Allyssa couldn’t believe Darmik was here. In Russek. With Kerdan and Neco. She squeezed him, thrilled—and shocked—to be in her father’s presence. When he finally released her, she allowed herself to look at Kerdan. The dark circles under his eyes were gone. Black paint had been swirled over his forehead and down the right side of his face.
“What is everyone doing here?” she asked.
“Before we start discussing politics,” Nathenek interrupted, “let’s eat. I’m starving.” He went over to the table covered with food and took a seat, shoving bread and stew into his mouth.
Allyssa took a seat at the table between her father and Neco, Kerdan sitting directly across from her.
“Things are quiet in Russek for the moment,” Kerdan said. “I don’t want my men fighting each other. I’ve given orders to defend when necessary, but not to attack.” He took a bite of his bread.
“I thought the situation would be more volatile,” she commented. “I figured Jana would send the army to crush you and the company of men you lead. What do you think she’s waiting for?”
“Who knows? She’s a crazed lunatic.”
Allyssa snorted, and Darmik elbowed her. Quickly hiding her smile, she took a bite of the stew, thankful for something warm to eat. Nathenek finished eating and stood, wandering over to the windows and peering outside again.
Kerdan twisted around to face him. “If you’re concerned with security, you can speak with my man Brookfel. He’ll show you around.”
“That is precisely what I’d like to do.”
Kerdan pointed toward the main door. “Through there and to the right. You’ll find him doing the exact same thing you are but from a different room.”
Neco stood. “I’ll go with you.” The two men exited the room.
“When did you arrive?” Allyssa asked, looking at her father.
“A couple of days ago,” he replied.
“Why is everyone here?” And what was going on? She glanced at Kerdan and found him watching her. The last time she saw him, he’d proposed. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon. He took a bite of stew before glancing at her father, waiting for him to answer.
“We’re here to discuss assassinating Jana,” Darmik said.
“Neither of you seem particularly surprised to see me.” She set her spoon down. “How did you know I’d come here?”
Kerdan’s mouth twitched as he fought a smile, suddenly very interested in his stew.
“You saw the letter,” she said to Darmik, everything starting to make sense. “That’s why Mother came to see me, to give me the letter knowing I’d go running after . . .” She couldn’t say Odar’s name, not in front of her father and Kerdan. She wasn’t ready to discuss or face that yet. Fury built inside of her. She hated being used and was tired of all the deception.
“Your mother wouldn’t believe you were alive until seeing you with her own eyes. The letter happened to arrive the same day. I opened it, read the contents, and discussed the matter with Neco. He didn’t think the letter was from Kerdan, so we surmised it had to be from Jana and it was a trap. We assumed Nathenek would pick up on it.”
Leaving her to be the only one who hadn’t figured it out. She wanted to curse her own stupidity. Kerdan’s leg bounced as he ripped off a piece of chicken, shoving it in his mouth. He seemed almost... nervous. Nathenek’s words whispered in her head. Do you trust him?
“Neco told me about your encounter with Prince Kerdan on the way to Nathenek’s house. He explained the two of you are on friendly terms, and Kerdan is fighting for his throne. I thought it wise to meet with the prince, soon to be king, and take care of Jana once and for all. Jana must die for her cruelty to others, kidnapping you, and the Emperion deaths she is responsible for. We made the mistake of not killing her when we had the chance and must now rectify our error. I think the decision to send Jana into exile rather than kill her will haunt your mother for the rest of her life.”
Rema shouldn’t feel guilty for Allyssa’s kidnapping. It wasn’t her fault. She had no idea the woman would turn out to be a vindictive snake. And Allyssa had made the same mistake with Soma. It was natural to want to spare another’s life, to seek justice instead of vengeance.
“I was with my soldiers when word reached me that Emperor Darmik and Neco arrived at Duke Womek’s. I immediately came here with my most trusted men.” The intensity in Kerdan’s eyes startled her, making her feel off-kilter.
“Now that we’re all together, we’re going to kill Jana?” Allyssa asked. With her father here, the idea of killing the queen seemed within reach.
“No,” Darmik replied. “The plan is for us to come up with a plan to kill Jana, to aid Kerdan in any way we can, and to keep you safe. You will not be involved with this in any other capacity than planning.”
“Then why am I here?” she demanded. She could have helped devise a plan from Emperion.
“You are here for two reasons. One, Jana set a trap and it needs to appear that you are falling for it. And two, you are safer here where you are least expected.”
“Your escort,” Kerdan said, “made sure to leave a trail so Jana’s spies would know you’d left Emperion and were headed for the border town Jontis. Time is now of the essence. We have a very small window of opportunity to assassinate her.”
“Then why aren’t we planning?” Why waste time eating? Darmik took a drink of his wine, a typical stall tactic. “What else?” she demanded.
He drummed his fingers on the table. “There are two issues that need to be addressed while we’re alone.”
Kerdan shifted uncomfortably on his chair. Allyssa had thought it odd both Nathenek and Neco left so abruptly.
“Let’s sit closer together before the fire so we can keep our voices low,” Darmik suggested. He stood, pulling two chairs over to the hearth. Kerdan walked around the table and grabbed one, dragging it next to Darmik. The three of them sat, Allyssa and Kerdan across from one another, their knees only two feet apart, Darmik next to them so they formed a half circle.
The prince clasped his hands, resting his elbows on his thighs, his focus on the worn rug at their feet.
“What is it?” she asked, keeping her voice low so it wouldn’t carry in the large room.
“We need to discuss Prince Odar,” Darmik said. Hearing his name out loud made her cringe. “He is due to arrive tomorrow.”
“What?” Allyssa said louder than necessary. Why was he coming there? She didn’t want to see him, didn’t want to have anything to do with him.
“Our spies reported Odar also received a letter from Jana,” her father explained. “Upon his departure from the palace, Kerdan ordered a small contingent of his men to intercept the prince once he crossed into Russek and bring him here.”
Tears filled her eyes, which only infuriated her. She didn’t want to cry in front of her father. He would pity her. And she didn’t want to cry in front of Kerdan and have him think her weak.
“I’d prefer to have nothing to do with Fren,” Darmik said gently, squeezing her hand. “However, Jana believes the two of you are in love. We can use this to our advantage.”
How would she behave around him? Friendly? Angry? She couldn’t be in the same room with him. The thought of seeing him, talking to him, made her hands tingle and her stomach cramp.
Darmik reached out and patted her shoulder. “Which is what brings me to my second issue. Kerdan’s proposal.”
Well that was rather blunt. She scratched her neck. He wanted to discuss this right now? She hadn’t fully explored the idea on her own yet. When she peered at Kerdan, she noted his face was beet red. Good. She wasn’t the only one uncomfortable with this conversation.
Darmik leaned back on his chair, rubbing his chin. “I don’t mean to rush the matter,” he said. “But we need to discuss it before Odar arrives. Plus, if we decide to move forward with a union, it will need to be done quickly, so Kerdan can have the backing and support he needs to gain control of the Russek throne after we eliminate Jana.”
Kerdan ran his hands up and down his thighs. “I have no experience with marriage negotiations,” he said. “Now that my parents are dead . . .” He closed his eyes for a moment. “They cannot assist with the negotiations. I am at a loss on how to proceed.”
“We will discuss mutually beneficial terms. And, if we both agree, we’ll have a contract drawn up. You have made a solid offer,” Darmik said. “However, my concern is your relationship with my daughter.”
This conversation was more uncomfortable than she anticipated. Being in such an intimate setting didn’t help. She would have preferred to discuss the matter with her mother, stew on it for a couple of days, and then come to a decision.
“From a strategic point of view,” Darmik said, “the union makes sense. It solves a lot of problems. However, given the fact that Russek kidnapped my daughter, I’m not sure I want to hand her over to you. I know you weren’t responsible for the kidnapping or subsequent torture.” Her father’s eyes flashed with a fury she’d never witnessed before. “However, you will be the king of Russek. Will Allyssa be welcomed by your people? Treated as a sovereign? Respected?”
She folded her arms. “Am I the crown heir of Emperion or not?” she asked. When they discussed marriage negotiations with Odar, not once had anyone said a word about her going to Fren. She assumed the same was true with Kerdan, and she would live in Emperion.
“You will once again be the crown heir after we announce you’re alive,” he replied. “However, we have options. If you choose to marry Kerdan, you can live in Russek and lead the kingdom as its queen. Savenek can step into the position as emperor of Emperion. Although, I’m not sure he wants to or is ready. Like I said, there are options.”
“I will do what is best for Emperion.” What she wanted did not matter because things could always change faster than a sandstorm. Odar had proven that.
“I understand,” Darmik said. “But the point of this discussion is to ascertain what it is you want. Same with Kerdan.” He faced the prince. “If you have any specific requirements—for instance, living together or apart—we need to know that now.” He turned toward Allyssa again. “I’d like to hear your thoughts on the marriage; otherwise, none of us can decide what is best for Emperion.”
Kerdan cleared his throat. “I made the offer of marriage to Allyssa not only seeking Emperion’s support and backing, but also because I think she will make an excellent queen to the Russek people. However, with that said, it will not be easy. Even if, when, I establish myself as the king, we are facing tough times ahead of us. There’s rampant poverty. Many hate Jana and will be happy to see her go. However, there will be some who have the money to make a bid for the crown.” He looked right into her eyes, making her breath hitch. “I’ve only known Allyssa for a short while, but during that time, I’ve discovered how strong and resilient she is. If anyone can rule Russek effectively, it’s her.”
She had no idea he held her in such high regard. Her face warmed, and she had to look away from his intense stare.
“And you feel the need to marry now?” Darmik asked.
The prince rubbed the back of his neck. “Yes. That way we can be crowned at the same time.”
“The last time I thought we had a good match, it turned out to break my daughter’s heart.”
She couldn’t believe her father had just said that, no matter how true it may be. If only she could crawl under the chair and hide from Kerdan’s scrutiny. But why did she care?
“I understand,” the prince said. “But this time, your daughter’s heart is not involved.”
Darmik sighed, turning to Allyssa. “Well? What do you want to do?”
“Can I have some time to think on the matter?” She couldn’t decide right then and there if she wanted to marry Kerdan. There was so much to consider.
“While I am more than willing to give you time to think, there are two reasons for making a quick decision. One, it will send a clear message to Jana and the people of Russek that Emperion is backing Kerdan. And two, Odar will be here soon and I’d like to have this matter settled before he sees you.”
“Whatever for?” she asked. Odar had nothing to do with this.
“Kerdan, may I please have a moment alone with my daughter?”
“Of course.” He stood. “I will be with Brookfel and your men. I’d like to start going over some ideas on how we can kill Jana.”
Darmik nodded. After Kerdan left the room, her father’s shoulders hunched forward and he rubbed his temples. “You seem to be okay, but occasionally, your eyes widen as if you’re lost and they flash with a darkness that wasn’t there before.”
“I’m not ready to talk about it,” she whispered. Her father’s fury and pain would break her fragile heart. Right now, she wanted to focus on the tasks at hand—killing Jana, deciding if she could marry Kerdan, and seeing Odar again. Everything else could be dealt with later.
He scooted his chair closer to hers. “I’m furious with Odar,” he said, keeping his voice low. “I trusted him, and he violated that trust by breaking off the marriage.”
She was about to explain Odar’s reasoning when Darmik held up his hand, stopping her. “Don’t make excuses or justify his behavior. Neco told me everything. I understand that what the two of you went through was a great ordeal and he is afraid you’ll be used against him. However, life doesn’t work that way. You can’t live in fear of your future, of what may or may not come to pass. There is nothing that could have kept me away from your mother. Nothing.”
“Not even your beloved Emperion?” she asked, trying to reconcile duty, love, and kingdom.
“You can’t live life without love.”
Blinking, she willed away tears. If there was no life without love, what did that mean in regard to Kerdan? She needed time to think this through. “Why do you want me to decide before Odar arrives?”
“He needs to understand the ramifications of his actions. He will not change his mind, win you back, or hurt you again. While Emperion will work with him to kill Jana, that is all he or Fren can ever hope to have from us again. Honestly, I’d prefer to not work with him now. However, events are already set in motion, and we must play the cards we are dealt.” He scooted to the edge of his seat. “You do not have to marry Kerdan. There are many other suitable matches. We do not need Russek politically, financially, or militarily. At first, I wasn’t going to even consider you marrying him. After I met him, I began to realize there are some advantages to such a match. Now that I’ve seen the two of you together, I understand.”
“What do you mean?” The fire crackled.
Darmik smiled and patted her hands. “You don’t know?” She shook her head, having no idea what he was referring to. He stood and moved closer to the hearth, placing his hands against the wooden mantle, his back to her. “I can see the two of you working well together,” he finally answered. “Do you consider him a friend?”
“Yes.” Without hesitation or reservation. Kerdan had done so much for her that she had come to respect and value him.
“Is he a good enough friend to marry?”
Considering that question meant thinking about the future, something she’d been avoiding.
Darmik glanced over his shoulder at her. “Didn’t I just chide Odar for living in fear?”
Her facial expressions always gave her thoughts away. Especially to her father, who knew her so well. Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself to consider the possibility of marrying Kerdan. She certainly enjoyed talking to him, she trusted him, he made her feel like an equal, and he was an intelligent man. All things she valued and admired. Was she attracted to him?
Someone knocked on the door, and Neco stepped into the room. “Kerdan is leaving with his squad to do some scouting. I’m going with them.”
“Has trouble been spotted?” Darmik asked.
“There is a lot of movement at Jontis. He wants to see what’s going on.”
“Fine.” When Neco left, Darmik turned to Allyssa. “I want to speak with Nathenek to make sure he’s staying here. Security will need to be heightened now that you’ve arrived. We’ll finish this discussion tonight.”
* * *
Allyssa sat on the window seat, gazing outside the duke’s home. The barn was situated next to the vegetable garden, both surrounded by vibrant green pastures. Her room was quaint and cozy with a single bed, armoire, and fireplace.
Much to her chagrin, Darmik had brought a few things for Allyssa to wear. One of the servants had hung the clothes in the small dressing closet. If only her father had enough sense to bring Madelin and Mayra with him. Although they were safer in Emperion, she missed her friends dearly. And Marek. She still needed to apologize to him for sending him away that fateful day Soma kidnapped her.
A knock resounded through the room. “Enter,” she called out.
Nathenek poked his head in. “How are you?”
“Fine.” Always fine. She wished everyone would stop asking her that question.
“Did your father bring you up to speed?”
“You mean did he tell me you tricked me into coming here?”
“Trick is a strong word to use,” he mused. “And I half thought you figured it out. Anyway, they have a training room here. Want to spar?”
Did he even need to ask that question? “Of course.”
Nathenek led the way along the narrow hall, down the wide carpet-lined staircase, and to an empty room situated toward the back of the house. There weren’t any windows. Instead, the walls were lined with wooden practice swords, spears, and targets.
“Not much of a training room,” she commented.
Nathenek removed two wooden swords, handing one to her. She took it, feeling its weight. “In the north corner of this room is a hidden door. Pushing the third spear from the bottom will open it. It leads to an underground tunnel that will take you to the forest.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
He readjusted his grip and took a step away from her. “You need to always have a contingency plan in place. Haven’t you learned anything from your time with me?”
If the duke’s home wasn’t safe, her father would never allow her to remain here. She flew onto her back. What the bloody hell?
Nathenek laughed. “You are easily distracted. Focus.”
Clamoring to her feet, she prepared to attack. And found Nathenek’s arm wrapped around her upper body, his sword against her neck.
“If someone attempts to kidnap you, you need to be able to defend yourself,” he said.
Why did he constantly treat her like an inept child? She slammed her foot on top of his, trying to break his hold. He didn’t even budge.
“You have a sword. Use it.”
Her arms were pinned down so she couldn’t swing the weapon. Although, she could drop it. Angling the tip of the sword toward the ground, she let it go. It hit the top of his foot.
He released her. “Excellent. Then you run like your arse is on fire.”
She burst out laughing, hoping she never experienced that. They spent the next hour going over various moves, all revolving around her being taken hostage or kidnapped. Getting out of such situations was different than sparring, and she rather enjoyed the challenge of trying to outwit her opponent.
When her muscles were exhausted and sweat dripped down her forehead, Nathenek insisted it was time to stop. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your room.”
She reluctantly agreed, not really wanting to face the nightmares that still plagued her.
“They’ll go away,” he said as they exited the room. “Working yourself into exhaustion won’t prevent them from coming.”
Admitting she couldn’t sleep was like accepting defeat. They went up the staircase. “Are you,” she wasn’t sure how to phrase this, “staying in the same wing as me?” Surely her father had set up some sort of protection. But who would be watching over her while she slept and was vulnerable? Who would hear her cry out in the night? Only a handful of Emperion soldiers had come with Darmik, and she didn’t want any of them to hear her.
Nathenek pulled her to a stop. “I will be in the room next to you, your father across the hall, and Kerdan next to him. There will be guards stationed in the hallway, throughout the home, and outside. There is nothing to fear.”
“We are in enemy territory,” she whispered. “There is plenty to be afraid of.”