Going over to the tub, she pumped the lever. Frigid water slowly poured into it. Once the water looked deep enough to sit in, she released the lever and peeled off her clothing, kicking it toward the door. It reeked of something foul and rotten, making her gag.
Climbing in the tub, she yelped from the ice-cold water. Maybe she should have lit the wood underneath to warm the water. But that would take far too long. She needed to be quick in case Kerdan burst in while she was naked. Forcing herself to sit down, she grabbed the chunk of soap laying on the edge and began scrubbing away the dirt and grime. Her fingers felt each protruding rib bone. She barely recognized her own body since she’d lost so much weight in the dungeon. Moving on to her tangled hair, she rubbed the soap on it. Once she’d cleaned every inch and no longer reeked, she climbed out of the filthy water, her skin covered with goose bumps.
A large fur blanket hung on the wall so she plucked it off the hook, wrapping it around her body.
“I have some clean clothes for you to wear,” Kerdan called from the other side of the door. “You can come out here and dress while I bathe.”
She swayed on her feet. When was the last time she’d eaten?
“Allyssa?” She vaguely noted the lack of title.
“Face away from the door,” she demanded. “And that’s Princess Allyssa to you.”
“My apologies,” he replied. “You may exit. I’m not looking.”
After making sure the blanket fully covered her, she pushed open the door. True to his word, Kerdan had his back to her. She exited and moved past him. He turned, not once glancing her way, and went inside the bathing room, closing the door behind him.
Alone in the prince’s bedchamber, she rushed over to the fireplace and dropped to her knees, trying to warm herself.
***
Allyssa opened her eyes. A dying fire crackled before her. Yawning, she pushed herself to a sitting position. The fur blanket slid off her shoulders. Clutching it tightly around her, she looked for the prince. The bathing room door stood ajar, the inside pitch black. The drapes surrounding the four-post bed were drawn shut. He must be asleep, although she couldn’t hear him breathing.
A pile of clothes sat on the hearth. She snatched the warm fabric, pulling the shirt and pants on. They had to belong to the prince because they were far too large for her. However, she dared not complain because she was clean and warm—two things she’d never take for granted again.
On the couch, pillows were situated at one end along with a thick blanket, making a bed. Did Kerdan intend for her to sleep there? It certainly looked more appealing than the ground upon which she sat. She glanced at the door, but it was bolted shut with a lock that required a key. To get past it, she’d need that key—and the prince was probably sleeping with it. The couch-turned-bed did look rather inviting. Blimey. She was a fool. Climbing onto the couch, she pulled the blanket up around her neck. Well, at least she would be a well rested and warm fool.
***
Allyssa awoke the next morning to a roaring fire. The drapes surrounding the prince’s bed had been pulled back. It revealed a neatly made bed, with Kerdan nowhere in sight.
She stood and stretched. It had been a long time since she’d slept so well. Going over to the window, she pushed the curtains aside, revealing the bright morning light. Snow fell from the sky, covering the trees in white. She longed to see a piece of grass or a leaf poke through the thick snow. Something—anything—that hinted at life outside the castle. Because if nothing could survive in this harsh environment, then she couldn’t either.
She sighed, leaning her head against the freezing glass. She didn’t know what to think of her present situation with Prince Kerdan, but she did believe what he’d said about hating his stepmother. Last night, she had been around the royal family for only a few moments, but in that brief time, she’d felt the tension and hostility between Kerdan and Jana. Then there was Soma, who only complicated matters. Kerdan said that Soma tried to kill him. At the Russek base camp, she’d overheard soldiers talking about Kerdan being on the brink of death. Hopefully, the family dynamics would be enough to keep her alive or at least buy her enough time to escape.
The door flew open, and she jumped, spinning around in time to see the prince close and bolt the door.
“You’re awake.” He held a large bag in one hand and a box in the other. “Sit.” He nodded toward the chairs.
The smell of warm bread wafted through the air, making her mouth water. She hadn’t eaten a decent meal in weeks. She tripped over her own feet in her haste to comply.
“I didn’t anticipate you being so civil this morning.” He glanced around the room as if expecting to find it in disarray.
Her treasonous stomach growled, revealing the only reason she obeyed was the hope of food. The prince chuckled and sat on the chair next to her. He set the bag on the ground and then lifted the lid off the box, revealing a plate piled high with food. “For you.”
Grabbing the plate, she began shoving the food in her mouth, acting in a very unprincess-like manner. But she didn’t care. The warm bread practically melted in her mouth. She smelled cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on the bowl of oatmeal, and she moaned in pleasure. Slices of cheese and some pastry she’d never seen before covered the rest of the plate.
“You’re not the least bit concerned the food is poisoned?”
She shook her head, inhaling another chunk of bread. “If you intended to kill me, I’d already be dead.”
His eyes remained steady, observing her. So what if a bit of oatmeal ran down her chin? It wasn’t like his opinion of her mattered.
“I suggest you eat slowly.” He leaned back in the chair. “You’re probably going to vomit that up.”
She continued devouring the food, unable to stop. After every last morsel had disappeared, she sighed, her stomach blessedly full.
“I brought you more clothing.” Kerdan pointed to the bag at his feet. “A few of my younger soldiers were willing to part with some clothes they’d outgrown. Something in there is bound to fit you.”
Setting the plate on the low table, Allyssa regarded the prince. His hair was pulled back at the base of his neck. The black markings on his face were gone, confirming her suspicion it was paint and not a tattoo. Without his armor, he looked younger and not so harsh. Granted, he was still tall and imposing, but not quite as vicious as he appeared yesterday. “What do you want with me?” she asked.
“Right now, I want to get to know you.”
A qualified response that indicated he might want more in the future. Interesting. “Why?”
“That depends on you.” His face remained impassive, no hint of emotion or feeling. He reminded her of her father, Darmik, during an interrogation.
“How do you suggest we become better acquainted when you are holding me hostage? Especially considering that your father is intent on conquering my kingdom.” She looked pointedly at him. “We are enemies.”
He shrugged. “My friendships have all been forged on the battlefield. So, I suggest we fight.”
“What is your intention? To get to know me? Become friends? Or do you simply want to wallop my arse?”
His eyes had a wild gleam that sent a cold chill through her body. “That remains to be determined.”
She had the distinct impression he was evaluating every word she spoke and gesture she made. In all the scenarios she dreamed up while locked in the dungeon, this wasn’t one of them.
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 twitche
d. “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?
Cage of Darkness (Reign of Secrets, Book 2) Page 11