Page 16 of Sword of Desire
Lyle stopped two feet in front of her. “He’s quite skilled, isn’t he?”
Clutching the book to her chest, her brows drew together, pretending not to understand him. “Skilled?”
Lyle’s eyes darkened. “I’ve been told he is more soldier than prince.” He took a step closer to her, now only a foot away.
“I wouldn’t know,” she whispered, the room suddenly cold.
“You wouldn’t?”
Harley needed to tread carefully since she didn’t know what Lyle had heard. “Ackley is like Owen. They are both princes and swordsmen. That is all I know.”
“Ackley is my enemy.”
She hated Lyle and considered him her enemy. “I understand.”
“I want him dead.”
She would never let it happen. Lyle would be dead before he touched Ackley. She would make sure of it or die trying.
“Do you know where Ackley is?” He leaned toward her.
She had to force herself to remain in place, not backing away from him. She shook her head, unable to speak. Lyle had sent a group of soldiers after Ackley and Gytha, but they’d failed to kill the Marsdens and instead, Ackley and Gytha had managed to kill the Melenians. It was what had sent Lyle away from the castle for two weeks, investigating what happened. She had no idea if Ackley and Gytha had met up with their soldiers and made it to Kricok.
“So, you don’t know where he is headed?”
She shook her head. “Owen never discussed his plans with me. I don’t know where he sent Ackley.”
“We can’t be sure Ackley is even following Owen’s orders. Ackley could have gone rogue, seeking land or title here.”
Ackley wasn’t interested in any of that, but she refrained from saying so. Lyle wanted information, and she had to be careful not to give it. “I don’t know what his intentions are.” Tears threatened with the truth of what she said. “After all, I’m married to you, and I had no idea you intended to overthrow my family and take the throne.” It was a bold, reckless thing to say.
“There are times when I wonder if you’re that stupid.” The corners of his lips rose ever so slightly. “Or if you’re that smart.”
Harley wondered the same thing. They were on dangerous ground.
Lyle turned and headed toward the exit.
“Where are you going?” she blurted out.
He glanced back at her, a wicked smile on his face. “Hunting.”
After he left, two sentries entered the library. Afraid to garner suspicion, Harley took her romance book and headed back to her room. Later, when no one hovered over her shoulder, she’d return for the book on poisonous plants.
* * *
Pretending to read near one of the larger windows in her bedchamber, Harley furtively watched the soldiers outside, taking note of shift changes, eating times, and patrol runs. Occasionally, she’d catch a glimpse of Lyle walking among the soldiers, barking out orders.
While Harley despised the man, she didn’t think she could plunge a sword into his throat or heart as Ackley had instructed. To end him, she would have to be more discreet. The most logical plan she’d come up with so far had to do with using the poison in the sacks, assuming the leaves and roots could kill a man. She just needed to find a way to convert the materials she had into something useful. Then all she’d have to do would be to slip the poison into his food or drink.
One of the soldiers brought a horse out of the stables, handing the reins to Lyle. He mounted the animal and took off, heading away from the castle.
Harley rose from her chair. She couldn’t waste this precious gift of time she’d just been given. Setting her book aside, she contemplated her options. A paranoid man like Lyle who didn’t trust many people, including Harley, would have his room rigged so he’d know if anyone entered.
Of the two entry points, if she used the one from the adjoining room, he’d know without a doubt she entered. Which meant the main door off the antechamber would be the safer option. It would still be rigged, but at least Lyle wouldn’t know who’d entered that way.
Wiping her sweaty palms on her dress, she exited her room and entered the antechamber, standing before Lyle’s door. Her entire body shook. To pull this off, she needed to believe she could do it.
Not knowing how much time she had, she reached for the door and opened it. Nothing exploded or fell on her head. Remaining at the threshold, she surveyed his room, taking it all in. She was about to step inside when she noticed a white substance on the floor covering a three-foot area. It appeared to be sugar or salt. If she stepped on it, she’d leave a footprint. She knelt, considering how Lyle entered and exited his room. If the substance remained there, he’d track it everywhere. Which meant he had to clean it up every time he entered.
