“Where to?” she asked. “Are you in the mood to fight? Drink? Or walk?”
“Drink.”
That surprised her. She didn’t think Savenek was the drinking sort of man. Not questioning him, she led the way to one of the more crowded taverns, thinking he’d like the atmosphere there. It had been one of Grevik’s favorite places to meet. When Allyssa stepped inside, she breathed in the smell of ale and stew. The familiar sight of men playing cards at the tables, people dancing off to the side, and the sound of people laughing, made her tear up.
“What’s wrong?” Savenek asked.
“Nothing. Go order us drinks. I’ll find a table.” She made her way through the crowd until she found an empty table. After wiping off the bread crumbs with her sleeve, she sat and scanned the crowd. There weren’t any familiar faces from the City Guard or the army. Relaxing, she leaned back on the chair, slouching and taking it all in. The musicians were playing some lively music and about two dozen people were dancing.
“Here.” Savenek set two mugs on the table, then took a seat across from her. “This is almost as good as a tavern back in Emperor’s City.”
She eyed him. “Almost?”
He took a sip of his ale. “It’s missing the distinct stench that fishermen have. Doesn’t feel like a tavern without the awful smell of fish.” He smiled wryly.
Allyssa couldn’t help but laugh. “You hate the smell of fish, too?”
“Loathe it.”
“Same here. The smell makes me nauseous.” She took a drink of her ale, taking note of yet another similarity between them. “How are things going with Mayra?” Since Savenek and Mayra started officially courting, Mayra hadn’t been very forthcoming with details. And Allyssa wanted details.
He groaned. “I think Neco hates me.”
Neco didn’t hate Savenek. If he did, he never would have allowed Savenek and Mayra to court. “Neco can be intimidating.” Luckily, she’d grown up with him and knew his antics well. “He just wants to make sure your intentions are honorable.”
“I understand he wants what’s best for his daughter. But you’d think,” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “he’d be thrilled to have his daughter marry a prince.”
Allyssa wrapped her hands around her mug, considering what Savenek had said. “Perhaps after watching what I went through, he’s more concerned about his daughter being happy than her station in life.”
Savenek ran his hands through his hair, messing it up. “Don’t hit me for saying this, but I’m thankful you’ve been through what you have. Otherwise, I’m not sure Rema and Darmik would approve of me marrying Mayra. They would probably have insisted on a political match.”
Allyssa hated to admit it, but he was right. Not wanting to talk about her past, she changed the subject. “Why don’t you call them Mother and Father?”
He shrugged before taking a long drink from his mug. When he set the mug down, he focused on the people dancing. “They didn’t raise me so it’s hard to think of them as my parents.”
“You seem comfortable around them.” He fit right in as if he’d always been a part of their family.
“I am.” He finally looked at Allyssa. “But Nathenek raised me. He’s my father.”
She couldn’t imagine what her life would have been like if someone other than her parents had raised her. She was fairly sure she wouldn’t be as accepting of it as Savenek appeared to be. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“Still, I feel bad.” And thankful she wasn’t the one her parents had sent away. Which only made her feel even more guilty.
Instead of answering, he said, “It’s getting loud in here.”
“More people just came in.” There was barely any room to dance and every single table was occupied.
“At least the ale is good,” Savenek said sardonically.
The ale tasted like stinky socks. She scrunched up her nose.
Someone near the door caught her attention. Someone taller and wider than everyone else in the room. She blinked. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kerdan was here.
“I was wondering how long it would take him to come in,” Savenek murmured.
“You knew he was out there?”
“I felt him following us. Probably because he’s not familiar with the town, he stayed a little closer to us than he normally would have.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” She would have asked Kerdan to join them.
“I wasn’t sure if he was following to protect you, spy on you, or to see you.”
Kerdan spotted Allyssa and headed her way. When he reached their table, he sat on one of the empty chairs. “What are you doing out of the castle?” he demanded.
“I needed a break,” she said.
“Me too,” he admitted.
“Are you alone?” Or had he brought one of his men?
“I came here by myself. I figured one Russek was hard enough to blend in. Any more would be too difficult.”
“Smart man,” Savenek muttered, taking another sip of his ale. “I’m not leaving my sister alone with you.”
“I didn’t ask you to.”
“I came here to enjoy myself,” Allyssa said. “Can you two please not argue for one night?”
Kerdan drummed his fingers on the table. “It is nice to see you dressed like normal,” he said to her.
“This isn’t normal. The fancy dresses are.”
“I prefer this.”
“You prefer me drab?”
“No, not drab.” He raised a single eyebrow, sending a jolt of pleasure through Allyssa. “Like a fighter.”
Savenek groaned. “I can’t believe I have to sit here and listen to this.”
“Apologies,” Kerdan said. “Allyssa, want to dance? That way your brother won’t have to listen to us.”
“It would be my pleasure.” She stood and followed him to the dancing area. The last time she danced with him had been at a tavern in Russek.
He grabbed hold of her waist, playfully tugging her to him so their chests touched. She met his eyes, and her breath caught. He reached out, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. While she was aware of everyone dancing around them as she and Kerdan just stood there, she didn’t care. Kerdan’s eyes revealed so much. Sadness—probably for the lives lost during the war; happiness—from being with her; anger—at what Jana had done to his kingdom and his father for allowing it to happen; and longing—for peace, contentment, and a bright future.
Going up on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek and then reluctantly stepped away from Kerdan so she could dance.
“You’re right,” he said. “Your taverns are very different from mine.”
The music sped up, and people clapped every two beats, stomping on the third and fourth.
“Ours are tame compared to yours. No organized fighting.” She still remembered when he’d fought the man in the ring. That had been a thing of beauty to see. She’d thoroughly appreciated Kerdan’s brute strength and watching his muscles ripple as he moved.
“Why do you have that devilish expression on your face?” he asked.
“Me?” He couldn’t possibly know what she’d been thinking.
“Yes, you.”
Her face warmed.
“Now you have to tell me.”
It was difficult to carry on a conversation over the music, people talking, clapping, stomping, and mugs clinking. But at least no one could hear her when she replied, “I was just remembering when you fought shirtless.”
He leaned in until his lips touched her left ear. She stopped dancing, unable to move with him so close. “I wouldn’t mind watching you in that situation.” He chuckled, the sound deep and sultry.
Her legs went weak, and she almost fell over right there on the dance floor. Kerdan gripped her elbows, holding her upright. Was it getting hot in there or was it just her?
The song ended and another one began. This was a quick tune usually played at celebrat
ions. Allyssa clapped three times while stomping on either foot. She spun to the right, then to the left, and stomped again. Kerdan caught on quickly, imitating her movements. The music sped up, and the dancing became quicker. Allyssa couldn’t help but smile as she watched Kerdan match her move for move. When the song ended, everyone in the pub pounded on the tables or the bar while those who had been dancing applauded the musicians.
“I need a drink,” Kerdan said, breathing heavily.
Allyssa made her way back to the table where Savenek sat while Kerdan went to the bar to get a drink.
“How can you marry a Russek?” Savenek asked, his lip curled in disgust.
She rolled her eyes. “I almost married a man from Fren. What’s the difference?”
“Russek is our enemy.”
“Was.”
He ran his hands through his hair. “I find it hard to trust him.”
“I know you do.” And she understood his reluctance to trust him. However, Darmik, Neco, and Nathenek had all vouched for Kerdan. Wasn’t the opinion of the three most highly regarded men in Emperion good enough for Savenek?
“I can’t decide who I like more. Kerdan or Odar,” Savenek muttered.
“It doesn’t matter who you like more because I’m only in love with one of them.”
Savenek raised his eyebrows, giving her a half smile. “Fair enough.”
Kerdan joined them. “Where do you go if you want to fight?” He took a swig from his mug.
“Into the army,” Savenek replied.
“That’s not what he meant,” Allyssa said. “In Russek, they fight at taverns. They place bets on who will win.”
“Maybe I like Russek a little more,” Savenek drawled.
Kerdan finished off his drink. “Are you two ready to leave?”
It was getting late, and Allyssa was tired. They exited the tavern. The air had turned cold. Allyssa folded her arms, trying to stay warm.
“I need to meet up with my men,” Kerdan said. “We’re going to spy on the royal party that is arriving tomorrow.”
“Mind if I come?” Savenek asked.
“I thought you didn’t like Kerdan,” Allyssa said.
Savenek elbowed her in the side.
Kerdan slapped his arm around Savenek’s shoulders. “I think we should spend some more time together. I’m not sure I like you, either.”
“At some point, I hope you and I will have a moment alone?” Allyssa stared pointedly at Kerdan.
“If Emperion didn’t have their backward ways, I’d be staying in your room.” He kissed her forehead.
“I hope that’s a joke,” Savenek said.
Allyssa didn’t respond.
“Come.” Kerdan nodded his head to the north.
“Aren’t we going to walk Allyssa back to the castle first?” Savenek asked.
Kerdan scrunched his eyebrows together. “Why would we do that?”
“To make sure she gets there safely,” Savenek replied, as if talking to a two-year-old.
“Your sister can take care of herself.” Kerdan started to walk away.
“I guess,” Savenek said, not sounding convinced at all.
Kerdan turned and winked at Allyssa. “I know.”
Allyssa watched Savenek and Kerdan walk away. Once they were out of sight, she made her way back to the castle.
Allyssa had to be dreaming. It felt like Kerdan’s arms were pulling her closer to him. Her eyes opened. “Kerdan?” she whispered.
“Shh,” he said.
The darkness of night had started to fade to a pale, gray light.
“What are you doing here?” she whispered.
He was stretched out on the bed alongside her. “I just got back and wanted to see you.”
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yes.” He gently stroked her hair, his hand practically covering her entire head as he did so.
She started to drift off to sleep, breathing in the smell of him.
“It is strange to be here,” he mumbled. “Your cities are so different from mine. Both of your parents are still alive. You have a sibling. There is a feeling of peace and contentment here.”
“Do you think you could live here?”
“I could live anywhere as long as you are with me. But it is a little hot here for my liking.”
She smiled, feeling the warmth of his fully clothed body next to hers.
“Your father has been an immense help to me,” Kerdan said. “He has given me a lot of advice on how to handle the army and those vying for power. Not that I’ve done everything he’s said, but most of his advice has been worthwhile.” He continued to stroke her hair, lulling her back to sleep.
“I’m not ready for the responsibility of being king,” he admitted. “But I have no choice. Russek must have a king, and I am him.”
“Why aren’t you ready?” she asked drowsily. He’d make a great king.
“I was raised for the army, not politics.”
“That’s why we’re perfect together. I have politics covered, and you’ll take care of the army.”
“Your father is putting Savenek in charge of the Emperion army.”
Well, there would still be the Russek army to run. But she didn’t want Kerdan in Russek; she wanted him here in Emperion with her. There was so much that needed to be sorted through and figured out.
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. She didn’t want a kiss on her cheek. She wanted to feel his lips. Rolling over so she faced him, she wound an arm around him and lifted her chin. His lips touched hers.
The door to her bedchamber opened. Kerdan cursed. Allyssa peeked over her shoulder to see a very stunned Mayra standing there.
Mayra came in and closed the door. “Sorry,” she whispered. “But Her Majesty bid me to come wake you.”
“The royal family from Dromien must have arrived,” Kerdan said as he got off the bed.
“How’d you get in here?” Mayra asked. “There are guards right outside the door. They have strict orders not to let anyone other than the royal family or me in here.”
“That is my secret,” Kerdan whispered.
There was no way he fit in the laundry chute.
“I suggest you get out of here before someone finds you.” Mayra eyed Allyssa. “You know how your parents would react if they found him in here.”
“I know,” Allyssa said.
Mayra headed to Allyssa’s dressing closet.
Kerdan leaned down and kissed Allyssa’s forehead.
“How did you get in here?” she asked.
“Your brother let me in. He said I could have five minutes.”
“My brother?” She found that hard to believe.
“I won a bet.”
Now that she did believe.
“The bookshelf in the corner of your room swings open and leads into your brother’s room. Didn’t you know that?” He straightened.
She did not know that.
Kerdan headed toward the bookshelf. When he was about five feet away, the bookshelf swung open and Savenek stood there.
“Time’s up,” Savenek said.
Kerdan exited through the secret passage Allyssa hadn’t known existed.
“Did you know he can kill and skin a rabbit in less than two minutes?” Savenek asked.
Well no, she hadn’t. “Why are you asking?”
“He’s a king.”
“And?”
“I didn’t think royalty knew how to do that sort of thing.” He placed his hands on his hips.
“Can you kill and skin a rabbit?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“Aren’t you royalty?”
“Yes, but that’s different. I wasn’t raised as a prince.”
And Kerdan didn’t have a typical childhood either. However, Allyssa didn’t feel it was her place to reveal Kerdan’s secrets. “I’m quite surprised you let him in my room.”
“Only for five minutes. And he promised me he wouldn’t do anything untoward.”
“Yes.”
“Are you coming?” Kerdan called from Savenek’s room. “We still have work to do.”
“Yeah,” Savenek answered him. “I need to go. I swear I don’t know where that man gets his energy.” He turned and left, closing the bookshelf behind him.
Allyssa smiled. They must have gotten to know one another a little better last night.
Mayra exited the dressing closet holding a lovely lavender dress. “Will this do?” she asked.
Allyssa stood and stretched. “That one is fine.” She needed to hurry so she’d be ready to receive the Dromien royal family. The last time she’d met the prince, he’d made fun of her, saying she was a skinny, ugly runt. She’d punched and yelled at him. But that had been years ago. Still, she’d already made up her mind she wasn’t going to like the Dromien royal family.
Standing in the Throne Room, Allyssa greeted the king and queen from Dromien as they explained that their son had not come along with them for the wedding.
Odar was at Allyssa’s side, playing the part of the doting fiancé perfectly. He was very good at playing parts. The squire, the prince, the victim, the warrior. She shoved those thoughts aside as Rema and Darmik expressed their pleasure at seeing their friends. Allyssa tried not to roll her eyes.
Savenek was slightly behind her, smiling and charming to those who’d bothered to come today. Now that Allyssa was paying attention, most in attendance were young, unmarried females. She twisted to glare at Savenek. He simply shrugged.
Rema announced that supper, followed by dancing, would be held that evening to welcome the king and queen from Dromien.
Allyssa glided down the aisle and exited the Throne Room. She was immediately joined by Marek.
“I’m glad you’re back,” she said by way of greeting. She much preferred having him guard her.
“We need to talk.”
“About what?” she asked.
“Mayra told me what she saw this morning.”
Son of a harlot! Allyssa wanted to strangle her friend. “It was nothing.”
Oath of Destruction Page 20