Page 58 of Cage of Darkness
She stood and stretched, consideringwhat he said. “I think you’re getting ahead of yourself. Until thethreat of war is gone and I’m safely back in my kingdom, Fren andEmperion need one another.”
He waved his hand, dismissing what shesaid. “I was speaking hypothetically.”
“I don’t know.” She hadn’tconsidered the possibility. It didn’t matter—hypothetically or not.She had signed the marriage treaty. The only way it could be brokenwas if they agreed to destroy the contract. Had that ever been donebefore? Regardless, she loved Odar and was happy to marry him.“What I do know is that we shouldn’t be wasting our time discussinghypothetical scenarios. We need to practice so when I face yourassassin stepbrother, I survive.”
“You’re right. However, Ineed to go speak with my father and arrange a meeting for tomorrowevening that will last long into the night. I must have severalpeople there who will be able to attest to me being present whileyou’re killing the rest of the royal family and saving Russek forme.” He tossed his fur cape over his shoulders and latched theclasp around his neck. “Bolt the door shut after I leave so Somacan’t pick the lock. I’ll knock three times when I return and saymy horse’s name, Jomk.”
His horse’s name was Jomk? “What kindof name is that?”
“It’s an ancient wordformighty one. Aperfectly suitable name for a warhorse.” She laughed, and he shookhis head. “I suggest you try and stay up as late as possible so youcan sleep during the day. Once you’ve assassinated everyonetomorrow night, you and Odar will leave immediately for Fren. I’llhave supplies stashed for the two of you, but the journey will belong and treacherous on foot.”
She wanted to look over themap once again to make sure she knew her way out of thisblastedcastle. She rubbed hertemple.
“What’s the matter?” heasked.
“I’m trying not to thinkabout killing Jana and her family.”
“Killing is never easy.” Heset his hand upon her shoulder. “I wouldn’t ignore what you’refeeling. Mentally prepare for what you’re about to do by facing thedemons now so when you’re killing the royal family, you don’thesitate.”
“I keep reminding myselfthat, by doing this, I will save thousands of lives.”
“That’s right. Russek willbe indebted to you.” He squeezed her shoulder and left.
She closed the door and slid the boltsinto place, locking it. Kerdan wore so many masks, each onerevealing a piece of who he was, but not a single one encompassedall of him.
She sighed. All alone. Again. At leastthis would be over soon. Closing her eyes, she pictured her parentsreceiving the news that she was dead. They must be devastated.Hopefully, they didn’t do something rash in retaliation. As soon asshe entered Fren, she would send word telling them she was alive.If she was still alive.
A blast rocked the room. The doorexploded, wood pieces flying like daggers. A sliver impaled itselfinto Allyssa’s arm, and she screamed from the excruciating pain.The room filled with thick black smoke, making it impossible tosee. Her head rang from the noise.
What the bloody hell isgoing on?
Several men rushed in, roughly seizingher arms and dragging her out into the hallway, which was clear ofsmoke and debris.
“Just as I suspected,” anarticulate female voice said from underneath a hooded cape. “Takeher to my room.”
The ringing in Allyssa’s earssubsided, and she tried to get her bearings. Two sentries held herupright. “Release me,” she demanded.
One of the sentries laughed. “You’renot a princess here. You don’t give orders.” He shoved the woodensplinter deeper into her arm. Her vision swam, and she lashed out,trying to hit him.
Someone from behind reached forward,covering her mouth and nose with a cloth. She inhaled somethingpungent, and her world went black.
Chapter Twenty-One
It tasted as if Allyssa had swalloweda handful of sand. Peeling her eyelids open, she found herselflying facedown on a cold, stone floor. When she went to pushherself up, she discovered her wrists were tied behind her back.Her ankles were also secured together. Her arm hurt likehell.
She remembered the door to Kerdan’sroom exploding open, smoke everywhere, and sentries grabbing her.Turning her head, she tried to get a better look at hersurroundings.
“She’s awake,” a mansaid.
“Good,” a woman’s steelyvoice replied. It lacked the heavy accent of most Russeks. “Sit herup.”
Black boots stepped in front ofAllyssa’s face. A man squatted down, leering at her.
“What’s going on?” sheasked, her throat scratchy.
The man grabbed her hair, yanking herupright to a sitting position and leaning her against the wall.Tears sprang in her eyes. A wood shard protruded from her arm,blood soaking through her sleeve.
“Leave us,” the womanordered.
