Page 86 of Cage of Destiny
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Allyssa stood at the edge of therooftop, overlooking the gardens below. The duke’s home was only acouple of stories tall, so it did not afford a spectacular view ofthe surrounding land like her castle in Lakeside did. However,being out here late at night with the full moon shining above, thewind caressing her skin, reminded her of home. Of how far she hadcome. How much had changed.
“I thought I’d find you outhere,” Odar said from behind her.
She stiffened at the sound of hisvoice. How long had he been standing there?
He came next to her, leaning againstthe stone edge. “I don’t much care for Russek.”
“Will you be returning hometomorrow?”
“Yes.” He didn’t look ather. “This reminds me of when I met you on the rooftop in Emperion.When we first agreed to work together.”
She had no desire to reminisce overthe past. “Is there something you want?”
“That was when I started tofall for you,” he admitted.
She clutched her hands into fists, notwanting to do this with him right now.
“Everything seemed sosimple back then.”
“Have a safe journeyhome.”
She turned to go, and he gently tookhold of her arm, stopping her. “I’m sorry. For everything.” Hisvoice was husky, sending a jolt through her.
“Let go.” She couldn’tthink with him touching her.
“I can’t,” he whispered. “Istill love you. I don’t know how to live without you.”
Allyssa shook her head. He had noright to say such things to her. Not after everything he’d done. Atear slid down her cheek. Back in Fren, all she’d wanted was tohear him say that exact thing to her. Now, it was toolate.
“Allyssa…”
“What do you want fromme?”
“Say you still love me.”His fingers held her arm, almost pulling her toward him.
“How could I ever trust youagain?”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Foreverything. Pretending to be Jarvik, being a brute, and severingthe marriage contract. I’d take it all back if I could.”
“But you can’t.” And ifhe’d never pretended to be Jarvik, she might never have fallen forhim. Since he’d resumed being Odar, she hadn’t felt that sameconnection to him. Truthfully, she didn’t like the man he’dbecome.
“You’re so stubborn.” Helet go of her arm, turning to face the gardens again.
“You need to understandthat I am no longer the woman you met on the rooftop in Lakeside.I’ve changed. What I need, what I want, has changed aswell.”
“People don’t change,” hesaid.
“If I haven’t changed, thenI’ve found myself. I know what I’m capable of, what I want, andwhat I deserve.”
“Is this because of him?”Odar hissed, running his hands through his hair. “Are you choosingKerdan over me?”
“I’m not choosing anyone.”She was trying to explain that she no longer loved him. Leaningagainst the stone wall, she said, “Your parents made it perfectlyclear they won’t sanction a union between us.” Especially now thatRussek no longer posed a threat, Fren would never willingly joinwith Emperion.
“I can convince my fatherto change his mind.” He glanced at her, his eyes glassy. “I loveyou, and I swear I’ll make it up to you. I will earn back yourtrust.”
She shook her head. There was nothinghe could do to mend that rift. There would always be a part of herthat cared for him, and a part of her that would never fully trusthim.
