Page 82 of Cage of Darkness
Neco turned his attention to Allyssa.“The empress said the choice is yours.” There was a choice? “Thecontract is signed. If you wish to hold Fren to it, we will go towar if need be.”
Allek stiffened. She rubbed hertemple, trying to decide what was best for Emperion. They hadcontrol over Kricok, Landania, and Fia, making their army thestrongest on the mainland. Plus, the state of Russek was ratherprecarious.
“Princess?” Neco asked,awaiting her decision.
She could feel the weight of the crownatop her head, even though she didn’t physically wear it. “SinceFren no longer desires the match, neither do I.” She faced Allek.“I want you to deliver a message to your king and queen. If Russek,or any other kingdom, should pose a threat to Fren, you are on yourown. Do not seek Emperion’s help, for we will not giveit.”
Allek pulled out Fren’s copy of themarriage contract, Neco snatching it and withdrawing Emperion’s. Hetore the signature pages in two, the sound loud on the quiet road.And that was it—she was no longer engaged. Instead of feeling free,a dark sadness filled her.
“If Fren has any othermatters to discuss,” Neco said, “they can send writtencorrespondence to the empress and emperor. You will leave theprincess alone. I believe she has suffered enough.” He offeredAllyssa his arm, she took it, and they walked away from the Frensoldiers.
Breathing in the glorious Emperionair, she cried tears of joy.
“You’re shaking,” Necowhispered.
“I’m home.” A smile spreadacross her face, lighting it up. She didn’t dare look back at thesound of horses retreating. They continued on until the only soundcame from the birds chirping.
Neco glanced back. “They’re gone.” Hisshoulders sagged, and he wrapped his arms around her. “I am sosorry,” he said, holding her tight. “Tell me whathappened.”
She shook her head, not having thestrength or energy to discuss it yet. “Marek?” sheasked.
“He’s safe. Your parents,Mayra, Madeline, they’re all safe. We’ve been worried sick aboutyou. Your parents—”
“I can’t,” Allyssa cut himoff. “It’s too much, too soon. I need time to processeverything.”
He didn’t push the matter. “I havehorses just over the next rise.” They resumed walking. “I have someplain clothes for you to change into. You can burn that thingyou’re wearing.”
She snorted. It felt good to be home.This was just what she needed—normalcy.
Neco’s arm stiffened, and heunsheathed his sword. Up ahead, under the cover of the trees, twohorses she recognized munched on grass. “What is it?” Scanning thearea, she didn’t notice anything out of place ordisconcerting.
“Someone is nearby. I canfeel it.” He pushed her behind him. “Do you have aweapon?”
“No.”
“My left boot.”
Reaching down, she plucked a knifefree. Her arm shook. The last time she held a weapon, she’d killedsomeone.
A man donning a plain brown cape andhood stepped out from behind a tree, his face concealed inshadow.
“Stay where you are,” Necodemanded, raising his sword. “Who are you and what do youwant?”
She didn’t see any weapons on the man;however, he was almost as wide as a tree and towered over Neco. Hisstance reminded her of a Russek soldier. She tensed.
“I wish to speak with theprincess,” a familiar voice said.
“Kerdan?” She stepped nextto Neco to have a better look.
Kerdan pushed his hood back, revealinghis face, which was covered with black marks as if ready forbattle. “The one and only.”
“What are you doing here?”she asked, taking a step toward him. His eyes drooped and there wasa tinge of purple to the skin below them, as if he hadn’t slept indays.
Neco grabbed her arm, stopping her.“Do you know him?”
“This is Prince Kerdan ofRussek.” His grip tightened. “We are on friendly terms with oneanother.” At least she hoped they were after her botched attempt tokill Jana.
“Russek held you hostage,said they killed you, and waged war on Emperion.” Neco tried toshield her with his body, preventing Kerdan from having a directline of sight to her.
