***
“I am needed at the military garrison today,” Kerdan said to Allyssa as she stood gazing out the window. “Would you like to accompany me or stay here locked in my room?” The snow had to be several feet deep. From her vantage point, no roads were visible. How would she ever escape? “Allyssa?” he gently asked. “Are you all right?” He stood a few feet behind her.
She kept her back to him, refusing to turn around. Since they’d sparred yesterday, she hadn’t seen him again until this morning. He’d kept her locked in his bedchamber, which she hadn’t minded since she was still exhausted and recovering from her time in the dungeon. Should she go with him, or should she stay? Neither option came without risk, but staying here and doing nothing was the safer route. Yet, she knew hiding out here wasn’t the smartest move. She needed to learn the layout of the castle, meet servants who might be sympathetic to her cause, and find an opportunity to escape—with or without Odar.
“I’ll accompany you.” She watched his reflection in the window.
He nodded once, as if he’d expected that answer. “You will dress as one of my soldiers and remain in disguise during our journey. I don’t want anyone to know you are out and about.”
He must be used to giving orders and having them followed without question. While she didn’t particularly care to obey so readily, allowing him to maintain the upper hand, what he said about no one knowing she accompanied him was rather enticing. Almost too good to be true. It certainly appeared as if he wanted some form of…what? An alliance seemed too strong of a word. An understanding, perhaps? However, she couldn’t rush into anything. Her options needed to be investigated from various angles. She could not afford to be blindsided like she was with Jarvik-turned-Odar. “Very well,” she said, making her first move and agreeing to play his game.
“There is one matter I’d like to discuss.”
“Only one?” she mumbled, her warm breath fogging up the cold glass as she leaned her head against the window.
“I must maintain a certain…disposition in front of my family and army.” He took a step closer to her and lowered his voice. “I’ll try not to hurt you.”
Allyssa straightened. “What do you mean by try not to hurt me?” She spun around and faced him.
“I am my father’s son.”
“Surely you do not abuse those who serve in your army?” Darmik never treated his soldiers with disrespect, and he controlled the largest kingdom on the continent, proving a vicious leader was not necessary.
“I am not kind to anyone, especially to those who are beneath me.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “At least, that is the appearance here in this castle.”
Here in this castle, but perhaps not elsewhere? This was a man of many contradictions. What did Odar think of him? A thought suddenly occurred to her—maybe, just maybe, she had some bargaining power. “Can I request something from you?” After all, Kerdan had indicated more than once that he wanted something from her.
“What is it?” His face gave away nothing.
“I’d like the opportunity to speak with Prince Odar.” Kerdan’s cheek twitched. “Alone,” she clarified. They stood in silence for a full minute. Her blasted breathing hitched. Hopefully, he didn’t notice.
“May I ask why?”
“You have your secrets, and I have mine.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” He went over to his dressing closet and removed a well-worn military jacket, throwing it at her. “Put this on.” She grabbed the heavy material and slid her arms through the sleeves. “You’ll also need this.” He handed her a gray knit hat. She pulled it over her head, shoving her hair beneath it.
“How do I look?” She was used to disguising herself, and a jolt of excitement swirled inside her. She’d been locked up for too long.
“Pull your pants up higher so they don’t drag on the ground, and button the jacket.”
She did not care for his blunt directions. “Please,” she scolded him as she folded the waist of her pants.
“I didn’t realize I needed to bother with such formalities. Did I offend you, oh gentle princess?” He strapped a sword around his waist.
Was he teasing her? “No, you did not offend me. However, I think it wise to remember who I am. Just because I am here against my will, dressed as a common foot soldier, does not give you the right to be rude to me.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I’m surprised Soma managed to arrive with you still alive.”
“He gagged me for most of the journey.”
Kerdan burst out laughing, the sound startling her. “Good. I’m glad you annoyed the bloke.” His smile softened his harsh face. “Let’s go.” He grabbed his jacket, putting it on.
They exited his room and descended several flights of stairs. At a small landing, five men, similarly dressed, joined them without pause. One reached out and gently pulled Allyssa behind Kerdan so they walked in pairs, the prince leading the way. It reminded her of the time she’d snuck in and out of the Emperion castle with Odar and his men in their attempt to save Grevik. Odar had helped her because he wanted to discover the assassin’s identity. Did Kerdan want to undermine Jana, or did he have something else in mind?
They entered a large hall with a dozen people milling about. Kerdan headed directly toward the center of the room where the king stood surrounded by a handful of sentries. When the prince neared, the sentries backed up several paces.
Allyssa stopped alongside Kerdan’s soldiers, ten feet away from the king. A fire roared in the large hearth, barely heating the massive room bathed in dull gray light from the high windows.
Kerdan dropped to one knee. “Your Majesty.” He stood. “I am headed to the garrison to ready my men.” He pulled on a pair of gloves, flexing his fingers.
“Have them prepared to leave with the second wave in a fortnight,” the king responded.
“Your Majesty!” a young boy about ten years old called out, running into the room and toward the king. “This letter just arrived for you.” He held out a piece of paper, breathing heavily.
King Drenton snatched the paper and opened the seal, reading the contents. His face turned red, contorting in rage. He shoved the letter at his son, who silently read it. “Where is the messenger?” the king demanded.
“I…I don’t know,” the boy stammered. “He gave it to me and bid me bring it to you, Your Majesty.”
The king unsheathed his sword. In one swift motion, he brought the weapon down, slicing off the boy’s right arm. The boy screamed, falling to the ground, blood gushing from the wound. Horror filled Allyssa, and she ran toward the boy. If they stopped the bleeding soon enough, the boy would live.
Kerdan grabbed her by the jacket, throwing her to the floor and placing his large boot atop her back. “Where do you think you’re going?” he snarled. “I told you to stay put. Do not move unless I tell you to. Understood?”