Page 77 of Cage of Darkness
Rounding her shoulders, she replied,“Until I know what state my kingdom is in, I am in no position tomake or break treaties.”
“When do you want to returnhome?” he asked.
She blinked. He wanted her gone? “Assoon as possible, Your Majesty. I am eager for my parents to knowthat I am alive and well.”
“I can send word via amessenger to them,” he offered. “No parent should believe his orher child is dead.” He glanced at his wife. The queen nodded inapproval.
“Thank you.”
“In a few days, when youare fully recovered from your taxing experience, a unit of mysoldiers will escort you home.”
Home.
Odar went to one of the side doors andreturned a moment later with a man dressed in Fren livery. The kingwaved his hand, and the man approached the dais. “Travel toEmperor’s City immediately. Tell Empress Rema and Emperor Darmikthat their daughter, Princess Allyssa, is alive and well at theFren court. She will be escorted home in a few days. Deliver thismessage in person—write nothing down in case you areintercepted.”
“Wait,” Allyssainterjected. Her parents could still be in hiding or decoys couldbe in their place. “If the empress and emperor aren’t there, youmay leave word with Neco.”
The man nodded and left.
“Last we heard, yourparents were in Emperor’s City. I’m sure my man will have notrouble finding them.”
“I can’t imagine whatthey’ve endured the last few weeks thinking they lost their onlydaughter.” Both Rema and Darmik had to be devastated. At least theyhad a lot to contend with to keep them occupied.
The king chuckled. “Yes, they’re infor a bit of a shock. I know we certainly were when Odar showed up.Plus, they’re in a precarious situation since they declared yourbrother, Savenek, as the crown heir.”
The room spun before her. She musthave heard him wrong. Odar reached out and grabbed her arm,steadying her. “What?” she asked.
“Your parents nevermentioned you had a twin brother.”
Savenek was alive? She’d been told hedied when they were babies. This wasn’t possible. Her parents hadlied to her? Was this what they kept trying to tell her before thekidnapping? What her mother meant when she said she did somethingto ensure the line survived?
“Are you certain, Father?”Odar asked.
The king tapped his finger on thearmrest. “I do not have all the details,” he responded, his eyesfocused on his son’s hand holding her arm. Odar quickly releasedher. “I have a letter from Empress Rema herself stating that herson, Savenek, has been named the heir. The coronation took placenot long ago at their castle in Emperor’s City. Are you all right?You seem a bit shocked.”
“I’m fine,” she lied, notwanting him to know her parents had deceived her. She needed totravel home immediately to see for herself. Her brother, Savenek,was alive? Impossible. And yet, it was something her mother wouldhave done for the greater good. She had so many questions. Whoraised him? Where did he grow up? Had he known his identity? Or didher parents lie to him, too? She blinked several times, willing thetears away.
“I’m glad a male heir is onthe Emperion throne,” King Viscor mused. “Wonder if they’ll keephim or return it to you?”
“I think the princess needsto lie down,” Odar said. “She’s looking rather pale.”
“Very well,” the kingresponded. “If Princess Allyssa is feeling well enough tonight, I’dlike for her to join us at the banquet celebrating your return andthe end of the Russek standoff.”
She barely heard him or registeredwhat he said because all she could think about was the possibilityof her twin brother being alive.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Allyssa slowly turned before themirror, marveling at the pale blue dress adorned with thousands oftiny pearls. The sleeves flared out, hanging all the way to theground, while the waist was pulled in tighter than she cared for,accentuating her figure.
“Let’s try applying somemore dusting powder,” Becka said. “Maybe that willhelp.”
Her coloring was still off, her cheeksgaunt. It would take a few weeks to regain the weight she’d lostfrom her ordeal in Russek. No matter how much makeup she put on, itwouldn’t improve her complexion. She just needed time andfood.
“There.” Becka steppedback, observing her. “You’re presentable.”
Allyssa rolled her eyes and turnedaway from the mirror. Going over to the side table, she mixed theherbs the healer left with some hot water and drank the concoction,instantly feeling the pain in her torso lessen.
Someone knocked on the door, and theservant answered it, speaking softly with whoever was on the otherside. A moment later, she closed it. “The prince sent this foryou.” She held a simple silver circlet adorned withsapphires.
