Page 2 of Sword of Rage
Harley hesitated, not wanting to disobey her husband and pay the price later. Maybe if Hollis closed the door, they could pretend he hadn’t seen her in there.
Hollis’s eyes flashed with intense anger. “The king sent me to find you. The royal family is about to do a special toast to Princess Oriana. You need to be there.” He took hold of her arm, dragging her from the closet. “Since I’m your older brother, I can escort you in place of your husband.” His words were clipped and furious. They headed to the large wooden staircase. “Why did Lyle lock you in the closet?”
It probably wasn’t a good time for her to mention that her husband did such things quite often back home. She shrugged, hoping to avoid the awkward conversation.
“Do you know where Lyle ran off to?”
“He’s guarding the front gates tonight.” She lifted her dress so she wouldn’t trip as she descended the stairs.
“Is he?” Hollis eyed her sidelong. “I’ve barely seen you since you arrived. Is married life treating you so well that you don’t have time for your favorite brother?” A loaded question. One he probably already knew the answer to given that he’d just found her locked in a closet.
“You’re my only brother,” she answered, purposely ignoring his implied question. Changing the subject, she said, “I barely recognize you since you’re not wearing your uniform tonight.” As a member of the royal guard, he spent most of his time in the castle with the king. But tonight, he was just Lord Hollis—an eligible bachelor with considerable wealth and high connections. At a time when poverty was rampant, someone like her brother was highly sought after.
“And I barely recognize you. You’ve lost weight.” At the bottom of the staircase, Hollis headed to the right. The entrance to the great hall stood directly in front of them. “Ready?” he asked as they neared the doors.
“I wish Mother and Father were here.” Even though she lived in the same province as them, Lyle rarely let her visit her family.
“You know Mother never comes to the royal castle, and Father’s health has been declining. He can’t afford to travel so far. It was one of the reasons he insisted on you marrying even though you’re only eighteen. He needed to be sure you’re taken care of.”
The mere thought of her father’s failing health made her stomach sour. Growing up, he’d read to her long into the night, insisted she have the same education as her brother, and he’d take her on rides throughout the countryside, ensuring she knew her way around the province. She couldn’t imagine him not being there as she traversed her way through life.
Hollis patted her hand. “Because tonight is special, I won’t press the matter about why you were locked in a closet. But tomorrow, you and I are going to have a conversation about Lyle.” His jaw clenched.
“All right.” Maybe it was time she confided in someone about what was going on. However, there was nothing Hollis could do to rectify the situation. She belonged to Lyle now, and he could do with her as he pleased.
When they neared the doors to the great hall, the two men standing guard bowed. The one on the right said, “Welcome Lord Hollis, Lady Harley.”
The brother and sister entered the great hall, which had been transformed for the occasion. Garland hung from the beams of the tall ceiling, and flowers decorated the tables around the perimeter of the room. Dozens of people danced in the center of the hall while a group of musicians sat in the corner playing their instruments. The royal family stood on the dais—King Coden, Queen Martie, Prince Oliver, Prince Oakley, and Princess Oriana.
Hollis led Harley through the throng of people. “It doesn’t seem right that Prince Owen isn’t here,” he mused.
“I agree.” Owen had always enjoyed parties and dancing.
The king spotted Harley and smiled, waving his niece and nephew to the dais.
“There certainly are a lot of people here,” Harley mumbled. So many that the air became hot from the bodies packed so closely together. Though there were many familiar faces, there were several she didn’t recognize. However, every single person wore fine clothing, indicating the kingdom’s richest and most influential families were in attendance for the birthday celebration.
When they reached the dais, the king wrapped Harley in a hug. “It’s good to see you. How’s your mother?”
“She’s doing well. She sends her love.”
“Cousin,” Oriana said. “I’ve missed you. I’m so happy you came to my birthday party.” The king released Harley, and Oriana squeezed her. Whispering, she said, “As soon as this toast is over, we need to catch up. I want to hear all about married life.” She released Harley and wiggled her eyebrows, indicating which part of married life she wanted to know about.
Harley didn’t want to discuss that aspect of her marriage. It was uncomfortable talking about such things. Especially when such things were unpleasant. Maybe if Lyle took his time and wasn’t so rough, it would be different.
“Are you okay?” Hollis asked as the two of them moved to the side of the dais.
“I’m fine.” She forced a smile on her face. Today was about Oriana. She shoved all thoughts of Lyle away and focused on what she did have—a loving brother, a doting uncle and aunt, and wonderful cousins. It was enough to keep her going.
A servant handed the royal family, along with Hollis and Harley, goblets filled to the brim.
King Coden took a step forward. “Thank you all for coming,” he bellowed, capturing everyone’s attention.
Holding a drink in hand, Harley watched Oriana beam as the king proceeded to announce how proud he was of his beautiful daughter. Harley wondered if any princes from the neighboring kingdoms were in attendance. Now that Oriana was twenty, it was time she married.
“Raise your drinks,” the king said, holding his goblet high. “Happy birthday, Princess Oriana!”
As Harley took a sip, the door to her left banged open, garnering her attention. A hulk of a man with furs draped over his body stepped forward, filling the doorway. A collective hush descended over the great hall. At each entrance, a man of similar size and stature hovered with a sword in hand.
