Allyssa scratched her back, the layers of clothing making her sweat. She wanted to tear the fabric from her body.
“Stop it,” Nathenek murmured. He peered around the corner of the building. Allyssa rolled her eyes at his back, wanting to strangle the unbearable man. “Let’s go.”
She followed him into the Bilarie Market. The sun shone high overhead, beating down on them. Everyone wore clothing covering most of their skin. Walking side by side, Allyssa and Nathenek meandered past the various carts selling fish.
“Up ahead,” Nathenek whispered to her. “Do you see the three boys you stole the tangerines from?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He leaned in closer to her. “We stick to the plan you outlined. But I’m making one change.”
Of course he was.
“Instead of stealing another six tangerines, I want you to return the ones you took.”
Reviewing the plan in her mind, she saw no reason it wouldn’t work. “I assume you have the tangerines?”
“I’ve already put them in the pockets of your cloak.” It unnerved her that he could do such a thing without her realizing it. “We better split up before we’re seen together.”
She nodded, and he melted into the crowd and out of sight. As she approached the cart, she tried not to laugh at the irony of the plan. Walking with her feet wider than necessary, she waddled, one hand on her protruding stomach—compliments of a rolled-up blanket. She didn’t have much experience with pregnant women, but the few she’d seen had walked this way.
With the cloak on and the scarf wrapped around her face to conceal her hair, the boys shouldn’t be able to recognize her. She approached the cart. Two other customers were already there. Perfect. Letting her hands fall to her sides, she felt the tangerines in the pockets lining her cloak.
“Good, fresh fish,” she said with a thick accent, eyeing the display. The smell made her want to vomit. “I love that smell. I’ll take three tuna.”
“Yes, miss,” Larek said, grabbing three filets.
When he turned to wrap them, she slid a tangerine out of the pocket and released it near her thigh. It rolled down her leg, landing between her feet. She pretended to rub her back, squatting ever so slightly so the cloak hit the ground, concealing the tangerine. She quickly did the same with the remaining five tangerines. With them all on the ground, she shuffled forward until she hit the cart with her fake belly. Using her right foot, she lightly pushed the fruit underneath the cart, hoping none of them were too big to fit through the small slot. Thankfully, they all made it.
“Here you go,” Larek said, handing her the fish.
At that precise moment, Nathenek bumped into her.
“Ahh,” she cried out, clutching her stomach.
“I’m so sorry, miss. Are you okay?”
“I think so. Could you please help me sit in the shade for just a moment? I’m getting lightheaded.”
“Yes, of course.” He took her arm, ushering her to the darkened alley. Nathenek called over his shoulder, “Keep her order set aside. She’ll be right back.”
The second she was in the alley, she stood tall and hustled to the other end, removing her cloak, rolling it up, and tossing it to the ground. She unbuckled the blanket around her waist and threw it to the ground. Just before exiting the alley, she unwound the scarf and hung it loosely around her neck, exposing her hair and face. Turning onto the street, she headed south as Nathenek had instructed. Holding her head high, she walked slowly and with purpose. When she passed the next alleyway, Nathenek slid from the shadows, joining her. He’d also changed his clothing.
“I can’t believe that worked,” she said. “I thought for sure one of the boys would recognize me.”
“People see what they expect,” he commented. “Your job is to play the part.”
“Playing parts is something I’ve done all my life.” It was something she was good at.
“Now that you are getting more comfortable changing your appearance and using the crowds around you for concealment, I want to teach you to steal coins.”
“I’m not doing that.” She wouldn’t take someone’s hard-earned money.
“When we’re in Russek and need food or supplies, how do you intend to procure such items?”
Russek and Emperion used different forms of currency. However, under no circumstances, would she steal from another person again. It felt wrong, and she couldn’t stomach it.
“Tell you what,” Nathenek said, turning onto a different street, one far less crowded. “If you do this, we’ll leave tomorrow.”
She stopped and peered up at him, trying to figure out if there was a catch. “What about my training?” Surely he couldn’t have changed his mind so quickly.
“It’s a long journey. I will continue to train you along the way.”
“I won’t steal someone’s money.” She was done playing his games. Stealing from the hard-working citizens of her own kingdom went against everything she believed in. Turning, she walked away. She was resourceful and would figure out a way to do this on her own.
Two blocks later, Nathenek caught up to her. “I was wondering how far I could push you. I’m surprised you lasted this long.”
“Is everything a game to you? A test?”
“I won’t be put in a life-and-death situation with someone I don’t know.”
“You know my mother and my brother. Isn’t that enough?”
“You’re far more reckless than Rema. You remind me more of your father.” He sighed and looked sidelong at her. “And you are nothing like your brother.”
She wished he would talk more about Savenek.
Several people ran past them. A roar of cheering erupted. “What’s going on?” she asked.
Nathenek pulled her scarf up over her hair and wrapped it around her face, leaving only her eyes exposed.
“The royal family is giving the weekly address since they’re still in town.” He pulled her south, in the opposite direction of the crowd.
That was right—she’d forgotten about the weekly address. “Will my brother be there?” He nodded. It felt as if she’d been dunked in freezing water. Wanting to see him, she pulled free from Nathenek and joined the crowd.
“Wait,” Nathenek said, managing to remain at her side. “This isn’t a good idea.”
“Why?” No one would recognize her, especially here in Emperor’s City. Excitement swirled through her. Savenek was so close.
“There are too many people.”
“I’ve been in the crowded city all day with you.” He hadn’t once been concerned with the amount of people before now.
“Yes, but a city event is very different from wandering through the streets with multiple exit points.” He leaned down closer to her. “These sorts of events are an assassin’s dream.”
She stopped cold in her tracks. “You don’t think someone is going to attempt to kill my family, do you?”
“There is a reason security is always tight. As to why your mother still insists on this silly tradition, I’ll never understand.”
The weekly address was something they always did. It not only allowed them to speak directly to the Emperion people, but it also gave them the opportunity to show strength and solidarity. The crowd thickened, now shoulder to shoulder. Even if she wanted to turn back, she’d never be able to.
Nathenek took hold of her hand. “If we get separated, go to the guard station. It’s one block from here.”
She nodded, feeling claustrophobic with so many people pushing and shoving her, everyone eager to see the royal family—especially the handsome crown prince. Savenek seemed to be all anyone was talking about around her.
They entered the town square. The royal family always spoke from a balcony three stories high, allowing them to be easily seen and heard. This was Allyssa’s first time being in the crowd instead of on the balcony. Several guards were posted on the nearby rooftops, bows nocked and at the ready. Her heart squeezed with fear. What if Jana sent another assassin after her parents? Her family would never be safe until Jana was dead.
“Relax,” Nathenek said.
She unclenched her hands, forcing herself to take a deep breath. Nathenek positioned them along the edge of the town square, an exit only feet away. A good, strategic place to be. Her focus was on the balcony where her parents would appear with her brother at any moment.
Excitement rippled through the crowd as a soldier stepped onto the balcony. “People of Emperion,” he bellowed.
This was it. Any second and Allyssa would see her brother.
“Empress Rema and her son, Crown Prince Savenek!”
The crowd roared, cheering their approval as the two members of the royal family stepped onto the balcony. But where was Allyssa’s father? Why wasn’t Darmik on the balcony with Rema and Savenek? She looked at Nathenek. He shrugged.
Her mother didn’t appear distressed. As always, Rema radiated beauty, her golden hair neatly wound around her head to show off her crown. Now was the moment Allyssa had been waiting for. She allowed herself to look at her brother. Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them away. He was familiar yet different. As he stood next to Rema, there was no doubt they were mother and son. Both had the same skin and eye color, although Savenek’s hair was light brown instead of blond. He strode to the edge of the balcony and waved to the crowd. He seemed relaxed and at ease—something Allyssa found hard to do before so many people. His smile made his face appear regal and kind.
She had to talk to him, hear his voice, get to know him. Nathenek’s hand gripped her shoulder, holding her in place. She longed to hug her mother, to be a part of her family again. How could she have ever considered walking away from the crown?
Rema reached out, touching Savenek’s arm. He looked at her and nodded. Rema raised her arms, waiting for the crowd to quiet down before she spoke.
“Are you certain you still want to go to Russek?” Nathenek murmured in her ear.
Watching her mother and Savenek, she knew how easy it would be to send word to Rema, letting her know she wanted to return home and resume her role as the future empress. However, this wasn’t about doing what she wanted—this was about overcoming her demons, fixing the wrongs of this world, and fighting for a better future. It was about not being caged by her fears but rather embracing them and facing her destiny. She would end Jana’s reign.
“Yes,” she answered. “And I’m ready to go.” She turned to leave.
“Right now?” He nodded toward the balcony.
“I don’t need to hear my mother’s speech. I know what my destiny is, and I’m ready to face it.”
* * *
Standing on the edge of the cliff off to the side of Nathenek’s house, Allyssa gazed out at the city below. The wind whipped around her body, throwing her hair every which way. It was beautiful up here, distanced from the crowded streets. To the north, she could see the luxurious palace where her family stayed whenever they came here. It stood separate from the city, surrounded by a large wall.
She closed her eyes and breathed in the salty air, wishing her exhausted body could get one night of sleep. One night without Soma taunting her, leering at her, mocking her.
“I thought I’d find you out here,” Nathenek said from behind her. She opened her eyes as he came to stand at her side. They remained that way for several minutes, the sun setting in the distance.
“The ocean is magnificent,” she commented.
Nathenek grunted. “But you’re not thinking about the ocean, are you?”
“No,” she admitted.
“Whatever demons are haunting you, they won’t disappear until you face them head-on.”
She shivered. “And what do you know about demons?”
“I’m an assassin.” He folded his arms, looking off into the distance. His blank face revealed nothing.
“You mean you were an assassin.” She brushed her hair behind her ears.
“If I had meant that, I would have said that.”
“You’re not retired?” Her brother had grown up with a killer? How had her mother allowed this?
“I don’t do much work these days,” he said. “However, I am needed on occasion.”
Did he work for her mother? If so, why hadn’t she ever seen him before? Or heard her father speak of him?
Before she could ask one of the many questions forming in her mind, he continued, “The point I am attempting to make is that I have killed many people over the years. I know what it does to a person.”
Taking a deep breath, she looked up at the sky, trying to lock her horror and shame into a manageable cage. She had not only killed Soma, but had also severely injured a soldier in her quest to kill Jana.
“It gets easier,” Nathenek said. “We’ve all had to do awful things to survive.”
She nodded, pretending to understand. Did the people he killed haunt him? Her hands started shaking so she clutched onto the fabric of her shirt, trying to hold it together. There was no doubt Soma deserved to die. The world was a better place without him. So why did she feel such regret? And Shelene. Even though Allyssa hadn’t been the one to physically kill her, she was also responsible for her death.
“Are you packed and ready to leave tomorrow?”
“Yes.” They stood in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” He scratched behind his ear, and Allyssa had the fleeting thought that he was nervous. “What sort of man is Prince Kerdan? Can you tell me a little bit about him, his personality, what to expect when we see him?”
“He is first and foremost a military man.” She chuckled, remembering the times they ate alone in his bedchamber. The soup running down his chin, him wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “He is rarely at the castle in Clovek. Instead, he prefers to sleep at the military compound. He is not very princely. He can come off as a little cold and harsh. But he has a good heart and is a steadfast, loyal man. Don’t let his brash manners fool you.”
“Your mother delivered the letter from Prince Kerdan?”
Allyssa nodded.
“And it was sealed?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Have you seen his seal before?”
“No, but I know what the Russek crest looks like.” Now that she thought about it, she didn’t remember even looking at the seal before she tore it open.
“What about his handwriting?” Nathenek asked.
There were maps in Kerdan’s office with notes written all over them. But she couldn’t recall having seen a letter or anything more than scribbles here and there.
“Let me ask you something else,” he said. “Does the prince usually speak so formally with you?”
Kerdan and Allyssa had always been rather informal around one another. “Are you implying that the letter came from someone else?” Her heartbeat sped up with the possibility.
“Since you first showed me the letter, something hasn’t felt right. The timing, the language used, and the fact that it urges you to go to the border town of Jontis.”
Her skin tingled. “Now that you’re forcing me to look at it analytically, you have a point.” Kerdan wouldn’t want her stepping foot in Russek. He’d handle the situation without involving her. “What do you think?”
“That Jana set a trap.”
“Bloody hell.” She kicked a small rock, sending it flying into the air and off the cliff. “I should have known. Kerdan even told me how to get in touch with him via the Womek estate in Russek.” She’d been so wrapped up in her own emotions that she’d failed to see what was right in front of her.
“Are you up for an adventure?”
“That depends on your definition of adventure.” If Jana had sent the letter, had she sent one to Odar as well? Or was she only concerned with destroying Allyssa?
“I want to set a trap of our own.” He raised his eyebrows, awaiting her answer.
“Are you suggesting we lure Jana to us?”
“Yes, and then we kill her.” The sun had disappeared behind the ocean, casting a blood-red glow over the sky.
The last time Allyssa chose to spare a murderer’s life, the consequences were catastrophic. If she had just been strong enough to kill Soma that first night in the cave like Odar wanted, she would have never been taken into Russek. Her time there had taught her that some people were too dangerous to be left alive.
“Why are you willing to help me?”
“I swore to protect your mother and brother. I will do whatever is necessary to accomplish that.”
“Then we have a deal.” She turned and headed toward the house.
“Wrong,” Nathenek said. “We have a partnership.”
She stopped and faced this man, her partner in crime, giving him a fierce grin. “I pity the person who gets in our way.”