“What other weapons are you familiar with?” Jarvik asked.
She lowered her sword, breathing heavily. “Daggers, bow and arrow, that’s about it.”
“Let’s take a break,” he said, not even sounding winded. “What weapons do you plan to take when you meet with the assassin?”
She practically laughed. It didn’t matter what she had with her. The assassin was obviously a skilled fighter since he’d managed to render all her guards unconscious in less than ten seconds.
“Not here,” she replied, glancing at the soldiers near the doors.
“We should talk before we go,” he whispered.
“I know.” They needed to have some sort of plan in place. “Meet me in the library tonight,” she said, putting her practice sword away.
“Only if you can manage to be civil and not bite my head off.”
She rolled her eyes, unable to promise him anything.
***
At dinner that evening, Allyssa had been seated next to Prince Odar. She supposed it was her mother’s way of making it clear to everyone present that the two of them were officially courting. As soon as the marriage contract was finalized, they could announce their engagement and start planning the wedding.
“You’re awfully quiet tonight,” the prince whispered so only she could hear. Jarvik sat on his other side, Darmik beside her.
“I didn’t realize I was being unsocial,” she replied.
“I’d like to take you riding. You do ride, don’t you?”
“Of course,” she said.
“Are you available tomorrow?”
Besides being present in the Throne Room for the people’s petitions and on the balcony during the weekly address to the city, she didn’t have anything else scheduled. “I believe I can make time for you,” she answered. “Your squire can make the necessary arrangements with Marek, the head of my guard.”
The prince gave a slow nod. “Speaking of my squire, I have a few questions for you.”
She coughed, choking on a piece of food. Her father looked at her, and she waved him off. She was fine, just caught off guard by the subject matter. “What would you like to discuss?” She hoped it didn’t have anything to do with the assassin.
“The two of you … well, how shall I put it? You two seem to dislike each other,” the prince said pleasantly.
Allyssa glanced sidelong at Jarvik. He wasn’t looking her way, but she wouldn’t put it past him to be listening even though he seemed engaged in conversation with the man to his right. Setting her fork down, she gave the prince her full attention. “And this concerns you since we plan to marry?”
The corners of his lips lifted into a slow smile. “It does present some difficulties.”
“I understand,” she said. “You want him to move here with you, but not if there’s going to be animosity between him and me.”
“Exactly.” The prince picked up his goblet and took a long drink.
“Would it help if I made an effort to become better acquainted with him?” After all, she still needed the squire’s approval for the marriage to go through.
“You’re a good person,” Prince Odar quietly said. “I had feared that someone so young and beautiful, who had grown up in the luxuries of the Emperion court, couldn’t be a wise and just ruler. Now that I’ve met you, I can see my fears were unfounded.” He focused on his plate, eating his food without looking her way.
“I have a question for you,” she said. Glancing around, she made sure no one was paying them any heed. “Why Emperion? You already have a strong alliance with Telmena. Why not join forces with them and attack Russek?”
“We need Emperion’s army,” he answered. “It is the strongest and most capable on the continent.”
She opened her mouth to ask another question when he said, “I think we’ve talked enough about politics for one night. We can discuss such matters later, but not now.” He lifted his glass of wine, taking another drink.
“Of course,” she said. There was something the prince wasn’t telling her—something he was hiding. Otherwise, he wouldn’t change the subject every time she brought up their alliance or the upcoming war with Russek. Allyssa was determined to find out what it was.
Allyssa sent a message to the squire, instructing him to meet her on the castle rooftop instead of the library as planned. There were several questions she needed answered before they started working together. As of now, she’d feel safer sneaking out alone rather than entrusting her life to him.
Her father and Neco were so wrapped up sending spies to the front lines to obtain information about Russek that she’d barely seen either of them lately. Her mother was trying to finish contract negotiations with Prince Odar while managing to find the time to call up all the military reserves Emperion had.
Leaning on the stone railing, Allyssa gazed out over the city. Thousands of sparkling lights glittered below from windows, the breeze gently rustled her hair, and the moon cast a soft glow over the rooftop. Her guards were stationed near the door, far enough away to give her the illusion of being alone, and certainly far enough away not to overhear a word she spoke.
Jarvik’s soft footsteps approached behind her. “Why does this not surprise me?” he mused, coming to stand next to her.
“What?” she asked, glancing back and signaling for her guards to hold their position.
“You seeking solace out here.”
“How do you know that’s what I’m doing?” He didn’t know anything about her, so how had he guessed this was one of her favorite places to come when she needed comfort?
He leaned against the stone railing, gazing out at the city. “Trust me, I know.”
They stood in silence for several minutes, neither one of them attempting to speak. Finally getting up enough courage to ask him what she needed to, she took a deep breath and said, “Why are you here?”
His eyes sliced over to hers. “You asked me to come up here.”
“No,” she responded. “Why are you here with the prince?”
He shrugged. “He brought all his closest advisors.”
“But is that the only reason?” she asked. “Simply to give your opinion as to whether Prince Odar should marry me or not?”
Jarvik rubbed his face. “Yes,” he finally said, turning to face her.
“But why you?”
“The king and queen are eager for this alliance. However, they have some serious concerns. The prince believes it solves all of Fren’s problems. I’m here for a second opinion. May I speak plainly?”
She nodded—didn’t he always?
“The king and queen of Fren don’t want Prince Odar to do anything stupid—like marry you without certain guarantees in place in the marriage contract. I am here to ensure Fren’s best interests are followed.”
“So you’re here to decide if this alliance is truly the best course of action for Fren?”
“Yes.”
His honesty was refreshing.
“It’s not like Fren is without options,” he continued. “They have a strong army, the prince has several suitors, and so the question becomes what is the best move in the long run?”
“What I don’t understand is why our kingdoms can’t work together. Why must we have a marriage treaty in place?”
“If only it were that simple,” he muttered. “The emperor before your parents focused solely on war. Even though your parents have restructured your army and made no move against your neighboring kingdoms, few people trust Emperion. Therefore, your word isn’t good enough. Only a marriage treaty will suffice in order for our courts and armies to be on board. I’ve studied all the great battles of the mainland. The only way we can join together, and have Telmena’s approval, is with this contract.”
“Why are you being so open and honest with me?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” He turned and gazed out over the city again. “I guess because time is running out, and I must decide Fren’s next move.”
“I’ve tried talking to Prince Odar about politics and treaties, but he’s evasive. It’s almost as if he’s hiding something from me. I find it rather bothersome.”
Jarvik cocked his head to the side, looking at her. “Really? Why?”
“If I’m to rule with him and he isn’t honest with me, or he doesn’t passionately care about his subjects, or want to strategize by my side, how can we ever be partners?”
Jarvik smiled. “You’re going to be the empress. I think you’ll outrank him and be the one in charge.” He sounded almost envious.
“That’s not how I see it,” she responded. “I am seeking an equal partner. I want an open, honest relationship like my parents have. That’s why I keep pressing him for answers.”
“Perhaps he’s not answering you because he’s still determining your worth.”
His comment stung. “Well,” she replied, her voice hard, “perhaps he should have done that before we entered into marriage negotiations. You know, the two of you are infuriating. If my parents had any idea you still weren’t sure about this alliance and the prince might back out, they’d … they’d … I don’t know, but it wouldn’t be pleasant.”
Jarvik started laughing.
“What?” she demanded, putting her hands on her hips.
“Did I offend you?” he asked, trying, but failing, to stop laughing.
“Yes,” she said, folding her arms. “You know what, I have other things to do besides argue with you.” She turned and started to walk away.
He grabbed her arm, stopping her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two of her guards unsheathe their swords. Allyssa put her free hand up, signaling for them to stand down.
“I’m sorry,” Jarvik said. “I didn’t mean to upset you. You can’t honestly tell me you aren’t still weighing the prince’s worth. If you wanted to back out, you know your parents would support you.”
Allyssa didn’t particularly like the squire and she wanted to be out in the city, not standing there looking at it. She missed Grevik and hoped he wasn’t still mad at her. The meeting with the assassin was to take place tomorrow night and fighting with the prince’s lackey wasn’t getting her anywhere. She kicked the stone wall, frustrated.
“I said I’m sorry,” Jarvik reiterated.
“I heard you the first time.” She tried pulling away. “Let go.”
He released her. She turned and headed for the door.
“Wait,” he said, jogging to catch up to her. “I know how to sneak you out of the castle,” he said softly enough so only she could hear.
She stopped. “I’m listening.”
“Come with me to my rooms. I’ll explain everything there.”
To his rooms? That was highly inappropriate. However, if he had a way to slip past her guards, it might be worth it. If anyone questioned her, she would say she was visiting the prince.
Allyssa agreed, and the squire led her to the east wing of the castle. When they reached the rooms dedicated to the people from Fren, Allyssa ordered her guards to wait outside the doors in the hallway. Thankfully, Marek wasn’t on duty. She was certain he wouldn’t have let her go in unaccompanied.
Inside, the sitting room was warm and toasty. Next to the hearth, Prince Odar sat on a chair, reading a book with his feet propped on a stool. The top portion of his shirt was untied and hung loose around his neck, exposing his chest.
When the prince saw her, he jumped to his feet. Jarvik led him to the corner where they spoke in hushed whispers. Allyssa awkwardly stood there, glancing around the large room. There were six doors off the sitting room, each leading to a separate bedchamber. She could hear people talking on the other side of the doors. She found it strange that no one was in the sitting room with the prince. Perhaps he valued his privacy like she did, and he made the guards stay out of sight.
Several trunks were shoved against the walls. One stood open. It was filled with weapons—shining swords, a few bows, and some quivers. She supposed the Fren soldiers needed to be heavily armed in order to protect their prince on the journey to Emperion.
Prince Odar came over to her. “Princess Allyssa,” he said, a smile on his lips, his bright blue eyes gazing at her. “My squire tells me the two of you have something planned.” He gave her the opportunity to speak, which she didn’t. She had no idea how much Jarvik had told him. “I must admit I’m a little jealous. Alas, he is my best friend, and you should become better acquainted.” He gently took her hand and kissed it. “I’m turning in for the evening. Goodnight.” And with that, he went to one of the doors and slipped inside his bedchamber.
Jarvik was looking at the ground, his face hard, not revealing any emotions. He waited a minute before going to the doors on the right side of the sitting room, knocking on each one and briefly speaking with the men inside. When done, he rummaged through one of the trunks, pulling out some plain clothes. “I assume you want to scout out the site with me for your meeting tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
“You can change into these,” he said, handing them to her. “Then we’ll leave the castle, pretending we’re going into town for a drink. Six of my men are accompanying us. I’ve instructed them to stay close by while on the castle grounds in order to hide your identity. Once we’ve entered the city streets, they will fall back into position.”
She nodded, impressed with his plan. He escorted her to one of the empty rooms and told her she could change in there. Once alone, she laughed. He had no clue. How in the world was she supposed to take her dress off? She couldn’t reach the ties at the back. After awkwardly twisting her arms one way and her torso another, she gave up. Poking her head into the sitting room, she saw Jarvik there with six men all dressed in nondescript clothing.
“Excuse me,” she said, and Jarvik rushed over. “I require some assistance.” She opened the door, and he came inside.
“With what?” he asked.
She needed Mayra, but she knew the squire would never agree. She couldn’t sneak out of the castle with Jarvik if her guards or her ladies-in-waiting knew what she was doing. Sighing, she said, “I can’t remove my dress.”
“Why not?” he asked, confused.
Turning her back to him, she said, “Can you … uh, untie it, please?”
Jarvik didn’t respond. She knew he’d traveled with only men, and there wasn’t a woman here to help her. Peering over her shoulder, she saw him standing there, rapidly blinking.
“Never mind,” she stated. “This plan isn’t going to work.” She went to leave when he stopped her.
“I can assist you,” he said carefully. “You just need me to loosen the ties, correct?”
She nodded. It wasn’t like he had to actually help her out of the dress. She could do that on her own. It was just the ties Mayra had cinched and knotted together that Allyssa couldn’t undo.
He came closer, fumbling with her strings. “These things are really knotted together,” he muttered. After a couple of minutes, she felt the dress loosen. “Done,” he said, stepping quickly away and leaving the room. She didn’t even have a chance to thank him.
After pulling off the outfit, she quickly changed into the clothing he’d given her. The pants were a little big so she rolled them at the waist. She had a dagger already strapped to her thigh so she kept that on, but she really wanted more weapons since they were going into the city.
Exiting the bedchamber, she found Jarvik and six men waiting for her in the sitting room. She was about to ask for a knife when the squire handed her two, instructing her to attach them with the straps sewn into the material of her pants. She thanked him and slid them into the hidden folds like he said. She’d have to have some of these pockets sewn into her own clothes—they were quite handy.
“I informed your guards that you are having a cup of tea with the prince and playing a card game. They are to send word to your ladies-in-waiting you won’t be back to your rooms until quite late.”
“Thank you,” she said, surprised by his pru
dent planning.
“You still need to do something with your hair,” he said.
Allyssa removed the pins, and her hair cascaded down around her shoulders. Jarvik’s cheeks reddened and he quickly squatted to retie his boots, keeping his eyes cast downward. She combed her hair back with her fingers and hastily braided it. Then she wrapped the braid around her head and used a pin to secure it in place. One of the soldiers offered her his hat. She put it on, concealing her hair completely.
Jarvik stood and went to the servants’ entrance at the back of the sitting room. He explained that it led to the lower level near the kitchen where they could easily slip outside. In order for this plan to work, Allyssa had to pretend to be a man joking and carrying on as they walked together in a group. Rounding her shoulders, she steeled her resolve, ready to play the part of a Fren soldier.
***
They made into the city without incident. True to Jarvik’s word, the Fren soldiers melted into the shadows, doing a much better job at remaining unseen than her own guards had done the other night. Allyssa walked alongside the squire as if they were friends. Which they weren’t.
“Do you know where the inn is?” he asked.
“Yes, it’s just a few blocks up ahead.”
“Is there anything I need to know about this inn? Any particular reason the assassin would have chosen it?”
“I don’t know,” she answered. “I’ve only passed by; I’ve never gone in.”
“It doesn’t have any sort of reputation?”
“Not that I’m aware of.” She and Grevik tended to avoid inns, instead focusing on taverns and ale houses to locate criminals.
They walked in silence for several minutes.
“How do you feel about the prince now that you’ve spent some time with him?”
She shrugged, surprised he was attempting to converse with her on something other than the task at hand. “He’s not as arrogant as I originally thought. Honestly, he isn’t the man I’d choose to marry, but then again, this isn’t about me. This is about doing what’s best for Emperion.”
Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) Page 13
