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

  Allyssa nodded and clutched onto the couch, holding it as tightly as possible.

  “I’ll treat your arm first.” Kerdan shook the tin, pouring the fine powder onto her cut. Without hesitating, he quickly moved to the larger one on her stomach, completely covering it with the powder. It soothed her skin, taking away the sensation of being on fire.

  “Thank you.” She sighed.

  “Don’t thank me yet.”

  She was about to ask him what he meant when the powder coating her wounds started to bubble as it interacted with the poison and her blood. It felt like an animal’s claws were shredding her skin to pieces. The bubbles grew to the size of grapes, breaking and reforming over and over. Bloody hell. Her skin turned bright red as black spots filled her vision. Kerdan took the tin, sprinkling the powder over her cuts once again. She thrashed, trying to escape the horrific pain.

  “I’m here. You can do this. Don’t give up. It’ll be over soon.”

  She clutched onto Kerdan’s hand, squeezing. It felt as if her skin was being peeled off her bones. She screamed, and everything went black.

  ***

  Allyssa woke up in bed, a fire roaring in the hearth. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had the luxury of sleeping in a bed, even if the sheets were a little rough. The memory of last night and the poisoned dagger came flooding back to her. Her stomach felt as if it had been kicked by a horse. Her arm ached like it was broken. She groaned, turning her head to the side. Kerdan was sitting on the edge of the bed, a couple of feet away from her.

  “You’re awake,” he murmured. His hair stuck out in several directions, and his eyes had dark circles under them.

  “I feel like death.” Her voice came out hoarse. It hurt just to swallow. She couldn’t believe Soma had tried to kill her last night.

  “Your body has been fighting off the poison.” He rubbed his exhausted face. “I wasn’t sure you would make it. You’ve been unconscious for almost ten hours.”

  She was about to respond when a knock resounded through the room. His eyes widened with surprise. “No one ever comes to visit me.”

  “Kerdan, darling,” the queen crooned from the other side of the door. “Are you in there?”

  His entire body went rigid.

  “Kerdan?”

  “Hang on,” he called out. Leaning close to Allyssa, he whispered, “Stay in bed.” He straightened and removed his shirt, revealing his bare, muscular torso.

  Her face flushed. “What are you doing?”

  “Shh.” He loosened the string of his pants and glanced about the room. Rushing over to the couch, he grabbed the blankets, tossing them into the bathing room. He took a deep breath and pulled open the door, leaning lazily against the frame, looking like he’d just rolled out of bed. “Stepmother,” he said in a groggy voice. “To what do I owe this honor?”

  “Is that…girl here?” Jana asked with a haughty voice, peering around the side of him and into the room. He moved his body to block the queen’s view of the bedchamber.

  Allyssa pulled the blankets up around her neck, wishing she wasn’t so vulnerable with the evil woman close by. It dawned on her that Jana had probably ordered Soma to kill her last night. Jana was here to see if the job was done.

  “By that girl, do you mean Princess Allyssa?” Kerdan asked.

  “Yes, is she…here?”

  “If by here, you mean alive, then yes, she is alive and well. I’m sorry to tell you your son failed. Again. He’s not much of an assassin, is he?” The pleasure in Kerdan’s voice was palpable.

  The queen shoved him aside and swept into the room. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of Allyssa in Kerdan’s bed, her upper lip curling in disgust. Knowing she couldn’t appear weak, Allyssa summoned every ounce of energy she had and threw the blankets off her body. She slid out of the bed, trying not to wince at the pain in her abdomen as she did so. Her feet hit the floor, and she glanced down at her bare legs, realizing she wore one of Kerdan’s large shirts and nothing else. Her face flushed.

  “This is what you’ve been doing?” Jana said to him. “You’ve turned her into your own personal harlot?”

  Allyssa came and stood awkwardly next to him. She couldn’t hide under the sheets now.

  “I’m sure Rema will be pleased to learn you’ve been reduced to this.” Her hand swept over Allyssa’s body.

  It took sheer willpower to remain upright. “I am not a harlot,” she ground out, understanding her reputation was ruined. Odar’s parents would never sanction a union between their kingdoms if they believed she’d slept with Kerdan. Could the situation get any worse?

  “As much as I enjoy seeing you lowered to a common wench, I’m here because I need information. Why does Fren believe that Prince Odar is dead?” The queen tilted her head to the side, waiting for a response.

  Allyssa stood there, refusing to utter a single word.

  “Answer me!” Jana shouted, making her jump.

  “I’m sorry,” Allyssa said, trying to keep her voice pleasant. “If you are speaking to me, you will address me by my name and title.”

  The queen wrinkled her nose in disgust. “You do not deserve the title you bear.”

  “Neither do you.” Allyssa folded her arms over her chest, trying to maintain some sense of dignity while dressed in the flimsy white shirt.

  “Tell me why Fren believes their prince is dead, or return to the dungeon.”

  “I’ve been a prisoner in Russek for weeks. I cannot presume to know what is going on throughout the continent.”

  Kerdan went to his dressing closet and returned with a long fur robe, draping it over Allyssa’s shoulders. She hadn’t realized she was shaking from her lack of clothing until the warmth of the robe enveloped her. The prince kissed the top of her head, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She forced her body to relax and not flinch from his touch. Why hadn’t he put a shirt on?

  The queen’s eyes narrowed, watching the two of them. “I don’t know what game you’re playing,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper and sharp as a blade. “But I assure you, you cannot fool me, nor can you win.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” the prince said, his fingers digging into Allyssa’s shoulder.

  She had the distinct impression that he was using her to restrain himself from killing the queen. Reaching up, she patted his hand, trying to comfort him. As much as they might want to kill Jana right now, they couldn’t without serious repercussions. There had to be a squad of soldiers on the other side of the door ready to pounce.

  “The only explanation I can come up with for Fren believing that Prince Odar is dead is if someone survived the attack,” Jana explained. “So tell me, did anyone survive?”

  Allyssa held her chin high, refusing to be intimidated by her aunt. Marek, the sole survivor, didn’t know that Odar and Jarvik had switched places. Her father, on the other hand, did. What an interesting move on Darmik’s part to allow the deceit to continue. She would have to think on the matter in more detail when the queen wasn’t watching her. “I saw your son shoot an arrow into the back of every man present the day he kidnapped Odar and me.”

  Jana clenched her hands together, her knuckles turning white.

  “Anything else?” Kerdan asked. “Because if you’re done here, I have some unfinished business.” He pulled Allyssa’s body against his. This was not part of their deal, and she would speak to him about it later. But for now, she went along with the ruse.

  A cold and devious smile similar to Soma’s slid over the queen’s face, turning her features harsh. “I will go and speak with the king. I’m not sure how he will feel about his son sleeping with the enemy. It might be time for the harlot to return to the dungeon.”

  “Don’t waste your time. My father gave her to me. She’s mine.”

  “He assumed she was a spoil of war and would be treated as such. She seems far too comfortable and at ease in your bedchamber.”

  “You mean because I enjoy the prince�
��s company?” Holy hell, she couldn’t believe she just said that out loud.

  The queen raised her hand to strike Allyssa, but Kerdan caught her arm mid-swing. “Don’t,” he said, a lethalness to his voice. “You need to leave. Now.”

  “You can’t tell me what I can or cannot do,” Jana said, yanking her arm out of his grip and adjusting the sleeve of her dress. “I am the queen. I outrank you.”

  “No, you don’t,” he answered. “I am next in line to the Russek throne, not you.”

  Jana’s eyes flashed with fury.

  Kerdan took Allyssa’s hand, kissing the top of it. Clearly, he wanted the queen to think they had something beyond a physical relationship. What she couldn’t figure out was why.

  “And should you think about killing my father in order to rule Russek, don’t. After him, the throne goes to me, and then I have uncles and cousins you know nothing about. You can’t kill them all. It’s time you understand that the throne will never be yours.”

  The queen bristled.

  “Didn’t my father ever tell you the line of succession is through the men?”

  Allyssa couldn’t help herself and said, “I guess you could say you are a harlot of sorts.”

  Kerdan chuckled as Jana’s face drained of all color.

  The queen took a step closer to them, lowering her voice. “How do you think I’ve managed to survive all these years? You have no idea who you’re up against and the lengths I’m willing to go to get what I want. So go ahead and threaten all you like because when this is over, I’ll be sitting on the throne and both of you will be begging for mercy that will never come from me.” She turned and swept out of the room.

  Kerdan slammed the door shut, laughing.

  “I hardly think the situation is funny.”

  He shook his head. “She had armor on under her dress.”

  “As protection from you?”

  “Possibly. I’m sure her enemies are vast.”

  “We need to talk about what just happened,” she said. “But first, put a shirt on.” Holding the robe tightly around her body, she gingerly sat on the couch, her stomach and arm stinging.

  The prince slid a shirt on and tied his pants. “I apologize,” he said, combing his hair back with his fingers. “I thought it best.” He sat next to her on the couch. “Let me see your wounds.”

  “They’re fine.” She clutched the robe firmly shut.

  “You’ve inspected them to ensure they are healing properly and there is no sign of infection?”

  Well, no, she hadn’t.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked.

  She fidgeted with the sleeve of the robe. “Why did you remove my clothes? Did you know Jana would come here?”

  “I had no idea she would show up. Not once has she ever visited here before.” He twisted toward Allyssa on the couch, reached out as if to take her hand, but withdrew, awkwardly placing his hands on his lap. “After you passed out, I removed your clothes for two reasons. First, to make sure you hadn’t sustained cuts elsewhere. Second, I feared there could be some residual poison on the fabric.”

  She couldn’t even look at him. He’d seen her naked. Covering her face with her hands, she didn’t know what to say as shame coursed through her.

  “Allyssa,” he said gently. “There is no need to be embarrassed.” He pulled her hands away from her face. “My main goal was to help you. You need to understand that I consider you a valuable ally on equal footing as one of my lieutenants. I can’t afford to lose you. I treated you as I would a member of my personal guard.”

  Even though there was nothing romantic between them, she still didn’t like the idea of him seeing her naked.

  He sighed. “I’m sorry if I offended you. My only concern was saving your life—not your modesty.”

  “I . . .” she stammered. “No one can know. I can’t have my virtue called into question.” Staying in his bedchamber was bad enough. If she made it out of this alive, her reputation would be sullied. Her only saving grace would be that Odar wouldn’t mention it to anyone, nor would he hold it against her. However, if people found out, if Jana told someone, if the castle workers talked about what they saw and heard, there would be no salvation.

  “I won’t tell anyone,” he promised. “Now, let me take a look.”

  Her eyes widened, mortified. She held the robe closed, refusing to allow him to see her again.

  “Fine.” He stood, turning his back to her. “Check yourself. Make sure neither cut has anything oozing from it and that there aren’t any black marks.”

  She hurried and opened the robe, pulling up the shirt and examining the wound on her abdomen. There was a thin red line, no black marks, nor anything oozing from it. Closing the robe, she pushed up her sleeve. Again, the cut looked fine. “All clear.”

  Kerdan turned and faced her. “I will go and make sure Odar knows you’re alive and well. I’ll also arrange a time for the three of us to meet so we can come up with a plan. I want Jana and her family dead in three days.” He went to the door.

  “Why so soon?” Would that give them enough time to create and execute the assassination?

  “If we wait any longer, I fear you’ll turn up dead.”

  “Speaking of which, how did Soma get in here last night?”

  “He stole my keys when I was in a meeting with my father. But don’t fret, I already changed the locks and added a few tricks of my own to ensure he won’t be able to enter this room again.”

  She looked into the eyes of her enemy-turned-partner. “Thank you for tending to my wounds and ensuring I received the antidote.” If he hadn’t shown up when he did, she would be dead.

  He gave her a silent nod and left.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Allyssa sat on the couch while Odar stood with his arms folded across his chest, both intently listening as Kerdan outlined the plan he devised. The entire royal family would be visiting a powerful noble’s estate several miles to the north in two days. There was one bridge they needed to cross just outside a nearby town. All Odar and Allyssa had to do was disable the bridge so that when the royal family’s carriage went over it, it collapsed, killing those inside. He then went on to explain that he would take Allyssa to the town tomorrow. There, he would point out the bridge and show her where the necessary tools would be hidden.

  “What about you?” Odar asked. “What role do you play in this?”

  “I will be on horseback with my father. We will remain behind the carriage at a safe distance.”

  “And once the bridge collapses?” Odar asked.

  “You run like hell.” He folded his arms, imitating Odar. Allyssa held in her laugh.

  “I suppose something simple like shooting them from a distance wouldn’t work,” Odar mumbled.

  “No, it wouldn’t. Once the soldiers realized what was happening, they would hunt you down for assassinating the royal family. The bridge collapsing will simply appear to be an accident. As chaos ensues, the two of you will be afforded an opportunity to escape without anyone pursuing.”

  “Very well,” Odar said.

  “Just be sure to claim you have a stomachache and remain in bed so you don’t wind up in that carriage with them.”

  The plan was bold, especially since it would be daytime. However, Allyssa thought it would work. Kerdan had assured her the terrain was such that she and Odar could easily slip away unnoticed. The only thing he hadn’t explained was how they would disable the bridge.

  Odar looked from her to Kerdan and then back again. “I’d like a moment alone with Princess Allyssa,” he said.

  Kerdan nodded. “Very well, but be quick. I must escort you back to the royal wing as soon as possible. We can’t risk Shelene realizing you’re not there.”

  Odar snorted. “She’s still asleep and won’t rise before the midday meal.”

  Allyssa bit her tongue. She really wanted to say something nasty about the princess, especially knowing Odar once had feelings for her. But she didn’t want to disp
lay her jealous side before these two men.

  Kerdan paused at the door. “I’ll be in the hallway,” he said. “When you’re done, let me know.” It seemed like he wanted to say more, but he left the room without another word.

  “Before we discuss Kerdan’s plan, I need to know how you’re doing.”

  “I’m fine.” Her stomach and arm barely hurt.

  He let out a sigh and sat next to her. “When rumors started circulating that you were dead, I almost murdered everyone in a fit of rage.”

  “How did you find out?” she asked.

  “Shelene told me. I think she wanted to see my reaction. Thankfully, Kerdan pulled me aside and explained what happened before I did something rash.”

  There were so many games and deceptions in this castle of darkness.

  Odar leaned forward and kissed her lips. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you.” He gently kissed her again. “You do understand that the marriage treaty I signed with Shelene isn’t valid? That you and I are still legally engaged?” He rested his forehead against hers.

  “Yes.” They just needed his parents’ approval and the marriage ceremony could take place. That was, if they made it out of Russek alive. She reached up and touched his cheek. Her dark hand next to his lighter skin; her fingertips still ugly and scabbed over. “Let’s discuss the plan.”

  He shook his head. “It’s fine. We’ll make it work.”

  “Then what did you want to talk about?”

  Lowering his voice, he said, “You know not to trust Prince Kerdan, don’t you?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’ve been staying with him for days. He has aided me more than once. There is nothing to be concerned about.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” he said. “I fear he is using you to do his dirty work.”

  “He is using me.” Kerdan wanted her to kill the royal family, and she needed him to get her out of Russek and to stop the war. Their agreement was born of necessity. A pure and simple negotiation where they both got what they wanted.

  “I think there’s more to it than that.” Odar ran his hands through his dark hair. “I mean, why you? He could pull this off without your help. There are dozens of ways he could kill Jana and keep his hands clean.”