Rema hoped that by having Darmik on their side, it would ensure a swift victory.
“The people here will not take kindly to this information.”
“I know,” Rema admitted. “That’s why I haven’t told anyone. I know how people here feel about him. But he really is a brilliant man, and he is quite kind and loving—despite his reputation.”
“This certainly changes things,” Mako said, turning around to face her. “Does he still control the army? Will they follow him? Or is their loyalty to the king?”
Trell shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“Nor do I,” Rema said.
“Let’s keep Darmik’s involvement quiet for now. When the right opportunity presents itself, I’ll tell our people. With the coronation tomorrow, let’s resume our planning after the celebration.”
When Rema exited the room, her two guards stood waiting for her. “Where are Vesha and Ellie?” she asked.
“In the training room,” one of the soldiers answered.
“Then that’s where we’re going.”
When they arrived, the sight was not at all what Rema expected. Instead of everyone working with their small groups running through drills, all fifty people present worked together. Rema stood at the entrance watching.
The room was utterly silent. A group of men were stealthily crouched down and moving forward. Every five feet, one soldier threw a knife at a straw dummy. Realization dawned on her—they were pretending to travel down a makeshift corridor, and the straw dummies were the enemy soldiers.
The group stopped before a wooden stick, which served as a faux door. On the other side, two dozen men stood with blue marks on their chests. There was also a bed with a sleeping person on it.
The group stormed into the room and a hand-to-hand battle ensued. It seemed chaotic. The person on the bed rose and fled the room.
“Stop!” Savenek said. “We failed. Again.”
“Maybe we need to try a different formation coming through the door,” Neco said.
“What are you doing?” Rema asked.
“Her Royal Highness, Princess Rema,” Neco shouted, dropping to a knee. Everyone followed suit, except for Savenek.
“Why, we’re killing King Barjon, Your Royal Highness.” Savenek smiled and bowed.
“I sure hope you intend to kill Lennek at the same time,” Rema said, coming further into the room.
“That’s the plan.”
“Excellent.” Rema motioned for everyone to stand. “Make the bastard pay.”
“With pleasure.”
****
Ellie finished braiding the ribbon into Rema’s hair.
“Just like old times.” Rema smiled, watching Ellie in the mirror.
“If I had pins, perhaps. It’s near impossible to do what I want with your hair without the necessary items.” She tied off the ribbon. “This will have to do.”
“I think she looks beautiful,” Vesha said, coming into the room carrying a dress.
“Is that what she’s wearing for the coronation?” Ellie asked.
“It is.” Vesha grinned as she held up the dress.
Rema was at King Barjon’s court long enough to know this dress wasn’t in fashion, yet, it was beautiful.
“There weren’t many fabrics to work with,” Vesha said. “However, I think this turned out quite well.”
“It’s perfect,” Ellie said. “Put it on!”
Rema removed her robe and slid into the dress. Ellie laced up the back, and turned her to face the mirror.
Rema could not believe what she saw before her. The dress was deep red, matching the ruby from her key necklace. It was form fitting on top, with long sleeves. The bottom contained several layers of fabric that bowed out. But what made the dress stunning and unique was the gold embroidery covering the red material. The seamstress must have stitched the entire thing by hand.
Vesha came up behind and draped a cape over her shoulders. The cape was lined with white fur, the outer fabric gold. Rema’s family crest was stitched on the back.
“You truly look like a queen,” Ellie whispered.
For the first time ever, Rema felt like one.
“You’re timeless,” Vesha whispered.
There was a knock on the door, and Mako entered.
When Rema turned to face him, he had tears in his eyes. “You look just like your mother.”
Rema didn’t expect that. She took hold of her key necklace—the one from her mother. “I wish I’d known her,” Rema said. She wanted to add that she wished her family and Mako’s hadn’t been killed, but she couldn’t bring herself to say the words aloud.
“We’ll see you there,” Vesha said. She and Ellie left.
“Are you ready?” Mako asked, his voice gruff.
No, Rema thought, I’m definitely not ready.
Mako held out his arm to escort her to the courtyard where the ceremony would take place. What was she doing? She was just a child. She had no experience leading or ruling people. Everyone had such high expectations of her. She was supposed to overthrow King Barjon and bring peace to the kingdom. What if she couldn’t accomplish these tasks? What if she disappointed everyone? Peoples’ lives were going to depend upon her.
“Rema?” Mako asked, recapturing her attention.
“Of course I’m ready,” she said, smiling. Rema took hold of Mako’s arm, and they began their journey to the courtyard.
“I do have one question for you,” he said. “Your given name is Amer. Shall I crown you Queen Amer? Or Queen Rema?”
“Rema is my name,” she answered. “Amer sounds so foreign to me. But like you said, it is the name my parents gave me, the name I was crowned princess with as a baby. Can we use both?” she asked.
They descended the stairs to the ground level. It was strange to see the corridors so empty. Rema assumed everyone was already in the courtyard.
“Do you mean both names put together?”
“Precisely. Queen Amer Rema of Greenwood Island.”
“And shall you always be called both names?”
No one used two names. Rema sighed. “No,” she said. “Whenever my title is used, I will go by Amer. However, informally, around family and friends, I will go by Rema.”
They stood at the entrance to the courtyard. Mako glanced down at her. “Your father would be so proud of you.”
Tears threatened. Rema did not want to cry in front of everyone. She swallowed the lump in her throat. The sound of a horn filled the courtyard. Mako and Rema walked out onto the platform situated at the northern end. Someone had placed flowers all around the edge of the stage. In the center sat a high-backed chair covered with red fabric that matched her dress. She assumed she’d sit there while everyone came up individually and pledged their loyalty to her.
The music stopped.
Rema stared out at the hundreds and hundreds of people crowded together in the courtyard and on the balconies.
Mako thanked everyone for coming and gave a short speech. Rema couldn’t concentrate on what he said—instead her focus was on Kar and Maya. They both stood before the stage with huge smiles on their faces. Rema hadn’t seen them since their return. Maya had lost weight, but other than that, she appeared healthy. Kar looked as he always did. Pride radiated from him, and Rema stood a little taller.
Behind her aunt and uncle, stood Ellie and Vesha. Both girls appeared overly eager. Behind them stood Neco, Savenek, and Audek. Savenek, as usual, looked stern and serious. Neco had a blank expression that reminded her of Darmik. Audek, of course, wore a goofy grin.
Mako turned and stood before Rema. He held a ring with a ruby on it.
“I, Mako, Commander of King Revan’s Army, do hereby grant and name Princess Amer as Queen Amer Rema of Greenwood Island, sole surviving heir of the royal family, to hereby lead, rule, and govern our great kingdom.” He slid the ring on her finger.
A child came forward carrying a wooden box. Mako reached down and opened it. He pulled out a gold crown encrusted with rubies.
He placed it upon her head, and knelt before her. Mako pulled out his sword and laid it on the ground at her feet. “I, Commander Mako, do hereby pledge my life to you.” He stood and sheathed his sword.
“I give you Her Majesty, Queen Amer!”
Rema stepped forward, toward the edge of the platform. Everyone dropped to one knee, bowing their heads.
“Rise,” Rema commanded her subjects.
Everyone cheered and clapped.
The weight of the crown sitting atop her head was heavier than she had anticipated.
Darmik
Darmik peeled his eyes open. He was in a dark cave, a small fire next to him. How had he gotten here? He remembered the explosion in the tunnel, being thrown on the ground, and mounting a horse. He must have blacked out after that.
Looking across the fire, Traco was sitting there staring at him. “Try not to move,” he said. “You’ve lost a significant amount of blood. I patched you up as best I could.”
Looking down at his chest, Darmik saw the bandages covering the “L” Lennek had carved onto him. He could also feel his back was wrapped as well.
“How long have I been out?” Darmik asked, his voice hoarse.
“Days.”
He needed to get up the Middle Mountains to Rema. He had to protect her.
“I sewed your back shut,” Traco said. “Also stitched your finger and that nasty mark on your chest. I don’t think anything is infected.”
Traco came around the fire, holding a steaming cup of liquid. “Here, you need to drink this.” He lifted Darmik’s head, holding the cup to his lips. Darmik tried to swallow as much of the pungent-smelling drink as he could. It burned going down.
“Thank you,” Darmik said. His eyelids became heavy, and he drifted back to a dreamless sleep.
When he awoke, everything looked the same.
“Did anyone else from my personal squad make it?” Darmik asked.
Traco shook his head. “I’m afraid not.”
“We need to get back to the compound to see if Captain managed to capture any of my men.” Darmik carefully sat up. His head pounded, and his back stung with excruciating pain.
“Neco gave orders that no one was to be taken alive.”
The decision made sense. It was what Darmik would have ordered, too. Still, the thought that Darmik lost almost every single member of his personal squad was almost too much to bear. He’d known these men for years. Had fought side by side with them. How could they be gone? Tears filled his eyes.
“I swear I will avenge their deaths,” Darmik said. “Captain will pay.”
Traco nodded. “I will help you.”
A plan started to form. “Traco, I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything.”
“I need you to find everyone in the King’s Army who is still loyal to me. If they are willing to denounce King Barjon and Prince Lennek, and instead, follow the rebels, and me, tell them to amass in Werden. Then I want you to go to Werden and organize them.”
“You want me to organize them to do what exactly?” Traco asked.
“Prepare for battle.”
****
Even though Darmik’s wounds were not fully healed, he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to get to Rema and protect her. The rebels needed to strike now before Captain or Lennek gained control over a larger portion of the army.
Traco left the cave to amass an army loyal to Darmik. Darmik journeyed up the Middle Mountains alone. He couldn’t travel very fast on account of his wounds. However, he kept picturing Rema—her blonde hair and blue eyes, riding a horse, free and wild. Her image was enough to keep him on his feet.
After twelve days of complete and total exhaustion, Darmik exited the black tunnel. He went to the cave he and Neco had previously stayed in near the rebel fortress. After making a small fire, he settled down for the night.
****
“Darmik,” a familiar voice said. He opened his eyes. Neco was sitting next to him. “I’m glad you made it.”
“You and me both,” Darmik mumbled. “Thank you for the rescue.”
Neco handed him bread and water. Darmik wondered where he got the supplies. The rebels? And where was Ellie? Was she safe?
Neco chuckled. “You look like death, but I can tell your mind is still in commander mode.”
Darmik sat up and took the water, gulping down the ice-cold liquid.
“I arrived here safely with Ellie and Trell. We made contact with the rebels, and have been staying with them inside the compound. I’ve been coming here two to three times a day, hoping you’d show up.”
Darmik coughed. His ribs ached and lungs burned.
“We need to get you to a healer,” Neco said. “Can you walk?”
“Obviously,” Darmik said. “I did manage to make it here, didn’t I?”
Neco opened his mouth to say something else, but Darmik raised his hand, stopping him. “Is it possible to speak to Rema before I enter the rebel compound?”
Neco nodded. “I’ll get her.” He stood and added a few more logs to the dying fire.
“How is she?” Darmik asked.
“Good.” Neco smiled. “She’s quite stubborn and feisty. I like her.”
Darmik raised his eyebrows, questioning his friend.
“She’ll be good for the island,” Neco clarified before leaving.
****
Darmik awoke to the sound of voices and commotion. He removed his cape—the fire had warmed the place up. When he stood, his vision blurred and he swayed on his feet. Darmik closed his eyes and took a deep breath, steadying himself.
“I know perfectly well where he is,” a familiar voice said. “I’ve been to the cave before.”
Darmik smiled. She was here.
Neco and Ellie entered, followed by Rema. Her eyes locked with Darmik’s. It felt like time froze. She ran to him, a huge smile plastered across her face. Rema threw her arms around his neck, their bodies slamming together, and they kissed.
All Darmik’s aches and pains vanished, and all he could see, smell, and think of was Rema. Darmik vaguely heard Ellie laugh. Neco said, “Uh . . . we’ll give you two a minute alone.”
Darmik wrapped his arms around Rema’s back, pulling her even closer. Her hands lifted his tunic over his head. He untied her cape, and it fell to the ground with a soft thud. Darmik’s lips moved to her ear, her neck. Her smooth skin was soft and inviting. Rema’s fingers slid under Darmik’s shirt and up his back. He gasped, a searing pain burning his skin.
“What?” Rema asked, her fingers gently exploring the bandages. “Are you hurt?”
Darmik nodded.
Rema lifted his shirt, revealing his bare torso. She gasped. “What happened?”
Darmik shook his head. He didn’t want to think about being tortured—he wanted to lose himself in Rema again.
“Tell me,” she demanded. Her hands gently touched the bandage covering the “L” carved onto his chest, just below his royal markings. Dark blood had soaked through most of it.
“Lennek and the assassin, Captain. They captured me when I tried saving Cassie.”
She gasped. “How did you escape?”
“Phellek,” Darmik said. “He’s dead.” A pain, different from what the cuts in his skin caused, shot through him. Phellek was more of a father than King Barjon had ever been.
“I’m so sorry.” Rema’s eyes glistened. Her hands cupped Darmik’s cheeks. She reached up and kissed his lips.
Soft.
Hot.
Wanting.
Needing.
Darmik led Rema closer to the fire. He took their cloaks and spread them out. Then he gently pulled Rema down.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Rema said, her eyes darting to his wounds.
Darmik smiled. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Rema lay down, her blonde hair cascading against the black fabric, her potent blue eyes penetrated into his. Her fingers went to the ties at the top of her dress.
�
�Allow me,” Darmik said. He undid the laces, her dress slipping down her shoulders. Her skin was silky, smooth. Lowering himself next to her, his lips touched each shoulder.
Rema’s hand trailed down his bare chest, igniting a fire inside of Darmik.
“I love you,” he said, looking at her beautiful face.
“And I love you,” Rema said, smiling. “Now shut up and kiss me. I’ve missed you.”
Darmik lowered himself on top of Rema, kissing her lips. He propped himself up with one arm so his weight wouldn’t crush her. His free hand slowly pulled the fabric of her skirt up.
Darmik heard voices. He hoped Neco and Ellie weren’t returning so soon. He ran his hand down her leg. “We better stop before someone sees us.”
“I know,” Rema sighed. “But I really don’t want to.”
He kissed the tip of her nose.
“What in the bloody hell is going on here?” a young man demanded. All color drained from Rema’s face.
“Sorry,” Neco said, appearing behind the man.
“Yeah,” Ellie added, coming next to Neco. “We tried to stop Savenek, but you know how impertinent he can be.”
Carefully watching the man, Darmik helped Rema tie the top of her dress. He looked furious, and Darmik wondered why. Was Rema not allowed to be out of the fortress?
Savenek’s hand rested on the hilt of his sword. His eyes darted between Darmik and Rema.
Darmik helped Rema stand. She adjusted her dress and shook her head, throwing her loose hair away from her face. “What are you doing here?” she demanded, a hard edge to her voice.
“Who is this?” Savenek pointed to Darmik.
Darmik reached down, grabbing his shirt and tunic. He quickly put his clothes back on.
“This is Commander Darmik,” Rema answered.
Savenek’s body went ridged, and his face reddened. “The enemy?” he said, seething with rage. He unsheathed his sword. “Is he trying to capture you? Are there others here?” Savenek pointed the weapon toward Darmik.
Neco stepped forward but Darmik shook his head, wanting him to hold his ground.
“No,” Rema said. “Put that away, you idiot.”
“Then why are you here with him? Alone?” Savenek pointed to her dress, like he wanted to say more.
Savenek acted as if he was jealous. Was this man in love with Rema? Darmik looked at her. She didn’t have feelings for Savenek, did she?
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 24
