Defy by Sara B. Larson Read Free Book Online Page A

him.
    “Nolen.” Prince Damian suddenly raised his voice.
    “You called, Your Highness?” Nolen appeared at the door
    within moments, holding a parchment in his right hand.
    “I am afraid these attackers’ failed efforts won’t be the last
    attempt to break in to the palace. We must be more vigilant than
    ever. The next few weeks are crucial to the war on King Osgand’s
    kingdom. Apparently , there have been some recent victories I was unaware of, turning the tide of the war in our favor.” His lip curled in irritation. I wondered who had finally delivered the news to
    him. It hadn’t been me. “Blevonese assassins will most likely be
    trying harder than ever to break in to the palace. If people must
    work double shifts, so be it. Alex, let the captain know I expect
    at least half of my personal guard to be alert at all times, even at
    night. Is that understood?”
    “As you wish, Your Highness.” I bowed again.
    “That is all. You may go.” He turned to the window, dismiss-
    ing us both.
    43
    I stalked out of the room, seething at his insinuation that we
    weren’t doing enough. That he was in some sort of danger. Mad at
    myself for thinking that maybe there was more to him than an
    arrogant, spoiled prince seeking attention, digging for reactions. I
    hoped Rylan had our sparring equipment set to go, because I was
    ready to fight.
    44
     six 
    S weat dripped between my shoulder blades and ran
    beneath the binding on my chest. The air was heavy, sticky
    with humidity; the sun’s glare was nearly unbearable. My lungs
    ached, but I ignored the pain, the heat, the burn of calluses on my
    hands as I swung my sword to parry Rylan’s attempts to strike me.
    It was too easy to let myself remember that I’d been sparring with
    Marcel two days ago, in this same ring.
    Rylan had left himself unprotected on the right side. I struck
    out hard and fast. My wooden blade hit him in the ribs with a dull
    thud, knocking him to the ground. If it had been a real sword, he
    would have been dead.
    A light round of applause greeted my victory.
    “Remind me never to spar with Alex when he’s upset,” I heard
    Asher say.
    “No kidding. I try to avoid sparring with him when he’s
    happy ,” Jude commented back.
    I stood over Rylan, my chest heaving, loosely holding the
    sword. Extending my free hand, I helped him back up. “Good
    fight.”
    “Not from my end,” he grumbled, rubbing his chest.
    45
    Swiping at the sweat on my brow, I whirled to face the others,
    who stood outside the ring, watching. “Anyone else?”
    Jerrod, Kai, and Antonio were on duty, guarding the prince.
    That left Deron, Jude, and Asher. They all shook their heads.
    “You need to take a break, Alex. And we all need lunch,”
    Deron said.
    “I’m not that hungry, but you go ahead. I’ll catch up.” I ges-
    tured for them to go.
    Jude, Asher, and Rylan left, but Deron hung back.
    “What is it?” I recognized the pensive look on his face.
    “You know how upset we all are about losing Marcel.”
    I remained silent, my jaw clenched. I didn’t want to talk about
    it, but he was my captain.
    He shifted his weight and looked down at me. “It’s just that
    we have to fill his position soon. We can’t afford to be down
    one man.”
    “You think I’m not aware of that? Can’t I have at least one day
    to grieve the loss of my brother before we pretend like he never
    existed?”
    “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” Deron’s voice
    held a note of warning.
    I lifted my practice sword back up and slashed it through the
    air. “Either stay to spar or go away.”
    Deron’s dark eyes narrowed at me. “Losing your brother was
    a horrible blow, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to take it out
    on the other members of the guard. Watch your tone with me and
    try not to hit your sparring partners so hard.”
    I clamped my teeth together, ignoring the uncomfortable
    squirm of guilt in my stomach.
    46
    “I will give you the day to