Page 24 of Cage of Destiny
“No, I am his son,Brightek. Welcome.”
She gave a curt nod. Nathenek casuallypositioned himself behind her chair. “I’m sorry for the intrusion,”she said, not bothering to introduce herself or Nathenek. “I mustget a letter to Prince Kerdan. He told me you can be ofassistance.”
Brightek nodded. “Yes. I can get amessage to him. Will you be needing a place to stay?”
She had no idea what the plan was orwhat Nathenek intended. Crossing her legs, she sat up straight,years of grooming taking over. “I am not certain yet.”
Brightek stood. “Very well. I willhave two rooms made up just in case. The woods can be dangerous.”He held out his hand. “Your letter?”
“I have not written ityet.” She looked around for paper and a quill.
“Wait here,” he said. “Iwill return in a moment with the necessary supplies.”
Shortly after he left the room,servants entered. They carried trays of food, setting everything onthe long table. Her mouth watered at the rich scents and she hopedthey would be invited to stay for supper.
Nathenek strolled over to the windows,observing the surrounding land. Cold and tired from their journey,Allyssa went over to the fireplace, warming her hands and trying tothink what to write to Kerdan. The door swung open, banging againstthe wall and startling her. Kerdan, Darmik, and Neco barged intothe room.
Allyssa blinked, certain she saw afigment of her imagination.
“It took you long enough,”Kerdan said, stopping before her.
He looked real, sounded real. At aloss for words, she turned her attention to her father, who rushedforward, wrapping his arms around her. He felt real. This wasn’t adream then. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
“We’ll get to that,” hemurmured against her hair. “For now, let me hold my babygirl.”
Chapter Eight
Allyssa couldn’t believe Darmik washere. In Russek. With Kerdan and Neco. She squeezed him,thrilled—and shocked—to be in her father’s presence. When hefinally released her, she allowed herself to look at Kerdan. Thedark circles under his eyes were gone. Black paint had been swirledover his forehead and down the right side of his face.
“What is everyone doinghere?” she asked.
“Before we start discussingpolitics,” Nathenek interrupted, “let’s eat. I’m starving.” He wentover to the table covered with food and took a seat, shoving breadand stew into his mouth.
Allyssa took a seat at the tablebetween her father and Neco, Kerdan sitting directly across fromher.
“Things are quiet in Russekfor the moment,” Kerdan said. “I don’t want my men fighting eachother. I’ve given orders to defend when necessary, but not toattack.” He took a bite of his bread.
“I thought the situationwould be more volatile,” she commented. “I figured Jana would sendthe army to crush you and the company of men you lead. What do youthink she’s waiting for?”
“Who knows? She’s a crazedlunatic.”
Allyssa snorted, and Darmik elbowedher. Quickly hiding her smile, she took a bite of the stew,thankful for something warm to eat. Nathenek finished eating andstood, wandering over to the windows and peering outsideagain.
Kerdan twisted around to face him. “Ifyou’re concerned with security, you can speak with my man Brookfel.He’ll show you around.”
“That is precisely what I’dlike to do.”
Kerdan pointed toward the main door.“Through there and to the right. You’ll find him doing the exactsame thing you are but from a different room.”
Neco stood. “I’ll go with you.” Thetwo men exited the room.
“When did you arrive?”Allyssa asked, looking at her father.
“A couple of days ago,” hereplied.
“Why is everyone here?” Andwhat was going on? She glanced at Kerdan and found him watchingher. The last time she saw him, he’d proposed. She hadn’t expectedto see him again so soon. He took a bite of stew before glancing ather father, waiting for him to answer.
“We’re here to discussassassinating Jana,” Darmik said.
