Page 146 of Destiny of a King

Ernach smiled. “He promised me Scotara.”

Tharne laughed. “You fool.”

Ernach’s smile vanished.

“You think I ever intended to put you on Scotara’s throne? This land was my clan’s home far before your ancestors ever laid claim to it.”

“You gave your word,” Ernach said, anger in his every word.

“He is right. You are a fool,” Dravic said, “for believing Tharne is an honorable man.”

“And you claim to be one?” Tharne said with a laugh that barely reached his mouth.

Adira watched more than listened to the exchange, reading the three men more easily through their gestures and facial movements. When honor was mentioned, she saw and felt the change. Dravic’s honor was not in question to her. She saw that Tharne’s honor was questionable, and Ernach had not an ounce of honor in him. And that troubled her the most, for it made him the most dangerous.

“So, it was all a lie about falling in love with a woman from Driochmor?” Dravic asked.

“She was paid well enough until she was no longer necessary, then I disposed of her like I do when a person, man or woman, no longer benefits me.”

Adira sensed a sudden change in the hall and saw that Dravic had sensed it as well, but too late.

“Now!” Ernach commanded.

The men lining the wall drew their weapons.

Dravic immediately shoved Adira behind him, realizing the men were faithful to Ernach not Tharne.

Ernach smiled. “I gained wealth as well while in Drogath and coins buy men willing to fight. By tomorrow, Scotara will learn that the Warlord of Drogath secretly invaded the kingdom. King Dravic, the brave king that he was, confronted him here.” His smile broadened. “Neither survived the battle neither did his men.”

Tharne’s hand lay ready on his sword.

“And you believe anyone will accept you as king?” Dravic asked, his mind churning with ways to escape this mess.

“I do not care. I will take it by force and kill anyone who steps in my way.”

Dravic could see the warriors were anxious to see the task done and he reached for the sword that was no longer at his side.

Bloody hell.

Ernach’s gaze shifted to Adira, then he moved.

Dravic saw him coming and went to block him, but two warriors attacked at once. Dravic caught the first man’s sword arm, drove his fist into his face, and wrenched the weapon free.

He swerved around to Adira.

Ernach had his arm locked around her and the edge of a dagger pressed against her throat.

Fear like Dravic had never felt in his life froze him. “Let her go.”

Ernach backed away with Adira. “Drop the sword.”

Dravic didn’t move.

Ernach grinned and a little blood dripped down Adira’s neck. “A deeper and slower slice and you will watch her suffer and die before your eyes.”

“Why take her?” Dravic asked as his sword hit the floor.

“Your family took everything from me. I am going to make sure I do the same to you.” He grinned, giving a quick glance at Tharne. “And as for you, consider it revenge for not honoring your word.” He looked from one man to the other. “But don’t worry, I won’t kill her. She can live and provide entertainment for my men.”