Red (The True Reign Series)

by Davis, Jennifer Anne

  Vesha quickly unwrapped Rema’s hands and feet. “Mako is in the sitting room.” Vesha nodded toward the door. “He was quite worried about you, which is unusual for him. I’ve never seen him like that before, not even with Savenek.”

  After thanking Vesha for her help, Vesha left. Rema slid her feet into fur slippers and grabbed her robe. Her stomach twisted from nerves, but there would never be a good time to confront Mako. Best to get it over with.

  “Rema,” Mako said as she entered the cozy sitting room.

  She raised her hand, indicating for him to be silent. He obeyed. A chill ran through her body. “I want the truth,” Rema said. “All of it.”

  He stood there, staring at her.

  “Please. I deserve to know.” If she was indeed Princess Amer, then Mako had to obey.

  Mako ran his hands over his face as he took a seat on the chair. “First, may I please ask something of you?”

  Rema hesitated. “You may ask, but I can’t guarantee anything.”

  “Fair enough.” Mako raised his head, looking at her straight in the eyes. “Please, I beg you, can you promise me that you will never leave the compound unaccompanied again?”

  Rema’s heart pounded. He would only ask if he believed her valuable. It was a simple request that she knew she should agree to, but she didn’t want to. Rema would make no promises to anyone right now. Especially promises that would confine her. She’d been sheltered for far too long.

  “I will think on the matter,” Rema said, taking a seat. “Now, please tell me the truth.”

  Mako nodded. “Seventeen years ago, I was Commander for King Revan. The island was invaded by Barjon, and he killed King Revan and his sons, Prince Davan and Prince Jetan. Barjon’s soldiers slaughtered my wife and baby, Tabitha.”

  Rema’s hands started shaking. The room became stifling hot.

  “I was trying to save Queen Kaylen and Princess Amer.”

  The room started spinning. She knew exactly where this story was going. Only, it wasn’t a story, but her own past—one that was locked away from her all these years.

  “The queen knew Barjon wouldn’t stop until the royal family was exterminated. I offered to switch my dead baby with Princess Amer. The queen agreed. She took Tabitha and ran—leading the soldiers away from me and directly to her. I escaped through the tunnels with Princess Amer. I placed her in the protection of my most trusted Captain, Kar.” His voice was gruff, eyes glossy from the memory.

  “So what you’re saying is that I am Princess Amer.”

  “Yes.” Mako slid from the chair, kneeling on the ground before Rema. “I vowed to protect you and to make sure that you lived. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to, but you must understand what’s at stake here. You are our only hope. I want to restore you to the throne, if you’re willing. I believe you can turn Greenwood Island around to its former glory. I want you to know, Your Highness, that I am yours to command.”

  There was no doubt anymore. She was indeed Princess Amer.

  “Although, technically, you’re now Queen Amer. Of course, you’ll need to be formally crowned.”

  Panic swelled inside of her. Having no idea what to say or do, she turned and left, going back to her bedchamber. She closed the door and sat before the fire.

  Queen.

  Such a huge responsibility.

  Her thoughts turned to King Barjon. She always knew he was evil, cruel, and had murdered the previous royal family. The reality was that man had slaughtered her mother, father, and two brothers, ripping her entire life away from her.

  Exhaustion overcame Rema, and she fell asleep.

  ****

  Rema awoke. Vesha was standing next to the hearth, her back to Rema.

  “What are you doing here?” Rema asked, stretching her arms above her head.

  Vesha turned to face her. “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “Mako ordered that I wait for you to awake. He told me to keep the fire going. I’m supposed to escort you to breakfast and to the meeting later this afternoon.”

  Rema slid from the bed, pulling on her wool clothes. “Meeting? About what?”

  “I don’t know,” Vesha replied. “Mako called an emergency meeting stating that everyone is required to attend.”

  “Does he do that often?” Rema pulled on her boots, lacing them up.

  “Never,” Vesha said. “I suspect something huge is about to happen.”

  Rema froze. Was Mako going to tell everyone who she really was? She wasn’t ready for everyone to know her true identity—after all, she was still coming to terms with it herself.

  “Are you ready?” Vesha asked, startling Rema.

  Rema glanced up at her friend. Would Vesha treat her differently once she knew?

  After a quick meal, Vesha left to help her mother in the infirmary, and Rema headed to the training room. Rema wasn’t ready to talk to Savenek yet. Even though they’d fought only last night, so much had happened, so much had changed.

  When Rema entered the training room, Savenek wasn’t there. There was, however, an arrow stuck to the far wall with a piece of paper dangling from it. Rema walked over and pulled the arrow out, tossing it to the ground. She took the paper and read it.

  Stables. Now.

  She presumed it was a note from Savenek, but she couldn’t be sure—she’d never seen his handwriting. However, it made no difference. Going to the stables meant she most likely would be riding a horse.

  Walking to the barn, her thoughts were of Savenek, his short temper and quick judgments. Vesha had told her Mako was training Savenek to take over as commander. That meant that Savenek would be the commander of her army if she chose to reclaim the throne.

  She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Perhaps someone a little more controlled would make a better commander—someone more like Darmik. Her face warmed just thinking about him. The kiss they shared was intense, magical, and stirred feelings of desire and want inside of Rema. She could not think about him right now—not when she was about to face Savenek. She’d think about Darmik later—when she was alone—and she could digest all that had happened between them—and what he said.

  Rema entered the stables. Savenek stood at the opposite end, his back to her, silhouetted in the open door.

  Rema found River sticking his head out over the side of his stall. Ignoring Savenek, she rubbed River’s nose. The horse snorted, and Rema laughed.

  “We need to talk.”

  Rema spun around and found Savenek standing behind her. She didn’t hear him approach.

  “I prefer to ride,” she said.

  “Me too,” Savenek mumbled. “But I have something to say to you, if you’ll let me.” He seemed nervous, fidgeting with his scabbard.

  “Fine. What do you want to discuss?”

  He cleared his throat. “Uh,” he stammered, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “I . . . um . . . I want . . . to . . . apologize.”

  She didn’t expect that.

  “I’m listening.” She folded her arms.

  Savenek rubbed his face. The gesture reminded her of Mako. “Last night,” he began, “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “You know I’m from Jarko.”

  “Yes,” Savenek said. “I didn’t think.” He turned away from her, kicking the ground with the tip of his boot. “It’s just that,” he wasn’t looking at her, “that you throw me off kilter.”

  “So it’s my fault!” Rema didn’t have time for this. She had other things to do. Turning, she walked out of the stables.

  “Wait!” Savenek called after her.

  “I’m not training with you today,” Rema said over her shoulder.

  Savenek grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop. “Wait,” he said, again. “I’m not done.”

  “Well, I am,” Rema said. “I’m not going to stand here listening to you insult me. I need to speak with Mako, and I want to find out exactly what happened in Jarko, since you deem me unworthy of such information.”

&nbs
p; “Will you close your mouth for a minute and let me speak?” Savenek said, exasperated.

  Shocked, Rema snapped her mouth closed.

  “Thank you,” Savenek said, releasing her arm. “Like I was trying to say, I’m sorry for our quarrel last night. That wasn’t my intention. It’s just that, when I’m around you, you challenge me. No one else does that.”

  Rema had no idea what he was getting at. “I accept your apology.” If you could even call it that. She turned to leave.

  Snow started falling. Walking toward the castle, Rema closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of the soft flakes against her skin.

  “I love you.”

  Rema froze. What did she just hear? She spun around to face Savenek. Yes, she’d heard him right. His face confirmed it. He looked like he was in pain.

  “You love me?” Rema confirmed. He nodded. “But you don’t want to.”

  Savenek looked down to the ground. “It’s not really a convenient time for me right now.” His eyes met hers. “Yet, I can’t help the way I feel. I’ve tried to ignore it. But I can’t any longer.” He took a step toward her.

  Rema had no idea what to say.

  “I know you probably don’t feel the same way, or at least not as strongly as I do. But given time, I think you could—I mean, you will.”

  Rema recalled the conversation she overheard between Mako and Savenek. Now she understood why Mako told Savenek not to harbor any feelings for her. Since Rema was really a princess, a relationship with a commander could never be.

  “I take it you haven’t spoken to Mako on the matter?”

  “No,” Savenek said. “I wanted to talk to you first, before I asked Mako to sanction the union.”

  This reminded her of Bren all over again. “We barely know each other,” Rema said. She didn’t want to turn him down outright—especially if he was to be the commander of her army. She couldn’t make him an enemy right now. If she played this correctly, then Mako would prevent anything from happening without her having to hurt Savenek’s feelings.

  “Please,” Savenek whispered, taking another step toward her. He reached out and grabbed her hands. “Please be my wife.”

  Rema was about to tell him that he needed to speak with Mako first when a twig snapped, and Rema glanced to her left.

  Vesha stood there, shaking her head in disbelief. “How could you?” she yelled. Then she backed up and ran away.

  “No, Vesha! Wait!” Rema turned to run after her friend. She needed to explain the situation to Vesha.

  “Rema,” Savenek said, squeezing her hands, not letting go. “You will not wander off again. Get inside. I will go after Vesha.”

  Rema hated how bossy he was. “Do you even know why she’s upset?” Rema demanded.

  “I think so. I’ve always suspected she had feelings for me,” he said, “and that just confirmed it.”

  “Fine,” Rema said. She watched Savenek chase after Vesha. Hopefully, Vesha would listen to him right now, because Rema wasn’t sure she’d listen to her.

  No matter what happened, Rema would not lose the one and only true friend she had.

  ****

  Inside the compound, Mako was nowhere to be found. Not sure what to do since she’d never had any free time, Rema made her way to the training room. Audek was wrestling with a young man, so Rema went over to watch.

  Audek and his opponent were both covered with sweat. When Audek saw Rema, he smiled. The distraction was just enough for his wrestling partner to flip him over and claim victory.

  “Bloody hell,” Audek murmured. “A beautiful girl shows up, and I lose in less than a minute.” He patted his opponent on the back, and then came over to Rema, all smiles.

  “So,” Rema said, unsure of what to say.

  “So,” Audek said, folding his arms with a wicked smile on his face. “Did Savenek talk to you?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  Rema felt her face flush.

  “Ah!” Audek laughed. “He did!” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, gliding her to an empty section of the training room. “Our man finally confessed his feelings! I knew it.”

  “First of all,” Rema said, “get your sweaty, stinking arm off me.” Audek pulled his arm away, still smiling. “Secondly, it is none of your business.”

  “He’s my best friend. Of course it’s my business. Unless . . . wait!” Audek turned to face her. “You don’t feel the same way about him?”

  “It’s not that simple,” Rema said, grabbing a wooden practice sword from the wall. “Vesha is in love with Savenek,” she said.

  “I know.” Audek grabbed a wooden sword and stood opposite Rema. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “Vesha is my friend.” Rema swung, and Audek automatically parried the blow.

  “Savenek doesn’t feel that way toward her, though.” He counted, and hit Rema’s side.

  She acknowledged the hit. They reset, and started over. This time, Rema swung low and fast. Audek blocked, and quickly came in with a series of moves. She had no choice but to go on the defensive.

  Rema couldn’t tell Audek that her heart was already claimed by another. She dared not mention Darmik’s name. She hoped he was halfway down the mountain, far away from this rebel army. She’d need time to decide how to tell Mako that Darmik was loyal to her. She’d have to wait until she was officially crowned, and her word was law.

  Audek’s sword rested at Rema’s throat. “Either you’re not focusing today, or Savenek hasn’t taught you a thing.”

  Rema lowered her weapon, breathing hard.

  “If you don’t fancy Savenek,” Audek said with a mischievous grin, “then perhaps there’s someone else?” He wiggled his eyebrows again.

  Rema rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Like I’d confess my heart to you.” She put the sword away.

  Audek chuckled. “Rema, you could steal any man’s heart. Easily.” He put his sword away next to hers. “Don’t look now, but our friends just arrived.”

  Rema glanced to the entrance of the training room. Savenek and Vesha stood there, staring directly at Rema. Neither one looked particularly happy.

  The sound of a horn filled the room.

  “Time for the meeting,” Audek said.

  ****

  Since everyone was required to attend the meeting, it was held outside in the central courtyard. Rema wore her fur-lined cape, boots, and hat. Still, her nose was red like an apple, and her eyes watered.

  Standing next to Audek, Rema waited patiently for Mako to speak.

  “You still haven’t given me an answer,” Savenek whispered in her ear, making her jump. He was standing right behind her, Vesha at his side.

  “Now is not the time,” Rema answered.

  “Then when?”

  “Bloody hell,” Audek said, “I wish Mako would start.”

  “Vesha.” Rema turned back to her friend. “I’m sorry for what you saw earlier.”

  Tears filled her friend’s eyes. Vesha glanced to Savenek, and then away. “I know,” she replied softly. “Savenek told me.” She wiped her eyes.

  “Can we please talk?” Rema asked. “In private? After the meeting?”

  Vesha nodded.

  “We still need to talk,” Savenek said to Rema.

  “Any day now!” Audek said, bouncing up and down, trying to stay warm.

  “Thank you all for coming!” Mako bellowed. “Today is a day you will never forget!”

  “Rema,” Savenek whispered. “Please, you owe me an answer.”

  “You have no business asking me to marry you without consulting Mako first,” she answered.

  “Is that a no?” Savenek asked, his voice harsh.

  “I am going to introduce you to the true heir to the throne!” Mako announced.

  Total silence fell over the courtyard. Everyone had their eyes glued to Mako, transfixed on what he was saying.

  “Savenek,” Audek said, “do you know about this?”

  “No, this is the first time I’m hearing of it.�
�

  “We have trained for years side by side,” Mako continued. “We have planned, plotted, and looked forward to the day when we would reclaim the throne. Today, we are one step closer. Today, I introduce to you the sole surviving royal family member. Princess Amer, will you please join me?”

  There was a collective gasp amongst the people. All eyes were front and center on the stage where Mako stood.

  “I thought one of the princes survived,” Savenek said. “Not a girl!”

  Rema couldn’t move. She couldn’t stand up on that platform before all these people, claiming to be someone she did not fully know or understand.

  Mako’s eyes settled on her. “Rema, please come here.”

  Everyone turned to stare at her. People parted in front of her, giving her a clear path to Mako.

  “Why?” Savenek said from behind her.

  Putting one foot in front of the other, Rema slowly moved toward the platform. When she reached the bottom, Mako descended the stairs, took hold of her hand, and helped her up.

  “I give you Princess Amer. Soon to be Queen Amer of Greenwood Island.” Everyone dropped to their knees, bowing their heads.

  Everyone that is, except Savenek.

  Horror and revulsion filled his face. Rema didn’t know what to say or do, so she just stood there.

  Mako whispered, “You can tell everyone to rise.”

  “Oh, of course,” Rema mumbled. Then in a loud, clear voice, she said, “Rise.”

  Everyone stood, staring at her, waiting. She turned to Mako for help.

  “Princess Amer was smuggled out of the castle seventeen years ago, by me. She has been living with Captain Kar under a false name. Until yesterday, she did not even know her true identity.”

  Mako turned toward her. “I am honored to serve you.” He took her hand, kissing her fingers in a pledge of eternal service to her.

  “In one month’s time, we overthrow Barjon and reclaim the throne!”

  Cheering erupted. Rema turned to leave. She needed time to herself in order to think.

  “Where are you going, Princess?”

  She hadn’t thought that far ahead.

  “Now that your identity has been announced, you’ll need an official royal guard.”