For Love’s Sake

By Kelli A. Wilkins

For Love's Sake

She left everything behind to be with him.
He risked losing everything to stay with her.
They were willing to sacrifice everything… for love's sake

 

Through a case of mistaken identity, Prince Kevan of Alborg narrowly avoids an assassination attempt and wakes to find himself trapped in mad King Torok's rat-infested dungeon. Just when he is about to give up hope, he is rescued by an unlikely ally—Torok's daughter, Princess Adrianna.

Adrianna is desperate to flee her father's kingdom and agrees to help the handsome stranger escape, but only if he takes her with him when he leaves. Although Kevan knows bringing Adrianna home will not sit well with his father and lead to other complications, he agrees.

They make their way to a waiting ship captained by Kevan's brother, Mikhael, and set sail for Alborg. Along the way they are lost at sea during a ferocious storm, battle a murderous mercenary sent by Adrianna's father, and try to deny their intense romantic feelings for each other.

When they arrive in Alborg, Kevan's father, King Lenard, disapproves of Adrianna and drops the bombshell that Kevan is already engaged to be married. While Kevan tries to get out of the arranged marriage, Mikhael introduces Adrianna to members of the nobility in an effort to win over the king.

At his engagement ball, Kevan is forced to choose between his duty to his father and his loyalty to Adrianna. Soon after, Adrianna is kidnapped and Kevan and Mikhael band together to hunt down her abductors and rescue her before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelli A. Wilkins
• Release date: Jan 2, 2025
• ISBN: 9798230539193

Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20 romance novels, 3 horror ebooks, and 7 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories. In January 2021, Kelli released Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing. This fun and innovative guide to journaling is filled with hundreds of thought-provoking prompts designed to get you writing about your feelings and emotions. In 2020, Kelli published Love, Lies & Redemption, a western romance set in 1877 Nebraska. This novel blends a sensual love story with mystery and danger. She released Romance Every Weekend: 104 Fun Ways to Express Your Love, a non-fiction guide to romance in 2019. The book features 104 fun and easy ways you can express your love to that special someone in your life. Perfect for men or women, it focuses on tender, everyday gestures that let your partner know how much you love him or her. Kelli published Extraterrestrial Encounters, a collection of 18 sci-fi stories, in 2019. If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her disturbing novella, Nightmare in the North. Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use. Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor. Visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com  to learn more about all of her writings.

Book preview

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ROMANCES BY KELLI A. WILKINS

A Deceptive Match*

A Secret Match*

A Most Unusual Princess**

A Most Intriguing Temptation**

A Most Unfortunate Prince**

A Thousand Summer Secrets

Beauty & the Bigfoot

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover

Cupid’s Schemes (Volume 1)

Cupid’s Schemes (Volume 2)

Dangerous Indenture

For Love’s Sake

Four Days with Jack

In Another World

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing

Love, Lies & Redemption

Loving a Wild Stranger

Midsummer Night’s Delights***

Midwinter Night’s Delights***

Redemption from a Dark Past

Trust with Hearts

Ultimate Night’s Delights***

The Viking’s Witch

* A Deceptive Match and A Secret Match are related titles with shared characters. However, each novel can be read separately.

** These titles make up the Royal Desires series. Although connected, each book stands alone as an individual read.

*** These novellas complete the Naughty Nobles trilogy. It is recommended that they are read in sequence.

Visit Kelli’s website: www.KelliWilkins.com for additional titles as they become available.

​​​TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ROMANCES BY KELLI A. WILKINS

PART ONE: THE CASTLE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

PART TWO: THE SHIP

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

PART THREE: THE PALACE

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

EPILOGUE

BONUS READ

LOVE HISTORICAL ROMANCES? DON’T MISS...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PART ONE: THE CASTLE

Kingdom of Szarka

CHAPTER 1

This is ridiculous. What are we even doing here? Kevan griped as he paced the tiny library.

Calm down. There’s no need to get so upset. We—

Upset? He stopped and faced Oren, his chest heaving. Upset? The Gods haven’t seen me get upset... yet. He rested his hands on his hips and stared down at Oren. The older man sat on a blue overstuffed chair, scanning the spines of the books nearest him.

Oren was a trusted advisor, a wise negotiator, and a good friend. Everyone respected Oren’s opinions and took his advice to heart. He was always calm and able to handle any situation with ease. Today was no exception.

Why shouldn’t I be upset? The king sent us on a fool’s errand, straight into the den of a madman to ask him to sign a treaty. This was a bad idea from the start, a very bad idea.

He didn’t mean to yell at Oren, but he was worried. Being in this room unnerved him. His stomach felt like it was filled with birds, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something about this situation was terribly wrong.

It didn’t help that he was trapped in this windowless room. After being aboard the ship for three weeks, he longed to be somewhere spacious. This library was long and narrow, only fifteen feet long and barely eight feet wide. Bookshelves reached the balcony and seemed to close in on him. It was not a feeling he liked.

At six-and-a-half feet tall, he was used to having ample personal space. Perhaps his feeling of being closed-in was causing his foul mood. He hated tight places. He crossed the room in three strides, his leather boots silent on the white and blue embroidered rug.

Oren, I don’t like this. We never should have come here, he said, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice. Arranging a treaty with Torok the Terrible is a waste of time. He’s a liar, a thief, a murderer, and the Gods know what else. His fleet has attacked our cargo ships and seized supplies from other kingdoms. Do you think he’s going to give a damn about a piece of paper?

Oren locked his brown eyes onto his. True, but our king is being fair and wants to negotiate before any serious action is taken. He also wants you to get used to being an ambassador.

Kevan rolled his eyes and took a deep breath to try to settle himself. The room was stifling, and he was sweating in his long coat, breeches, and brocade vest.

I understand that, but Torok can’t be trusted. Don’t you think it’s odd how we’re already being mistreated? Our ship was denied at the harbor and we had to dock in an obscure port five miles from here. That never would have happened if we had sailed with the Royal Fleet, he said with a frown.

Yes, but the king didn’t want us arriving with the Royal Fleet. It would seem too aggressive and threatening. He wanted this to be a simple peace-seeking meeting to discuss a treaty, Oren countered.

He ignored Oren and kept pacing. Instead of receiving a proper welcome, soldiers met us at the castle gate, took our swords, and locked us in this library.

Being shunted off into this musty-smelling room of forgotten books was infuriating—and insulting. They should have been escorted to a grand reception hall, an elegant drawing room, or at the very least, a decent parlor. He rattled the doorknob again. The heavy wooden door was locked from the outside.

"Is this any way to start peaceful negotiations? And why should we negotiate with him anyway? He’s the one blocking ships from open trade routes, hiring pirates to seize vessels and cargo, and—"

A quiet shuffling noise overhead got his attention and he stopped. What was that?

Oren shrugged.

Kevan gazed up at the small balcony overlooking part of the library. Who’s up there? Show yourself, or I shall draw my sword.

Adrianna shrank back against the bookshelf and held her breath. That was close. The dark haired man with the beard had almost caught her watching. He was the tallest person she had ever seen. His head nearly met the bottom of the balcony where she was hiding.

She had been sitting on a cushion, reading a book when soldiers brought the two men into the room and locked the door. That had been half an hour ago, and the giant hadn’t stopped pacing. He kept talking to a round-faced man with light brown hair. That man had taken a seat on the reading chair while the giant paced.

The giant wore a long black coat that trailed behind him when he moved, and his wavy hair touched his shoulders. He spoke the common language, but his thick accent made his words sound funny. Where was he from?

Who’s there? I demand you show yourself, the giant repeated as he climbed up two steps of the metal spiral staircase leading to the balcony.

Before she could blink, the giant was staring at her.

Are you hiding here to spy on me?

She squared her shoulders and looked straight into his ice-blue eyes. Her mother had taught her never to show fear. No. I was here first, reading a book. She held up the book in her hands.

He scanned the cover. Sea monsters? He scowled. Who are you?

My name is Adrianna. She noticed the other man had risen from the chair and stood on the staircase behind the dark-haired man. Are you a giant?

The man’s face softened, and he chuckled. Yes, to some people, I am. And if I’m angered, my wrath rivals that of the Gods.

Oh. She brushed a lock of blonde hair away from her face. I’ve never met a giant before. What land are you from? Why are you—

She heard the library door unlock and shrank back out of sight. A second later, the door burst open and eight soldiers rushed into the room, swords drawn.

The giant jumped off the staircase. What is—

The soldiers slammed their shields into his back, legs, and hips, dropping him to his knees. He yelled something in another language and tried to fight off the men as they surrounded him. They kicked and beat him until he went down.

Get the prince, the head soldier ordered.

The soldiers attacked the other man and Adrianna saw him fall to the carpet. The giant tried to get to his feet to rescue him, but the soldiers kept kicking him and hitting him with their shields. The giant roared and lunged to reach his friend. A soldier slammed his shield on the back of the giant’s head and he went limp.

Another soldier grabbed the round-faced man by the hair and bent his head back, exposing his throat. This is from King Torok. Your father is a fool who sent you to your death, he said, then drew his dagger across the man’s throat. An arc of blood sprayed the walls, the books, and the carpet.

Adrianna clamped her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming. She didn’t dare move. If her father’s soldiers saw her, they might kill her, too. If they could beat a giant unconscious, she stood no chance with them.

The soldier let the murdered man fall forward onto the carpet. It’s done. The Prince of Alborg is dead.

What shall we do with his guard? one of the soldiers asked.

Guard? Some guard he was, eh? the head soldier replied with a laugh. Chain him in a dungeon somewhere. He might be useful to King Torok. Or perhaps His Majesty will send both bodies back to Alborg as a warning.

What about the prince? the soldier asked, gesturing at the dead man.

His Majesty will want to see the body for himself. His head might make a good display for the front gate.

And the blood?

Who cares? Lock the door. Nobody will find it. This room is never used anymore.

Adrianna watched the soldiers carry out their orders. As they left with their victims, they locked the door behind them.

She sat on the cushion, numb, sad, and shaking. In only five minutes, her father’s soldiers had ruthlessly murdered a man who had done nothing wrong. The giant had seemed nice. His friend was a prince? A noble person didn’t deserve that death.

What would happen to the giant now? Would her father’s men kill him, too? Sadness flooded over her, and a lone tear dripped down her cheek. She wiped it away.

She glanced down at the book she held and saw a drop of blood on the cover. She tossed the book aside and peered over the balcony. Blood dripped down the spines of the books and onto the carpet. The white and blue rug was crimson, and the room had a coppery smell of blood and death.

This library used to be her mother’s sanctuary, and until today, it had been her refuge. Now it was ruined. She would never be able to return here.

But her time at the castle was limited. If her plan worked, she would be leaving within a fortnight.

A throbbing pain in his skull woke him, and his body jerked, alert and ready to fight. Kevan opened his eyes and saw... nothing. He blinked a few times, hoping his vision would clear. Nothing but blackness. Had the blows to his head blinded him?

He tried to raise his right hand to touch his face, but it only moved a few inches. He yanked hard and heard a clanking sound. Chained. He tried to move his left arm and heard another clank. Shit.

Where was he? He was sitting on a cold floor. Was it a dungeon? A cell? A wave of panic overtook him, and he thrashed and flailed, pulling at the chains binding him, cursing and trying to rip them from the wall.

It was no use. Struggling only made his head hurt worse, and after a few minutes he stopped moving. Everything ached. His cheeks were hot, his nose stung, and when he licked his lips, he tasted blood. He was lucky to be alive. Now he needed to conserve his strength.

He leaned his head against the wall. One minute, he had been talking to the pretty young woman with blonde hair and green eyes who smelled faintly of roses. She had asked him if he was a giant, and he thought that was funny. The gullible girl was probably dull in the head. Who else would read books about sea monsters and believe in giants?

The next thing he knew, the room was filled with soldiers attacking him. He went down. Oren yelled for him to save himself. He’d fought as hard as he could, but he was taken by surprise, weaponless, and outnumbered. Someone hit him from behind, and then everything went black.

Oren? he called out. Perhaps Oren was also being held prisoner here. He waited for a reply, then called out again. Oren might be unconscious, or... He didn’t want to think about the other possibility.

He had to escape, but how? His wrists were in shackles and chained to the wall behind him. He rose to his knees and winced as a sharp pain cut through his ribs and back. The chains were short, only a foot long, and didn’t give him any play so he could turn around or stand.

He sat back against the stone wall. When his captor came to check on him, he would offer the man a chest of gold in exchange for his freedom. Mikhael had lots of gold hidden on the ship.

The ship! Thank the Gods Mikhael had moved the ship. He hadn’t trusted King Torok’s men when they ordered them to dock in that secluded slip. Soldiers could have boarded, killed everyone, and burned the ship. Nobody would ever have known they had arrived in Szarka. Their disappearance would have been blamed on a storm at sea, not murder.

He and Mikhael had worked out a plan for locating the ship further down the coast. Mikhael would change the ship’s flag and be on alert for anything suspicious. If he and Oren didn’t return within a week, Mikhael had orders to sail home and report their disappearance to the king.

For now, all he could do was sit and wait. Eventually a jailor would come and talk to him, perhaps even beat him—but he could take that. What he couldn’t take was being chained up in the dark. He fought his rising terror as he realized he was trapped like an animal.

He closed his eyes and prayed. Perhaps the Gods would have pity on him and send him a miracle.

CHAPTER 2

Adrianna pushed a shrub aside and slipped through the narrow doorway. Moving by feel, she made her way down three stone steps and into a corridor. She flattened herself against the wall and waited to make sure she hadn’t been followed. If any of the groundskeepers or guards saw her sneaking around the deserted building, her plan would be ruined—and so would she.

But she was clever. She never went outside before midnight, always wore a dark dress, and hid her golden hair under a scarf. The guards were usually half-asleep by now and nobody patrolled this back section of the castle grounds. Still, she wasn’t going to take any chances.

She walked down the corridor and descended another flight of stairs. The small, neglected building had been used for storing food and barrels of wine. It was the perfect place to hide what she needed.

She clutched a cloth bag to her side as she walked past a doorway. From there, she turned right and kept walking. The building had an underground maze of corridors and was filled with tiny storage rooms. It was cold and clammy down here, and rats were everywhere, but she didn’t mind. The terrible conditions kept nosy people out.

After a minute, she stopped and felt along the wall for a candle sconce. She took down the candle and flint, lit the candle, and paused to listen. Nothing but a few squeaks from the rats. Good.

She moved down the hallway and entered a small stone room. She set the candle down in a silver holder and put her bag on the table. Every three or four nights she snuck out here to add to her collection. Tonight she had brought three silver spoons, four knives, and two forks. She took a leather satchel off a nearby shelf and peered inside. Her silver and gold treasure gleamed up at her.

So far, she had collected quite a bounty for herself. The silverware was easy enough to steal, but she had also managed to sneak off with a small purse filled with gold coins, a bejeweled trinket box, a set of solid silver candlesticks, a gold-backed hand mirror, and several large silver bowls. She started to put the knives in the bag and accidently knocked one off the table. It clattered to the floor.

Shit, she muttered as she bent to pick it up.

Who’s there?

She froze. She wasn’t alone. How could that be?

Oren? Is that you? Talk to me.

She remained quiet. Perhaps if she didn’t answer, he’d give up.

Please, answer me. Oren? Anyone? I need help.

She scowled. The deep voice and heavy accent reminded her of the giant. Could he still be alive? She had given him up for dead. Her father’s men were merciless. If it was the giant, why would he be down here?

She picked up the candle and carried it ahead of her as she left the room. She paused outside the next room and listened. A faint clanking noise came from inside.

I see a light. Help me, whoever you are, the voice pleaded.

Are you the giant? she whispered.

The what? Yes, yes, it’s me. Are you the girl who reads about sea monsters?

She entered the room and gasped. Even in the feeble light she could see the giant was hurt. One of his eyes was swollen shut. Dried blood was caked under his nose and around his mouth.

He squinted up at her. The light is too strong, my eyes are—

Quiet. If anyone finds us, we’re done for.

I’m dying. I need water, he begged. How long have I been here? A week?

No, it’s only been two days.

Two days? He groaned. That’s all? I thought it had to be longer. I need water. His ice-blue eyes searched hers, pleading for help. I’ll die without it, he said, his voice cracking.

I don’t have any water.

Get some. Please. A sob escaped his throat. You’re my only hope.

She considered the situation. He sounded so pathetic... desperate... broken. There was a well close by. She had gotten water herself there one night. She shouldn’t deny him water, but if she left and got caught...

Fine. I’ll be back in a moment. She headed for the door.

Leave the light, please. The rats crawl all over me in the dark. I have to fight them off. The light will keep them away.

She sighed. For a prisoner, the giant had a lot of demands. Alright. She placed the candlestick on the floor and went into the corridor. Wait here.

Wait here? Was that supposed to be funny? Kevan wondered as the girl walked off.

He stared at the candle, grateful for its light. He hated the darkness. It made him feel like he’d been buried alive and he was suffocating. And he was so terribly thirsty.

Had he only been here for two days? He could have sworn he’d been chained to the wall for a week or longer. A short time after waking, he’d heard the scrabbling and scurrying of rats in the darkness.

At first, one or two came near him, sniffing and squeaking to each other, investigating the newcomer to their domain. He had dozed off at some point and woke to find a rat in his lap and another perched on his shoulder. He’d screamed and flailed, and they had fled.

But they quickly learned he was no threat. More and more rats came closer. He didn’t dare fall asleep for fear he’d wake up covered in rats biting his face and throat. He was getting to the point where he feared he’d soon go mad. And if he died, the rats would feast on him for weeks.

He pushed those thoughts away and focused on the light. That wouldn’t happen now. His prayers had been answered. The young woman from the library had found him and she would rescue him.

He heard a noise in the hallway, but didn’t call out. The girl was right, if they were discovered, they would be killed.

A minute later the girl entered the room carrying two silver bowls. I brought water. She set the bowls on the floor and knelt next to him. She held one of the bowls up to his lips. It’s very cold.

He took a sip and winced as the icy water hit his parched throat. Ah, it’s good. He took a few hearty gulps, then let out a long breath. Thank you. I’ve forgotten your name.

Adrianna. She set the bowl down. I’ll give you more in a minute. Too much too fast will make you sick. What is your name?

Kevan.

He pronounced it Kay-van.

Could you wash my face? I’m coated in blood and it attracts the rats.

Oh, how awful. She grimaced and took a handkerchief out of her dress pocket. She wet it in the water and leaned close to him as she wiped his face.

He noticed her golden hair was hidden under a dark scarf and she smelled like lavender. Even in the dim light, he could tell she was pretty, with an oval face, a small nose, and almond-shaped green eyes with gold flecks.

Your left eye is swollen shut.

I know. They beat me badly. He wanted to ask her a thousand questions. Who was she? Why was she in the library? Where did she get the silver bowl? But he began with the most important question. My friend Oren was in the library with me. Do you know where he is? Tell me what happened after I was knocked out.

Adrianna sat back on her heels and bit her bottom lip. I don’t know how to say this, but your friend, the prince, is dead.

The what? No, I’m— He stopped himself in time. The soldiers had meant to kill him and murdered Oren by mistake. How do you know he was a prince? How did he die? He hated asking, but had to know.

They attacked him and... She closed her eyes. ... cut his throat. They called him the Prince of Alborg. I saw it. It was terrible.

He let her words sink in. This was a planned assassination. He knew King Torok was a tyrant, but murdering a prince was an insane crime. The soldiers must have mistaken him for Oren’s guard, and assumed Oren was the prince. Now he had to maintain his secret—his life depended on it.

Adrianna, you have to help me escape. With his accent, her name sounded like A-dray-anna.

How? I—

If I stay here, they’ll kill me too. Or worse, leave me here forever, forgotten, left to die of thirst or starvation, or be chewed to bits by rats. I must get home to report his death to my king. You saw what those soldiers did to me and the prince. We were attacked for no reason. Those evil men—

You don’t have to tell me how terrible my father’s soldiers are. I’m well aware, she said, her voice taking on a harsh tone.

"Your father’s soldiers? Did he hear her correctly? Those men are royal soldiers."

I know. She tossed her head back. "I am Princess Adrianna."

By the Gods! You’re Torok’s daughter?

Yes, who did you think I was?

A servant girl or—

I’m no servant, she snapped. I’m a princess, even though my father has proper heirs from his first wife. I’m merely a trophy. He treats me worse than the servants. I hate him and all his guards and soldiers. You wouldn’t believe the stories I’ve heard when they think I’m not listening. I’ve seen horrible things before, but how they murdered your prince and then... She stopped and shook her head.

Then what? What happened?

You don’t want to know. Drink. She held up the bowl.

He took a sip of water and thought about what she’d said. She was the mad king’s daughter? She hated her father? Excellent. He could use her hatred to his advantage. What did they do?

It’s foul and horrible.

Tell me. My king will want to know everything.

Where is home?

Alborg. I travelled here with Oren to meet with your father about a treaty. We came in peace. Tell me—

Is Alborg far? How do you get there from here? Did you sail or come by land? What is the weather like? Is your king a good man?

Stop asking me stupid questions you silly girl!

Adrianna leaned away from him. "Don’t you dare yell at me. I brought you water, and now you act like this? This is how you repay me? Who do you think you are? You treat me like I’m a feeble-mind dolt, but I’m not. I’m educated."

She pointed at her chest. I can read and write and do numbers. I speak three languages and can play four instruments. And I can ride a horse as good as any man.

She stood and snatched up the candle. And you know what else I can do? I can leave. She looked him up and down. You were interesting to me because I had never met a giant before. But obviously they are ungrateful and mean and don’t appreciate kindness.

He quickly realized his mistake and tried to make amends. Adrianna, I’m sorry. I—

"I only asked you questions because I was curious about where you came from,