He shrugged. “Russek’s warriors have always worn the markings. It’s tradition.”
Then he must consider himself more warrior than prince. “Will you work with me? Teach me how to . . .” She couldn’t bring herself to say kill.
He nodded. “First, I need to drag you back through the castle kicking and screaming. Ready to put on a good show?”
***
“I know you can fight,” Kerdan said, standing across from Allyssa in the empty room. “But fighting and killing are two different techniques.” He withdrew a long, thin knife. “It may be best to allow Odar to make the kill.”
She bristled. Just because Odar was a man and physically stronger didn’t mean she couldn’t do this. By killing these four people, she would save thousands of lives. And for that reason alone, she could do it. Squaring her shoulders, she said, “Don’t be a daft cow.”
He chuckled. “I meant because he has more experience.” Stepping closer to her, he asked, “Have you ever killed anyone?” She shook her head. “The first time is the hardest.”
“Just show me what to do.” She didn’t want to have a philosophical discussion about murder right now.
“You will slip into their rooms late at night when they’re in bed, slit their throats, and immediately exit the castle. You’ll be long gone before anyone even knows they’re dead.”
“Won’t their rooms be guarded?” Back home, the door to her bedchamber always had sentries stationed outside of it.
“Yes,” he said. “But you’re not going in through the main entrance. I will arrange a game of gambling in the kitchen so the servant hallways will be clear.”
“And if Odar and I are caught?” she asked.
“I will be with my father the entire time and will not be able to help you. However, the entrance to the escape route you’ll be taking is in the dungeon.”
So no matter what happened, she would be going into the dungeon—the place where she was tortured. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady her nerves.
“Here’s a layout of the castle and how to get to the royal tower.” He handed her a piece of paper. “I’ve marked each room along with squares indicating where the beds are located.”
She slipped the paper into her pocket and shook her arms, loosening them. “Very well. Now show me what to do.” Hopefully, activity would put her mind at ease.
He withdrew a potato. “Have you ever stabbed anyone?”
“Yes,” she admitted, remembering when she thrust her knife into Soma’s side at the ball, the warm blood coating her gloved hands.
“Guess we don’t need that.” He tossed the potato in the corner of the room where it landed with a thunk. “If you stab someone and miss an organ or artery, you might not kill them. However, if you slice a person’s throat deep enough, then you definitely will.”
Her stomach rolled at the thought of purposely taking a life. She shoved the morality aspect of it away so she could focus on what needed to be done.
“I would place the knife here.” He reached out and touched the side of her neck with his finger. “Applying pressure, slide the knife all the way to the other side. Then leave as quickly as possible.”
“Okay,” she said. “I can do that.” Quick and efficient. Don’t overthink it.
“Soma won’t be so easy. He’ll know the moment you enter his bedchamber.”
Allyssa’s hands shook, and she became queasy at the thought of facing the assassin. “Do you suppose he has trip wires or things of that nature?”
“I don’t know what he has rigged up. When you enter his room, attack immediately. Be quick, and show no mercy.”
“What about using a poison instead?” It would be easier and less messy.
“He’s been trained to sniff out the smallest trace of poison. He also has several antidotes. You’re going to have to physically kill him.” He handed her a knife. “How accurate is your throw?”
“Deadly.” She smiled, taking hold of the weapon and feeling its weight.
“Then I suggest you enter the room with a knife in each hand, ready to throw.”
If she threw fast enough, she was certain she could strike Soma while he was still in bed, injuring him. Maybe she could even lace her knife with poison.
“Let’s practice just to make sure your aim is as good as you claim.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon throwing knives at targets and practicing hand-to-hand combat. Kerdan showed her areas of vulnerability on a body so that if Odar was engaged with Soma, she could go in for the kill.
Anytime she had fought with the assassin, he always had the upper hand because not only was he exceptionally fast, but he also knew moves she’d never encountered before. Kerdan worked with her until she became familiar with Russek’s different fighting style.
By the end of their session, she was drenched with sweat, exhausted, and, for the first time in a long time, felt accomplished.
***
Returning to Kerdan’s bedchamber, Allyssa found a note lying on the floor. It must have been shoved underneath the door. She handed it to the prince, and he tore it open, reading it. “Since my family isn’t going to the northern lord’s home, Father has arranged a dinner tonight. He wishes to make a few announcements.”
Her stomach growled at the mention of food.
He tossed the paper on the table. “I want to disguise you as one of my soldiers so you can attend.”
“Whatever for?” She had no desire to be anywhere near the royal family. Besides, she was exhausted and wanted to rest.
“A few reasons,” he said, pulling off his shirt and heading into the bathing room. He could have waited until he was in there before removing his clothes. He didn’t need to be so informal around her. “I want to familiarize you with the castle’s layout,” he called to her.
That was one reason. “Why else?”
He didn’t answer. The sound of water hitting the copper tub echoed in the room, so she moved next to the half-open door and waited until the water stopped. “Why else?” she asked again.
“Come in here so I don’t have to shout.”
She rested her head against the wall. Mayra would scream about the impropriety of the situation. “That’s okay,” she replied. “I’ll wait until you’re done.”
Pushing off the wall, she went over to the window and gazed outside. She was sick of being locked in this room all the time, and she missed her friends. Hopefully, they were safe. If everything went according to plan, they would stay that way. A few moments later, Kerdan exited wearing a fur robe. His wet hair dripped on his shoulders.
“Your turn,” he said, nodding toward the bathing room.
Before she cleaned up, she needed to know why he wanted her there tonight. She looked pointedly at him. “Fine,” he said, sitting on the edge of his bed. “I don’t understand how you can trust Odar given his past behavior.”