To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(64)

“It’s why your dagger skills are so good.”

Eli smiled and lifted her fingers to his lips. “It’s made me easier to protect as I know what dangers to look for and how to avoid them. The training also relieves stress and hones the mind.”

“Very useful.”

“I never mastered his ability to disappear, though.”

“Royalty isn’t supposed to disappear. Just the opposite. You radiate a presence for others to follow.”

“I suppose.”

“No one could forget you after meeting you, and that’s as it should be.” Auburn trailed a finger along his jaw and turned her beautiful blue eyes up to him.

Eli held her close. By the gods, he’d missed her. He loved the feel of her in his arms, and the quiet calm of her presence. There was no use denying that the Twins had kissed him. Once they arrived in Tamryn, he’d marry her. Might even use the rule of succession to force the issue should his father object.

The sultan’s generosity made things easier for him politically. Some of the aristocracy clung to class distinctions, and it would be easier to explain his marriage to a Qumarefi princess than a Qumarefi slave.

He still had to tell Duke Calloway and Lady Daniella that their arrangement was off, but that conversation had to wait until he was in Tamryn.

“How long will you be able to stay?” Auburn pressed closer to him, her breasts soft against the hard planes of his chest.

“Not as long as I’d like.” Eli lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. “But at least until morning.”

A smile curved her lips as he laid her down, and she gave herself to him.



A light knock on their door followed by a password roused them even as the golden glow of pleasure still wreathed Auburn and Eli.

The prince frowned. “Sligo?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Eli wrapped the blankets around Auburn as he pulled on his trousers and shirt. “Come in.”

Sligo entered and bowed, but kept his eyes averted. “I believe Premal is on his way here now.”

Auburn’s heart clenched. Not now. Not when they were so close to finally leaving.

Eli cursed and tugged on his boots.

Sligo handed him four daggers. “Premal’s gathered more than a few conspirators that want to destroy the foreigners who oppose slavery.”

“So that piece of the agreement slipped out. Sure the bounty doesn’t hurt, either.” Eli yanked on his coat and buckled on his sword and dagger. “Leopold and Ndrek?”

“Already awake, Your Highness, and making preparations. But if you are on board when the attack happens, or worse yet injured, it will be an act of war.”

“What are you proposing?”

“I need to get you to safety.”

Eli shook his head. “I’m not leaving.”

“Your Highness.”

“I won’t run while others defend Tamryn.”

Sligo pursed his lips but nodded.

“Eli, please,” Auburn said.

He took her hand and kissed her wrist then her palm. “This is part of Tamryn. An attack on this ship is an attack on my home. I will not slink away.”

“He will target you and Auburn. Best to be ready.”

Before Eli could respond, the sounds of fighting reached their ears. An explosion lit up the darkness, the ball of orange flame turning night to day for a few seconds.

“That would be Ndrek,” Eli said.

Sligo disappeared into the shadows as Eli unsheathed his sword.

Auburn climbed out of bed, the blankets still clutched around her as she reached for her dress and slippers.

After helping her into her clothes, Eli took a dagger from his desk and handed it to her. “I hope you don’t need what Leopold has taught you, but just in case.”

She nodded and took the dagger. Sligo and Eli were capable in battle, and after training with Sir Leopold, she had no doubt the Knight would be a formidable enemy. Still, Premal was desperate, and desperate men were unpredictable.

She touched Eli’s cheek. “I love you.”

Eli opened his mouth to respond when the door to his room banged open. Two men entered with Premal behind them, and Premal closed the door.

“Knew right where to find you.” Premal sneered. “Because of course you’d run when word leaked that an attack was planned against you tonight.”

Eli stood in front of Auburn. “More cunning than your first two sloppy assassination attempts.”

“Someone warned you,” Premal said. “I will skin the traitor alive when I find him.”

Eli barked a laugh. “No one warned me of anything. I’ve seen children playing Knights and bandits come up with better plans.”

Anger darkened Premal’s face, and his gaze shifted to Auburn. “Look at you, a whore on your back for a dragon-worshipping foreigner. I should’ve killed you long ago.”

“At least he doesn’t tie me to a chair and beat me so my screams can arouse him.”

Premal’s face crimsoned. “Kill them both!”

Auburn backed toward the wall as the two men with Premal circled toward her and Eli. They moved on the feet of panthers, with a grace and purpose Premal’s other guards had lacked. Assassins, Auburn thought, paid assassins.

Premal blocked the door out of the cabin as the two men closed in on Eli.