“Grevik,” Allyssa said, interrupting him midsentence. “Who’s that?”
A man was leaning against the building about twenty feet in front of them. He was dressed in a long cloak, his low hood concealing his face. He had a long sword strapped to his waist, the metal gleaming in the moonlight. Only soldiers and guards were permitted to carry swords in the city, and this man wasn’t dressed in the uniform of either. He pushed off the stone building and walked down the street, away from them, disappearing from their sight.
“I don’t know,” Grevik mumbled. “But whoever that was gave me the creeps.”
Allyssa nodded in agreement. “Let’s go this way,” she said, indicating the opposite direction the man had gone.
A block later, they passed a dark alley. Allyssa heard grunting noises. In the dim moonlight, she saw two men robbing an elderly person. Without having to say a word, Allyssa headed toward the shorter of the two men, Grevik going to the other one.
She ran and charged, doing a flying side-kick and hitting the thief. He landed on the ground with a thud. Jumping on top of him, she pinned his arms behind his back. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched Grevik duck, narrowly missing the punch the thief threw toward his head. Grevik wrapped his arms around his opponent, tackling him to the ground. After grappling with the man for a minute, Grevik finally had the upper hand.
“It’s about time,” Allyssa declared.
“My thief was larger than yours.”
“You’re bigger than me. What’s your point?”
Grevik shook his head, mumbling something unintelligible.
Now that the situation was under control, Allyssa dug her knee into the thief’s back, freeing her right hand. She felt under her cloak, locating a piece of rope. Pulling it out, she used it to secure his hands together.
“Thank you,” the elderly man said, his voice shaking.
“Are you all right?” she asked. He nodded.
Grevik searched the thieves and returned the elderly man’s possessions. The man left, eager to return home. Allyssa and Grevik dragged the thieves to their contact in the City Guard. Afterwards, they parted ways and Allyssa headed back to the castle.
Going in through the servants’ entrance, she pulled her plain hood low, pretending to be a worker reporting for duty. No one paid her any heed since she did this almost every single morning, using Madelin’s name if questioned. Passing the kitchen, Allyssa noticed there were only two servants up at this hour, preparing the fire in the ovens and cutting vegetables for breakfast. Her boots silently moved over the stone flooring as she made her way to the laundry room. Climbing on top of the dirty clothes and bedding, she raised herself up until she could grab onto the end of the laundry chute and pull her body up into it. She shimmied up the four floors, lifted the wooden door, and stumbled into her bedchamber, ready to climb into bed and fall into a blissful sleep.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Marek said as they walked down the corridor. “No one saw the wooden box you inquired about being delivered.”
“The Royal Chambers have guards posted at all times. Surely, someone would have seen a person enter the sitting room carrying it, especially since it looks so different from all the other gifts that arrived.”
He gave a curt nod. “I already reported the incident to my father, and we’re increasing security measures. Thankfully, the box is harmless.”
The thought of someone being in her family’s sitting room without her guards’ knowledge was frightening. What if that person had meant her or her parents harm? Would it be easy to attack the royal family? After all, she snuck in and out of the castle every night without notice. If she could do it, surely an assassin could as well.
“I’ve changed my mind,” Allyssa declared. “Instead of going to the Dining Hall, I want to go to the library.”
“Shall I have your breakfast brought to you?” he inquired.
“Yes.”
Entering the library, Allyssa headed to the section containing books about trees, certain the ring meant something. After pulling down all the titles that had the word oak in it, she set the books on a table in an alcove at the back of the library. Allyssa had no idea where books about jewelry would be so she sought out the librarian, Albek. He was a short, plump, elderly man who loved reading and preferred not to be disturbed.
Entering his empty office, she quickly wrote him a letter requesting that he locate books about jewelry made from wood. She left the note on his desk, knowing that once he found the books, he’d leave them on the table she regularly used.
Sitting down in the alcove, she scanned the books she had chosen. Several confirmed that the heaviest concentration of oak trees came from the Biztanek Forest, which she already knew. Other books discussed the various uses for oak, but none mentioned jewelry.
Marek quietly set a plate of warm bread, eggs, and fruit in front of her before returning to his post near the entrance.
Allyssa slammed the last book shut. Why a ring? What did it symbolize and why oak? Even though she didn’t have many answers, one thing was certain—the gift was no coincidence. It meant something, she was sure of it.
Madelin burst into the library. “Your Highness,” she gasped, out of breath. “You’re late.”
“Blimey,” Allyssa cursed. She’d completely lost track of time. “Is everyone there?” she asked.
“Yes,” Madelin replied. “They’re all waiting for you.”
Shoving everything into a pile, she closed the curtains so no one would disturb the books. Walking as fast as a respectable princess could, Allyssa hurried to the meeting room. When she entered, the entire Legion of Emperion and the dukes were sitting at the long table waiting for her. She tried to pretend that she wasn’t nervous, late, or out of breath from practically running there.
“Princess Allyssa,” her father’s steward announced. All the men stood and bowed.
“Take your seats,” she commanded everyone. “It’s time to start.”
The empress and emperor were situated at one end of the table, Prince Odar and his squire at the other end, everyone else in the middle. Allyssa headed toward the empty chair next to her parents.
As she passed by Prince Odar, Jarvik said, “Nice of you to finally arrive,” so softly that only she and the prince could hear.
Allyssa was about to say some witty remark, but thought better of it. Taking her seat, she personally greeted each duke, making sure to smile and appear confident, friendly, and kind.
Darmik took control of the meeting. “Our spies have confirmed Russek has invaded and established control in Melenia. Prince Odar has eye witness accounts that Russek’s army is also stationed along Fren’s border. As a result, I’ve extended offers to Fia, Landania, and Kricok inviting them to join Emperion.” There was a collective murmur around the room. “Everyone from those kingdoms will retain land rights and titles, but will now pay taxes to us, and we will gain control of their armies. Telmena has expressed their … dissatisfaction with this move. They plan to block any union between us and the kingdoms to our north.”
Jarvik cleared his throat. “If I may,” he said, asking the emperor for permission to speak. Darmik nodded, and the squire stood. “The king and queen of Fren are not opposed to the unifications of the kingdoms. They don’t believe Emperion to be a greedy, power-hungry nation. They understand you seek such a union for survival. However, Prince Odar’s younger brother is married to Crown Princess Jestina of Telmena, which means Fren has a solid and verifiable peace treaty with Telmena, and that cannot be broken. So while the king and queen do not oppose Emperion’s expansion, Fren must stand with Telmena.”
Allyssa’s eyes narrowed. Jarvik seemed well versed in his kingdom’s politics. She glanced at Prince Odar, who sat there staring at her with that beautiful smile of his. She wasn’t sure he was as aloof as he appeared; otherwise, he wouldn’t have such an intelligent squire speaking on his behalf.
“Which is what brings us here,” Rema said, speaking for
the first time. Jarvik took his seat. “We do not wish to acquire Fren under our empire; however, I am proposing a union between the kingdoms of Emperion and Fren. Both Princess Allyssa and Prince Odar are heirs to their respective thrones and both are first in line. A marriage will supersede Fren and Telmena’s treaty. As a result, Telmena will be forced to stand with Fren.”
“Not only that,” Jarvik added, “but Telmena is worried about Emperion becoming too large and powerful. If Prince Odar marries Princess Allyssa, Telmena’s concerns will be put at ease as long as Prince Odar sits on the Emperion throne and Fren doesn’t become part of the Emperion Empire until after the death of the current king and queen. We would also need your word that Emperion will honor Fren’s treaties with Telmena as your own.”
Everyone started talking at once. Allyssa sat back on her chair, thinking over everything that had just been revealed. Her parents needed the marriage in order to acquire the three kingdoms separating them from Russek. If Emperion combined the armies, Russek would be no match for them and would have no choice but to leave Emperion alone. Fren needed the marriage because Russek was ready to invade them. They required Emperion’s powerful army to keep Fren out of enemy hands.
“It is time to vote on the matter,” Darmik said, raising his hand. Everyone quieted down.
The prince no longer watched Allyssa. Instead, he scribbled something on a piece of paper in front of him. Jarvik, on the other hand, was staring at her. And he seemed mad.
“All those in favor of opening marriage negotiations between Emperion and Fren, raise your hand.”
Allyssa suddenly found it hard to breathe. She didn’t realize they were going to vote on the matter today. Her parents had asked her to keep an open mind; they never said it was already decided upon.
The dukes and Legion members unanimously voted to enter into marriage negotiations. Not once did anyone ask her opinion on the matter.
“I have a basic contract here,” Darmik said. “Let’s begin discussing terms.”
A little voice in the back of her head kept repeating the word marriage over and over again. She needed to leave the meeting room. There was no way she could sit there and listen to these men discuss the terms of her marriage. She glanced to the doors. Marek stood guard, watching her. She tried pleading with her eyes, begging him to figure a way to get her out of there. He pursed his lips, and she knew he understood.
Marek slipped out of the room, and another one of her guards took his place. Allyssa prayed he had a plan. A few minutes later, servants entered carrying trays of food and drinks for everyone. When one of the servants approached, she stumbled. The tray she carried fell on the princess, spilling food all over Allyssa’s dress.
“Forgive me, Your Highness,” the servant said as she bent down to pick up the tray.
“It’s fine,” Allyssa answered. “Accidents happen.”
Two additional servants rushed over and started removing the food from her dress. “Your gown is ruined,” a servant said. “I am so sorry.”
Allyssa stood. “It is fine,” she assured the girl. “I will go and change. If everyone will please excuse me.” As she glided from the room, Jarvik’s eyes narrowed. She could have sworn he knew she’d set up the incident to leave the meeting. She couldn’t help but smile.
However, instead of feeling victorious and free, shame overcame her. What would her mother say if she knew the truth? Rema never shied away from what had to be done or her obligations. Yet, here Allyssa was, running away. She hurried to her room to change so she could return to the meeting and at least give the appearance that she cared about her own marriage treaty.
***
Standing in the middle of the flower field, Allyssa closed her eyes, breathing in the heady, fragrant smell. The sun warmed her face, and a bird cawed from somewhere above. Peace coursed through her. She felt free.
“A true smile,” Prince Odar said.
Allyssa jumped. She hadn’t expected anyone to find her out here. Her guards stood a respectful distance away, giving the prince and princess privacy. Did Prince Odar wish to speak with her? Was he even capable of carrying on a conversation? “Good afternoon,” she politely said.
He smiled the devilish grin of his that she was sure made many women swoon. “I am here to become better acquainted with you.”
He stood next to her amongst the burgundy flowers that filled the entire northern area outside the castle. It was astoundingly beautiful. Her hand reached down, grazing the tops of the petals. The prince brushed the pollen off his sleeves and sneezed.
Raising her eyebrows, Allyssa asked, “What would you like to talk about?”
“You. Tell me about yourself.”
She wasn’t letting him off that easily. “What exactly would you like to know?” she countered, picking a flower and twirling it between her fingers.
“Do you enjoy attending balls?” he asked. “You looked lovely last night.”
“Thank you. I enjoy dancing,” she answered. He smiled at her agreeable answer. “And you?” she inquired.
He sneezed again. “Oh, I love parties and balls.”
Of course he did. “Do you hunt?”
He nodded. “Jarvik and I go all the time.”
Releasing the flower, she gazed into the prince’s blue eyes. “There is something I’m curious to know.” He nodded for her to continue. “If you’re the eldest son, and the younger one is married to the crown princess of Telmena, who will rule Fren if we marry and the king and queen of Fren are dead?”
“Someone will be appointed to rule—similar to the situation you have with Greenwood Island.” Prince Odar glanced back to her guards. “I don’t want to discuss politics with you,” he said, putting his hand gently on her arm.
She wanted to yank it away because the gesture felt too intimate, but she didn’t. Forcing herself to remain standing there among the red flowers, she faced the prince. If she was indeed to marry him, she needed to become better acquainted with him. “I think it’s wise for us to talk about politics if we’re to marry, don’t you agree?”
He shook his head. “There will be time to discuss wars and armies later, but not now. I’m too tongue-tied by your beauty,” he said, smiling that dazzling smile of his.
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. If the prince wanted to act like a typical courtier and had no inclination to be honest and truthful with her, then she had no desire to waste her time with him. “I came out here to be alone,” she stated. “If you don’t mind, I need a few moments to myself.”
His eyebrows drew together in confusion, as if he’d never been dismissed by a girl before. “I understand,” he finally said. Trailing his fingers down her arm, he lifted her hand, bringing it to his lips, where he softly kissed it. “Until next time.” He released her and left.
Allyssa sighed with relief. Tilting her face toward the setting sun, she closed her eyes, taking in its warmth. She put all thoughts of Prince Odar and him kissing her hand out of her mind. He may be devastatingly handsome, but that was all he had going for him.
Entering the library, she found it gloriously empty. She headed straight to the back wall where the private alcoves were located. The one on the end—the one she always used—still had its curtains drawn shut, so she flung them open and found the table stacked with books, just as she’d left it. Sliding onto the cushioned bench, she noticed two additional books about wooden jewelry. The librarian must have left them for her. She peeled back one of the covers and flipped through the pages, looking for some clue about the wooden ring she’d received.
“Princess,” a gruff voice said.
“What?” Allyssa snapped. Chiding herself for her nasty tone, she said, “I’m sorry.” Schooling her face into a mask of calm, she turned to whoever had interrupted her thoughts. “Yes?” she regally asked.
Jarvik stood there, staring at her. “I’d like to have a word with you.”
Allyssa froze. What did the squire want with her? Perhaps he came to reprimand h
er for dismissing the prince so easily the other day. She hadn’t spoken with Jarvik alone since the ball. Taking a deep breath, she prayed she could remain calm and not lose her temper. She motioned to the bench on the other side of the table, inviting him to join her.
He sat down and peered at the books lying on the table. “What are you reading?”
Slamming the book shut, she placed it on the bench next to her. “None of your business,” she answered.
His eyes narrowed. “You know, if you and Prince Odar marry, you and I will be working together quite often.”
Interesting choice of words. Not when she and the prince married, but if.
“I would prefer to work closely with the prince, not his lackey.” She folded her arms and leaned back against the wall, awaiting his response.
“I don’t care what you prefer,” Jarvik said, contempt in his voice. “The fact of the matter is, our kingdoms face war with Russek. We must do things we might not want to, in order to ensure the safety of our subjects.” He leaned forward on the table, as if challenging her to disagree with him.
“What is it you came here to discuss?” she asked, ready to be rid of the surly man.
“Prince Odar would like you to join him for a private dinner tonight.”
She sat there, staring at Jarvik, not sure how to respond. There was no way she was going to sit through an entire meal all alone with the prince, at least not until she absolutely had to.
“Can we be frank with one another?” Jarvik asked, his eyes darkening.
“I thought we already were.” Around the squire, she found she didn’t have to watch her words like she did with members of her court.
Jarvik glanced at her guards, who were far enough away they couldn’t hear. “Do you already have a lover?” he questioned.
Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. A lover? “Why?” she demanded. He had no right to ask her such a thing.
“Prince Odar is my primary concern,” he said, his voice low. “If you are in love with another man, he has a right to know before he enters into a marriage contract with you.”
Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) Page 7
