After several more weeks, Prince Eli and Sultan Pandhuka concluded the talks. The outcome pleased Eli. He’d gotten the concessions he needed to keep the Dragon Church happy, and the merchant’s guilds could accommodate the Quamerfi demands.

The victory was enough to quiet Eli’s impatience though he still ached to return to his ship and Auburn.

A knock on the door scattered the prince’s thoughts, and his hand flexed over his sword even as he recognized the password. “Come.”

Sligo entered the room and bowed low. “She is doing well, Your Highness, though she misses you.”

Eli smiled. His bodyguard knew him well. “That’s not what brought you.”

“Negotiations permitting, it would be ideal to leave with the spring tide.”

“Still restless down at the docks?”

“More than before. I believe there is a bounty on you and Auburn.”

“Enough to entice a professional?”

“Or two.”

Eli cursed under his breath. “I’ll wrap up the negotiations, and we’ll leave on the spring tide. Tell the captain to keep our departure quiet. The fewer people that know, the better.”

“You could tell him yourself, Your Highness.”

Eli frowned.

“With your focus on the negotiations, you’ve become predictable in your habits.”

“You think someone will make an attempt?”

“It’s a sizable bounty.”

Eli figured there was more to it, but he exhaled as he thought of Auburn aboard the flagship. A smile stole over his lips. “I’ll tell the captain myself.”

His bodyguard nodded and left the room as Eli packed the handful of things he’d need for a night aboard the flagship. Sligo returned a short time later and handed the prince a nondescript brown cloak. As Eli draped it around himself and stepped from his suite, he noted that one of his guards wore his black cloak with the gold dragon clasp.

A frown knit the prince’s brows. Sligo was more than a little concerned. Eli said nothing as he followed his guards out of the palace and to the carriage. The streets were quiet, and they were soon back down at the docks.

The prince sucked in a breath of warm sea air and shook the sand from the hem of his cloak as his bodyguards fell in around him and escorted him to the flagship. He could count the time in days before they’d be going home. No more unbearable heat, strange food, or half-dressed servants.

Best of all, he’d be with Auburn every night.

Finding the captain, Eli gave him the order to prepare to leave with the spring tide. The captain bowed, and Eli left him, the prince’s long strides devouring the distance to his quarters.

As he silently opened the door, he found Auburn, Ndrek and Leopold sitting around his chessboard.

Jealousy stabbed him at the smile on her face as she laughed at a quip Leopold made. By the gods, she was beautiful. Everything from the soft tumble of her copper hair to the light exotic scent of her entranced him. Only the threat to her life had been enough to keep him from her.

Auburn glanced toward the door, and a radiant smile beamed across her face the moment she recognized him. “Eli!” She jumped up and ran to him.

He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her close as the scent of vanilla and jasmine whispered around him. Her heat soaked him, and her soft sigh intoxicated him as he stroked her hair.

“C’mon, Ndrek,” Leopold said. “He didn’t come here to see us.”

Ndrek bowed to Eli and followed Leopold out of the cabin.

The prince stroked a finger over the dragon necklace Auburn still wore, and a smile curved his lips.

“Have you had dinner yet?” Auburn asked.

He nodded.

She laid her head against his chest, and they stood there for a moment simply enjoying being together.

“How are the negotiations going?”

“Much faster,” Eli said. “We’ll head back to Tamryn soon.”

“I’m so glad you came to the ship. Sligo must’ve decided it was safe.”

Eli stroked her hair and breathed in the soft sweet scent of her. The Qumarefi heat had faded with the sun, and the warmth of her was both comforting and arousing. “I’ve missed you. Sligo figured out how much.”

“He’s an amazing bodyguard,” Auburn said. “Absolutely loyal, intelligent, and fearless when it comes to your safety. I’ve read stories about shadow warriors, but I never thought I’d meet one.”

“You’re one of the few who’s ever noticed what he is.”

“He’s the only guard you trust.”

“One of the few people I trust.” Eli touched his lips to her hair.

“Has he always been in charge of your personal safety?”

“Sligo and I grew up together,” Eli said. “My father assigned him to be my bodyguard when we were boys so we’d learn to trust each other. After my mother was... after she died, I trained with him.”

“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.

* * *

After several more weeks, Prince Eli and Sultan Pandhuka concluded the talks. The outcome pleased Eli. He’d gotten the concessions he needed to keep the Dragon Church happy, and the merchant’s guilds could accommodate the Quamerfi demands.

The victory was enough to quiet Eli’s impatience though he still ached to return to his ship and Auburn.

A knock on the door scattered the prince’s thoughts, and his hand flexed over his sword even as he recognized the password. “Come.”

Sligo entered the room and bowed low. “She is doing well, Your Highness, though she misses you.”

Eli smiled. His bodyguard knew him well. “That’s not what brought you.”

“Negotiations permitting, it would be ideal to leave with the spring tide.”

“Still restless down at the docks?”

“More than before. I believe there is a bounty on you and Auburn.”

“Enough to entice a professional?”

“Or two.”

Eli cursed under his breath. “I’ll wrap up the negotiations, and we’ll leave on the spring tide. Tell the captain to keep our departure quiet. The fewer people that know, the better.”

“You could tell him yourself, Your Highness.”

Eli frowned.

“With your focus on the negotiations, you’ve become predictable in your habits.”

“You think someone will make an attempt?”

“It’s a sizable bounty.”

Eli figured there was more to it, but he exhaled as he thought of Auburn aboard the flagship. A smile stole over his lips. “I’ll tell the captain myself.”

His bodyguard nodded and left the room as Eli packed the handful of things he’d need for a night aboard the flagship. Sligo returned a short time later and handed the prince a nondescript brown cloak. As Eli draped it around himself and stepped from his suite, he noted that one of his guards wore his black cloak with the gold dragon clasp.

A frown knit the prince’s brows. Sligo was more than a little concerned. Eli said nothing as he followed his guards out of the palace and to the carriage. The streets were quiet, and they were soon back down at the docks.

The prince sucked in a breath of warm sea air and shook the sand from the hem of his cloak as his bodyguards fell in around him and escorted him to the flagship. He could count the time in days before they’d be going home. No more unbearable heat, strange food, or half-dressed servants.

Best of all, he’d be with Auburn every night.

Finding the captain, Eli gave him the order to prepare to leave with the spring tide. The captain bowed, and Eli left him, the prince’s long strides devouring the distance to his quarters.

As he silently opened the door, he found Auburn, Ndrek and Leopold sitting around his chessboard.

Jealousy stabbed him at the smile on her face as she laughed at a quip Leopold made. By the gods, she was beautiful. Everything from the soft tumble of her copper hair to the light exotic scent of her entranced him. Only the threat to her life had been enough to keep him from her.

Auburn glanced toward the door, and a radiant smile beamed across her face the moment she recognized him. “Eli!” She jumped up and ran to him.

He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her close as the scent of vanilla and jasmine whispered around him. Her heat soaked him, and her soft sigh intoxicated him as he stroked her hair.

“C’mon, Ndrek,” Leopold said. “He didn’t come here to see us.”

Ndrek bowed to Eli and followed Leopold out of the cabin.

The prince stroked a finger over the dragon necklace Auburn still wore, and a smile curved his lips.

“Have you had dinner yet?” Auburn asked.

He nodded.

She laid her head against his chest, and they stood there for a moment simply enjoying being together.

“How are the negotiations going?”

“Much faster,” Eli said. “We’ll head back to Tamryn soon.”

“I’m so glad you came to the ship. Sligo must’ve decided it was safe.”

Eli stroked her hair and breathed in the soft sweet scent of her. The Qumarefi heat had faded with the sun, and the warmth of her was both comforting and arousing. “I’ve missed you. Sligo figured out how much.”

“He’s an amazing bodyguard,” Auburn said. “Absolutely loyal, intelligent, and fearless when it comes to your safety. I’ve read stories about shadow warriors, but I never thought I’d meet one.”

“You’re one of the few who’s ever noticed what he is.”

“He’s the only guard you trust.”

“One of the few people I trust.” Eli touched his lips to her hair.

“Has he always been in charge of your personal safety?”

“Sligo and I grew up together,” Eli said. “My father assigned him to be my bodyguard when we were boys so we’d learn to trust each other. After my mother was... after she died, I trained with him.”

“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.

Auburn remembered what Leopold had taught her about the usefulness of diversions. She grabbed the blankets from the bed and threw them at the assassin closest to Eli. Then she tossed the candle after it, the flames catching the fabric and spreading.

Eli used the distraction, following the flames with his own blade.

The assassin ducked away, the prince’s sword only grazing the man’s arm.

The second assailant stomped out the flames and turned toward Auburn.

Fear lumped in her throat. What Leopold had taught her would do little against a trained assassin, but she wouldn’t die without a fight.

Pounding on the door was followed by a loud curse.

Premal glanced behind him at the heavy door and then over at Auburn. “I will enjoy watching you die.”

As the assassin cornered Auburn, Eli threw his dagger at the man’s back, lodging it between his shoulder blades. The assassin howled a curse as he turned toward Eli, buying Auburn the few seconds she needed to scrabble away.

Sweat beaded Eli’s brow, but his face was impassive as the assassins closed in on him.

The two men circled the prince, and as they flanked Eli, the door exploded, throwing Premal across the room as a shower of splinters rained across them.

The explosion still echoed around them as the assassins launched themselves at Eli.

Leopold rammed his shield into the first assassin before the assailant could reach Eli, batting the man away as if he were a ragdoll. Leopold then pressed his attack.

The assassin dodged and wove, but Leopold waited, biding his time for an opening in the tight quarters of the cabin.

Sligo appeared from the shadows behind the second, his daggers finding their mark before the assassin dodged away.

Sligo and Sir Leopold trapped the remaining assassin between them.

Premal launched himself at Auburn and knocked her to the ground. Pinning her beneath him, he pressed his knee into her chest, forcing the air from her lungs. “I should have been sultan,” he growled. “You were supposed to be mine!”

She struggled beneath him as the world spun and black dots pricked her vision.

“Whore,” he snarled as he ground his weight into her chest and unsheathed his own dagger.

Fear soured her mouth as Auburn fought to push Premal off her, but he was too strong. Too heavy.

He leered at her as he raised his weapon.

As the dagger arced down, Eli plowed into Premal and shoved him off Auburn.

She gasped, the air burning as it raced back into her lungs.

Premal ignored Eli and struck Auburn, burying his dagger into her and twisting.

She screamed, her blood soaking through her dress and coating the floor.

Eli grabbed Premal and slammed his head against the floor. Once. Twice. A third time. Premal went limp in his hands.

Tossing the man aside, Eli turned to Auburn and pulled her into his arms. She heard him whisper a prayer as darkness encroached on her vision.