Page 33 of Cage of Darkness
His eyes had a wild gleam that sent acold chill through her body. “That remains to bedetermined.”
She had the distinct impression he wasevaluating every word she spoke and gesture she made. In all thescenarios she dreamed up while locked in the dungeon, this wasn’tone of them.
Chapter Fourteen
Allyssa and Kerdan stoodopposite one another in the middle of the round room. When he firstsuggested theyfight, she didn’t think he actually meant sparring, so she wasrather surprised when he led her to this empty room a level belowhis bedchamber.
Dressed in rough wool pants, a thinshirt, and a tunic, Allyssa seemed more like the vigilante Lillythan a princess. She had even pulled her hair back into a braid,wrapping it around her head to get it out of the way. For the firsttime in weeks, she felt in her element.
“Since I am larger and moreskilled than you,” Kerdan said, “I will fightblindfolded.”
Bloodyhell, Allyssa thought.He certainly has a high opinion of himself. “While you are larger than me, your technique and skillremains to be seen.”
“Did you escape yesterday?”he asked while tying a strip of fabric around his eyes and securingit at the back of his head.
“Well, no, but—”
“Do you control a portionof your army?”
As the princess of Emperion, she wasinvolved in some of the decision making; however, she did not fighton the battlefield like Kerdan did. Her father refused to allow herany sort of actual combat or field experience. Her training wasdone in a sparring room or learned from her escapades throughoutthe city. “No,” she admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I amlacking.”
“I’m not trying to prove apoint, only to put you on equal footing.” He adjusted theblindfold.
In order to win against a bigger, moremuscled opponent, strategy would be key. And while Kerdan may notbe trying to prove a point, she certainly was. For what she lackedin strength, she made up for with cunning wit and did not need anadvantage.
“Are you ready?” heasked.
“One moment,” she replied.“My tunic is too long. I’m adjusting it so I can move easier.” Shepulled off the tunic, thankful she wore a shirt underneath. Sinceher boots would make noise on the stone flooring, giving away herlocation, she quickly unlaced and removed them, trying not to makea sound.
“I’m ready.” Instead ofremaining in front of the prince, she moved to the side of him. Hetook a step forward to where she had just been standing. Allyssaheld her breath and tiptoed behind him. Knowing she didn’t havemuch time until he figured out her plan, she slammed the bottom ofher foot into the back of his left knee, forcing it to bend whilesimultaneously grabbing hold of his shoulders and pulling them backtoward her.
He fell to the ground andheld up his hands, laughing. “When you fought the soldiers theother day, I wasn’t sure if it was sheer terror that fueled you orif you actually had some skill.” He removed his blindfold andlooked up at her, his eyes instantly intense. “I’ve heard PrinceOdar is proficient with a sword.” When she didn’t respond, heforged on. “Tell me how mystepbrothermanaged to capture thetwo of you.”
A reasonable question and one sheconstantly thought about. She shook her head, not wanting to revealthat when Soma attacked, she could have fled, but stayed behind tohelp Marek instead. Then, when the assassin threatened Odar, she’dreadily complied to his demands. If Kerdan knew her weakness, hewould use it to his advantage.
“Are you truly PrincessAllyssa?” he asked, jumping to his feet in one swiftmotion.
“I am,” she whispered,feeling oddly exposed before this man. Why were they here,fighting, in order to become better acquainted? What did he wantfrom her?
“Most princesses areconcerned with politics and using their position to theiradvantage. They do not bother to learn combat skills.” He rubbedhis chin, waiting for her to speak.
But she had nothing to say to thisstrange man. Her enemy.
“Your father is known forbeing a great military leader.” He took a step closer to her. Shehad to crane her neck back to see his face. “Did he teach you tofight?”
“Why do you care?” shecountered, taking a step back and putting more space between them.He wanted something from her—and she had an inkling it had nothingto do with the upcoming war. “What use am I to you?” Whatever gamehe played or line he toed, she had a sick feeling it was far moredeadly than being locked in the dungeon. She needed to tread withcaution.
“What use is theheirto the Emperionthrone?” He tilted his head to the side, his eyes dissecting everyinch of her face. She refused to flinch or show fear before thisman, although he made her cower inside.
He lowered his voice to awhisper. “I think you should be asking yourself this—what can theheir of theRussekthrone do for you?”
A chill slid over her skin. They wereon dangerous grounds. Staring into his eyes, she didn’t see a cruelsoldier standing before her, but a man hinting at an alliance ifshe was brave enough, strong enough, and cunning enough to forgeit. However, she had to proceed with the utmost caution. For allshe knew, Kerdan could be as cruel as Soma. “I am suddenlylightheaded from all the activity.” She wanted an opportunity tothink without him watching her every move. “I’d like torest.”
He leaned down close to her ear. “Youplay your part exceedingly well. You are just what I need.” Hestepped away from her, and his face shifted, becoming stern. “Allowme to escort you back to my room,” he said, his voice loud, clear.He scooped up her tunic and boots and exited the tower, leaving avery stunned Allyssa there with her thoughts in a jumble.Apparently, he also played his part exceedingly well.
***
“I am needed at themilitary garrison today,” Kerdan said to Allyssa as she stoodgazing out the window. “Would you like to accompany me or stay herelocked in my room?” The snow had to be several feet deep. From hervantage point, no roads were visible. How would she ever escape?“Allyssa?” he gently asked. “Are you all right?” He stood a fewfeet behind her.
