Red (The True Reign Series)

by Davis, Jennifer Anne

  “Can you help us?” Rema asked. If he planned the invasion of a kingdom, surely he was well versed in military strategy. They could use all the help they could get.

  “Rema,” Mako said, “we need to speak in private on the matter.”

  She looked to Trell, awaiting his answer.

  “What are your intentions?” he asked.

  “To retake the throne and establish a prosperous, peaceful kingdom.”

  “Then yes, I will help you.”

  “Wait,” Mako interjected, raising his hand.

  “Excuse me,” Rema said. “I am not fond of the lack of respect I’m receiving.”

  It looked like she’d smacked Mako across the face—he was so shocked by what she’d said.

  Rema stood. “I am Princess Amer. Next week, I will be crowned queen. You will address me as such and show me the respect the title and position deserve.”

  Ellie smiled, nodding at her. Neco fought a grin. Trell looked deep in thought. Everyone else seemed stunned.

  Rema raised her eyebrows.

  “Yes, Your Highness,” Mako said. Everyone followed suit.

  “I’d like for our new recruits to be shown to their rooms.”

  “I will make the necessary accommodations,” Mako said. “However, because I am the commander of your army, I need to address the matter of your safety.” Rema nodded for him to continue. “Neco should remain here. It is far too dangerous to allow him to leave.”

  “Explain your reasoning,” Rema demanded.

  “We are weeks from attacking the castle. We can’t afford for Commander Darmik to discover our location now. It would end our revolt before it even begins. Also, given Neco’s stellar reputation, we could use him here.”

  Rema agreed. Even though Neco was rather stealthy, if there was an assassin here from Emperion searching for her, she didn’t want to lead him right to her. And they really could use Neco’s tactical skills.

  “I concur,” Rema said. “Neco stays.”

  ****

  Sitting on the ground in front of the roaring fire, Rema pulled her knees to her chest, resting her head on them. “What was Darmik doing when you last saw him?” Rema asked.

  Ellie sat next to her. “Do you want me to brush your hair?”

  “No,” Rema said, “I want to know about Darmik.” Her friend had been carefully avoiding her questions since they returned from the meeting.

  “I’m sorry; I’m not at liberty to say. You’ll have to ask Neco.”

  They were alone in Rema’s bedchamber. No one would overhear, so why couldn’t Ellie tell her what was going on? Rema decided not to push the matter. She’d ask Neco the next chance she got.

  “Thank you for volunteering to be my chambermaid,” Rema said. “You don’t have to help me though.” Rema pulled at the hem of her dress. A string came loose.

  “I know,” Ellie responded. “I want to.”

  There was a knock on the door. Ellie jumped up and answered it.

  “It’s Mako,” she said. “He needs to speak with you about an urgent matter.”

  Rema stood as he entered.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” Mako said. “But a scouting party has returned.”

  “Is everything under control?”

  “Yes,” Mako answered. “No additional threats were detected.” He shifted his weight from foot to foot, appearing distressed.

  “Then what’s the matter?” Rema asked. She took Mako’s hands in hers. “Please tell me.”

  “They found Kar and Maya in one of the caves.”

  Rema squeezed Mako’s fingers. Were her aunt and uncle well? Or had something happened to them?

  “The scouting party brought them back here. They are both fine, but Maya is suffering from an infection. She’s been taken to the infirmary.”

  “I want to see them,” Rema said as she released Mako’s hands.

  Mako took a deep breath. “I know you want to see them. However, Maya has been put in quarantine. No one is allowed to be around her until her infection is under control. I’m sorry.”

  Rema was afraid it was more serious than Mako let on. “Is her life at risk?”

  “Nulea believes Maya will make a full recovery. In order to ensure the infection doesn’t spread to others here at the compound, we are taking the necessary precautions. There is nothing to fear.”

  Rema hugged Mako. “Thank you for bringing them back safely, and thank you for telling me.”

  ****

  After eating dinner in Rema’s sitting room per Mako’s request, Ellie and Vesha accompanied Rema to the gathering room. Rema wanted an opportunity to run into Neco—she needed to ask him about Darmik.

  When they entered the room, it fell silent and everyone turned to stare.

  “Um, maybe you should say something?” Ellie suggested.

  “Good evening,” Rema said in a loud, clear voice. “Please carry on.” People looked to one another, clearly not sure of proper protocol around her. When she stayed at the castle, King Barjon was always announced before he entered a room, and people bowed. She’d have to discuss the matter with Mako and make sure they implemented the necessary procedures.

  Ellie shrugged her shoulders. Rema spotted Neco playing a game of cards with some soldiers. He glanced up and nodded at Rema. She moved toward the tables and sat at an empty one, Vesha and Ellie joining her.

  “Are we actually going to be playing a game?” Vesha asked.

  “No,” Rema said, “but I want it to look like we are.”

  Vesha pulled out a box of cards and divided them up.

  Ellie picked up her stack. “This is quite the organization.” She glanced over her hand. “And you’re the queen.” She smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Quite the turn of events since the last time I saw you.”

  “You better not treat me any differently,” Rema said.

  Vesha laughed. “I, for one, can’t imagine you as queen. No offense or anything. But I’m just a healer’s daughter. I shouldn’t be socializing with royalty.”

  “Ugh,” Rema moaned. “Promise me, both of you, to always be honest with me. I value your friendship, and I don’t want that to change. Ever.” Rema put her hand in the middle of the table.

  Ellie and Vesha both reached forward with their left hands, taking hold of Rema’s.

  “I swear,” Ellie said.

  “Me too,” Vesha added.

  “Ahhh, how sweet,” Audek said. He slid onto the only empty chair. “Am I interrupting something?”

  Vesha whacked Audek’s arm. “No one invited you to join us.”

  “Do I need an invitation?” Audek laughed. “We’re all friends. Well, except for you.” He pointed at Ellie. “I don’t know you, but I would sure like to!” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  Rema couldn’t help herself, she started laughing. “Audek, you are a piece of work!”

  Neco appeared behind Ellie. “Everything all right?” he asked.

  Turning to Rema, Ellie smiled wickedly. “I’ve been wanting to do this in public.” She spun around, wrapping her arms around Neco’s neck, kissing him on the lips. The tips of Neco’s ears turned fire red.

  “Well then,” Audek mumbled, “I guess I won’t like knowing her as much as I had hoped.”

  “What?” Vesha asked, confused.

  Audek pointed to Ellie and Neco. “Another girl is taken. I’d like to know when it’ll be my turn.”

  Vesha rolled her eyes. “Good luck with that.”

  Rema whispered to Vesha, “Would you mind getting Audek out of here?” Rema needed to speak with Neco about Darmik. And she definitely did not want Audek to know her involvement with Darmik just yet.

  “On second thought,” Vesha said, “come with me, Audek. I have some girls you need to talk to.”

  Audek’s eyes widened. “You do?”

  Vesha jumped up and grabbed Audek’s hand. “Let’s go, lover boy. Before I change my mind.”

  “Yes, sir! I mean, ma’am, I mean—”

  Vesha shoved hi
m forward before he could get another word out. She glanced back at Rema and winked.

  “Okay, you two,” Rema said to the lovebirds.

  Ellie laughed as she detangled herself from Neco and took a seat. Neco slid onto the other chair next to Rema.

  “How are things off the mountain?” Rema asked, trying to keep her voice low, so no one could overhear her.

  “Not good,” Neco said, rubbing his face.

  “And Darmik?” Rema asked, grabbing onto Neco’s arm, fearful of his answer.

  He looked at her, and their eyes locked. “Cassie is dead.”

  “What?” Rema asked, shocked by the news.

  “Lennek murdered her,” Ellie said.

  “But that’s not all,” Neco added. “Lennek and Captain are now in control of a good portion of the King’s Army.”

  “Who is Captain?” Rema asked.

  “The assassin from Emperion.”

  Rema shivered. “Is that why Darmik wanted you to bring Trell here?”

  “It is.”

  “And where is the assassin now?” Rema feared Darmik would get in Captain’s way. She didn’t want any harm to come to him because of her.

  Neco avoided making eye contact, and Rema wondered if he was hiding something. Now that she was thinking on the matter, she realized he hadn’t answered her question about Darmik.

  “I’m not certain,” Neco answered. “The plan is for Darmik to lead Captain away from the Middle Mountains and to the bay towns. Once Darmik is certain it’s safe, he’ll return here to see you.” Rema noticed Ellie’s head jerk in Neco’s direction. Again, she wondered if he was telling the entire truth.

  At least Darmik was competent at what he did. He was definitely well prepared to handle an assassin.

  “One last thing,” Neco said, leaning forward. “I’ll need to be able come and go from the compound, so I can check for Darmik on a daily basis.”

  “Of course,” Rema said. “Please keep me apprised of the situation.”

  A shadow fell over Rema.

  “What are you doing?” Savenek asked, towering above her.

  Rema glanced up, wondering who he was directing his question to.

  “Nothing,” Neco answered. “We were just leaving.” He stood, pulling Ellie up beside him. “Your Highness.” He bowed. “Thank you for your time.” He turned and strode away, Ellie at his side.

  Savenek plopped down on the chair next to Rema. “We need to talk.”

  “We do?”

  “Yes,” he said.

  “About what, exactly?”

  “Your safety,” Savenek said, clutching his hands together on top of the table.

  Rema glanced around the room. Most everyone was occupied. Some played cards, others a dice game, some sat sewing, while others just talked to one another. At the entrance to the large gathering room stood the two soldiers now responsible for her safety.

  She focused on Savenek. Why was he concerned for her well-being? Was it simply because he cared for her? Did he even still have feelings for her now that he knew her true identity? Or did he know of a specific threat?

  “Please,” Savenek whispered. “May I speak with you alone?”

  “If you keep your voice low, no one will hear you here.”

  He finally looked Rema in the eyes. “Will you allow me to accompany you to your suite?”

  Vesha and Audek had joined in a game of dice. Neco and Ellie were nowhere to be seen. “Fine.” Rema stood. Savenek escorted her to Mako’s rooms in silence.

  With her two guards posted outside the door, Rema turned to Savenek. “What do you want?”

  Savenek quickly checked the two bedchambers and privy, ensuring they were alone. He stood three feet away, staring at her. “You can’t ascend to the throne.”

  Rema was tired of hearing him complain about her lack of qualifications. “I’m not going to stay here and listen to you. I may not be what you want or expected, but I’m it. I’m the only one left. Deal with it.”

  Savenek jerked his head back, eyebrows bent inward. “That’s not what I meant,” he said, shaking his head.

  Rema started to walk toward her room.

  “Wait,” Savenek said, grabbing her arm. “Please just listen to me for a moment before you run away, like you always do.”

  Savenek infuriated her sometimes. Did he not realize what he said? Or how he was always insulting her? “Fine,” she said, glancing at his fingers curled around her arm. He released her.

  “What I meant was that if you become queen, Emperor Hamen will kill you.”

  “It makes no difference,” she said.

  “Being dead will make a huge difference.” Savenek ran his hands through his hair, appearing agitated.

  “He’ll have me killed whether I take the throne or not. The emperor already knows I’m alive.”

  “How?” Savenek demanded.

  “I’m not sure,” Rema admitted, “but he’s already sent an Emperion soldier here to hunt me down and kill me.”

  Savenek stood staring at her. “How do you know this?”

  “Neco told me what’s going on around the island. He’s from the King’s Army and has access to vital information. You might know this if you’d give him a chance.” She still wanted to keep Darmik out of this. She knew Savenek would never trust him.

  “And you believe Neco?”

  “Yes. I spent enough time in the castle to know Neco is trustworthy.”

  Savenek nodded. “You do realize the emperor won’t stop with one assassin.”

  Rema avoided using that word. “I know.” She’d spent a lot of time considering her options. “That’s why, when we’ve taken back the kingdom and established peace, I will send an envoy to Emperion to open negotiations for a peace treaty.”

  “You think that will work?”

  “If I can convince Emperor Hamen I want no part of his kingdom and that my sole interest is in Greenwood Island, he’ll leave me alone. I’ll sign whatever he wants to denounce any legitimate claim I hold to the mainland.”

  Savenek sat on the chair. “Who will be part of the envoy?”

  “I don’t know yet. I need to discuss the matter with Mako and Trell.” And Darmik. He had been to Emperion and would know what to do. “So you see, it will all work out. I already have two soldiers that escort me everywhere. I am completely safe here. Once we retake the castle, I will have my own royal guard.”

  Savenek nodded his head. “Okay. I’m glad you take your safety seriously.”

  “Thank you for your concern.” She turned to go to her room.

  “One more thing,” Savenek said. Rema turned back to face him. “I, uh . . . I still care for you.”

  Rema had no idea what to say to that.

  “I want the opportunity to court you.” He stood and came before her.

  “But Mako said—”

  “Mako’s not in charge. You are. And I want you to give me a chance.” He reached out and took Rema’s hands in his. “Please.”

  One minute he was yelling at her, and the next he was declaring his love. Rema never met anyone so confusing before. What should she say to him? Her heart belonged to Darmik, but she liked Savenek as a friend—most of the time at least. She valued his knowledge and hoped he would be part of her army, not necessarily in charge, though. With his temper, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings and have him do something stupid.

  “Savenek,” Rema said. “Now is not the time. We’re about to go into battle.”

  “I know, but—”

  The door opened. Ellie walked in and froze. “Am I interrupting?” she asked.

  “No,” Rema said, pulling her hands free. Without looking at Savenek, she turned and went into her bedchamber, Ellie right behind her.

  ****

  Rema yawned, staring out the window. She’d been stuck in yet another meeting. This one started shortly after breakfast, and it was already dark outside. Her back ached from sitting all day.

  “Rema,” Mako said, gently touching her sho
ulder. “Do you have an opinion on the matter?”

  She was daydreaming, again. She had no idea what Mako, Trell, and about a dozen other soldiers had been discussing. Mako insisted she didn’t have to attend every meeting, but she wanted to be involved—and she wanted to be taken seriously.

  “I’m sorry,” Rema said. “What are the options again?”

  Trell shifted the map on the table, so she could see it better.

  “Once all of our forces are in position,” Mako said, pointing to several marked locations around King’s City, “do you want to send in a small, elite team to kill Barjon and his sons, or do you want a full-scale attack?”

  “What is your opinion?” Rema asked Trell.

  “Send in an elite team first. I fear that if we attack all at once, King Barjon and Prince Lennek could slip away.”

  “I agree,” Mako said, “but the issue is Commander Darmik. He most likely won’t be in King’s City. We’ll still need to take him out.”

  Trell raised his eyebrows, looking at Rema. She knew she’d need to explain the situation with Darmik. “I need a moment alone with Mako and Trell,” she announced. After everyone else left the room, Rema turned to Mako. “There is something you don’t know.” She shifted on the chair, not sure how to explain her relationship with Darmik. “Commander Darmik has pledged allegiance to me.”

  Mako sat very still. After several moments of utter silence, he said, “Explain.”

  Rema quickly outlined how she and Darmik met, how they formed a friendship, about Darmik’s discovery of her identity, how he allowed her to escape, and his visit to see her when he gave her his oath to serve and protect her.

  Mako rubbed his face. “Why have you not told me any of this sooner?”

  “I feared you wouldn’t believe me, and I was afraid you’d harm Darmik.”

  “How can you be certain of his intentions? That he isn’t going to double-cross you?”

  “All she says is true,” Trell answered. “Darmik is trying to keep the army away from the Middle Mountains. He is trying to buy us time to finalize our attack. When the opportunity presents itself, he will openly join our cause.”

  Mako stood and went to the window, staring outside. “I always wondered why he allowed me to escape with you.”