Chapter Eighteen
Allyssa sat on the couch while Odar stood with his arms folded across his chest, both intently listening as Kerdan outlined the plan he devised. The entire royal family would be visiting a powerful noble’s estate several miles to the north in two days. There was one bridge they needed to cross just outside a nearby town. All Odar and Allyssa had to do was disable the bridge so that when the royal family’s carriage went over it, it collapsed, killing those inside. He then went on to explain that he would take Allyssa to the town tomorrow. There, he would point out the bridge and show her where the necessary tools would be hidden.
“What about you?” Odar asked. “What role do you play in this?”
“I will be on horseback with my father. We will remain behind the carriage at a safe distance.”
“And once the bridge collapses?” Odar asked.
“You run like hell.” He folded his arms, imitating Odar. Allyssa held in her laugh.
“I suppose something simple like shooting them from a distance wouldn’t work,” Odar mumbled.
“No, it wouldn’t. Once the soldiers realized what was happening, they would hunt you down for assassinating the royal family. The bridge collapsing will simply appear to be an accident. As chaos ensues, the two of you will be afforded an opportunity to escape without anyone pursuing.”
“Very well,” Odar said.
“Just be sure to claim you have a stomachache and remain in bed so you don’t wind up in that carriage with them.”
The plan was bold, especially since it would be daytime. However, Allyssa thought it would work. Kerdan had assured her the terrain was such that she and Odar could easily slip away unnoticed. The only thing he hadn’t explained was how they would disable the bridge.
Odar looked from her to Kerdan and then back again. “I’d like a moment alone with Princess Allyssa,” he said.
Kerdan nodded. “Very well, but be quick. I must escort you back to the royal wing as soon as possible. We can’t risk Shelene realizing you’re not there.”
Odar snorted. “She’s still asleep and won’t rise before the midday meal.”
Allyssa bit her tongue. She really wanted to say something nasty about the princess, especially knowing Odar once had feelings for her. But she didn’t want to display her jealous side before these two men.
Kerdan paused at the door. “I’ll be in the hallway,” he said. “When you’re done, let me know.” It seemed like he wanted to say more, but he left the room without another word.
“Before we discuss Kerdan’s plan, I need to know how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine.” Her stomach and arm barely hurt.
He let out a sigh and sat next to her. “When rumors started circulating that you were dead, I almost murdered everyone in a fit of rage.”
“How did you find out?” she asked.
“Shelene told me. I think she wanted to see my reaction. Thankfully, Kerdan pulled me aside and explained what happened before I did something rash.”
There were so many games and deceptions in this castle of darkness.
Odar leaned forward and kissed her lips. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you.” He gently kissed her again. “You do understand that the marriage treaty I signed with Shelene isn’t valid? That you and I are still legally engaged?” He rested his forehead against hers.
“Yes.” They just needed his parents’ approval and the marriage ceremony could take place. That was, if they made it out of Russek alive. She reached up and touched his cheek. Her dark hand next to his lighter skin; her fingertips still ugly and scabbed over. “Let’s discuss the plan.”
He shook his head. “It’s fine. We’ll make it work.”
“Then what did you want to talk about?”
Lowering his voice, he said, “You know not to trust Prince Kerdan, don’t you?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve been staying with him for days. He has aided me more than once. There is nothing to be concerned about.”
“That’s not what I meant,” he said. “I fear he is using you to do his dirty work.”
“He is using me.” Kerdan wanted her to kill the royal family, and she needed him to get her out of Russek and to stop the war. Their agreement was born of necessity. A pure and simple negotiation where they both got what they wanted.
“I think there’s more to it than that.” Odar ran his hands through his dark hair. “I mean, why you? He could pull this off without your help. There are dozens of ways he could kill Jana and keep his hands clean.”
“If something goes wrong, he can blame me, the princess of Russek’s enemy staying right here in the castle. It is the perfect cover story.” It was what she would do in his situation. She wasn’t stupid. She knew the risks and felt they were worth it.
He leaned back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. “We’re overlooking something.”
“He just wants them dead,” she said, unable to reveal Kerdan’s hatred for Jana, his suspicion that Jana killed his mother in order to take the throne. Allyssa had promised secrecy in that room and intended to keep that promise.
“And once we dispose of them, then what?”
“The war ends. He promised me he would stop it.” Jana wanted Emperion, not the king. He was only invading to appease her.
“They’ve already conquered Melenia. Do you honestly think Jana’s death will end the war? And if so, what about Kricok, Landania, and Fia?”
“Those kingdoms now fall under the Emperion Empire. I don’t know what will happen to Melenia.” And Russek had only taken Melenia to gain soldiers to ensure they had an advantage when they attacked Emperion. Jana was the problem, and if they removed her, the problem would be resolved.
Odar said, “You claim this is all about revenge.”
“It is. Jana will stop at nothing to see my family destroyed.”
“I agree. But…what if there’s more to it than that? What if the king and Kerdan have another agenda?”
Why did Odar have to overthink this? Or had he heard something, seen something that fueled his suspicions? “Kerdan hasn’t indicated anything else is going on to me.”
“Promise me something.” She nodded. “Don’t let your guard down or trust anyone here. You can’t be swayed by how…nice Prince Kerdan is treating you. He is a captain in the Russek Army and is just as ruthless as his father. Don’t underestimate him.”
On the exterior, Kerdan appeared every bit as bloodthirsty as the king. However, he was a good man on the inside who would one day be a great leader. He wore masks—just like she did. Just like Odar did. “I understand your concern. But it’s not necessary.”
“You’re wrong. We’re a means to an end. Puppets in this performance.”
“If that’s what it takes to get us out of Russek and stop the war, then so be it.”
“Sometimes, you’re too quick to act and reckless.”
Allyssa stiffened. She hadn’t made the bargain with Kerdan without thinking it through. She wasn’t a fool. “You don’t have to participate in the plan. Go back to Shelene and play the doting fiancé.”
He ignored her outburst, as if he hadn’t heard a word of it. “And you’re loyal beyond belief. You’d walk through fire for those you love.”
“Your point?” she snapped. Once they married, would all their conversations be so heated and exhausting?
He reached up, cupping her cheek. “Both Prince Kerdan and Soma know I care for you. What if they use that against us? All either one has to do is put a knife to your throat, and I’m powerless.”
Allyssa understood his fear—she had it too. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for Odar, her parents, or her kingdom. That was how love worked. She knew her heart couldn’t stay locked in a cage, shielded from everything. “It’s not like you can stop loving me just to protect me,” she whispered. “Love doesn’t work that way.” He closed his eyes. “Odar?” she asked, wondering what he was thinking. He wasn’t…afraid…to love her, was he?
“I should go.” He abruptly stood and went to the door, leaving her feeling cold and alone. As if she was indeed missing something.
***
“When you said you would show me where the bridge is located, this isn’t the excursion I had in mind,” Allyssa said, shivering as she glanced up at the darkening sky. Thick gray clouds rolled in, promising more snow.
“You honestly didn’t think we’d travel with my soldiers, did you?” He gave her a look that implied the mere idea reeked of stupidity.
She rolled her eyes. She didn’t think they would travel with his men—not when they were going to the place where she planned to murder the royal family. However, she most certainly didn’t think they would travel on foot through the thick snow to the bridge. Nor did she anticipate traveling with four other men on their way to the local market with a cart loaded with goods to sell.
“Couldn’t we have ridden on horseback?” Her blasted feet were going numb despite the thick leather boots and wool socks she wore.
“Around here,” Kerdan responded, “commoners don’t own horses. Only the army and those with extreme wealth do.”
“You mean to tell me people walk from one town to another?” That would take forever and didn’t seem very efficient.
“Shortly after Jana weaseled her way into my father’s life, she recommended every soldier be mounted. So, the army commandeered as many horses as they could.”
“That’s horrible.” Kerdan had said that when Jana took the throne, Russek began sinking into poverty. Now Allyssa was starting to understand why. The prince’s face looked haunted, so she tried changing the subject. “How far is the town?”
Kerdan hitched the sack he carried higher on his back. “About two miles.”
Two bloody miles. “This is insane.” She did not want to hike two miles through the snow when the sky kept getting darker, indicating another snowstorm would arrive at any moment.
“There are a dozen towns in Clovek, all roughly two miles from the castle. Far enough away that the castle doesn’t feel threatened, yet close enough for protection in case we’re attacked.”
No wonder no one ever attacked Russek. It wasn’t worth braving the weather. “Have you ever been out of Russek?” she asked, wondering how much of the world he’d seen. She relied largely on the accounts of her parents and tutors to understand the kingdoms around her.
“No. My father wants me here.”
There were so many questions she wanted to ask him about his education, training, and what he envisioned in his future. However, asking such things implied friendship or intimacy; which they didn’t have.
They continued walking behind the small cart being pulled by two of Kerdan’s men. He assured her they were loyal to him and wouldn’t ask any questions. Two more of his men traveled twenty or so feet behind them. They were all similarly dressed in trousers and tunics with knit caps and gloves. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a scarf and snot dripped from her nose. Lovely.
“You’re probably not used to looking like a commoner,” Kerdan observed.
“Being dressed like this feels like home.” Memories of her and Grevik hanging out in taverns, running through the city, and putting criminals behind bars surfaced. She had tried so hard to keep thoughts of him at bay. It was difficult to believe he was dead. That he would never work in the City Guard like his father. And worse, she was responsible for his death. He would be alive if he hadn’t been her friend. If Soma hadn’t murdered him to get to her.
“What’s the matter?” Kerdan asked, his deep voice startling her.
“Nothing.” She wiped her nose on her glove.
“We’re almost there. The town is just beyond that rise.” He pointed up ahead. “When we get into the town, don’t use my name.”
This journey suddenly became more interesting. “What should I call you?”
“Nothing. I don’t want you speaking at all. Your skin color is bad enough. If you talk, you will reveal your southern heritage.”
What an arrogant prick. “I don’t speak with an accent; you do. And what do you mean about my skin color being bad?” She was darker than every Russek person she’d seen, but they all lived where the sun rarely shone. And she was used to having darker skin than most—she took after her father. “I’m the same color as Jana.”
“You did not just compare yourself to that goat.” He shuddered. She laughed at Kerdan’s aversion to her heritage. “As I was saying,” he continued, “don’t speak, and make sure you follow my lead. We’re merchants from the castle selling baked goods.” He pulled the neckline of his tunic away from his throat.
“Itchy?” she asked. She hated wool and missed the silky clothing she was used to wearing back home. Blasted. Did she just say she missed the luxuries of court?
“Will you focus?” he scolded her.
She was focusing—on how bloody cold it was. As far as Kerdan was concerned, he needn’t worry. She would blend in well enough and knew what to do to maintain their cover.
She had seen poverty before. Her mother often took her to the capital where they donated food to the shelters to help those in need. However, that did not prepare her for what she saw as she descended the hill and entered the town. Dinky wooden structures, in no position to keep out the cold, dominated the barren landscape. As they got closer to the town’s center, people milled about dressed in worn clothing, the colors muted and matching the buildings and dirt roads. As it was considered part of the capital, Allyssa hadn’t expected the entire town to be so destitute.
They came to the market situated around a large well. People sold various goods, the selection dismal. Kerdan’s two men pulled the cart to the west side and set it down between two carts similarly sized. People immediately swarmed over to it, buying the bread and muffins they sold.
“It’s the cheapest,” Kerdan explained. “We can’t give it away without drawing suspicion, but we can sell it below market value, pretending not to know any better.”
Children, faces dirty and clothes patched together, begged for a taste. One of Kerdan’s men had a loaf of bread, and he tore pieces off for each of them to try.
“I want to help,” Allyssa said, taking a step toward the cart.
Kerdan grabbed her arm. “You will be helping—by coming with me.” He led her through the crowd, past several shabby buildings, and to the outskirts of the drab town. A few trees were scattered along the riverbank, the water half frozen over.
“Let’s sit and talk.” He pointed to a fallen tree trunk.
She climbed on it and sat, her feet dangling over the side. He jumped on and sat next to her. The prince looked so much younger without the black paint swirled over his face. She didn’t consider him to be a handsome man, but he certainly looked interesting. His square face accentuated by his thick eyebrows and long, dark hair made his skin appear even paler than usual. She didn’t realize how much darker her skin was until he had pointed it out.
“That’s the bridge.” He nodded up ahead. About sixty feet away, a wooden bridge crossed over the river. It was wide enough for a carriage to easily traverse.
“And how do you expect Odar and me to bring it down?” There were only two of them, and the bridge was quite large.
“On the underside of this tree trunk is an ax. You and Odar will use it on the posts of the bridge to weaken them. Make sure to do it close to the waterline so no one sees it.”
“How do you know it will hold until the carriage is on it?” Too many things could go wrong.
“My soldiers will cross single file. Once the weight of the carriage is upon it, the bridge will collapse, I assure you.”
She absently nodded. “Once we weaken the posts, we’re free to go?” Or did they have to wait until it actually collapsed?
“Yes. You’re free to go.” He looked sidelong at her. “Your journey won’t be easy. Whatever you do, keep moving. Put as much distance between yourself and the castle as possible.”
“What about food and supplies?” As excited as she was to get out of Russek, she did not look forward to traveling through this weather.
“I’ll have what you need stashed under this tree.” He folded his hands on his lap. “As much as I distrust Odar, I am glad you won’t be traveling alone.”
That made two of them. She couldn’t imagine navigating her way through this kingdom all by herself. Snow started falling. She pulled her cap lower on her head, making sure her ears were covered. “I want to thank you for releasing me from the dungeon and not letting Soma kill me.”
Kerdan opened his gloved hand, small snowflakes landing on his palm and melting. “And I want to thank you for agreeing to my plan.”
They sat in silence, the snow falling. Allyssa wouldn’t say they were friends, nor would she say she fully trusted him. Yet, sitting there by his side, she felt hope. Hope for the future of Emperion, hope for Russek. One day, they would each be ruling their respective kingdoms, possibly working together again. At least she knew he had Russek’s best interest at heart. And he would be a far better king than his father.
“Thank you for trusting me,” she said. “I know your trust is not easily given.”
“Since my mother’s death, I have not trusted anyone.”
She wondered if that meant he didn’t trust her.
“We should go.” He jumped off the tree, not offering her a hand.
She smiled and hopped down, thankful he treated her as an equal and not a helpless woman.