“Princess?” Neco asked, awaiting her decision.
She could feel the weight of the crown atop her head, even though she didn’t physically wear it. “Since Fren no longer desires the match, neither do I.” She faced Allek. “I want you to deliver a message to your king and queen. If Russek, or any other kingdom, should pose a threat to Fren, you are on your own. Do not seek Emperion’s help, for we will not give it.”
Allek pulled out Fren’s copy of the marriage contract, Neco snatching it and withdrawing Emperion’s. He tore the signature pages in two, the sound loud on the quiet road. And that was it—she was no longer engaged. Instead of feeling free, a dark sadness filled her.
“If Fren has any other matters to discuss,” Neco said, “they can send written correspondence to the empress and emperor. You will leave the princess alone. I believe she has suffered enough.” He offered Allyssa his arm, she took it, and they walked away from the Fren soldiers.
Breathing in the glorious Emperion air, she cried tears of joy.
“You’re shaking,” Neco whispered.
“I’m home.” A smile spread across her face, lighting it up. She didn’t dare look back at the sound of horses retreating. They continued on until the only sound came from the birds chirping.
Neco glanced back. “They’re gone.” His shoulders sagged, and he wrapped his arms around her. “I am so sorry,” he said, holding her tight. “Tell me what happened.”
She shook her head, not having the strength or energy to discuss it yet. “Marek?” she asked.
“He’s safe. Your parents, Mayra, Madeline, they’re all safe. We’ve been worried sick about you. Your parents—”
“I can’t,” Allyssa cut him off. “It’s too much, too soon. I need time to process everything.”
He didn’t push the matter. “I have horses just over the next rise.” They resumed walking. “I have some plain clothes for you to change into. You can burn that thing you’re wearing.”
She snorted. It felt good to be home. This was just what she needed—normalcy.
Neco’s arm stiffened, and he unsheathed his sword. Up ahead, under the cover of the trees, two horses she recognized munched on grass. “What is it?” Scanning the area, she didn’t notice anything out of place or disconcerting.
“Someone is nearby. I can feel it.” He pushed her behind him. “Do you have a weapon?”
“No.”
“My left boot.”
Reaching down, she plucked a knife free. Her arm shook. The last time she held a weapon, she’d killed someone.
A man donning a plain brown cape and hood stepped out from behind a tree, his face concealed in shadow.
“Stay where you are,” Neco demanded, raising his sword. “Who are you and what do you want?”
She didn’t see any weapons on the man; however, he was almost as wide as a tree and towered over Neco. His stance reminded her of a Russek soldier. She tensed.
“I wish to speak with the princess,” a familiar voice said.
“Kerdan?” She stepped next to Neco to have a better look.
Kerdan pushed his hood back, revealing his face, which was covered with black marks as if ready for battle. “The one and only.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked, taking a step toward him. His eyes drooped and there was a tinge of purple to the skin below them, as if he hadn’t slept in days.
Neco grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Do you know him?”
“This is Prince Kerdan of Russek.” His grip tightened. “We are on friendly terms with one another.” At least she hoped they were after her botched attempt to kill Jana.
“Russek held you hostage, said they killed you, and waged war on Emperion.” Neco tried to shield her with his body, preventing Kerdan from having a direct line of sight to her.
“Queen Jana did, but not her stepson. The prince kept me alive. He ensured my survival.”
“I only need a moment of the princess’s time,” Kerdan said. “Then I’ll be on my way.”
Neco’s focus remained on the prince as he whispered to her, “You need to fill me in on everything.”
“I will. For now, let me speak with him.”
He let go of her arm, and she rushed toward Kerdan. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”
“Neither did I,” he answered. His eyes flickered to Neco and back. “Can we speak privately?”
“That’s not possible,” Neco answered. “I will not allow the princess out of my sight. Especially after all she has endured.”
“Fair enough,” Kerdan answered. “But this is a private conversation.”
“Neco can be trusted,” she assured him. “He’s like a second father to me.”
“I assumed that to be the case since he was sent to recover you.” Kerdan rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not used to seeing you in a fancy dress.”
“Are you okay?”
“No,” he admitted. “Everything is a mess.” His shoulders hunched forward, and he made a fist, placing it against his forehead. “All my careful planning, and it’s come to this.” He shook his head, appearing defeated.
“I’m sorry we didn’t kill Jana. Your current predicament is my fault.” Did he need a safe place to stay? Was he in hiding? “Tell me what happened after we parted ways.”
“When I went to . . .” He glanced at Neco and lowered his voice. “When I went to kill my father, I found him dead. Stabbed to death.”
Someone beat him to it? Who else wanted the king dead and for what purpose?
“Soldiers stormed in, arresting me. That night, I managed to escape. I’d heard Jana sent soldiers into Emperion to attack. I immediately went to the base camp and ordered the soldiers to withdraw. I announced the king’s death and explained that Jana arranged for his murder, falsely accused me, and she was still sitting on the throne. I proclaimed my desire to overthrow her. The men loyal to me are under my command.”
“And the others?”
“Retreated in the chaos. Jana called all loyal soldiers to the castle to protect her. She’s holed up there with the nobles and their money backing her.”
“Why do you think she had the king assassinated?” It seemed as if it would have been easier to keep him alive if her goal was the destruction of Emperion.
“To arrest and kill me for the crime. Then she would have complete control.”
“What are you going to do?” Fighting a civil war would pit Russek against Russek. What a horrible position to be in.
“I’m going to fight for my throne…for my kingdom.” He took a deep breath. “Which is why I’m here.”
If he wanted Emperion’s support, she would have to discuss it with her parents before she promised him anything.
“I have another proposition for you.”
“I’m sorry you came all this way, but I’m not interested.” She had no intention of entering another arrangement with Kerdan. Her days of treason, espionage, and assassination were over. For the first time, she looked forward to returning to a boring life at court.
He clasped his hands behind his back and shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Will you at least hear me out?”