To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(57)

Premal stiffened and glared at Eli. The adviser stood and bowed to the sultan then strode out of the room.

The sultan smiled as Premal left. “Beautiful women are to be enjoyed, not broken, but I can see you know that.”

Eli slipped a protective arm around Auburn and kept his face a mask as servants brought trays laden with meats, cheeses, and fruits.

Without words, Auburn helped the prince select dishes that appealed to his Tamarian palette and wine that refreshed without clouding his senses. She then engaged him with light conversation and amusing anecdotes.

Eli found the evening far more bearable than he’d expected as he enjoyed the time with her. Even the courtier’s banter was less irritating. Auburn touched his hand as she quietly explained the silly story being discussed at the main table, and a smile snuck past the expressionless mask he usually wore.

As they ate, the first group of entertainers came forward, their elaborate costumes a rainbow of shimmering color in the fading light. Beads jangled as the ladies danced, their dark eyes peeking over sheer veils as their bodies undulated to the music.

While the entertainers were lovely, they were like holding a match before the sun. Eli stroked his fingers along Auburn’s bare arm, and he let the heat, music and dancers infect him as he anticipated returning to his suite.

A second group of dancers emerged. These were young men, naked from the waist up with their baggy silk trousers ending just below their knees. They wore a gold bangle on each wrist and one on each ankle above bare feet.

They thrust their arms toward the sky and stomped their feet in a powerful display filled with dark repressive energy. Sweat beaded on their foreheads and glistened across their chests as they punched, kicked, and leapt to the violent beat.

Eli said nothing, his expression unreadable as he watched the display of strength and masculinity. A dangerous, primal dance whose aggression marred its beauty.

The troupe finished their performance and bowed low before the sultan. As one of the young men stood, he grabbed a dagger hidden inside his puffed pants and lunged.

Instinct and training took over as Eli kicked the man’s legs out from underneath him and sent the dancer tumbling back. As Eli reached for his sword, the dancer bounced away.

Sligo appeared from the shadows behind the dancer and slit his throat in a single fluid move.

Eli glanced behind them, but the two guards usually stationed with the sultan were both gone.

As the dancer slumped to the floor and blood pooled around him, the music faded and the sound of clashing swords pierced the great hall. Courtiers screamed and raced towards the doors, sending dishes clattering to the floor, spilling wine, and scattering food.

The sultan’s eyes widened as he stared at the dead body then turned his attention to Sligo and Prince Eli.

The large oak doors that led into the great hall splintered.

Auburn took Eli’s hand. “The servant’s entrance. We must hurry.”

Eli glanced at the sultan. “Palace guards trustworthy?”

“Some of them.”

Eli said nothing as he followed Auburn. The sultan paused, but he trailed after them, his jeweled scimitar drawn.

Auburn wove through the turmoil as the main doors crashed open and armed men cut a path through diners, servants, and dancers.

Leading Eli and the sultan to the back of the cavernous room, Auburn ran her hand along a wall and a secret door snicked open. “How servants come into the great hall so they aren’t seen,” she said as she ducked inside the passage.

Eli stayed silent as he followed her into the dark corridor.

She closed the door then guided them through the dimly lit passage, her slippered feet noiseless as they delved into the heart of the palace.

Eli glanced over his shoulder several times, but only the sultan followed them.

“Passage ends here,” Auburn whispered. “We’re in the servant areas now, so no need to hide their passing.”

“Where?” Eli asked.

“Close to the kitchens.”

“How do we get out of the palace from here?”

“I’m not sure.”

Eli nodded and stepped in front of her, sword and dagger drawn, as she slid the door aside.

“I knew you’d come this way, princeling. Willing to follow your whore anywhere.” Premal grinned, and the four large men with the adviser drew their swords.





Chapter 35





The bright light of the hall made it difficult to see into the passageway, and Auburn stood in front of the sultan to shield him further. She prayed it was enough for Pandhuka to escape to safety and send reinforcements.

Eli stepped through the door, and Auburn followed him. Fear slid through her at the greed twisting Premal’s face, followed by anger. She’d led Eli into Premal’s trap, and Auburn would do whatever was necessary to make sure the prince escaped.

Premal stared at the darkness behind them, but if he saw the sultan, he gave no indication. Sweat beaded Premal’s brow and color flushed his cheeks. Blood stained the hem of his trousers, and his sleeve was torn. Perverse delight darkened his eyes, and he reminded Auburn of a wild mongrel thrown a piece of steak.

Calm and collected in his pristine black suit, Eli raised a brow. “So this is where the sultan keeps you when you aren’t licking his boots.”

Anger reddened Premal’s face. “Your words are worthless and come from a man that takes council from a slave.”