“We’re using the wedding as an excuse to lure everyone here, so we can talk about a truce between all our kingdoms,” Darmik said.
“Explain. I did not like hearing from my men that my woman is being married off.”
Allyssa noticed both Savenek and Darmik bristle when Kerdan called her his woman. She, on the other hand, had to stop herself from preening.
“Why don’t we all sit down so we can discuss this?” Rema said.
Kerdan sat, pulling Allyssa down on the sofa beside him.
Darmik quickly told Kerdan about the letter he’d intercepted, Odar showing up, and the need for the farce in order to buy time so Telmena didn’t attack them.
“Let me see if I understand this correctly,” Kerdan said. “When the royal families show up for the wedding, you plan to force them into a room to broker peace?”
“That’s my mother’s plan,” Allyssa said.
“We won’t force them into a room,” Rema said. “I will ask everyone to join me for a meeting, so we can discuss the future of the mainland.”
“And you think talking to the king and queen of Telmena, in front of everyone, will be enough to make them stand down?” Kerdan asked.
“Yes,” Rema answered. “Right now, they think everyone supports them and it is emboldening them. If they come here and see no one stands with them, they’ll have no choice but to abide by the rules we all set forth.”
“And this is to take place next week?”
“It is.”
“Then I am staying here. If something goes wrong, I will see to Allyssa’s safety.”
Savenek snorted, but he didn’t say anything.
“Very well,” Darmik said. “I will have a room prepared for you.”
“I would like some time alone with Kerdan,” Allyssa said.
“That’s not possible,” Rema replied. “We must keep up appearances that you are engaged to Odar.”
While Allyssa understood that, she didn’t see the harm in being alone with Kerdan in the Royal Chambers where no one could see them. She was about to argue with her mother when Rema said, “I’d like to remind you that both Prince Savenek and I must approve of a union between the two of you.” Her voice was smooth like water.
Allyssa swallowed, realizing her mother was not happy right now.
“I’ll announce that you’ve arrived for the wedding,” Darmik said. “I’ll have you placed in the wing with the other families that will be arriving shortly.”
“Where is Odar staying?” Kerdan asked.
“In the guest wing.”
“Then I will stay in the guest wing with him.”
Rema smiled politely, folding her hands on her lap. Allyssa could tell her mother wasn’t sure what to make of Kerdan and his brash personality. She remembered when she’d first met him, thinking the same thing and assuming he was a Russek brute because he didn’t have the manners similar to other royals. But she’d quickly learned that those manners often times hid sinister thoughts, devious traits, and heinous personalities. With Kerdan, he didn’t put on airs. He didn’t need to. However, she knew he also wore masks. His were just different.
“While you are here, you will be the king of Russek,” Rema said.
“I am the king of Russek.”
“Yes, I understand that. However, what I am trying to say is that you are here as the king of Russek and only the king of Russek.”
Savenek smirked. “In other words, you are not interested in my sister in any capacity. That way, she can continue pretending to be engaged to Odar.”
Oh, he was enjoying this far too much. Sometimes having a brother could be annoying. If Allyssa was sitting closer to him, she’d smack him upside his head.
“At what point do you plan to announce my engagement to Allyssa?” Kerdan asked. “I’ve already told my entire court we’re engaged.”
“If I agree to the marriage,” Rema said, enunciating her words clearly, “we will announce it after the engagement between Allyssa and Odar is dissolved.”
“You mean the pretend engagement.”
“Yes.”
Darmik leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “I want you to understand, Kerdan, that I don’t like the idea of Allyssa being around Odar any more than you do.”
“I highly doubt that,” Kerdan said dryly. “I find his presence here too much of a coincidence.”
“I’ve considered many angles,” Darmik said. “However, I believe he is here because it is in his best interest to be here. I know he still cares for Allyssa, and he will keep her safe in whatever capacity he can.”
“Even though it is not his place?” Kerdan asked.
“He doesn’t want war.”
“Fine.” Kerdan stood. “I want my men with me.”
“It’s just the four of you?” Rema asked.
“Yes. Easier to travel. Faster.”
She nodded. “Do you have clothes for court?”
He was dressed for traveling. Allyssa doubted he’d brought anything with him.
“No. I will take care of it tomorrow.”
“We’ll expect you to join us for supper this evening in the Dining Hall. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately.”
“I would like a minute alone with Allyssa,” he said.
“That’s not possible.” Rema stood, smoothing out the front of her dress. “She cannot be alone with you. It is highly improper.”
Allyssa rolled her eyes. It was a good thing her mother didn’t know she’d stayed in Kerdan’s room while in Russek.
“We’ll probably have some time to talk later this evening,” Allyssa assured him.
He reached out, placing his rough hand on her cheek. She leaned into his hand, smiling.
“It is still strange to see you wearing a fancy dress.”
She blushed, imagining not wearing a dress.
“I’ll escort you to the guest wing,” Savenek said, a little louder than necessary. He placed a hand on Kerdan’s shoulder, shoving him away from Allyssa.
“I’m glad to see you taking your role as her brother seriously,” Kerdan said. “We need to talk. Alone.” Savenek and Kerdan exited the Royal Chambers.
“So that was Kerdan,” Rema said, taking a seat. “You were right,” she said to Darmik. “He is a little unrefined. I’m not sure how our court will receive him.”
“It doesn’t matter how they receive him,” Darmik said. “Right now, we need to worry about Telmena. I must speak with Neco and Nathenek about our lax security.”
Rema nodded. After pressing a kiss to her forehead, he left. Allyssa tried exiting the room before her mother could say anything.
“Don’t think you’re getting out of here that easily,” Rema said. “Get back over here and sit. We need to talk.”
When Allyssa had been in Russek, she’d wanted nothing more than to sit and talk with her mother to ascertain her opinion on Kerdan. However, that had been before Allyssa had fallen in love with him. Now she feared her mother’s opinion. What if Rema didn’t like him?
Rema patted the sofa next to her. “Sit.”
Taking a deep breath, Allyssa held her head high and sat next to her mother. “What is it you’d like to discuss?”
“I want to talk about your relationship with Kerdan.”
Allyssa forced a smile as she waited for her mother to continue. What would she say? That Kerdan was too unrefined? More soldier than king? Not the man she pictured her daughter marrying? That he wouldn’t make a good emperor for Emperion?
“Tell me what you like most about him,” Rema said.
Allyssa hadn’t expected that. “He doesn’t treat me like a fragile princess.” She recalled all the times he’d treated her as an equal.
“What else?”
“He understands me.”
“How so?” Rema asked, tilting her head to the side and observing Allyssa.
How could Allyssa explain that he wore masks like she did? “He knows that sometimes I have to show my people one side of me,
my parents another, and the people at court yet another.”
“I see.” Rema folded her hands on her lap, looking down. “Anything else?”
Allyssa leaned back on the sofa, thinking about Kerdan. She thought about how he went to the local towns in Clovek, handing out food to those in need, and about how he’d helped her escape Russek by providing his beloved horse along with maps. “He is dedicated to Russek. He wants to improve his kingdom and help his people.” He had the same devotion to his kingdom that she had to hers.
“That is important. Someone in your position must consider such things.” Rema reached out, gently touching Allyssa’s arm. “If it’s not too bold of me to say so, the two of you seem to be attracted to one another.”
Bloody hell. Had her mother seriously just said that out loud? “Yes,” Allyssa agreed, suddenly very interested in the ring on her finger. The ring Kerdan had given her. “I find him quite handsome.” It was far easier to talk to her ring than to look her mother in the eyes and admit she found Kerdan attractive. Her face felt like it was on fire.
“That is good considering you will need to produce an heir.”
Why did her mother insist on having this conversation right now? It was utterly embarrassing to talk about. She wanted to crawl under the sofa and hide.
“I just want to make sure you and Kerdan truly know one another. I also want to ensure he is the right choice for not only you, but also for Emperion as well.”
Allyssa wanted to tell her mother he would make a wonderful emperor, that Emperion would be lucky to have him, that she already knew him, and that she wanted to marry him. However, now was not the time to make such declarations. “I understand.”
“Good.” Rema leaned forward and hugged Allyssa. “If there’s anything you ever want to talk about, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Mother.”
Rema released Allyssa and stood. “Please keep in mind that you are a princess. I expect you to behave like one. I don’t want to see you and Kerdan displaying any sort of public affection until after you’re married. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Mother.” Allyssa would make sure all displays of affection were done in private, without the audience of her family.
Allyssa stood in front of the mirror, observing herself. “I’m not sure this is the right dress,” she mumbled.
“The blue complements your eyes,” Mayra said. “I think you look lovely.”
But blue was the color of Fren. “I want to look exceptional tonight.”
“I know.” Mayra smiled. “Savenek told me someone special arrived.” She went over to the side table, then picked up the tray of dusting powder. “Wear the blue. It suits you. I’ll do your face so Kerdan won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”
Allyssa sat while Mayra applied dusting powder to her eyes.
“I’m surprised you’re allowing me to do this,” Mayra said. “I usually have to fight with you.”
It was because Allyssa had never wanted to impress a man before. She started fiddling with her ring.
“I can’t believe you’re going to marry the king from Russek.” Mayra took a step back, examining Allyssa’s face.
“Meaning?”
Mayra shook her head. “I never pictured you with someone like him.”
Allyssa’s heart sank. Why did everyone assume he was such a brute? “Have you met him?”
“No, not yet.”
Allyssa knew her family and closest friends would like Kerdan once they got to know him. It was just the getting to know him part that would be a little rough. However, she could help in that regard.
“Your face is done,” Mayra said. “Would you like me to make any adjustments to your hair?”
Allyssa glanced at the mirror again. Half her hair was braided on top of her head while the rest hung down her back in soft waves. After placing the crown atop her head, she hugged her friend. “No adjustments are needed. Thank you for your help.”
Mayra smiled before slipping out of the room.
Allyssa headed to the sitting room to wait for her parents. She found Savenek on the sofa reading a book.
“Mayra said she is joining us for dinner,” she said as she sat across from him.
He smiled ruefully and closed the book, setting it on the side table. “Since we are officially courting, she will be sitting next to me so we can get to know one another better.”
His jaw had bruised over, and a twinge of guilt washed through Allyssa. She still couldn’t believe Kerdan had punched him. “What did you and Kerdan talk about?”
“You.”
When he didn’t extrapolate, she asked, “What about me?”
“If we wanted you to know, we would have included you.”
She rolled her eyes.
He leaned back on the sofa, stretching his arms over the back of it. “We’re going hunting tomorrow.”
“Just the two of you?” Kerdan had promised to take her.
“All of us,” Savenek said. “Kerdan, Odar, Mayra, you, and me.”
“What’s the purpose of the trip?” Had Kerdan suggested it?
“There are two reasons. One, I need to get to know Kerdan better so I can decide if I trust him or not.”
That was probably a good idea. She was certain once her brother became better acquainted with Kerdan, he would wholeheartedly approve. “And the second reason?”
“We need to discuss the assassination plot.”
“In front of Kerdan?”
“Do you want him involved?”
“Yes.” He would be vital. Plus, she didn’t want to have to lie to him about what she was doing and why. If anything, he would ensure the plan went, well, according to plan. “I’m just surprised you’d allow him to be included.”
Savenek leaned forward, lacing his fingers together and resting his elbows on his thighs. In that moment, he looked so similar to Darmik. “It’s what you want, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
He spread his hands apart, showing that was why he’d done it.
“Thank you,” she replied. He’d taken her feelings into consideration. The action touched her.
“And Odar vouched for his skills. Said he’d be a huge help.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Odar?”
Savenek nodded.
“When did you talk to him?”
“While you were getting ready. Do you have any idea how long it took you to put that dress on?”
Rema and Darmik entered the sitting room, both exquisitely dressed for dinner.
“Let’s go,” Darmik said.
Allyssa and Savenek stood, exiting the Royal Chambers. She wasn’t used to walking with anyone besides her parents. However, now that she had a brother, she and her twin led the way as they strolled through the castle. People bowed as the royal family passed. What surprised Allyssa was that Savenek addressed each person by his or her name.
“How do you know so many people?” she asked. “You haven’t been here that long.”
“I made it a priority. After all, we live here together. It seems only right I should know everyone living at the castle.”
She suspected it was more of an occupational hazard than a sincere desire to get to know the people.
Stopping at the entrance to the Dining Hall, they waited to be announced. Allyssa wondered if Kerdan was already in there. And if so, where would he be sitting? She knew she’d be next to Odar. However, she hoped Kerdan wasn’t far away. She wanted the opportunity to talk to him.
“His Highness Prince Savenek, Her Highness Crown Princess Allyssa, His Majesty Emperor Darmik, and Her Majesty Empress Rema.”
The royal family entered. The head table was a little more expansive than usual today. Rema and Darmik took their places at the center. Savenek sat at Rema’s side, Mayra next to him, and Mayra’s parents next to her. A pang of fear stabbed Allyssa as she thought about Marek all alone on his journey to Telmena. Allyssa took her seat next to Darmik. On her other side sat Odar, and next to him were two a
dditional empty chairs. She hoped Kerdan would be sitting in one. Although, she couldn’t imagine Kerdan and Odar behaving civilly to one another over the course of an entire meal.
The tables next to the head table consisted mostly of the dukes and their wives. The table across from the head table seated the Legion members. Courtiers filled the remaining tables farther away from the royal family.
Rema gracefully stood, and the people in the room went silent. “I have an announcement to make,” she said, commanding everyone’s attention. “As most of you are aware, my daughter will be getting married soon. Many of the kings and queens from the mainland are coming to join us as we celebrate this joyous occasion. The first of our guests has arrived.”
The door swung open to reveal Kerdan.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present King Kerdan of Russek.”
Everyone stood, bowing in deference as Kerdan stalked into the room. He wore thick black pants and an emerald green tunic that hit him at mid-thigh, befitting of the harsh Russek weather. He’d draped a fur over his shoulders. A crown sat atop his head. He was probably rather hot in that getup.
Kerdan focused directly on Allyssa, and her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze.
Nathenek entered the room after Kerdan, following him as he made his way to the head table. Kerdan and Nathenek sat in the two remaining chairs. Servants immediately started bringing out platters of decadent food.
Allyssa covertly peeked around the room, trying to gauge everyone’s reaction to Kerdan. That was when she noticed that most of the women were batting their eyes and staring at Savenek. Frowning, Allyssa glanced at her brother. There was no way someone as astute as him was oblivious to the attention of the women in the room. However, he kept his focus wholly on Mayra, talking and smiling at her and ignoring everyone else.
One of the dukes approached Kerdan. “Your Majesty,” the duke said, bowing. “I’d like to offer my condolences on the death of your father. I’d also like to congratulate you on ascending to the throne. I believe you’ll make an excellent king.” After a final bow, the man returned to his seat.
“This is going to take some getting used to,” Kerdan muttered.
Oath of Destruction Page 17
