Orphan's Blade by Aubrie Dionne Page A

has tied my hands. In the eyes of the law, you have no place in noble society. The queen and I have had to act accordingly to ensure the people have a clear heir, to ensure Brax’s reign.”
    “I understand. You do not have to—”
    The king raised his hand to interrupt. “Let me speak.” He shifted his weight on the stone wall. The suit of armor must have been heavy for his damaged knee. Yet, a warrior would not yield to his own weakness.
    “I cannot give you my inheritance, but you will always have my love.”
    Nathaniel’s heart warmed. All of the times the king had favored Brax over him melted away. “Thank you, my king. That is all I ever wanted.” A wave of melancholy hit him. Bronford Thoridian would never replace his real father, but they’d shared so many moments alike to that of a father and a son.
    The king reached out and placed his hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “I am proud of the man you’ve become. Brax may be more fit to lead a battle, but you have more wisdom to rule a kingdom.”
    “It is not my place to judge.”
    “Yes, but as a father to you both, I must judge if I am to ensure the kingdom survives.”
    Nathaniel froze, feeling as though he trespassed on sacred ground. What was the king leading to? He couldn’t want Nathaniel to take Brax’s place, could he? Nathaniel would never agree to such an upheaval. Even if he did, the people would never accept him as their king.
    “Brax is hotheaded at times, but he has a noble heart, and I love him deeply—just as much as I love you. Promise me, when I am gone, you will look after him and steer him on the right course when he falters.”
    Nathaniel gave him a stern glance. “You are strong and healthy with many years—”
    The king took his hand and squeezed. Desperation filled his eyes. “Just promise me.”
    “I promise.” The words came out easy. He’d only ever intended for that himself.
    “Good. Now I’ll be able to sleep at night.” The king winked. “Now leave and allow me to take your place, just this once.”
    Nathaniel nodded. As he moved past the king, a low moan chilled his bones to the core. He ran to the other side of the wall and glanced down into the moors. The torchlight flickered over brownish muck and oily black waters. A pale hand broke the surface, grasping blindly at the wall beside the ramp. Dirty fingers groped as another hand, then another broke free.
    “Sound the alarm!” Nathaniel called to the watchmen on the other side of the wall. “The water has concealed their attack.”
    The sound of metal sliding rang behind him. Nathaniel turned to see the king unsheathing his sword. Hungry eagerness lit his eyes, and his face was rigid, and brave. “Then we will fight.”
    Nathaniel had never been a religious man, but he drew the sign of Helena’s sword across his chest. “May the gods save us all.”
    * * * *
    Valoria tossed in her bed. A simmering agitation filled the crisp night air, and every nerve in her body stood at attention. She kicked against the sheets until she lay on bare satin with goose bumps prickling her skin. A putrid stink wafted from outside, and she covered her mouth with her hand. Had the servants emptied all the chamber pots under her window?
    A man shouted from the northern part of the city.
    She bolted upright, gasping in air. “Cadence, did you hear that?”
    The door to her handmaiden’s room lay open by a crack, but no answer came.
    “Cadence?” Valoria hissed as she jumped out of bed. She ran to the balcony, but could see nothing in the darkness.
    “What is it, my lady?” Cadence stumbled in wrapped in her blanket like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Her braid had moved to the top right side of her head, reminding Valoria of a unicorn.
    “I thought I heard something.”
    Cadence tugged her arm. “It must have been a nightmare. Let me get you back to bed. You need your rest.”
    “It couldn’t have been a nightmare because I haven’t slept a wink.” Valoria’s stomach