Page 118 of A Warrior's Heart

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“That wasn’t part of our plan,” a smooth voice said from nearby. “We were to offer him in exchange for the trident.”

I nuzzled my pillow, my eyes still shut. I was so comfortable. And warm. Safe. All because of Ezra. He had chased away those who wished to do me harm.

“The plan changed, James. This is much better.”

“How?” James growled.

“My brother would’ve never given us the trident for him. That’s a fact. It would’ve pained him, but he would’ve chosen his people over his closest friend. Then where would we be? Our one bargaining tool would be for naught.”

“Tell me howthishelps us.”

“Can you not see it, my king?” Ezra asked before I heard a soft sigh and light kisses. “Troy’s loyal tousnow. When we journey to Avalontis, he will fight by our side. He’s a skilled archer, yes. We witnessed that on the beach. But he has greater use to us. Do you think my brother will be able to hurt him? Troy will see Lorcan as the enemy, but my brother will do all he can to save him. He’ll be distracted. Upset.Thatis how we’ll win.”

“You intend for Troy to kill him,” James said.

“Quite clever, is it not? Once my brother has fallen, I’ll take the trident, kill my father, and the battle will be won.”

“And what of the guard?”

“Troy will kill him too,” Ezra responded before I heard steps nearing the bed. He smoothed a hand down my spine. “Time to wake.”

I turned over and gave Ezra a sleepy smile.

King James stood by the door, frowning at me. A golden crown adorned with rubies sat atop his blond hair, and he wore the finest clothes of red, gold, and black. He stepped toward me and sat on the edge of the bed.

I flinched as he reached for my face.

“It’s okay,” Ezra said, petting my hair. “The king will protect you, just as I have.”

James withdrew his hand and dropped it to his lap. He looked at Ezra. “Go run him a hot bath.”

Ezra nodded before leaving the room.

The king returned his attention to me, and when he glided his fingers across my cheek, I didn’t flinch. I could trust him.

“What has he done to you, little beauty?” James whispered. “Your eyes are not the same. The light that once shone so bright is gone.”

His hand fell away when Ezra came back into the room. Ezra unhooked the part of the chain attached to the bed frame and led me into the bathroom. He removed my clothing before helping me into the tub.

I groaned as I submerged myself in the hot water. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had an actual bath. The scent of rosewater and sweet green herbs enveloped me as steam rose from the water.

“Do you trust me, Troy?” Ezra asked, washing my shoulders.

“Yes.”

He smiled at James who stood in the doorway. The king’s expression remained guarded. He reminded me of someone… but I couldn’t place the name or face. It was only a feeling, there and gone in an instant.

“You should be on your way, my king,” Ezra said, gently pouring water over my hair before lathering it with soap. He was so kind to me. “The council awaits you, do they not?”

“They do,” James answered, hesitating in place. “I’ll see you at the feast later.”

“I’ll be the most beautiful male in the room,” Ezra responded. “You won’t be able to take your eyes off me.”

“Feast?” I asked once the king left.

“Oh, yes.” Ezra tipped my head back to rinse my hair. “We’re going to war soon against Prince Lorcan. The feast is our last night of merriment before we set off.”