Page 48 of Cage of Darkness
Kerdan turned and faced her. “I willgo and make sure Odar knows you’re alive and well. I’ll alsoarrange a time for the three of us to meet so we can come up with aplan. I want Jana and her family dead in three days.” He went tothe door.
“Why so soon?” Would thatgive them enough time to create and execute theassassination?
“If we wait any longer, Ifear you’ll turn up dead.”
“Speaking of which, how didSoma get in here last night?”
“He stole my keys when Iwas in a meeting with my father. But don’t fret, I already changedthe locks and added a few tricks of my own to ensure he won’t beable to enter this room again.”
She looked into the eyes of herenemy-turned-partner. “Thank you for tending to my wounds andensuring I received the antidote.” If he hadn’t shown up when hedid, she would be dead.
He gave her a silent nod andleft.
Chapter Eighteen
Allyssa sat on the couch while Odarstood with his arms folded across his chest, both intentlylistening as Kerdan outlined the plan he devised. The entire royalfamily would be visiting a powerful noble’s estate several miles tothe north in two days. There was one bridge they needed to crossjust outside a nearby town. All Odar and Allyssa had to do wasdisable the bridge so that when the royal family’s carriage wentover it, it collapsed, killing those inside. He then went on toexplain that he would take Allyssa to the town tomorrow. There, hewould point out the bridge and show her where the necessary toolswould be hidden.
“What about you?” Odarasked. “What role do you play in this?”
“I will be on horsebackwith my father. We will remain behind the carriage at a safedistance.”
“And once the bridgecollapses?” Odar asked.
“You run like hell.” Hefolded his arms, imitating Odar. Allyssa held in herlaugh.
“I suppose something simplelike shooting them from a distance wouldn’t work,” Odarmumbled.
“No, it wouldn’t. Once thesoldiers realized what was happening, they would hunt you down forassassinating the royal family. The bridge collapsing will simplyappear to be an accident. As chaos ensues, the two of you will beafforded an opportunity to escape without anyonepursuing.”
“Very well,” Odarsaid.
“Just be sure to claim youhave a stomachache and remain in bed so you don’t wind up in thatcarriage with them.”
The plan was bold, especially since itwould be daytime. However, Allyssa thought it would work. Kerdanhad assured her the terrain was such that she and Odar could easilyslip away unnoticed. The only thing he hadn’t explained was howthey would disable the bridge.
Odar looked from her to Kerdan andthen back again. “I’d like a moment alone with Princess Allyssa,”he said.
Kerdan nodded. “Very well, but bequick. I must escort you back to the royal wing as soon aspossible. We can’t risk Shelene realizing you’re notthere.”
Odar snorted. “She’s still asleep andwon’t rise before the midday meal.”
Allyssa bit her tongue. She reallywanted to say something nasty about the princess, especiallyknowing Odar once had feelings for her. But she didn’t want todisplay her jealous side before these two men.
Kerdan paused at the door. “I’ll be inthe hallway,” he said. “When you’re done, let me know.” It seemedlike he wanted to say more, but he left the room without anotherword.
“Before we discuss Kerdan’splan, I need to know how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine.” Her stomach andarm barely hurt.
He let out a sigh and sat next to her.“When rumors started circulating that you were dead, I almostmurdered everyone in a fit of rage.”
“How did you find out?” sheasked.
“Shelene told me. I thinkshe wanted to see my reaction. Thankfully, Kerdan pulled me asideand explained what happened before I did somethingrash.”
There were so many games anddeceptions in this castle of darkness.
Odar leaned forward and kissed herlips. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you.” He gently kissedher again. “You do understand that the marriage treaty I signedwith Shelene isn’t valid? That you and I are still legallyengaged?” He rested his forehead against hers.
