Free Orphan's Blade by Aubrie Dionne

“I’d marry him myself if it would take the burden off your shoulders.”
    Valoria laughed. “I do not think Brax will like you any better than he likes me.”
    “Let us hope he likes you a lot.”
    “Or at least a little.” Valoria sighed.
    “Give him time. He may possess qualities we have yet to see manifest. And the same goes for you. He hasn’t heard you play.”
    “Oh, please. No warrior here appreciates music the way we do.”
    Echo smiled secretively. “You may be surprised.”
    “Even if he does grow to like me even a little, Braxten Thoridian will no sooner allow me on the battlefield than in the council chamber room.”
    Echo took her hand and squeezed. “So be it. But that doesn’t change the fact that you must find a way.”
    Resolution hardened inside Valoria as she left her old music teacher in the apothecary’s shop. He would not leave her to the wolves alone. He would stay beside her, even if it meant tricking the medics with his music to do so. As long as he lived, she’d always have someone on her side.
    Speaking of those on her side, Valoria spotted Nathaniel approaching the temple steps from downtown. What business had he in the city?
    Nathaniel recognized her and increased his pace. He caught up just as she took the first step.
    “Valoria, you should not be out alone. Where is your handmaiden?”
    “Taking a nap.” She glanced at him with irritation. “And you are not my mother.”
    “That is certain.” Nathaniel smiled slyly. “But it is not safe in this city for any minstrel to walk alone.”
    “Because of all the hatred?”
    He glanced away, as if deciding whether or not to tell the truth. When he looked back at her, his face was solemn, resigned. “Yes.”
    “All due to Sybil running away with the minstrel years ago?”
    “I am afraid so.” Nathaniel told her the truth of the matter—like Cadence. She was growing to love that about him.
    “This morning, after the meeting, there was an old woman walking behind the queen. Was that Sybil?” She shivered, thinking of how the old woman’s fierce gaze had bored into her—seeing the raw nakedness of her heart unfold.
    Valoria tripped, and Nathaniel took her arm. “Yes, it was. I am sorry no one introduced you. The commotion from the spies has upset our traditions.”
    “That’s understandable. Although being left out of the meeting was not.”
    “I have no excuse for that.” Nathaniel glanced at their feet as they stepped on one of the ancient, ivory steps from Helena and Horred’s temple.
    “The excuse is not yours to give.” Her reply came out harsher than she intended, and Valoria looked away, watching a noble couple descend the steps on the other side, arm in arm, like her and Nathaniel. The only difference was that couple looked like they were married to each other.
    “My apologies on the postponement of the wedding.” Nathaniel sounded sincere, but he seemed preoccupied watching the pigeons eat breadcrumbs sprinkled by a boy on the top step.
    “No matter.” If only he knew how much she dreaded the wedding. “The king and queen must focus on protecting Ebonvale. That is what is important now.”
    “Spoken like a true ruler.” Nathaniel regarded her with pride. “You will be a magnificent queen.”
    Valoria laughed and glanced down at her slippers as embarrassment heated her cheeks. “I cannot speak of any magnificence. I only want to be fair.”
    “You will be more than fair. That I know.”
     
     

Chapter 9
     
    History’s Lesson
     
    Whips lashed, and the horses jumped into motion. The two carriages of wounded minstrels rolled down the cobblestone following ten men of the Royal Guard in their silver armor. The minstrels who could ride brought their trumpets to their lips. A fanfare echoed over the cobblestone and reverberated through the stone buildings. They played a song of farewell, wishing Valoria good fortune.
    They might as well save their breath.
    Valoria waved, portraying a resilient smile