“I brought you more clothing.” Kerdan pointed to the bag at his feet. “A few of my younger soldiers were willing to part with some clothes they’d outgrown. Something in there is bound to fit you.”
Setting the plate on the low table, Allyssa regarded the prince. His hair was pulled back at the base of his neck. The black markings on his face were gone, confirming her suspicion it was paint and not a tattoo. Without his armor, he looked younger and not so harsh. Granted, he was still tall and imposing, but not quite as vicious as he appeared yesterday. “What do you want with me?” she asked.
“Right now, I want to get to know you.”
A qualified response that indicated he might want more in the future. Interesting. “Why?”
“That depends on you.” His face remained impassive, no hint of emotion or feeling. He reminded her of her father, Darmik, during an interrogation.
“How do you suggest we become better acquainted when you are holding me hostage? Especially considering that your father is intent on conquering my kingdom.” She looked pointedly at him. “We are enemies.”
He shrugged. “My friendships have all been forged on the battlefield. So, I suggest we fight.”
“What is your intention? To get to know me? Become friends? Or do you simply want to wallop my arse?”
His eyes had a wild gleam that sent a cold chill through her body. “That remains to be determined.”
She had the distinct impression he was evaluating every word she spoke and gesture she made. In all the scenarios she dreamed up while locked in the dungeon, this wasn’t one of them.
Chapter Fourteen
Allyssa and Kerdan stood opposite one another in the middle of the round room. When he first suggested they fight, she didn’t think he actually meant sparring, so she was rather surprised when he led her to this empty room a level below his bedchamber.
Dressed in rough wool pants, a thin shirt, and a tunic, Allyssa seemed more like the vigilante Lilly than a princess. She had even pulled her hair back into a braid, wrapping it around her head to get it out of the way. For the first time in weeks, she felt in her element.
“Since I am larger and more skilled than you,” Kerdan said, “I will fight blindfolded.”
Bloody hell, Allyssa thought. He certainly has a high opinion of himself. “While you are larger than me, your technique and skill remains to be seen.”
“Did you escape yesterday?” he asked while tying a strip of fabric around his eyes and securing it at the back of his head.
“Well, no, but—”
“Do you control a portion of your army?”
As the princess of Emperion, she was involved in some of the decision making; however, she did not fight on the battlefield like Kerdan did. Her father refused to allow her any sort of actual combat or field experience. Her training was done in a sparring room or learned from her escapades throughout the city. “No,” she admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I am lacking.”
“I’m not trying to prove a point, only to put you on equal footing.” He adjusted the blindfold.
In order to win against a bigger, more muscled opponent, strategy would be key. And while Kerdan may not be trying to prove a point, she certainly was. For what she lacked in strength, she made up for with cunning wit and did not need an advantage.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“One moment,” she replied. “My tunic is too long. I’m adjusting it so I can move easier.” She pulled off the tunic, thankful she wore a shirt underneath. Since her boots would make noise on the stone flooring, giving away her location, she quickly unlaced and removed them, trying not to make a sound.
“I’m ready.” Instead of remaining in front of the prince, she moved to the side of him. He took a step forward to where she had just been standing. Allyssa held her breath and tiptoed behind him. Knowing she didn’t have much time until he figured out her plan, she slammed the bottom of her foot into the back of his left knee, forcing it to bend while simultaneously grabbing hold of his shoulders and pulling them back toward her.
He fell to the ground and held up his hands, laughing. “When you fought the soldiers the other day, I wasn’t sure if it was sheer terror that fueled you or if you actually had some skill.” He removed his blindfold and looked up at her, his eyes instantly intense. “I’ve heard Prince Odar is proficient with a sword.” When she didn’t respond, he forged on. “Tell me how my stepbrother managed to capture the two of you.”
A reasonable question and one she constantly thought about. She shook her head, not wanting to reveal that when Soma attacked, she could have fled, but stayed behind to help Marek instead. Then, when the assassin threatened Odar, she’d readily complied to his demands. If Kerdan knew her weakness, he would use it to his advantage.
“Are you truly Princess Allyssa?” he asked, jumping to his feet in one swift motion.
“I am,” she whispered, feeling oddly exposed before this man. Why were they here, fighting, in order to become better acquainted? What did he want from her?
“Most princesses are concerned with politics and using their position to their advantage. They do not bother to learn combat skills.” He rubbed his chin, waiting for her to speak.
But she had nothing to say to this strange man. Her enemy.
“Your father is known for being a great military leader.” He took a step closer to her. She had to crane her neck back to see his face. “Did he teach you to fight?”
“Why do you care?” she countered, taking a step back and putting more space between them. He wanted something from her—and she had an inkling it had nothing to do with the upcoming war. “What use am I to you?” Whatever game he played or line he toed, she had a sick feeling it was far more deadly than being locked in the dungeon. She needed to tread with caution.
“What use is the heir to the Emperion throne?” He tilted his head to the side, his eyes dissecting every inch of her face. She refused to flinch or show fear before this man, although he made her cower inside.
He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I think you should be asking yourself this—what can the heir of the Russek throne do for you?”
A chill slid over her skin. They were on dangerous grounds. Staring into his eyes, she didn’t see a cruel soldier standing before her, but a man hinting at an alliance if she was brave enough, strong enough, and cunning enough to forge it. However, she had to proceed with the utmost caution. For all she knew, Kerdan could be as cruel as Soma. “I am suddenly lightheaded from all the activity.” She wanted an opportunity to think without him watching her every move. “I’d like to rest.”
He leaned down close to her ear. “You play your part exceedingly well. You are just what I need.” He stepped away from her, and his face shifted, becoming stern. “Allow me to escort you back to my room,” he said, his voice loud, clear. He scooped up her tunic and boots and exited the tower, leaving a very stunned Allyssa there with her thoughts in a jumble. Apparently, he also played his part exceedingly well.