The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1]

by Robin Danner

  "No!” He nearly shouted. “These boots are Aronian."

  She released the dagger with a grunt. The boots looked fairly standard to her, but she was no expert on fashion. Perhaps they were expensive.

  While she was occupied with his laces, the prince loosened his bindings to allow a few inches of rope between his wrists. It was just enough length to draw across her neck like a noose.

  She continued to work on the laces and nearly had the first boot undone when the prince lunged forward and locked his hands behind her neck. Her eyes widened with alarm.

  He tightened his grip as he got to his feet, drawing her upward as well.

  His breath ruffled the strands of hair near her ear as he spoke in a commanding voice. “Don't even think of struggling."

  Nadia's fingers fumbled against his wrists and the rope he held to her neck, but she couldn't budge it. Struggling only made the rope tighten further.

  She'd been such a dunce! How had she fallen so neatly in his trap?

  Her men noticed and arranged themselves in a circle around them, placing the fire between the prince and the horses.

  She'd taught her recruits well.

  She moistened her lips with a quick swipe of her tongue and spoke to the prince. “You have no hope of escape. Even you are no match for five armed men."

  "Ah, but you forget I am their prince's brother. None of your soldiers are willing to risk the ire of my brother by harming me. With you as my hostage, they cannot get close enough to restrain me. That was your plan was it not, my dear lady soldier? To keep me bound and gagged until I was safely delivered to Talin?” He whispered to her in a fierce rush.

  To the men, he called out a warning. “Let me pass and I promise your captain will remain unharmed."

  "He is bluffing! Don't let him through,” she commanded and then made a croaking sound as the prince drew the rope tighter.

  It was difficult to breathe. Dark spots began to appear to before her eyes. Just when she feared she would pass out, he loosened the rope for her to take a deep breath.

  "I refuse to be taken captive once again. I am a prince, damn you! Now tell your men to step aside."

  "I will not!"

  "Do as I say or I will tell my brother your men withheld food and water from me. I don't believe he will take kindly to such treatment."

  Nadia closed her eyes for a brief instant. She'd seriously underestimated her opponent.

  Talin would be greatly disappointed in her.

  "Fine, Your Highness, you win.” Her shoulders drew back, and she straightened as well as she could in his embrace. “You may release me now."

  He snorted. “No. You will come to N'ior with me."

  Her eyes widened. “N'ior?"

  "Yes. I have a message of my own I would like to deliver to my brother.” He drew her closer and directed a command toward the soldiers. “If the captain is to remain unharmed, you five will remain here until morning."

  The men turned their faces to Nadia for confirmation.

  "The prince and I will ride ahead. You may follow us in two hours’ time."

  The prince tightened the rope in warning. “Four."

  She rolled her eyes in exasperation, even though she knew he couldn't see it. “Four hours then."

  The recruits lowered the weapons they'd never intended to use and relaxed their stances.

  Nadia averted her eyes, so the recruits would not see her shame as the prince hauled her away.

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  Chapter 3

  N'ior was a well-guarded city in the northern province of Noventia. It was surrounded by mountains, which made it difficult for enemies to approach unnoticed. The mountains formed a natural barrier to the city. A stone wall encircling N'ior fortified it even further.

  It had become the capital city when the old king brought his young wife there decades before to give birth to his heirs. The valley where the city had been built was lush and fertile, yet could be bitterly cold in the winter due to the winds sweeping down from the mountains.

  It was late summer now, and the valley was covered in a carpet of green grass. Warm air carried the fragrance of sweet smelling flowers.

  As they topped the last ridge and began their descent into the valley, Mathis drew in a deep breath. Though the city was now his brother's, N'ior still felt like his home. His father had owned several castles, but they'd spent the majority of their time here. It had been close to his mother's homeland of Aronia, so the boys had often traveled to visit their grandparents to the east.

  Memories of happier times assailed him. Before war and death had torn their lives apart, this had been a place of love and laughter.

  "We have arrived at N'ior, Prince.” She drew to a halt.

  Mathis glanced over at his unwilling companion and saw her gaze down at the valley as a peaceful smile crossed her face. For two days, she'd ridden with a sullen pout to her lips. She'd spoken only the barest of words and ignored any attempt to start a conversation during their travel. She hadn't even offered her name. This was the first time she'd spoken without being prompted. Was N'ior her home as well? It would be a waste of time to ask since she would almost certainly refuse to answer.

  She continued to survey the valley, so he took his time studying her. Her dark hair gleamed in the noonday sun. Strands escaped the tight braid and whipped about in the light wind. Sunlight streamed over her face and highlighted elegant cheekbones and a tiny, pert nose. Her eyes were almost feline in shape where the ends turned up at the corners and a curious yellowish green color.

  Her eyes were most intriguing. They reminded him of someone, but try as he might, he couldn't recall who it was.

  She sat her horse with ease, her long legs gripping the sides of the animal.

  A spurt of undeniable jealousy rose in Mathis. How would it feel to have her astride him, her legs gripping his waist as she rode them both to ecstasy?

  The saddle grew uncomfortable, and he shifted as his cock twitched at the thought. He coughed to clear his throat before he spoke. “Shall we continue?"

  She spurred her horse forward and descended into the valley slightly ahead of him. Her spine was ramrod straight as she guided her horse with skill down the dirt path. She did so without another word.

  He granted her this small show of defiance. Her pride was undeniably dented from her defeat. The least he could do was let her lead him to the palace even though he knew the path like the back of his hand.

  As they drew closer to the city, he observed a change in her demeanor.

  She'd never loosened completely, but her posture had been much more relaxed as they'd rode through the valley. She now held her back and shoulders in a rigid manner and kept her gaze straight in front of her. Her chin was set with resolution, but she did nod with politeness at the people she passed on the road.

  To say she fascinated him was an understatement.

  They crossed the drawbridge that led into the palace walls, and a sense of nostalgia enveloped him. How many times had he and Talin ran across that very bridge, usually with a harried tutor in pursuit?

  Once they entered the palace, servants scrambled to accommodate their unexpected visitor. They were shown into Talin's private study much faster than a normal guest would have been.

  Did he imagine the scent of brandy and cigars lingering in the air?

  The study had been his father's, and it had been his habit to have a drink and a smoke after dinner whenever they were in residence.

  Apparently Talin did as well.

  His brother sat behind the desk, but he got to his feet as they entered.

  Mathis noticed Talin was careful to keep the desk between them. It did not deter him.

  Without the slightest hesitation, he strode forward and clipped his older brother in the jaw. He didn't get the satisfaction of seeing his brother's reaction because he was suddenly tackled from behind. He stumbled but managed to stay upright.

  The damnable she-cat attacked me!

>   Talin made a motion with his hand. “Nadia, cease."

  She obeyed the command at once and backed away, but she continued to glare at Mathis.

  So her name is Nadia.

  Mathis straightened his cuffs and turned his attention back to his brother. “Care to tell me why you sent for me?” He paused to tap his chin in mock deliberation. “Sent for me may be too mild a term. Abducted at knifepoint while in the nude may be more to the point."

  Talin shot his captain an openly amused look. “Nude, Nadia? You must tell me the story one day, but for now, you are dismissed."

  "Yes, Your Highness.” Nadia bowed and left the room.

  Mathis watched his brother's face, noting his gaze lingered at the doorway a trifle longer than it should have.

  Talin turned back to him. “Nadia is quite a spitfire, is she not? Who knew Collin's daughter would turn into a formidable soldier? I suppose it is to be expected considered the endless hours she lingered in the training yard."

  "What?” Mathis was nearly shocked speechless. He may not have remembered her name, but he definitely recalled Collin's only daughter. He had not seen her since she was a child and had no idea she'd joined Talin's army.

  "Do you mean to say she is the same girl who nearly took off my toe with her father's blade?"

  "A mere accident,” Talin corrected.

  "And the same girl who proclaimed to our mother she would grow up to marry you?"

  Talin chuckled as he nodded. “Unfortunately she changed her mind about marriage to me. Her dedication to her career is commendable, but it has made her completely immune to my charms."

  "Or perhaps she recognizes the false flattery you spout as the drivel it is?"

  "Perhaps,” his brother cheerfully agreed.

  Mathis dropped into a wing backed chair positioned in front of Talin's desk and stretched his legs in front of him. Three days on horseback and three nights spent sleeping on the hard ground had left his muscles stiff and aching. It felt like heaven to finally rest upon a cushioned surface.

  "I am still quite angry with you."

  Talin shrugged. “I expected as much. I would not have resorted to such measures if you'd merely agreed to attend the wedding festivities."

  Mathis snorted with derision. “There is nothing festive about you marrying our sworn enemy's daughter."

  "Your sworn enemy, Mathis. Not mine. I am not convinced Roarke was the one who murdered our father."

  "Who else could it have been, Talin?” The familiar surge of anger poured out of him. “The enemy had not yet breached their ranks, and numerous reports placed Roarke as the only person close enough to swing the blade that fell our father!"

  Talin ran a hand through his dark hair before slamming his hand on the desk. “Our father trusted Roarke. He never would've gone into battle with him had he not. And you know as well as I, our father was an excellent judge of character."

  "I also know Roarke is an excellent actor. I've only met the man a handful of times, but I've seen him make overtures of friendship one moment and then turn on his victim just as quickly. He is not what he seems, Talin."

  "Perhaps not, but who is? We all put on a mask, Mathis. Even you, so don't deny it."

  Mathis groaned in frustration. “It is not the same thing at all. You will regret it. Mark my words, Talin. If you go through with this farce of a marriage, you will regret it until the day you die."

  He knew his brother would pay no heed to the warning.

  "You would not say that if you'd seen the woman I am to marry.” Talin winked suggestively. “Rowena is quite beautiful."

  Mathis shook his head. “Beauty is not everything.” Dear God, could his brother be serious? Talin acted the part of a consummate rogue, but Mathis knew his brother was not as superficial as he appeared. It was an act, his brother's mask to the world he'd spoken of earlier. Only a few were privy to Talin's true nature.

  It had been so long since they'd been together, Mathis struggled to remind himself of it.

  "Why are you marrying her? Is it truly for the treaty?"

  A flash of something deep and dark appeared in Talin's eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

  So Talin is hiding something.

  Mathis suspected as much. He knew his brother would never be foolish enough to court Roarke's daughter without some sort of plan in mind.

  But what was his ulterior motive?

  Mathis decided then and there he would stay, if only for a few days, to uncover his brother's plot. He needed to return to his own kingdom as soon as he could. He would do so, but first he needed to convince Talin not to marry.

  Nadia went to seek out her father.

  She left the castle and headed for the training yard. It was not far from the gates of the castle. The yard was a large circle of dirt surrounded by a wooden fence. The soldiers’ barracks were located just past the yard and formed a semi-circle of squat wooden buildings.

  She found her father there, observing a couple of new recruits who were under the tutelage of Oscar, a man nearly twenty years her father's junior.

  Although he'd been relieved of his duties as a soldier, her father continued to serve the prince as his top advisor.

  Her father's wizened face split in a grin when he caught sight of her. “Nadia, my girl! You have returned."

  She rushed forward and embraced him. “I missed you, Papa."

  "And I you, my poppet. How fares Prince Mathis?"

  She made a face before turning her gaze toward the men in the yard. “He was not pleased."

  "I don't imagine he would be.” Collin propped his arms on the railing that formed an enclosure around the yard and leaned forward. “Mathis has always been quite determined to follow his own path. It is commendable considering Talin is the eldest and did his best to entice his younger brother to follow in his footsteps. Do you suppose he will stay for the wedding?"

  Nadia shrugged. “I am not sure. He says he will not, but Talin can be quite convincing when he sets his mind to it."

  "He will stay.” Collin spoke with the conviction of one wise enough to know the ways of the world. “For all their differences, the two princes are like peas in a pod. Mathis will not abandon his brother now."

  "Papa, do you think Roarke is responsible for the death of the old king?"

  Collin's face remained impassive. “Some would say yes, but we have to trust our prince knows what is right."

  Nadia had heard the rumors and knew Prince Mathis had all but declared Roarke his archenemy. But if there was any truth in the rumors, why would Talin sign a treaty with Roarke instead of declaring war?

  She'd joined the Noventian Army almost eight years before, shortly after her brother, Lance, had been killed in battle. She knew all about the desire for revenge. The emotion had clawed at her insides until it was all she could think about.

  It had been her need to avenge her brother's death that formed her into the soldier she was today. Natural ability, teamed with a fierce determination, made her rise to the top of the ranks inevitable. Even her dear father had taken ten years to obtain the rank of captain, a feat which had taken her a mere six.

  She must simply trust that her prince knew best.

  Hugh, her beloved nephew and Lance's orphaned son, soon joined them. Hugh resembled his father so much so that merely gazing upon him made the ache inside her that much stronger.

  The dark eyes and riot of golden brown curls were the exact image of Lance at the same age. At seventeen and a half, he was nearly half a foot taller than her but still possessed the leanness of youth. A healthy bloom of color tinted his cheeks, and the dust upon his clothing proclaimed he'd had a recent session of training in hand-to-hand combat.

  He gave her a fierce hug, which she returned with equal fervor. “I heard from a few of the recruits you returned with Prince Mathis, and I hurried through practice to see if it was true."

  "Your training is very important, Hugh. If you're not prepared, it could mean the difference betw
een life and death."

  "I know! But I was anxious to see you.” His eyes filled with earnest pride. “I have to tell you the most wondrous news! The prince himself came down to watch me train a few days ago. He chose me out of all of the new recruits to participate in the archery contest he has planned as part of the wedding festivities."

  So the prince did intend to keep his promise to see that Hugh was knighted. Not that she'd doubted him, but she hadn't expected him to begin the process before she'd completed her duty. “That is a great honor indeed, nephew. I am very proud of you."

  "So you will help me train? I only have a week to prepare, and everyone knows you are the best archer in the city."

  Nadia had seen archers with better skill than her, but it was true the bow was her most skillful weapon. “Of course I will help you. Shall we begin after supper?"

  Hugh nodded with enthusiasm and gave her another hug. “I must get back to the yard, but I am so glad you are home."

  "Me too.” Nadia watched as her nephew hurried away.

  Hugh was a good boy and destined to be a great soldier, but she couldn't help fearing for his safety. All her life she'd been exposed to battle. She loved Hugh like her own son and it would be difficult to watch him march off to war.

  The best she could hope for was that these damnable rebellions were curtailed before he reached his majority.

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  Chapter 4

  After speaking to Nadia, Collin was summoned to Talin's study. He'd expected his prince to send for him. In recent months, especially as the betrothal was planned and executed, Talin had much need of his senior advisor.

  As he hurried along the corridors of the palace, he was again in awe of the beauty and richness that surrounded him on a daily basis. He was naught but a soldier, one who'd had the great privilege of being both friend and mentor to a king and now to his eldest son. Politics had never been his forte, but Collin was proud his simple advice was taken into account by such esteemed personages.

  His true calling lay upon the battlefield, but his creaking joints and increasingly stooped back had put an end to his military career years before he was ready. Even now, it was difficult to stay away, which was why he spent so much time in the training yard.