Page 40 of Sword of Desire
Something in Ackley snapped. He turned and jumped, launching himself at Savenek. The two men fell over, into the water. Ackley wanted to strangle him. He was sure Savenek had no idea what it was like to be in love with someone he wasn’t supposed to have or want.
Savenek wound his arm around Ackley, shoving him below the water and holding him under. Ackley wrapped his legs around Savenek, squeezing. He tried to flip so he’d be on top, only Savenek’s hold was too tight. This was no ordinary prince. Ackley brought his arms in and under Savenek’s. When he flung his arms out, Savenek released Ackley’s shoulders. Ackley twisted, hurling Savenek under the water. Someone grabbed him from behind, yanking him back and pinning his arms down.
Another person had Savenek similarly situated.
Brodek stood on the shore, shaking his head. “Do I need to remind you,Your Highness, that the drill is still going on? We don’t want to jeopardize the empress’s plans.”
Ackley glanced at Brodek, realizing he was addressing Savenek.
“I don’t need one of your lectures today,” Savenek muttered. The soldier holding Savenek let go and he stood, tossing his head back to get his wet hair out of his face.
The man released Ackley, and he got to his feet, heaving in air. It had been far too long since he’d had a good fight.
Ackley chuckled. “You’re not simply a prince, are you?” Savenek’s build and the way he held his body reeked of a fighter, not a person of royalty. Somehow, he was the two molded into one. Like Ackley.
“Neither are you.” Savenek wiped his arm over his forehead.
“Your orders, Your Highness?” Brodek asked.
Savenek glanced behind him. “Everyone but Brodek back to the castle. Defend the empress. I’ll be along shortly.”
Ackley got the feeling Savenek wanted to have this conversation alone. “My men, remain on shore. That includes you, Gytha.”
When it was just Savenek and Ackley, the two men stood only a foot apart, both staring into the other’s eyes, as if trying to decipher a hidden code.
“You’re going after the woman, aren’t you?” Savenek asked.
“I am.” He didn’t care if it was the wrong decision.
“I would, too.”
Ackley raised his eyebrows. “As a prince, you’d leave your men to fend for themselves, to go after a woman you loved?”
“Without question.”
Somehow, Ackley didn’t feel quite as crazy now.
“I have something that might prove useful.” He handed Ackley a vial. “If anyone asks, you didn’t get this from me.”
A wicked smile slid across Ackley’s face. “Understood.” He pocketed the vial. “When all of this is over, we should meet again. Maybe go a round or two.”
“If you manage to survive, I might like getting the chance to pummel you.”
* * *
When they reached their horses, Ackley, Gytha, and the four Marsden soldiers parted ways from Brodek and Audek. They traveled hard and fast, making their way straight toward where the Marsden soldiers were camped just inside Emperion’s border.
When it got too dark to travel, they stopped and made camp for the night. Ackley knew he had to tell Gytha what he intended to do. If his brother were there, he’d smack him on the back of the head for letting a woman dictate his actions. Even though he knew going after Harley wasn’t the smartest move, he was going to do it regardless.
With Morton taking the first watch, Ackley settled beside Gytha.
Gytha crawled under her blanket. “I know you’re going after her,” the warrior woman said.
“I have to.”
She rolled over and looked at him under the dim moonlight. “What’s your plan? Go in, rescue the damsel in distress, and kill the evil guy?”
“Not quite.” He’d been going over various plans. He knew if he just went in there and grabbed Harley, Lyle would go crazy. He’d hunt Ackley down with everything he had. Not only that, but it could jeopardize whatever Owen had planned. He needed to be discreet.
