To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(66)

Eli released the breath he’d been holding and touched his lips to Auburn’s forehead as Sligo searched the bodies of the assassins. The bodyguard found nothing. Professionals, as Eli had expected.

As the prince walked to the door, Sligo searched Premal and paused. Sligo held up a Tamarian coin that had the prince’s likeness printed on it.

Eli said nothing as he cradled Auburn closer and carried her downstairs.





Chapter 39





The rest of the negotiations completed without incident. While satisfied with all that he’d accomplished, Prince Eli was ready to go home.

Watching the elaborate display put on for his final night in Qumaref, Eli barely noticed the dancers as he thought of returning to the flagship and Auburn. He wanted more than Sligo’s assurances that she was fine.

Thoughts of her copper-colored hair, the exotic scent of vanilla and jasmine that whispered over her flawless skin, and the sweet taste of her kisses teased through his senses as he watched a dancer prance past him. The dancer was little more than a pinpoint of light compared to Auburn’s flame.

Eli almost laughed at himself. The Twins had touched him, and Their gift had changed him. He was not the same man that had come to Qumaref. Different, better perhaps. At least, he wanted to be better for Auburn.

When the festivities tapered, Eli nodded to the sultan. “I’m glad, Sultan Pandhuka, that we found ways for our two nations to build a future together.”

The sultan grinned and clapped him on the back. “This is not goodbye, Prince Eli, just until next time. I shall have to come visit you in Tamryn and see this ball room dancing, yes? Maybe meet a Knight of Valor.”

“You are welcome in Tamryn anytime.”

“May the gods bless you with many strong sons.”

“May the gods shine Their light on you,” Eli said.

The men shook hands, and Eli left the sultan to enjoy the remainder of the evening. The prince’s bodyguards fell in around him as he exited the great hall, the doors closing behind him with a solid thud.

Despite the sultan’s words, Eli was certain he’d never see the man again. Princes and attachés made the dangerous trip across the ocean for treaties, not kings and sultans.

And Eli had no intention of returning.

He would never ask Auburn to come back to Qumaref, and he wouldn’t spend the better part of a year away from her.

Eli glanced to his left as Sligo detached from the shadows and nodded to the bodyguards. “If you’re ready, Your Highness, we can head to the flagship now.”

Eli followed Sligo through the palace and to the large entry hall as a nondescript carriage pulled up to the palace. Glancing at the driver, Eli recognized him as one of his regular guards and climbed into the carriage. A few minutes later, they were clattering through the dark and empty streets of Qumaref.

The trip was devoid of the fanfare and pageantry that had brought him to the palace, and Eli was glad of it. Made him less of a target, and he was ready to dispense with the gaudy displays.

Time to return to Tamryn.

Time to go home.

A smile curved his lips. He’d be spending his nights with Auburn again, and once they reached Tamryn, he’d make her place beside him official. He’d enjoy showing her the capital city of Aerius, the palace, and even the Dragon Church. Whatever she wanted to see.

Then they would retire out to his estates.

He’d miss the energy of Aerius, but not the constant demands on his time. He’d also be able to better oversee his duchy from its seat, and he thought Auburn would like the quiet of the country, especially when it came to raising their family.

The thought wrapped around Eli’s heart. A family. Not just an heir, but a family. He hadn’t had that since his mother had been assassinated. It was something he’d thought he’d never have again, something he hadn’t wanted. Another layer of vulnerability. Another avenue to pierce his shields.

Too late for that.

He loved Auburn, and he would love any children they had. A vulnerability, but she was worth it. And with his ambitions for the throne retired, she would be in a lot less danger. Especially after he dealt with the Tamarian that had orchestrated the assassination attempts.

The jolt of the carriage as it rounded a corner snapped his eyes up, and Eli’s heart swelled as he saw the flagship’s main mast rising into the dark night. Sleeping dragon, indeed, but it was home. And he loved it. All the good. All the bad.

Even sleeping dragons opened an eye and signed trade deals. Deals that might be the first step to ending slavery in Qumaref.

He sucked in a breath of humid sea air as a cool night breeze blew away the heat of the day.

The carriage pulled up to the ship, and Eli disembarked, his long strides devouring the distance to his cabin. He opened the door to find Auburn sitting on his bed reading a book he’d brought to occupy himself on the long voyage.

She glanced at the door, and a smiled spread across her face. Pushing aside the book, she hurried over and hugged him.

The prince scooped her into his arms and spun her around.

She winced, and concern pinched his face. “Are you all right?”

“Better now that you’re here.” She touched her lips to his.

He claimed her mouth, kissing her long and slow as he carried her to the bed. He eased her dress up over her head, then traced the smooth skin of her shoulders, over the curve of her breast, and down the indentation of her waist.