Swordmaster by Saloni Quinby

Author:Saloni Quinby
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: BIN 05727-01835
Published: 2012-05-21T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Hugh arrived at the palace to find the king, his head swathed in bandages, unconscious in his chamber. The royal physician could offer little information, save that they must wait to see if the king recovered. Until then, there was no telling how much damage had been done.

In the morning, Hugh sent a message to Briar. For nearly a week the king remained unconscious while Hugh assumed control of Alistwall.

On the sixth day after the accident, the royal physician summoned Hugh to his father’s chamber. To his surprise, the king wasn’t merely awake, but fully dressed and wearing a smug grin.

“I knew you had it in you,” the king said. “You’ve done well in my absence. Almost too well, but I’m not quite prepared to give up my throne yet.”

“Father, what’s going on? Your injury --”

“Think of it as a test.”

Fury built inside Hugh. His heartbeat quickened and he fought to control his breathing. His fists clenched, he spoke with more calmness than he felt. “A test?”

“I doubted what our kingdom meant to you. Now I know. When the time of my passing truly arrives, I’ll rest well knowing you have the courage to follow in the footsteps of our great bloodline.”

“You weren’t injured at all.” It was a statement rather than a question.

“I know you’re angry --”

“You have no idea how angry I am.”

For the first time Hugh remembered, the king took a step back. The look deep in his eyes revealed that he knew he’d gone too far.

“Nothing will repair the damage you’ve done,” Hugh said.

The king nodded, his expression grave. “I know and I regret that, my son. However we also know that nothing will stop you from ruling this kingdom, and that is more important than any bad feelings between us.”

Hugh didn’t trust himself to reply. Without waiting for dismissal, he turned and left the chamber.

Late that night, Hugh left the palace in secret. Dressed in a plain tunic and carrying few belongings, he managed to avoid his father’s guards. Though Abel’s funeral was long over, he wanted to be with Briar. Because of the king’s manipulations, he had missed supporting his lover when Briar needed him most. Hugh vowed it would never happen again.

In the morning when he reached the pier, the ferry had already arrived. Many people mingled in the area, some having just come ashore while others waited to board. The nearby tavern, shops, and stable bustled with activity.

Hugh stopped by a fruit stand to purchase a couple of apples since he’d had no time for a morning meal. He’d just paid for the fruit when a familiar voice called to him.

“Hugh.”

He turned quickly and saw Briar standing a short distance away. They strode toward each other and embraced tightly.

Closing his eyes, Hugh inhaled the clean, herbal scent of Briar’s hair and enjoyed the press of his warm, hard body against his.

“What are you doing here?” Briar asked when they finally broke apart.

“Coming to you.”

“Your father?”

Hugh curled his lip. He didn’t quite know where to begin.

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