Orphan's Blade Read Online Free PDF Page A

king and queen and upended the sack. A round head of wet black hair bounced twice, then rested with two glaring eyes staring at Valoria. Its mouth lay open in a silent scream. Horror and disgust rolled through her. She tightened her grip on the throne, fingernails digging into the ivory.
    “The leader of the resistance.” Brax’s voice was deep and velvety, growling with each word. It resonated deep inside Valoria’s gut. It was a voice she’d remember, a voice that would haunt her dreams.
    The queen covered her mouth. The king waved her back. His face remained stoic as he approached his son. “Have you forgotten what day this is?”
    “I thought you’d be proud, father.” Brax bowed his head.
    “I am always proud of you, son.” The king put a hand on his shoulder. “But, now you must forget our battles. Your future wife has come.”
    The king gestured toward Valoria, and Brax turned in her direction. She tried to keep her face expressionless as his eyes bore into her, pulling her apart bone by bone. He seemed disappointed somehow, as if they’d given him a toy he didn’t need. Still, Brax bowed his head to her. “My lady.”
    She nodded once, acknowledging him, but she could not accept him in her heart.
    The warrior stood and turned back to the king. Although he spoke under his voice, Valoria’s trained minstrel ears could hear. “I expect a counterattack in the next few days. I must fortify the southern border.”
    The king sighed. “My son—always thinking of the safety of our kingdom.” He put a hand on Braxten’s shoulder. “Be back by tonight’s dinner feast. You must take your seat next to our future princess.”
    “As you will, father.” Brax nodded, then stormed off as quick as he’d come with his men following him. Awkward silence fell as his footsteps receded down the hall.
    Nathaniel took the sack and covered the head. He turned to the nearest of the Royal Guard and whispered under his breath. “Get that foul thing out of here.”
    Valoria hunched over in her chair as a sick pang hit her stomach. Panic rose inside her. Could she retain her composure, or would she explode from disappointment in front of the entire audience in the main hall? Grinding her teeth, she straightened and held onto the throne with both hands. She did this for her father, and for the House of Song.
    Nathaniel addressed the king and queen. “The princess has had a rough journey. Allow me to escort her to her quarters, where she can rest for the evening’s festivities.”
    “Of course.” The king smiled at her, and it was not unkind. If only his tenderness had passed to his son.
    Valoria stood and accepted Nathaniel’s arm. They exited the throne room in silence. Only after the doors closed behind her did she breathe again.
    “The king and queen have chosen the finest quarters for you and your handmaidens.” Nathaniel gazed straight ahead as if he couldn’t bear to look at her. Had her introduction to the king and queen disappointed him? Could he sense her reservation, her fear?
    “They are very kind.”
    “They have awaited your coming for a long time.”
    “As did the House of Song.”
    “I’m sure.” He glanced in her direction. “I’m not sure your father has told you, but as a young boy I fought at his side.”
    Valoria perked up. Any mention of her father—her home—raised her spirits. “No, he did not say.”
    Nathaniel smiled as if remembering a joke. “We barely escaped a battle with kobolds in the red woods. From there, we entered the caves of Darkenbite and met the albinos.”
    “Sounds like quite an adventure.” Why had her father failed to tell her of it? “Who else was on this quest?”
    “The king and queen. This happened before they were married, back when Bronford Thoridian was her bodyguard.”
    Valoria nodded. There was her answer. Her father stayed away from that time in his life as if it were poison. Yet, he could never bring himself to forget.
    “It was the greatest