To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(78)

Glancing over at the man she loved, she wondered how Dracor could hope to find a better king for Tamryn. “I’m surprised Dracor doesn’t favor you.”

Eli devoured the sight of her resting in the tub. “Who understands the whims of the gods?”

Her brows furrowed. “Did you ever ask the Dragon God for his favor?”

Trailing his hand across the steaming water, Eli teased it over her water-slicked breast. “I have no illusions as to the man I’ve become.”

Auburn laid her hand over top of his. “You’re a good man. Never forget that.”

“If I earned your love, I must not be all bad.”

Color heated her cheeks. “I’m just-”

“You could be royalty. A missing princess from a faraway land. Not that it matters. You’ve proven yourself time and again.”

She stared down at the scented water, letting the sweet scent of roses tease her senses.

“You saved the sultan’s life and mine. You found your way to Tamryn and are carrying the child you wanted.”

“Priyanka always told me I was stubborn.”

“Determined,” Eli said. “And I love you all the more for it.”

She stroked a hand along his cheek. After all she’d been through, she knew there was more to come. Possibly worse. But she’d have Eli at her side. And their son. Tamryn wasn’t perfect, but it was home.

Eli caught her fingers and brought them to his lips. “Done with your bath?”

“I can be.”

Desire darkened his eyes as he lifted her out of the tub. Steam rose off her, and goose flesh prickled her pale skin. Eli carried her over to the massive four poster bed and laid her between the sumptuous sheets. Laying down beside her, he cocooned her in his warmth.

His hands stroked over her damp flesh, his touch soft, almost reverent.

His lips found hers as he shrugged out his clothes and pulled her against him, her curves playing against his hard angles. He deepened the kiss, finding her tongue with his and stroking, a tender and tantalizing touch that had her softening against him.

Eli stroked down her flushed skin, and sensation flared at his touch, racing over her flesh and pooling in her belly. The heat of him enveloped her, and the rich masculine scent of him intoxicated her. She ached for more and pressed herself closer as she rubbed her breasts against his hard chest.

He deepened the kiss as he parted her, stroking the insides of her thighs and cupping her apex.

He loved her, and he showed her with each tender touch, each passionate kiss.

Wrapping her arms around him, she opened herself to him as a soft moan escaped her lips. He surrounded her, and his hard body pressed her back into the thick mattress as liquid desire seeped through her veins and chased away all thoughts but him.

“I love you,” he whispered as he gently parted her, stretched her, and filled her.

She welcomed him, holding him close and stroking his lightly stubbled cheek, his strong shoulders, and his dark hair as he moved within her, building their love into golden desire.

Her heart soared as she held him, her body matching and meeting his in a dance as old as time. Taking as she gave.

The Twins had blessed them. He loved her as she loved him, and her son would grow up knowing that, and knowing they loved him.

She finally had a family, a home, a place where she belonged.

The warm golden strands of passion wrapped around her, infused her, carried her higher and higher.

She held Eli close as her body moved with his, meeting him, matching him. Climbing to the dizzying cliffs of desire. And with a final thrust, they fell over together, washed away in the blissful rays of love.





Chapter 46





It was late that afternoon when they roused themselves enough to allow a pair of footmen to carry their trunks in from the ship.

Shadows slithered along the walls, and Eli glanced at the corners of the room. Fredrick had been busy.

The prince stopped the footmen as they turned to leave. “Have a Priestess of Thalia sent to my study. I want a Light Ceremony as soon as possible.”

The footmen bowed low and left the room. Two maids took their place and set about unpacking.

Eli took Auburn’s hand and pulled it through his arm. They left his suite, and he led her through the royal apartments, keeping them in the warmth and light of the sun as it dappled the thick rugs.

“When will the priestess arrive?” Auburn asked.

“Shortly. I may not be the king, but few are unwise enough to keep me waiting.”

“Is Sligo still with us?”

Eli nodded.

As they walked through the well-guarded halls, they talked about their impending wedding and Tamryn traditions, who they had to invite, and why. The way she repeated everything back to him, Auburn was attempting to memorize all of their names, titles, and why the person was important.

He smiled. She really was perfect.

Stroking a hand over her shoulders, he leaned down and nipped her ear. “We need to work on the nursery soon.”

The thought brought a smile to Auburn’s lips.

“And we’ll need to work on the gala my father demanded for the arrival of the next Dracasan.”

“It sounds overwhelming.”

“You can do as much or as little as you wish, but my father will want to have the child’s Blessing Ceremony at the Dragon Temple.”