Page 5 of Cage of Destiny
“I asked the secondquestion to ascertain the reason you wish to save Odar’s life.” Hesat on the couch, crossing his legs and patiently waiting for herto explain.
How could she make him understand thatshe felt responsible for Odar? That she didn’t want him to dietrying to kill Jana on her behalf. She was the one who struck thedeal with Kerdan, and she would be the one to finish it.
After a minute of silence, Natheneksighed. “The letter states that you and Odar have ahistory.”
She raised her eyebrows. He wanted toknow about her relationship with Odar? She blinked several times,not sure how to answer. Damn the tears that threatened. Biting herbottom lip, she forced her emotions under control. She didn’t wantNathenek to see the hurt and rage she felt.
His eyes narrowed. “WhatI’m asking is if you’re going after Odar to save his life becausehe is your friend? Lover? You owe him something? That is thewhyI’m seeking. Untilyou answer that, you will not leave this house.”
“Why do you need to knowthat?” What difference did it make?
“I can’t help you until Iunderstand your motivations.”
She wasn’t ready to explore hermotivations right now. That would force her to face everything thathad happened, and she was barely holding it together. Besides, shedidn’t need this man’s help. She turned to go to Savenek’sroom.
“Did your mother tell youanything about me?”
With her back to him, she paused atthe doorway. “No.”
“Twenty years ago, I wasthe best assassin Emperion had. Emperor Hamen chose me to go toGreenwood Island to eliminate Rema. I went and hunted her forweeks. I eventually tracked her to a fortress hidden in themountains. Despite there being an entire army to protect her, Isnuck in and abducted her, threw her on a ship, and brought her toEmperion to be executed.”
Allyssa turned around to face him. “Ididn’t know any of that.” Her mother had only told her bits andpieces over the years. He pointed at the couch and she sat down,curious to hear more about her mother’s past. Maybe it would shedsome light on why she faked Savenek’s death and why Nathenek raisedhim.
“During the voyage here, Itaught Rema to fight and how to throw a dagger. We becamefriends.”
“Why?” What happened thatmade him treat her mother with kindness?
“I was secretly workingwith a man named Trell. We planned to restore your mother to thethrone.”
Her mother never mentioned any ofthis.
“I fought alongside Remaand Darmik,” Nathenek continued. “I killed Emperor Hamen for yourmother.”
For some reason, she always assumedher father had killed Hamen.
He leaned forward, invading herpersonal space. “I will not allow you to throw away everything yourparents have worked so hard for.” He watched her, and she squirmedunder his scrutiny. “Do you understand what I’m saying?” he asked.Allyssa nodded. “Good. It is important for you to know about me andmy motivations.” He looked pointedly at her before leaning back onthe couch again. “I also raised your brother for sixteen years. Ifyou think for one second you can flee from me, you are gravelymistaken. I know every trick in the book. I can be a valuable allyor the biggest pain in your arse. The choice is yours.”
She must have heard him wrong. Oneminute, he was schooling her about the past. The next minute, hewas possibly offering to help her.
He folded his hands on his lap. “Whatwill it be?”
To secure his help, she hadto answer his question. Explainwhyshe needed to save Odar of Fren. And Nathenek hadmade a good argument as to why he would be a valuable ally. Anassassin—and maybe even a friend—would make the task infinitelyeasier. Kerdan had shown her the power of the right ally. Taking adeep breath, she said, “He’s going after Jana to protect me. Ican’t let him die on my account. I still… care abouthim.”
He rubbed a hand over his face. “It ismy understanding that he severed the marriage contract withyou.”
His words were like a knife stabbingher already-broken heart. “It’s not what you think.” It wasn’t justa political marriage no longer deemed necessary. There was so muchmore to it than that.
“Explain it to me so Iunderstand.”
“Odar ended our engagementbecause he loved me too much.” Blasted. She was supposed to havethis conversation with her mother, not a stranger.
Nathenek pursed his lips, consideringwhat she’d said. He looked skeptical, making her feel like alovesick puppy.
“Odar told me that all hisenemy has to do is point a sword at me, and he would give themwhatever they wanted to save me. Even if it was to the detriment ofhis own kingdom.”
“He broke up with youbecause of his own selfish fears?”
She nodded. Odar was afraid to loveher. The reality of it hurt worse than it should.
