“Since we’re not leaving until tomorrow morning, we have some time. Would you like to spar with me?” Kerdan asked.
“That sounds like fun,” she replied.
“When you say spar,” Mayra asked, “do you literally mean spar? Or is this bedroom talk for something I really don’t want to know about?”
Kerdan burst out laughing.
Allyssa’s eyes bulged. “Mayra!”
“What?” she asked innocently.
“That’s my sister,” Savenek said. “Please don’t bring any of those images to mind.” He stalked away, shaking his head.
Mayra chuckled and went after him.
“I meant sparring,” Kerdan said, still smiling. “I want to make sure you maintain your training.”
“I know.” She stared into his warm brown eyes and tried to keep a straight face as she said, “But people will expect an heir, so we’ll have to make sure we’re working on that as well.”
“Woman.” He glanced around the courtyard. Their guards were several feet away and no courtiers were present. “You have no idea what you do to me.” He playfully shoved her against the nearby wall, pinning her to it with his arms on either side of her head.
She didn’t wait to find out what he planned to do. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Savenek
“Wait up,” Mayra said. “I can’t walk that fast.” While she was moving around quite well, the side of her stomach under her dress was covered with a thick bandage to prevent infection from the healing knife wound.
Savenek immediately slowed his pace. “My apologies.” His only thought had been getting away from Kerdan and Allyssa before they started kissing. He did not need to see his sister engaged in a public display of affection.
When they could no longer see the newlyweds, Savenek found a bench facing one of the water fountains. He plopped down on it.
“What’s on your mind?” Mayra asked, taking a seat next to him.
How did she know he was upset? “Nothing.” Mayra didn’t need to hear his problems. It wasn’t like he was a woman who had to talk about every little thing.
“Fine. Don’t tell me.” She started to stand.
He grabbed her hand, pulling her back down on the bench. “Don’t go.” Truth be told, he needed a friend right now.
“Then tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I’m happy Nathenek is going with Allyssa.” And he was. Having Nathenek in Russek with Allyssa meant she would be taken care of, and Savenek wouldn’t have to worry about his sister.
“But?”
But Nathenek was his father, not Allyssa’s. If he said that out loud, he’d sound like a pansy. “I’m just surprised he is leaving Emperion.”
“And by leaving Emperion you mean leaving you?” she asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.
“Yes.” Maybe Nathenek was doing it on purpose. By leaving the castle, he was making sure Savenek continued to form a bond with Darmik, his birth father. A part of Savenek even thought Nathenek might be doing it as a favor to Rema. Even though he didn’t think Nathenek liked her romantically, Nathenek definitely was insanely loyal and protective. Savenek supposed it was sort of like a sibling relationship. Running his hands through his hair, he tried to make sense of everything.
“I’m glad he’s going,” Mayra said. “I don’t want my brother in Russek without someone he can trust.”
Savenek agreed. It made sense Nathenek was going, but it didn’t change his jumbled emotions. “You know,” he said, looking sidelong at Mayra, “Marek and Nathenek are going to wreak havoc.”
“Oh, I know.” She smiled.
“And Allyssa will probably be right there in the thick of it with them.”
“Yes.” She sounded wistful.
“Are you sad you’re not going with her?” he asked.
“A little. I’ll miss my best friend. However, I’m excited to be here with you.”
Watching the water cascade down the water fountain, he tried to imagine what the future held. He’d be running the Brotherhood, working alongside Mayra. “We need to clarify a few things,” he said, sitting up straight.
Her eyebrows pulled together. “Like what?”
“Under no circumstances are to you jump in front of another blade for me.”
“I couldn’t let Patteon stab you. You’re the prince.” Her cheeks turned a shade darker, the corners of her lips pulling into a devilish smirk.
“And you’re the woman I love. I can’t have you fighting my battles for me.” Regardless of how attractive it was to see Mayra wielding a sword.
She tilted her head back, gazing up at the sky. “What if I told you I didn’t do it for you?”
“Then who’d you do it for?” he asked.
A tendril of her hair blew in the wind, taunting him. He slid his hands under his thighs, so he wouldn’t reach out and play with it. That was all he needed—Neco walking up the second he touched Mayra. Neco would probably chop off Savenek’s hand.
“I did it for me.” She gazed at him. “I couldn’t imagine my life without you. I didn’t think. I saw the blade and acted.”
He scooted a tad closer to her until their sides were only an inch apart. “I’ve never felt such terror as I did when that knife plunged into your side. When you collapsed and said you couldn’t feel your legs…I’ve never felt so helpless.” The panic he’d experienced that night came rushing back. “I can’t imagine living without you. The thought of you dying, especially on my account, is too much to take.”
“Then you know how I felt,” she said. “And if the tables had been turned, you wouldn’t have hesitated to do the same for me even though your life is infinitely more valuable than mine.”
“I disagree with you on that second part. My life holds no value without you in it.”
“Who knew you could be so romantic?” she teased. Mayra lifted the chain around her neck, pulling out the key he’d carved for her. She had been wearing it under the neckline of her dresses.
Satisfied she’d been wearing it this entire time, he stretched out his legs before him, crossing them at his ankles. “At least we can be hopeless romantics together. That is, when we’re not busy with our spies, assassins, and running the kingdom.”
She laughed, the sound echoing through the courtyard and sounding like the most wonderful thing he’d ever heard.
Even though Savenek hadn’t been reunited with his twin sister for very long, he felt like he’d gotten to know her during their brief time together. He stood at the bottom of the laundry chute, waiting for her.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, she came barreling out of the chute. “How’d you know?” she asked as she stood and straightened her clothes.
“It’s your last night in Lakeside. Where else would you be?”
She smiled. “Kerdan was a little worried when he caught me sneaking out of our room and back to my old bedchamber. But then he realized what I was doing, and he just shook his head and went back to sleep.”
“He probably has one of his men watching you.”
“I’m sure he does.” She nodded at the laundry room door and they exited, making their way through the castle and off the grounds.
As they walked through Lakeside, the frigid wind whipped around Savenek, making him shiver. He wouldn’t say he missed the sandy blandness of Emperor’s City, but he did miss being warm. “What do you want to do on your last night here? Go to a tavern? Catch some heathens? Just walk around?”
Allyssa glanced up and down the street before grabbing his sleeve and yanking him into a narrow alleyway. She continued about thirty paces until she came to a ladder attached to the side of the building on the right. Allyssa scaled it, Savenek right behind her, wondering what she was up to.
When he reached the top, he found Allyssa stretched out on the flat portion of the roof, staring up at the stars. Savenek positioned himself next to her. Somehow, the stars seemed brighter tonight. He breathed in the smell of baking brea
d and thought about his aunt and uncle back in Emperor’s City. Did they know who he was now? When he visited them, would they treat him any differently? “I miss the smell of the ocean,” he admitted.
“I’m going to miss this. There isn’t a town in Clovek. It’s just a castle with estates and small villages surrounding it.”
That was probably better. She wouldn’t get into as much trouble if there wasn’t a town for her to sneak out and explore. However, Savenek had no doubt she’d still find something to do that would try Kerdan’s patience. “Are you excited about going to Russek?” he asked, wondering if the man who’d tortured her was still in Clovek. How would Allyssa handle seeing him again? How would she deal with being back in the castle that held so many bad memories? Would she be okay? At least she’d have Marek and Nathenek there. But still.
“I’m excited to see Russek through Kerdan’s eyes.”
Which meant that she was excited to be going with Kerdan, yet nervous to be back at the castle where she’d been held captive. He’d have to keep in contact with Nathenek and Marek to make sure she was doing okay. “Please be careful in Russek. There will be people who want Kerdan’s throne.” And they wouldn’t hesitate to go through Allyssa to get it.
“I will.” She turned her head so she was looking at Savenek. “Please promise you’ll look after Mother and Father.”
“I will.”
They stayed there, on the rooftop, staring up at the stars in the sky. Brother and sister. Twins. Prince and princess. Friends.
Savenek still couldn’t believe Allyssa was leaving. Everything seemed to be happening so quickly. He’d thought he’d have more time with her. He’d thought she’d stay here. He hadn’t realized how sad he’d be to see her go.
Everyone from the castle came to see Allyssa off. Savenek stood with Rema and Darmik, waiting for Allyssa to exit so they could say their goodbyes. Mayra was busy with Marek, Neco, and Ellie. They were hugging Marek. Kerdan was busy giving orders to his soldiers, getting everyone into position. There would be no carriages for this journey—only horses.
Nathenek came over. “Can I have a word with Savenek before I leave?”
“Of course.” Savenek walked with him a few steps away from Rema and Darmik so they could be alone.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about your parents sooner,” Nathenek said.
“It’s okay.” He’d had enough time to get over the shock.
“You had a right to know.”
Savenek agreed. However, everything had worked out. “Thank you for raising me and being my dad.”
Nathenek nodded. “My life would have been lonely without you. Raising you has been my greatest honor and accomplishment.”
Savenek didn’t need Nathenek getting all emotional on him now. The last thing he wanted to do was cry in front of so many people. “I’ll miss you.”
Nathenek put his hands on Savenek’s shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “Try not to get into too much trouble while I’m gone.”
Savenek couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll try. But I can’t make any promises.” He hugged the man who’d acted like his father, raised him like a father, but who wasn’t his father.
Nathenek released him and headed over to one of the horses, mounting. He never was one for affection.
Allyssa finally exited the castle, Madelin right behind her complaining about riding on a horse for such a long distance.
“Then don’t come if all you’re going to do is complain,” Allyssa snapped.
Madelin opened her mouth to reply, but Vesha and Audek stepped in front of her, demanding her attention. After Madelin said farewell to her parents, she mounted the horse next to Nathenek’s.
Allyssa went straight to Mayra, hugging her. The two friends stayed that way for several minutes. Finally, Allyssa released her and came over to Savenek. “Please watch over Mother and Father,” she said. “I’m expecting you to keep Emperion running while I’m gone.”
“You can count on me,” he replied. “Just don’t stay away too long.”
“I won’t. This is home. I love Emperion.”
Savenek hugged his twin sister, thankful for the time they’d had together. As much as he hated that she’d been kidnapped, at least a few good things came from it. Allyssa had met Kerdan. And when everyone thought she’d been killed, Savenek had been crowned prince, which allowed him to meet his parents and his sister. Although he’d loved his life in the Brotherhood, he preferred this life, this family, this happiness. He glanced over at Mayra, who stood watching him. He blew her a kiss and wiggled his eyebrows. Her face turned bright red.
Allyssa released Savenek, approaching Rema and Darmik. Rema started crying as she wrapped her arms around Allyssa, squeezing her. Savenek suspected Darmik was barely holding it together.
Kerdan came over and stood before Darmik. “I promise to take care of your daughter.”
“You better,” Darmik replied. “Because if anything happens to her, I’m holding you personally responsible. I’ll have no qualms about killing you.”
Savenek knew his father was half-joking and half-serious. He felt the same way. If anything happened to Allyssa, Savenek would personally seek revenge.
Kerdan hesitated a moment before hugging Rema. He whispered something in her ear, but Savenek couldn’t hear what he said. Kerdan released her and mounted his horse.
“I love you,” Allyssa said, kissing Rema’s cheek and then hugging Darmik one last time. “And I love you.” Allyssa wrapped her arms around Savenek.
He patted her back. “I’ll come visit in a season or two.”
“You better.” After she released him, she mounted the horse beside Kerdan’s.
The Russek army moved into formation around their king and future queen. Kerdan raised his arm, giving the signal to move out.
Savenek stood on the steps of the Emperion castle, watching them ride away.
Allyssa
Allyssa refused to look back at her family. It would be too hard watching them fade away. Instead, she kept her focus forward, on the path ahead.
“Are you okay?” Kerdan asked.
She smiled at her husband. “As long as I’m with you, I’m always okay.”
He grinned one of his rare smiles, lighting up his face.
The last time, she’d been taken to Russek against her will. This time, she looked forward to going and spending time there, seeing where Kerdan grew up, his favorite spots to hunt, and where he trained with his men. She looked forward to helping the Russek people have better lives through trade, farming, and lower taxes. She’d spent most her life learning how to rule a kingdom. Now she would be by Kerdan’s side helping him, working together, and making a difference.
There would be peace.
They traveled a little over a fortnight before they reached the castle in Clovek. The dark fortress rose out of the snowy mountains like a beast—just as she remembered. Instead of going across the dangerous bridge as she did last time, they went around to the back where the stables were located.
A stable boy ran over and took her horse. Kerdan helped her dismount. Her back was a little sore from being in the saddle for so long.
They went in through an entrance in the side of the mountain. When they came to the main part of the castle, it was warm and bright, vastly different from the last time Allyssa was here. All the torches were lit, instead of every fourth one. Servants were out and about, cleaning and bringing in supplies.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“They are preparing for you,” Kerdan replied. “Everyone is excited that you are here. They’ve been expecting you.” He led her to the Throne Room.
The last time she’d been in this room, she’d been dragged here before Jana. This time, she entered of her own free will. Two polished chairs stood on the dais, banners of the royal family’s crest hung from the ceiling. The place felt alive and new. She looked at Kerdan, her brows pulling together in question.
“The castle has bee
n cleaned from top to bottom. You won’t find a trace of Jana or her children here. This is your home now, and we all want you to feel safe and welcome here.”
“Thank you.”
There were a few courtiers milling about.
Kerdan sat on his throne chair, pointing at the other one. Allyssa sat, watching as people started coming into the room. After a few minutes, the place was packed with courtiers, soldiers, and servants.
Kerdan stood and addressed his people. “Thank you for coming. I am pleased to introduce my wife, Crown Princess Allyssa of Emperion. It is time to crown her Queen of Russek.”
Allyssa stood, not prepared for the ceremony to take place right now. She’d been on a horse for days and needed a bath. And she was wearing pants and a tunic—not an outfit befitting of a queen.
Kerdan leaned toward her and mumbled, “You must remember, we don’t have Emperion’s silly rules and traditions.”
This was going to take some getting used to.
Allyssa stared out at the crowd of eager faces, all there to witness the ceremony. She smiled at her future subjects, already feeling a connection to them.
“Welcome home, wife,” Kerdan said loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
The people cheered and stomped on the floor, declaring their approval.
Laughing, Allyssa reached out and took hold of Kerdan’s hand, squeezing it. Her husband, her king, her best friend. Together, as equals, they would rule the people of Russek and Emperion.
Epilogue
Allyssa sat on the bed, exhausted. She was covered in sweat, her body weak from the events that had just transpired.
The baby screamed, arms and legs reaching out in every direction.
Allyssa glanced at Kerdan. His eyes were transfixed on the baby.
The healer holding the infant smiled. “Congratulations. It’s a girl.”
“A girl,” Allyssa repeated, amazed. She had a baby girl.
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