please me if you’d join me.”

Her eyes saucered.

“I’m assured it’s well within proper etiquette,” Eli said.

“Do you understand what asking me to accompany you means?”

The prince paused.

“It means that you’re telling everyone you favor me above all others, even if just for the night.”

Eli thumbed over Auburn’s cheek. “There is no one I would rather have beside me. Tonight and always. Had I known it was allowed sooner, you’d have joined me every night.”