Oath of Destruction

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  “I know Allyssa doesn’t intend to marry me. I don’t want to be married to someone who doesn’t care for me.” He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward on the chair. “I’m here because I have to be. I’m hoping you have a way out of this mess.”

  Darmik sat back on the sofa, studying Odar. “What does Telmena have to do with this?”

  Allyssa had forgotten there was a lot of information they weren’t supposed to know. By asking Odar this, they’d learn how much they could trust him.

  “Telmena has always feared Emperion. They financed Jana. Helped her rise to power in Russek, hoping she’d take control of Emperion one day. When that didn’t work, they came to me. They want me to marry Allyssa and then help assassinate the empress and emperor, so I’d have control.”

  “And through you, Telmena would have control,” Darmik said.

  “Correct. You know the previous emperor, Hamen, was from Telmena?”

  Darmik nodded.

  “And Jana was related to the Telmena royal family?”

  Darmik nodded again. Allyssa also knew her father was related to Jana since they both had the same father. Which meant Darmik was also related to the Telmena royal family.

  “They hold you responsible for killing Jana and her children.”

  “Why are you telling us this?” Rema asked, speaking for the first time.

  “I’m tired of these political games. I’d like to end them.”

  “Even if that means going against your king and queen? Your own parents?” Rema inquired.

  Odar nodded.

  “Tell me,” Darmik said, “do you have any idea how to accomplish this?”

  “No,” Odar admitted. “I just figured coming here would buy me some time. And if anyone could figure out what to do, it would be you.”

  “I have a few ideas,” Darmik said, not offering any of them up right now. “Anything else we need to be aware of?”

  “Yes.” Odar glanced at Allyssa briefly before answering. “My father said that a marriage contract has been signed between King Kerdan and Princess Conditto of Apethaga.”

  Allyssa felt as if a horse had kicked her in the stomach. Was that why she hadn’t heard anything from Kerdan? Had he found someone else to marry?

  “That contract was signed over a season ago, and it might not be valid,” Savenek said, taking a seat next to Allyssa. “I think Jana may have signed it, not King Drenton.”

  How did Savenek know this? Regardless, Allyssa held onto that hope.

  “For your sake,” Odar said, eyeing Allyssa again, “I pray it isn’t. However, I know Telmena is counting on Fren and Apethaga to join forces and overthrow Emperion. Whether that is peacefully through a marriage or by war, one way or another, Telmena plans to destroy you.”

  “As of this moment,” Rema said, “Odar and Allyssa are engaged.”

  “Mother,” Allyssa said. Rema was jumping to conclusions and making rash decisions.

  “It’s just for show. Pretend you’re engaged. While the attention is on the two of you, Darmik and I will come up with a solution to the situation with Telmena. Permanently.”

  Odar nodded and stood. “That sounds like an excellent plan. Thank you for your time. Good night.” He turned and left.

  “Do we trust him?” Savenek asked the second the door closed.

  “I trusted him enough to help assassinate Jana,” Darmik said.

  “What about his relationship with Allyssa?”

  “I think he still has feelings for her. And when feelings are involved, that’s when things tend to go wrong.”

  “Excellent,” Savenek said. “That was my impression as well.”

  Allyssa still couldn’t believe that Odar was here. That he’d just shown up.

  “Neco, see that Odar gets settled in. Make sure there’s nothing we’re missing.”

  “My pleasure.” Neco headed out of the room.

  “I don’t know if I can do this,” Allyssa said. “I can’t pretend to be in love with him.”

  “No one said anything about love,” Rema replied.

  Savenek placed his hand on Allyssa’s shoulder. “You need to stop worrying. You’re strong and resilient. Don’t let some guy unravel you.”

  “You’re right.” It wasn’t like she cared for Odar. So why was she getting all worked up over a simple engagement that wasn’t even real in the first place? She smiled briefly at her brother. It was nice to have someone on her side. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said to him. Because he didn’t have to be. Her parents had sent him away for the sake of the kingdom. He owed them nothing.

  “You’re welcome.” He abruptly stood and left the room.

  Savenek

  Savenek was becoming rather fond of Rema and Darmik. Leaning back on his chair at the head table in the Dining Hall, he watched as Rema introduced Odar to her court, asking him to please explain who he was since they were under the impression he was Jarvik, Odar’s squire.

  Savenek knew Rema could have easily cleared the issue up. However, she wanted to watch Odar squirm before her court, to humiliate him as revenge for breaking Allyssa’s heart. While Allyssa didn’t need protecting, her parents were slightly overprotective of her. Savenek felt the same way, which he thought was strange. It had to be that she was his twin. Not because he cared about her like a sister. Because that didn’t make any sense. He barely knew her. And she could be annoying.

  Odar was not an eloquent speaker. Granted, he was clear, direct, and to the point. But he didn’t have the finesse Rema did. He didn’t hold the court rapt with attention. Part of it was he didn’t try to woo them. Savenek couldn’t figure out Odar’s angle. What was he playing at? He’d have to talk to Nathenek afterward to discuss the matter. For now, as far as he was concerned, Odar was a threat that needed to be monitored. And he eagerly anticipated the opportunity. After all, this was the man who’d hurt Allyssa.

  Odar wasn’t tall, he wasn’t particularly handsome, and he didn’t appear to be witty. So why had Allyssa fallen for him? He remembered Marek saying something about Odar helping her with the assassin. Allyssa hadn’t known Odar was the prince then. So perhaps she was attracted to regular guys who showed a propensity to help others?

  Odar took his seat next to Allyssa.

  “I’m glad that’s over,” Allyssa mumbled, twisting her hands together.

  Savenek had noticed whenever she was nervous or unsure, she either played with her fingers or her hair.

  “Talk to me,” she said. “I need a distraction.”

  He glanced over to where Mayra was sitting next to her parents and her brother. “It’s strange to see Marek wearing a fancy tunic.” Savenek was so used to seeing Marek in his soldier’s uniform that it was odd to see him dressed as one of the members at court.

  “I hear you’re speaking to Neco and Ellie tomorrow.”

  Savenek nodded, not really wanting to talk about it. If he thought about it too much, he’d get nervous. And a nervous Savenek was never good.

  “I suggest you try to be humble when speaking to them.”

  He snorted. “Not my style.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Don’t listen to me. I’ve only known them for seventeen years.”

  He knew she was right and that he should listen to her. But humble?

  “What are the two of you talking about?” Darmik asked.

  “Savenek is going to speak to Neco and Ellie tomorrow,” Allyssa said with a hint of glee from disclosing this tidbit of information.

  “I know you like Mayra,” Darmik said. “But are you certain you’re ready to court someone?”

  Mayra wasn’t just someone. Savenek had never met anyone like her before. She was loyal, strong, intelligent, and beautiful. “I thought you’d be happy if I married since you’re all about securing the royal line.” That may have come out harsher than he’d intended.

  “That’s what we have Allyssa for.”

  Savenek blinked.

  “He’s joking,” Allyssa said, shaki
ng her head. “What Father is trying unsuccessfully to say is that he feels bad for neglecting you for seventeen years so he’s going to let you choose who you want to marry and there is no rush.”

  Darmik shot her a stern expression. “I’m letting you choose who you want to marry.”

  “Well, now you are. But before you weren’t.”

  A thought occurred to Savenek. “What about Kerdan? Are you marrying him because that’s what you want or because that’s what’s best for Emperion?” Did she ever do anything selfish?

  “They are one in the same,” she answered.

  His eyes narrowed. Was it so ingrained in her to do what her kingdom needed that she put herself second?

  “It’s what I want,” she admitted. “I love him.”

  Hearing his sister say she was in love with a Russek was a bit hard to stomach. Savenek would try and reserve his judgment of Kerdan until he met him. Once he saw Kerdan and Allyssa together, he’d be able to decide how he felt about the union.

  “Perhaps this is a conversation for another time when not so many people are around?” Darmik suggested.

  Savenek had been careful to keep his voice down; however, he understood what Darmik was saying. He glanced over at Odar sitting on the other side of Allyssa. Odar’s focus was on his plate as he ate his food. He’d probably heard every word of their conversation. But Savenek didn’t care. It was probably good for the guy to hear that Allyssa had moved on.

  “Just so you know,” Darmik said to Savenek, “Rema and I are of the same opinion. Mayra would make an excellent partner, and we support your decision. You may court her if Neco and Ellie agree.”

  A huge sense of relief overcame Savenek. Not that it really mattered—he would have pursued Mayra regardless of what Rema and Darmik had to say about it. But having their approval definitely made it easier.

  After dinner, Savenek decided to escort Odar to his bedchamber so he could assess the guy better. As they made their way through the hallways, he tried to figure out how to ask him about Allyssa. In the end, he decided to just come out and say it. When they reached the door to Odar’s rooms, Savenek said, “I want to know if you still care for my sister.” He made sure to keep his voice low, so it wouldn’t carry.

  Odar folded his arms, uneasily staring at the guards standing about fifteen feet away. “Yes.”

  “Why are you really here?” Was it because Odar’s parents wanted him to be? Or because he hoped to win Allyssa back?

  “Allyssa made it clear the last time we spoke that she wants nothing to do with me.”

  “Yet, you still came here.”

  Odar nodded. “If I didn’t, Telmena would have attacked Emperion. Regardless of what you may think about me, I don’t want any harm to come to Allyssa.”

  Savenek got the feeling Odar would double cross his own parents in order to win Allyssa back. Which said an awful lot about Odar’s character. Savenek decided it was a good thing Odar severed his marriage contract with Allyssa.

  Savenek bid goodnight to his guards and closed his door, thankful to finally be alone. He quickly changed into his plain black tunic and pants. After strapping several knives to his arms and legs, he slid two daggers in his boots. Satisfied, he went over to the window and peered outside. Last time, he’d snuck out this way to the castle grounds easily enough. This time, he needed to go up and over the roof so he could get to the correct wing of the castle.

  He climbed outside, pushing the window closed so no one would notice it. He easily scaled the side of the castle. When he reached the roof, he traversed his way across it.

  “Savenek?”

  Bullocks. He almost lost his footing and fell. Glancing up and to the right, he saw Allyssa standing at the railing. Reluctantly, he made his way over to her. “What are you doing?”

  “Sometimes I come out here to think. The real question is, what are you doing?” She peeked over her shoulder, presumably at her guards.

  “You don’t want to know,” he mumbled.

  Thankfully, she didn’t push the matter. She gazed out at the town, sighing.

  “Are you okay?” he asked. After announcing her upcoming marriage to Odar, he wasn’t sure how she was holding up. Even if the marriage wasn’t real.

  “I’m worried about Kerdan.”

  He hadn’t considered that. “He still hasn’t responded to any of your letters?”

  “No. And I really wish I could discuss the Telmena situation with him.”

  Even though Savenek was standing precariously on the rooftop, he said, “You can discuss it with me.”

  She eyed him, as if she wasn’t sure she could really trust him. The expression on her face stung.

  “Whatever you tell me stays between the two of us,” he said, hoping she’d talk to him.

  That seemed to be the right answer. “You are of the opinion that we should assassinate the Telmena royal family?”

  Now she was speaking his language. “Yes. However, I’ve been doing some investigating and have concluded that if we take out the royal family, there will be riots if we attempt to establish control. Which is why I’ve been trying to come up with other viable options besides us taking over.”

  “Have you come up with anything?” Gripping the railing, she kept her focus toward the town. Probably so her guards wouldn’t know she was talking to someone. He appreciated her discretion.

  “Not yet. However, I’ve come up with a way to assassinate the royal family.” As to whether anyone would go along with his plan was another matter entirely.

  “What’s your plan?”

  “You agree to a wedding date. We invite everyone of importance from the other kingdoms. Once the king and queen from Telmena are here, we kill them.”

  “And start a major war.”

  “What if they die while traveling here? It can be a nasty accident. Killing them on the road would be infinitely easier than in a fortified castle.” He could even plan all the details. The Brotherhood would have no problem executing it.

  Allyssa shivered, and he wondered what he’d said that had made her eyes go so blank. Was talking about murder too much for her?

  “And what of Princess Jestina and her husband?” she asked.

  “The princess is married to Odar’s brother?”

  “Yes.”

  “I assume we’d kill them, too.” No sense in leaving any of them alive.

  She pursed her lips. “Do you think Odar’s brother, Kren, might be willing to work with us?”

  “I have no idea.” Savenek had never learned anything about either Kren or Jestina. “I guess that’s something we should discuss with Odar.” Not that Savenek trusted Odar. However, since Odar still cared for Allyssa, he’d probably be willing to help them in some capacity.

  She straightened, pulling her cape tightly around her body. “My parents won’t condone the plan. Especially after we were involved with Jana’s murder. The move is far too aggressive.”

  “I agree.” Which was why he was discussing this matter with her instead of Darmik.

  She eyed him suspiciously. “Are you suggesting we do this without their knowledge?”

  He didn’t think they could pull off something of this magnitude without telling them. “I’m suggesting we start making plans without their input. We can discuss the matter with them once we have all the details figured out.”

  She stood there staring at him for quite some time. “I’ll speak with Odar. Get a feel for what he thinks of his brother and Jestina.”

  “Are you okay doing that?” Savenek had no qualms about talking to Odar. Granted, he didn’t have the history with him that she did.

  The wind tossed her hair, and she tucked it behind her ears. “I will do what is best for Emperion.” She craned her neck to see her guards. “I can’t have the threat of Telmena hanging over our heads. I won’t risk the safety of my kingdom and my family. I’ll do what needs to be done.” Her eyes were vacant, and it sent a chill through Savenek. The way she spoke seemed so final. As if she
’d sacrifice herself for her kingdom—which she probably would. But there was no need for her to do that. Savenek would help her. Together, they would destroy Telmena. He just needed to make sure his sister didn’t destroy herself in the process.

  “Once you’ve spoken to Odar, let me know.”

  “I will.” She left without another word.

  Savenek continued over the rooftop, staying in the shadows so he wouldn’t be seen. Once he reached the right place, he lowered himself over the side until his feet found purchase. He began his descent, counting the windows until he came to the correct one.

  After double counting to make sure it was Marek’s window, he knocked gently. It would have been easier if Marek had been on duty guarding Allyssa tonight.

  The curtains pulled aside. A moment later, the window opened. “What the bloody hell are you doing out there?” Marek demanded. “No, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know. Actually, just tell me if this has something to do with my sister?”

  Savenek chuckled. The thought of sneaking into Mayra’s room hadn’t crossed his mind. If he did something like that, Neco would kill him and ask questions later. “No, I’m here for you.”

  Marek rubbed his eyes, then shook his head. “Fine.” He opened the window wider. “Come in before you fall and break your royal neck.”

  Savenek climbed inside the bedchamber. “I need your help.”

  “What is it with you and your sister?” Marek asked. “Do neither of you sleep?”

  Actually, Savenek was rather tired and wouldn’t mind turning in for the night. However, there was too much that needed to be done. “Get dressed. Wear nondescript clothing.”

  Marek groaned. “Aren’t you running the Brotherhood?”

  “Yes.” That was how he knew two men from Telmena were here and staying at the Alleyway Inn.

  “Can’t you send someone to do whatever it is you want done?” Marek asked.

  Well, yes, Savenek could. But he didn’t want to. Not only was he itching to go on a mission, but his men were also all occupied elsewhere. He would have had to pull two men off another assignment, and he didn’t want to do that. “Stop being a pansy,” Savenek said. “You have five minutes.”