When dinner was over, Darmik and Rema glided out of the Great Hall with Allyssa behind them. They usually retired to the Royal Chambers, which consisted of the family’s private sitting room and bedchambers. However, Allyssa needed to cool off before she faced her father for whatever it was he wanted to discuss. She decided to go to the library until her temper was reigned in. Besides, her tutor had requested she read a book on the history of Fren.
The entrance to the library was on the lower level at the east end of the castle. After parting ways with her parents, she headed in that direction with her guards trailing close behind. Given the late hour, most of the servants should be gone for the night, but as she went along the hallway, she encountered a dozen or so dusting the furniture, straightening the tapestries, and scrubbing the stone floor.
“What’s going on?” she asked Marek.
He took a large step so he was walking alongside and not behind her. “It appears the castle workers are preparing for something,” he answered.
Two maids bowed to Allyssa as they rushed by, carrying large bouquets of flowers.
“What are they preparing for?” Allyssa demanded, stopping to face Marek.
“I haven’t been told what specifically.” He clasped his hands behind his back and kept his focus just above her head, not meeting her piercing gaze. If they were alone, she would have punched him in the stomach for his ridiculous formality.
“Take a guess,” she said, putting her hands on her hips, her temper heating up instead of cooling down. She was the crown princess. He had to answer her truthfully.
His eyes flickered to hers momentarily before staring at that blasted spot above her head again. Marek cleared his throat and said, “Someone of importance is arriving. That’s all my father said.”
Allyssa started tapping her foot. “He didn’t tell you anything else?”
Marek shook his head. Allyssa resumed walking. When they had received word that Prince Zek of Fia was coming, her parents had barely done anything to prepare for his arrival. Of course, he was of little consequence. So whoever was coming now had to be of great significance to warrant so much preparation. But why keep her in the dark? Unless this was what her father planned to discuss with her. Given the fact that he wanted to talk in private because of her temper, this must have something to do with her. Something she might not take kindly to. She stormed into the library.
A fire roared in the massive hearth, casting a soft glow throughout the four-story room. She went straight to the section where the histories of the kingdoms were and immediately located the book her tutor had assigned. Since her guards were waiting patiently at the library’s entrance for her, she made her way to her favorite section. Trailing her fingers over the spines, she found the next book in the series she was reading for pleasure about a girl from a foreign continent who had magic and used a bo staff to wield that power. Allyssa was eager to learn if the girl defeated the evil king.
Fairly certain she could remain calm when she spoke to her parents, she headed to the royal wing, discreetly observing the people still awake and moving about. She had never seen this much activity at night. One sentry was meeting with a handful of guards, waving his arms about as if giving instructions. Several kitchen workers were carrying baskets of food to the kitchen. Dozens of servants were still cleaning.
When she reached the Royal Chambers, her parents had already turned in for the night. As Allyssa went to her bedchamber, she was filled with a sense of dread. Things were about to change. She just knew it. Thankfully, she was about to leave the castle and spend some time with Grevik. Chasing thieves through the city would help ease her nerves. At least, that was what she hoped.
Allyssa wished they were roaming the streets. She hadn’t snuck out of the castle to just sit in a tavern for hours and not do anything even remotely productive. They only had a couple of weeks until Grevik became an official City Guard, and they couldn’t track down criminals together anymore.
“You look more agitated than normal,” Grevik teased, poking her in the ribs.
She shot him a look of annoyance. “Why are we sitting here?” she asked.
He leaned back on his chair, observing the patrons eating and drinking. Now that she was paying attention, she saw several groups of people huddled close together talking. No one was playing cards. What is going on?
“Did you hear the news?” he asked, leaning forward on the table and lowering his voice. She shook her head. “My friend Vardin’s sister works at the castle. She told him another prince is on his way to ask for Princess Allyssa’s hand in marriage.”
Based upon the way Allyssa’s father was acting and the state of the castle, she’d suspected as much.
“People are saying the threat from Russek is worse than the royal family is letting on,” Grevik added. “The empress probably wants to align with another kingdom to strengthen our army.”
“We won’t go to war,” Allyssa said, unable to believe he was talking about her family without even knowing it. “Especially against Russek. They’re small and insignificant.”
“That may be,” Grevik answered. “But they are vicious. I heard they raped and murdered all the women and children in Melenia.”
Bile rose in the back of her throat. How could any man behave in such a cruel and evil manner? “Luckily, we don’t share a border with them,” she absently said, thinking about Prince Zek of Fia.
Grevik shrugged. “You never know, Lilly. At least we have the princess to ransom off to the highest bidder. I’m assuming it’s Telmena.”
She almost spit out her drink. “The prince from Telmena is an old croak.”
“I hardly think thirty is old,” Grevik mused. “And it doesn’t matter. He could be sixty for all I care. The point is we have an eligible princess who will strengthen our kingdom through marriage.”
Allyssa whacked her friend’s arm. “We don’t need Telmena,” she vehemently replied. “We’re strong enough without them.” Under no circumstances would she marry a man twice her age—even for the good of her country.
Grevik took another swig from his mug.
Straining to listen to those sitting at nearby tables, Allyssa couldn’t catch any of their conversations. Was this how her people saw her? A bargaining chip to be ransomed off to the highest bidder? She rubbed her hands over her face.
“You never talk of marrying,” Grevik said. “Why is that?”
Irritation coursed through her. Just because she was a girl didn’t mean she had to be enamored with the idea of marrying. “You don’t talk of marriage either,” she snapped.
He pursed his lips, staring at her.
“Are we just going to sit here?” she said louder than she intended. “Or are we going out? I, for one, need some fresh air.” Before she clobbered someone.
“Not tonight. The City Guard is having an emergency meeting. I spoke with our contact, and he told me to lay low.”
Unable to sit still another minute, she shoved her chair back and stood.
“Where are you going?” Grevik asked, finishing off his drink and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Home,” she lied. “I’ll catch you tomorrow.”
Wrapping her cloak around her, she exited the tavern and headed to a nearby alley. When no one was near, she climbed the ladder on the side of the building and made her way to the center of the rooftop, laying down on her back and staring up at the stars. The smell of baking bread wafted in the cool air.
She loved her kingdom dearly, but she would not marry some old geezer just to keep peace. There had to be another way. Emperion’s army was strong. Surely, they could keep their borders secure. All her life, she knew she’d most likely have an arranged marriage—she just didn’t realize it would come so soon and be so … so unappealing. A tear slid down her cheek, and she punched the rooftop. She would not cry like some silly girl. She was better than that.
Growing up, her parents were always happy. Even if they were dealing with a
nasty political issue, they always had one another for comfort and support. She knew her parents loved each other and that they were best friends. Allyssa desperately wanted the sort of marriage her parents had—one of mutual love and respect.
Gazing up at the stars, she found the biggest and brightest one. “I wish to marry a man who possesses all my heart’s desires and who is the prince of a great kingdom that can complement and strengthen Emperion.”
***
Taking a steadying breath, Allyssa released the bow string and the arrow sailed through the air, landing with a small thud directly in the bull’s-eye. She nocked another arrow, aimed, and released. Again, a direct hit.
Her father had taught her everything she knew. When she was only four, Darmik showed her how to defend herself. She learned how to shoot a bow and arrow by the time she was six, could accurately throw daggers from a long distance by the age of eight, and had been sparring for as long as she could remember.
Mayra, who stood beside her, raised her own bow and attempted to hit a much closer target. She released her arrow, and it struck the outer ring.
“Lower your left arm when you aim,” Allyssa instructed.
“That’s what my father always says,” Mayra answered, nocking another arrow. “I’ll never be as skilled at archery as you.”
“You don’t practice enough.”
“I’d rather be studying another language than doing archery,” she replied with a wry smile, releasing the arrow and hitting the outer ring for a second time.
Mayra had always been interested in other languages and cultures. In fact, she had quite the ear for linguistics, so good that Neco had sent her on a few missions as a spy.
“Gah,” Madelin said as she stomped her foot, her target still empty. “What is the point of us shooting?” she asked from the other side of Mayra. “This is tedious. Shouldn’t we practice dancing instead of archery?” She set her bow down and folded her arms.
Allyssa chuckled, ignoring her friend. Madelin complained every time they did this.
“If you’d like some help,” Marek said, stepping forward, “I could be of assistance.”
“That would be lovely,” Madelin cooed as she bent over, picking her bow back up.
Mayra rolled her eyes. “Really, brother? Aren’t you supposed to be guarding us? Not flirting?” She released another arrow, hitting the outer ring, again.
Marek whacked his sister’s arm. “I’m guarding the princess, not you,” he chided.
“I hardly think helping Madelin shoot is guarding the princess,” Mayra replied.
“It’s fine,” Allyssa said, not wanting them to fight. She honestly didn’t mind and had suspected Marek and Madelin had feelings for one another for quite some time. Besides, there were half a dozen soldiers guarding Allyssa right now, and they were still on the castle grounds. If Marek wanted to spend a few moments with Madelin, he could.
Allyssa took another arrow from her quiver and nocked it. The skirt of her dress swayed to the left from the gusty wind. Adjusting her aim accordingly, she released the bow string. Direct hit. She really should request the targets be moved further back. This was far too easy.
“I don’t think Father would want the two of them courting,” Mayra mumbled to Allyssa.
“Why?” she asked. Allyssa didn’t think Marek and Madelin were courting—flirting definitely, but it hadn’t progressed beyond that.
“Marek works here. It’s unprofessional for the head of your personal guard to show interest in your lady-in-waiting.” Mayra put her bow on the ground.
Allyssa set her bow down next to Mayra’s. “Weren’t both your parents servants when they met?” Rema had told her Marek and Mayra’s father, Neco, was in the elite guard with Darmik and their mother, Ellie, was Rema’s chambermaid years ago on Greenwood Island before Rema overthrew the illegitimate king.
“Yes, but that was different.”
“I don’t think so. I’m sure your parents would be fine with Marek courting Madelin. Besides, your two families are close.”
Allyssa peered over at Marek and Madelin. Marek stood behind her, his hands on her arms, angling the bow properly.
Mayra rolled her eyes.
“Oh come on, it’s sweet,” Allyssa said. She suspected her friend was probably just jealous.
“No,” Mayra said. “It most definitely is not. It’s gross. He’s my brother.”
One of Darmik’s stewards approached, clearing his throat. “Princess Allyssa, His Majesty bid me to deliver this.” He handed her an envelope closed with her father’s seal.
She tore it open and read the hastily written letter. Her father wanted her to arrive at the Throne Room in two hours’ time. A dress had been laid out for her in her bedchamber. She turned the paper over, looking for more. That was it. Very strange.
“I’m assuming you heard the news about Prince Zek?” Mayra asked after the steward left.
“I haven’t heard a word.” She needed to go to her bedchamber to change; however, she wanted to give Marek and Madelin a few more minutes alone.
Mayra whispered, “He was seen leaving this morning. I overheard my father say that your parents insisted he be gone before sunrise.”
As relieved as she was to hear the boring prince had finally gone home, it only confirmed Grevik’s gossip that someone of more importance was coming.
Staring at herself in the mirror, Allyssa ran her hand down the red material of her dress. She couldn’t help but admire the exquisite fabric and attention to detail her personal seamstress had taken in making the gown. The outer material was softly woven silk, while the top skirt had a slit down the middle, allowing the underskirt to be seen with its intricate embroidery. The edges and square-shaped neck were lined with diamonds. It was utterly beautiful, elegant, and classy—something befitting of an empress.
Mayra finished loosely braiding Allyssa’s hair.
“Why all the fuss?” Allyssa whispered. She still hadn’t had a chance to speak with her father.
Her lady-in-waiting sighed, not answering her. She picked up the crown and placed it atop Allyssa’s head. “There,” she said, “you’re ready to go to the Throne Room.”
Allyssa raised her eyebrows, waiting for Mayra to offer additional information. Mayra started tidying up the dressing room, studiously ignoring her.
Knowing her friend’s keen ear for gossip, Allyssa asked, “Is the prince from Telmena coming?” If she had to entertain the idea of marrying a thirty-year-old goat of a man, she’d consider running away until he found someone else to wed.
Her lady-in-waiting froze. “No,” she whispered. “Although, I did hear an interesting rumor about his sister, Princess Jestina of Telmena. Since the crown passes through the female line, Telmena wanted Princess Jestina to marry the Crown Prince from Fren, uniting their two great kingdoms. However, the prince from Fren refused to marry her. To prevent their countries from going to war, the prince’s younger brother, Prince Kren, married Princess Jestina instead.”
“Why do you think this information is of use to me?”
Mayra shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.”
If the prince from Telmena wasn’t coming, then it had to be the Crown Prince from Fren. Otherwise, Mayra wouldn’t have bothered sharing that bit of information. Allyssa abruptly turned and exited her bedchamber, her guards falling in position behind her. As she neared the sitting room in the royal wing, she heard her parents talking to Neco. Unable to stop herself, she paused in the hallway, listening.
“The royal convoy just entered the city,” Neco announced.
It was wrong to eavesdrop, but she wanted to know if her suspicions were correct. Thankfully, Marek wasn’t on duty; he’d have made noise to ensure she was discovered. She waved her four guards back, and they dutifully, and quietly, obliged. Allyssa peered around the corner.
Darmik rubbed his face while Rema stood and went to the window, looking outside.
“I’ve dreaded this day would come,” the
empress said. “I’ll go and talk to her.”
“I’ll go with you,” Darmik added. “After all, this was my idea.”
Neco cleared his throat. “With all due respect,” he said. “It’s the only feasible option. She’ll understand that. Her tutor has done an excellent job ensuring she understands the politics of the continent.”
“I certainly hope so,” Rema said, “because if she doesn’t, we’ll have a bloody war at our doorstep. I promised to protect the people of Emperion, but it can’t be at the expense of my daughter.”
“Before we make any decisions, we need to meet the prince to make sure he’s suitable,” Darmik said.
“I agree,” Rema uttered.
“From all the reports I’ve received, he’s more than adequate,” Darmik assured her. He went over and embraced his wife. Neco bowed and left.
Holding her head high, Allyssa entered the sitting room. “Care to tell me what is going on?” She sat on the sofa, patiently waiting for her parents to explain why the prince from Fren was due to arrive at any minute.
Darmik took a step toward her, as if approaching an injured animal. “It has all happened rather suddenly,” he said.
She laughed. “Suddenly? You’ve had enough time to prepare the castle for our special guest.”
Rema looked at her with red eyes. “Honey,” she said, “I need … no, we need you to be on your best behavior for this prince.”
“I’m always on my best behavior.”
Darmik snorted and folded his arms.
“What I mean is,” her mother continued, “that there’s a lot of political turmoil going on right now throughout the continent. We need to feel Prince Odar of Fren out to determine where his kingdom stands.”
Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) Page 4
