Chapter Fourteen
Allyssa and Kerdan stood opposite one another in the middle of the round room. When he first suggested they fight, she didn’t think he actually meant sparring, so she was rather surprised when he led her to this empty room a level below his bedchamber.
Dressed in rough wool pants, a thin shirt, and a tunic, Allyssa seemed more like the vigilante Lilly than a princess. She had even pulled her hair back into a braid, wrapping it around her head to get it out of the way. For the first time in weeks, she felt in her element.
“Since I am larger and more skilled than you,” Kerdan said, “I will fight blindfolded.”
Bloody hell, Allyssa thought. He certainly has a high opinion of himself. “While you are larger than me, your technique and skill remains to be seen.”
“Did you escape yesterday?” he asked while tying a strip of fabric around his eyes and securing it at the back of his head.
“Well, no, but—”
“Do you control a portion of your army?”
As the princess of Emperion, she was involved in some of the decision making; however, she did not fight on the battlefield like Kerdan did. Her father refused to allow her any sort of actual combat or field experience. Her training was done in a sparring room or learned from her escapades throughout the city. “No,” she admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I am lacking.”
“I’m not trying to prove a point, only to put you on equal footing.” He adjusted the blindfold.
In order to win against a bigger, more muscled opponent, strategy would be key. And while Kerdan may not be trying to prove a point, she certainly was. For what she lacked in strength, she made up for with cunning wit and did not need an advantage.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“One moment,” she replied. “My tunic is too long. I’m adjusting it so I can move easier.” She pulled off the tunic, thankful she wore a shirt underneath. Since her boots would make noise on the stone flooring, giving away her location, she quickly unlaced and removed them, trying not to make a sound.
“I’m ready.” Instead of remaining in front of the prince, she moved to the side of him. He took a step forward to where she had just been standing. Allyssa held her breath and tiptoed behind him. Knowing she didn’t have much time until he figured out her plan, she slammed the bottom of her foot into the back of his left knee, forcing it to bend while simultaneously grabbing hold of his shoulders and pulling them back toward her.
He fell to the ground and held up his hands, laughing. “When you fought the soldiers the other day, I wasn’t sure if it was sheer terror that fueled you or if you actually had some skill.” He removed his blindfold and looked up at her, his eyes instantly intense. “I’ve heard Prince Odar is proficient with a sword.” When she didn’t respond, he forged on. “Tell me how my stepbrother managed to capture the two of you.”
A reasonable question and one she constantly thought about. She shook her head, not wanting to reveal that when Soma attacked, she could have fled, but stayed behind to help Marek instead. Then, when the assassin threatened Odar, she’d readily complied to his demands. If Kerdan knew her weakness, he would use it to his advantage.
“Are you truly Princess Allyssa?” he asked, jumping to his feet in one swift motion.
“I am,” she whispered, feeling oddly exposed before this man. Why were they here, fighting, in order to become better acquainted? What did he want from her?
“Most princesses are concerned with politics and using their position to their advantage. They do not bother to learn combat skills.” He rubbed his chin, waiting for her to speak.
But she had nothing to say to this strange man. Her enemy.
“Your father is known for being a great military leader.” He took a step closer to her. She had to crane her neck back to see his face. “Did he teach you to fight?”
“Why do you care?” she countered, taking a step back and putting more space between them. He wanted something from her—and she had an inkling it had nothing to do with the upcoming war. “What use am I to you?” Whatever game he played or line he toed, she had a sick feeling it was far more deadly than being locked in the dungeon. She needed to tread with caution.
“What use is the heir to the Emperion throne?” He tilted his head to the side, his eyes dissecting every inch of her face. She refused to flinch or show fear before this man, although he made her cower inside.
He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I think you should be asking yourself this—what can the heir of the Russek throne do for you?”
A chill slid over her skin. They were on dangerous grounds. Staring into his eyes, she didn’t see a cruel soldier standing before her, but a man hinting at an alliance if she was brave enough, strong enough, and cunning enough to forge it. However, she had to proceed with the utmost caution. For all she knew, Kerdan could be as cruel as Soma. “I am suddenly lightheaded from all the activity.” She wanted an opportunity to think without him watching her every move. “I’d like to rest.”
He leaned down close to her ear. “You play your part exceedingly well. You are just what I need.” He stepped away from her, and his face shifted, becoming stern. “Allow me to escort you back to my room,” he said, his voice loud, clear. He scooped up her tunic and boots and exited the tower, leaving a very stunned Allyssa there with her thoughts in a jumble. Apparently, he also played his part exceedingly well.
***
“I am needed at the military garrison today,” Kerdan said to Allyssa as she stood gazing out the window. “Would you like to accompany me or stay here locked in my room?” The snow had to be several feet deep. From her vantage point, no roads were visible. How would she ever escape? “Allyssa?” he gently asked. “Are you all right?” He stood a few feet behind her.
She kept her back to him, refusing to turn around. Since they’d sparred yesterday, she hadn’t seen him again until this morning. He’d kept her locked in his bedchamber, which she hadn’t minded since she was still exhausted and recovering from her time in the dungeon. Should she go with him, or should she stay? Neither option came without risk, but staying here and doing nothing was the safer route. Yet, she knew hiding out here wasn’t the smartest move. She needed to learn the layout of the castle, meet servants who might be sympathetic to her cause, and find an opportunity to escape—with or without Odar.
“I’ll accompany you.” She watched his reflection in the window.
He nodded once, as if he’d expected that answer. “You will dress as one of my soldiers and remain in disguise during our journey. I don’t want anyone to know you are out and about.”
He must be used to giving orders and having them followed without question. While she didn’t particularly care to obey so readily, allowing him to maintain the upper hand, what he said about no one knowing she accompanied him was rather enticing. Almost too good to be true. It certainly appeared as if he wanted some form of…what? An alliance seemed too strong of a word. An understanding, perhaps? However, she couldn’t rush into anything. Her options needed to be investigated from various angles. She could not afford to be blindsided like she was with Jarvik-turned-Odar. “Very well,” she said, making her first move and agreeing to play his game.
“There is one matter I’d like to discuss.”
“Only one?” she mumbled, her warm breath fogging up the cold glass as she leaned her head against the window.
“I must maintain a certain…disposition in front of my family and army.” He took a step closer to her and lowered his voice. “I’ll try not to hurt you.”
Allyssa straightened. “What do you mean by try not to hurt me?” She spun around and faced him.
“I am my father’s son.”
“Surely you do not abuse those who serve in your army?” Darmik never treated his soldiers with disrespect, and he controlled the largest kingdom on the continent, proving a vicious leader was not necessary.
“I am not kind to anyone, especially to those who are beneath me.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “At least, that is the appearance here in this castle.”
Here in this castle, but perhaps not elsewhere? This was a man of many contradictions. What did Odar think of him? A thought suddenly occurred to her—maybe, just maybe, she had some bargaining power. “Can I request something from you?” After all, Kerdan had indicated more than once that he wanted something from her.
“What is it?” His face gave away nothing.
“I’d like the opportunity to speak with Prince Odar.” Kerdan’s cheek twitched. “Alone,” she clarified. They stood in silence for a full minute. Her blasted breathing hitched. Hopefully, he didn’t notice.
“May I ask why?”
“You have your secrets, and I have mine.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” He went over to his dressing closet and removed a well-worn military jacket, throwing it at her. “Put this on.” She grabbed the heavy material and slid her arms through the sleeves. “You’ll also need this.” He handed her a gray knit hat. She pulled it over her head, shoving her hair beneath it.
“How do I look?” She was used to disguising herself, and a jolt of excitement swirled inside her. She’d been locked up for too long.
“Pull your pants up higher so they don’t drag on the ground, and button the jacket.”
She did not care for his blunt directions. “Please,” she scolded him as she folded the waist of her pants.
“I didn’t realize I needed to bother with such formalities. Did I offend you, oh gentle princess?” He strapped a sword around his waist.
Was he teasing her? “No, you did not offend me. However, I think it wise to remember who I am. Just because I am here against my will, dressed as a common foot soldier, does not give you the right to be rude to me.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I’m surprised Soma managed to arrive with you still alive.”
“He gagged me for most of the journey.”
Kerdan burst out laughing, the sound startling her. “Good. I’m glad you annoyed the bloke.” His smile softened his harsh face. “Let’s go.” He grabbed his jacket, putting it on.
They exited his room and descended several flights of stairs. At a small landing, five men, similarly dressed, joined them without pause. One reached out and gently pulled Allyssa behind Kerdan so they walked in pairs, the prince leading the way. It reminded her of the time she’d snuck in and out of the Emperion castle with Odar and his men in their attempt to save Grevik. Odar had helped her because he wanted to discover the assassin’s identity. Did Kerdan want to undermine Jana, or did he have something else in mind?
They entered a large hall with a dozen people milling about. Kerdan headed directly toward the center of the room where the king stood surrounded by a handful of sentries. When the prince neared, the sentries backed up several paces.
Allyssa stopped alongside Kerdan’s soldiers, ten feet away from the king. A fire roared in the large hearth, barely heating the massive room bathed in dull gray light from the high windows.
Kerdan dropped to one knee. “Your Majesty.” He stood. “I am headed to the garrison to ready my men.” He pulled on a pair of gloves, flexing his fingers.
“Have them prepared to leave with the second wave in a fortnight,” the king responded.
“Your Majesty!” a young boy about ten years old called out, running into the room and toward the king. “This letter just arrived for you.” He held out a piece of paper, breathing heavily.
King Drenton snatched the paper and opened the seal, reading the contents. His face turned red, contorting in rage. He shoved the letter at his son, who silently read it. “Where is the messenger?” the king demanded.
“I…I don’t know,” the boy stammered. “He gave it to me and bid me bring it to you, Your Majesty.”
The king unsheathed his sword. In one swift motion, he brought the weapon down, slicing off the boy’s right arm. The boy screamed, falling to the ground, blood gushing from the wound. Horror filled Allyssa, and she ran toward the boy. If they stopped the bleeding soon enough, the boy would live.
Kerdan grabbed her by the jacket, throwing her to the floor and placing his large boot atop her back. “Where do you think you’re going?” he snarled. “I told you to stay put. Do not move unless I tell you to. Understood?”
“Someone has to help the boy.” He was running out of time.
Kerdan kicked her side. Pain exploded in her torso, and she curled into herself, not expecting such a violent outburst from him. “Apologize to the king,” he demanded.
“Apologize? For what?” She rolled over, facing the boy. He had passed out, blood pooling around his still body. “Someone help him!” His skin turned white. He was only a child and had done nothing wrong.
No one moved.
Why wouldn’t anyone help him? A sob escaped her mouth. The prince crouched next to her, a small knife dangling from his gloved fingers. “If I have to repeat myself, you will wish you were that boy.”
She glanced up into Kerdan’s cold eyes and knew he meant what he said. She tilted her head toward the king. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” she wheezed, still trying to catch her breath from the kick. She hated the prince for allowing this to happen, she hated the king for harming the boy, and she hated Russek for existing.
“Son,” the king said. “Is that the princess?”
“It is,” Kerdan replied, standing.
King Drenton laughed, the sound savage in the vast room. “You’re forcing her to serve as a soldier?” He slapped his son’s shoulder in approval.
“I am forcing her to serve all my needs, Father.”
A new fear trickled through her. If word got out that she was holed up with the prince, her reputation would be ruined.
“Well done,” the king said. “Just don’t let your stepmother find out. She would be upset.”
“Queen Jana is not my mother,” Kerdan softly replied. He returned the message to his father.
Allyssa glanced at the boy. His chest no longer rose and fell. The blood turned dark around him. So much death and destruction in this vile kingdom. She staggered to her feet. Bloody hell, that hurts. She wanted to fight back but knew the effort would be futile in a room filled with armed men.
“I need to deal with this,” the king said, folding the paper in half. “Not having access to the river impedes our supply chain.”
River? Supply chain? Allyssa had been right about Russek using the river when they invaded. “What happened to your soldiers at the cave in the Romek Mountains?” she asked, hating to call the men soldiers—they were animals who had slaughtered her men. And one day, Russek would pay.
“How do you know about that?” Drenton demanded.
“Prince Soma took me there,” she said, altering the truth slightly.
“You were at the cave with Soma?”
“Yes. We left when word reached him that a squad of Emperion soldiers were nearby. He was worried they would find and rescue me.”
The king balled the paper and growled. “You.” He pointed at the closest sentry. The man’s face drained of all color. “Come here.” When the sentry neared, the king punched him. “Soma should have stayed and fought.” Drenton punched the sentry again. “His skills could have made the difference.” The sentry fell, and the king turned his attention to his son.
Allyssa fought a smile. Her men must have killed the Russek beasts. Good. They deserved it.
“Instead, Soma chose to bring Princess Allyssa and Prince Odar here.” Kerdan lowered his voice to a whisper and said, “I’ve been telling you, Father, Soma is under the queen’s command. Not yours. Now if you’ll excuse me, there is much to be done to make up for Soma’s errors.” Kerdan grabbed Allyssa’s arm, pulling her away from the king.