Page 77 of Sword of Desire
Ackley rushed to her side.
“Is it done?” she squeaked out.
“It is.”
Satisfied, she swallowed and allowed the darkness to take her.
Ackley
Unlike his predecessors, Owen stood near the front of the castle, ground level with his men. He’d told Ackley he couldn’t do this from the place where his family had been murdered. This was the start of something new, so it was only fitting for this ceremony to be held amongst his people.
Ackley stood off to the side, watching. Once the crown had been placed atop Owen’s head, the man turned to Idina. Ackley had never seen his sister look more beautiful or radiant than she did at that moment. Even though the ground remained muddy from yesterday’s rain, the sun shone overhead, shining on Idina’s red hair. She took the oath, swearing to protect Melenia. After the crown was placed on her head, Owen and Idina held hands.
The man performing the ceremony then went ahead and joined Owen and Idina in matrimony. Even though they’d already been wed, they wanted to perform the act again before their soldiers, showing they were united as one.
Ackley had a hard time concentrating on Owen and Idina since Harley’s body was next to Lyle’s not far from where the ceremony was taking place. Owen wanted to make sure everyone could see the traitors were dead. There would be no questioning the succession of the royal line. While Ackley understood all of this, it was still hard to watch.
Lady Mayle had been found dead in one of the guest suites. Her body, along with Lord Silas’s, had been burned yesterday after Owen declared them both traitors to the crown.
Owen and Idina kissed, and the soldiers surrounding them cheered.
Owen raised his hand, silencing everyone. “I would like to thank everyone for your support and dedication to Melenia. These last few months have been trying ones. In the coming months, we will restore what we’ve lost.”
Ackley tuned him out. He already knew that Owen planned on sending everyone home to rebuild their houses and lives. Then, once the people had taken care of themselves, Owen would call up his army. A handful had volunteered to stay on and serve as the king and queen’s personal protection. It would be enough for now.
When Owen finished, the celebration began. A few musicians played music; some people danced. The traitors’ bodies were removed from the area, taken around back to be burned. That was Ackley’s cue to go.
He quickly found Idina.
“I wish you could stay longer,” she said. “But I understand you have duties.”
“There’s been one slight change,” he told her. “I’m not returning to Marsden.”
“Gordon is going to be furious with you, but I can’t say I’m surprised.” She wrapped him in a hug. “I knew you’d never step foot on a ship again.” She released him.
“Maybe one day.” He shrugged. “After my men are off, I’ll touch base with you.”
“Please keep me informed of how things are going,” she said, looking pointedly at him.
“I will.” He kissed the top of her head.
Owen joined them. “Thank you for all you’ve done. Melenia is eternally grateful.”
“Just take good care of my sister.” They shook hands.
“I will. I promise.”
Ackley turned and walked away. He had a slew of things that had to be taken care of. Since his sister was married and crowned, he no longer had to worry about her. Granted, he’d always keep an eye on her, but Owen had it covered. Owen was a good man and would make Idina happy.
At the stables, Ackley greeted his Knights. “Is it done?” he asked.
“The bodies are taken care of.” Rikter nodded to the building fire not far away.
“And your horse is saddled and ready to go,” Galvin said, handing the reins to Ackley.
He took them, then mounted.
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Finnegan asked.
