Page 69 of Sword of Desire
Glancing around, Lyle surveyed his surroundings before leaning closer to her. “What do you think is going to happen right now?” he murmured.
She blinked once, twice. “That depends on why you’re here.”
He adjusted himself on the saddle. “It just so happens that there’s a foreign army in Melenia.”
“Are you referring to Russek? The armyyouinvited into our kingdom?”
He narrowed his eyes. “I’m talking about the Marsden army.”
“Oh?” She licked her lips. “Marsden you say?”
“Yes. I came here to collect my soldiers so I can lead them into battle. We will destroy these foreigners and claim victory.”
“And what of Owen?” she asked.
Lyle shrugged. “As far as I know, Owen is dead. That is why you’re the queen, and I’m the king.” His fingers curled around her upper arm. “Cede the army to my command. Then go inside Losger and wait until I return.”
Their noses were only inches apart. She could feel his hot breath on her face.
“No.” She shook her head, emphasizing her decision.
He dug the tips of his fingers into her arm, hurting her. She let out a yelp.
“Commander?” one of the captains said. “Is everything all right?”
Before she could respond, Lyle withdrew his sword, pointing it at the captain. “Everything is fine. Mywifeis going inside where it’s safe. You can escort her there.”
“Commander?” the captain said again.
“I’m your king,” Lyle said. “You take orders from me, not some woman.”
“That is true,” the captain responded. “However, we do take orders from our queen and our commander. Queen Harley is both.”
Lyle’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the hilt of the sword even harder.
Harley almost had him where she wanted him. “The royal line is through me,” she reminded him, “not you. Therefore, I will not cede command.”
“Excuse me?” Lyle’s horse shook its head, agitated by the rising tension. Lyle released Harley, pulling his horse’s reins to get the animal under control. Lyle raised his voice and yelled, “I hereby strip Queen Harley of her title as commander of the Melenia army. I am the king and commander. Escort her inside. The battlefield is no place for a woman.” He sheathed his sword, then steered his horse next to hers, grabbing its reins to ensure she didn’t try to make a run for it.
Two officers approached.
“You won’t be needing this.” Lyle grabbed the sword strapped to her back, unsheathing it. He released her horse’s reins.
Harley turned her horse and followed the two officers toward the castle. She had to force herself not to look back at her husband.
Lyle grunted.
“The king!” someone shouted.
At that, Harley and the two officers accompanying her glanced back in time to see Lyle hunch forward, dropping the sword.
“Your Majesty,” one of the soldiers said, rushing to him. “Is something the matter?”
“My hand.” The sword laid discarded on the ground.
“What’s wrong with your hand?” the soldier asked.
Lyle looked directly at Harley. “What did you do?” he snarled. “My hand feels like it’s on fire.”
