Page 15 of Cage of Destiny
“Now that you are gettingmore comfortable changing your appearance and using the crowdsaround you for concealment, I want to teach you to stealcoins.”
“I’m not doing that.” Shewouldn’t take someone’s hard-earned money.
“When we’re in Russek andneed food or supplies, how do you intend to procure suchitems?”
Russek and Emperion used differentforms of currency. However, under no circumstances, would she stealfrom another person again. It felt wrong, and she couldn’t stomachit.
“Tell you what,” Natheneksaid, turning onto a different street, one far less crowded. “Ifyou do this, we’ll leave tomorrow.”
She stopped and peered up at him,trying to figure out if there was a catch. “What about mytraining?” Surely he couldn’t have changed his mind soquickly.
“It’s a long journey. Iwill continue to train you along the way.”
“I won’t steal someone’smoney.” She was done playing his games. Stealing from thehard-working citizens of her own kingdom went against everythingshe believed in. Turning, she walked away. She was resourceful andwould figure out a way to do this on her own.
Two blocks later, Nathenek caught upto her. “I was wondering how far I could push you. I’m surprisedyou lasted this long.”
“Is everything a game toyou? A test?”
“I won’t be put in alife-and-death situation with someone I don’t know.”
“You know my mother and mybrother. Isn’t that enough?”
“You’re far more recklessthan Rema. You remind me more of your father.” He sighed and lookedsidelong at her. “And you are nothing like yourbrother.”
She wished he would talk more aboutSavenek.
Several people ran past them. A roarof cheering erupted. “What’s going on?” she asked.
Nathenek pulled her scarf up over herhair and wrapped it around her face, leaving only her eyesexposed.
“The royal family is givingthe weekly address since they’re still in town.” He pulled hersouth, in the opposite direction of the crowd.
That was right—she’d forgotten aboutthe weekly address. “Will my brother be there?” He nodded. It feltas if she’d been dunked in freezing water. Wanting to see him, shepulled free from Nathenek and joined the crowd.
“Wait,” Nathenek said,managing to remain at her side. “This isn’t a goodidea.”
“Why?” No one wouldrecognize her, especially here in Emperor’s City. Excitementswirled through her. Savenek was so close.
“There are too manypeople.”
“I’ve been in the crowdedcity all day with you.” He hadn’t once been concerned with theamount of people before now.
“Yes, but a city event isvery different from wandering through the streets with multipleexit points.” He leaned down closer to her. “These sorts of eventsare an assassin’s dream.”
She stopped cold in her tracks. “Youdon’t think someone is going to attempt to kill my family, doyou?”
“There is a reason securityis always tight. As to why your mother still insists on this sillytradition, I’ll never understand.”
The weekly address was something theyalways did. It not only allowed them to speak directly to theEmperion people, but it also gave them the opportunity to showstrength and solidarity. The crowd thickened, now shoulder toshoulder. Even if she wanted to turn back, she’d never be ableto.
Nathenek took hold of her hand. “If weget separated, go to the guard station. It’s one block fromhere.”
She nodded, feeling claustrophobicwith so many people pushing and shoving her, everyone eager to seethe royal family—especially the handsome crown prince. Savenekseemed to be all anyone was talking about around her.
They entered the town square. Theroyal family always spoke from a balcony three stories high,allowing them to be easily seen and heard. This was Allyssa’s firsttime being in the crowd instead of on the balcony. Several guardswere posted on the nearby rooftops, bows nocked and at the ready.Her heart squeezed with fear. What if Jana sent another assassinafter her parents? Her family would never be safe until Jana wasdead.
“Relax,” Natheneksaid.
