Rema did as he said, but she couldn’t get the dagger out. She fumbled with the fabric, unable to pull the weapon free.
Frustration boiled up inside of her. “This isn’t working.”
“It’s right here,” Savenek said, guiding her hand to the knife. “Try again.”
“I have a different idea,” Darmik said, coming next to Rema. “When Barjon’s attention is diverted, take a step back, like you’re scared.”
She leaned back, touching Savenek’s chest.
“Good,” Darmik said. “Now put your entire body against his.”
“Um,” Savenek said, his lips close to her ear, “exactly what are you doing?”
Darmik ignored him. “Then with both hands, reach back and grab onto the soldier’s tunic, like you’re afraid for your life.”
Rema did as he said.
“No, lower,” Darmik instructed.
Savenek jumped. “That’s really close to my, uh—”
“I know.” Darmik smiled.
Rema felt a strap around Savenek’s thigh. She grinned. “I understand.”
“The opening will be about one half to one inch above the top. You’ll need to move fast.”
Rema slid her hands higher. She felt Savenek tense behind her, his breath fast and heavy. Two of her fingers slid into the opening. As soon as she felt the metal, she whipped the dagger out while stomping on Savenek’s foot and shoving him backwards. Caught totally off-guard, he lost his balance and fell.
“Perfect,” Darmik said. “Now the key will be striking the king hard and fast, before anyone understands what happened and grabs you.”
“Bloody hell,” Savenek said, standing. “You could have warned me.”
“Where would the fun have been in that?” Rema teased him.
Savenek ran his hands through his hair. He still seemed a little rattled to her. She tried to hide her smile.
“You’ll want to plunge the dagger here,” Darmik said, showing her where to strike. “And then use the king’s body as a shield. It may be your only way to get out alive.”
“Yes,” Savenek added. “Excellent idea. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some errands to tend to before the meeting with Trell.” He hurried from the room.
“Well done.” Darmik chuckled. It was good to see him laugh.
Darmik
Rema and Darmik entered Mako’s office where about a dozen men were seated, waiting for them. There were two empty chairs—on opposite ends of the table. One, at the head of the table, had clearly been reserved for Rema. However, Savenek sat next to that particular empty chair.
Darmik was no fool. He leaned down close to Rema and whispered in her ear, “I’m feeling a bit faint. I need to sit and rest. I may need your assistance.”
The corners of her lips rose. “Savenek,” she said, “please help Darmik to your chair. He is recovering from wounds and will remain at my side.”
Savenek’s eyes narrowed. Darmik smiled at the man. Shoving away from the table, Savenek did as Rema asked and took a seat at the other end of the table, away from her. In all honesty, Darmik’s wounds were healing nicely. The salve the healer gave him worked wonders. Aside from a sore head, and several bruises and scabs, he was well on his way to a full recovery.
“Darmik, my boy,” Trell said. “It’s good to see you. I feared for your life when word came that you’d been captured.”
Savenek said, “Am I the only one who—?”
“Don’t even say it, Savenek,” Rema said. “I trust Darmik, and I’m queen. Understand?”
Savenek raised his hands in surrender. Everyone else looked slightly uncomfortable.
Darmik couldn’t help but smile. He loved Rema. She was quick minded, feisty, and had a beautiful heart. Darmik wanted to ask her to be his wife as soon as the occasion arose.
“Things aren’t as simple as we hoped,” Rema said. “Darmik brings us new information we must consider.”
Darmik was given the opportunity to explain that an Emperion assassin was here hunting Rema, Lennek and Captain were working together, security at the castle was tripled, and Captain had control of a portion of the army. He also explained that he believed Lennek played a larger role than anyone suspected.
“In conclusion,” Darmik said, “not only do we need to deal with King Barjon, Lennek, and Captain, we must also address the matter of Emperion. If Captain fails, they will send another assassin. At least right now, we know what Captain looks like.”
“I agree,” Trell added. “We must deal with Emperion. But we can only do so much.”
“Yes,” Mako added. “Let’s put Rema officially on the throne, ridding the island of Barjon and Lennek. Then we can look to Emperion.”
Darmik enjoyed the opinions offered by everyone. Mako had a good, honest system in place.
“So long as Emperion is not forgotten,” Savenek added. “Like Darmik said, once we kill Captain, they will only send another to replace him.”
“I do have one question,” Mako said, looking at Darmik. “I know you claim allegiance to Queen Amer, but can you honestly kill your own father? Your own brother?”
Darmik leaned back on his chair. “I’ve been contemplating that very question. Honestly, I’d rather imprison them. I’ve seen enough killing.”
Savenek smirked. “And you claim to be loyal and want to help us.”
“I’m simply being honest,” Darmik said. “If it comes down to them or us, I’ll choose us.”
Trell stood. “I, for one, am glad Darmik is here,” he said. “He will only help us succeed.”
“Yes,” Rema said, standing. “And I am appointing Darmik as the Commander of my personal Royal Guard. That is, if he will accept the position.”
Darmik was shocked. Everyone stared at him. Head of the Royal Guard was an honor. Only the most proficient and loyal were selected. But he was used to commanding an entire army. Still, the position would keep him at Rema’s side.
“I accept,” he said.
“Thank you,” Rema answered. “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, it’s been a long day. Darmik?”
He stood, eager for the opportunity to escort her to her bedchamber. For the chance to be alone with her.
****
Rema stood in the sitting room of Mako’s quarters. Darmik closed the door. They were finally alone.
“So,” Darmik said. There were many things he wanted to say to Rema, but he didn’t even know where to begin. And all he could think about was kissing her soft, red lips.
She smiled up at him. “I love when you look at me like that,” she said, taking a step toward him.
“Rema.”
“Yes?” She took another step, closing the distance between them. Darmik wrapped his arms around her waist, her hands resting on his biceps.
“I—”
“Shh.” Rema held a finger up to his lips. “There will be plenty of time to talk—later. Right now, talking is not what I have in mind.”
He wanted to ask her to be his wife. Darmik probably needed to discuss the matter with Kar and Maya first. Even though they weren’t technically her aunt and uncle, they were the closest people to family she had. Any negotiations on the marriage contract would have to take place between them. Although, Mako seemed to have also taken a protective position. Maybe Darmik should just ask Rema directly then.
He’d think about that later. Right now, well, right now, Rema was in his arms. He lowered his head, kissing her. Rema’s hands went to Darmik’s shoulders, pulling him closer. He couldn’t get enough of her. His hands fumbled with the tie at the back of her dress. The fabric around her torso loosened, and she gasped.
Darmik murmured against her lips, “I want to feel your soft skin. Every inch of it. But if you’re not ready, or want to wait, just say the word.”
He looked into her piercing blue eyes.
Reaching up, she removed Darmik’s tunic. He helped her pull it over his head, tossing it to the ground with a soft thump. Sliding her hands down and taking hold of h
is undershirt, she pulled it off. He stood before her, nervous. What did she think of him? He had a hideous “L” carved onto his chest, and his back was covered with white scars and healing wounds.
Rema stepped forward, her hands lightly trailing along his royal tattoos and down his stomach, no thought to his imperfections evident on her face. Darmik reached for her shoulders, gliding her dress off them. Rema bit her lip, staring up at him. Lowering his head, he kissed her soft lips. Their tongues met and tangled, breaths mingling. He wound his hands in her blonde hair, the smell of lavender engulfing him. His lips trailed from her mouth to her bare shoulders, causing Rema to gasp. Taking hold of the fabric of her dress, Darmik prepared to remove it.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you, too.” Rema grinned a beautiful, heart-stopping smile.
Darmik never felt like this before. Content, peaceful, loved. Darmik started to lower her dress. He was so nervous that his hands were shaking.
Rema jerked her head up, her eyes widening at something behind him. She grabbed her dress, pulling it tight against her body.
Darmik spun around. Savenek stood in the doorway, his mouth hanging open.
“I . . . uh . . . I . . . didn’t,” Savenek stuttered.
“It’s fine,” Rema said. “Darmik, we should go to my bedchamber.”
Darmik grabbed his discarded shirt and tunic off the ground.
“What?” Savenek said, raising his voice. “You’re taking him to your bedchamber?”
His face was red, furious. The door was still open, and Rema’s guards were probably outside hearing every word of what they said.
“Lower your voice.” Darmik pulled Savenek into the room and closed the door. “Have a little discretion.”
“Me?” Savenek said. “You’re the one standing in the sitting room half naked. And Rema. I didn’t think you’d stoop so low.”
Rema looked as if she’d been slapped.
“Watch yourself,” Darmik said. “No matter what your feelings are, you will treat her with respect.” He was tired of Savenek’s jealousy.
“Treat her with respect?” Savenek hissed. “Like you?”
“Both of you, cut it out!” Rema screamed. “I am sick of your behavior. Can’t the two of you find a way to get along? This is ridiculous!” Rema turned and stormed into her bedchamber, slamming the door behind her.
Darmik had no intention of apologizing to Savenek. He was an arrogant prick in love with Rema. Darmik faced him—giving him the opportunity to apologize if he so felt the need.
“Do you even love her?” Savenek asked.
“More than anything,” Darmik answered.
“What’s going on?” Mako asked, coming into the room.
Darmik put his undershirt back on.
Mako closed the door. “Are the two of you arguing, again?”
Neither answered.
“We are going into battle in a matter of days. Days. The two of you need to put your differences aside,” Mako said.
“Of course,” Darmik answered. He wanted to go into Rema’s room, but he felt awkward with Mako standing right there.
“Fine,” Savenek mumbled.
“I want both of you to focus on the upcoming battle and winning. Understood?”
They nodded.
“Rema is our priority right now—putting her on the throne and keeping her safe. After that, the two of you can argue over her. But until then, I want a truce.”
Darmik stood staring at Mako. He liked him. He was a wise man.
A loud thump came from Rema’s room. Darmik ran to the door, throwing it open without knocking.
The room was empty.
“Rema?”
Darmik went inside the bedchamber, searching for her.
Rema
Rema slammed her door closed. Savenek and Darmik were being ridiculous. She was sick and tired of their fighting. She stood, staring at the door. Would Darmik join her soon? She should probably prepare for him. Taking off her dress, she tossed it over the chair and slid on her nightgown.
She shivered. It was rather cold in her room, considering the fire blazed in the hearth. Going to the windows, she noticed one wasn’t closed all the way. She hadn’t even been aware the windows opened—especially since she was on one of the higher levels.
Rema pushed the window closed. She heard voices coming from the sitting room. She wished Darmik would leave Savenek alone and just get in here already.
Going over to her bed, she pulled back the blankets. Her face flushed remembering Darmik’s strong hands on her shoulders, his warm lips devouring hers.
A shadow at the corner of her room flickered, catching her attention. Rema turned to look. The curtain next to the window shifted. Was another window open? She went to investigate. Moving the curtain aside, she inspected the window. It was closed. An arm reached out from behind the curtain, wrapping around her upper body. Fabric was shoved over her mouth and nose. A foul smell engulfed her. She tried not to breathe it in. She screamed, but no sound escaped her lips.
Rema clawed at the arms encircling her body. She tried stomping on a foot, hitting the groin. Anything to break free.
She felt light-headed.
Her vision blurred.
Rema’s world went black.
Darmik
Darmik frantically searched the room. Where did she go? A window was open. He ran over and looked outside. Nothing.
Glancing around the room, he saw a knife protruding from the wall, something dangling from the tip. Darmik ripped off the paper.
Thank you for the hunt.
Although it was a little tedious, you led me right to her.
-C-
Darmik crushed the calling card Captain left behind.
“What?” Savenek asked as he stepped into the bedchamber.
“He has her,” Darmik fumed. Red-hot rage boiled inside of him.
“Who?”
“The assassin.”
“Is she dead?” Savenek asked, all color draining from his face.
“Not yet. But we don’t have much time.”
“I’ll raise a search.”
“You won’t find her.” Darmik balled his hands into fists. He needed to leave immediately if he wanted to try and stop them.
“I will if we hurry,” Savenek said, rushing to the doorway.
“No, you don’t understand.” Darmik grabbed his traveling sack and cape. “He’s taking her before the emperor to kill her. They’re going to Emperion.”
End of Book 2
I wouldn’t have completed my fourth book without you, my readers. I want to personally thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read my books, enjoy the worlds I’ve created, and fall in love with my characters. Your support and encouragement exceed my wildest dreams. Thank you!
Writing a book is an enormous undertaking. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and three beautiful children who know and understand my obsession with reading and writing. Thank you for allowing me to do something I’m passionate about, and giving me the chance to soar.
My wonderful sister, Jessica, and my mom, Shirley, have been my own personal cheerleaders throughout the entire process. I love you both dearly.
Rebecca van Kaam—where would I be without your red pen? You are the best beta reader ever!!!! I’d also like to thank Amber McCallister, Jan Farnworth, Hope to Read, Allyssa Adkins, Elizabeth Nelson, Angelle LeBlanc, Kristy Hamilton, Lauren Dootson, Sara Kaiser, Kimberly Russell-Shaw, and Stacie Buckingham for your help makingЯED what it is today. You guys are the best!
My talented critique partner, Karri Thompson, you have been invaluable with offering constructive criticism. I’m so thankful to share this journey with you.
I have an endless amount of gratitude for the ever-fabulous Jamie Kimok. I’m so glad to have you in my life. Really, I’m much more organized with you watching my back!
To everyone at Clean Teen Publishing—thank you for believing in this series and bringin
g it to life. I would especially like to thank Dyan Brown, Rebecca Gober, Marya Heiman, and Courtney Nuckels. I am proud to be a part of your team. You truly are publishing ninjas! Also, a special thanks to Cynthia Shepp for doing a fantastic job with editing.
There are a few other people that deserve a special thank you: Melissa Lynn Simmons, Mayra Arellano, LC Helder, and Dvora Gelfond. Your advice, support, and help mean the world to me. Thank you for all of your encouragement.
And last, but not least, Brooke, Jennifer, Natalie, Cheer, Heather, and Amber, you girls help me more than you’ll every realize! Thank you for spreading the word about my books!
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she finally married her best friend and high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.
Visit Jennifer online at
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com.
Seeing Micah for the first time in years, fifteen year old Eden wants nothing more than to run and hide, but instead in a moment of sheer embarrassment, she throws her arms around his neck; unaware she just changed her childhood friend forever.
With eyes’ opened to the realm of angels and demons, Micah discovers he has become the Seer, called to save the world from an impending fire. Shy and awkward, Eden stumbles through high school clueless her guardian angel shadows her every move, keeping her safe while she unknowingly “awakens” others to their spiritual gifts. Micah will need those Eden touched to complete his mission which began long ago in the ancient City of Enoch and its secret underground temple.
With angels and demons fighting around them, both Eden and Micah must find their own personal courage and faith in order to know what to do for the battle that awaits them, one they must triumph or risk losing everyone they love.
She's broken with guilt.
He harbors a chilling past.
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 26
