Free Orphan's Blade by Aubrie Dionne Page A

while deep inside, she mourned for the countrymen they’d lost, the growing threats on the horizon, and the horrid atmosphere of her new home. She could not show her sorrow to the minstrels. She had to give them a union to believe in, and a future to hope for.
    A small crowd of villagers stood on either side of the procession. Woman held children in their arms and on their shoulders, and men brought their drinks from the local tavern into the street. A young boy carried a basket of painted wooden flutes, selling them at too high a price in Valoria’s eyes. The crowds’ feeble waves made Valoria wonder if they were here to support the minstrels or bid them good riddance.
    At least Echo had stayed.
    “I am thankful for your compliance on this matter.” Brax spoke beside her as he held up his hand to the final soldier. He wore his armor, like every other day of his life. Was he ever rid of it, or did he sleep with a helmet on?
    Valoria stiffened. “You did not give me a choice.”
    “There is always a choice.” Brax smiled, but it came across as self-satisfied. “You chose wisely.”
    He meant she’d chosen not to complain. Frustration prickled her composure. Valoria crossed her arms over her chest. This could not set a precedent for the future. Brax must know she meant for this to be an equal partnership. She was not another servant to be ordered around.
    “Which means I’ll get my wish on our next disagreement.”
    Brax’s horrified expression curled the sides of her lips. Without staying to hear his reply, she turned and climbed the temple steps. Cadence joined her, lifting the trail of her long, burgundy dress.
    “Well, said, my princess.”
    Valoria glanced over her shoulder and spoke under her breath. “I thought you were supposed to push me into his arms.”
    “Following through is one matter, but becoming a mute, trophy wife is another.”
    “Good to know you are still on my side.”
    “We are all on the same side.” Cadence reminded her of the reason why she was here. Not to draw lines but to remove them.
    They passed by Nathaniel, standing at the back of the congregation of nobles next to an older solider. He bowed his head and Valoria nodded in return. An unspoken understanding passed between them. What of, she wasn’t sure. But, it was enough for Cadence to give her another warning glare.
    “That one over there I do not trust at all.”
    Valoria painted on a face of innocence. “You mean Lieutenant Blueborough?”
    “You know very well who I speak of.”
    Valoria bit her lip. It was as if his name had been burned into her heart and there was no way to remove it. Every time she uttered it, her ears turned red.
    You will be more than fair. Valoria had turned those words over and over, trying to find what manner of creature lurked underneath. Had he faith in her leadership abilities? Or did his compliment extend to more of her attributes?
    She shouldn’t have given the phrase another thought, but there it was, recited through her mind like a nursery rhyme.
    They reached the top of the steps and the train of her dress fell from Cadence’s hands. She huffed and picked it back up. “You wonder why there are so many.”
    “They built the castle around Helena and Horred’s sacred temple. They couldn’t very well tear them down.”
    “I’m aware of the history. But they could have at least leveled a few.”
    Statues of the great gods stood watch on either side of the doors. Helena’s face had been carved as stoic and certain, as if she never doubted one decision in her life. Horred stood burly and tall, much like Brax with a broad forehead and a strong jaw. But, his expression was more open, as if he’d listen to even the poorest beggar on the street.
    “To them the temple is sacred, just like our House of Song.” Why Valoria felt like she had to stand up for these warriors, she had no idea. They were full of grandeur and display, when the House of Song valued peacefulness and