“Why did you kill Lareissa?” Because he’d feared she was trying to kill Savenek? That didn’t make any sense. Savenek was more than capable of defending himself.
“She was going to kill you,” he said.
Shock rolled through Allyssa. She’d been at the ball alongside Odar with no idea her life was in jeopardy.
“I reacted before I thought through the consequences,” Kerdan explained. “I’m sorry.”
“So you protected me, and now Apethaga wants you dead?” And Mayra was injured from protecting Savenek. What a mess.
“Yes. King Theon is calling for my execution. Of course, Telmena is siding with him.”
“My parents won’t let anything happen to you.”
He chuckled, and she wondered how he could laugh at a time like this. “It is not your parents’ job to protect me,” he said. “I am the king of Russek. I killed someone who threatened you. I will deal with the consequences.”
This was bad. Allyssa glanced up and down the corridor, seeing Emperion soldiers positioned at both ends. As much as her mother had hoped for a peaceful resolution, it didn’t appear there would be one.
“King Theon is trying to incite a war before any explanations can be given,” Kerdan said. “I think this was planned between Apethaga and Telmena. These two kingdoms wanted to create chaos and opportunities for members of the royal families to be killed.”
Allyssa wondered if they’d sacrificed Lareissa in order to get what they wanted. The thought both sickened and saddened her. Power made people do crazy things. “What can I do to help?” Reaching out, she clutched onto his forearm, the feel of chainmail digging into her palm.
“Stay alive.”
Marek exited the room with Savenek in tow. “Now that I know my sister will live, I need to move Prince Savenek and Princess Allyssa to another location.”
“I agree,” Kerdan. “They are not safe here.”
Allyssa released him, wondering how she wasn’t safe in her own castle. Emperion had an entire unit of soldiers stationed on the castle grounds.
Kerdan turned to Brookfel. “I need to ask a favor.”
“Anything.”
“Stay with Allyssa.”
“I’ll protect her with my life,” Brookfel said, bowing his head.
Kerdan took Allyssa’s hands and squeezed them. “I know you don’t like this. I know you want to fight.” He held her gaze until she nodded. “But I need you to hide. King Theon is demanding retribution. I’m afraid he will kill you to hurt me.”
While she wanted to remain with Kerdan and fight those wishing her and her family harm, she took a moment to think things through rationally. She hadn’t seen her parents since Lareissa had been killed. They were probably being diplomatic and trying to keep the kings and queens of the visiting kingdoms calm. However, she couldn’t be certain. Her number one job was to protect Emperion. And right now, that meant ensuring Emperion had a ruler and an heir. She studied the man before her, knowing he could very well take care of himself. He was a skilled, proficient fighter. “Very well,” she said, agreeing to his request.
“I expected more of a fight.”
“You wouldn’t ask it if it wasn’t necessary.” He so rarely asked anything of her.
“True.”
“What are you going to do?” she asked. Did he intend to kill Theon? Send the Russek army against Apethaga and Telmena?
Kerdan smiled ruefully. “I plan to keep the peace by scaring everyone.” With that, he turned and strode away.
Scaring everyone? Allyssa wasn’t sure what he meant by that. However, she was very glad that Kerdan was on her side. Pity the fool who got in his way.
Savenek snorted. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I like him.”
Marek just shook his head and said, “Let’s get you two in the secret passageways.”
“No,” Brookfel replied. “They will expect that. Let’s get out of the castle and hide somewhere they won’t think to look.”
Allyssa had just the place.
Disguised as female servants, Allyssa, Savenek, Marek, and Brookfel easily made their way out of the castle through the servants’ corridors.
Allyssa led the way through the town to the apartment complex where her dear friend had once lived. She raised her hand and knocked on the door. A moment later, Grevik’s mother, Serek, opened the door. Allyssa held her finger to her lips before Serek could say anything.
Serek nodded and opened the door wider, admitting their group into her tiny apartment. There was a single room with a sofa and a table for eating. Down a short hallway were two bedchambers only wide enough for a cot and a dresser.
Once the door was closed and locked, Allyssa hugged Serek. “We need to hide here for a little bit.”
Serek wore a simple gray dress, her hair pulled into a tight bun. During the day, she worked in a store selling milk and cheese. “Of course, Your Highness.”
“Don’t use my title or name. No one can know I’m here.” Allyssa quickly introduced Savenek, Marek, and Brookfel. The three men removed the dresses they had been wearing and the bonnets covering their heads. Allyssa bit her bottom lip so she wouldn’t laugh. The getup had been Brookfel’s idea.
Serek made some tea while the rest of them sat on the sofa or the floor.
Allyssa fiddled with a strand of her hair, wondering how long they would be there. What was Kerdan doing with his army? Had any fighting taken place? Were her parents okay?
“Let’s play a game of cards,” Savenek said. “Otherwise, I’ll go mad worrying about Mayra and what’s going on back at the castle.”
She knew it was difficult for Savenek to remain in hiding instead of being an active participant in the fray. He wasn’t the type to sit still. They were alike in that regard.
Serek brought out the tea and a deck of cards.
Allyssa reached forward, picking up the cards and holding them between her hands. This was the same deck she’d used with Grevik.
“Is there any particular reason you’re hugging the cards?” Savenek asked.
Allyssa flicked one of the cards at his head. He caught it, flashing her a tired smile.
Brookfel stood and went to the window, peering carefully outside. “Looks like something is going on down there.”
“I’ll go and find out.” Serek grabbed her sweater and left the apartment. Brookfel locked the door after her before resuming watch near the window.
Allyssa dealt the cards, then started a round of Kingsmen with Marek and Savenek. She lost three straight times because she was too occupied with what could be going on outside instead of what cards she held in her hand.
After about twenty minutes, there was a tap at the door, Serek announcing herself in a whisper. Brookfel cracked the door. After confirming she was alone, he let her in.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” she assured them once she was safely back inside. “The City Guards just announced that the Russek soldiers are here at the request of our great empress and they’re working alongside Emperion soldiers to keep the peace.”
Allyssa wondered how many Russek soldiers were here. A shiver ran through her at the memory of being held prisoner in the Romek mountains. The brutality of the Russek soldiers had shocked her. The men Kerdan had called here better be controlled and follow his orders. She would not tolerate any harm coming to her people.
Marek threw his cards down. “I’m out. Neither of you is paying attention.”
“Sorry,” Allyssa said. It had to be close to midnight by now. After setting her cards down, she rubbed her temple. “What do you think is happening at the castle?”
Someone gently knocked on the door. Brookfel held up a finger, telling Serek to wait while he got into position. When he was ready, he nodded. Serek opened the door a few inches, talking softly to a male voice. She turned and mouthed, “Nathenek?”
“Let him in,” Marek said.
When she opened the door wider, Nathenek entered.
Allys
sa vaguely wondered how he knew they were here. But this was Nathenek. He seemed to know everything.
“All the kingdoms have agreed to a trial,” Nathenek said. “Kerdan will state his case, and each kingdom will have one vote. If he’s found guilty, he will hang.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Allyssa said, folding her arms. How could Kerdan have agreed to that?
“I agree. However, if it keeps the peace, then we should go along with it.” Nathenek motioned for them to stand.
“When is the trial?” Savenek asked as he stood.
“Right now.”
Now? “And if he’s found guilty?” Allyssa demanded. “Then what?”
Nathenek’s grin was feral. “I wouldn’t worry about that. I’ve already helped one royal avoid an execution.”
Back at the castle, Nathenek escorted Allyssa, Savenek, Marek, and Brookfel to the Throne Room. They went to the first row, sitting alongside Rema and Darmik.
All the royal families from the mainland were present. Soldiers lined the walls. No one spoke.
The doors slammed open, making Allyssa jump. Two Emperion soldiers escorted Kerdan to the front of the room. He wore an emerald tunic with the royal crest of Russek on the front. The tunic appeared bulkier than usual, and Allyssa wondered if he had chainmail on underneath. He didn’t even glance her way as he strode up the dais and turned to face the royal families. His wrists had been tied together in front of his body.
Rema stood. She still wore the dress she’d had on earlier at the ball. Even though she looked regal, the skin under her eyes was dark, hinting at how tired the empress truly was. “I hereby declare the start of King Kerdan’s trial. First, we will hear the accuser’s claims. Then, we will hear the king’s response. Each kingdom will have one vote. Agreed?” She managed to keep her voice loud, clear, and authoritative.
Everyone agreed.
Allyssa clasped her hands together, her heart pounding. Two of the families would vote against Kerdan—Apethaga and Telmena. Dromien would most likely vote the same as Emperion—for Kerdan. That made it a tie. The deciding factor would be Fren, and Allyssa had no idea how they would vote. Viscor and Lutia could easily side with Telmena, especially since they had a treaty between their kingdoms and Kren was married to Jestina. On the other hand, Allyssa was engaged to Odar. It wouldn’t be wise to side against Emperion on this matter.
Odar sat with his parents a couple of rows behind Allyssa. She wanted to turn around to see his face. Would he encourage his parents to spare Kerdan for her sake? Or would he tell them to vote against him? How selfish was he? Eliminating Kerdan meant Allyssa was free to marry. But Odar had to know she would never forgive him for voting against the man she loved.
Savenek placed his hand over her fidgeting ones. “It’ll be okay,” he whispered. “I promise.” He released her.
Theon stood and addressed the royal families. “The facts are simple. King Kerdan snapped my daughter’s neck, killing her. He is guilty, and I want his death for her death.”
Considering the man had just lost his daughter, he didn’t appear the least bit grief stricken. In fact, he seemed too calm and collected. Had he not cared for his youngest child? Perhaps the reality of the situation had not yet hit him.
Theon sat next to his wife. Her eyes were red, and she held a handkerchief. Conditto was sitting next to her mother, her face devoid of all emotion, making her appear cold and calculating.
“What do you have to say in your defense?” Rema asked Kerdan.
A flair of panic shot through Allyssa. What if Rema didn’t approve of Kerdan? This would be a way for her to easily get rid of him. Would her mother do that to Allyssa? Maybe Kerdan killing Lareissa had scared Rema so much that she wouldn’t allow Allyssa to marry him.
Kerdan took a step forward on the dais, the soldiers guarding him remaining where they were, about a foot behind him. “All he says is true,” Kerdan replied, his deep voice cutting through the room. “However, it was a justified killing.”
“Killing is never justified,” Theon said, jumping to his feet. “You’re a murderer.”
“Ironic coming from a man who tried to have me killed,” Savenek said under his breath.
“What proof do you have her death was justified?” Rema asked.
Savenek cleared his throat. “May I speak? I have evidence.”
“You may,” Rema said, taking her seat.
Allyssa was thrilled Savenek was willing to speak on Kerdan’s behalf. She knew her brother had his reservations about him.
Savenek stood, facing those present. “I first met Princess Lareissa a few seasons ago. She was a beautiful, vivacious woman. However, she is dead because she tried to assassinate Princess Allyssa. I was standing near her. I witnessed her take out a knife and point it at my sister, with the intention of throwing it into my unarmed and unaware sister’s back.”
“My daughter would never try to kill someone,” King Theon stated.
“I also want to bring charges against Prince Patteon,” Savenek said. “The reason King Kerdan had to step in to stop Lareissa was because Prince Patteon was trying to assassinate me.”
“My son did no such thing,” King Theon declared.
“My son’s bodyguard would beg to differ,” Rema said coldly. “Neco, bring in the bodyguard.”
Neco entered the room with Mayra, who looked half dead. Her hair was in disarray, her skin pasty white, and she had several blankets wrapped around her shaking body. Neco had an arm around her waist, keeping her upright. They stopped before the dais, slowly pivoting toward the gathered assembly.
“All he says is true,” Mayra said, her pained, breathy voice barely heard throughout the room. “I saw Princess Lareissa take out a knife, aiming it in Princess Allyssa’s direction. When Prince Savenek tried to stop Princess Lareissa, Prince Patteon withdrew his own sword and knife, attempting to kill Prince Savenek. I threw my body in front of the blade to save the prince’s life.”
“What evidence do you have?” Theon demanded. “This is a conspiracy!”
“I have the knife Prince Patteon used,” Neco said. He removed a pouch from his waist and untied it, withdrawing a small knife covered with dried blood. “I won’t touch the blade because it is laced with a poison produced in Apethaga.”
“Convenient you should have the blade and know about the poison,” Theon spat.
“I am stating the facts.” Neco put the knife back in the pouch. “Anything else?” he asked Rema.
She shook her head. “You may go.”
Neco wrapped his arm around Mayra, supporting most of her weight as they made their slow progression back down the aisle to the door. Those gathered watched, a few appearing sympathetic toward the injured woman.
“What motive did my son and daughter have to kill either Princess Allyssa or Prince Savenek?” Theon demanded.
Allyssa glanced at the row behind Theon. Metek, Cora, and Jem sat next to one another. Metek had a slight smile hovering about his lips.
Savenek once again stood. “Lareissa had several motives.”
Theon’s glare focused on Savenek. “I can’t believe anything you say. You came to my kingdom pretending to be an ambassador when you were the prince. You’re a liar!”
Ignoring him, Savenek addressed the royal families. “Lareissa told me she wouldn’t marry me unless I was the crown heir. Motive number one—by killing Allyssa, she could be assured I was first in line for the throne. At which time, Lareissa could marry me, securing her future as the next empress of Emperion.”
A low murmur rippled through the room.
“Motive number two—if she killed Allyssa, Odar would be free to marry someone else. Since Odar is the crown heir of Fren, Lareissa would be the future queen of Fren if she married him. As you can see, killing Allyssa would have greatly benefitted a fourth born child who had ambitions of ruling a kingdom.”
“Liar,” Theon roared. “My daughter was pleased to be marrying Prince Jem of Apethaga.”
“Motive
number three,” Savenek continued as if Theon hadn’t spoken. “Prince Jem is twice Princess Lareissa’s age. I overhead Prince Patteon tell his sister that if she wanted out of her contract, she needed to get over there and kill…them.” Savenek paused there, a shadow of confusion washing over his face. He looked at Patteon. “Did you mean King Viscor and Queen Lutia? Was Lareissa supposed to assassinate the king and queen of Fren?”
“This is an outrage,” Theon bellowed.
“Or did you intend for Princess Lareissa to be killed?” Savenek said. “Did you set her up for something impossible in order to try to destroy Emperion? To get back at me?”
Theon’s face turned red, his eyes widening.
“That’s it, isn’t it?” Savenek said. “You wanted me to step in and kill her, not King Kerdan.”
Neither Apethaga nor Telmena knew Kerdan cared for Allyssa, so neither kingdom had factored him into their plans.
“It’s time for a vote,” Rema said. “All those who find King Kerdan guilty for killing Princess Lareissa, have one representative from your kingdom raise his or her hand.”
Theon and Metek raised their hands.
“All those who find Kerdan not guilty, raise your hand.”
Rema, Viscor, and the king from Drenton raised their hands.
“King Kerdan has been found innocent of the charges brought against him,” Rema said. “Release him.”
Metek started laughing, the sound hysterical. “How do you always bloody get your way?” he said, pointing at Rema. “You’re a parasite. How can you not want King Kerdan dead? After all, he kept your daughter holed up in his room while she was in Russek. Of all people, I thought you would want him gone.”
Rema went very still. Allyssa wanted to hide under the seat. How could Metek have publicly humiliated her like this? Now when she married Kerdan, people would assume it was because her virtue had been compromised.
“That is a bold accusation you’re making,” Darmik said.
“It’s not an accusation,” Metek said. “It is a fact.”
“How do you know?” Darmik asked. His voice became deadly calm, sending a chill through Allyssa.
Oath of Destruction: Reign of Secrets, Book 5 Page 28