Page 95 of Sword of Rage
Idina’s eyes widened. “It can’t be.”
Harley
Peeling her eyelids open, Harley found herself lying in bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, recognizing the room as one of the guest suites in the royal castle.
She stood, trying to remember what had happened. Her hands tingled slightly, and she recalled touching the horse’s reins covered with some kind of poison. Her head pounded, probably from whatever Ledger had shoved in her mouth to knock her out.
She had to assume Ledger brought her here. Going over to the window, she peered outside, finding it light out. She couldn’t tell what time of day it was since dark gray clouds filled the sky, concealing the sun. Tents covered the entire east side of the castle. Soldiers moved about the muddy ground.
Letting the curtain slide shut, she tried to determine why Ledger would have brought her here. She rubbed her throbbing head, still reeling from whatever she’d been drugged with.
Unclasping the cape at the base of her neck, she removed it, setting it on the chair. Since no one else was in the room, she felt through the heavy fabric until she located the sword Ackley had given her, safely tucked inside. She withdrew it and the letters, examining the room. Ackley preferred hiding things in armoires. She went over to the armoire and opened the door, finding several shelves and one drawer. Pulling the drawer open, she reached in behind it. There wasn’t much room, but it would make the perfect hiding spot. She slid the sword and letters in there, then closed the drawer and door.
Now it was time to see if Ledger lurked out in the hallway. Going over to the door, she reached for the handle, finding it unlocked. Peering into the hallway, she didn’t see anyone. She stepped out of the room. This was the second floor and most of the guest bedchambers were located in this wing. She quietly made her way along the hallway and down the staircase, heading toward the great hall.
Harley paused at the threshold, taking it all in. This was where it had started—at her cousin’s birthday celebration. Instead of a night of dancing, it had been a night of terror. Inside, the room had been cleared out. The only furniture remaining were the two chairs on the dais—her uncle and aunt’s throne chairs. Her breath caught. Not her uncle. Her father.
She crossed the room to the throne chair, tracing the lines carved into the arm. She wished someone would have told her who her real father was. She wondered if her mother been secretly in love with the king. Maybe she’d thrown herself at him. Or he could have pushed himself at her. A tear slid down her cheek. She had no idea of the circumstances behind her conception—and she wasn’t sure she wanted to.
“There you are,” a familiar voice said, making the hairs on her arms stand on end.
Harley turned from the chair and looked at the man walking toward her. “Lyle?” Her entire body started to shake. It felt as if her heart were frozen, her stomach a raging sea, and her head a pounding storm. “I thought you died during the takeover.”
“That explains your look of surprise at seeing me.” His hands took hold of her elbows, and he kissed her cheek. “I’m not sure why Ledger didn’t tell you I was alive and well.” He held her at arm’s length, looking at her.
“Ledger knew?” Her brain had trouble processing everything that was happening. Some part of her was in shock.
“Of course, darling. He’s been working for me for years.”
She looked up into his eyes.
“He says you have some letters for me?”
“Letters?”
His eyes hardened. “Don’t play dumb.”
“I don’t have any letters.” She kept her eyes wide and frightened.
“Where are they?” he snarled.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She needed to avert his anger so she could figure out what was going on.
“Ledger,” Lyle snapped. “Come here.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?” Ledger said, coming into the great hall.
“Your Majesty?” Harley repeated. She turned in a slow circle.
“Have you honestly not figured it out?” Lyle asked.
Her hand went to her throat as she tried to process what was happening. “You’re the false king?”
His lips curved into a sly smile. “Not a false king. A true king. Just like you, my wife, are a true queen.”
“But…” She wanted to say that Owen was the true king; however, she didn’t want to bring attention to her cousin. “If Ledger is working for you, then why did he lie to me?”
“A good question.” Lyle faced Ledger. “Why didn’t you tell my wife I am alive and well?”
