Page 55 of Sword of Desire
There had never been any love or kindness between them. “I knew you married me for political reasons,” Harley stated. “I just didn’t understand how ambitious you were.”
A low chuckle rumbled through the room. “Tell me, have you always been this strong-willed?”
Honestly, she didn’t know if it had always been there and Ackley brought it out, or if she’d changed after living through the bloody takeover. “You wouldn’t know since you never tried to get to know me.” Not once had he taken any interest or even asked her anything about her life.
“There was no point.” The truth and brutality of his words stung like a venomous bite. “I’m merely pondering whether you have always been this way, or whether you became this way after you met a certain someone.”
Sweat beaded on Harley’s forehead, and her heart pounded so loudly she could swear it echoed in the room. Afraid Lyle referred to Ackley, she decided to keep her mouth shut and not speak. The last thing she wanted to do was incriminate Ackley. As far as Lyle knew, Ackley was dead, and she intended to keep it that way.
“You have nothing to say?” Lyle asked, his voice even deeper than before.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She prayed he didn’t sense the lie.
Lyle chuckled. “Where was this feistiness before?”
It had always been there hidden below the surface, simmering. She bit her bottom lip to refrain from speaking the nasty comments forming on the tip of her tongue.
“No matter.” It sounded as if he stood. “I will make sure it is drained from you before the end.” His footsteps echoed in the room, then the door opened and closed.
Harley found herself alone once again. This time, she welcomed the silence.
* * *
A sliver of light shot into the room. Sitting up, Harley rubbed her eyes. Without a window, she had no idea what time of day it was. Her back stung from having slept on the hard floor. “Who’s there?” she asked.
“His Majesty requests your presence in the great hall,” a plump woman said. It was the same one who’d helped Harley dress for the coronation.
“Do you know what the occasion is?” She stood and stretched, her muscles protesting and her stomach growling from hunger.
“I think his soldiers are swearing fealty to you.” She held the door open for Harley.
Harley exited and made her way to the adjacent room where a gown had been laid out for her. As before, the guards waited outside while the woman helped Harley dress.
It was time to enact her plan.
“What’s your name?” Harley asked, wanting to distract the woman.
“Emma,” she replied.
Stepping into the gown, Harley made sure her foot landed on a chunk of the fabric. “Can you help me pull it up?”
Emma stepped closer and grabbed the back while Harley clutched the front. Together they pulled it up. Harley made sure to yank it with all her might. The fabric ripped right down the center of the skirt.
She had to hide her smile. “Oops,” she said, looking down in feigned shock. “Lyle will be so upset when I show up in a ruined gown.” She bit her tongue, and tears formed in her eyes.
“I’ll run to the queen’s room and get you another one.”
“Then we’re going to be late.” Harley started crying.
“Hush, it’ll all be fine.” Emma patted her back.
“I’ll accompany you,” Harley suggested. “That way we won’t waste any time.” She slid her arm around Emma’s, leading her to the door. “We must hurry. Lyle hates when people are late. I’d feel awful if he killed you over something so silly.” She glanced sidelong at the woman.
Emma’s face paled. “That’s a good idea. Let’s be quick about it.”
They rushed to the third floor and entered the queen’s room, the guards waiting outside.
“I’ll remove this ruined gown while you pick another one,” Harley said, standing in just the right spot. As soon as Emma entered the dressing room, Harley knelt, pulling back the area rug and lifting the wooden board. She grabbed the letters, sacks of leaves and roots, and what she wanted most—the key. Setting the items aside, she put the board and rug back. Then she removed her dress, placing it atop the items so they couldn’t be seen.
