Red (The True Reign Series) Page 3

  Rema asked, “Can you at least please tell me how I got here?”

  “Yes.” Mako smiled down at her. He seemed a bit shy. Rema liked that he was soft spoken. There was something comforting and peaceful about this man.

  “I shot an arrow through the rope around your neck, and you fell. One of my men grabbed you and escaped from the grounds through a secret tunnel. I met the two of you just outside the exit with a horse. My man handed you over to me, and then I brought you here.”

  Rema lay there, stunned. “But why?” she stammered. “Why would you help me? I’m no one of importance, and you’ve committed an act of treason!”

  “We’ll have plenty of time to discourse on the matter later, in more depth. Before I go,” Mako said, looking away from her, “I have a question for you. You lived in the castle with the king and princes for several weeks?” He turned back toward Rema.

  “Yes,” she answered, surprised by the change in topics. She was still wondering why he rescued her in the first place. Did he owe a debt to Kar and Maya? Was this his way of repaying them? Her head started pounding, and she winced.

  Mako handed Rema a silver cup containing some sort of pungent-smelling liquid. She drank it, the contents soothing her at once.

  Vesha entered the room. “Oh, sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know you were in here. My mother ordered me to sit with her.”

  “It’s okay,” Mako said. “Can you do something for me?” Vesha nodded. “Find Savenek and let him know we’ve returned. Tell him I need to speak with him in my office, immediately.”

  Vesha nodded and left.

  When the door closed, Mako turned his attention back to Rema. “When you stayed at the castle, did you spend a lot time with either of the princes?”

  Why in the world did Mako care if she spent any time with Darmik or Lennek? “No more than was absolutely necessary.”

  Mako stood and moved to the hearth, his back to her. “On the way here, I had an altercation with Prince Darmik.” He glanced over his shoulder.

  Rema jerked and Mako nodded, as if he had expected her reaction.

  “Is Darmik all right?” Even though she knew he didn’t love her, she still didn’t want him hurt, or worse, dead. Her hands clutched into fists, waiting for Mako’s answer.

  “We briefly fought,” he responded, “but you were bleeding profusely. Darmik noticed and backed off, so I could get you to a healer.”

  “What do you mean . . . he backed off?”

  Mako turned to face Rema, his hands clasped behind his back. “He stopped fighting and lowered his weapon.”

  That surprised Rema. She was stuck in that hellhole of a dungeon for over a week, and Darmik showed no signs that he cared what happened to her. Even at her sentencing, he barely looked her way.

  Her eyes filled with tears. “I have no idea why he would let me go.” Perhaps Darmik only wanted her healed so he could capture her, returning her to the castle in order to watch her execution.

  “I’m guessing he wanted to track us, thinking that I’d lead him to our base camp.” Mako smiled. He seemed to do that a lot. “At first, I was afraid that you two had formed a friendship.”

  Rema’s face heated up. She tried hard not to reveal any facial expressions. She didn’t want Mako to know she once had feelings for Darmik. Mako stood staring at her, waiting patiently for an answer.

  Clearing her throat, Rema said, “No.” She couldn’t prevent her voice from quivering. “My head hurts. I need to rest,” she lied. She wanted to be alone to sort through her feelings for Darmik.

  After Mako left, Rema couldn’t prevent the tears from coming. The door creaked open, and she squeezed her eyes closed.

  “Are you all right?” Vesha asked. “Do you need me to get my mother?”

  “No. I’m fine,” Rema said. “I’m not crying because of my head.” She wanted to tell the girl that she was crying because her heart was broken. She thought Darmik loved her, but he was only using her, and she had fallen for it. However, Rema couldn’t confide that in someone she just met.

  “Sometimes I cry because I’m not allowed to leave the fortress,” Vesha whispered.

  “What?” Rema exclaimed, looking into Vesha’s brown eyes. “You can’t leave?” The girl shook her head. Fear coursed through Rema’s body. Why couldn’t she leave? What sort of place was this? “You mean, you’ve never been anywhere?”

  “No, never.”

  Rema laughed. Vesha’s eyebrows bent inward. She opened her mouth to say something, but Rema cut her off. “I’m only laughing because we’re like two peas in a pod. I wasn’t allowed to leave my home either. Until Prince Lennek came for me. Then he locked me up in his castle and didn’t allow me to go anywhere.” Her hands squeezed the blanket.

  Vesha’s eyes widened with shock.

  Rema patted the bed, inviting Vesha to sit next to her.

  “It’s difficult having no control over your life, isn’t it?” Rema asked.

  “You have no idea.” Vesha sat down, the mattress sinking under her weight.

  “You’d be surprised. Would you like to hear my story?” Rema asked.

  “I’ve been dying to know more about you. I’ve never seen anyone with blonde hair and blue eyes before.” Vesha ducked her head. “But I was told not to ask you any personal questions.”

  Rema felt like she could trust Vesha—almost as if they’d known each other all their lives. She went on to reveal all the events that happened over the course of the past season. About how she was supposed to marry Bren, her best friend, but Lennek killed him. How Lennek forced her to accept his marriage proposal. How she was taken to the castle and locked in a room there. Then she told Vesha about being thrown in the dungeon and the almost execution. Rema was very careful to leave out all parts relating to Prince Darmik.

  “Wow. That is so exciting.”

  “No,” Rema said, “it was terrifying.”

  “But at least you got to experience something. All I do is help my mother and train. That’s it. My mom thinks that because I’m a girl, I can’t go on missions or run errands. But she’s wrong. I can do those things.”

  “What are you training for?” Rema asked, curious about the brown, leather things she saw her wearing earlier.

  “I’m not supposed to say. When you’re better, Mako is going to show you around the fortress and explain everything.”

  “It sounds like I’m back to my old life of not being allowed to do anything or see anyone.” Rema signed. “But at least we’re safe, right?”

  Darmik

  King’s City loomed ahead. Darmik steered Nightsky toward the secret tunnel, hoping to make it inside the military compound before the king discovered his presence. Darmik was thankful that he had found Nightsky; otherwise, he would never have made it to the city so quickly. After he had left the cave, he headed away from the Middle Mountains, in the direction of the footprints, just like he thought the rebels wanted him to. When he reached a small village, Darmik found Nightsky tied to a post on the edge of the town. Now he knew, without a doubt, that the rebels went in the opposite direction, somewhere up in the Middle Mountains—which was insane, but it made sense as to how they managed to stay hidden from the King’s Army.

  Entering the tunnel, Darmik saw evidence of his earlier scuffle with the rebels. The dirt floor was roughed up, but at least the dead bodies had been removed. He wondered how the rebels discovered the tunnel in the first place. He’d have to look into that matter later.

  After stabling his horse, he went straight to his office, where he found several messengers eagerly awaiting his return.

  Before anyone could speak, Darmik held up his hand, stopping them. “Where is my elite squad?”

  “Commander,” a soldier stepped forward, “they’re out looking for you.”

  “Raise the flag,” Darmik ordered. Neco wouldn’t return with the squad unless he knew Darmik was in the compound. If the royal-blue flag with the silver crown was flying outside, then Darmik was on the premi
ses. “When they return, see that Neco comes straight here. Dismissed.”

  “Commander, do you want our reports first?” another soldier asked.

  “No,” Darmik responded. “I’ll hear them later. Everyone out. Oh, and you,” Darmik pointed to his personal runner, “see that Captain Phellek comes to my office as soon as possible.”

  Once everyone left, Darmik rummaged through his desk, locating various maps. He pulled out several that showed the area surrounding the Middle Mountains. One marked the lower perimeter of the mountains; however, none revealed the actual terrain farther up.

  There was a knock on the door, and Captain Phellek entered.

  “Have you been in charge since I left yesterday?” Darmik asked.

  “Yes, sir. The king ordered all rebels to be killed on sight. Prince Lennek has demanded that Rema is to be brought before him, and she’s to be alive.”

  Darmik figured as much. “I have a special assignment for you.”

  “Of course, Your Highness.”

  Darmik sat down and indicated that Phellek should do the same on the chair opposite his.

  “No one is to know,” Darmik said, hoping Phellek would understand he meant King Barjon and Prince Lennek.

  “You have my word,” he promised.

  Darmik considered Phellek as a father figure. When he was just a boy, Phellek took him under his wing and trained him. The man even gave him his prized sword. There was an unspoken respect between the two of them, and Darmik felt confident Phellek’s loyalty was to him, not the king.

  “My flag has been raised. I expect my elite squad to return at any moment. As soon as they do, I’m going to set out with the First Company for the village towns in Telan near Greenwood Forest, under the assumption the rebels are located somewhere around there.”

  Phellek nodded. “How can I be of service?”

  “Neco and I are actually heading out on a secret mission. No one can know we’re gone. I’m pretty sure I’ve located the rebel base camp, and plan to do some reconnaissance. In order for this to happen, people need to believe I’m leading the First Company to the village towns, and that we are actively searching the surround areas. Do you understand?”

  “Yes,” Phellek said.

  “I am going to choose a man of similar height, build, and age to replace me and lead the First Company to Greenwood Forest. I need you to lead my elite squad on a separate secret mission to find a man by the name of Trell. He lives in Werden. Bring him back here without anyone knowing. Keep his presence a secret. Can you do this for me?”

  “Of course.”

  A young messenger boy entered the office. “Commander, your elite squad has been spotted outside the city.”

  Darmik nodded, dismissing the boy. “Go ready yourself. You ride out today.”

  Phellek nodded. “May I ask something of you in return, Darmik?”

  Darmik noticed the lack of his title. Phellek only used his name informally when they were alone, and rank was not an issue. “What is it?”

  “On your quest with Neco, watch yourself. You may be able to move without notice and much faster than with your squad, but the rebels won’t hesitate to kill you. And you won’t be able to stop them if you’re outnumbered. Your title of Commander and Prince means nothing to them.” Phellek reached out, resting his hand on Darmik’s shoulder. “This is war. Even you are not invincible.”

  Darmik stood. “Thank you for your concern. I will be extra cautious.”

  “The kingdom can’t survive without you. The king would destroy it. You are our only hope.”

  Darmik stuck out his arm to shake Phellek’s hand. Phellek hesitated, knowing that a prince never shook hands like commoners did, but Darmik wanted Phellek to know how much he respected him and valued his opinion.

  “You have been the father that mine could not be. Thank you.”

  Phellek took Darmik’s hand. “And you’ve been the son I wish I’d had.” Phellek turned and left. As soon as he was out of sight, Darmik rolled up the maps and stashed them in a bag. He needed to go to the weapons’ room and the supply center.

  “Prince Darmik,” Arnek said, strolling into the office. “So you are, indeed, here. Prince Lennek saw that the flag was raised. The king wants to see you in the Throne Room. Now.”

  Darmik loathed Lennek’s personal steward. “The next time you enter my office without knocking first, like all servants are required to do, I’ll kill you. Understand?”

  Arnek flinched, but recovered quickly. “I’ll escort you there, Your Highness.”

  “I have a few things to do first. Tell my father that I will be there momentarily. You’re dismissed.”

  He knew he couldn’t keep his father waiting long, but Darmik had to pack before his squad arrived.

  ****

  Darmik entered the Throne Room still wearing his clothes from yesterday. At the end of the royal-blue runner was the marble dais, King Barjon sitting in the Throne Chair. Two royal guards stood on either side of the king, blending into the velvet fabric hanging from the ceiling behind the king’s chair. Other than that, the room was empty. The king must have already concluded his business for the day. Walking past the marble columns toward his father, Darmik kept his eyes and ears open for Lennek. His brother would not be happy with him for Rema’s escape.

  At the bottom of the dais, Darmik lowered to one knee and bowed his head. “Your Majesty.”

  The king did not respond. Instead, he sat there with his dark brown eyes boring into Darmik’s.

  A side door flew open, and Lennek stormed into the room, his royal-blue cape floating behind him. He stopped next to Darmik, who was still kneeling, and kicked him in the stomach. Darmik fell over, surprised by his brother’s physical aggression.

  Peering up into Lennek’s enraged face, he said, “Easy brother. Let’s not forget I’m on your side, and you need the army. You can’t afford to attack me.”

  “Silence,” the king ordered, “both of you.”

  Darmik rose to his feet.

  Lennek stood next to him, his arms trembling with rage.

  “Darmik,” the king said. “Can you please explain to me how Rema escaped from her execution? Not only was a noose tied around her neck, but you were in the courtyard along with at least a unit of armed soldiers. How did she get away?” The king leaned forward in his chair, his hands clutched onto the arms of it. His eyes narrowed at Darmik, as his nose twisted in disgust.

  “It’s all your fault!” Lennek screamed. “You let the whore get away!”

  Ignoring his brother, Darmik took a step toward the king. “Your Majesty, she was rescued by a small band of rebels. I have tracked them to the village towns located in the northern end of Greenwood Forest. I am preparing the First Company as we speak.”

  “And do you intend to apprehend her and the rebels?” the king asked, like he was speaking to a small child.

  Darmik needed to tell a believable lie. “No, Father. I intend to kill the rebels on sight, and bring Rema back here for her proper execution, as Prince Lennek so desires.”

  The king leaned back in his chair. “Are you capable of handling this matter?”

  Darmik bit his tongue to stop a nasty reply. Even though he was used to this behavior from his father and brother, it still hurt.

  Lennek sneered. “Darmik’s not capable of handling anything. He’s already proven that. I say we release him from his position as Commander.”

  “Enough,” King Barjon ordered. Darmik knew his father was aware that the soldiers were loyal to and trusted Darmik. Any shakeup in the ranks would have to happen at a more peaceful time. His father couldn’t afford to lose his most powerful weapon right now.

  “Darmik, you will lead the First Company to Greenwood Forest. Find Rema and bring her here. Kill the rebels and end this ridiculous spectacle,” King Barjon ordered. Lennek started to object, but the king raised his hand. “Once Rema is brought here, Lennek, you may decide her fate.”

  “Can it be a private execution?�
� Lennek asked with a malicious gleam in his eyes.

  “I don’t care what you do with the churl, so long as you finish her. As for you, Darmik, fail in this matter, and you will be relieved of your position. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” Darmik’s father never threatened his position before.

  The king nodded, dismissing him. Darmik hurried back to the military compound, hoping his elite squad was packed and ready to go. Time was crucial.

  Upon entering his office, Darmik saw someone sitting in a chair, his back to him. The man’s hair was cut short, his long, lanky legs crossed in a careless manner. Darmik closed the door.

  “So, you’re finally back from, well, I don’t know where exactly, but I assume you know where Rema is?” Neco stood.

  “I have a good idea,” Darmik responded.

  “Are we going after her?”

  Darmik stared as his friend. There was something in Neco’s eyes that told Darmik he wasn’t fooled by him—he knew Darmik cared for Rema.

  “All you need to know is that this is top secret. Pack for winter weather and climbing. We leave through the tunnels in thirty minutes.”

  Neco smiled. “This sounds . . . interesting.”

  Half an hour later, one of Darmik’s men from his squad, disguised as Darmik with his cape, hat, and sword, led the First Company through the streets of King’s City. In the midst of the chaos, Captain Phellek led Darmik’s elite squad toward Werden, and Darmik and Neco slipped through the tunnel, exiting the city walls.

  Rema

  Dreaming no longer held the escape it once did. Instead of beauty and adventure, the darkness was now filled with evil, violence, and betrayal. Fear consumed Rema every time she closed her eyes. What if, when she woke up, she was standing on the gallows? She could still feel the rope around her neck.

  Lying in bed, Rema’s fingers skimmed her tender neck, thankful the noose no longer entangled her. The pounding in her head was now only a dull pain and easily manageable. Based on her calculations, she had been there for about a week. And she still had no idea where there was. Rema yawned and sat up. Her room was empty. Glancing around, she noticed the door slightly ajar.