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

  The two men stood there staring at one another. Finally, Odar spoke, “The problem is, I don’t trust your word. We’re taking care of your problem for the chance to escape. You’re asking too much.”

  Kerdan took a menacing step toward Odar. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t trust you either. All you have to do is breathe a word of this to Shelene, and I’ll be arrested for treason.”

  “Boys.” Allyssa inserted herself between them, pushing them away from one another. “Arguing will do us no good, so stop gabbing like sissies and let’s plan the details.”

  “I need to think about it,” Odar muttered. Before she could say anything else, he turned and exited through the small door.

  She groaned. Sometimes, he could be so pigheaded.

  “I respect his desire to think this through. What I’m asking isn’t to be taken lightly.”

  She eyed Kerdan. “Why do you wear that black paint on your face?” she asked, changing the subject.

  He shrugged. “Russek’s warriors have always worn the markings. It’s tradition.”

  Then he must consider himself more warrior than prince. “Will you work with me? Teach me how to . . .” She couldn’t bring herself to say kill.

  He nodded. “First, I need to drag you back through the castle kicking and screaming. Ready to put on a good show?”

  ***

  “I know you can fight,” Kerdan said, standing across from Allyssa in the empty room. “But fighting and killing are two different techniques.” He withdrew a long, thin knife. “It may be best to allow Odar to make the kill.”

  She bristled. Just because Odar was a man and physically stronger didn’t mean she couldn’t do this. By killing these four people, she would save thousands of lives. And for that reason alone, she could do it. Squaring her shoulders, she said, “Don’t be a daft cow.”

  He chuckled. “I meant because he has more experience.” Stepping closer to her, he asked, “Have you ever killed anyone?” She shook her head. “The first time is the hardest.”

  “Just show me what to do.” She didn’t want to have a philosophical discussion about murder right now.

  “You will slip into their rooms late at night when they’re in bed, slit their throats, and immediately exit the castle. You’ll be long gone before anyone even knows they’re dead.”

  “Won’t their rooms be guarded?” Back home, the door to her bedchamber always had sentries stationed outside of it.

  “Yes,” he said. “But you’re not going in through the main entrance. I will arrange a game of gambling in the kitchen so the servant hallways will be clear.”

  “And if Odar and I are caught?” she asked.

  “I will be with my father the entire time and will not be able to help you. However, the entrance to the escape route you’ll be taking is in the dungeon.”

  So no matter what happened, she would be going into the dungeon—the place where she was tortured. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady her nerves.

  “Here’s a layout of the castle and how to get to the royal tower.” He handed her a piece of paper. “I’ve marked each room along with squares indicating where the beds are located.”

  She slipped the paper into her pocket and shook her arms, loosening them. “Very well. Now show me what to do.” Hopefully, activity would put her mind at ease.

  He withdrew a potato. “Have you ever stabbed anyone?”

  “Yes,” she admitted, remembering when she thrust her knife into Soma’s side at the ball, the warm blood coating her gloved hands.

  “Guess we don’t need that.” He tossed the potato in the corner of the room where it landed with a thunk. “If you stab someone and miss an organ or artery, you might not kill them. However, if you slice a person’s throat deep enough, then you definitely will.”

  Her stomach rolled at the thought of purposely taking a life. She shoved the morality aspect of it away so she could focus on what needed to be done.

  “I would place the knife here.” He reached out and touched the side of her neck with his finger. “Applying pressure, slide the knife all the way to the other side. Then leave as quickly as possible.”

  “Okay,” she said. “I can do that.” Quick and efficient. Don’t overthink it.

  “Soma won’t be so easy. He’ll know the moment you enter his bedchamber.”

  Allyssa’s hands shook, and she became queasy at the thought of facing the assassin. “Do you suppose he has trip wires or things of that nature?”

  “I don’t know what he has rigged up. When you enter his room, attack immediately. Be quick, and show no mercy.”

  “What about using a poison instead?” It would be easier and less messy.

  “He’s been trained to sniff out the smallest trace of poison. He also has several antidotes. You’re going to have to physically kill him.” He handed her a knife. “How accurate is your throw?”

  “Deadly.” She smiled, taking hold of the weapon and feeling its weight.

  “Then I suggest you enter the room with a knife in each hand, ready to throw.”

  If she threw fast enough, she was certain she could strike Soma while he was still in bed, injuring him. Maybe she could even lace her knife with poison.

  “Let’s practice just to make sure your aim is as good as you claim.”

  They spent the rest of the afternoon throwing knives at targets and practicing hand-to-hand combat. Kerdan showed her areas of vulnerability on a body so that if Odar was engaged with Soma, she could go in for the kill.

  Anytime she had fought with the assassin, he always had the upper hand because not only was he exceptionally fast, but he also knew moves she’d never encountered before. Kerdan worked with her until she became familiar with Russek’s different fighting style.

  By the end of their session, she was drenched with sweat, exhausted, and, for the first time in a long time, felt accomplished.

  ***

  Returning to Kerdan’s bedchamber, Allyssa found a note lying on the floor. It must have been shoved underneath the door. She handed it to the prince, and he tore it open, reading it. “Since my family isn’t going to the northern lord’s home, Father has arranged a dinner tonight. He wishes to make a few announcements.”

  Her stomach growled at the mention of food.

  He tossed the paper on the table. “I want to disguise you as one of my soldiers so you can attend.”

  “Whatever for?” She had no desire to be anywhere near the royal family. Besides, she was exhausted and wanted to rest.

  “A few reasons,” he said, pulling off his shirt and heading into the bathing room. He could have waited until he was in there before removing his clothes. He didn’t need to be so informal around her. “I want to familiarize you with the castle’s layout,” he called to her.

  That was one reason. “Why else?”

  He didn’t answer. The sound of water hitting the copper tub echoed in the room, so she moved next to the half-open door and waited until the water stopped. “Why else?” she asked again.

  “Come in here so I don’t have to shout.”

  She rested her head against the wall. Mayra would scream about the impropriety of the situation. “That’s okay,” she replied. “I’ll wait until you’re done.”

  Pushing off the wall, she went over to the window and gazed outside. She was sick of being locked in this room all the time, and she missed her friends. Hopefully, they were safe. If everything went according to plan, they would stay that way. A few moments later, Kerdan exited wearing a fur robe. His wet hair dripped on his shoulders.

  “Your turn,” he said, nodding toward the bathing room.

  Before she cleaned up, she needed to know why he wanted her there tonight. She looked pointedly at him. “Fine,” he said, sitting on the edge of his bed. “I don’t understand how you can trust Odar given his past behavior.”

  The statement surprised her—they had already discussed the matter and she assured him Odar was trustworthy. “You should be thankfu
l I don’t hold your past behaviors against you.”

  “I’m alive today because I overthink things.” He sounded like Odar. “I’m just a little…concerned,” he admitted. “I want to make sure he is on our side. If something goes wrong, you’ll be killed, and I’ll be arrested for treason. There is a lot at stake.”

  “I know. And he has the same concerns about you. He’s afraid you’ll double-cross us.”

  “I’ve seen him around this castle. It’s his history with Shelene that concerns me.”

  Allyssa faced the window again. She knew all about Odar’s relationship with that woman.

  Kerdan stood and moved to the dressing closet. “I don’t trust anyone.”

  “What about me?” she asked, watching the room’s reflection in the window.

  “You’re different.”

  “How?”

  “You are a princess who can fight, you were tortured but held true to your principles, and you are loyal. I admire you.”

  Silence hung between them. He admired her? She thought he was simply using her. That she happened to be in the right place at the right time. He stepped out from the closet, and she turned to face him across the room. “Prince Kerdan, did you just compliment me?” she teased, trying to diffuse the sudden tension filling the room.

  “I don’t have many friends,” he said, his voice low, barely audible. “But I consider you to be my friend.”

  Her heart pounded from his admission. This rough military man considered her a friend? “Why?” she asked, curious. They barely knew one another, and she did not consider him to be a friend. Not like she did Marek or Mayra. Ally definitely, but not a friend.

  “Because I understand you. You make sense to me.”

  Allyssa had no idea how to respond, so she said, “I’m going to bathe and ready myself for tonight.” Without waiting for a reply, she hurried to the bathing room and closed the door.

  Chapter Twenty

  Dressed as a soldier with her hair hidden beneath a cap and black swirls painted on her face, Allyssa strode through the castle alongside another soldier of similar height and build. Four pairs of soldiers walked in front of her and three behind while Kerdan stood at the lead.

  The goal was for Allyssa to blend in and be inconspicuous, so these soldiers had not been told her identity. However, they probably knew who she was. Trying not to look around too much as they marched along, she noted each stairwell, where sentries were stationed, and the main corridors.

  Kerdan planned it so they would arrive just as everyone took their seats. He had explained that standard procedure in Russek dictated that soldiers guarding members of the royal family stand around the perimeter of the room. Allyssa knew what to expect and what to do once they arrived. When the doors swung open to admit them, she entered the small, intimate room, surprised the dinner would take place here instead of a ballroom. One large table dominated the space, and soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder against the walls.

  Kerdan took a seat on his father’s left. Allyssa fell in line with the soldiers against the wall to the side of the prince. It afforded her the opportunity to openly observe his facial expressions. He had assured her that neither of his parents would even think of looking at the guards so they wouldn’t notice her. Regardless, she stood stiff as a board, sweating. If discovered, she would be killed on sight or thrown in the dungeon. She refused to go back to that horrid place as a prisoner. Taking a deep breath, she observed the rest of the room.

  The queen sat on the king’s right, elegantly dressed in a gown the color of blood. Next to her sat Soma, Shelene on his other side donning an elaborate green dress, and Odar was seated next to the princess, holding her hand. Allyssa’s fingers itched to tear their hands apart.

  The rest of the rectangular table consisted of about two dozen noble families situated around it. The men had on thick tunics, many accented with furs. The women wore high-necked dresses with long sleeves, some with furs wrapped around their shoulders. Her attention drifted once again to Kerdan. He looked handsome and intimidating in his light gray tunic along with metal bracers on his arms and a long sword strapped to his waist. His hair had been pulled back and tied at the base of his neck. Even without a crown atop his head—he’d told her it was too cumbersome—he exuded a regal air and commanded the attention of everyone there.

  Servants brought out plates of food, and conversation filled the room. None of the guards spoke nor moved from their position against the wall. Shelene laughed, her voice floating delicately in the air. What did Odar say that the princess found so amusing?

  The king tapped his knife against his goblet, garnering everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming this evening,” he said. “Lord Ambrek,” he waved his hand toward the gentleman across from him, “leaves tomorrow with a convoy for Fren carrying the signed marriage treaty between Prince Odar and Princess Shelene. Once Fren sends the required troops, the marriage ceremony will take place.” Everyone pounded on the table in approval.

  Allyssa tried not to roll her eyes. Even if Odar was sincere and cared for Shelene, his parents would never approve of the marriage. Which was probably why King Drenton insisted they send soldiers before the ceremony took place. He wasn’t convinced of Odar’s motives. It was a good thing they’d be leaving soon.

  Odar smiled, seemingly pleased by the news. He took Shelene’s hand, kissing the top of it. Several women sighed, and a few of the men pounded on the table louder. Another thought occurred to her—did the king and queen of Fren still believe their son was dead? How would they react when Russek’s emissary arrived with news of an engagement?

  The king raised his hands, and those gathered quieted down. “I’d also like to announce that Russek’s army has reached the Emperion border.”

  Allyssa swayed on her feet. The soldier standing next to her shoved his shoulder against her, keeping her upright and still.

  “We have control over Fia and are establishing it in Landania as I speak.”

  Fia and Landania had joined the Emperion Empire. That meant her kingdom had already started fighting. Was Prince Zek of Fia alive, or had he been killed?

  “Our beloved queen took it upon herself to send word to Empress Rema and Emperor Darmik of Emperion that we captured—and killed—their daughter, Princess Allyssa.”

  Allyssa wanted to see the queen bleed, to wipe that smug expression off her hateful face. Her fingers twitched. Like every other soldier present, a sword was strapped to her belt. All she had to do was unsheathe the weapon and strike the queen down. Only ten feet separated them. But if she killed Jana, she would be dead within seconds. Soma would still be alive, and Kerdan might not be able to stop the war. She had to play this right. Her people deserved that much from her. She sucked in her pride and remained against that bloody wall.

  “The kingdom is in mourning. Now is the perfect time to strike,” the king said, shaking his fist in the air. “I leave in two days to lead my army into Emperion where I will establish control. We will be the mightiest and most powerful kingdom on the mainland!”

  Everyone in the room, except the motionless soldiers along the perimeter, cheered. Kerdan saluted his father, and the queen raised her goblet in approval.

  “The next time we celebrate,” the king pounded on the table, rattling the cups, “will be with the deaths of the empress and emperor. I will see my beautiful wife sitting on Emperion’s golden throne. I will not stop until she is ruling over what is rightly hers.” He grabbed his goblet, lifting it into the air. “To victory!”

  Everyone shouted, “To victory!” while stomping on the floor, the sound reverberating through the room. No wonder Kerdan was so eager to murder the royal family—they were almost out of time.

  A chill swept through Allyssa. She felt someone watching her. An elderly woman elegantly dressed in a purple gown with a large amethyst necklace was staring at her with furrowed eyebrows. There was something familiar about the lady. She sat close to the royal family, next to Odar, so she had to
be of some importance. But where had she seen her before?

  Allyssa gasped. Back home in her castle was a portrait of the former Empress Eliza, the woman who Rema had overthrown almost two decades ago. Jana’s mother. The lady in purple was an older version of the painting, still beautiful and with sharp, cunning eyes.

  Eliza’s attention drifted to Odar at her side. He raised his goblet in the air, kissed Shelene’s cheek, and chanted along with everyone else. If Allyssa didn’t know any better, she might think he loved Shelene and was pleased with the announcement. However, she noticed how rigid he sat, his balled fist on his thigh, his foot tapping on the ground. He radiated fury. Well, that made two of them.

  ***

  Allyssa paced in Kerdan’s bedchamber. How could a ruler toss away thousands of lives just to placate someone he loved? What a senseless, petty, arrogant prick. King Drenton didn’t deserve to reign over Russek. She glanced at Kerdan, who was sitting on the couch and carefully watching her. Too bad she couldn’t include the king in her assassination plans. His death would be well deserved.

  Bloody hell. She had been cooped up far too long in this place. Turning, she punched the wall, hoping to release some pent-up energy and aggression, but instead, her knuckles split open from the impact. She cried out in pain.

  “I told you Prince Odar and Princess Shelene are fairly cozy with one another,” he commented.

  “It’s an act.” She cradled her hand, wincing.

  “Will you please sit down? You’re going to wear a hole in the floor.”

  She plopped on the chair across from him. “Your plan better work.”

  He leaned forward. “It will. However, I think we need to discuss Prince Odar. I don’t trust him.”

  She groaned and rolled her eyes. Not this again.

  “He’s already deceived you once.”

  “Instead of discussing Odar, we should be talking about your sadistic father. If there’s one person I don’t trust, it’s him.”