Page 90 of Cage of Destiny
The soldiers opened a path for theirprince, and he rode right up to them, jumping from his horse. Heran straight for Allyssa with a wild look on his harsh face. Shedismounted, hoping everything was okay.
He grabbed her, his eyes gleaming withemotion, and then kissed her. Surprise and happiness rushed throughher. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as hekissed her with a need and passion that rivaled her own.
Darmik cleared histhroat.Blasted.She’d forgotten they had an audience.
Kerdan pulled away, breathing heavily.Several of the Russek soldiers pounded their fists on their chestswhile shouting their approval. “My apologies,” Kerdan said to herfather, his eyes never straying from Allyssa’s face. “I need amoment of your daughter’s time.” Without waiting for Darmik’sresponse, he continued, “I never thought I would meet someone likeyou. My equal in every way. I would be honored to share my lifewith you.” He pulled out a ring, handing it to her. “This was mymother’s wedding ring. I wish for you to have it.”
It was a silver crown withsmall emeralds set into it. “It’s beautiful.” He held her shakinghand, sliding the ring on her finger. Kerdan had read her letterand chased after her. And that kiss.Blimey. She was in trouble for shewould never tire of the feeling of his lips on hers.
He half smiled before turning to faceDarmik. “Your Majesty.” He bowed. “I will formally come to Emperiononce I’ve been crowned king and Russek is stable.”
Darmik raised his eyebrows, lookingfrom Allyssa to Kerdan and back again. “There’s no need to waitthat long,” he finally replied. “We can start marriage negotiationsnow. The ceremony can be held once your throne issecure.”
“Thank you.” Again, theRussek soldiers hollered their approval, and Allyssa felt her facego flaming red from embarrassment.
“I must warn you, though,”Darmik said. “Allyssa’s mother, Empress Rema, won’t be easy to winover. And this marriage won’t take place without herblessing.”
“I understand.”
“We must be on our way.We’ll expect a visit from you in a few weeks.”
Kerdan leaned toward Allyssa andwhispered in her ear, “I am looking forward to a long and happylife with you.”
“And I withyou.”
He kissed her cheek and left, his lastlook at her burning with promise.
“Well, that wasunexpected,” Neco commented.
“Do you think Rema willapprove?” Nathenek asked.
Darmik chuckled. “Eventually. Once thetwo of them have gone head to head, I think Rema will come around.I know I have.”
Allyssa watched Kerdan ride away untilshe could no longer see him. Whenever they were together, he madeher feel like a normal person—not a princess. And she liked thatvery much.
When they reached the Emperion border,the Russek soldiers departed and a company of Emperion soldierstook over.
“This is a bit much,”Allyssa commented. They didn’t need a thousand men to escortthem.
“I wasn’t sure what theoutcome would be,” Darmik admitted. “They were stationed here,ready to be called into battle if needed.”
Thankfully, these men hadn’t beenneeded. Because Jana was dead. The threat of war no longer loomedover their heads and, for now, they were safe. Darmik ordered asquad to accompany them so they could travel faster. The rest ofthe Emperion soldiers were ordered to return to thegarrison.
***
When they entered Lakeside,Allyssa found it hard to breathe. They were home.Home.Everything here wasso dear to her. The bustling streets, the people, the smells, eventhe sounds. She loved and cherished it all. Everything she wentthrough and endured had been worth it to protect her people and herland.
They entered the castle through themilitary entrance since Darmik and Allyssa were a mess and in noposition to be seen by their court. When Allyssa dismounted, shestared at the castle. Her castle.
“Are you okay?” Nathenekasked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
“Yes.” This place had oncefelt like a cage to her. Now, it represented love, security, andfamily. “I’m home.”
“Yes,” Neco added.“Hopefully you’ll stay home for a while. No more sneaking out atnight, no more grand adventures. Let’s just have a few weeks ofquiet reprieve.”
“Come,” Darmik said. “Let’sgo inside and get cleaned up. There is a celebration being throwntonight in your honor.”
“I’m not sure I feel like aparty,” she replied. All she wanted to do was spend some quiet timewith her family.
