“Welcome to Fren,” Odar said, the relief apparent in his voice. He sat up a little straighter, held his head a little higher. However, he did not look like a prince with his ragged clothing and the unkempt beard growing on his face.
After a couple of miles, they followed a dirt road. It passed several farms with sheep meandering along the countryside. The road came to a small town containing dozens of single-story wooden homes with neatly tended yards. No signs of war, nor any soldiers present. They passed through the center of town, which consisted of a handful of stores. A few people were out and about, but no one recognized the prince.
He stopped outside the town’s official guard station where a Fren soldier exited to greet them. Odar spoke quietly with the man. The soldier nodded and ran back inside.
“Did that man have any news on the war?” Had Kerdan managed to stop it in time?
“No news. But this is a small border town.”
A dozen men dressed in battle gear exited the building. Several stable boys brought horses from out back, handing them to the men who mounted and surrounded Odar and Allyssa.
“I’ve arranged for a group of men to escort us to my family’s home.”
“Right now?” she asked, her back spasming in pain. What about a healer and a warm bed? Tears filled her eyes.
“This town doesn’t have the necessary resources to protect you. I want you behind the palace walls where Russek can’t touch you.”
“It’s good to see you alive, Prince Odar,” one of the soldiers said. “We’d heard rumors you’d been killed.”
Odar gave the signal, and their small group started riding out of the town. “I am alive and well,” he answered. “It’s time my parents’ worries are put to rest.”
“Excuse me,” Allyssa said. “Where did the Russek soldiers who were in the valley due west of here go?”
“They packed up and left two days ago.” The man did not address her by her title, which meant he didn’t know her identity.
“Do you think it means Prince Kerdan was successful?” she quietly asked Odar.
“Possibly,” he replied. “Or the king could be consolidating resources to prepare for an all-out invasion into Emperion. We won’t know for sure until we reach the palace.”
She decided not to ask how long the journey would take because, no matter what, it would be too long for her.
She swayed on the horse, a wave of dizziness overcoming her. After a healer and some rest, then she would be fine.
“Don’t worry,” he assured her. “I’ll have my most proficient men guard you at all times. I will not allow Russek to get their hands on you again. I swear it.”
Her current state was due to her injuries, not a fear for being recaptured and taken back to Russek. Forcing a laugh, she answered, “Keeping me behind the palace walls, guarded at all times, can’t ensure my safety. There will always be risks. Back in Emperion, the assassin managed to dance with me during the ball when security was at its highest. I’ll never be truly safe. You can’t lock me in a cage and try to protect me from everything. It’s not possible.” She forced a smile, trying to reassure him.
His face paled. He kept his focus on the road ahead of them, not looking her way. “We’ll discuss this later,” he curtly replied before nudging his horse into a faster canter.
An odd feeling of being off-kilter filled her. Didn’t he love her for who she was? She didn’t think she could handle it if he tried to stifle her. In Fren, women were treated differently than they were in Emperion. They couldn’t join the army, farm, or tend to the land. Surely Odar didn’t expect her to be docile and hide away. That wasn’t who she was. And after her experience in Russek, she had no intention of being locked away in a cage ever again.
***
The prince set a relentless pace. Traveling on roads, they covered far more territory than before. One night when they stopped to sleep, Odar sent one of his men to a nearby town to procure medicine for Allyssa. He returned a short while later with several herbs for her to ingest. He also had news from the soldiers stationed there. Official word came from the king and queen of Fren that the Russek soldiers had retreated and no longer posed an imminent threat.
Odar thanked him and sat next to Allyssa. “We need to talk.”
“I heard what the man said. That is good news indeed.” A fever had set in, and she couldn’t stop shaking, no matter how many cloaks and blankets were draped over her. She prayed the herbs started working soon.
“It appears war no longer looms over our heads,” he said, tossing a stick into the crackling fire before them.
“Yes. However, I think it wise to hear what your parents have to say before we get our hopes up. Like you said, the Russeks may have retreated along your border to concentrate their attack elsewhere.” She wrapped her arms around her body, willing the shaking to stop.
He nodded. “Try and get some sleep.” Moving to the other side of the fire, he laid down, his back to her.
His words played over and over in her mind. War no longer looms over our heads. If they managed to avoid a war, then why was she filled with a sense of dread instead of relief? Why did she have a feeling something was terribly wrong?
Chapter Twenty-Five
Over the next couple of days, they rode hard and fast, camping nightly under the stars. Odar rarely spoke to Allyssa despite having ample opportunities to do so. She had the distinct impression that he was purposefully building a wall between them, and she had no idea why.
War no longer looms over our heads.
What she’d seen of the Fren countryside was beautiful—small streams teeming with fish, low, rolling green hills dotted with goats, several farms with healthy-looking animals. The air was cool and the sky cloudy, but no hint of snow. She continued to take the herbs, which helped keep the pain at bay.
Lying on the moss-covered ground beside the fire, she tried to warm up. She reached down and gingerly felt her ribs. One seemed as if it protruded more than yesterday. Earlier, when she had a moment of privacy to relieve herself, she’d pulled up her shirt and discovered that the entire right side of her ribcage had turned an ugly shade of black. The cut on her arm still bled on occasion and had to be rewrapped daily. Thankfully, she’d be in the palace tomorrow, where skilled healers could tend to her. And a bed—she’d finally have a soft bed to sleep in instead of the hard ground.
Her body started shaking uncontrollably. Sweat coated her skin, but it felt as if she were covered with snow. If she could just get warm, she’d feel so much better.
“Are you all right?” Odar asked, suddenly at her side.
Does he have three heads? She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to pull herself together. When she opened them again, he was blurry.
“Allyssa?” He placed his hand on her forehead. “You’re burning up.” He jumped to his feet and addressed his men. “We can’t wait until tomorrow. We must reach the palace tonight.”
“I can’t ride,” she said, her voice weak. Not in the dark in her condition.
“Shh,” he said. “I’ve got you.” He lifted her in his arms and carried her over to his horse. Everything went black.
***
Allyssa woke up in an unfamiliar room. Odar was slouched on a chair next to the bed, fast asleep. She had on clean clothes, and her arm had been wrapped with a new bandage. An ornate fireplace stood across from the bed, several large vases filled with flowers decorated the room, and paintings hung on the walls.
Pushing herself to a sitting position, she reached for the cup of water next to the bed. The movement caused a sharp pain in her ribs, and she hissed.
Odar startled awake. “I’ll get it for you,” he mumbled, his voice groggy.
“Sorry to wake you.” She felt along her torso. It had been tightly wrapped with bandages.
He handed the cup to her. “How are you feeling?”
Her fever was gone, Odar only had one head, and she could move her arm without it stinging. “Much better.” She gulped down
the water and handed him the empty cup. “I assume this is your home?”
“Yes.” He stretched. His beard had been shaved off, his clothes appeared clean, and his hair was neatly combed back. “When we arrived, I had a healer immediately tend to you. She stitched the wound on your arm. However, it is still of some concern because an infection set in. The healer has been treating it with medicine and is hopeful it will clear up. She said no matter what, you will have a scar. Your ribs are also mending. She recommends you remain in bed for a few days.” He fidgeted with the arm of the chair. “Um…she also said your fingernails are growing back nicely. She applied an ointment to aid with the scabs.”
Oh. Allyssa hadn’t told him about being tortured in the dungeon. Curling her fingers, she made a fist, willing the painful memory to fade away. They’d made it out of Russek alive. That was all that mattered. The rest—the scars, both physical and emotional—would heal. But right now, she couldn’t talk about it. Maybe one day.
“I’ll let you sleep.” He stood to leave, not pushing her to talk. Perhaps he knew she wasn’t ready. Or he wasn’t ready to hear it.
Reaching out, she grabbed the bottom of his shirt, pulling him closer to her. “Please don’t go.”
“I’ll stay for a couple of minutes. Then I want you to sleep so you can heal.” He stretched out alongside her on the bed.
“When did we arrive at the palace?” she asked.
“Two days ago.”
“What?” How was it possible she had been unconscious for two days?
“The healer administered a strong tonic to keep you asleep so she could bind your ribs and stitch your wound.” He absently lifted a lock of her hair, twirling it between his fingers. “I never should have allowed you to ride a horse in your condition. I only made your injuries worse.” He sighed.
“Never mind any of that.” She was alive, and they were out of Russek. They’d finally made it to Fren. “Has Emperion been attacked? Or has Kerdan managed to execute the king and stop the war?” It had been weeks since they escaped the castle.
“I don’t know,” he said, still playing with a strand of her hair. “When we arrived, I brought you to this room where a healer was waiting. I only left your side once to bathe and put on clean clothes. I sent word to my parents that I returned, but we haven’t seen each other or spoken yet. My priority has been you.”
“What about my parents? Have you sent word to them?” They had to be experiencing incredible grief believing she was dead.
“Not yet.”
“Why?” Surely it was safe to notify them.
He released her hair. “No one knows you are here. Not even my own parents. Jana is still alive, and I want to keep your whereabouts a secret until we hear from Kerdan.”
Odar always thought strategically, whereas she tended to think—and act—with her heart. “Can you at least send a soldier to personally tell my parents I’m alive and well?” There had to be a way of notifying them without anyone finding out.
“I’ll discuss the matter with the king and queen.” He slowly sat up and stood next to the bed. “Go back to sleep. Once you’re well enough, I’ll introduce you to my parents.”
“Are you leaving now?” She had no desire to be alone in a strange room, no matter how luxurious and comfortable it was. She didn’t escape Russek to come here to another gilded cage.
He rubbed his tired face. “I don’t want to. However, now that you’re awake, I can’t sleep in here at night. Unnecessary rumors will spread.”
Her face warmed at the implication. “I understand.”
Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning. There are two guards posted outside the door. You are safe here.”
She didn’t want him to leave. They’d fought so hard and risked so much.
He paused at the door, his hand resting on the handle. “I’d do anything to keep you safe.” His intense eyes shone bright, as if trying to convey something to her. When she went to question him, he left, not giving her a chance.
***
Allyssa woke up to the sound of people whispering. Odar and a servant stood near the foot of her bed, their heads bent together.
“She is to be well taken care of,” he insisted.
“Of course, Your Highness.”
“I want her to stay in bed until the healer deems she is well enough to move about the room. Under no circumstances are you to admit any visitors.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Allyssa pushed herself to a sitting position.
“You’re awake,” he said, immediately coming to her side and rearranging the pillows behind her back so she could sit comfortably. “I’ve ordered a plate of food to be brought. The healer will check in on you sometime this morning.” He kissed her cheek. “Remember,” he whispered, “no one knows who you are. I want to keep it that way for now.”
“And yet, you just kissed me.” What would the servant think of that?
He smiled. “I couldn’t help myself.” He went to the door.
“You’re leaving?” Didn’t he plan on spending the day with her?
His shoulders slumped. “I’m going to Jarvik’s grave.”
Odar and Jarvik had grown up together and were the best of friends—similar to her and Grevik. So much unnecessary pain and suffering, all because of Jana.
“I’m sorry,” she said, wishing she was well enough to go with him. The memory of the arrow sailing through the air and embedding into Jarvik’s back was seared in her mind. It was hard to believe the handsome man she’d thought was Prince Odar had been killed so cruelly. Of course, what Odar and she did to Shelene was no different. She shuddered at the memory of the princess’s throat being stabbed. The blood.
“It’s hard being back at the palace without him.” His eyes glassed over as he turned and left.
A silence filled the room, and Allyssa’s heart began to race.
The servant cleared her throat, startling her. “If you need anything, let me know.” She went over and sat on a chair in the corner of the room. Picking up some fabric, she began sewing.
“What’s your name?” Allyssa asked, needing someone to talk to.
“Becka.”
“Do you live here at the castle?” She appeared to be about thirty-five, so she probably had a husband and children.
Becka smiled. “I’m here to get you whatever you need. However, that is all I’ve been instructed to do.” She resumed her sewing.
“I’m sorry,” Allyssa responded. “I didn’t mean to overstep my place. I simply wanted some company.”
Becka kept sewing, not even looking at her. Most of the servants at the Emperion castle were instructed to blend into the backdrop as well. The only friends she had were her ladies-in-waiting and Marek. People she had grown up with—the children of her parents’ dearest friends. Readjusting her blanket, she closed her eyes.
The healer came around midmorning and examined Allyssa’s ribs, claiming they were healing nicely. When she inspected Allyssa’s arm, she declared that the infection was clearing, and the possibility of amputation had passed. Regardless, the healer ordered her to stay in bed and rest.
By the end of the day, Allyssa wanted to scream. She simply couldn’t remain alone in this room with her thoughts any longer. She needed answers. Had Emperion been invaded? Had Kerdan killed Drenton and stopped the war? Shoving the covers back, she swung her legs over the side of the bed.
“What are you doing?” Becka asked, rushing over and lifting her legs back onto the mattress.
“I’d like to see Prince Odar.” Enough time had passed that he should have spoken to his parents and received the full report on the state of matters throughout the mainland.
“The healer said you are to remain in bed for at least another day.” Becka pulled the covers back up, fussing over her.
“Please send word to the prince. Tell him that I request his presence.”
“Prince Odar is a very busy man. He’ll come to see you w
hen he has the time.”
Servants never spoke to her in such an informal manner. However, this woman had no idea she was a princess. “Will you at least help me to stand?” Becka hesitated. “Please? Remaining in bed is rather boring. I could use the distraction.” Plus, getting out of bed and using her legs would keep her from feeling so helpless.
The servant’s eyebrows drew together. “I suppose standing won’t hurt. But that’s all you can do.” She glanced at the door. “Put your arm around my neck.”
Allyssa did as the woman instructed and stood on shaking legs. While she felt weak, she could stand without any pain in her torso. Relief filled her.
“I think that’s enough for today.” Becka helped her back onto the bed. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’m a little cold.”
She went over to the fire, adding a few more logs and stirring it to life.
The door swung open, and Prince Odar entered. After instructing Becka to wait outside, he asked Allyssa how she was doing.
“Better.”
“You look and sound much improved.” He sat on the bed next to her. “I’m sorry I was gone all day.”
“How did visiting the grave go?”
He sighed. “It was hard.”
When he didn’t elaborate, she reached for his hand. “If you want to talk, I’m here.”
Absently rubbing his thumb over her palm, he said, “I’ve ordered several dresses to be made for you. A seamstress will bring them tomorrow and ensure they fit.”
The change in subject matter caught her off-guard.
“I spoke to my parents and learned some details about the last couple of weeks. Do you want me to tell you?” His focus remained on their hands.
“Of course.”
He ran his free hand through his hair. “The details are sketchy. We know that the king of Russek is dead. Queen Jana is ruling and has claimed Kerdan killed the king, which makes the prince a traitor. No one knows where Kerdan is, and the kingdom is in a state of civil unrest.”
“Do you think he’s been arrested?” If Jana got ahold of him, he would be dead already.
Cage of Darkness (Reign of Secrets, Book 2) Page 22
