The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] (11 page)

A festive air reigned over the city, and as they strolled toward the stables, many Noventians called out to him. He was apparently beloved by the city as well.

Nadia studied his interaction with the people.

To the strangers he met, he was polite without fail. To the people he knew, he greeted them with a warm smile and friendly conversation.

It was apparent he was a good diplomat. The rumors of his honorable nature did not seem unfounded.

After they fetched their horses, they decided to head to the south.

Mathis rode at her side, easily controlling the high spirited black mare he'd chosen for his mount. “I must admit, it is easier to ride with one's hands unbound."

She recalled the icy silence they'd endured the last time they rode together. Their journey to N'ior had not been an easy one.

She drew ahead of him and sent him a challenging smile. “I bet I can outride you with my hands tied behind my back."

He laughed at her challenge but did not attempt to entice her to prove it.

Like their previous ride together, this one was done in silence, but it was a companionable calm instead of one wrought with tension. They rode out of the city, and once out on the open plain, they allowed their horses to gallop.

It was exhilarating.

Nadia's hair loosened from its braid, and strands whipped about her head as they rode. Mathis kept pace with her, neither allowing her to pull ahead, nor trying to outrun her.

The grin on his face proved he was enjoying the ride as much as she was.

They reached a stream and pulled up to let their horses have a drink.

Nadia dismounted and found a soft patch of grass to sink down onto. She sighed with pleasure. “I used to come here as a child. It was one of my favorite places to swim."

Mathis joined her on the ground. He picked up a rock and tossed it toward the stream. It skipped twice before it sank beneath the water. “Talin and I did as well."

Nadia pointed to a small stretch of sand that edged the bank. “Lance taught me to swim there."

His eyes warmed. “My father taught me there as well."

Nadia fell silent and enjoyed the peacefulness of the scene. The narrow stream cut through the valley of N'ior like a shining blue ribbon. The melting ice from high up in the mountains kept the stream full most of the year. It was only in early spring, during the high melting season, that the banks overflowed. As it was summer, the stream would only be about four feet at its deepest.

She pulled a blade of grass and idly wrapped it around her right forefinger. “It is good to have a day of leisure."

"You deserve it.” Mathis leaned forward to tickle the tip of her nose with a blade of grass he picked.

She narrowed her eyes as she swatted his hand away.

They spent the afternoon alternately walking or riding.

The sun was low in the horizon, and they were resting on a grassy bank, when Mathis pointed out it was time to head back. “We should go."

"Yes. It is late.” She stood and brushed the grass from her breeches.

She wished the day would never end.

Nadia enjoyed his company. He did not talk down to her, a trait she despised in men. He treated her as an equal, worthy of having an opinion.

She went to mount her horse, but Mathis grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. “Come to the ball tonight."

She ignored the plea in his eyes. “No."

"I want to see you.” His thumb traced circles against her palm. “I want to dance with you."

"I do not dance.” But how she wished she did.

"I will teach you."

She laughed at his earnest expression. “No, Prince. I'm afraid it isn't possible. I have nothing suitable to wear to a ball."

Mathis loomed over her, and it took every ounce of restraint she possessed to not fall into his arms.

"Then meet me in the garden. I will come for you at midnight."

He did not give up easily.

A midnight assignation in the garden?

Nadia recalled their previous kiss there and shivered with desire.

What would it hurt? If she were spotted, she could merely say she was patrolling the area. Besides she wanted this. She yearned to spend more time with him.

Before she could think better of it, she stretched upward and pressed a quick kiss against his lips. “Yes, Prince. I will meet you."

He did not allow her to end the kiss. His arms wrapped around her waist and held her against his body as his lips moved over hers.

He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. He breathed harshly. “I want you, Nadia."

"I know.” She bit her lip to stop the trembling. She wanted him too.

"Tell me what I need to do to convince you."

"I can't."

It was the truth. She couldn't tell him something she didn't yet know herself.

It was dark that night, clouds obscuring much of the moon.

Mathis paced the garden anxiously. He'd arrived early, but it was shortly after midnight, and Nadia had yet to appear.

Perhaps she had changed her mind?

No sooner had he thought it when he heard the sound of footsteps. He turned to see Nadia slowly approaching.

He sighed in relief. “You came."

It was difficult to see her expression, but she appeared furtive, as if she was frightened they would be found out. He understood her hesitation, but there was so much he could give her. She would never have to worry about her future if she joined him.

She reached him, and her lips curved into a nervous smile. “It is so dark tonight. I could barely find my way here."

"Ah, that explains it. I didn't think it was your nature to be tardy."

Mathis opened his arms, and she stepped willingly into his embrace.

It was wonderful to hold her. Her head came to his shoulder, which was unusual since he towered over most women. She was a perfect fit against him, soft where he was firm and curved where he was straight.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I am glad you are here."

Her gorgeous eyes met his in the weak moonlight. Nervousness was reflected in the green depths.

He put a finger beneath her chin, so she couldn't turn her gaze away. “Don't be frightened, Nadia love. I won't hurt you."

She blinked several times, and the nervousness was replaced by determination. Nadia was such an amazing bundle of contradictions. A tough, steady soldier. A shy, sweet woman.

Although he respected the profession she'd chosen, it was the womanly side he craved now. He wanted to possess her, to prove to her she hadn't made a mistake by choosing him.

He held out his hand and beckoned for her to follow him. “Come, I have a surprise for you."

He led her to the center of the maze, where he'd arranged for a blanket, wine and candles to be placed, along with a single bow. It was a romantic setting for a tryst, but he was not surprised it was the bow that caught her attention.

"Oh!” She rushed forward and picked up the slim bow with reverence.

It was made of wood, plated in gold and balanced perfectly. He had spent a small fortune on it.

Nadia fingered the string, and it twanged pleasantly. “Is this your surprise?"

He laughed and answered in the affirmative. “I had it made custom for you."

Her face fell, and she tried to hand the bow to him. “I could not possibly..."

He waved her protest aside. “I want you to have it."

Concern warred with yearning on her face. He was glad to see she enjoyed it.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. “Completely."

"Well in that case, thank you."

She continued to gaze with rapture at the bow, and he knew he'd made the right decision.

He'd known she would be unable to resist the temptation of such a fine weapon. She was not a woman to ply with jewels.

"The bow suits you. It brings out the golden flecks in your eyes."

She smiled shyly but did not deny his compliment.

Mathis held out his hand for the bow, and she handed it over with reluctance. He set it aside and drew her down to the blanket. “Would you care for wine?"

"Yes.” She accepted the glass he filled for her and took a small sip. “It's delicious."

Pride filled him. “It is my own blend. Isidor is well known for its vineyards."

She took another sip. “I have never tried it."

He filled his own glass and set the bottle aside. “The grapes are imported from Junsten to our wineries near Isis."

Mathis was deeply involved in the commerce of his kingdom, and the art of winemaking was one of his favorite subjects. “The Dora River turns a water wheel that controls the presses used to crush the grapes. It allows for a faster production. I don't want to bore you, but it's all quite fascinating."

He lifted his glass and swirled the liquid around. “I have not received word from Isis yet. With the threat of a rebel attack, my subjects need me."

She watched him carefully before she spoke. “You are a good leader."

His mouth formed a rounded
o
of surprise. He had not expected her praise.

He sipped from his own wine glass and pondered her statement. “I suppose my people think well of me. It's been difficult the past year with the rebellions. I fear every day for their safety."

Her hand crept across the blanket and took his hand in a light grasp. “We share the same fear, but everything will be well. I am sorry that I abducted you, but you and your brother will find a way to end the rebellion soon."

He laced their fingers together. “I have not had the opportunity to speak of the rebellion as I should with my brother. Our joined kingdoms could curb the uprising, but I refuse to also join forces with Roarke. I've got to find a way to convince him to break the treaty with Bevelaire."

He turned his thoughts inward. He had to learn his brother's plans, and soon, or else they would all be doomed. “Do you think he will marry her?"

Nadia's eyes grew shuttered. “I believe Talin will do whatever is necessary to protect his kingdom."

He sensed she was uneasy discussing her prince with him. He had to make her see he only wished the best for both their kingdoms.

"Talin has concocted a drastic scheme, I am sure of it. He refuses to discuss it with me. As his favorite, you can get him to confide in you."

She drew back in alarm. “Are you asking me to spy on him?"

He shook his head and spoke with force. “No. I am asking you to learn what you can and keep him safe. This is dangerous ground he treads. He shouldn't do it alone. Has your father been secretive as well?"

A frown creased the space between her brows. “Now that you mention it, I suppose he has been unusually silent."

It was as he imagined. Talin and Collin were attempting more than a mere marriage.

Damn Talin and his headstrong ways.

"I will see what I can do to learn more. Just promise me you will help keep him safe. Talin is the only family I have left. I don't want to lose him."

Nadia lifted her hands in entreaty. “I am simply a soldier."

"You are my brother's favorite, Nadia. He trusts you."

She lowered her hands and nodded. “I will do what I can."

"Just promise you will help me keep him safe."

"I promise.” Nadia placed her hand over her heart and thumped twice, a Noventian gesture of sincerity.

The conversation in the garden worried Nadia. She'd been so blind the past few weeks.

She'd prided herself on her intuition. It was something that had kept her alive more than once in battle. She should've realized her father and Talin were up to something. Mathis should not have had to point it out to her.

With the romantic mood severely dampened, Mathis suggested they head back. She allowed him to hold her hand to assist her to her feet. She swayed toward him, a bit off balance, and he caught her with one arm.

"Careful, Nadia, my love."

Her insides warmed. He'd referred to her in such a manner more than once. Why did his words coax forth such a response now?

He kept hold of her elbow. “I shall escort you home."

"It is not necessary."

She would never dream of asking him to do that.

"Nevertheless, I shall.” He crooked his arm at her, and this time she wrapped her arm through his and lightly clasped his forearm. “After you, my lady."

She gave a pointed glance at the plain breeches she wore. “Some would question your use of the term
lady
."

He lifted a regal brow. “Regardless of whether you choose to use the title or not, you
are
a lady. But even if your father was not a knight, you are a lady here, where it counts."

He tapped his chest with one lean finger.

She was unused to such praise and knew not how to answer. She'd never participated in a flirtation, knew nothing about men other than what she'd learned as a soldier. Sincere flattery was not something she was familiar with.

"Why are you so interested in me?” She didn't mean to ask, but the question popped out before she thought better of it.

"You've intrigued me since I met you.” He turned toward her and met her wide gaze. “At first I wanted to throttle you for abducting me. Then I got to know you, and I wanted to learn more."

His voice dropped to a whisper. “I want to know everything there is to know about you, Nadia."

She shivered at the heated look he gave her.

He linked their hands together. “Come. It is late."

It was a short walk to her home.

Unlike most soldiers, she did not spend her nights at the barracks. Her father, as Talin's advisor, had been granted a modest home near the training grounds. She and Hugh shared it with him, although her nephew bunked down with his fellow recruits more often than not. Nadia had done the same at his age, but as she grew older she'd realized she did more harm than good by refusing to stay at her father's home.

The house was dark when they reached it, except for the single candle she'd left burning in her window.

Mathis studied the quiet house and then turned a forbidding frown at her. “Are you staying here alone?"

"Yes. Hugh is at the barracks. My father is staying at the castle, for the remainder of the wedding festivities.” She found no need to explain further.