The Princes Determined

by Robin Danner

  “Are you truly?” Her expression dared him to deny it.

  Collin’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he made a face. “No, not really.”

  She gave an emphatic nod of her head. “Good, because I am not either.”

  Rowena continued to watch her sister, who had smiled more in the two days she’d been at N’ior than Rowena had seen her do her entire life at Bevelaire.

  “My father was not a good man. Whether or not he was a rebel has no bearing on that fact. I am glad he is gone.” She lowered her gaze to the stone path she stood upon. “Does that make me a bad person?”

  “No, my lady. It makes you an honest one. The prince is a lucky man.”

  The prince. The one person she could not stop thinking about for the past two days. He was also the one person she had not seen in the same length of time. There had been much upheaval with the rebellion while he’d been gone, and his schedule was demanding, more so than before.

  “Have there been more casualties?”

  Collin’s brow drew together in a frown. “A few.”

  “How is the prince taking the news? Talin detests war and death.” She wished she could go to him. He was sure to be suffering.

  “Aye, that he does, my lady. He is handling the situation as well as can be expected. It is not easy for him.”

  “I don’t imagine it would be.” Since she couldn’t be with him, she did the one thing she could do. “Will you give my regards to the prince?”

  “Aye, my lady. I should go. He is expecting me.” Collin nodded in farewell and continued on his way.

  She wished she could follow him and see Talin with her own eyes. Desire was part of the reason, but for the most part, she wanted him to know he was not alone in this. He wanted her to be his wife. At some point along the way, she had started to think like one.

  A single idea held her back. Did he still want to marry her now that her father was dead? The treaty was void, and nothing prevented him from breaking the betrothal contract. He had not said as much, but his silence did not signify his consent. She needed to hear it from his lips, to know he still wanted her.

  “Rowena!” Sara’s voice called from the garden.

  “Yes?” She hurried to her sister’s side and rejoiced in the bloom of color in Sara’s cheeks. The welts had faded. Only the closest of observers would suspect they’d ever been there.

  Sara blossomed in her new surroundings. Her pale golden hair hung loose about her shoulders, and her hazel eyes were bright with merriment. The girl was a beautiful sight.

  “Did you know I could join the army when I’m sixteen? D’Arcy has been telling me all about it.”

  Rowena lifted a brow at the lad, who had the decency to look bashful. She grasped her sister’s hand and gently squeezed it. “Yes, my dear, you could. If that is what you wished.”

  She gulped. Far be it for her to deny her sister anything, but she sincerely hoped Sara was not serious about it.

  Sara laughed at the look on her face. “Dear Rowena, calm yourself! Even I know I could never be a soldier.” She teasingly pinched Rowena’s cheek. “But I do love you for believing I could.”

  Sara turned back to the boy beside her. “Come along, d’Arcy. I want to pick flowers.”

  “You always want to pick flowers,” the recruit groaned, but he followed in Sara’s wake with willing haste.

  Rowena laughed at the two of them and sat down on a stone bench so she could keep an eye on the young couple.

  Her role had shifted since they’d been back. Instead of being the prisoner watched over by d’Arcy, their roles were reversed, and she now performed the duty of chaperone.

  Her sister’s and d’Arcy’s attachment to each other was amusing to watch. She didn’t think it was a love affair, at least not yet, but she erred on the side of caution. Not to mention it was hard to break the habits of a lifetime. She spent fifteen years of her life protecting her younger sister. It would take time to acclimate herself to the fact both of them were safe.

  The dark years were behind them now.

  A shadow fell across her and startled Rowena. She looked up and into the face of the prince. “Talin!”

  He was here! Her heart leaped with joy.

  “Collin said you wanted to see me?”

  She frowned. “Pardon?” She recovered quickly. “Oh, yes. Yes, I did.”

  Bless the dear man’s heart. He must’ve suspected she missed Talin. “Ah, I wanted to know if it is acceptable for Sara and me to go shopping this afternoon.”

  It was a lie, of course. She had not planned to go, but she couldn’t think of an excuse quick enough.

  “Of course you may go, provided you take guards with you.” Talin sat and his thigh brushed hers.

  Heat blossomed in her lower belly. She ached to touch more of him.

  He slid closer, and the warmth of his body tempted her to lean into him. “Is that honestly why you wished to see me?”

  She pretended to be distracted by a bee buzzing near them so he couldn’t see her expression. “Yes.”

  Talin touched her cheek and turned her face to his. “Truly?”

  Her lips mouthed the word, but no sound emerged. No.

  He leaned in to give her a fleeting kiss.

  “I have not forgotten you, Rowena,” he whispered against her mouth and pulled away.

  She was entranced by the heat in his eyes. “I have not forgotten you either, my lord.”

  Sunlight bathed the scene and surrounded them in a warm golden glow. Rowena’s limbs grew heavy with longing, and her heart skipped a beat as he continued to gaze at her. She wanted him.

  His eyes continued to hold hers. “Will you dine with me tonight?”

  She nodded, for she didn’t trust herself to speak.

  He stood and reached out a hand. “Come. I would like you to meet with my advisors.”

  She recoiled in surprise. “I have been introduced to them.”

  “Yes, but they are curious about you.”

  She frowned, and it caused a deep furrow between her brows. “Me? Why?”

  Talin chuckled and bent down to grasp her about the waist and pull her to a standing position. “They want to know more about their future princess.”

  Rowena forgot her fear in the joy of being in his embrace again. She moved closer, and a surge of pride filled her when he sucked in an audible breath.

  “Sweet Jesu, what you do to me,” Talin whispered.

  She placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned up to press a fleeting kiss to his cheek. “Your council awaits, my lord.” She pulled back and peeped up flirtatiously through her lashes. “We should go to them.”

  The hand on her waist dipped lower and gave her a firm pat on her backside. “You are a hoyden.”

  She smiled as he took her hand and led her through the courtyard. It was almost noon, and the area was crowded with many of his subjects. They greeted numerous lords and ladies. All appeared amused by the sight of the prince holding hands with her.

  When they reached his study, Talin’s steps slowed, and he turned around to take her in his arms. “I want to kiss you.”

  “Why don’t you?” Rowena asked without shame.

  He lowered his head until their lips were mere inches apart. “I am trying my best to not ravish you, but you make it difficult.”

  She snaked her hand around his neck and pulled his lips closer. “Don’t try so hard, prince.”

  He was smiling as she placed her lips on his. He took control of the kiss, and she was breathless within seconds. He ended the kiss and gave her a broad wink. “We shall continue this later, my love.”

  Her cheeks turned pink from the endearment, but he didn’t give her a chance to speak as he released her and opened the door to the study. He ushered her in, and she gave a polite nod to the six men who stood in the room. She was familiar with Collin, but the other five she had spoken with only briefly.

  Talin moved further into the room, and she followed him, unsure what her role wa
s here. Talin pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit. Rowena did so with alacrity. She folded her hands in her lap and waited.

  Talin stood near her and rested his palm upon her shoulder. His voice, powerful and commanding, filled the room as he spoke. “Lady Rowena has information I would like her to share with you.”

  She turned to look at him with wide, questioning eyes. His fingers caressed the skin bared by the neckline of her gown, and she shivered.

  Talin prompted her. “Please tell them what your father said to you.”

  She turned back around and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. Who knew what these men thought of her father? Or what did they think of her? She wet her lips with her tongue and spoke with confidence. “My father did not kill the old king.”

  Murmurs broke out amongst the advisors. It was clear that some of them did not believe her statement. Collin stepped forward and gave her an encouraging smile. “Lady Rowena, what is your evidence.”

  She glanced down—ashamed her father was such a villain that it was difficult for these men to believe him innocent of murder. “Something my father said led me to believe he knew who the murderer was. I think it was the rebels.”

  “Why would your father allow the rumors to grow for so long if he was innocent?” Michael, one of the youngest advisors, questioned.

  Rowena shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t answer you. Maybe he realized that without proof he would be unable to convince others of his innocence.”

  “Thank you, Rowena.” Talin stepped forward to join his advisors. “If it was indeed the rebels who killed my father, there has been a traitor in our midst for years. Someone my father trusted, someone who could get close enough to kill him, would have to be responsible.”

  Rowena studied the reactions of the men and a shiver crossed her spine. She knew from personal experience the pain that comes from being betrayed by someone who should protect you. From the looks on the men’s faces, she did not envy the rebel leader once he was found.

  * * * *

  Rowena dressed with care that evening. She did not know if Talin planned a seduction, but she wanted to be prepared in case. She hoped it was his plan because she had thought of nothing else since their erotic interlude several nights ago.

  Her gown was red—a color she knew suited her. The bold coloring went well with her pale hair and dark eyes, as more than one person had remarked. She combed her hair until it crackled, preferring to leave it loose, which was the way Talin liked it.

  If someone told her months ago she would someday go to such lengths to impress the prince, she would’ve told them they were insane. It was amazing the difference a couple of weeks could bring.

  Sara entered the room, her young face wreathed in a joyous smile. “We are leaving soon.”

  Rowena walked over to hug her sister and give her last minute instructions. “Remember what I said, Sara. Do not leave Hugh and Collin’s side.”

  Much of the castle was to attend the opening of a new play being performed in the city square. She allowed Sara to go provided that d’Arcy and her assigned companion stayed with her the entire time. Collin volunteered his services as well, which put Rowena at ease. She did not have to spend the entire evening worrying over her young sister.

  Sara gave a solemn nod. “I won’t.” She reached for Rowena’s hand and grasped it. “Do not fret so, Rowena. We are safe now.”

  Safe.

  It was such a simple word, but it meant so much to someone who spent her entire life avoiding dangerous situations. Her father was gone. She never needed to be that scared little girl again. She would always worry about Sara. It was natural for an older sister to do so, but it would not be with the bone chilling fear that faced her whenever she thought their father’s anger might turn on Sara. Unfortunately, the kingdom was still in turmoil, and their happiness was still threatened.

  “Yes, Sara. We are safe, but we have to be careful for a bit longer. Until the rebellion is over.”

  Rowena hated to put a damper on her sister’s happiness, but the rebels posed a threat, and she must understand that. She forced a smile. “Now go enjoy the play. I will see you in the morning.”

  Sara danced out the door. After she was gone, the silence of the room seemed deafening. Rowena ignored the buzzing in her ears and sat down to wait.

  She and the prince were to dine alone that night. She’d received a note earlier requesting that she arrive at the prince’s chambers at eight o’clock. She wished the minutes would hurry past so she could see him again. Rowena’s stomach tied in knots as she envisioned what could pass between them.

  She wanted to be with him. She yearned to know what it was like to be with a man, to be with Talin. She was free in every sense of the word. She could go to him, and it would not be because her father forced her to. It would not be because the prince demanded it. She would go because this was what she wanted.

  Finally, it was time, and she made her way to Talin’s chambers.

  The hall was oddly deserted. Not a servant was in sight. Had everyone gone to the play’s opening? She reached his chambers and stood before the door a moment to gather her wits. Even the guards were missing.

  She smoothed her palms down the front of her skirt and lifted her hand to knock. Her fingers barely touched the wood panel before it opened. The prince filled the doorway, all dark good looks and muscular frame.

  Talin smiled with devastating slowness as he perused her up and down. “My lady, you are beautiful as always.”

  Rowena was not a vain woman, but she felt beautiful when he looked at her the way he did now. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

  He was beautiful as well, but she didn’t say it. Though she hoped tonight led them to his bed, much would depend on him, as she doubted she was brave enough to seduce him. She’d been unaccountably bold a few nights ago, which she attributed to the shock of the events that had transpired. She still wanted him, aye, but she wanted him to initiate it.

  She entered the room, and her gaze strayed to his bed. Her cheeks felt flushed. Could he sense her thoughts? She turned back to face him and was trapped by the heat in his eyes.

  Yes, he definitely knew her thoughts.

  He came forward and reached out to touch her hair. He lifted a curl and twirled it around his finger, pulling her toward him with a gentle tug. “I love when you leave your hair unbound.”

  It was on the tip of her tongue to say she loved him, but she cut off the words. Instead, she leaned up and tried to kiss him.

  Talin chuckled as he resisted her efforts. “Later, my lady. First I have to make sure you eat.” He narrowed his eyes in mock warning. “Those curves I adore are still in danger.”

  He led her to a small table near the fireplace and lifted the top off a steaming platter. “I had Cook make your favorite.”

  Rowena inhaled and moaned with delight. “I never did ask. How did you know this is my favorite?”

  Talin held out a chair for her to sit before he took his own. “I watched you eat one night not long after you came here. You took a second helping the night this dish was served.”

  She grimaced and set down the forkful of food she had been about to place in her mouth. “So you watched my gluttony then?”

  He laughed. “No one can accuse you of gluttony, my dear. I had to force you to eat not long ago, remember?”

  “But I was making a point then, if you will recall.” She sniffed with mock hauteur and lifted her chin.

  “And what would that point have been? You would rather starve than stay here with me one moment more?”

  Rowena grew serious. “Things have changed since then.” She busied herself with unfolding her napkin so he couldn’t read her expression.

  “Are you saying you want to marry me now?”

  Her napkin fell to the floor, but she didn’t make a move to retrieve it. Why did he put her on the spot?

  Did she want to marry him? Her heart screamed yes, while her mind reminded her to be cautious.
“Do you still want to marry me?”

  His eyes crinkled at the corners, but his expression otherwise remained blank. “I asked you first.”

  “I am nothing but trouble for you,” the reasonable side of her pointed out.

  “I like trouble.” Talin got up from the table and placed the lids over their platters.

  Rowena leaned back so he could cover her food and tilted her head way back so she could see his face. “I fear I have trust issues.”

  Talin propped his hip against the table and stared down. He was close enough to touch, but she didn’t.

  His shoulders rose and fell in a lazy shrug. “Don’t we all?”

  There was no way he could know, but maybe one day she could confide in him. It was possible that talking would help her heal. “I will not leave my sister.”

  “I wouldn’t ask you to.”

  Of course he wouldn’t. Why did she mention it? She had seen the love Talin had for his family.

  Her cheeks went pink as she gave one last argument. “I also believe I am a wanton at heart.”

  He smiled broadly and reached out to pull her from her chair. “Now that, my dear Rowena, is what I adore the most about you.”

  He adored her? Rowena’s heart skipped a beat, and skipped another as he bent and took her lips in a fevered kiss.

  Both vied for control of the kiss, neither quite managing to claim dominance over the other. She wrapped her arms around Talin’s shoulders and gripped the back of his neck, clinging to him and never wanting to let go.

  Talin put his hands under her bottom and lifted her. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, her skirts falling back to expose her from the knees down. He turned and placed her on the table, the dishes and glasses clattering from the movement.

  He stayed between the vee of her thighs and continued his slow assault on her mouth. She opened her lips, and his tongue surged forward to claim her, to brand her with the very essence of his kiss. His teeth nibbled her bottom lip, and Rowena groaned in delight.

  Rowena tightened the grip of her thighs against his hips. Talin moved closer, rubbing against her sensitive mound. She undulated against him and came into shocking contact with his arousal.