Ruse of Heirs by Haley Walden

Author:Haley Walden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moravon Press

17

THORNE

That night, Thorne didn’t sleep.

After he and Oda had gone their separate ways, he had followed the path to his chamber numbly. Once again, he felt as he had in the dungeon: somewhat outside of his body, and not wholly in control of his movements.

Still, he managed to find his way to his chamber, where he sat with his head in his hands until the sun rose.

His father had been right. What had he done to himself by joining Artur’s trials?

At the time, he’d been trying to chase away his mother’s memory and the exacting voice that still echoed in his mind. In part, he had also made his decision for love of the clan. But in doing so, he had foolishly believed that he could accomplish every feat Artur required.

Thorne had never known that wanting someone could feel this way. Before Oda, he had even believed himself immune to these feelings. Now, he knew that her friendship and trust had unlocked something within him that could never be contained again.

This was why she had been so appalled at his speech about duty. He played it over and over in his head, now disgusted with himself for having uttered such words.

The privilege of Beran’s throne demands great sacrifice, he had said.

Great sacrifice, indeed. If he won these trials, he would sacrifice any chance he might have had to be with Oda. Of course, she had said she would remain by his side—but not in the way he wanted her. Instead, she would always be a reminder of everything he’d given up before he even knew he had it.

Make the treasure forbidden, and it’s all he’ll be able to think about, day and night, Oda had said.

It was true. She had rejected his offer to join him in his chamber, and already, her absence was driving him mad.

You think I’m like most men, Thorne had boasted, but I can control my impulses.

Yet here he sat, alone, because Oda had been the one to control hers. She was duty-bound, and he was scouring his mind for any possible way to be alone with her again.

It was true that Thorne could sacrifice his reputation, perhaps leave the clan altogether, to be with her.

But then he would be handing the throne to Tyr.

That would be infinitely worse than the path Artur was leading them down now. Thorne had chosen to take responsibility for Clan Beran’s future, not fully understanding that the overlord had no intention of fulfilling his past promises of glory. Artur’s display of brutality, his calculated alliances outside the fortress, and his arrogant performance before the outsiders had shed light on his true intent: to further elevate himself, while simultaneously subjugating the clan.

He laughed bitterly to himself, shaking his head. Once, he had foolishly believed that Artur cared for their people as he did. Now, he knew the truth, but the truth didn’t change what he must do.

Thorne was locked firmly into these trials, regardless of what he wanted. Who he wanted.

His thoughts drifted back to Oda, and the feeling of her body pressed against his.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.