The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] (5 page)

The prince was alone when he entered the study. He stood at the room's lone window and appeared to gaze at the southeastern part of the city.

The room had been designed by the old king to overlook the poorest section of town, proclaiming that as long as he kept what was important in his sight, the welfare of his people, the kingdom would flourish.

Collin admired the sentiment. The old king had been a fair and just ruler, and Noventians still spoke of him with great fondness. Talin was just as admired but more so for his quick wit and charming manner. Collin feared few people realized what a strong leader he was. Mathis, the scholar, was beloved by his kingdom as well.

Both princes were destined for greatness.

Talin turned away from the window and greeted him with a smile. “Your daughter is quite remarkable."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The smile faded from the prince's face. “Mathis has agreed to stay for a week. He says he will not attend the wedding, but he will remain in residence until the deed is done."

Collin nodded sagely. “It is as you planned."

Talin moved from the window and went to pour two snifters of brandy. He handed one to Collin before lifting his glass to his lips. “We must be careful, Collin. If anyone suspects..."

Collin rushed to reassure his prince. “Only you and I know of this, Your Highness. It will work, I promise you."

The prince laughed, but it was devoid of any humor.

"I've planned this for ten years. It
must
work."

"His Royal Highness, Prince Mathis of Isidor."

Nadia stood at attention along with the rest of the supper guests. She was seated near her father and Prince Talin on a raised dais, so she had an unimpeded view as Mathis strode into the dining hall.

Tonight, he was resplendent in crushed blue velvet. He walked through the dining hall, oblivious of the reaction he caused among the guests.

The females in attendance tittered and spoke in whispered conversations behind gloved hands. Even the married ladies’ eyes lit with interest at the sight of the handsome prince.

"Oh my! He is as handsome as his brother,” one of the ladies nearest Nadia said to the elderly countess seated beside her.

The lady nodded in agreement. “Their father was a handsome devil as well."

Nadia mentally smirked as she imagined what they would say were she to tell them she'd seen the prince in the all-together. She bit her lip to keep the grin off her face.

Mathis was seated at the opposite end of the table from her, which was well to her liking. He was surely still upset with her, and she didn't want to spend the entire evening exchanging glares as they had for the past three days.

Her father leaned in close to her. “Do you think he is handsome as well, my daughter?"

Nadia sent him an amused look. “Father, you should know I am not interested in the prince."

Collin took a bite of chicken and chewed as he appeared to think about her words. “So the trip to N'ior was uneventful?"

"Other than our apparent dislike of each other, yes. Thankfully, we encountered no rebels along the way."

"That is indeed a good thing. The two of you would've been no match for a group of rebels hell-bent on overthrowing the throne of Noventia. Even now, rumors have begun to circulate that the rebellion will extend toward Isidor. It is said the rebel leader thinks if they bring down one brother, the other will surely follow."

"We will have to make sure that does not happen,” Nadia remarked with a calm she was far from feeling.

She returned her attention to the plate in front of her. The roast duck was succulent and normally one of her favorites, but she found she had no appetite. She ate to keep her strength up, even though it felt like sawdust in her mouth.

The conversation flowed, and merry laughter filled the dining hall. The people of Noventia were a genial, fun-loving crowd. Talin surrounded himself with entertainers from the worlds of art and music, so there was always much merriment at his court. Heaping platters of food were delivered and taken away as the guests partook of the delicious offerings.

Nadia spoke only when spoken to.

She'd never been comfortable at formal gatherings such as this. She'd been awkward as a child, and since she'd lost her mother at a young age, she'd never quite learned how to be feminine.

She was grateful Talin allowed her to attend formal events dressed in her captain's attire. Caught between the line of being a female and a soldier, she never quite fit in.

It could be worse, she supposed. Talin could have made her wear a gown.

A shrill voice filled the hall and drew the gaze of several guests. “Oh, Prince Mathis! I haven't seen you since you put that frog in my hair when we were both twelve!"

Nadia glanced at the woman who had spoken and inwardly groaned.

Lady Arabella Prentiss was a notorious flirt. She fluttered her eyelashes at the prince even though her husband sat right next to her.

Luck was with them that Lord Prentiss was not a jealous sort. The older man simply smiled at his young wife.

Nadia relaxed the tight grip she held on her fork. She couldn't hear Mathis’ reply, but it must not have been what Arabella wanted to hear if her pouty lips were anything to go by.

"Nadia, you have barely touched your food. Is it not to your liking?” Talin's deep voice addressed her.

She jerked her gaze away from the other prince and gave him a wan smile. “I find I am not hungry, Your Highness."

The prince's handsome face creased with worry. “You are not ill, I pray."

She shook her head. “No, truly, I am not. It is probably exhaustion."

Talin reached across the table to touch the back of her hand. “You have my thanks, by the way. You have always been my most loyal soldier."

Embarrassed by his public gesture, she gave a tight smile.

She cast her eyes to the side, toward Mathis’ end of the table, and caught him looking at her. He'd obviously witnessed Talin's affection, but his face was inscrutable. She knew what he was thinking. He'd once questioned her relationship with the prince. He was not the first to do so. Even though it was true Talin had once desired her, they had never been lovers.

Not that she didn't find Talin attractive. She would have to be deaf, blind, and dumb to not. She'd just judged her career more important than a brief dalliance.

Mathis continued to look at her for longer than considered polite, and she feared she would scream if he didn't stop.

He finally returned his attention to his companions at the table. For the remainder of the night, he didn't glance at her again.

She knew because she spent the rest of the evening watching him. He did not show it, but she knew he had to be worried about his kingdom.

A spurt of guilt rose in her breast. Although she was loyal to Talin, she regretted abducting Mathis just as the rebellion threatened his home.

It was bittersweet to be home again.

Mathis stood on the balcony of his chamber and overlooked the gardens. The moon hung heavy and full in the sky without the barest hint of clouds. The gardens were awash in the glow of moonlight, and several couples strolled together down its paths. After supper, there'd been music and dancing that had lasted well into the night. Even now, the celebration was still winding down. He'd claimed exhaustion, so he could escape to his room for a few moments of peace. Hushed voices and the occasional trill of laughter came to him where he stood against the balustrade. It was a beautiful night, filled with the scent of flowers.

"Nadia!” A masculine voice sounded from the garden.

Mathis stiffened at the sound of his capturer's name being called. He had not known she was in the gardens. She'd excused herself from supper before dessert had been served, and he'd thought her home by now. He had not seen her at the remainder of the night's festivities. His gaze scanned the garden until he saw movement near the rose trellis.

Moonlight outlined a tall, lithe body dressed in the uniform of a captain. The figure spun on her heel, graceful as a dancer, and appeared to search the garden for the man who'd called for her.

He continued to watch her, helpless to tear his gaze away.

A young man appeared out of the shadows with long, sure strides. He hurried forward to put his arm around her shoulders and draw her close. Their lips moved, but their voices were too faint for any but the occasional word or two that floated on the breeze to be heard.

Mathis eyed the newcomer with a curl of his lip. Mathis had seen him at the party earlier standing near Collin, but he had not thought to ask his name.
Is this her lover?
A spurt of jealousy rose in his breast. Who was this curly haired youth? He felt an urge to call out for an answer, but he bit his tongue. What did it matter? She was but a soldier, hardly any of his concern. Not to mention that she'd gotten the better of him and abducted him within sight of his own palace. Were word to get out, he would never hear the end of it.

Mathis paced the balcony with impatient steps for what seemed an eternity while he waited for the man to leave.

The youth pressed a kiss to Nadia's cheek and departed. She remained behind and made her way to the fountain at the center of the gardens to sit on a stone bench. Her head was bowed, and her long braid hung over one shoulder. She clasped her fingers in her lap, and her shoulders lifted and fell as if in a sigh.

Did the youth say something to upset her? Should I go to her?

Mathis shook his head at the thought. Why would he? He was probably the last person she would seek comfort from. Nonetheless he found himself leaving his room for her.

It was a short walk from his chambers, and down a flight of stairs to one of the garden doors. The door was covered with ivy, and not many knew of its existence. He pushed his way through the green vines and stepped into the garden. The scent of roses, and the hum of crickets came to him.

Nadia still sat on the bench.

He approached her from behind, so she would be unaware of his presence until he was upon her. He stepped on a twig and cursed.

His stealth left much to be desired.

Nadia swung around to face him, and her face mirrored her shock. “What are you doing here?"

"Same as you I suppose. Just talking a walk in the garden."

She turned back around with a huff. “Well, don't let me stop you."

He admired her formidability. “Do you think we could call a truce?"

She glanced back toward him with eyes full of suspicion. “A truce?"

"Yes. I will forgive you for abducting me if you forgive me for escaping.” He stopped next to the bench and smiled down at her.

Her cat's eyes narrowed even further. “What need do I have of a truce? After today, I will scarcely see you."

"You will see me for a few days more."

Her gaze swung to his. “I thought you would return to Isis immediately?"

"May I?” He motioned to the bench.

She nearly slid off the edge to make room for him.

Two feet of distance separated them once he had taken his seat. “I will return home soon. My kingdom needs me.” He heaved a sigh. “But my brother needs me as well."

"So are you no longer angry with him, for sending me to bring you to N'ior?"

"Oh, I am still upset with him.” A reluctant smile curved his lips. “Yet it is hard to stay angry with Talin. You only did what was asked of you. I bear no ill will toward you."

She continued to look at him as if he had grown two heads.

"My brother is quite fond of you, and your father is invaluable to our family. Can we not be friends?"

Nadia's lips pursed as if she'd tasted something bitter. “Friends. With you?” She shook her head fiercely, and her braid nearly whipped him in the cheek. “What game do you play?"

"I play no game."

Mathis grabbed her hand when she attempted to rise to her feet. “Nadia, wait."

She audibly sucked in a breath when he touched her.

Her hand fit in his palm nicely. For all her coarse ways, Nadia's skin was smooth as silk.

He was glad she wasn't wearing gloves, so he could enjoy the sensation of touching her. Her fingers trembled in his grasp, and he looked up to see her eyes were as wide as a frightened deer's.

So she hasn't lain with my brother
. There was no way she could fake that sort of reaction. Any woman who had been to bed with his brother would be all too familiar with the delights of the body to be taken aback by a mere touch of her hand now.

He was smitten with her mix of brash bravado and sensual innocence.

"Let go of me,” she demanded, but it lacked a commanding tone.

He stroked the back of her hand. “Nadia, what is it you fear? I promise I will not hurt you."

She lifted her chin. “Bah! As if you could."

He didn't know what came over him, but some sense of devilment made him pull her toward him as he got to his feet.

She was tall for a woman but still several inches shorter than him. She gasped as he brought her full length against his body.

She struggled to escape. “Let go of me!"

He wrapped his arms around her and forced her gaze to meet his. “Nadia, I do not mean you any harm."

"Then prove it, and let me go."

He inhaled deeply, and her womanly scent invaded his nostrils.

She was slim, but her body was curved in the right places. It felt like heaven to hold her.

She was a bundle of contradictions and drove him to distraction. For the past three days, anger had fueled him and kept him from realizing he was attracted to her.

What was it about her that so entranced him?

"Who was the youth you spoke to earlier?"

Nadia stopped her struggle and narrowed her eyes. “Do you mean Hugh? He is my nephew."

Relief flooded him. “Lance's son. Talin has spoken of him."

"How did you know he was here?” She gave him a fierce glare. “Were you spying on me?"

The irony of the statement caused him to chuckle. “My dear lady, do not dare to take offense after you watched me swim in the nude."

She rolled her eyes. “As if it were anything I haven't seen before."