Read Online The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] by Robin Danner - Free Book Online Page B

me? After you had bedded me and returned to your kingdom?"
    Mathis stared at her as if he were unsure what she asked. “I do not plan to merely bed you, Nadia."
    She glared back at him.
    "Well, what then? Do you intend to court me?” She snorted with disbelief.
    His expression grew strangely determined. “Yes, I do believe so."
    "Don't be ridiculous!"
    "I'm not. I'm completely serious."
    He reached for her again, but she stepped nimbly away. “So was your brother, but I managed to dissuade him."
    She knew she'd chosen the wrong words as soon as they'd left her lips. She snapped her mouth closed and waited to see what Mathis would do.
    His eyes narrowed. “Did you do this with Talin? Has he kissed you?"
    Her mouth fell open. She finally recovered enough to speak. “Of course he hasn't."
    His face tightened as he stepped away from her. “Then don't compare what we have to the past ever again. I want you, but I won't bother you again if that is what you wish."
    His eyes were filled with anger as he turned to leave.
    It wasn't what she wanted, but what else could she say?
    Nadia had to give up any fantasy she had regarding the prince. He was not meant for her no matter how much she wished it were so. It hurt to stand there and watch him walk away, but she did it.
    A brief affair wasn't worth what she would have to give up.
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Chapter 6
    Roarke, Duke of Bevelaire, and his beautiful daughter arrived early the next afternoon.
    Nadia stood with the retinue that lined the courtyard to greet the esteemed visitors. It was a warm day, and her captain's uniform itched, but she stood at attention and stubbornly refused to acknowledge she was uncomfortable.
    Talin waited near the entrance to the palace, but Mathis was not present.
    She hadn't imagined he would be. He was not the sort to dissemble and pretend to celebrate the arrival of a man who may or may not have killed his father.
    The Bevelaire crest emblazoned on the black carriage that pulled to a stop near the place Nadia stood made her lips curl. The crest was an eagle with a mouse clutched in its beak. She did not care for the symbolism, even if it was completely apt. Roarke made a habit of preying on the weak.
    The carriage swung open, and the duke emerged. A fanfare of trumpets sounded, but it did not deafen the murmurs of the crowd. Onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of Roarke and his daughter.
    Roarke was not overly tall, but he was stout. His once muscular frame had softened, but he still cut an imposing figure in his brilliant gold and black robes. He extended a hand to his daughter, who descended from the carriage. She was covered in a cloak that mostly hid her from the curious crowd.
    Roarke leaned in to whisper something to her, and she tossed her head defiantly. Roarke's face grew florid as he eyed his daughter. His cruel mouth tightened as he grabbed Rowena's elbow. Nadia was close enough to hear the tiny whimper the princess made as her father hauled her to his side. Moments later, she threw back the hood of her cloak.
    Nadia swallowed a gasp. Rowena was exquisite!
    Blonde hair the color of honey streamed down her back. Her eyes were wide and almond shaped. Nadia couldn't discern their color, but they appeared to be brown.
    The crowd turned their attention to their prince.
    Talin came forward to greet his guests. He effusively praised Rowena's beauty, as expected, and heartily shook Roarke's hand. Roarke gave an enthusiastic greeting as well. He smiled broadly at his daughter, who, mere moments before, had earned his ire. Talin acted as if he had not witnessed the treatment of his future bride. Perhaps he had not.
    After a brief conversation, Talin led Roarke and his daughter toward the castle.
    If Talin did have a plot in mind, one certainly wouldn't guess it. He would have to be a consummate actor to fake such a greeting.
    Nadia fell in line with another group of soldiers and assisted in dispersing the crowd.
    There were public