Auburn wanted to stay, to capture every moment with Eli, but the prince was right. Her life was in danger as long as she was in Qumaref, and by staying, she endangered Eli as well.

Her gaze flickered from Eli to the Knight, and she nodded. “I’ll go back with you, Sir Leopold.”

Eli’s arms tightened around her. “She’ll stay at the palace.”

“Political marriages.” Leopold glanced at Auburn and shook his head. “Damn fools, if you ask me. But you didn’t.”

Auburn avoided meeting Leopold’s gaze. She’d schooled herself not to think about what would happen when they reached Tamryn, and Eli had made it easy for her. While he’d told her all about his home, he’d never spoken of a wife or children.

He’d also never mentioned a fiancée.

Biting her lip, Auburn focused on her hands and admitted to herself there was no reason Eli would’ve told her such things. While her heart was foolish enough to harbor an impossible hope, she’d understood the realities.

Prince Eli found her desirable and cared about her, but there was nothing more between them. Couldn’t be anything more. Tamryn permitted the man she loved one wife, and he was marrying another.

Lacing her fingers together, Auburn reminded herself that she’d known things would be different between her and Eli when they arrived in Tamryn. That wouldn’t change just because her heart hadn’t listened to reason.

But she hadn’t expected to lose him so completely.

Auburn leaned against the prince and took a deep breath, letting the scent of him fill her as his nearness quelled the ache in her chest. Swallowing hard, she kept her eyes focused on the floor and blinked back tears.

“C’mon now. Been a long time since I made a girl cry.” Leopold offered her a handkerchief.

She accepted it and dabbed her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“If it were me, I’d be crying tears of joy to escape Prince Eli,” Leopold said.

Eli ignored Leopold as he thumbed away her tears. “I promise I’ll rejoin you in a few weeks, and we’ll explore Aerius and the rest of Tamryn together.”

“I look forward to it.” A tear slid over her cheek and dampened the silk of her bodice.

“Leopold will be kind to you, and if he can’t, he’ll assign another Knight to guard you who can.”

“Don’t think she’s too worried about me, but you always were one for deflection.” Leopold shook his head. “How long before we set sail, Ndrek?”

“Tomorrow, if you are ready.”

“Guess we enjoy the food before we’re back to sea rations.”

Auburn refilled his wine glass then settled beside Eli. The prince’s arms tightened around her, and she let the rich masculine scent of him chase away the pain around her heart. By the gods, she would miss this, miss him, but she had to be strong. She may not have a future with Eli, but her visions had shown her a future in Tamryn that included her son.

“What shall we do about sleeping arrangements?” Ndrek asked.

“I’ll put you with the rest of my attachés,” Eli said.

Ndrek raised his brows. “And it is okay for them to learn Sir Leopold is here?”

“They won’t say a word.”

“What about Rolland?” Ndrek said.

“If he talks, I’ll know Rolland betrayed me, and the sultan will command Leopold to meet with him.”

Leopold snorted. “Neither you or I want that.”

“True, but you won’t risk a deal that could help the people of Qumaref and bring the light of your god to the desert,” Eli said.

Leopold harrumphed and mumbled something into his glass of water.

“The sultan will learn about our arrival,” Ndrek said. “He will ask.”

“Of course he will, and I’ll tell him my father was concerned so he sent you.”

“Knights don’t lie,” Leopold said.

“You won’t be, and neither will I. That is why you came, isn’t it?”

“I’ve had enough of your tomfoolery. Show me where I’m sleeping. We need to get an early start tomorrow.” Leopold drained his glass. “You wanna come stay with us, Auburn? Be safer than here with Eli.”

Auburn stilled as she stared into Eli’s pale blue eyes. She knew what her heart wanted, but it was a rebellious thing that ignored the truth of her circumstances.

Eli stroked a thumb over her cheek. “I’d like you to stay, but it’s your choice.”

A smile curved her lips, and her heart soared. “It’s our last night together. I would like to spend it with you.”

“Our last night in Qumaref,” Eli said. “Sligo.”

Sligo stepped from the shadows.

“Show Sir Leopold and Ndrek to their accommodations.”