To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(75)

“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect after these assassination attempts,” Eli said. “To consider what drives him.”

“What do you think?”

“It has to be the throne. The Dragon God will choose either one his children or one of mine to be the next king. Father of the king is a powerful position even if the Church chooses someone else as regent.”

“You think Fredrick killed his competition when Dracor didn’t choose him.”

Eli tightened his arm around her. “Not sure why he wants the throne as he seems to have little interest in ruling Tamryn.”

“Or ruling it well. He may exercise power like Premal rather than the sultan.”

“One of the many reasons Dracor never blessed him, and Fredrick still has no children for the Dragon God to choose.”

“Leopold said Rashalee has corrupted that branch of the family, and Dracor will let it wither and die.”

Eli shrugged. “If anyone would know, it’d be Sir Leopold.”

“What would happen if there was no Dracasan heir?”

“It’s never happened. I’m not sure what the protocol would be. I’m not sure there is protocol.”

Auburn rubbed her belly. “Let’s hope we don’t have to find out.”

Eli nodded and held her against him as he distracted her from the dark thoughts by pointing out various landmarks and telling her their history.

Auburn let him redirect her attention, but she understood the snakes in her vision.





Chapter 44





As they rode through Aerius and watched the city go about its morning routine, Auburn pointed to gleaming white spires that rose high above the city and seemed to touch the clouds.

“Is that the Dragon Church?”

“That’s the palace. The Dragon Church is over there.” Eli guided her gaze to another set of spires in the distance. “The King will insist we marry there.”

Her eyes fixed on the Dragon Church. “Do you think Dracor will find me worthy?”

Eli stroked her arm and down over the curve of her gently rounding belly. “He already has.”

Auburn remembered Leopold’s words and smiled.

The coach drew closer to the towering spires until it stopped in front of an enormous alabaster building. Two large dragons were carved into the thick stone, a mirror image of the dragons on the necklace Eli had given her.

The rich color and ostentatious architecture of her home was nowhere to be seen in the clean lines and stark stone of the palace. High windows sparkled in the sunlight, adding to the cold beauty.

Eli helped her down from the carriage, and servants bowed all around them. The prince offered her his arm. She took it, and he laid his hand over top hers then led her into the palace.

The interior was as austere as the exterior with its high cathedral-like ceilings, wide stone halls, and muted tapestries done in white and gold. It was as if there was no room for softness, color, or warmth.

Glancing over at Eli, she knew that might’ve been true once.

The prince tightened his hand over hers.

An elderly gentleman in pristine royal livery approached Eli and bowed, but not quite as low as the other servants. “Your father is glad you have arrived home safely, Your Highness, and he wishes to see you in his private chambers.”

“Of course.”

The man raised a brow as he watched Eli turn, Auburn’s arm still intertwined with his, and lead her deeper into the palace.

Prince Eli navigated the halls, ignoring the bowing courtiers and ubiquitous guards, before stopping in front of a wide set of doors inlaid with the same dragons as on the outside of the palace. Guards in royal livery flanked either side of the door, but they parted for Eli as he led Auburn inside the office.

Auburn sucked in her breath as she took in the grandeur of the Tamarian king’s private chamber. From the thick rugs underfoot, to the crystal chandeliers, and the exquisite artwork, everything conveyed extreme wealth and power.

There was an altar to Dracor tucked against the far wall. A reminder of the divinity that touched the Tamryn crown and the man that wore it.

The room was elegant, tasteful, and restrained, but it lacked a softer touch. There were no flowers to impart gentle scents and no rich tapestries to soften the stone walls.

As they entered, a man that appeared to be an older version of Eli, with grey sprinkled through his black hair and a more generous midsection, nodded at them. He was garbed in the rich robes of his office though he wore no crown.

Eli bowed. “Your Highness.”

Auburn curtsied.

King Garrett stood and smiled at Auburn. “It’s not often my son brings a young lady to see me.”

“Your Highness, this is Princess Auburn of Qumaref. My fiancée.”

“Fiancée?” The king arched a brow as he reassessed her. “Now that is news. Even better than a trade treaty.”

Color touched her cheeks under the king’s scrutiny, but she stayed silent and focused on the plush rug.

“I plan to marry her tonight, barring any objection.”

“Tonight?”

Eli said nothing.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or am I going to get it from Sir Leopold?”

Eli stiffened beside her, and Auburn linked her fingers with his.