Page 88 of Cage of Destiny
Allyssa tossed and turned, unable tosleep in the duke’s house. Not only did the fact that so many haddied here disturb her, but countless people also kept coming andgoing throughout the night. Squads of soldiers continuously showedup to pledge their allegiance to Kerdan, who in turn dispatchedthem to other areas of Russek to hunt down Jana’s supports anderadicate them. Allyssa hadn’t had a moment alone with Kerdan allday. Neco told her Kerdan was leaving tomorrow to return toClovek.
Unable to lay there any longer, sheclimbed out of bed and dressed in her traveling clothes. Eventhough it was still dark out, she knocked on Kerdan’s door, wantingto say goodbye before she left for Emperion. He didn’tanswer.
Turning to the man standing guard, sheasked, “Is the prince not in?”
“No, YourHighness.”
“Then why are you standinghere?”
“He wants a guard posted athis door at all times.”
Allyssa eyed the man. “I have a letterfor him.”
“I can deliver it to himwhen he returns,” the man offered.
“That would be perfect.”She handed it to him. “Thank you.” She went to the stables whereshe was supposed to meet her father. He’d said they would leave atfirst light. Judging from the hint of blue on the horizon, the skywould start to lighten within the next fifteen minutes. That wasbarely enough time for her to saddle a horse and become acquaintedwith it before they departed.
When she entered the stables, thefamiliar smell of hay greeted her. Much to her surprise, neitherher father, Neco, nor Nathenek were there. Near the entrance, theirstack of supplies remained. Bedrolls, food, blankets, waterskins. Afew soldiers lingered about looking as if they’d arrived not longago. She vaguely wondered where they’d come from and where Kerdanwould dispatch them to next.
One of the soldiers nodded at her ashe passed. “If I were you,” he called over his shoulder, “I’d pickthe gray gelding. It’s fast.” He winked.
“Thank you.” Once, not sovery long ago, she would have been terrified to speak with a Russeksoldier. However, after spending so much time with Kerdan and hismen, she understood that what she had thought was brusque orboorish behavior was really her own lack of understanding for theRussek culture and way of life.
“Anytime,” the man saidbefore exiting the stables.
She found the gray gelding well-restedand already saddled. The horse came over and snorted ather.
“Is that a smile?” Kerdanasked, stepping out of the shadows not far away.
“I suppose it is,” Allyssaanswered.
He walked over to her. Exhaustionconsumed his face.
“You need to get somerest,” she chided him.
“I know. There’s just beenso much to do. Once everything is under control and I’m crownedking, then I’ll rest.” He stood before her, his hands claspedbehind his back, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
The past day had been a whirlwind. Somuch had happened. So much had changed. “Have you announced ouralliance yet?”
“No.”
“What are you waiting for?”She feared that the nobles might try to stake a claim to thethrone. Just because Jana was dead didn’t mean Kerdan’s crown wassecure. He needed every advantage he could get.
He shifted his weight from foot tofoot as if anxious. But Kerdan was never nervous. His hair hungloose around his face; the black swirls he usually painted on hischeeks and forehead were gone. “I’m waiting for your answer. Isthis what you want?” His eyes never left her face, making her feelnaked before him. As if he could look inside of her and know whatshe was thinking. “If you are not committed to Russek and to me,I’d rather remain friends and not marry.”
“Do you want to call itoff?” she asked.
“No. I wish to marry you.However, it is a lot to ask. My kingdom is in turmoil. Thesituation here is volatile. I’m sure your parents have concernsover the match.”
“I’ve spoken with myfather. While he can’t answer for my mother, he told me he wants meto be happy, and I am free to choose who I marry.”
He raised a single eyebrow. “You don’thave to make a political match?”
“Not if I don’t wantto.”
He folded his arms across his chest.“You deserve to be happy. Whether that is with me or not.” A fewsoldiers entered the stables. Kerdan turned to face them. “I need amoment alone with Princess Allyssa.” The men bowed andleft.
When he faced her again, she smiled athim. “I’ve already made my choice.”
