Orphan's Blade by Aubrie Dionne Page B

owned up to the consequences of her actions. “Only once in the battle where we met. I called down the mist from the hills to blind the raiders so the minstrels would have a fighting chance. It was then I sensed the evil in the mountains and asked it to do my bidding.” She wiped her hand over her face. “In doing so, I woke Sill. I am to blame for the attack. All the dead are on my conscience.” For that she would never forgive herself.
    Nathaniel held her hand to his chest. “No. To believe that is folly. Sill has been festering for years. The swamp has slowly spread from the valley to the city walls. You did not awaken Sill, my dear. You saved us all from a fate in the making these many years.”
    Valoria gasped in relief as tears rolled down her cheeks. His words had lifted a burden from her shoulders. “You are certain?”
    “I am. But…” He paused as if considering whether or not to speak of what was on his mind.
    Valoria nodded eagerly. “Go on.”
    “Have you used this power on me?”
    What a ridiculous thought. She laughed, relieved. “Not the evil power. Just a song to encourage you to lend aid to Echo, my music teacher. I hope you do not mind.”
    “No.” He sighed. “Not at all. But, there is nothing else you’ve cast?”
    Valoria crinkled her brow, thinking of every song she’d sung these past few days. “I’ve been singing to calm my nerves, to give the minstrels strength in their journey home, and for the people of Ebonvale to have open minds, but I cannot think of any such song directed at you. Why?”
    “You would tell me, would you not?”
    He was acting very strange. “Nathaniel, I just told you my darkest secret since arriving here at the castle. If there was anything else, you would know. I’m not sure why, but I trust you more than any other warrior here.”
    Nathaniel turned away, and Valoria wondered if she’d said too much. She hadn’t mentioned Brax. But, she’d spoken the truth. She trusted Brax as much as she trusted a bull not to kick her.
    “I must take my leave.” Nathaniel stood, avoiding eye contact. He bowed. “I wish you well in your recovery.”
    A heartbeat later, he’d disappeared out the door. Valoria covered her chest with her hand as embarrassment set in. She was the biggest fool in all of Ebonvale. She’d practically told him she preferred him to Brax at a time when her union to Brax was the most crucial move she could make. For a noble man to hear of such betrayal must have been poison to his ears. She’d driven him away.
    Would he report to Brax?
    Valoria tried to calm herself. Surely not. It wasn’t like she’d said anything too criminal, and Nathaniel was no gossip. But, she couldn’t be seen with the lieutenant any longer. She’d gone too far, and she had to take a few steps back to remedy the situation. If only doing so didn’t break her heart to pieces.
    Cadence opened the door and peeked in. “Oh, I didn’t know you were alone. Where’d he run off to so suddenly?”
    Valoria wiped her eyes and stifled a sob. “I have no idea.”
    Cadence locked the door and shook her head. “Coming to visit you is most forward, indeed. Especially for a man who is not your intended.”
    Valoria swallowed a lump in her throat. “Do not worry. I do not think he’ll be coming back.”
    Cadence admired her with wide eyes. “You sent him away? I am so proud of you. Braxten Thoridian should be the only man in this room. It’s his grief keeping him away, my lady. I’m sure of it. Just you wait and see. When he’s better, he’ll come calling and you’ll be glad the lieutenant is not in the way.”
    If only the world were as simple as Cadence saw it to be. Did her handmaiden feel the hatred against the minstrels? Did she not miss her home? “Have you had any trouble adjusting?”
    “No, my lady. I like it here.” Cadence folded a blanket and stashed it in the chest at the foot of the bed.
    “Do you ever miss the House of Song?”
    “I never fit in