Page 65 of Sword of Rage
“He is.”
“Did you discover who killed him?”
He shook his head. “Jana is sitting on the throne while Kerdan is in exile. The kingdom is torn on who to support.”
“What do you think?”
“That things are going to get even worse for Russek. I also confirmed Princess Allyssa of Emperion has been killed. Emperion has amassed their army along the Russek border. They intend to attack.” Leaning against the window sill, he folded his arms.
“Any word about who’s sitting on Melenia’s throne?”
“Everyone knows Melenia is ravaged, the royal family slaughtered, and a Melenia soldier has declared himself the new ruler, but no one knows his name. No one seems to care right now with a massive war brewing.”
Harley twisted the blanket between her hands hoping her family would still get justice for their senseless murders. With Drenton dead and Russek about to be invaded, she feared retribution would not come. Maybe the destruction of Russek would be enough. She peered at Ackley, this assassin-prince who could deliver the revenge she wanted. He could make sure those responsible died—whether Owen gave the order or not. “So what’s our plan?”
“We’re going to Russek, we’ll meet with Kerdan, and then return to Melenia.” He made it sound so simple.
“How do you intend to meet with a man who is in exile?”
Instead of answering, he pointed at her feet hidden beneath the blankets. “Are you going to be able to walk?”
She pushed the blankets off. Her feet looked significantly better and felt wonderful. “Whatever you did to them worked.” Her eyes widened in horror as she recalled him tending to her last night. She’d been too tired and in too much pain to protest.
“I bought you some socks and fur-lined boots for the journey.” He nodded at the end of the bed. “Put them on, and we’ll get going.” He pushed off the window ledge.
Unable to move, she sat there staring at the boots and socks he’d bought for her.
“Is something the matter?” he asked tentatively.
She shook her head, horrified. Not even Lyle would have taken care of her like that. This man who was practically a stranger—and a prince no less—had cleaned and tended to her feet. Her face went flaming red with embarrassment.
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry you had to do that last night.” Her feet had been covered with blood, blistered, and they had to have smelled.
He shrugged. “I’m sure you would have done the same for me. Let’s go.”
While Ackley didn’t seem to consider it a big deal, Harley did. Only her mother had ever tended to her like that before.
The thick socks were soft to the touch. She slid them on before putting on the fur-lined boots. When she stood, her feet felt as if they were wrapped in clouds. “Thank you.” She finally looked him in the eyes. “You didn’t have to get these for me. I appreciate it.” His eyes were two pools of warmth, making her want to step closer to him, even hug him. She imagined his hands taking hold of her face and kissing her. As desire built inside of her, she had to look away.
“My pleasure.” Even his voice had a charming allure to it.
They exited the room and headed down to the tavern where a handful of people were sitting at the tables having breakfast.
“Let’s eat before we head out,” Ackley suggested.
Harley thought that a wise idea. This time, Ackley chose a secluded table in the corner of the room. When the server approached, Harley ordered oatmeal for the both of them. While they waited for their food to be brought, Ackley pulled out a piece of paper, unfolding it. He flattened it on the table between them.
“You have a map,” she said, looking over the detailed rendering of the mainland. Villages, rivers, and borders were all marked. “Have you had this the entire time?” She’d assumed he had an uncanny sense of direction.
His lips twitched. “I have.” He was on the verge of laughing at her.
“Why are you choosing to share this with me now?” She should have known he had a map. There was no way he could have led the way out of Melenia to Landania, arriving at this town without some sort of guidance.
“We’re going to head north to this village.” He pointed at the map. “There, I’m meeting with one of my men.”
As in, this had already been arranged. How long had Ackley planned on going to Russek? “Does my cousin know we’re doing this?”
