Nicholas wouldn’t kill another king. If anything he would fight him in battle. That I knew for a fact. He would give them an
honourable death on the battlefield. More memories and knowledge of Nicholas came to me during my sleep, or whatever state
I was in.
“Nicholas wouldn’t do that. He would know it would only hurt me.”
Norok snarled as he stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword as a mist of anger casted over his eyes. “First name
basis are you?”
“Yes. He is my husband after all.”
Another snarl rumbled in his chest, and I knew I was rallying him up. “A marriage I did not approve of, so it does not
exist.”
I tried not to laugh but I couldn’t help myself. He had been king for all of five minutes and already he thought it was
appropriate to command me. I was now a queen by right of marriage and there was no way he was going to take that from me.
Even if Nicholas didn’t want me around, I knew he would honour our marriage.
“YOU HAVE BETRAYED OUR FAMILY!” Norok shouted.
He unsheathed his sword and pointed it directly at me, only a few inches away from penetrating the space between my
breasts. Wondering where my sudden bravery came from, I leaned up and pushed the sword’s tip into my chest and looked at
my brother, feeling a fire burn within me.
“It’s because of my betrayal you are even alive.”
“Your king is the one who hurt me!”
“A simple accident which he rectified.”
I pushed more, feeling the sting of the sword as it pressed into my skin. Blood began to stain my dress around it and
although it hurt, I refused to back down. I couldn’t.I wouldn’t.
Though Nicholas had his faults—abundances of them—he was still my husband, and I’d stand by him. Even if it meant
going against my family.
“You are a fool, Ornella. And tomorrow, you will see your husband die.”
He drew back his sword and turned on his heels leaving me alone in the tent. I wasn’t planning on staying here that was for
damn sure and as soon as night fell, I would attempt my escape.
I sent a prayer to the Goddess to keep me safe and to tell Nicholas I was alright. I’d be with him as soon as I was able to.
Chapter 57
NICHOLAS
Waking up in a cold sweat laying on something firm, I felt my heart race and a growing fear rise up in my chest.