The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1]
Read The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] Online
Authors: Robin Danner
Atlantic Bridge
www.atlanticbridge.net
Copyright ©2012 by Robin Danner
First published in 2012, 2012
Published by Liquid Silver Books, Imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana. Copyright 2008, Mara Lee. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the authors.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
Prince Mathis wants nothing but peace for his kingdom, while his brother, Prince Talin, seems determined to align his own kingdom with their family's sworn enemy through an alliance in the form of marriage. Mathis will be damned if he will witness the ceremony binding his brother to the daughter of the man rumored to have murdered their father.
Talin's most trusted captain, Nadia d'Arcy, is ordered to abduct Mathis and bring him by force to Noventia for the wedding, a marriage that is not what it seems to be.
Mathis and Nadia's mutual attraction tests both the captain's loyalty to her prince and Mathis’ already worn patience. As a rebellion begins to threaten all that they hold dear, Nadia must choose between the life she has always known or surrender to the handsome prince who is determined to make her his.
For William, as always, and my three sweet boys. I love you “forty-nine hundred"!
A big thumbs-up to Jennifer, Allie, and Deirdre for helping me whip this story into shape. Y'all had your work cut out for you, but it's greatly appreciated!
"Make way for the royal messenger!"
Prince Talin of Noventia lifted his head from the bosom of a delightfully wicked widow and spoke for her ears only. “Pardon me, my dear. It seems the duties of court await me."
True to her nature, she pouted with disappointment at the delay. Talin lifted her from his lap and nodded to signal she could go. She turned in a flurry of skirts and brushed past the messenger who had reached the raised dais before the throne.
The messenger doffed his cap and bowed low. “Your Highness, I have a letter from your brother, Prince Mathis."
Talin accepted the letter and broke the wax seal he recognized as his brother's own.
A dove
. Talin snorted with humor. How like his puritanical brother to choose such a mild creature as his seal. Talin had wanted something fierce, an animal characteristic of strength and power. To that effect, he'd chosen a dragon.
Talin scanned the elegantly scripted words and then read the words once again in disbelief. “He says he will not come! He has turned down an invitation to his own brother's nuptials."
"Do you have a reply, Your Highness?"
Talin pinned the messenger with a steely gaze. “Did my brother hand this letter to you personally?"
"Aye, Your Highness. That he did. He said I was to make sure it reached your hands with all haste."
Talin crumpled the letter and tossed it to the floor. “I will not honor him with a response. You may go."
"As you wish, Your Highness.” The man bowed and hurried from the room.
Once he was alone, Talin stood and paced the length of his throne room. His steps echoed on the marble floors as he strode from one end to another. Normally the vaulted ceilings and gold-leafed columns pleased him, but today the evidence of the riches of his kingdom reminded him of all he'd sacrificed in his quest for greatness. His brother was the only family he had left. He had to ensure Mathis attended his wedding one way or the other.
With angry steps, he strode toward the end of the hall and threw open the wooden doors that led into the atrium of his palace. “Collin!"
His top advisor immediately halted his conversation with the Earl of Yardmore and hastened forward. “Yes, Highness?"
"Where is Nadia?"
Collin, who made it his duty to know the doings of everyone at court, answered without delay. “She is training in the yard."
"Bring her to me,” Talin barked and then turned on his heel and shut the door behind him. He didn't need to wait and see if his order would be obeyed. Collin had proved himself faithful on numerous occasions. For thirty years, he'd fought beside Talin's father in battle. Then, nearly ten years ago, he'd been the one to come to Talin and his brother and deliver the sad news of their father's death. Adhering to the old king's wishes, the land of Novent had been split in half. Talin's portion had become Noventia, and Mathis had declared his as Isidor, after their beloved mother Isidora.
Collin had not been gone more than ten minutes before Talin heard the echo of a voice raised in anger. Nadia had answered his summons. She must be upset that he had interrupted her training. Talin felt his lips curve into an amused smile.
Of all his captains, Nadia was his favorite. Not because she was female, and a lovely one at that, but because she didn't quake with fear at the sight of a formidable enemy. The daughter of Collin, she was a sight to behold in battle. No trepidation, just a steely resolve to get the fight over with as little bloodshed as possible.
More than once he'd imagined what she would be like as a lover. When he'd made her a captain, he'd toyed with the idea of bedding her, but she'd quickly disabused him of that notion. Her refusal to become his lover had proved to him, more than any words could, that Nadia held herself to a higher standard than other women. While the women of his court believed serving him in bed was the greatest honor, Nadia preferred to serve him in other ways, and she'd earned his undying respect as a result.
The doors to the hall banged open, and Nadia strode forward. He admired her as she approached. Tall and lithe, she moved like a dancer, yet her body was far from dainty.
She wore leggings like a man, which emphasized the tautness of her thighs. Her jerkin hid round, full breasts. A long dark braid hung to her waist, and he could see the end swinging from side to side with every step she took. Her line of work should've lent her a masculine appearance; instead she was the most enticing of all women in the realm. More than one man had tried for her hand, but she'd turned them down without a moment's hesitation.
Seeming oblivious to his admiration, she stopped at the edge of the dais and planted a booted foot upon the carpet beneath his throne. “You sent for me?"
The casual attitude she adopted never failed to amuse him. “Yes, I have a favor I would ask of you."
She tilted her head, and her full lips lifted in a smile. “Does this favor involve me engaging in battle?"
"I suppose, in a way, you could look at it like that. I need you to visit Isidor and bring my brother to me within two weeks’ time."
She was clearly unimpressed as she lifted her hand and examined her fingernails. “Not interested."
"Did I mention he may be reluctant to join you?"
A spark of interest lit her catlike green eyes. “Explain."
Talin recited the reason he believed his brother turned down the invitation. “Mathis refused to sign the treaty with Roarke of Bevelaire. He believes Roarke is the man responsible for our father's death."
Understanding dawned on her face as she picked up the thread of his explanation. “And your being affianced to Roarke's daughter only fuels his anger. While the drama of it all is entertaining, I will not help you. Send one of the other captains to fetch your brother."
"My dear Nadia.” Talin gave her a fond smile. “This is my brother we are talking about. You are the only one I trust to properly see to his well-being."
She put her hand on her hip and tapped her fingers against the hilt of her sword. “I am much too busy training the new recruits."
He widened his smile as he hit upon the perfect solution. “Why not take the recruits with you? They can receive training during the journey and even help you with the retrieval of my brother."
"While your idea has some merit, I do not have a wish to involve myself in matters of the heart."
"Nadia, my dear girl, this isn't purely a matter of the heart. This is a matter of the court. Imagine how it would look to our new allies, who have agreed to help us defend our northern borders from the rebels, if my own brother refuses to attend the wedding. It would reflect badly upon my ability to gain control of unsavory situations."
"You should've thought about that before you tied yourself to your brother's unspoken enemy."
"Tut tut, my girl. Your viper's tongue may get you in trouble."
She tossed back her head and laughed. “With you? I am too valuable for you to risk my anger."
She has a point, damn her
.
Talin tried a different tactic. “What if I promise you your nephew will receive a knighthood?"
He was well aware Nadia's sole weakness was her brother's orphaned son. Though she was only seven years his senior, Nadia had appointed herself the protector of Hugh d'Arcy and would do almost anything to advance his career. “What do you say, Nadia?"
"Hugh will earn a knighthood on his own merit. I have no doubt."
"Yes, you are probably right, but imagine how happy he will be when he is knighted at a mere eighteen."
"You are far too cunning for your own good, Highness."
Talin grinned. He didn't detect any trace of ire in her statement, which was a blessing, as Nadia's temper was legendary when provoked. “So you will do as I ask?"
"Aye, that I will.” Nadia's eyes gleamed with promise. “Your brother shall attend your wedding in two weeks’ time."
"Your Highness, we have received word the rebels have been turned back at N'ior."
Mathis lifted his gaze from the hand drawn map on the table in front of him and focused on the man who awaited his response. The informant shuffled his feet in a nervous gesture as Mathis’ brows drew together in a frown. “N'ior is well guarded by my brother's army, yet the rebels seem to be moving closer to the border between Noventia and Isidor. How long until we can expect them at Junsten?"
"Three weeks, maybe four.” The man who'd been charged with bringing news of the rebels’ activities to his prince spoke with calmness, but a tremor of apprehension colored his words. “The soldiers will be prepared for battle within a month's time."
"So soon?” Mathis pinned the man with a steady look. “Tell the other officers I will send further instructions to them once I have spoken with my council."
"Yes, Your Highness.” The man bowed and waited to be dismissed.
Mathis gave his informer a final cursory glance. “Thank you. That will be all."
The door clicked shut behind the messenger. Mathis leaned back in his chair and cast a look at the five members of his council. The men gathered at his table were of varying ages and backgrounds, but each had proven himself a worthy advisor. “I will not have the activities of these rebels harming the lives of the innocent farmers along our northern borders."
Edward, a slim red haired man not much older than Mathis, spoke up. “We should evacuate Junsten. The people there are unprepared to fight the rebels."
Mathis nodded in agreement. “I shall send word that Junsten be evacuated until this matter is dealt with. I will see to it the royal farms in Giordan are made ready to house the displaced farmers for now. Giordan should be far enough south to escape the rebels."
A volunteer lifted his hand. “I shall see to the evacuation, Your Highness."
Mathis turned toward the man who had spoken. He nodded again to indicate he approved the suggestion. “Thank you, Trevor. The stables here at Isis are available as well. Take as much horseflesh as you need to ensure Junsten is evacuated with as quickly as possible."
Trevor, the youngest of the council, got to his feet and gave a quick bow. “Thank you, Your Highness."
The remaining four council members awaited his instructions. Mathis trusted these men with his life. All of them shared his views on peace, but they would fight at a moment's notice to protect Isidor and its people. He'd ruled the small kingdom for ten years and had done his best to provide his subjects with both peace and prosperity.
The Noventian rebels had raided the northern borders of Noventia for nearly a year, but this would be the first time they marched on Isidor. Not that Mathis wanted his brother's kingdom to bear the brunt of the rebel's attacks, but he was thankful Isidor had been left untouched.