To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(59)

Eli tightened his hold on her.

“We heard the commotion and didn’t see you fighting your way out,” Leopold said as he lowered his sword. “Ndrek thought Auburn might’ve snuck you out. Looks like he was right.”

A whisper of a smile curved Sligo’s lips as he pulled the daggers from the dead bodyguards, cleaned them, and handed them back to Eli.

Auburn glanced back to the servant’s passage. “Did you see...”

“The sultan passed me on my way to you,” Sligo said. “I don’t know if he survived. I recommend we regroup at the flagship.”

Leopold shook his head. “This trade agreement isn’t worth war.”

Eli tightened his arms around Auburn. “Some things aren’t worth risking.”

Sligo glanced toward the great hall as the sounds of battle whispered past them. “Let’s leave quickly. Qumaref may not be friendly depending on who wins this.”





Chapter 36





The flagship was restocked and ready to depart with the tide. There was a contagious energy in the air as the crew prepared for the long journey home.

Auburn’s pulse quickened as she breathed in the tangy sea air, and her fingers twined in the fabric of her gown. She was going to Tamryn.

Eli sat beside her. “How are you doing?”

“Nervous. Excited. Scared.”

He hugged her, and she leaned against him, basking in his warmth and rich woodsy scent.

Her heart clenched. The Twins had cursed her with unrequited love. She hadn’t thought she’d ever fall in love with someone, not like the stories, and she’d been okay with it. She’d marry for respect, affection, and her son.

This was the price for her freedom and the chance to have a family of her own. She thought of the unending days in the seraglio with no hope of a child. If the gods demanded this pain in tribute, she’d pay it.

Eli touched his lips to her forehead. “What’s bothering you?”

There was a knock at the door a moment before she could answer, and Leopold entered.

“Do I need to get better locks?”

“They wouldn’t stop me, but they’d make me more suspicious.” Leopold’s eyes fell on Auburn. “You could give the girl her own cabin. Then you wouldn’t care about the locks.”

“There are none to give her,” Eli said. “Space is even tighter with you and Ndrek aboard.”

“Sooner you admit the truth, the better, but that’s not why I’m here. There’s a messenger searching for you. Says he comes from the sultan. Can’t be sure, but Sligo thought he was on the up and up enough for me to come get you.”

“Stay with her,” Eli said.

“I was planning on it.”

“Please, be careful,” Auburn said as she tightened her grip on Eli.

“I will.” The prince kissed her fingers then stood and left the cabin.

Leopold watched him go. “Boy doesn’t know what a good thing the Twins gave him.”

Auburn blushed and stared down at her hands. “I’m just a-”

“Girl who kept her head, got Eli outta that hall, and used our training to escape Premal. You saved Eli’s life, maybe even the sultan’s, and prevented a war.”

“I’m glad you made me break the law to learn a few things.”

Leopold snorted. “Laws designed to oppress folks don’t sit right with Dracor or me. And you might get a medal. King Garrett is rather fond of his son.”

“I’m sure most parents are fond of their children,” Auburn said. “It’s a pity you have no children. You’d be a good father.”

“You’re the only one that thinks that.”

“Then I am the only one that’s right.”

“I’m starting to like you. There’s a streak of steel under all that meekness.”

Auburn smiled. “I’d like to learn more about protecting myself and Prince Eli, if you’re still inclined to teach me.”

“Couldn’t convince me not to. I hope this is the last time you’ll need it, but I doubt it.”

A frown creased her brows. “Is Tamryn really that unsafe?”

“Eli’s circles can be.”

Auburn turned away, unable to meet Leopold’s gaze. “I doubt I’ll see Prince Eli after we reach Tamryn.”

“Keep telling yourself that. Might get your wish, but I doubt it.”

Auburn buried the seed of hope. “Always good to know how to protect myself, and the practice will serve me well.”

“Practice.” Leopold glanced out the window.

“You’re worried about your nephew.”

“Good boy with a head full of chicken feathers.”

“Hard to believe with you as an uncle.”

“You didn’t know my brother.” Leopold snorted. “He was like the Knights of Valor in all the stories, and he died because of it.”

“Then your nephew is very lucky to have you looking after him. Perhaps you trained sense into him.”

“Doubt that, but you tell me if Eli’s anything but kind to you. I’ll knock sense into him.”

Auburn bit her lower lip as Leopold studied her. She wanted to ask Sir Leopold about Lady Daniella, Tamryn’s royal succession, and the role of the Dragon Church. As the questions burned her tongue, Eli walked back into the room.