Because she wanted to keep power and control. She didn’t want to look weak. Savenek knew there were five regions in Emperion, a duke in charge of each. When treaties were signed and important decisions made, each duke had one vote, along with each Legion member. The theory was that by having input from people who lived and worked around the kingdom, everyone’s voice was heard. Savenek wondered what would happen if Rema didn’t agree with how they voted.
The doors swung open, and Allyssa was announced. Turning, Savenek saw her standing there as everyone in the room dropped to a knee.
Even if no one had told him, he would have known she was his sister. She had the same hair and skin color as Darmik, but she had Rema’s mouth and piercing blue eyes.
“I’m afraid of the mischief the two of you are going to make around here,” Rema said.
Darmik chuckled. “They are going to be a lethal combination. I pity the fool who gets in their way.”
Mayra joined Allyssa, and the two women approached. When they were about halfway there, Mayra threw her hands up in the air and stormed off. Allyssa’s brows drew together as she watched her friend walk away. Allyssa turned back toward Savenek, twirling her fingers together as if nervous. She started moving toward him again. Her face was so familiar even though Savenek had never seen her before.
Allyssa stopped a couple of feet away. “Happy birthday, brother,” she said, a smile hovering on her lips. Her eyes twinkled, hinting at a cheeky personality.
“Happy birthday, sister.”
“I told myself I wouldn’t cry,” Rema said. “But I can’t help it. I’m so happy right now. It has been seventeen years since I’ve had both of my children with me.”
Allyssa wiped the tears off her mother’s face. The simple, intimate gesture startled Savenek.
“I’d like to dance with my daughter.” Darmik took Allyssa’s hand, leading her to the dancing area.
Savenek blinked. He’d known Allyssa grew up with Rema and Darmik, but to actually see the love between the three of them felt like a punch to his stomach. He would never have that.
“Well,” Rema said, recapturing his attention. “Care to dance?”
Remembering he had a part to play, he forced a smile on his face and replied, “I would love to.” Savenek took Rema’s arm, and they made their way to where everyone was dancing. It was a slower song, allowing them to easily converse. “Allyssa looks well.” Considering she’d been kidnapped, tortured, injured, and involved in an assassination.
“You of all people should know that appearances can be deceiving.” Rema glanced over Savenek’s shoulder to where Allyssa and Darmik were dancing. “This life has never been easy for her. She values her privacy, and she doesn’t have the natural ability to charm a crowd like you do.”
Savenek snorted. “You think I’m charming?”
Rema smiled at him. “When you want to be. I’ve seen you sulking one minute and grinning the next when you notice someone watching you. Allyssa cannot control her emotions so easily. I’ve also noticed that when you walk into a room, you command everyone’s attention. Allyssa would rather remain in the shadows.”
“Ironic considering how each of us was raised.”
The song ended, and Rema turned toward Darmik. He took her hand, leaving Savenek alone with Allyssa.
“Care to dance?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I’m quite tired. It has been a long week.” She wove her way through the crowd, and Savenek followed her. When she reached the balcony, she addressed the guards on duty. “I’d like a moment alone with my brother.”
One of the guards asked everyone to leave the balcony. Once it was cleared, Allyssa stepped outside. She casually leaned against the railing, resting her arms on top of it. Savenek imitated her stance. A gentle breeze blew.
They stood in silence for several minutes. Savenek breathed in the heady pine scent, so vastly different from the dry, sandy conditions he grew up in.
“Have you spoken to Nathenek?” Allyssa asked.
“Yes. He came to see me shortly after he arrived.”
“He was eager to see you. I haven’t known him that long, but I like him.”
Savenek scratched the side of his head, trying to figure out how to respond to that. Thanks? I like him, too? He was a great fake dad?
She abruptly turned toward him. “Do you hate me?”
“No. Why do you ask?” He knew why. She must feel guilty Rema and Darmik chose to raise her as their child instead of him.
“I had no idea you were alive. I’m still mad at Mother and Father for hiding that from me. I’m sorry.” Her hands gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white.
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. Like you said, you didn’t know.” He leaned his arms on the railing, trying to see the trees in the distance. The moon was hidden behind thick clouds.
She sighed. “Mother gave me a choice. She said instead of coming back here, I could live a regular life, free from the confines of being the heir to the throne.”
“Why did you choose to come back?” Did she seek power? He didn’t think so. Maybe she missed her parents. She seemed close with both of them.
“As enticing as it was to imagine living a regular life, I couldn’t do it. Not only do I want to help Emperion, but I also wanted the chance to meet you. After living seventeen years without my twin brother, I didn’t want to live the next seventeen years wondering what you were like, if you enjoyed the life you lived, if you were like me.” She shrugged. “So here I am.”
“Being here feels right.” The truth of his statement shocked him.
Allyssa smiled. She had Rema’s smile. “I agree.”
They stood next to one another in silence, staring out at the forest in the distance.
“What’s going on with you and Mayra?” Allyssa asked.
“Why do you think there’s something going on between us?” Did Mayra say something to Allyssa?
“When I mentioned your name, she seemed rattled. I’ve never seen her react that way before.”
His sister was rather astute. “I was sent on a mission last season to Apethaga. Mayra went with me.”
“What?” Allyssa said a little louder than necessary. “I was wondering where Neco had sent her. What was this mission? Tell me everything.”
He was surprised she didn’t already know about it. Perhaps she wasn’t involved with the Brotherhood. Savenek spent the next hour talking to Allyssa about his and Mayra’s escapades in Apethaga. She laughed, asked questions, and seemed genuinely interested in everything he had to say. She was easy to talk to, and all awkwardness between them melted away.
Savenek was careful not to ask her too many questions about what happened to her in Russek. He knew she would talk when she was ready. And tonight wasn’t about trudging up painful memories, it was about getting to know one another and celebrating their birthday together. The first of many more to come.
The next morning, Savenek rounded the corner, about to enter the sitting room, when he noticed Allyssa standing by the sofa, a blank expression on her face. He watched her for a moment. Her eyes were unfocused, and her stillness unnerved him. He entered the room. “Are you okay?”
She blinked, her face instantly changing as life flooded back into her. “I’m fine.”
“What were you thinking about?” he asked casually, hoping she’d open up and talk to him.
“My friend, Grevik.” She moved around one of the chairs, trailing her fingers over the back of it. “He died protecting my identity.”
“Friend?” Or lover? Did he live here in the castle? Was he a courtier or a soldier? Savenek suddenly had a hundred questions he wanted to ask her.
“He was one of my best friends.” Punching the back of the chair, she let out a frustrated sound. Hands now on her hips, she cocked her head to the side and said, “There’s something I want to show you.” She strode to the door. “Are you coming?”
He hurried after her and they left the Royal Cham
bers, their guards trailing them.
Allyssa raised her chin and rounded her shoulders back, standing up straighter, which gave her a regal appearance. She walked slowly down the hallway, giving off an air of confidence and fortitude. “How are you adjusting to life here at the castle?”
“I’m getting used to it.” While at her side, he made sure to keep a lackadaisical posture. “Where are we headed?”
“To one of my favorite places.” On the first floor, she led him into the library. “I like coming here because the room is often empty. If you ever need to find me, chances are I’m here.”
Allyssa headed toward the back of the library where several alcoves were. Each had a table and two bench seats. She entered the alcove on the end and sat down, sighing. Savenek slid onto the seat across from her. Their guards remained at the entrance to the library, giving them the allusion of privacy.
“Tell me what’s going on,” Allyssa demanded as she slouched against the wall.
“With regards to what?” Her question could be interpreted multiple ways.
“Now that Russek is no longer threatening us, is Emperion safe? Or are there other issues I need to be aware of? Father mentioned something about Telmena not being happy with us.”
“I didn’t think you’d be concerned with the political machinations of the kingdom.” He was only half serious.
She reached across the table and whacked his arm. “Honestly. I didn’t expect my own brother to be so pigheaded.”
“I’m only teasing you.”
“Well, don’t. I’m eager to get to work.”
There was that look in her eyes again—a strange, haunted light. He’d seen it a couple of times last night. It usually only lasted a second. If he hadn’t been paying attention, he would have missed it. He glanced out the window to his left. A light fog covered the land. It was early in the morning, and most of the people living in the castle were still asleep. Focusing back on Allyssa, he noticed a restlessness to her. After everything she’d been through, she probably needed to be kept busy so the memories wouldn’t overwhelm her. A pang of sympathy and regret filled Savenek, making him want to know what had happened to her so he could help her recover.
“Does knowing Drenton is dead and being the one who killed Jana help?” The times he’d been forced to kill, he hadn’t known the person, nor did he have a vendetta against his target.
Allyssa stared at the table, and Savenek wasn’t sure if she was going to answer. When he’d asked the question, she hadn’t flinched at either of the names like he thought she would.
“I saw her die. Same with Soma.” She rubbed her face.
Savenek moved his hands to his thighs, curling his fingers into fists. She hadn’t thought twice about Drenton. Instead, she’d brought up Soma—Jana’s son, the one skilled in the art of poison. It took every ounce of control Savenek had to keep his face blank, not revealing how livid he was at the thought the man had hurt Allyssa. It was a good thing Soma was dead; otherwise, Savenek would have killed him.
“He still haunts me,” she whispered. “I have trouble sleeping.”
He, not she. Closing his eyes, Savenek took a deep breath. He had to know. Steeling himself, he looked at his sister. “Tell me what he—”
Soft murmuring came from the library’s entrance. Savenek glanced over his shoulder. It was Mayra talking with one of the guards.
Allyssa straightened, the horror that had been on her face only a moment before vanished, replaced by a pleasant smile. “Oh, good. Mayra’s here.” She waved her friend over.
As Mayra approached, she kept her focus on Allyssa, not once even peeking Savenek’s way. Not that he minded. It gave him the opportunity to watch her. Today, she wore a dark green dress, the sleeves trailing to the floor. Her hair had been braided around her head, showing off her slender, elegant neck. He wished he could kiss that neck right now.
Allyssa kicked him under the table.
“Do you need something?” Mayra asked, standing before them.
“Yes.” Allyssa patted the seat next to her. Mayra hesitated and then sat. “What’s going on between you and my brother?”
Mayra’s eyes widened, and her face turned a bright shade of red, making her even more stunning. “Nothing, I swear.”
Allyssa rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I’m not blind. I see the way you look at each other. Plus, my brother told me all about Apethaga.”
Savenek noticed Mayra had a necklace on, the chain visible. If the key he’d made her was strung on there, it was tucked under her dress so he couldn’t see it. However, just knowing she wore it, that it was snug against her skin, was more than enough for him. It meant she still cared about him.
When she didn’t respond, Allyssa stood. “If you won’t talk to me, at least talk to Savenek. If you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting with my mother.” She sashayed out of the room, her head held high.
Savenek chuckled. His sister was rather blunt. Once she exited the library, he turned his attention to Mayra. “How are you?” He wanted to reach across the table and hold her hand, but he knew not to.
“I’m well. And you?” She finally met his eyes.
He couldn’t believe she was being so stiff and formal around him. This would not do. Leaning forward, he wiggled his eyebrows. “Now that you’re here, I’m peachy.” He winked.
Her face turned an even brighter shade of red. He’d missed seeing her blush.
“I should go.”
“Wait.” Unable to help himself, he reached across the table. As he’d feared, Mayra didn’t take his hand. Instead, she kept hers firmly clasped together. “I spoke with Rema.”
Her brows bent together. “About what?” she said softly.
“About courting you.”
She covered her face with her hands.
He reached forward, peeling her fingers away so he could see her beautiful face. “Ari.”
She made a funny noise.
“Talk to me.”
“You’re the prince.”
“So?”
“You need to marry for political reasons.” Her eyes filled with tears. “When we were in Apethaga, I had no idea who you were.”
“I know. I didn’t either.” He firmly held her hands in his. “And Rema said I can choose who I marry.”
“She did?”
He nodded. “So what do you say?”
“Have you spoken to my father?”
Neco had already voiced his concerns. However, Rema said she would take care of everything. “I haven’t formally asked him yet. I wanted to make sure you still, you know, liked me first.”
She smiled, a dimple forming on her right cheek. “I still like you.”
“Good.” His eyes focused on her red lips. He wanted to kiss her. “I did ask you father about you working with the Brotherhood.”
“What did he say?”
“He’s considering it.” Now that Neco was back, he should have an answer. “Has he said anything to you about it?”
“My father hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”
“I haven’t mentioned what?” Neco asked, his voice loud in the quiet library.
Savenek wanted to crawl under the table and hide. He couldn’t believe Neco had walked in on him holding Mayra’s hands while speaking to her privately.
“I was here talking with Princess Allyssa,” Mayra said. “She just left. I was telling Savenek that you hadn’t mentioned the possibility of me working with the Brotherhood.”
Folding his arms, Neco stared pointedly at Savenek.
“Hello, sir.” Savenek swallowed. Was that how he should address Neco? Under normal circumstances, that was what he’d say. However, now that Savenek was the prince, he wasn’t sure if it was proper. There was still so much he needed to learn.
Neco turned his attention to his daughter. “Your mother is in the solarium waiting for you. Prince Savenek, the emperor is in the War Room. He expects you. Immediately.” The formality of his tone wasn’t lost on Savenek.
<
br /> “Yes, sir.” He stood and left the room.
Allyssa
Allyssa headed to the training room, quite pleased with herself for managing to throw Savenek and Mayra together. She opened the door, breathing in the familiar smell of wood and sweat. As she’d hoped, Marek stood in the middle of the room waiting for her.
“It has been a long time,” she said by way of greeting.
“Shall we spar with or without swords?”
“Without.”
“Why are you smiling?” He eyed her suspiciously. “Is there something I should know about?”
“It appears my brother and your sister care for one another.” No one had ever caught Mayra’s fancy before, and Allyssa rather liked the idea of her best friend in love with her brother.
Marek put his hands on his hips. “My father doesn’t approve.”
“Why not?” Was it because Savenek had been raised in the Brotherhood?
“He doesn’t want Savenek rushing into something without thinking the consequences through.”
She stretched her arms in front of her, loosening up. So this wasn’t about what Mayra and Savenek wanted; rather, it was about what was best for Emperion. If anyone was going to raise that concern, she thought it would have been her mother, not Neco. “Is there another kingdom seeking an alliance with us?”
“Not at the moment. But who knows what the future may hold.”
He had a point. Marrying Savenek off could be beneficial. Before Allyssa would entertain that idea, she needed to talk to Savenek to determine how much he cared for Mayra. Because if he truly loved her, then Allyssa would make sure Savenek wasn’t forced to marry for political reasons.
“Speaking of which,” Marek said, “what about you?” He started to walk around her.
“What about me?” She prepared for him to attack. He liked to strike when she least expected it.
“I hear you received a proposal from Prince Kerdan.” His voice sounded as if he didn’t quite believe it.
“You mean King Kerdan.” She rather liked the way that sounded—the way it rolled off her tongue. Speaking of tongues, she remembered the last time they were together and the way he’d kissed her.
Oath of Destruction: Reign of Secrets, Book 5 Page 8
