Page 89 of Cage of Destiny
“You have?”
“I have.” Unlatching thedoor, she entered the stall and took the gelding by itslead.
Darmik, Neco, and Nathenek entered,talking softly with one another.
“Did we interruptsomething?” Darmik asked.
“No,” Allyssa answered,walking the horse out of its stall, acutely aware of Kerdanwatching her every move.
“Good. We already have adozen men outside waiting to escort us to the border. Let’s getgoing.” Darmik chose a horse, Neco and Nathenek doing the same. Twosoldiers entered, grabbed the supplies by the door, and hurriedout.
Once everyone exited the stables,Allyssa turned her attention back to Kerdan. “As I was saying, I’vealready made my decision.” She mounted the horse, riding to theexit.
“Do you plan on telling mewhat it is?” he called after her.
“I wrote you a letterexplaining my answer and gave it to the man standing guard at yourbedchamber.”
“Oh. I see.” Kerdan gave acurt nod, his face going blank. “I wish you safetravels.”
She exited the barn, joining herfather.
“Ready?” Darmikasked.
“Yes. Let’s go home.” Theyrode off the duke’s property. No one spoke as they made their waysouth toward Emperion. Allyssa tried to picture Kerdan reading herletter. What would he think? How would he react? He could bereading it at this very moment. She went over the letter in hermind, hoping she’d expressed herself well.
My dearestKerdan,
Each one of us wears amask at times. We conceal parts of ourselves from others, onlyshowing them what we want them to see. It is rare for a person totruly know another person—to see the whole of him, stripped of hismask. Somehow, you have managed to tear mine off and see me for whoI really am. And, I dare say, I think I’ve done the same toyou.
I haven’t known you allthat long. But in that time, I’ve seen you hide behind your masks,never showing anyone who you are. They only see bits and pieces ofyou. The military captain, son, prince, soldier. I think you useyour masks to guard yourself from other people who wish to use orharm you. However, I’ve seen the real you. A kind man who wants somuch more for his kingdom, who has had to play these separate rolessimply to survive, a man who deserves so much more than the lothe’s been given.
When I first met you, Ithought we were vastly different. Over the course of our timetogether, I have come to realize that is not the case. Like me, youput on a front for others to see what they want or need whilekeeping yourself hidden and safe. I consider it to beself-preservation. But the point is, I am the same. I do the samething. And I understand why you do it.
I have also come toanother realization. I don’t have to marry anyone. I used to thinkI needed a man by my side to help me lead, make decisions, and torule with. That is not the case. I am perfectly capable of doing soby myself. So, you see, I am in quite the conundrum. I never wantedto marry. In fact, I thought I was too young and despised myparents for forcing me to choose a suitor for the betterment ofEmperion. I felt like I had no choice, and I was drowning. Now theEmperion line is secure, I have a brother who can rule if I don’tproduce an heir, and my mother even told me that I can walk awayfrom the crown if I wish. I can travel the world and have a greatmany adventures. And, let me tell you, this is quitetempting.
However, my time in Russekhas taught me many things. I understand that it is my duty to rulethe kingdom of Emperion. I will not shirk from my responsibility.I’ve discovered I can be true to myself and lead my people. As Igladly step into my rule as the crown princess, I understand that Ido not need to marry.
Which brings me to mypoint. I have come to rely on and trust you. Not only as a friend,but also as someone more. The idea of not having you in my lifemakes it hard to breathe. When I think about you, I involuntarilysmile and get all warm inside. I want to marry you, Kerdan. Bloodyhell—I can’t believe I just said that I want to get married. Neverthought that would happen. But there it is.
I know the road ahead ofus will be bumpy, that you have a lot to do in Russek, that thingswill not be easy. But, without a doubt, I know you will alwaysstand by my side as I will stand by yours. I know you trust andrespect me. What greater honor is there?
When you’re ready, come toEmperion. We will sign the marriage contract once it’s finalized,and then we can marry. I am in no rush. Well, maybe just a little.I will need to introduce you to the Emperion court. And my mother.She must spend some time with you so she can approve of the union.That will be an interesting meeting. I’ll warn you now, my motheris a force to be reckoned with. If you think I’m stubborn, youhaven’t seen anything yet.
If you’ve changed yourmind and no longer wish to marry me, I understand. I know youoriginally only proposed because you needed to secure your throne.Our marriage is not the necessity it once was. You are looking forlove in a marriage. You’ve told me you can see us loving oneanother and having a real marriage. That is what I want, too. Ifyou still desire a marriage with me, I am yours. I will be yourwife, your friend, and stand by your side to rule our respectivekingdoms. You know where to find me.
All my love,
Allyssa
Chapter Twenty-Four
The gray gelding was exceptionallyfast. Their party had already made it through the forest and wastraversing the low rolling hills coated with green grass. The windwhipped through Allyssa’s hair as she rode the horse down the hill.One of the soldiers accompanying them rode ahead, making sure theland was safe. He now paused at the crest of the hill, looking backtoward them. He started waving his hands, pointing behindthem.
Their Russek escorts, along with Necoand Nathenek, immediately encircled Allyssa and Darmik, coming to astop. They turned their horses to face the oncoming threat.Allyssa’s heart pounded as she wondered what was about to come overthat hill. She heard horse hooves thundering over the land and thena single rider appeared, racing toward them.
“It’s the prince,” one ofthe soldiers exclaimed.
Allyssa squinted, trying to see theman’s face. “Prince Kerdan?” she asked. What was he doing here? Hadsomething happened? As the rider neared, she could see Kerdan’sstern face as he urged his horse to ride faster. His eyes zeroed inon her, and her stomach flipped.
