At this point, Rema didn’t care. She kept running, the cold air filling her lungs. After several minutes, she found what she was looking for—a cliff. Granted, there wasn’t a body of water to jump into, but it afforded her a view of the astounding beauty. There were several other mountaintops eye level with her, all covered with snow. A dark green valley sat below. The wind was strong, wrapping around her body and tossing her hair every which way. She took the fur hat from her pocket and put it on.
Closing her eyes, she felt a rush of emotions from standing on the cliff with the wind gusting all around her. The past day was a whirlwind.
What was she going to do?
Pulling out the key necklace, Rema held it in her hands. It was a gift, given to her by her mother. A clue to her past. Rema was Princess Amer. But should she become queen? What right did she have to rule? Was it simply a matter of bloodlines and not qualifications?
Mako saved her life seventeen years ago, for the sole purpose of one day restoring her to the throne. Should she join this rebel movement, and kill King Barjon and Prince Lennek, as they had done to her family?
And what about Darmik? Would he really renounce his own father and brother to serve her?
He’d said he loved her. Rema’s heart pounded just thinking about him saying those precious words. Although she was scared to admit it, she loved him too.
If she became queen, could she be with Darmik? There were so many unknowns; it was hard to think straight. She knew in her heart that stepping into the role she was born into was the right thing to do. She wouldn’t make her mother’s sacrifice for nothing. The journey ahead would be difficult. People would die. It was an enormous burden to carry—to be responsible for all the people here. But she would. And she would restore the island to peace and prosperity.
So she would be queen.
Even though Maya, Kar, and Mako had lied to her, their intentions were honorable.
The first step to restoring peace would be for honesty. She would demand it from all her subjects. She would not, under any circumstances, be a figurehead for others to control or manipulate.
It was time to return to the fortress. Apparently, she had a coronation to plan.
****
As soon as she neared the wall, a group of soldiers intercepted her.
“Your Highness,” one of them said to her, “Commander Mako instructed us to find you. You aren’t to leave the premises unaccompanied.”
Rema allowed them to walk her back inside the compound. She’d have to address the matter of her supposed safety later. For now, she needed to tell Mako she’d assume her position and become queen. That way she’d be involved with all decision making from this point on.
Inside the castle, Rema dismissed the men. One of them looked concerned, like he was afraid to leave her alone. But Rema insisted she was safe now that she was inside. Walking to Mako’s office, Vesha stepped out from a shadowed corner. “I need to talk to you,” she said.
“I want to apologize for what you saw,” Rema said. “I know you like Savenek. I have no interest in him other than as an instructor. I’m not even sure we’re friends.”
“I know,” Vesha said.
Rema was relieved to hear that. She didn’t want to lose Vesha, her one and only true friend.
“I want to say I’m sorry for not believing you.” Vesha stood a safe distance from Rema. She curtsied and turned to go.
“What are you doing?” Rema asked. She didn’t want Vesha treating her any differently than before.
“Excuse me, Your Highness?”
“Oh, no,” Rema said, shaking her head. “Don’t you start that title stuff with me.”
“But it’s the truth.”
“That may be,” Rema said, “but we were friends before we knew my true identity. I expect our friendship to remain unchanged.”
Vesha smiled. “I’d like that very much.”
“Now, about Savenek,” Rema said.
Vesha rolled her eyes. “That boy. I swear. He’s a blout to fall for you. Although, I can’t blame him. I suspected it all along.”
“I’m not sure what to do about it,” Rema admitted.
“You don’t have any feelings at all for him?”
“No, my heart belongs to another.”
“Who?” Vesha asked.
“I’d rather not say,” Rema said. The friends walked down the hallway. “But it’s no one here at the fortress.”
“Now that you’re going to be queen, I’m sure you could have any man you want.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Rema admitted. Could she be with Darmik? She didn’t think the people at the fortress would ever accept that. “I may have to marry in order to secure peace for the kingdom.”
“No,” Vesha said with authority. “That’s one of the things your ancestors fought for—and why they founded this island. They wanted to marry for love. You will too.”
Rema liked the idea of being able to marry for love. That meant maybe she and Darmik had a chance.
They arrived at Mako’s office. The door flew open, and Mako stood in the doorway. “We need to talk,” he said.
“Yes,” Rema said, “we do.”
****
“The coronation will take place in two weeks,” Mako said. “That gives us enough time to organize a celebration for afterwards.”
“And still plenty of time to plan our attack on the king’s castle,” Savenek mumbled, studying a map spread out over the low table in Mako’s sitting room.
Rema sighed. There was so much to do—learn the structure of the army, plan an attack to overthrow King Barjon, and be crowned queen.
“She’ll need a dress,” Vesha mused. “You can’t crown her looking like that.” She chuckled. “No offense, Rema, but you don’t look like a queen wearing those trousers and tunic.”
“Nor does she act like one,” Savenek mumbled.
Rema wanted to tell him to shut the bloody heck up, but Mako interrupted her thoughts.
“That actually is a good point,” Mako said. “Rema—you need to see the seamstress. Have her sew you a few dresses.”
“The clothes she wears won’t make a difference,” Savenek said. “She’s still just a commoner with nothing special or extraordinary about her.”
“Is it really necessary?” Rema asked.
“Yes!” Vesha and Mako said at the same time.
“Rema,” Vesha continued, “you need to look like a queen. Everyone here needs to know, without a doubt, that you were born to rule.”
Savenek smirked.
Rema stood, walked over to him, and slammed her hand on top of the table. “You, perhaps more than anyone, need to understand and accept my position.”
Savenek didn’t look up at her. He kept his head down, focused on the map. “You are not my ruler.”
“Savenek!” Mako shouted. “Rema is your sovereign. You will behave and address her as such.”
Savenek stood and moved before Mako. “I have trained my entire life for this. Every day, every single minute. Complete dedication. For what? Her?”
“Yes,” Mako said. “She is of royal blood. The true heir.”
“She doesn’t know anything.”
“I know,” Mako conceded. “It’s our job to teach her.”
“That’s not my job. I am a soldier.”
“And she will be your queen. In charge of you and the army. It will be hers to control. Not yours, not mine.”
Rema had no desire to stand there listening to the two of them argue. “Mako’s right,” Rema said. “I need to be brought up to speed on all matters. I want to know everything.”
They turned toward her, as if they forgot she’d been standing there the entire time.
“Of course,” Mako said. He glanced at Savenek, who shook his head and left the room. “I will bring you up to speed.”
Mako agreed she’d attend all meetings starting tomorrow. Vesha agreed to see to Rema’s wardrobe. Rema agreed that something was going to hav
e to be done about Savenek.
****
The following days flew by. Rema attended one meeting after another, trying to learn the captains and lieutenants of her army, trying to understand their plans to get everyone down off the mountain.
The days were long.
She still tried to train when she had the time. Of course, she no longer worked with Savenek. Luckily, Audek or Vesha were usually available and willing to train with her.
During the last meal of the day, Rema was sitting with Vesha when the horn sounded, indicating a threat was detected. The two soldiers who were assigned to escort her everywhere were immediately at her side.
“What’s going on?” Vesha asked.
“I don’t know,” one of them answered. “We need to get Rema to a secure location.”
“I’ll see what’s happening.” Vesha took off running.
The soldiers escorted Rema through various corridors. They entered a section of the fortress she hadn’t been to before. One of the soldiers slid open a black iron door, revealing a set of stairs leading up. Up she could do. If they had been down, like the dungeon’s steps, it wouldn’t have happened. One of her guards grabbed a torch. She quickly climbed the steps, no windows in sight. The stairs curved round and round and the light bounced off the walls, their bodies casting elongated shadows. This had to be in one of the corner towers. Finally, she reached the top. It was a small, circular room with four small windows evenly spaced. One of the guards ran to a window and looked out.
“There’s some commotion in the main courtyard,” he mumbled.
Rema went to one of the windows. There were three people in the center of the courtyard, a ring of rebel soldiers around them with swords drawn. Another group of rebel soldiers ran from the courtyard, through the gate, and outside the fortress.
Rema was too high up to make out any of the people. She assumed Mako was there, but she couldn’t be sure. Who were the three captives? Soldiers from the King’s Army? Or had random citizens managed to find the fortress?
There was a pounding sound, as if someone was running up the stairs toward them. The soldiers glanced at one another, and then one left to head off whoever was coming. Voices drifted up.
“Your Highness,” a soldier said as he appeared at the top of the stairs, out of breath. “Commander Mako needs your help.”
“Of course.” Rema hurried after him, her two guards close behind.
They made their way down the stairs as quickly as possible without running. Then the soldier led her through a corridor and up to the second floor, down another hallway, and into an empty schoolroom.
“Over here,” the soldier said, leading Rema next to a window. “Look to the courtyard below. Mako wants to know if you can identify the three prisoners.”
Rema peered outside. Now that she was closer, she could see the three people in question—she recognized two of them—Ellie and Neco. The third, an older gentleman, she hadn’t seen before.
She took off running.
Entering the courtyard, Rema sprinted toward the three prisoners. “Release them,” she ordered.
Savenek didn’t acknowledge her; he kept his weapon drawn on Neco.
“I don’t know how they knew you were here,” Mako said. “But they claim to know you.”
“Yes,” Rema stopped before Ellie. “This is my chambermaid and a soldier I met at the castle. They are our allies.”
“How can you be certain?” Mako asked. “And what about the elderly man?”
“I’m sorry,” Rema said, crossing her arms. “I could have sworn I ordered their release.” She tapped her foot, impatiently. If they wanted her to ascend to the throne, then they needed to start taking orders from her.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Mako said, lowering his weapon. Everyone followed his example. Savenek hesitated, but dropped his sword as well.
Rema hugged Ellie. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
“The island is in chaos. We came here for safety,” Ellie answered.
Rema glanced to Neco. He stood staring at her. She needed to speak with him alone to make sure Darmik was well.
“Get them inside,” Rema demanded. “See that they get hot food and drink.”
“And what about this one?” Savenek asked, pointing at the old man.
“After they are fed and warm, we can ask him who he is, and why he’s here,” Rema said.
As the three were led inside, Savenek turned to Mako and said, “See, this is what I was talking about. She has no clue.”
“Rema is your sovereign. And as such, you must obey her.”
“She’s going to get us all killed.”
“I’m standing right here,” Rema said. “And has it occurred to you that if they found us, others can, too? I want the watch doubled.”
Savenek snapped his mouth shut. He blinked several times. “I’ll see to it.” He turned and left.
Mako chuckled. “I’ll escort you inside.”
****
After the three guests were fed, Rema went to speak with them in one of the offices. Mako, Savenek, and a few other soldiers she didn’t recognize were there. A circular table was center in the room, with everyone seated around it. A single chair was left empty. Rema slid onto it.
“Neco,” Rema began, “why are you here?” she asked, hoping to ascertain something about Darmik.
He glanced at her. “I needed to get Trell to safety,” he said, indicating the elderly gentleman.
“How did you find us?” Savenek demanded, leaning forward on the table.
Neco kept his focus on Rema.
“I will be the one asking the questions,” she said, glaring at Savenek. Turning to Neco, she asked, “Why is Trell’s safety so important?”
“He has vital information that will assist your cause,” Neco answered.
“Do you plan to stay here? Or are you returning back down the mountain?”
“My orders were to bring Trell here, then return to aid where needed,” Neco said.
Rema glanced to Ellie. The girl’s head was down, her cheeks flushed. Rema looked back at Neco, raising her eyebrows in question. Neco gave her a half smile. Was something going on between him and Ellie? Rema would have to ask Ellie when they were alone.
“What makes you think we’d allow Trell to stay here?” Savenek asked, his voice low and angry.
Trell cleared his throat. “I thought this was the rebel army.”
“It is,” Savenek said, louder than necessary.
“I thought you’d welcome those seeking refuge. Those wanting to help your cause.”
“We do,” Mako answered, giving Savenek a hard look, silencing him.
“I have no intention of serving another monarch just as evil and vicious as the one in power now,” Trell said.
Savenek opened his mouth to speak.
“Leave, now,” Rema ordered Savenek.
“What?” Savenek asked, stunned.
Rema looked to her two soldiers standing guard by the door. Both sets of eyes widened at the prospect of being ordered to remove their captain—soon to be commander—from the room.
“Won’t be necessary,” Savenek said, barely keeping his temper in check. He shoved the chair back, rose, and stormed from the room.
“He’s a spirited one,” Trell said.
“That’s one way of putting it,” Rema mumbled.
“I know who you are,” Mako said, staring at Trell. “You came with Barjon.”
Rema understood what Mako wasn’t saying—that Trell was somehow responsible for the deaths of Mako’s wife and child.
“Yes,” Trell said, holding Mako’s piercing gaze. “I came with Barjon. I planned the invasion, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
“Why?” Rema asked, curious. Trell looked sad. But it could be an act, and Rema wanted to know and understand this elderly man before her.
His attention turned to her. “Princess Amer,” he said, a small smile tugging the corners of his lips. “I was sent here for a
single purpose—to establish the Empress’s brother as king.” Trell coughed. “You see,” he continued, leaning forward, “the Emperor fears anything that threatens his position. Barjon was restless. Giving Barjon his own kingdom, although small and remote, pacified Barjon and ensured one less threat.”
“Surely the Emperor wasn’t afraid of Barjon,” Rema said. “The Emperor has to be protected at all times. What could Barjon do?”
“Barjon is deceitful, devious, and manipulative. The Emperor knew it would be far too easy for Barjon to slip some poison into the Emperor’s food or drink. Or even place doubt in the Empress’s ears. You see, placing Barjon in Greenwood Island accomplished many things.”
“You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you sorry?” Rema asked.
Trell leaned back in his seat. “You do understand you have a legitimate claim to the Emperor’s throne, do you not?”
The entire room froze. Rema heard nothing but a dull ringing in her ears. She had a claim to the Emperion throne? How?
“When Nero left all those years ago, the true blood line shifted since he was an only child. You could go to Emperion and lay claim to the throne. You, my dear Amer, are the greatest threat to Emperor Hamen.”
Rema hadn’t thought of that. She was still trying to wrap her mind around being a princess, soon to be queen. The mere idea of being more was too much.
Trell continued, “So when you ask why I am sorry for my actions, my dear, you have to understand events from my point of view. I was sent here to ensure Barjon came into power. What resulted was a blood bath. And now, look at the state of the kingdom. What we did, killing your family, was wrong. And my hands are covered in blood for my part. I want to rectify that. I want Barjon gone, and you reinstated to the throne.”
Mako cleared his throat. “And your motives?” he asked. “They simply can’t be out of the goodness of your heart. I don’t buy it.”
Trell leaned forward on his elbows. “No,” he said. “It isn’t that simple. The fact of the matter is that I’m sorry for what I’ve done, and I’d like to rectify my actions. And yes, there is more to it. But until I can ascertain your plans, I have no intention of revealing more.”
Rema liked Trell. There was something about his blunt honesty that she appreciated.
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 22
