Cage of Darkness (Reign of Secrets, Book 2) Read online

  Soma’s fingers dug into Allyssa’s shoulders, and she had to suppress her smile. The interactions between these family members revealed a great deal.

  Instinct told her someone was watching her. As nonchalantly as possible, she scanned the soldiers in the room. The one who had brought her here stood off to the side, staring at her.

  “While I do enjoy the many luxuries of court,” Soma drawled in a carefree voice, “I’m glad to be of some use to you, Your Majesty.” He released Allyssa, and her shoulders sagged with relief.

  “My son is valuable and has many talents,” the queen serenely interjected, taking her seat again. “You should employ him as your lord-in-waiting. He could be of great use to you.” Her free hand clasped the fabric of her dress, her knuckles turning white. However, her smile never faltered.

  “We’ll discuss that later,” the king responded, waving his hand. “For now, I must decide what to do with the princess.”

  “I think it wise to dispose of her immediately,” Queen Jana commented. “Send her body parts to the empress and emperor of Emperion. While they grieve for their beloved daughter, we attack.”

  “While I do enjoy your enthusiasm,” the king replied, “I think it wise to keep her alive until Emperion is conquered. If something goes wrong during the invasion, I can bring her out, dangle her in front of her parents, and then slit her throat.”

  “Very well.” The queen’s hand holding the goblet shook ever so slightly.

  Allyssa dared a quick glance at Odar. He leaned forward on the sofa, his arms on his legs, appearing relaxed. However, she knew he was preparing to jump up and intervene if necessary.

  “I think the princess is a liability,” Soma said. “She must be killed now, and I should be the one to do it.” He made his way over to his mother, refilling her goblet with the bottle of wine from the low table.

  Flexing her fingers, Allyssa widened her stance, prepared to either fight or run. No one moved as the king rubbed his chin, deciding her fate. The fire crackled, and the logs shifted. Her heart pounded and her breathing sped up. Even though there were two dozen armed soldiers surrounding the sitting area, she had speed and agility on her side. She’d fought in enough brawls with Grevik to know she could escape. All she needed to do was pretend this was a tavern and these men were criminals. Just another night fighting crime.

  The king clasped his hands behind his back. “Son,” he said, turning to face the soldiers off to the left side of the room.

  The man who had escorted her there stepped forward. “Yes, Father?”

  Father? Allyssa’s eyes bulged. He was the king’s son, Prince Kerdan? No crown adorned his head, nothing on his armor indicated his rank, and…well…he had dried blood on his armor. Everything about his appearance—from his facial markings to his well-worn boots—indicated a soldier, not a prince.

  “What do you suggest I do with Princess Allyssa?” King Drenton asked.

  “I see no reason to keep the princess alive. With Fren’s army, we have the numbers to win.”

  The king smiled. “Very well. Kill her.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Soma unsheathed a dagger with a gleam of triumph in his eyes.

  The king put his hand on the assassin’s shoulder. “Wait. I want my son to have the privilege of killing our enemy.”

  If Allyssa didn’t despise Soma with every ounce of her being, she might actually feel sorry for him. He glanced at his mother. The queen pursed her lips but did not intervene. He gave a curt nod and put his weapon away.

  Prince Kerdan took a step toward Allyssa.

  “Wait,” Odar blurted out, his voice ringing through the room. Everyone turned toward him. “Um . . .” he stuttered. “You don’t plan to kill her in front of Princess Shelene, do you?”

  “I don’t mind witnessing an execution,” Shelene said, placing her hand on his arm.

  Odar looked at Allyssa, his eyes sliding to her right toward the door on the east wall. She nodded once to indicate she understood. When he created a diversion, she would run.

  “You may not mind, but I certainly do,” he replied. “In Fren, women are not involved in politics.” He kissed Shelene’s forehead and stood, pulling her to her feet alongside him. “Come. Let’s go someplace pleasant where we can talk.” He strategically stood in Jana’s line of sight, blocking the queen’s view of Allyssa.

  Slowly backing away from everyone, Allyssa took a deep breath, turned, and sprinted toward the nearest door. Something whizzed through the air. She ducked, a knife flying by mere inches above her head. Prince Kerdan ordered two soldiers to retrieve her while the rest were to hold their positions.

  Only ten feet separated her from the door when the two men approached. The one on her right swung his sword toward her torso. Instinct took over, and she spun out of the way. As he fell forward from the weight of his sword striking only air, she slammed her elbow on the base of his neck. Both sword and soldier crashed to the stone flooring. Hating to do so, Allyssa kicked his face, hoping the blow knocked him out.

  Picking up the dropped sword, she swung the weapon, getting a feel for its weight. The second soldier laughed, but such misconceptions weren’t new to her. He lunged, and she swung, easily deflecting his blow. Not having time to waste, she went on the offensive, attacking her opponent with speed and precision. Her muscles protested, and the effort of remaining on her feet nearly did her in. Still, she forged on, refusing to give up.

  The soldier chuckled. “I didn’t think princesses learned how to wield a sword.”

  Barmy. Pretending there was someone behind him, she gasped. When he took a peek over his shoulder, she slammed the hilt of her sword against his head. There was a sickening crunch, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

  She dropped the sword and sprinted the last few feet to the door. When she reached for the handle, Prince Kerdan materialized out of the shadows, blocking the way, a cold smile on his vicious face. She turned to her right, heading for a different exit. He latched onto her hair, yanking her backward against his armored body and ending all hope she had of escaping. His large hand wrapped around her neck, squeezing it. She clawed at his arm, but he didn’t even flinch. He lifted her off the ground as if she weighed nothing.

  “Father,” Prince Kerdan called out, “this really is too much.” He laughed, the sound rumbling in his chest. Stars filled her vision—she needed air.

  Odar’s face lost all color as the prince brought her forward, holding her dangling a couple of feet above the ground. At the sitting area, he released her, and she tumbled to the ground, gasping for precious air. She had never feared for her life like she did at that moment, crumpled on the ground next to the prince’s black boots, inhaling ragged breaths in an attempt to fill her starved lungs.

  The king folded his arms. “Is there any particular reason she is still alive?”

  “I’ve changed my mind, Father.”

  As she knelt on the ground, Allyssa was certain she’d misheard him.

  “While you allowed her to run halfway across the room in a pathetic attempt to escape, you changed your mind? Explain yourself.”

  “I want her,” Prince Kerdan stated.

  The queen’s head snapped up. “What?”

  “This doesn’t concern you,” he said. Focusing on his father, he continued, “I want Princess Allyssa. I find her willpower entertaining and think she will provide plenty of amusement after spending long hours on the battlefield.”

  Amusement? As in a jester or a whore?

  “She is a prisoner of war—not a plaything,” Jana said, slamming her goblet on the table.

  “Yet, you had her interrogated and tortured in the dungeon,” the prince replied. “Sounds like you got to play with her.”

  “She is but a piece of trash.” Jana’s shoulders rose and fell in quick successions. “Her parents murdered my father and threw my mother off the throne. Allyssa deserves to be executed.”

  “I don’t care what her parents did to your famil
y.” Prince Kerdan shrugged. “She just fought two of my soldiers. I’m not going to allow her to die before I’ve enjoyed her tenacity.”

  Still on the ground, afraid to move, Allyssa wished she could melt into the stone flooring and disappear. This could not be happening. She wanted to crawl over to Odar, latch on to his legs, and beg him to save her. When she closed her eyes, her father’s voice filled her head. Never let them see your fear—it will only give them fuel. Always remember, you are the leader of your own destiny. You can save yourself.

  She forced herself to stand on shaking legs, almost losing her balance. “I am not a piece of property that can be bartered away. It is not up to you to decide if I should live or die.” She pointedly looked at the king and queen. “Or for you to possess me.” She forced herself to glance at the prince. “I belong to no one.”

  Kerdan chuckled. “You see, Father, she is far too amusing. Do not deny me this request.”

  “Let’s return her to the dungeon,” Odar suggested. “She may be of use later.”

  The king smiled. “Even though you are marrying Princess Shelene, you have no say here in Russek.” He turned and motioned for two soldiers to approach. “Escort Princess Shelene, Prince Odar, and Prince Soma to the Dining Hall. The queen and I will be along shortly.”

  The two soldiers stood on either side of Odar, hands clasped on the hilts of their swords.

  “Is there a problem?” the king asked him.

  Allyssa felt Kerdan tense behind her, preparing to fight. There was no reason for Odar to be injured or thrown in the dungeon on her account. Nothing he said or did could help her now.

  “You best hurry along,” she said with as much disdain as she could muster. “Because if I have to look at you much longer, I’m going to lose my last meal.”

  He closed his eyes a brief second before leaving the room.

  “Does that mean I can have her?” Kerdan asked.

  “She is a prisoner,” the queen said to the king. “You cannot allow her to be holed up with your son. I forbid it.”

  The amusement vanished from Kerdan’s face. “It is not your place to decide what I can or cannot do. King Drenton is in charge, not you.”

  Jana’s face turned an ugly shade of red. “Do you have any idea of how long I’ve waited to seek my revenge on this family?”

  “We are on the brink of attacking Emperion,” the king said. “I promised you the Emperion throne, and you shall have it. As for the princess, Kerdan will have her.”

  “I did not send my only son into enemy territory to capture her so your son could have a plaything.”

  The king leaned toward her. “Why exactly did you send Soma after her?”

  Jana flinched. “For you, darling.” She tried to smile, the act futile.

  “Yet when I do as I please, you protest.” His eyes narrowed.

  “Forgive me. I have overstepped my place. Do as you wish, even if it offends me.”

  “Son,” the king said, “Princess Allyssa is yours. But keep a leash on her. She is still a prisoner.”

  “Understood.” Kerdan reached out and snatched her wrist. “I’ve had a long day. It’s time I bathe and find some pleasure.” He looked at the queen. “It’s a shame when things don’t go as planned, isn’t it? Do not mess with me again. If you do, I will destroy you. And that goes for your lapdog, too.”

  “Do not speak to me in such a vulgar manner,” Jana scoffed.

  Kerdan turned and yanked Allyssa along behind him.

  “Now, now,” the king said. “He is my son, heir, and a captain in my army. Some leeway must be given.”

  Kerdan shoved the side door open and flung Allyssa into a dark corridor.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Prince Kerdan’s fingers dug into Allyssa’s wrist as he hauled her through the gloomy hallway. Everything had happened so fast that she didn’t fully comprehend the sudden turn of events. She should protest and fight back; however, it was as if her mind floated in a foggy bubble.

  Soma stepped into the hallway ten feet ahead of them, blocking the way, shadows flickering across his angular face.

  Kerdan stopped, his grip tightening on her wrist. She let out a small cry of pain; the fog hovering in her mind vanished. “What do you want?” he demanded.

  “What do you plan to do with her?” Soma asked.

  “That is none of your business.” Kerdan pulled her closer to him, angling his body between her and Soma as if trying to shield her from the assassin.

  “You should know what you’re dealing with.” Soma didn’t attempt to come any closer.

  “I can handle her.” Kerdan’s grip remained firm on her wrist.

  “She managed to escape from me once. Despite how scrawny she looks, she is dangerous. After all, she is my cousin.”

  Allyssa opened her mouth to argue, but Kerdan squeezed her wrist. She shut her mouth, remaining silent.

  “My father isn’t here, so I don’t have to tolerate you. Get out of my sight.” He hadn’t once turned his back on Soma. Even though he spoke to him in a degrading manner, he had to respect his skill in the art of killing.

  Soma shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Slinking back into the shadows, he disappeared.

  “Hurry.” Kerdan resumed his brisk pace down the empty hallway.

  “You’re hurting me.”

  He lessened his grip. Excellent. Making a mental note of the doorways and corridors, she drew a map in her head of her escape route. Steeling her resolve, she kicked Kerdan’s knee while grabbing his thumb on her wrist, bending it backward. He grunted from the well-placed kick and released her. She turned and ran as fast as she could.

  And found herself flat on her stomach, her back protesting in pain from Kerdan’s knee digging into it. “Get off me,” she growled.

  He stood, pulling her to her feet. “I would have been disappointed if you hadn’t tried.” He resumed walking, dragging her alongside him.

  They climbed several flights of stairs and traveled along hallway after hallway, not passing another person. Did anyone actually live or work here?

  “My room is on the top floor of the northern tower. The royal family resides in the eastern tower, while the people who remain at court live in the south wing.”

  “Why aren’t you with your family?” A question more to fill the silence than for curiosity’s sake. Each step led her closer to her fate. What did Kerdan plan to do with her? She shivered, bile rising in the back of her throat, unable to even think of what lay ahead. One thing she knew for certain was that under no circumstance would she allow him to violate her body.

  He lowered his voice. “Besides the king, the rest of them aren’t my family.” He stopped before a large arched door, unlocking it. “And Soma has already tried to assassinate me once.” He led her inside the dark room, the door slamming shut.

  She froze, unable to see her own hand in front of her face. There was a shuffling sound, and then gray light burst into the room as Kerdan tied the curtains back, dust motes floating in the air. He lumbered over to the empty fireplace, knelt, and placed several logs inside, lighting the kindling. The fire gradually took, removing the dreary feel from the room.

  Dark wood paneling covered the walls and ceiling. A four-post bed was centered on one wall, a desk and chair along another. Situated before the hearth were two chairs and a couch. A door, presumably to a dressing closet, was to the right. A few worn rugs were strewn throughout, softening the cold, stone flooring. No books, no paintings, no weapons.

  Kerdan stood and turned to face her, his hands on his hips. Still dressed in his armor, he seemed out of place in the rather ordinary bedchamber. “You need to bathe.” His rough voice reverberated in the room.

  Allyssa gulped. “I’ll kill myself before I let you touch me.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I have never forced myself on a woman before. I am a prince and captain for my father’s army. I can have anyone I want.”

  “Except me.”

  Kerdan folded his arms, st
udying her. “Who said I wanted you that way?”

  She didn’t know how to respond. What other reason could there possibly be?

  “You’ve been in the dungeon for weeks. You’re filthy and you smell.” He pointed to one of the empty walls. “I have a bathing room through there.” He pressed between two of the wood panels, and a hidden door swung open. He stepped inside. A moment later, a soft glow came from the room. “I don’t have any maids who tend to me here,” he called out. “So you’re on your own.” He exited the bathing room and gestured for her to enter.

  She didn’t move. When he took a step toward her, she stiffened, and he retreated a step. “I brought you here to ensure your safety,” he said gently. “I don’t trust my stepmother and fear she may order your death without my father’s permission.”

  “Why do you care?” Her mind reeled with possibilities, each too far-fetched to be feasible.

  “I hate my stepmother. Since she wants you dead, I want you alive.”

  So now not only was she trapped in the political turmoil between Emperion and Russek, but she was also caught in this family’s discord. Allyssa started pacing, and the prince’s eyes narrowed infinitesimally. There was more to the situation than he let on. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  A true smile lit up his harsh face. “I’ve been traveling for days. If you’re not going to wash up, I am.”

  She went to bite her thumbnail before remembering it wasn’t there. Clasping her hands together, she said, “Are you offering me use of your bathing room, alone, no hidden agenda?”

  “I have a very clear agenda—you wash the stench off so you no longer stink up my bedchamber.”

  “Fine.” She gracefully walked past Kerdan and strode into the bathing room. Maybe if she behaved like a princess, he would treat her like one. She pushed the door closed, only then realizing her entire body was shaking. Somehow, she was out of the dungeon, alive, and in Kerdan’s bedchamber. There still might be a way to survive this catastrophe.

  Bloody hell. She smelled worse than a pile of horse dung. Several candles lit the room, revealing a copper bathing tub elevated over a handful of burnt logs. She had better bathe before she passed out from her own stench. Kerdan must have been desperate to put up with her.