***
Ever since they entered Russek, Allyssa’s senses had been heightened. Nathenek made sure to keep them off the roads. He seemed to know where they were going. Not once did he consult a map or pause to look at their surroundings. When he steered them onto a narrow road, she felt every hair on her body rise. “What are you doing?” she hissed, afraid Russek soldiers could easily spot them.
“We’ve reached the edge of the Womek estate.”
Huge trees towered on either side of the road. Feelings of unease continued to build. Someone was watching them. She could feel it.
A low rumble sounded in the distance. Nathenek reached out, grabbing her arm. “Do not draw your weapon,” he murmured.
She couldn’t tell how many horses there were, but they were quickly approaching. “You don’t understand. Russeks are barbarians.”
The look he gave her implied he understood their disposition quite well. “If you want to make it out of this alive, then follow my lead.”
She nodded, trusting him enough to listen. For now. Nathenek pulled his horse to a stop and held his hands away from his body. Allyssa followed suit, her horse prancing nervously. A group of six men thundered up the road toward them. If Nathenek was as adept as he implied, he should be able to dispatch them with ease. Taking comfort from this, Allyssa allowed herself to relax.
“We seek an audience with Duke Womek,” Nathenek called out.
One of the men raised his hand, and the group came to a halt about twenty feet away. They wore livery indicating they were sentries. Since they were on Duke Womek’s land, these were probably his men.
“Who are you?” one of the men called.
“I can’t divulge that information out loud on a road bordered by trees. People could be lurking nearby.” Nathenek waved his arm to either side of the road.
Bloody hell. That meant there were people hidden in the trees watching them. If word got out that she was here, Jana would send her entire army after her.
“You don’t look like you’re from around here,” another of the men said. He didn’t speak with a Russek accent but rather, an Emperion one.
A man emerged from the trees on her left. She’d seen him before. “Brookfel?” What was he doing here?
He grinned and stopped next to her. “I was sent to keep an eye out for you.”
Brookfel was a member of Kerdan’s elite squad. Her heart pounded. Was this a trap? Her fingers slid down her leg toward the dagger strapped to her thigh.
“Nice to see you again,” she lied.
He raised his eyebrows and looked pointedly at her thigh where her hand rested on the dagger hidden beneath. “Come, let’s get you inside. It’s not safe for you to be out here.” Brookfel took Horse’s reins, leading them down the road. Nathenek said nothing as he followed close behind, the six sentries trailing him.
Brookfel maintained a brisk pace, surprisingly swift for someone so large and bulky. His wide shoulders nearly matched the width of the road. The trees suddenly ended. In the distance stood a sizeable home surrounded by green pastures. Brookfel stopped and whistled. When someone whistled back, he proceeded toward the house. The place had been constructed entirely of stones and appeared to be two stories tall with dozens of windows indicating the owner had quite a bit of wealth.
Stopping before a set of double doors, Brookfel helped Allyssa dismount. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll have someone take the horses around back to the stables. We don’t want anyone to spot them.”
“That’s fine. Please see they are tended to.”
He nodded and barked orders to the sentries.
Peering at the forest about a mile away, she shivered, knowing there were probably dozens of Womek’s sentries watching them right now. Would they be enough to keep her safe? To keep the Russek army away?
“Follow me,” Brookfel said. He glanced at Nathenek. “Why are you here?” he asked in a point-blank manner.
“I am a family friend and protector,” he answered.
Something flashed in Brookfel’s eyes. He pushed the door open and ushered them inside. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark entryway. Brookfel led them into a great hall. A single table filled the middle of the space, couches and chairs at the far end, and an enormous hearth with a low-burning fire in the center of the wall across from the windows.
“Have a seat.” Brookfel pointed at the chairs. “Someone will be along shortly.” He left.
Allyssa sat down, wondering why Brookfel was there and what was going on. A man in his early forties entered. He had dark hair, keen eyes, and was a little on the stocky side. “Are you Duke Womek?” she inquired.
“No, I am his son, Brightek. Welcome.”
She gave a curt nod. Nathenek casually positioned himself behind her chair. “I’m sorry for the intrusion,” she said, not bothering to introduce herself or Nathenek. “I must get a letter to Prince Kerdan. He told me you can be of assistance.”
Brightek nodded. “Yes. I can get a message to him. Will you be needing a place to stay?”
She had no idea what the plan was or what Nathenek intended. Crossing her legs, she sat up straight, years of grooming taking over. “I am not certain yet.”
Brightek stood. “Very well. I will have two rooms made up just in case. The woods can be dangerous.” He held out his hand. “Your letter?”
“I have not written it yet.” She looked around for paper and a quill.
“Wait here,” he said. “I will return in a moment with the necessary supplies.”
Shortly after he left the room, servants entered. They carried trays of food, setting everything on the long table. Her mouth watered at the rich scents and she hoped they would be invited to stay for supper.
Nathenek strolled over to the windows, observing the surrounding land. Cold and tired from their journey, Allyssa went over to the fireplace, warming her hands and trying to think what to write to Kerdan. The door swung open, banging against the wall and startling her. Kerdan, Darmik, and Neco barged into the room.
Allyssa blinked, certain she saw a figment of her imagination.
“It took you long enough,” Kerdan said, stopping before her.
He looked real, sounded real. At a loss for words, she turned her attention to her father, who rushed forward, wrapping his arms around her. He felt real. This wasn’t a dream then. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
“We’ll get to that,” he murmured against her hair. “For now, let me hold my baby girl.”
Chapter Eight
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. H
e’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.
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