Page 7 of Sword of Desire
His brows pulled together. “What word would you use?”
She pursed her lips. “Distanced, detached, pig-headed, loner.”
“I said one word, not a list.” He rolled his eyes; he was none of those things.
They started walking back toward the camp.
“You’re also smart, conniving, and an excellent planner. You’re just not a strong leader.”
He never should have asked Gytha in the first place. Growing up, third in line to the throne, he never thought he’d have to rule, so he never bothered learning how to. When the line shifted to his cousin, Dexter, he was thrilled. But now, here in Melenia, he realized his lack of training on the subject proved to be a weakness. While he understood his responsibility to ensure his men were taken care of and made it home alive, he couldn’t be the figurehead they needed and wanted.
“What are you thinking?” Gytha asked. “Because I don’t like the look on your face right now.”
He raised a single brow. “And what look would that be?”
She shook her head. “That you have a plan you know I won’t like.”
He smiled wryly. “Do I ever do anything you like?”
She glared at him. “What is it?”
The odd thing happened to be that Gytha would actually like this plan. “We’re going to meet with the Emperion empress.”
“Didn’t you just send a man to arrange that?”
“I did.”
“So, when he returns, I’ll go with you to speak to her?”
“Not quite.” He wanted to have an idea of what they were getting themselves into before he met with Rema. To discover that information, they needed to see where the empress lived and learn what her people thought of her. In other words, they had some reconnaissance to do.
“Then I’m afraid I don’t understand you.” She stopped walking.
“We’re leaving in an hour. Be prepared.” Not having time to discuss it further with Gytha, he hurried away. A lot needed to be done before they left.
If everything went as Ackley hoped, Kerdan would be crowned the king of Russek in the coming weeks. Once that happened, Kerdan wouldn’t support Lyle, thus lending credence to Owen’s quest for the throne. If Ackley could get Emperion to support Owen as well, they could force Lyle to step down. However, Ackley was only supposed to ask permission for his troops to remain in Landania. Owen hadn’t said anything about negotiating a deal on his behalf. Since Ackley wasn’t from the mainland, he had no business getting involved. Too bad he considered himself working on his sister’s behalf and would do whatever necessary to secure her throne. He wouldn’t leave here until he believed her safe. If that meant going behind Owen’s back, so be it. It was a sacrifice Ackley was willing to make.
When he reached the tents, he sought out Ruthar. Though Ruthar wasn’t a Knight, Ackley had used him a handful of times.
“Your Highness,” Ruthar greeted him.
Ackley scanned him from head to toe. They had the same long lanky legs, brown shaggy hair, and shoulders. Even though Ruthar was an inch shorter, he’d do.
“Walk with me.” Ackley led the way between two tents to an unoccupied area where no one could overhear them. “I need you to do something for me.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Ruthar nodded. “Anything you need.”
“I’m going on a mission. However, I don’t want anyone to know I’m gone.”
“Okay,” Ruthar said, his voice drawling the word out longer than necessary. “What do you need from me?”
“I need you to be me.” Ackley folded his arms, assessing Ruthar’s poor posture.
“I’m not sure I can do that…”
“You don’t have a choice. My personal guard will assist you. Make a point of leaving the tent once or twice a day, with my cape on, so my soldiers see me. Other than that, remain inside.”
“Where will you be?”
