“I know the family,” Neco replied. “They’re an old Russek family. One of the daughters married an Emperion if I’m not mistaken.”
“That is correct. Send word to the duke there. He can get messages safely to me.”
“I need to ask something of you in return,” Neco said. Kerdan readily agreed. “Keep this quiet. I don’t want Jana to know of the princess’s whereabouts or that we are considering an alliance.”
“Of course.”
“We must be on our way.” Neco went over and untied the horses.
“Thank you for all you have done,” Kerdan replied. “Even if you decide not to align your kingdom with mine, I’d like to remain friends.”
“Me too.”
He smiled wryly. “Who knows? I may need to seek asylum here if I can’t overthrow Jana.”
“I’m sure my father could find some use for a man with your skills.” She knew that he was implying she needed him as much as he needed her. And just like that, things had come full circle, and she was once again contemplating another political marriage to someone she didn’t love. This time, she wouldn’t be fooled into delusions of love and grandeur. She would marry for her kingdom—and she wouldn’t dwell on Odar any longer.
“Be careful,” Kerdan said. “I’m hoping Jana has enough to contend with right now and will leave Emperion alone while we fight over the throne. However, she is ruthless and unpredictable. I can guarantee to keep my company of soldiers out of your kingdom, but I can’t say the same for her. She is determined to destroy your family, no matter the cost.” He whistled, and a gelding approached. “I think the two of us would make a formidable pair—a force to be reckoned with. I look forward to your answer.” He mounted, pulled his hood on, and nudged his horse onward.
Allyssa watched him gallop away.
“That was unexpected,” Neco murmured, handing the reins of her horse to her. “Do you trust him?”
She’d been considering that very question. “To an extent.”
“Enough to seriously consider his proposal?” He helped her onto her horse.
“Yes.” Although she wanted to discuss the matter with her parents in greater detail. In all the commotion, she’d forgotten to ask Neco about her brother. “Is Savenek truly alive?” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
“He is.” He climbed on his horse.
“My twin brother is alive.” It seemed surreal that she not only had a sibling, but also a twin. “Let’s get moving. I’m eager to return home and meet him.”
Neco maneuvered his horse next to hers. “We’re not going to Lakeside.”
“Are my parents still in Emperor’s City?”
“Yes. However, I’ve been instructed to take you to a village just outside of there to visit a man by the name of Nathenek.”
She’d heard that name mentioned before. “My parents desire this?”
“They do. Your brother has been under this man’s care for the past sixteen years.”
Why did her parents want her to go to Nathenek’s before she returned home? “I don’t think I can be around a stranger right now.”
“Everyone in Emperion thinks you’re dead,” Neco explained. “Even your brother. When your parents received word you were alive, well, let’s just say it was the happiest moment of their lives. However, they thought it best to keep it a secret for the time being.”
“Why?” Weren’t they eager to see her, or did her parents care more for the kingdom and preserving the royal line than they did for their own children?
“In case you chose to remain dead.”
“Pardon me?” She must have heard him wrong.
“Your mother wants to give you an opportunity to live a quiet life away from court where you can heal from whatever atrocities you faced in Russek. Then, if you want to return, you may. However, if you choose to walk away from the crown, you can.”
She had a choice?
“Therefore, I’m taking you to Nathenek’s, where you can live for as little or as long as you like. He is a good friend of your parents, and he will protect you with his life.”
“What about Prince Kerdan’s marriage proposal?”
“It is on hold until you decide what life you wish to lead.”
Now that Emperion had another heir, she was no longer necessary. A huge burden lifted from her shoulders. Could she live life as a regular citizen of Emperion? No longer tied to the throne? No obligations dictating her every move?
She rode her horse in silence, thinking over everything that had just been revealed. If she chose to live a quiet life, she would have to leave her family and friends behind. No more racing her mother on horseback through the forest, sparing with her father, or laughing with her friends. She wouldn’t become acquainted with her brother. But she would be free. Truly free. And after everything she’d endured lately, the thought was certainly enticing.
Allyssa nudged her horse a little faster, eager to begin the next chapter of her life. The choice was hers. What would she choose?
End of Book 2
Acknowledgments
There are so many people I need to thank for helping bring this book to life. Jan, Allyssa, Damaris, Hannah, Stacie, Leah, and Debi, thank you for taking the time to read the manuscript to find plot holes, character flaws, and to make sure this sequel lived up to its predecessor. You push me to be a better writer, and I can’t thank you enough for helping me on this journey.
Rebecca, you are always there to support me whether it be reading a draft, sharing my books with your friends, or simply talking to me when I need a friend. Thank you for having my back.
I’m so lucky to have met other authors in the trenches. Lauren, thank you for friendship. Jennifer, thank you for always being there and for sharing your amazing promotional ideas with me. Melanie, Abi, Liza, Katie, Neil, Vicki, Karri, Kimi, and Holly, thank you for talking about writing with me and keeping me sane.
Elisabeth, thank you for your continued support as a writer, blogger, and fantasy lover.
A special thank you to my wonderful editor, Cynthia Shepp. I always enjoy working with you. I’d also like to thank KimG-Design for the astonishing cover. You really captured the essence of the book with this one! Thank you, Lyssa Chiavari, for designing the interior of the book. You did a fantastic job incorporating the key sword.
Thank you to my amazing proofreaders: Leah, Megan, Elizabeth, and Allyssa. I appreciate you taking the time to comb through the book searching for errors.
To all the bloggers who take the time to read books and share them with the world, thank you for your contribution to the book community.
Thank you to my family for putting up with me. Writing takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication. It would not be possible for me to publish the number of books that I do without the full support of my husband and kids.
Lastly, thank you to all my readers. I’m honored to be able to share my imaginary worlds with you.
About the Author
Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity.
She is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013) and a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2013).
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
http://jenniferannedavis.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferAnneDavis
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Cage of Darkness (Reign of Secrets, Book 2) Page 26
