The Princes Determined Read online

  “And the rebellion?”

  Talin combed his fingers through his hair and heaved a heavy sigh. “There have been a few casualties. A scouting party that left Wainswright and approached the rebel camp was ambushed. My men overtook them not long after, so the rebels have retreated for the moment.”

  She frowned at the news. Deaths were to be expected, but she did not imagine it would be so soon after the soldiers left. “I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps I should pay their families a visit.”

  Talin graced her with a genuine smile. “That would be very polite of you, Rowena. Let me know when you want to go, and I will assign guards to ride with you.”

  “I will, but it’s not necessary. You must know by now I will not flee.”

  He became serious in an instant. “You will not step foot outside this castle without an armed escort. This is a dangerous time, Rowena. It is too much of a risk.”

  He lifted a hand and toyed with a curl that lay across her shoulder. “If the rebels took you…” His voice trailed off and he shuddered.

  Rowena’s eyes widened at his unfinished sentence. She had not given a thought to being abducted. He was correct, as always. She would be a prize for the rebels. They would use her to bend Talin to their will—much in the same way her father used Sara to manipulate her. She would be damned before she would let that happen. She refused to be his downfall.

  Covering his hand with her own, she made him an oath. “I promise the rebels will never take me. You do not have to concern yourself with that.”

  “If only it were that simple, Rowena. The rebels have proven themselves to be without morals. I will not have you hurt because of me.”

  She knew how to protect herself, but she didn’t inform him of it. It would lead to questions she preferred not to answer.

  Besides, it would be a false boast. She’d learned any number of tricks over the years to protect both herself and Sara, but she could not hope to defeat a group of rebels hell-bent on their supposed cause.

  She allowed her hand to fall away from his, and slowly, almost reluctantly, he released her. She was bereft without his touch. Her body craved more.

  “Have you eaten?” He was back to his brisk, regal manner.

  She shook her head. “I was about to go now.”

  “Good. I will come as well.” He extended his arm toward her. “Shall I escort you?”

  “Yes.” She slipped her arm through his and rested her hand on the top of his arm.

  They strolled toward the dining chamber, and her mood lightened considerably. Weeks ago, when she was desperate to escape their betrothal, there was something about Talin that made her senses come alive. At first, it frightened her. Now she was intrigued by her body’s responses.

  Under her fingertips, his forearm was warm and firm. She spread her fingers wide and delighted in the sensation of touching him.

  There were no visitors at the castle that day, so they had the table to themselves. Even the ever-present Collin claimed a prior engagement when he saw that she and the prince sat at the table together.

  Rowena suspected the prince’s advisor did it on purpose so she and Talin could dine alone. It was easy to admire Collin. He never failed to be polite, and he had kind eyes, the sort of eyes she imagined a father should have.

  Halfway through the meal, Talin propped his chin in his hand and studied her across the table. “At some point, we must discuss our marriage.”

  Her heart gave a lurch, but she kept her composure and casually sipped from her wineglass. “What about it?”

  His forefinger rubbed along the seam of his bottom lip. Her eyes were drawn to his mouth, and she wondered what it would be like to have his lips upon her.

  “I wish to marry you as soon as possible.”

  So they were back to this. She was a pawn in his game of power.

  “And if my father doesn’t return? Do you wish to marry me still?” Her tone grew cool.

  “Yes.”

  She took another sip and eyed him over her wineglass. “Without my father, you have no reason to marry me.”

  His eyes darkened as he mimicked her action. “I have every reason.”

  A shiver chased down her spine at his look. “You are very charming, prince.”

  “Do you want to know my reasons?” His lips curved into a sexy smile.

  She ignored his question as if he hadn’t asked it. “I know our betrothal was not simply a part of the treaty.”

  He leaned back in his chair and watched her. “What else do you know?”

  Now was her chance to find out if her suspicions were correct.

  “You want to tie yourself to him in the hopes of gaining his trust. You hope to expose him, and to do that you must be in a position marrying me would help you accomplish.”

  His expression gave away nothing. “And don’t forget aligning my kingdom with your father also frightens the rebels.”

  “There is that as well.” She set her wine aside and crossed her arms across her chest. “But your plot unfortunately turned the rebels’ attention to Isidor.”

  The prince cursed softly.

  She sighed with true regret. “You find yourself in quite the dilemma, Your Highness.”

  He leaned forward and fixed her with a determined look. “There is no dilemma. You will marry me. I will not deny marrying you has some obvious benefits. It also has some detriments. But with no treaty and no rebellion, I would still marry you.”

  She sucked in a breath. It was the closest he had ever come toward declaring himself. But he did not confess an emotion he didn’t feel. She would be suspicious if he had done so.

  In those first few days after she’d come to N’ior, he’d professed affection, but it was an act. She’d known that as she’d played the part of not wanting him, when the truth was she wanted him with a vengeance. It was not impossible to believe he wanted her as well.

  The silence drew out between them until it became unbearable.

  She uncrossed her arms and grabbed her wineglass. She lifted it in a salute. “Come. Let us talk about this at a later day.”

  “I want to talk now.”

  She closed her eyes for a moment and prayed for the strength to refuse him. “Please, Your Highness. I need time.”

  He reached across the table and touched the back of her hand. He linked their fingers together as he nodded. “As you wish.”

  It would be so easy to throw herself into his arms and agree to marry him immediately, but she knew to tread carefully.

  So much was at stake for the both of them.

  Chapter 4

  In was mid-afternoon in Isidor. Though it was still summer, there was a cool, brisk wind that brought welcome relief to the unbearable heat of the previous week. The scent of rain was in the air, and heavy thunderclouds hinted at an oncoming storm, but it was still several miles away. The people of Isis enjoyed the dry, cool weather while they could.

  After finishing a training session with James, Nadia went to seek out her husband. A long walk would be just the thing to stretch her sore muscles. Even though James had only one arm, he was a strong opponent in sword fighting. Of all the prince’s advisors, James was perhaps her favorite.

  At last, she located Mathis near the Dora River. It was reminiscent of the night several weeks ago when she discovered him bathing nude at the very same spot. This afternoon, he was fully clothed.

  He sat under a tree with an open book on his lap. She paused and drank in the sight of him for several long moments. He was so beautiful, and he was hers.

  She must have made a noise because he glanced up, and a slow, sexy smile crossed his face.

  Mathis got to his feet to approach her. “Good afternoon, wife.”

  Would she ever stop tingling when he called her that?

  She grinned, fearing that she looked silly even as she did so. “Hello, husband.”

  He swept her into his arms and kissed her almost senseless.

  She recovered enough to push him away. “
Stop, Mathis! I came to speak to you of Talin.”

  He made an exaggerated grimace of distaste. “I would much rather seduce my wife than speak of my brother.”

  She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I promise it will just be a moment, and then you can seduce away.”

  He drew her down to his spot under the tree and faced her with an expectant expression. “What did you wish to speak to me about?”

  She withdrew a folded piece of vellum from her pocket and handed it to him.

  Mathis read the scrawled words and glanced up in confusion. “He has declared war?”

  Nadia nodded tightly. “His message was addressed to the both of us. I hope you do not mind I read it first. I certainly didn’t expect it to contain such news.”

  Mathis reached for her hand and held it in a tight grip. “Of course I do not mind, my love. I meant what I said. We rule Isidor together.”

  He glanced back down at the message in his hands. “It also appears we have much to do. We will have to prepare our army as well.”

  Nadia, up until her marriage to Mathis, had been a captain in Talin’s army. She knew exactly how much preparation was needed. Mathis would not like what she was going to say next.

  She took a breath before she spoke. “I meant what I said as well. I will return to Noventia and defend it.”

  “You are needed here now.” He held up a hand when her eyes narrowed, and it appeared she going to argue. “No, hear me out. The plan has been set in action. We will go to Noventia if it is attacked, I promise. But with any luck, this rebellion will end before it becomes necessary.”

  Nadia was used to action. She’d trained to be a soldier since she was sixteen. It was difficult to acclimate to her new life as a married woman, but she would heed her husband’s advice in this.

  “I will wait for now.”

  Mathis pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Do not worry. Talin will have everything in hand, my love.”

  She wrapped her arms around her husband and held him as tightly as she could. The rumble of thunder in the distance hinted the storm fast approached.

  She lifted her eyes to the clouds and sighed. She would wait for now. When the time came for true battle, she would be on the front line.

  * * * *

  The letter Rowena awaited for so long finally arrived.

  She was still in bed when a maid delivered it. She broke the seal and was relieved to see it was indeed Sara’s flowing script.

  The note was short and terse. Not Sara’s normal tone at all. A sense of foreboding fell over Rowena. Something was wrong.

  She read the lines again.

  Dearest Sister,

  Do not fear. I am well. Father has provided amply for me.

  Your Loving Sister,

  Sara

  Rowena pushed aside her breakfast tray and bolted from the bed. She must go to Sara now, this very moment.

  She grabbed a small valise and tossed in as much clothing as it could hold. She rushed through her toilet, taming her long hair into a single braid and pinning it atop her head. She pulled a dark brown riding habit out of her wardrobe and threw off her night rail with quick, efficient movements.

  Once Rowena was dressed, she grabbed the note and stuffed it in her pocket. She hauled the valise out of her chamber and descended to the first floor of Talin’s castle. Her first instinct was to get to Sara as quickly as she could, but common sense told her she should go to Talin and ask for his help. She dropped the valise in the great hall, and spun on her heel to head for his study.

  She paced by the door with impatient steps as she waited to be announced. Once she was ushered into the room, she was grateful to see Talin had not yet been joined by Collin or his other advisors.

  He smiled when he saw her and got to his feet to greet her. “Good morning, Rowena.”

  She didn’t hesitate to let him know what she needed. “I need to go to Bevelaire.”

  His smile froze on his face. “Why?”

  Her hands trembled, so she linked her fingers together to keep them from shaking. “My sister needs me.”

  Rowena pulled the note out of her pocket and handed it to the prince. His brows drew together as he read it in silence. He glanced back. “She seems well.”

  She shook her head in a violent motion. “No. My father has never provided for Sara. Something is wrong.”

  Talin crossed around the desk and held out his arms. “Rowena, calm yourself. I will send a group to Bevelaire to check on your sister.”

  Her gaze grew serious. “I want to go with them.”

  “I cannot allow that.” He stepped forward and put his palms on her upper arms. “I promise you my soldiers will look for her.”

  Rowena’s eye narrowed in suspicion. “When will they go?”

  “As soon as it can be arranged.”

  She bit her lip and considered the prince’s proposal. Every moment they waited was another moment her sister could be in danger. “Send for me when they go.”

  Talin rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “I will.”

  She left his study and stood outside of the door for several long moments. Talin did not believe her. He did not think Sara was in trouble. She did not doubt he would send his soldiers at some point, but Rowena could not spare another moment. She needed to get to Sara.

  She hurried back up the hall and retrieved her valise. She didn’t encounter anyone, for which she thanked her lucky stars.

  She spared a few moments to write a note to Talin and placed it on a table where it was sure to be seen. She felt guilty sneaking out as she did, but Talin had already forbidden her to go. Sara was her responsibility. She must go herself.

  Luck continued to be with her and she made it to the stables without being seen. She located the mare Talin had given her as a gift and quickly saddled it. She led the horse out of the stable, climbed astride, put her heels to the animal’s flanks, and they were off.

  But her escape did not go unnoticed, to her dismay.

  As she crossed in front of the castle, she encountered the shocked faces of Hugh d’Arcy and his grandfather, Collin. Hugh was sure to set up a chase, and Collin would be quick to fetch Talin.

  She barreled down the cobbled streets, and within minutes she was through one of the gates that led out of the city. It was all so easy. She couldn’t have been recognized—or else the guards at the gate would never have let her through.

  Wind whipped through her hair as her mare set off at breakneck speed across the valley. It was early morning, but the sun blazed, and she was soon drenched in sweat. She cursed herself for choosing a riding habit with heavy material.

  Rowena rode for most of the day, taking short breaks whenever her horse grew winded. On one such break, she patted the horse’s neck and promised her a treat once they reached Bevelaire.

  Talin would not be far behind, so she continued to move as fast as she could. She did not fear him, but she worried he would drag her back to N’ior without first letting her go to Sara. It was a risk she couldn’t take.

  * * * *

  After sending a messenger to fetch one of his captains, Talin stood at his window and watched the sunrise. The orange and yellow rays lit up the valley of N’ior and drenched the city in a warm, golden glow. It looked to be a lovely day.

  He had not slept well the night before. Thoughts of Rowena haunted him. He dreamed she came to him and slowly undressed as he watched. Her blond curls curtained them both as she climbed astride him.

  He cursed as he hardened once more. He’d never been so tempted by one particular woman. He had healthy habits and enjoyed sex, but the vision of making love to Rowena almost brought him to his knees. He had to have her.

  He rubbed the back of his neck and groaned with frustrated desire.

  He was about to turn away from the window when a commotion in the courtyard drew his attention. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene.

  A lad who he believed to be Hugh took off at a sudden sprint toward the
stables as Collin turned and hurried in the direction of the castle. Talin’s sudden suspicion was apparently correct.

  “God damn it!” he shouted in fury.

  He left the study quickly and was headed toward the front entrance when Collin burst into the hall.

  The older man braced himself against the door frame and gasped for air. “My prince, Lady Rowena has gone.”

  Every muscle in Talin’s body twitched in anger. “She is headed for Bevelaire.”

  Collin’s eyes appeared worried. “I thought she promised not to escape again.”

  “It is obvious she lied,” Talin snapped and immediately felt guilty. It was not Collin’s fault she fled. “I’m sorry. She received a note from her sister and is worried about her. I promised her I would send my soldiers, but she didn’t listen.”

  Collin waved aside his apology. “Hugh has followed her, but he will be several minutes behind.”

  “I will go as well.”

  Collin’s face registered his surprise. “My lord, you will need escorts.”

  “I do not have time to wait, Collin. Hugh can provide protection for me. When the captain arrives, tell him to follow us.”

  Collin appeared as if he wanted to say more, but he remained silent. He stepped aside for the prince to leave the room. “Good luck, Your Highness.”

  Talin glanced over his shoulder and gave his advisor a grim smile. “She is the one who will need luck once I find her.”

  * * * *

  Bevelaire was a tiny province located in Balencroft, a kingdom that bordered the right, uppermost corner of Noventia. Her father had been named duke by the king of Balencroft several years before Rowena’s birth. The lands and manor of Bevalaire were presented to Roarke as a sign of good will.

  Without a male heir, Roarke’s title and holdings would return to the monarchy upon his death. Rowena feared much of her father’s mistreatment stemmed from his disappointment in not fathering a son. It had been difficult to deal with her father’s resentment when she’d been a child, but as she grew older, she saw his anger for the greed and weakness it truly was.

  Bevelaire was a mountainous region, which made travel difficult. Unlike the green valley near N’ior, Bevelaire’s landscape was bleak and harsh. The three days it took Rowena to reach her home passed in a blur.