Page 2 of Sword of Desire
Not bothering to answer, she kept her pace quick as she headed to the first level of the castle.
None of the usual sounds of her cousins joking or her aunt’s laugh came from within. Instead, an eerie silence filled the halls. She headed down the corridor to her left, toward the kitchen. She occasionally came across another sentry on duty, but she couldn’t discern any reason for where the guards were placed or why. Maybe she could make a map of the castle, marking where the sentries were stationed. That could either offer valuable insight or come in handy at some later point in time.
Opening the side door, she exited the castle. The trampled ground had turned muddy from a recent rain. Taking the gravel pathway, she headed toward the stables. Dozens of tents and soldiers filled the entire space to her left. She tried not to look that way for fear she’d recognize someone, and her resolve would crack.
At the entrance to the stables, a flurry of activity took place. Harley was there for one purpose—and it had nothing to do with Lyle. She scanned the horses, finding most saddlebags still attached as the animals were led inside. Slowing her pace, she searched for Lyle. He stood off to the side speaking to a group of soldiers.
Harley didn’t have long until he spotted her. Wanting to remain unnoticed, she dodged into the fray, staying closer to those around her than customary. She just needed to make it into the stables without being seen. Since the soldier from inside still followed her, she kept moving, never giving him an opportunity to question her.
She neared the doors where the horses were being led inside. Lyle remained with his men, speaking to them. Sidling up next to one of the horses, Harley glided through the doorway. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the dimmer light. Scouring the stalls, she looked for Ledger’s horse. None of the animals on the left appeared to be his. Searching the other side, toward the back she spotted Ledger’s horse in a stall next to the one she’d been riding. Her heart pounded, and her hands started to shake.
Stable boys led the horses into empty stalls, rubbing them down, and filling up water buckets.
“Lady Harley,” the soldier following her said. “I believe King Lyle is outside. I can escort you there.”
She glared at him over her shoulder. “I know perfectly well where my husband is.” And how dare this common foot soldier refer to Lyle as the king. The false title made her want to vomit. It was a boldfaced lie.
“I’m not sure it’s appropriate for a lady to be in the stables,” he stuttered, a tinge of red covering his cheeks.
Her eyes narrowed. “When I was brought to this castle two weeks ago, someone neglected to bring my belongings inside. Since I’m here, I’d like to see if my bag is still with my horse.” She folded her arms, tilting her head to the side just as she’d seen her mother do a hundred times. “Does that meet with your approval?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
“I’m, uh, sorry, Lady Harley. Forgive me for questioning you.” He motioned for her to proceed.
She raised her eyebrows, staring at him a moment longer than necessary before turning and heading to the other end. He gave her more space this time. Her shoulders relaxed as she neared Ledger’s horse. When the animal noticed her, it nodded its head. Pretending the horse was her own, she opened the door and stepped into the stall. As she cooed to the animal, it nuzzled her hand, allowing her to quickly survey the area. A saddle hung on the back wall. In the corner, a bag had been thrown, its tethers flung open indicating someone had gone through it.
“There’s my bag,” she exclaimed. Rushing over, she knelt, tying the tethers before sliding the strap over her shoulder.
“I can get that for you,” the soldier said, coming into the stall. The horse snorted, and the soldier took a step back.
“I would appreciate that,” Harley replied as she stood. She didn’t want to be seen carrying the bag and raise any unwanted suspicions. “Please see that this goes directly to the queen’s chambers.”
“Yes, Lady Harley.” He reached for the bag, so she handed it to him. “Is there anything else?” he inquired, holding the stall door open for her.
“I’d like a moment alone with my horse.” She quickly grabbed the brush off the wall, patting the animal’s neck.
The soldier hesitated.
“You may go now.” She gave no room for him to linger or question her.
He nodded and left.
Harley tossed the brush in the corner, then rushed to the adjacent stall where her horse was. Since a young stable boy was mucking the area, she didn’t want to step inside and disturb him. She glanced around for her bag, not finding it. When she backed up, she bumped into someone. “I’m sorry,” she said quickly, turning to see who she’d run into.
“No worries,” a soldier mumbled before hurrying into the next stall with a bucket full of water.
Since she’d gotten what she’d came there for, it was time for her to go. Walking toward the exit, she suddenly felt off kilter. Something poked her arm, so she reached inside her sleeve, finding a piece of paper that hadn’t been there moments ago. She glanced around, wondering when it had been put there and by whom. Her breathing sped up, but she tried to remain calm in case someone was watching her.
Several boisterous voices came from the entrance. Harley spotted Lyle striding past the threshold, the setting sun at his back.
She shoved the paper back up her sleeve, hoping no one noticed. She headed toward Lyle with a fake smile plastered on her face.
“One of my men mentioned he saw you in here,” Lyle said by way of greeting. “What are you doing?” Clasping his hands behind his back, he scanned her from head to toe.
“I heard you’d returned. I was eager to greet you. Welcome home.” She bowed her head and curtseyed in submission. When she righted herself, she met her husband’s assessing gaze. As usual, his blond hair had been combed back, the sides shorter than the top. His brown eyes remained flat, no depth to them as he stared at her. His squared jaw had a few days’ worth of stubble on it, making him appear more rugged. “Is it time for supper?” she asked through hooded eyes, hoping to deflect his astute attention.
“It is.” He gestured for her to exit before him.
She tried not to flinch as she made her way past him. They walked side by side along the gravel pathway toward the castle, Lyle towering over Harley by at least a foot. He wore a black leather shirt under a mustard-colored tunic. When she glanced down, she noticed a dagger tucked inside his knee-high boots. The sword strapped to his waist swayed lightly as he moved. His shoulders appeared even wider than the last time she saw him. She shivered.
