Chapter Twenty-Nine
Exiting the palace, Allyssa attempted to gracefully descend the stairs without limping or hunching over. Approximately fifty soldiers mounted on horses surrounded a lone carriage, ready to escort her to Emperion. No one from the royal family was there to see her off.
“Princess Allyssa,” Allek called out from behind her. He hurried down the stairs, catching up to her. “I’ve just been assigned as part of the Fren envoy.” He took her arm, helping her down the remaining stairs.
“It will be nice to have a familiar face on my journey.”
He smiled and opened the carriage door. She climbed inside, refusing to take his proffered hand for help.
“I’ll be traveling on horseback alongside the carriage. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to wave your hand, and I’ll see to your every need.”
“Who assigned you?” she asked, taking a seat on the plush bench.
He hesitated a moment before replying, “His Highness, Prince Odar, specifically asked me to accompany you on this journey. He placed you in my care.”
She bit her bottom lip so she wouldn’t cry or scream.
“Are you ready to depart?”
“Yes, I’m ready to go home.”
He bowed and shut the door. Someone shouted orders and the carriage lurched forward, the soldiers riding alongside. Wasn’t Odar going to say good-bye? She glanced back at the ornate Fren palace for the last time. Movement in one of the windows caught her attention. A man stood there, his forehead leaning against the windowpane, his right hand wiping his cheeks. The carriage turned, cutting off her view of the palace and its inhabitants. And just like that, Odar was gone.
***
Allyssa lost track of time. They traveled all day, only stopping at small inns when it was too dark to adequately see. On more than one occasion, she thought of stealing a horse and riding to Emperion on her own. However, journeying in the carriage afforded her body the time it needed to heal. Each day, her injuries faded a little more, and she became stronger. Allek took his job seriously and never left her side. He even went so far as to station a guard in her room at night. She shivered, remembering her restless sleep last night. It had been plagued with her time in the dungeon, Jana torturing her, and Odar breaking her heart.
Maybe she could fall asleep in the carriage for a few hours. She pulled her legs onto the bench and rested her head against the side, trying to get comfortable. Several men shouted orders to one another, and the carriage slowed. It couldn’t be much past midday, far too early to stop for the night. And from the look of it, they were in the middle of nowhere. They came to a stop, and Allek knocked on her window.
She opened the door. “Is everything all right?”
“We’ve reached the Emperion border.”
“And?” Weren’t they going to take her to the castle in Lakeside? If they intended to leave her here, she would demand they at least provide her with a horse. Fren’s hospitality was severely lacking.
“There’s a man up ahead,” he said, gripping the hilt of his sword. “He’s standing in the middle of the road.”
For a brief moment, she feared it was Soma. But he was dead. “What does the man want?”
“To speak with you. He said his name is Neco, and he was sent by Empress Rema and Emperor Darmik to escort you home.” She jumped out of the carriage. “Wait!” he insisted. “It could be a trap. Do you even know a man by that name?”
“Yes.” Shoving around Allek, she ran past the Fren soldiers until she saw Neco. Her heart swelled with relief, and she couldn’t stop the tears. She ran to him, her ribs and leg sore, but she didn’t care.
When she was about five feet away, he dropped to one knee, bowing his head. “Princess Allyssa.”
“There’s no need for formalities,” she said.
He stood, his eyes raking over her body from head to toe. “You’re injured?”
She threw her arms around him. “My wounds have been tended to.” She’d never been so glad to see him in all her life.
He kissed the top of her head and held her at arm’s length. “I can’t believe you’re alive,” he whispered.
“That makes two of us.” Dirt crunched behind her as Allek approached.
“Are you…alone?” Neco asked. The question sent a ripple of pain through her, the loss of Odar still too fresh to talk about. “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong? The Fren messenger informed us that the prince was alive as well.”
Taking a deep breath, she replied, “I am alone. Prince Odar chose not to accompany me.”
He gave a curt nod. “Your parents asked me to bring you home. I’d like to dismiss the Fren soldiers. Is this satisfactory to you? Or do you wish to continue on with these…men?” His body turned stiff and rigid—he was furious, barely containing his ire. Good, because his feelings toward Fren mirrored her own.
“I wish for you to escort me.”
“Excellent.” He looked at the Frens. “Thank you for delivering the princess. You are no longer welcome in Emperion. Good day.”
Allek stepped forward. “Your Highness, I need to speak with the empress and emperor about the marriage contract.”
Neco cleared his throat. “As you have been granted permission to speak on your sovereigns’ behalf, so have I.”
Allyssa folded her arms and waited for Allek to say the dreaded words. Would Neco see her as a failure? Her parents had tasked her with seeking the king and queen’s approval and marrying Odar. She didn’t accomplish either one.
“Fren wishes to sever the marriage contract between Prince Odar and Princess Allyssa.”
“We assumed so based on your lack of help when Russek attacked us,” Neco responded. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. “But I must know, on what grounds?” His voice was calm and laced with fury, sending a shiver down her spine. Bloody hell—she missed him.
“Russek no longer poses a threat to our kingdom.”
Now that Fren knew Russek intended to destroy Emperion, they’d mistakenly assumed they were safe. Jana would seek revenge for the murders of her mother and children. Odar was a part of that. Instead of explaining any of this to Allek, she kept her mouth shut. Odar had already made up his mind.
“That is what they think?” Neco clarified. “That Russek is no longer a threat because King Drenton is dead?”
“Yes, it is,” he responded.
Neco turned his attention to Allyssa. “The empress said the choice is yours.” There was a choice? “The contract is signed. If you wish to hold Fren to it, we will go to war if need be.”
Allek stiffened. She rubbed her temple, trying to decide what was best for Emperion. They had control over Kricok, Landania, and Fia, making their army the strongest on the mainland. Plus, the state of Russek was rather precarious.
“Princess?” Neco asked, awaiting her decision.
She could feel the weight of the crown atop her head, even though she didn’t physically wear it. “Since Fren no longer desires the match, neither do I.” She faced Allek. “I want you to deliver a message to your king and queen. If Russek, or any other kingdom, should pose a threat to Fren, you are on your own. Do not seek Emperion’s help, for we will not give it.”
Allek pulled out Fren’s copy of the marriage contract, Neco snatching it and withdrawing Emperion’s. He tore the signature pages in two, the sound loud on the quiet road. And that was it—she was no longer engaged. Instead of feeling free, a dark sadness filled her.
“If Fren has any other matters to discuss,” Neco said, “they can send written correspondence to the empress and emperor. You will leave the princess alone. I believe she has suffered enough.” He offered Allyssa his arm, she took it, and they walked away from the Fren soldiers.
Breathing in the glorious Emperion air, she cried tears of joy.
“You’re shaking,” Neco whispered.
“I’m home.” A smile spread across her face, lighting it up. She didn’t dare look back at the sound of horses retreating. They continued on until the only sound came from the birds chirping.
Neco glanced back. “They’re gone.” His shoulders sagged, and he wrapped his arms around her. “I am so sorry,” he said, holding her tight. “Tell me what happened.”
She shook her head, not having the strength or energy to discuss it yet. “Marek?” she asked.
“He’s safe. Your parents, Mayra, Madeline, they’re all safe. We’ve been worried sick about you. Your parents—”
“I can’t,” Allyssa cut him off. “It’s too much, too soon. I need time to process everything.”
He didn’t push the matter. “I have horses just over the next rise.” They resumed walking. “I have some plain clothes for you to change into. You can burn that thing you’re wearing.”
She snorted. It felt good to be home. This was just what she needed—normalcy.
Neco’s arm stiffened, and he unsheathed his sword. Up ahead, under the cover of the trees, two horses she recognized munched on grass. “What is it?” Scanning the area, she didn’t notice anything out of place or disconcerting.
“Someone is nearby. I can feel it.” He pushed her behind him. “Do you have a weapon?”
“No.”
“My left boot.”
Reaching down, she plucked a knife free. Her arm shook. The last time she held a weapon, she’d killed someone.
A man donning a plain brown cape and hood stepped out from behind a tree, his face concealed in shadow.
“Stay where you are,” Neco demanded, raising his sword. “Who are you and what do you want?”
She didn’t see any weapons on the man; however, he was almost as wide as a tree and towered over Neco. His stance reminded her of a Russek soldier. She tensed.
“I wish to speak with the princess,” a familiar voice said.
“Kerdan?” She stepped next to Neco to have a better look.
Kerdan pushed his hood back, revealing his face, which was covered with black marks as if ready for battle. “The one and only.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked, taking a step toward him. His eyes drooped and there was a tinge of purple to the skin below them, as if he hadn’t slept in days.
Neco grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Do you know him?”
“This is Prince Kerdan of Russek.” His grip tightened. “We are on friendly terms with one another.” At least she hoped they were after her botched attempt to kill Jana.
“Russek held you hostage, said they killed you, and waged war on Emperion.” Neco tried to shield her with his body, preventing Kerdan from having a direct line of sight to her.
“Queen Jana did, but not her stepson. The prince kept me alive. He ensured my survival.”
“I only need a moment of the princess’s time,” Kerdan said. “Then I’ll be on my way.”
Neco’s focus remained on the prince as he whispered to her, “You need to fill me in on everything.”
“I will. For now, let me speak with him.”
He let go of her arm, and she rushed toward Kerdan. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”
“Neither did I,” he answered. His eyes flickered to Neco and back. “Can we speak privately?”
“That’s not possible,” Neco answered. “I will not allow the princess out of my sight. Especially after all she has endured.”
“Fair enough,” Kerdan answered. “But this is a private conversation.”
“Neco can be trusted,” she assured him. “He’s like a second father to me.”
“I assumed that to be the case since he was sent to recover you.” Kerdan rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not used to seeing you in a fancy dress.”
“Are you okay?”
“No,” he admitted. “Everything is a mess.” His shoulders hunched forward, and he made a fist, placing it against his forehead. “All my careful planning, and it’s come to this.” He shook his head, appearing defeated.
“I’m sorry we didn’t kill Jana. Your current predicament is my fault.” Did he need a safe place to stay? Was he in hiding? “Tell me what happened after we parted ways.”
“When I went to . . .” He glanced at Neco and lowered his voice. “When I went to kill my father, I found him dead. Stabbed to death.”
Someone beat him to it? Who else wanted the king dead and for what purpose?
“Soldiers stormed in, arresting me. That night, I managed to escape. I’d heard Jana sent soldiers into Emperion to attack. I immediately went to the base camp and ordered the soldiers to withdraw. I announced the king’s death and explained that Jana arranged for his murder, falsely accused me, and she was still sitting on the throne. I proclaimed my desire to overthrow her. The men loyal to me are under my command.”
“And the others?”
“Retreated in the chaos. Jana called all loyal soldiers to the castle to protect her. She’s holed up there with the nobles and their money backing her.”
“Why do you think she had the king assassinated?” It seemed as if it would have been easier to keep him alive if her goal was the destruction of Emperion.
“To arrest and kill me for the crime. Then she would have complete control.”
“What are you going to do?” Fighting a civil war would pit Russek against Russek. What a horrible position to be in.
“I’m going to fight for my throne…for my kingdom.” He took a deep breath. “Which is why I’m here.”
If he wanted Emperion’s support, she would have to discuss it with her parents before she promised him anything.
“I have another proposition for you.”
“I’m sorry you came all this way, but I’m not interested.” She had no intention of entering another arrangement with Kerdan. Her days of treason, espionage, and assassination were over. For the first time, she looked forward to returning to a boring life at court.
He clasped his hands behind his back and shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Will you at least hear me out?”
He came all this way to speak to her, the least she could do was listen since he had done so much for her. “Yes, but that is all I can promise right now.”
Kerdan cleared his throat. “My kingdom is facing an internal war. Jana sits on the throne, has the backing of the nobles, and controls a large portion of the army. In order to overthrow her, I need an advantage. Which brings me to my proposition. I consider you to be a good friend.”
“I consider you to be a good friend, too.” She wondered where he was going with this.
He hesitated a moment, glancing at Neco. “Before we rescued you from Eliza, Odar told me he planned to sever your marriage contract.”
Allyssa closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remain calm. She felt like a fool for not seeing that he’d been planning to end their relationship for weeks. Opening her eyes, she took a slow, calming breath. “Continue.”
“I’d like to know if the contract is still intact.”
“You mean if Emperion and Fren are united?”
“No. That’s not it. I…I wish to form an alliance with you through marriage,” he said, his voice soft and unsure. It was strange to see this tall, wide-shouldered man who led an army on the battlefield be so vulnerable. “It is strictly a strategic move,” he assured her. “If we marry, the nobles will have to change allegiances back to me. Plus, with our combined armies, we will be unstoppable.” His eyes sought hers.
She didn’t know what to think of his unexpected proposal. Even though he’d said this was a political move, there was something in the way he looked at her that made her think there could be more to it. Kerdan never did anything without having a clear endgame. “What does Emperion get out of the deal?” So far, he’d only mentioned the advantages for Russek.
“I will execute Jana and sign a treaty promising Russek will remain within its borders. I will also release Melenia from our hold and make no aggressive moved toward any other kingdom, including Fren.”
“Do you wish to merge our two kingdoms, or keep them separate?” While she hadn’t intended on considering his offer, what he said made sense and warranted some careful thought.
“I know you have feelings for Odar.” He stumbled over the words.
She held her hand up, imploring him to stop. “It doesn’t matter what I do or do not feel. The contract between Prince Odar and myself is no longer. I will do what is best for Emperion. Now, please answer the question.”
“I’m trying to.” He took a step toward her. “I can’t offer you my love, nor do I expect yours in return. But I can give you my friendship, support, and honesty. I’d like a partner in life.”
She couldn’t help the traitorous tears that sprang in her eyes. The break-up with Odar was still too fresh.
“However, if you do not wish the same, I understand. I can rule from Russek, and our kingdoms will remain separate while continuing to work together. But, if you would like a partner, we can merge our kingdoms and rule as one.”
“Those are pretty grand notions,” Neco said. “And not something the princess can negotiate with you.”
“I understand,” Kerdan replied.
“We will take the matter to Empress Rema and Emperor Darmik,” Neco said.
“I must return to Russek. My men are waiting for me. Thank you for considering my offer.”
“How should we send word to you?” Neco asked.
“Are you familiar with the Womek estate in southern Russek?”
Allyssa had never heard of that name before.
“I know the family,” Neco replied. “They’re an old Russek family. One of the daughters married an Emperion if I’m not mistaken.”
“That is correct. Send word to the duke there. He can get messages safely to me.”
“I need to ask something of you in return,” Neco said. Kerdan readily agreed. “Keep this quiet. I don’t want Jana to know of the princess’s whereabouts or that we are considering an alliance.”
“Of course.”
“We must be on our way.” Neco went over and untied the horses.
“Thank you for all you have done,” Kerdan replied. “Even if you decide not to align your kingdom with mine, I’d like to remain friends.”
“Me too.”
He smiled wryly. “Who knows? I may need to seek asylum here if I can’t overthrow Jana.”
“I’m sure my father could find some use for a man with your skills.” She knew that he was implying she needed him as much as he needed her. And just like that, things had come full circle, and she was once again contemplating another political marriage to someone she didn’t love. This time, she wouldn’t be fooled into delusions of love and grandeur. She would marry for her kingdom—and she wouldn’t dwell on Odar any longer.
“Be careful,” Kerdan said. “I’m hoping Jana has enough to contend with right now and will leave Emperion alone while we fight over the throne. However, she is ruthless and unpredictable. I can guarantee to keep my company of soldiers out of your kingdom, but I can’t say the same for her. She is determined to destroy your family, no matter the cost.” He whistled, and a gelding approached. “I think the two of us would make a formidable pair—a force to be reckoned with. I look forward to your answer.” He mounted, pulled his hood on, and nudged his horse onward.
Allyssa watched him gallop away.
“That was unexpected,” Neco murmured, handing the reins of her horse to her. “Do you trust him?”
She’d been considering that very question. “To an extent.”
“Enough to seriously consider his proposal?” He helped her onto her horse.
“Yes.” Although she wanted to discuss the matter with her parents in greater detail. In all the commotion, she’d forgotten to ask Neco about her brother. “Is Savenek truly alive?” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
“He is.” He climbed on his horse.
“My twin brother is alive.” It seemed surreal that she not only had a sibling, but also a twin. “Let’s get moving. I’m eager to return home and meet him.”
Neco maneuvered his horse next to hers. “We’re not going to Lakeside.”
“Are my parents still in Emperor’s City?”
“Yes. However, I’ve been instructed to take you to a village just outside of there to visit a man by the name of Nathenek.”
She’d heard that name mentioned before. “My parents desire this?”
“They do. Your brother has been under this man’s care for the past sixteen years.”
Why did her parents want her to go to Nathenek’s before she returned home? “I don’t think I can be around a stranger right now.”
“Everyone in Emperion thinks you’re dead,” Neco explained. “Even your brother. When your parents received word you were alive, well, let’s just say it was the happiest moment of their lives. However, they thought it best to keep it a secret for the time being.”
“Why?” Weren’t they eager to see her, or did her parents care more for the kingdom and preserving the royal line than they did for their own children?
“In case you chose to remain dead.”
“Pardon me?” She must have heard him wrong.
“Your mother wants to give you an opportunity to live a quiet life away from court where you can heal from whatever atrocities you faced in Russek. Then, if you want to return, you may. However, if you choose to walk away from the crown, you can.”
She had a choice?
“Therefore, I’m taking you to Nathenek’s, where you can live for as little or as long as you like. He is a good friend of your parents, and he will protect you with his life.”
“What about Prince Kerdan’s marriage proposal?”
“It is on hold until you decide what life you wish to lead.”
Now that Emperion had another heir, she was no longer necessary. A huge burden lifted from her shoulders. Could she live life as a regular citizen of Emperion? No longer tied to the throne? No obligations dictating her every move?
She rode her horse in silence, thinking over everything that had just been revealed. If she chose to live a quiet life, she would have to leave her family and friends behind. No more racing her mother on horseback through the forest, sparing with her father, or laughing with her friends. She wouldn’t become acquainted with her brother. But she would be free. Truly free. And after everything she’d endured lately, the thought was certainly enticing.
Allyssa nudged her horse a little faster, eager to begin the next chapter of her life. The choice was hers. What would she choose?
End of Book 2