Page 16 of Cage of Destiny
She unclenched her hands, forcingherself to take a deep breath. Nathenek positioned them along theedge of the town square, an exit only feet away. A good, strategicplace to be. Her focus was on the balcony where her parents wouldappear with her brother at any moment.
Excitement rippled through the crowdas a soldier stepped onto the balcony. “People of Emperion,” hebellowed.
This was it. Any second and Allyssawould see her brother.
“Empress Rema and her son,Crown Prince Savenek!”
The crowd roared, cheering theirapproval as the two members of the royal family stepped onto thebalcony. But where was Allyssa’s father? Why wasn’t Darmik on thebalcony with Rema and Savenek? She looked at Nathenek. Heshrugged.
Her mother didn’t appear distressed.As always, Rema radiated beauty, her golden hair neatly woundaround her head to show off her crown. Now was the moment Allyssahad been waiting for. She allowed herself to look at her brother.Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them away. He was familiaryet different. As he stood next to Rema, there was no doubt theywere mother and son. Both had the same skin and eye color, althoughSavenek’s hair was light brown instead of blond. He strode to theedge of the balcony and waved to the crowd. He seemed relaxed andat ease—something Allyssa found hard to do before so many people.His smile made his face appear regal and kind.
She had to talk to him, hear hisvoice, get to know him. Nathenek’s hand gripped her shoulder,holding her in place. She longed to hug her mother, to be a part ofher family again. How could she have ever considered walking awayfrom the crown?
Rema reached out, touching Savenek’sarm. He looked at her and nodded. Rema raised her arms, waiting forthe crowd to quiet down before she spoke.
“Are you certain you stillwant to go to Russek?” Nathenek murmured in her ear.
Watching her mother and Savenek, sheknew how easy it would be to send word to Rema, letting her knowshe wanted to return home and resume her role as the futureempress. However, this wasn’t about doing what she wanted—this wasabout overcoming her demons, fixing the wrongs of this world, andfighting for a better future. It was about not being caged by herfears but rather embracing them and facing her destiny. She wouldend Jana’s reign.
“Yes,” she answered. “AndI’m ready to go.” She turned to leave.
“Right now?” He noddedtoward the balcony.
“I don’t need to hear mymother’s speech. I know what my destiny is, and I’m ready to faceit.”
***
Standing on the edge of the cliff offto the side of Nathenek’s house, Allyssa gazed out at the citybelow. The wind whipped around her body, throwing her hair everywhich way. It was beautiful up here, distanced from the crowdedstreets. To the north, she could see the luxurious palace where herfamily stayed whenever they came here. It stood separate from thecity, surrounded by a large wall.
She closed her eyes and breathed inthe salty air, wishing her exhausted body could get one night ofsleep. One night without Soma taunting her, leering at her, mockingher.
“I thought I’d find you outhere,” Nathenek said from behind her. She opened her eyes as hecame to stand at her side. They remained that way for severalminutes, the sun setting in the distance.
“The ocean is magnificent,”she commented.
Nathenek grunted. “But you’re notthinking about the ocean, are you?”
“No,” sheadmitted.
“Whatever demons arehaunting you, they won’t disappear until you face themhead-on.”
She shivered. “And what do you knowabout demons?”
“I’m an assassin.” Hefolded his arms, looking off into the distance. His blank facerevealed nothing.
“You mean youwerean assassin.” Shebrushed her hair behind her ears.
“If I had meant that, Iwould have said that.”
“You’re not retired?” Herbrother had grown up with a killer? How had her mother allowedthis?
“I don’t do much work thesedays,” he said. “However, I am needed on occasion.”
Did he work for her mother? If so, whyhadn’t she ever seen him before? Or heard her father speak ofhim?
Before she could ask one of the manyquestions forming in her mind, he continued, “The point I amattempting to make is that I have killed many people over theyears. I know what it does to a person.”
Taking a deep breath, she looked up atthe sky, trying to lock her horror and shame into a manageablecage. She had not only killed Soma, but had also severely injured asoldier in her quest to kill Jana.
