“That’s the role your father told him to play.”
“Then he has my father’s shrewd intelligence.”
“Or your mother’s.”
“I wonder why he’s showing me his court face.”
“Maybe he’s just trying to get to know you better.”
“Perhaps. Or he could be trying to prove he’s a better shot than me.”
“If that’s the case, I don’t want to be anywhere near this castle if you lose.”
“If?”
“Sorry, my money’s on the assassin.”
Allyssa cursed.
Dressed in her riding pants and a form-fitting tunic, Allyssa entered the stables.
“It’s about time you showed up,” Savenek said, leaning against one of the stalls. “Thirty minutes must mean something different to you than it does to me.” Pushing off the stall, he pointed at the stable boy who held the reins for two horses. “I presume those are for us.”
“They are.”
“Is our entire guard going to ride with us?”
“Yes. I’ve instructed them to keep a safe distance.” Allyssa noticed his cheek twitch. She tried not to smile at this small revelation. And she tried not to take comfort that being watched all the time bothered him as much as it did her.
Going over to the closest horse, Allyssa mounted.
“What exactly are we doing in this contest of ours?” Savenek said, mounting the other horse.
“There is a field behind the castle. Past the field is a forest. Ride straight to the forest and you will find a narrow dirt path that cuts through the trees. Each side of the path has five targets hung somewhere on the trees. Your arrows have a blue mark, mine have a red. Whoever hits the most targets, closest to the center, wins.”
“It’s not fair if you know where the targets are. It puts me at a disadvantage.”
“Don’t be such a baby,” she chided him. “I had a soldier place the targets at random. I don’t know where they are.”
He studied her. “Do we both go at the same time?”
“Yes. On the way out, you can only hit targets on your right; on the way back, only shoot to your right again. I’ll do the left.” She nudged her horse, exiting the stables.
“I’m surprised you’re allowed to wear pants,” Savenek said. He rode his horse alongside hers.
Instead of responding to him, she addressed Marek. “Are we good to go?”
“Everything is ready.”
“Count us off.”
“Three, two, one, go!”
Allyssa nudged her horse, bringing it to a full gallop. The wind tossed her hair as she leaned forward on the saddle, reveling in the feel of the animal’s speed. When she neared the forest, she grabbed her bow and an arrow. Slowing her horse to a steady canter, she scanned the trees, searching for the first target. Savenek was slightly behind her. She felt, rather than saw, him raise his bow and aim. Not bothering to look back at him, she kept her focus on the left side of the path since that was where her targets were.
The first target came into view. Squeezing her legs against the horse, she made sure her balance was secure before aiming. If she fell off the horse, she’d never be able to look her brother in the face again. She pulled back the bowstring, checked her aim, and released the arrow. Not wanting to slow to verify she made the shot, she continued on the path, searching for the next target. There it was, a little higher this time. She aimed and shot. Two down.
The horse flew around the bend in the path, kicking up dirt as it ran. Two targets came into view. As quickly as possible, Allyssa released an arrow, grabbed another, aimed, and released the second. She was positive the first one hit its mark. The second one might be off-center.
The last target came into view dead ahead. She needed to make the shot, turn the horse around, and prepare to hit the targets on the other side of the path this time. After shooting an arrow, she watched it sail straight for the center. As her arrow embedded in the middle of the target, another arrow split hers in half. Bloody hell!
She turned her horse around. Somehow, Savenek had already managed to turn his horse and was heading back along the path, now ahead of Allyssa. Grudgingly, she acknowledged he was an excellent rider. Of course he was. Nathenek had raised him. However, she simply refused to lose to him. Adjusting her grip on the bow, she prepared to shoot an arrow at the next target. She found it quite some distance away, deeper into the forest than the other targets had been. She nocked an arrow, aimed, and released. Hopefully her arrow didn’t strike a tree before it hit the target.
Her horse slowed as it went around the bend. When the path straightened, Allyssa urged it to run faster. The next target came into view. She shot another arrow, reveling in the thunk she heard as she rode past it. Pushing her horse faster, she came alongside Savenek.
“There isn’t room for us to ride side by side,” he yelled.
She knew that, but she ignored him and focused on searching for her remaining targets. If he was concerned about his horse colliding with hers, then he would have to slow down or maybe watch her more closely. Perhaps he’d even miss a target. It was a dirty trick, but she didn’t care.
A target came into view. She released an arrow. Her arms started to tire. As she grabbed another arrow, it slipped between her fingers and fell to the ground. Trying not to let it rattle her, she plucked another one, aimed, and shot.
She almost missed the next one. Fumbling for another arrow, she nocked it, swerved back toward the target, and shot. When she twisted around, the last target came into view. The soldier must have put these two closer together to make it more challenging. If Savenek could accurately shoot two arrows at once, which he probably could because it was something Nathenek would have insisted he know how to do, then she was sure to lose.
Slowing her horse to a trot, she patted its neck and said soothing words, congratulating it on how fast and steady it rode.
“You’re crazy,” Savenek said. He flew by her and slowed his horse, waiting for her to catch up. “Were you trying to get yourself killed?”
“I was trying to win.” She pulled her horse to a stop.
“I’ll go and measure the targets,” Marek said as he darted off into the forest.
“I understand you wanted to win, but that doesn’t mean you should take unnecessary risks.” His eyes were filled with fury.
“I didn’t take any unnecessary risks,” she said with more confidence than she felt.
He ran his hands through his hair. “Then what do you call that stunt where you practically ran me off the road?” His voice was borderline hysterical.
“I didn’t run you off the road. Stop being so dramatic.”
“You’re the princess, and you shouldn’t endanger your life.” He patted his horse’s neck.
“Are you worried about my well-being?” Was he concerned about her? Like a brother?
“Of course I am. I don’t want to be the emperor. I’m fine with helping Darmik out and running the Brotherhood. But all this…” He pointed at the royal guard not far away. “I don’t want to deal with this my entire life. Keep yourself in good health and don’t break your neck.”
She had a tough time reading him. Was he serious? Joking? Some of each? “Why do you call Father by his name?”
He gripped his horse’s reins. “He’s your father, not mine.” Angling his horse away from hers, he started heading back toward the stables.
She stared at his back. “What do you call Nathenek?”
He stopped. “Nathenek is my father. He raised me.”
“I understand. However, here at court, you must realize how it can be misinterpreted if you call Nathenek Father.” They couldn’t afford for anyone to question the legitimacy of the crown.
He glanced over his shoulder at her. “It’s always about the kingdom, isn’t it?”
Always. “If we don’t put Emperion first, who will? We have a duty and responsibility to our people.”
“I know that.” He turned his horse around so he w
as facing Allyssa. “When I trained with the Brotherhood, I’d assumed the royal family was ordering everyone about. I didn’t realize how much you each sacrifice personally.”
“Are you not up for the challenge?” she asked, half teasing, half serious.
“No. I can do it. It’s just different than I thought it would be.”
Marek came sprinting out of the forest. “I have a winner,” he said as he joined them.
“Who is it?” Allyssa asked, suddenly nervous.
“It was close,” Marek said. “Both of you struck each target. However, only one of you hit the center on all ten.”
Her heart pounded waiting for Marek to declare the victor.
“Princess Allyssa won.”
Joy and smug satisfaction washed through her. Throwing her arms up in the air, she yelled, “Yes!”
Savenek cursed. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. She was more accurate than you.”
Savenek bristled.
Allyssa laughed. “I can’t wait to share this news with Nathenek.”
“He’ll have my hide for losing. He always says my aim is better with a dagger than an arrow.”
“I’m excellent with a dagger too,” she bragged.
“Is there somewhere we can throw?”
“Haven’t the two of you had enough?” Marek asked.
They both turned to Marek. “No,” they said in unison.
Savenek
Savenek couldn’t believe he’d lost. To his sister. A woman. How was that even possible? He was a trained assassin. His shot should be far more accurate than a pampered princess’s. Mayra had been right—Allyssa was an excellent marksman. And that grated on his nerves.
He made his way to Darmik’s office knowing he’d never hear the end of it. Allyssa would constantly goad him about her victory. The only way he could redeem himself would be by winning their dagger competition later today.
Turning the corner, he almost bumped into Mayra.
“Excuse me, Your Highness.” She tried stepping around him.
He reached out, taking hold of her upper arms to steady her. “Your Highness? Really?” He didn’t want her to call him that. It was too formal. His fingers trailed down her arms, but then he took a step away from her.
“Would you rather I call you Prince Savenek?”
The thought of calling her Princess Mayra crossed his mind, but he didn’t say anything. If he did, she’d probably whack him. Instead, he smiled his devilish grin at her. “Maybe.”
“I need to be on my way. I’m expected elsewhere.”
“I miss you,” he whispered, taking a slow, measured step toward her.
“How about you meet me in the solarium after supper?”
That sounded intriguing. “Alone?”
She glanced at his guards. “That would be nice.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Until then.” She bowed and hurried away.
Savenek entered Darmik’s office. Darmik was standing in the middle of the room, leaning on a table surrounded by men wearing high-ranking military uniforms. Neco and Nathenek were hunched over another map.
“Your Highness,” one of the soldiers said.
It took Savenek a minute to realize the soldier meant him. Which would explain why everyone was bowing. Was he supposed to say something?
“At ease,” Darmik said. Everyone righted themselves. “I’m glad you’re here.” He waved Savenek over to the table. “Take a look at this.”
Savenek quickly read the letter.
King Viscor,
You should not have severed your son’s marriage contract with Emperion. Since you have done so, Emperion is now considering an alliance with Russek. Jana’s death has changed everything. We needed Russek on our side. We can’t lose them to Emperion. Do whatever you have to in order to secure a marriage between your son and Princess Allyssa. Once they’re married, Prince Odar can work from within and destroy Emperion.
King Metek of Telmena
“Is this authentic?” Savenek asked, not seeing an official seal on the letter.
“One of the spies you sent to Telmena intercepted it. This is a copy. He allowed the original to continue to its destination.” Darmik folded his arms. “We’ve been discussing the best course of action.”
“At least Telmena isn’t outright attacking us,” Savenek mused.
“Agreed.”
“What are our options?” Savenek wanted to know what the men in the room had suggested before he’d arrived.
“The empress believes we should go along with it,” Darmik said.
“I recommend we attack,” one of the soldiers said.
“I think it’s odd Prince Jem of Telmena hasn’t sought a marriage with Princess Allyssa,” Neco said.
“Isn’t Jem in his thirties?” Savenek asked.
“Yes. Which may be why Telmena didn’t go that route,” Darmik said. “Besides, the princess has a history with Prince Odar. I think it makes sense.”
Savenek couldn’t believe he was being included in a meeting of this magnitude and that his opinion was sought after and valued. “What are the pros and cons of allowing Princess Allyssa to marry Prince Odar?” He honestly didn’t see the point, but there was no harm in considering it. “And what do we want to accomplish?” He was of the opinion the entire Telmena royal family should be eliminated. Why live always having to worry about them? Especially knowing Telmena had bought poison from Apethaga. He needed his spies to find where the poison was being stored so it could be destroyed.
“Our goal is to protect Emperion from outside threats,” Darmik said. “If we allow Prince Odar and Princess Allyssa to marry, we are taking a gamble. Would Odar attempt to destroy us? Or could we persuade him to help us? It could go either way. However, we do avoid a war. At least for the time being.”
“I think if all we care about is keeping the peace,” Savenek said, “then we should have Allyssa marry Jem.” He couldn’t believe they were talking about his sister’s life so casually.
“Is that what Allyssa wants?” Nathenek asked.
No one had said anything about what Allyssa did or did not want. All Darmik was focused on was avoiding a war. Savenek wasn’t sure how he felt about that. His gut reaction was to tell Darmik he was wrong. That sometimes war was necessary. And could Darmik really sacrifice his daughter’s happiness like that? The thought made Savenek sick.
“What if the princess marries King Kerdan?” Neco asked. “Would that be enough to scare Telmena into behaving?”
“I don’t know,” Darmik said. “If this had happened a few seasons ago, I would have taken the stance that peace was the right course of action. However, after dealing with Jana, after seeing the consequences of our past leniency, I am apt to say going to war with Telmena might be the right thing to do.” He rubbed his face. “Regardless, we must present two options to the Legion members and the dukes so they can vote. Let’s review our options and then decide what is going to work. We also need to come up with one solid plan and one outlandish plan to ensure they approve the one we want.”
Sometimes Darmik shocked Savenek. And right now was one of those times. He’d not only said that war might be the way to go, even though Rema had said otherwise, but he’d also indicated he could manipulate the situation to make sure he got the outcome he wanted. It was impressive.
“I’ll outline a plan for what happens if Princess Allyssa and King Kerdan marry,” Neco said.
“And I’ll come up with a plan for if Princess Allyssa and Prince Odar marry,” Nathenek said.
“I’ll outline what a full-scale invasion into Telmena will look like,” Savenek said. “Including what happens after we successfully remove the royal family.” He would love for the chance to ride into war with Darmik.
“We reconvene in two days,” Darmik said. “Dismissed.”
Savenek left the room, thankful no one had suggested marrying him off for the betterment of Emperion.
After instructin
g his guards to remain in the corridor, Savenek entered the solarium. The large room had a glass ceiling, fragrant flowers growing throughout, and a water fountain was situated toward the center. Straight ahead was a wall of windows overlooking a garden outside. He strolled through until he found Mayra standing near one of the windows. The sun had just set, casting the room in an orange glow.
After all the weeks he’d spent fantasizing about Mayra, he was finally here with her. Alone. There was so much he wanted to say to her that he didn’t even know where to begin. “I never got to thank you for saving my life,” he said by way of greeting.
She smiled. “It was nothing.”
He stood next to her, looking outside without really seeing anything. “If you hadn’t put that paste on my wounds and stopped the poison from spreading, I’d be dead. I’m grateful for your quick thinking.”
“All I remember is being so scared you’d die on me. I kept thinking I’d finally found someone I cared for, and I couldn’t lose you.”
Her words thrilled him. Instead of jumping up and down or grabbing her for a kiss, he asked, “How’d you figure out who I am?” He needed to remain calm and collected.
“The tattoo on your leg. Allyssa has the same one on her shoulder.” Taking a deep breath, she faced him. “There’s something I must say to you. I need to apologize for how horribly I treated you in Apethaga.”
He almost laughed. She’d definitely given him a hard time, putting him in his place. “You don’t need to apologize.”
“I was rude and condescending.”
True. But he’d loved her sassy attitude. It was part of her charm. “You also kissed me,” he reminded her.
“I thought you were a member of the Brotherhood. If I had known you were a prince, I would never have been so casual around you.”
He chuckled. “I rather like your casualness.”
Blushing, she moved away from the window. It was turning dark outside. “You must have been shocked when you found out.”
“I was.” To put it mildly.
“You seem to be adjusting to life here in Lakeside.”
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