Page 71 of Sword of Rage
“I asked the guard on duty if there was anything lying around that you could wear. He found the items, not me.”
Again, his thoughtfulness surprised her. She dressed quickly, thankful for the warmer clothing, all the while trying not to think about this softer side of Ackley.
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable last night,” he said, his voice gruff. “It was not my intention.”
When she turned to face him, she found him staring out the window. “I know. And the same goes for me. I didn’t mean to cling to you like a harlot.”
Laughing, he turned to face her. “You always surprise me.”
“What do you mean?”
“You never say or act the way I expect you to.”
She felt the same way about him. She was about to tell him so when someone knocked on the door.
Ackley hurried over and opened it.
“Kerdan will see you now,” someone said from out in the hallway.
They gathered their belongings and followed the man to the first level. He stopped outside the training room. “Kerdan is waiting for you.” He made no move to follow them.
They entered and found Kerdan standing alone in the middle of the room. As before, he wore a fur draped over his shoulders and had war symbols painted on his face. Even though he reeked of intimidation, Harley rushed forward to greet him.
“Prince Kerdan, thank you for seeing us today.” She curtseyed.
His focus remained on Ackley.
“This is Prince Ackley of Marsden, a kingdom across the ocean.”
The two men stood there staring at one another for what felt like forever.
“Since you are from Marsden, I assume you’d like this.” Kerdan withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Ackley.
Ackley took it. “I’m not often surprised.” He tore the paper in two before shoving it in his pocket.
“If you’re wondering,” Kerdan said, “that letter did not reach us in time. It had no bearing on events.”
Harley really wanted to know what the paper contained, but she kept her mouth shut.
Kerdan folded his arms, then looked at Harley. “I want to thank you for saving my life.” Again, his kind voice was strangely at odds with his rugged appearance. “I am deeply sorry for the loss of the royal family. That was not supposed to happen.”
A mixture of anger and understanding warred within. “Perhaps if you hadn’t invaded my kingdom, my family would be alive.” Actions had consequences. Even though he didn’t intend for her family to perish, they had.
He nodded. “I believe that is a much more in-depth discussion that neither one of us is prepared for today.” Kerdan glanced at Ackley. “Your man said you needed to speak with me.”
“Yes. I have questions I hope you can answer.”
“Before we begin, he told me Marsden is working with Melenia.”
“We are,” Ackley answered.
“He said you will guarantee an alliance.”
Harley curled her fingers into fists. An alliance? Ackley couldn’t make such bargains without Owen. And what about revenge?
“Yes. In exchange for your cooperation and bringing those responsible for killing Harley’s family to justice, Marsden will sign a treaty with you, Prince Kerdan. Not anyone else in Russek.”
“Agreed.”
