To Love a Prince (Knights of Valor Book 1)(9)

His hand tangled in her hair as he returned the kiss. His mouth was hot and hard on hers, taking all she offered as he plundered her soft lips. Parting her, his tongue surged inside, claiming her as he held her against him.

He tasted dark, exciting, and wholly male. The hard planes of his body pressed against her soft curves, sending sparks of desire skittering along her nerves. Yielding to him, her body softened as heat teased through her and settled into a molten ball at her core.

His hand slid under her bodice and cupped a full breast. His fingers were hard and lightly calloused, a sensual contrast compared to the silk of her skin.

A soft whimper escaped from her as his thumb teased over her ruched peak and sent jolts of pleasure searing through her and adding to her growing need.

Eli cursed and let go of her. He sat up, swung his legs off the bed, and reached for his boots.

Auburn gasped as the cool air replaced the warmth of him. She swallowed and forced her voice to stay even. “You should come back to bed. You went to sleep late, and that was after a very long day.”

Eli yanked on a boot. “Don’t know why the gods are tempting me. They already know I’ll give in.”

“But you’re from Tamryn. You’d never ‘give in’ to something.” Auburn watched him pull on his other boot. “The books say you must follow your code.”

“Don’t mistake me for a Knight of Valor.”

“What’s a Knight of Valor?”

“A thorn in my side,” Eli said.

A frown puckered her brow.

He glanced back at her. “You really don’t know?”

“You overestimate how much Qumaref knows about Tamryn.”

“Knights of Valor are men and women in service to the Dragon God. They are a powerful force in Tamryn politics.”

“Servants of the Dragon God?”

“People who’ve sworn to uphold Dracor’s ideals. They take an oath and follow a special code. They’re some of our most powerful soldiers and healers, and they’re what most people imagine when they think of Tamryn.”

“Have you ever met one?”

“Too many. Their code may serve their god, but they’re dogmatic, and it’s difficult to get them to compromise. You’ve lived in a royal court. You know how important compromise is.”

“Did any come to Qumaref with you?”

Eli stilled, and she’d have thought jealousy flashed across his impassive face if it wasn’t such an absurd notion. “No. They’d have made negotiations impossible. As a matter of fact, they were against this entire meeting.”

“But you’re here anyway.”

“They answer to the Crown and their god. Only under extreme circumstances would they disobey the king. A diplomatic mission to Qumaref is not an extreme circumstance.”

She considered the vision of her yet-to-be-conceived son wearing a dragon tabard. “When we get to Tamryn, would you introduce me to a Knight of Valor? I’d like to learn more about them.”

“Perhaps,” Eli said.

Auburn recognized the unsaid “no” in his tone, but she didn’t understand why he wouldn’t want her to meet a Knight of Valor. Perhaps he was at odds with them. He had come to Qumaref against their wishes.

Pushing the idea away, she slipped on her dainty cerulean-blue slippers and padded over to the window. “It’ll be some time until the sultan wakes.”

Eli frowned and glanced at the clock. “Meetings are supposed to begin shortly.”

“The sultan won’t be there, and he’s the only one with the power to agree to anything. He won’t trust his retainers, so anything you discuss you’ll need to be repeat when he arrives.”

“I’d rather not waste my time.”

Auburn nodded as she gazed at the rising sun and tried to hide the strange sense of confusion and disappointment filling her. “I recommend you send someone to sit in your place.”

“He can’t negotiate anything.”

“Neither can the Qumarefis. When the sultan arrives, have one of your men come get you so the real discussions can begin. Keeps your standing at the same level as the sultan.”

Eli cursed under his breath. “Is Qumaref serious about negotiations?”

“Yes, but they need whatever advantages they can get.”

“Which means they want something they don’t think I’ll give them.”

“Any trade agreement with Tamryn will be difficult. The sultan knows that.”

Eli walked to the door, called to Sligo, and made the arrangements.

“Now will you come back to bed?” Auburn asked.

The prince sucked in a breath.

“I’ll take care of things while you rest.”

“What things?”

“Arranging meals to the tastes of you and your men, having my clothes brought over, and informing the housekeeping staff of your schedule.”

“You’re not a slave anymore.”

“I am under Qumarefi law, but that’s not what this is about. I’m a member of your retinue, and I want to make you as comfortable as possible.”

“Do what you must.” Eli shook his head and lay back down on the bed.





Chapter 6