Page 28 of Cage of Destiny
He released her. “Excellent. Then yourun like your arse is on fire.”
She burst out laughing, hoping shenever experienced that. They spent the next hour going over variousmoves, all revolving around her being taken hostage or kidnapped.Getting out of such situations was different than sparring, and sherather enjoyed the challenge of trying to outwit heropponent.
When her muscles were exhausted andsweat dripped down her forehead, Nathenek insisted it was time tostop. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your room.”
She reluctantly agreed, not reallywanting to face the nightmares that still plagued her.
“They’ll go away,” he saidas they exited the room. “Working yourself into exhaustion won’tprevent them from coming.”
Admitting she couldn’t sleep was likeaccepting defeat. They went up the staircase. “Are you,” she wasn’tsure how to phrase this, “staying in the same wing as me?” Surelyher father had set up some sort of protection. But who would bewatching over her while she slept and was vulnerable? Who wouldhear her cry out in the night? Only a handful of Emperion soldiershad come with Darmik, and she didn’t want any of them to hearher.
Nathenek pulled her to a stop. “I willbe in the room next to you, your father across the hall, and Kerdannext to him. There will be guards stationed in the hallway,throughout the home, and outside. There is nothing tofear.”
“We are in enemyterritory,” she whispered. “There is plenty to be afraidof.”
Chapter Nine
A knock resounded on the door toAllyssa’s bedchamber. It was probably a servant coming to light afire in the hearth. Wrapping the robe tightly around her body, shewent over and pulled the door open.
Kerdan stood there. He took up theentire doorway with his giant stature. “Can I come in?” heasked.
She blinked several times, startled byhis appearance. “I’m not dressed, it’s late at night, and properdecorum dictates we not be alone in such an intimate setting.” Sheraised her chin in the air, feigning confidence, pretending shewasn’t standing there wearing nothing but a robe with her hairdripping wet from her recent bath.
He raised a single eyebrow. “You arefully clothed, it is not that late, and I can request a guard comein and chaperone us if that would make you more comfortable.” Heleaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “Or I can standhere for this conversation.”
“And what conversationwould that be?” Her hair wasn’t even combed. It was highlyinappropriate for them to be so informal with one another,regardless of their past.
“I would like to discuss mymarriage proposal and why you should accept it.”
She’d forgotten how arrogant he couldbe. “I’ll discuss the matter with you tomorrow, downstairs, in thesitting room.”
She went to close the door, but hestuck his foot out, stopping it. “Your father wants ananswer.”
For her to formulate one, she neededtime alone to think about it.
“He suggested I speak toyou.”
“I doubt my father meantalone in my room.”
Kerdan scratched his head and stoodupright. “I don’t see what the big deal is. You stayed with me inmy room for weeks.”
Her face went flaming red. “Watch whatyou say!” Her reputation was on the line. If people knew she stayedin his room, her virtue would come into question. There had to beguards in the hallway overhearing this conversation. Why didn’tKerdan realize or understand what he was implying?
Chuckling, he leaned forward. “Ididn’t think such things mattered to you. Besides, we’re not atyour castle or court where rumors will start.”
“There are plenty ofservants here who will get the wrong idea.”
He entered her room, pushing aroundher and slamming the door shut. “Do you think I would allow someoneto enter my uncle’s home who isn’t loyal? Who I don’t personallyknow?”
“How dare you barge inhere.” And why hadn’t one of her father’s men stoppedhim?
Ignoring her, he said, “I take my ownsafety seriously.” His voice was laced with fury. She’d offendedhim. “Because your father, the emperor of Emperion, is here, Iincreased security measures. Then, when I learned you’d be here, Iwent and tightened it even more to ensure your safety. Do you knowwhy?”
“Because you want to marryme?” It sounded more like a question than a statement.
He shot her a hard look. “No. It’sbecause I know what you went through in Clovek.”
She took a step back, away from him,wanting to hide in a hole.
