Page 30 of Cage of Destiny
His admission shocked her. “Really?Because I’m difficult, moody, and stubborn.” She also wasn’t likethe women in Russek.
He turned around and looked at her,folding his arms across his chest and smirking at her. “Iknow.”
Removing the blanket, she stood andwent over to him by the window. A steady rain fell outside, pingingagainst the glass. The fire cast a dark glow over his face, makingthe painted black lines look alive.
Kerdan hesitantly put his hand on hershoulder. “I—”
The door swung open, and Darmikentered. When he saw the two of them, he froze, his hand still onthe door handle. He glanced at the hearth and then at Allyssa. “DidKerdan light the fire for you?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Why is he still here?” Hiseyes narrowed as he came into the room, closing the door behindhim.
“I am here to discuss mymarriage proposal,” Kerdan answered.
“In her bedchamber?” Darmikclarified.
Kerdan shrugged. “Yes.”
Sensing the rising tension, Allyssamoved away from the window, positioning herself between the twomen.
“You’re in your robe andyour hair is wet,” Darmik stated.
Oh, he was furious. Shechuckled.
“What’s so funny?” hedemanded.
“I tried explaining toKerdan the inappropriateness of having a conversation in my room.He didn’t understand. Perhaps you should enlighten him.”
Darmik took a menacing step towardKerdan. “What makes you think it’s okay to come into my daughter’sbedchamber late at night to talk to her? She isn’t evendressed.”
Kerdan blinked. “You are aware shestayed in my private room, alone with me, during her time inClovek?”
Darmik glanced at Kerdan’s weaponslaying on the floor. “You did not mention that yesterday when wespoke on the matter.”
“Nothing happened,” Allyssainsisted. “It was the only safe place for me to be.”
He turned the full force of his glareon her. “And now that you are no longer being held captive, youthink that because you’ve been informal around the prince before,it’s okay to behave in such a way now? Inviting him into yourprivate bedchamber?” She was about to answer when he continued,“And you,” he looked at Kerdan, “think that because there aren’tany servants here, that you don’t have to follow properdecorum?”
“We do not have the sameformalities in Russek. I’m sorry if you feel offended in any way.”An apology that wasn’t actually an apology.
The door swung open, and Neco steppedinside, Nathenek right behind him. “What’s going on?” Necodemanded, a dagger in hand.
Bloody hell. How many people weregoing to see her in her robe? “We’re discussing the marriageproposal,” Allyssa answered quickly. “That is all.”
“In your bedchamber?” Necoasked.
“Blimey,” Kerdan cursed.“Are all Emperions so ridiculously uptight?”
The room went deathly quiet. Darmik’seyes narrowed and Neco took a step toward him, ready to restrainhim if need be. Nathenek, on the other hand, stifled asmile.
“I accept!” Allyssa blurtedout.
“What?” everyone said inunison.
“I’ll marry Prince Kerdan.”Although, she really wasn’t sure about it. She’d just said thefirst thing that came to mind to diffuse the mounting tension inthe room.
“I want to talk to mydaughter. Alone.”
