Rema put her hands out, trying to calm Savenek down. “Watch yourself,” she said. “You will not forget your place.”
Darmik wondered what she was talking about.
“Clearly, you are confused,” Savenek said. “Because you, Your Majesty, certainly wouldn’t be fraternizing with the enemy.”
Your Majesty?
Rema’s eyes sliced over to Darmik. “I was crowned queen,” she explained.
“And this Savenek,” Darmik said, “who is he, and why is he here?”
“He’s a captain,” Rema answered. “I don’t know why he’s here.” She put her hands on her hips. “But he is leaving. Now.”
“I’m not leaving you alone with him.” Savenek shook his head. “I’m placing Darmik under arrest.”
Under normal circumstances, Darmik knew he could easily disarm Savenek, but with his recent wounds, he wasn’t so sure. Neco moved forward. “Wait,” Darmik said. Everyone froze. “I’ll go. It’s fine.”
“No,” Rema said. “I’m queen. I will not allow Savenek to arrest you.”
“You may be queen,” Savenek said, leaning toward Rema, “but you are out of your mind.”
“Enough!” Darmik shouted. “You will not speak to Rema that way, remember her position. You treat her that way again, and I’ll pommel you to the ground.”
“Really?” Savenek moved to stand toe-to-toe with Darmik.
“Really,” Darmik said.
“Stop.” Rema slid between them.
Savenek looked down at her. “Is this why?” His shoulders were moving up and down from breathing heavily.
“What?” she asked.
Darmik took a step back, bringing Rema with him and away from Savenek.
“Why you won’t marry me?” Savenek jerked his head at Darmik.
“Neco,” she said, “restrain Savenek.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Savenek said, moving past them and storming out of the cave.
Savenek had asked Rema to marry him? At least she’d said no. But still, Darmik didn’t want another man looking or thinking of her that way.
“Let’s go,” Rema said. “We need to get back before it gets dark.” She grabbed her cloak and made her way out of the cave, Ellie right behind her.
“That was interesting,” Darmik said to Neco.
Neco smiled. “You have no idea. Here, lean on me. I’ll help you.”
When they neared the fortress, several dozen soldiers stood waiting for them, bows and arrows trained on Darmik.
“Lower your weapons!” Rema shouted. “Now.”
“Keep them raised!” Savenek yelled, standing among the soldiers. “That is Commander Darmik.”
“If my orders aren’t obeyed, I’ll have you all arrested,” Rema said.
Darmik had never heard Rema speak so forcefully before. The soldiers all looked torn, unsure of what to do.
“Rema,” Darmik said, “it’s fine. Let’s just get inside.” He was getting weak and feared he might pass out.
“No,” she said. “I won’t have one accidentally shoot you.”
She stood her ground, chin raised—the expectation of being followed clear on her face. Pride filled Darmik. The men lowered their weapons.
“Let’s go,” Rema said. She slipped her small hand into Darmik’s and led him forward. Neco stood in front of them, Ellie behind. As they passed the soldiers, all lowered their heads, bowing.
Except for Savenek.
Rema
Neco led them to the barn. Rema glanced back, trying to be discreet, to see who followed. Savenek was right behind Ellie, sword in hand. Audek and Vesha hovered behind him. Rema didn’t notice anyone else, not even her usual two guards.
She assumed Neco knew where to find Mako. When they entered the barn, Mako was standing toward the back, brushing one of the horses. Kar was with him.
“What’s going on?” Mako asked, focused on Darmik.
“Uncle Kar,” Rema said, “I would love to chat with you, but I have an urgent matter to discuss with Mako. You’re welcome to stay, if you want.”
“No,” Kar said, shaking his head. “I need to get back to Maya.” Her aunt’s health was steadily improving each day, but Maya still required extra attention and care.
Savenek glanced in the stalls, making sure no one else was there. Rema thought about dismissing everyone except Darmik and Mako, but decided against it. She needed to make Savenek understand why Darmik was there—and she wanted to ensure his safety, which would best be accomplished with everyone present.
“Commander Darmik,” Mako said, putting the brush down and coming before him. “We meet again.”
Confusion filled Savenek’s face.
“Darmik,” Rema said, “this is Commander Mako.”
Darmik reached forward to shake his hand. Mako hesitated, put his hand out, and shook.
Savenek opened his mouth to speak, so Rema hurried and beat him to it. “Darmik has sworn loyalty to me. He is here to join our cause.”
“I thought we were going to wait,” Mako said. “We decided the people weren’t ready.”
“Events have unfolded, making it necessary,” Rema said.
“What is going on?” Savenek demanded. “I deserve and explanation.”
“You do,” Mako agreed. “But now is not the time, nor the place. We will speak in private, later.”
“Darmik is the enemy,” Savenek said.
Rema glanced at Darmik. He had little color and didn’t look steady on his feet. She glanced to Vesha. “Get your mother,” she ordered. “Darmik needs medical attention. Have Nulea meet us in my room.”
Vesha nodded and hurried from the barn.
Savenek stood staring at Rema. “Have you gone mad? Completely lost your mind?”
Darmik’s hand shot out, grabbing Savenek’s tunic. “I thought I told you not to speak to Rema in such a manner?”
Savenek glanced at Mako. “Don’t look at me,” Mako said. “I’ve been telling you to watch yourself.”
“You’re siding with him?” Savenek said.
“I’m not siding with anyone. Just behave yourself.”
Darmik released Savenek. Both stood staring at one another, neither backing down.
“Darmik,” Mako said. “Can you tell me what’s changed, and why you’re here?”
“Yes,” he said, finally breaking eye contact with Savenek. “The Emperion assassin has taken control of a portion of the army. I believe he and Lennek are in league with one another. If you are prepared to strike, now is the time.”
“An Emperion assassin is here for Rema?” Mako asked.
“Yes.”
“So Trell was right,” Mako murmured.
“We need to move quickly, before he gains control of a larger portion of the army,” Darmik said.
“Why are we trusting him?” Savenek asked. “How do we know he’s not here to kill Rema himself?”
Everyone stood staring at Savenek. Rema knew Darmik wouldn’t be happy with what she was about to do, but she had to do something.
“Audek,” she said, “please help Darmik to my room. He can use my bedchamber while Nulea looks at and tends to his wounds.” She avoided Mako and Savenek’s glares. She was queen and could do as she pleased.
“Savenek,” Rema continued, “I’d like a word with you. In private.”
“No,” Darmik said. “Absolutely not. He can’t be trusted.”
“I understand your concern,” Rema said, “but this is something I need to do.” She kissed his cheek, and then left out the back of the barn.
A few seconds later, gravel crunched under boots as Savenek came to meet her.
Rema turned to face him.
“Don’t,” he said, taking a step back, away from her. “I don’t want to hear any explanation you have.”
“Darmik and I, we—”
“No!” He placed his hands on her arms. “Please,” he said, more gentle now, “I can’t bear to hear you talk about another man. Especially him.”
/> Rema wanted to tell Savenek that they could at least be friends.
“I can tell just by the way you look at him that you love him.” Savenek turned away from her. “I’ve dreamed of you looking at me that way.” His voice was gruff. Rema had no idea what to say to him.
“I’m sorry,” Savenek continued. “This is difficult for me. I never imagined finding someone I could love, that I’d want to spend my life with. Then I met you. You turned my world upside down. You made me look at life differently. Made me see new possibilities. When I finally came to terms with it and understood that I loved you, I learn you’re the heir to the throne. As if that wasn’t bad enough, you’re in love with someone else. Only, now I know he’s not just anyone. He’s the commander and prince of our enemy. It seems unbelievable. A cruel, sick joke.”
Savenek turned to face her, his eyes red.
“Now I know,” he said. “You’ll never love me. At least, not the way I love you.”
He turned and left.
Rema was too stunned to say anything. She’d never even heard Savenek talk that much before. Although she didn’t feel any better about the situation between them, at least she knew he wouldn’t hurt Darmik out of anger. The fire inside Savenek was put to rest. For now.
****
Word quickly spread through the compound that Prince Darmik had defected from the King’s Army to join Queen Amer and the rebels. Rema feared people would be weary and distrusting. However, that was not the case. Wherever Darmik went, people swarmed around him, eager to express their appreciation.
“I can’t believe people are so accepting,” Rema said to Vesha. They were sitting at one of the long tables in the mess hall, eating.
Darmik had offered to get Rema’s breakfast for her. Only, he’d gotten stuck in line talking to several people.
“I know,” Vesha said, shoving a biscuit in her mouth. “But look at him.”
Rema was looking, along with the dozen or so men and women surrounding him.
“I mean, Savenek’s handsome, but Darmik . . . well, there’s just something appealing about him.” Vesha sighed, lost in thought. Presumably about Darmik.
“Vesha,” Rema said, claiming her friend’s attention. She didn’t want other women looking at him like that.
Vesha jumped. “I was simply observing why so many women are talking to him. And, as for the men, well, Darmik’s reputation is reason enough.”
Ellie chuckled. “You have nothing to worry about, Rema. Everyone here knows you two are together.”
“Why would I be worried?” she asked. “I’m not worried.” Rema just wished he’d hurry and bring her breakfast already. She was starving.
“Here,” Savenek said, sliding a plate in front of Rema. “You look hungry.” He left before Rema could thank him.
She certainly hadn’t expected that. Tearing off a piece of the bread, Rema quickly devoured her food.
Darmik finally made his way to her table. “My apologies,” he said. “There are more people here than I anticipated. I want to get to know everyone.”
“How are you feeling today?” she asked.
“Much better, thank you. Nulea is well skilled.”
“Yes,” Rema said. “She is.”
Vesha stood. “Speaking of which, I promised Mother I would help her today.”
After Vesha left, Neco walked over. “Ellie and I have some things to tend to this morning. We’ll see you later at the meeting with Trell.”
“We do?” Ellie asked, her face scrunched in confusion.
“Yes,” Neco grinned. “Let’s go.”
Rema was glad they two of them had some time alone.
“So,” Darmik said with a wicked grin. “Are you giving me a private tour of the compound?” Rema could think of nothing better than being alone with him.
Savenek appeared next to Rema. “Ready?” he asked.
Darmik’s body went rigid.
“For what?” she asked.
“Our training.”
He wanted to train now? After days of ignoring her? She couldn’t remember the last time they’d worked together. Besides, she wanted to be alone with Darmik.
“We have a meeting on the final details of the attack,” she said.
“I know,” Savenek said. “But that’s not until later. We have time.”
Rema glanced over at Darmik. He sat staring at her, no expression showing.
“Unless you’re afraid to be around me,” Savenek teased, nudging her shoulder.
The sad, depressed Savenek from the barn was gone, and the arrogant, cocky Savenek was back. Rema rolled her eyes.
“You need the practice,” he said. “Especially if you’re going into battle with us.”
Darmik raised his eyebrows. Her involvement in the attack was still being debated.
“Fine,” she said. “But I was planning to work with Darmik.”
“Sorry,” Darmik said. “I have orders to take it easy today. I don’t want to reopen my wounds. I need to heal quickly so I can be ready for the attack.”
Savenek smirked, leaning against the table. “Then it’s just the two of us,” he said. “Let’s go.” He held out his hand for Rema to take.
“Not so fast,” Darmik said. “Just because I can’t physically train, doesn’t mean I can’t watch and offer advice.” He got up from the table, holding out his hand.
Rema couldn’t believe the two of them. She stood and left the mess hall, not looking back to see if either followed.
Instead of going to the small, private room she and Savenek usually used, Rema went to the main training room. She figured it was safer there with several dozen people around.
“Not in there,” Savenek said as he grabbed her arm, pulling her back into the hallway. “I want to practice in one of the main corridors.”
“Excuse me?” Rema said.
“You need to practice what to do in an actual real-life situation.”
“Good idea,” Darmik said, joining them.
Savenek smirked.
“Fine.” Rema sighed. “Lead the way.”
Savenek took them up to the third floor where most of the offices were located.
“Now what?” Rema asked. Men were going about their business.
“Most likely King Barjon will be in his office,” Darmik said. “The corridors are heavily guarded right now.”
Savenek blinked several times.
“I told you he was here to help,” Rema said.
Savenek shrugged his shoulders. “So what do you suggest?”
“That Rema be nowhere near the castle. If my father gets his hands on her, he will destroy her.”
Rema shuddered. The king was a cruel, heartless man. She hoped she’d never see him again.
“Then let’s prepare for that,” Savenek said.
Darmik agreed.
Rema was confused. They were getting along? “I’m not following you,” she said.
Savenek turned to her. “Let’s assume Barjon has gotten a hold of you.”
“He’ll have you brought to his office,” Darmik said. “Is there an unoccupied room we can use?”
Savenek nodded and then led them down the hallway and into an empty room. There was a desk, two chairs, and a rug.
“It’s a little small,” Darmik mused, “but it’ll do.”
“I suggest you pretend to be your father,” Savenek said.
Rema remembered King Barjon’s cruelty—the way he ordered the horse to be whipped to death without even a second thought. She didn’t want Darmik to even pretend to be that man.
“No,” she said. “Please don’t. Just tell us what he’d do.”
Darmik nodded in understanding. “If Rema is captured,” he said, “my father will have her brought before him. I doubt she’ll be bound—my father is too arrogant. He won’t perceive her as a threat.”
“Good,” Savenek said. “She’ll have the element of surprise.” He came up behind Rema and took hold of her arm. “Assume I’m a soldier, and I�
�ve captured you.”
Rema allowed him to lead her to the desk.
“My father will come before you.” Darmik stood in front of Rema. “He’ll want to get close to intimidate you.”
Rema nodded. “And if Lennek is present?” she asked.
“I have a feeling he’ll be elsewhere.”
Rema wondered what Darmik meant. She’d have to ask him later, in private.
“The first thing will be to break free from the guard, and then go after Barjon,” Savenek said.
“Excuse me? You’ve always taught me to get free and run.”
“You won’t be able to run this time,” Darmik said. “There will be too many guards.”
“Your only chance is to kill the king,” Savenek said.
“Me?”
“You’ll be our only hope at that point.”
She let what Savenek said sink in. “Very well, then. I’ll try.” Perhaps if she had a weapon, she’d be able to kill Barjon before he murdered her. But she would be killing Darmik’s father. She peered up at him. Darmik wore his mask—no expression on his face whatsoever. When they were alone, she’d have to talk to him about it.
Savenek nodded. “Assuming the king is standing before you, and I’m a guard, you’ll need a plan. And you’ll have to be fast and quick about it.”
Rema nodded.
“Your best bet will be to start talking to distract them,” Savenek said.
“I can do that.”
Darmik laughed. “Just say something to upset my father.”
“Anything I say upsets him.”
“The king will be focused on you, not your hands,” Savenek said. “Your guard will most likely have a dagger either here, or here.” Savenek pulled her fingers back, patting his arm and side.
“Under clothing?” she asked as she felt the knife sheathed under his sleeve.
“Yes,” Savenek said. “He has to be able to access the weapon quickly, so there will be a way to pull it free, if you’re careful.”
Rema didn’t want to be feeling around Savenek’s body, trying to unsheathe his dagger. “Show me,” she said.
“When Barjon and you are talking,” Savenek said, “move your hand back. If I’m holding your arm here, then you can slide your fingers under my tunic and pull the weapon free.”
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 25
