“Allyssa,” the squire said, still holding her hand. “When we came here, we were sure you were just like all the other courtiers we’d met. I never realized you’d be—”
“Ready for our ride?” Prince Odar asked, approaching them, his eyes on Jarvik and Allyssa’s latched hands.
Yanking her fingers out of Jarvik’s grip, she abruptly stood. “Yes.”
The prince held a small basket, which he took to his horse and slid inside the saddlebag.
Turning to face the squire, Allyssa said, “I suggest you speak to my father immediately. When I return, I’ll discuss the matter with him.”
***
“Follow me,” Allyssa said to the prince as they rode into the woods. The leaves on the trees softly rustled in the light breeze. She breathed in the warm air, reveling in the freedom of being outside the castle. A handful of the prince’s soldiers, along with her usual guards, rode close behind them.
Allyssa steered her horse up a small rise between the towering trees. When she reached the river that ran down past the city, she followed it upstream for about a mile until she came to a small, rocky hill. Most of the boulders were covered with soft, green moss and various plants grew between the rocks where dirt had deposited.
Allyssa dismounted and handed her reins to one of the guards, Prince Odar doing the same.
“I thought we could rest here,” she said.
One of the guards spread a blanket out on the ground while the rest set up a perimeter about fifteen feet away.
“Wow,” Prince Odar exclaimed as he pulled out a small basket from his saddlebag. He sat on the blanket. “It’s beautiful here.”
“We need to talk,” Allyssa said as she sat on the blanket next to him.
“I gathered that.” Prince Odar set the basket between them. “What did my squire say to you?”
“He told me about how I have to go to Fren to seek the king and queen’s approval before we can marry.” She sat there, staring at the trees, wondering if Jarvik was speaking to her father at this very moment. “My parents are going to be livid the marriage can’t take place as planned.”
“Are you mad?” Odar asked, fidgeting with the handle on the basket.
She sighed. “I understand why your parents want to meet me before we wed. Jarvik explained what happened in the past with Princess Shelene, and I can see why they are cautious. I just wished you’d been honest with me from the start.”
He didn’t respond.
Allyssa peeked at him. “Did the princess ever say why Russek wanted to invade Emperion?”
Prince Odar scratched his head. “No. But after the marriage negotiations were severed, she started screaming that she would have her revenge—just like her mother.” He lifted the basket on top of his lap. “Did Jarvik tell you why she wanted to marry me?”
“He said she wanted to gain control of Fren’s army.”
“Yes, and she planned on joining Fren’s soldiers with Russek’s in order to conquer Emperion.”
“Which Russek is doing anyway,” Allyssa said, “even without your soldiers.”
“Maybe that’s why Russek invaded Melenia—to gain more soldiers.”
Allyssa feared they were overlooking something. After all these years, Russek wouldn’t suddenly decide to wage war on Emperion for no reason.
“Enough about politics,” Prince Odar said, opening the lid of the basket. “I have something for you.”
It irritated her that every time she tried discussing their countries and things that mattered, he changed the subject. Did he not care? Did Jarvik handle these issues for him?
Odar withdrew a pastry. “This is for you.”
It was her favorite—an apple tart flipped upside down, covered with gooey butter and sugar. “You remembered,” she said, taking a bite. It was utterly delicious. “Thank you.”
As they sat there, eating in comfortable silence, her thoughts drifted to Grevik. Where was he and what was he enduring right now at the hands of the assassin? When she returned to the castle, she needed to find Jarvik to see if he’d come up with a plan to save her friend yet. As soon as Grevik was rescued, she could go to Fren to seek the king and queen’s approval and then save Emperion.
“You seem overly distracted,” Odar said, patting her leg.
“I’m sorry,” she replied. “There’s a lot on my mind.” She smiled at him.
He finished eating his pastry, licking his fingers clean.
“Do you have any concerns about ruling the kingdom with me?” she asked. She questioned his ability to do so effectively. At least they had a few years until they became emperor and empress—unless something happened to her parents. She couldn’t even think about that.
“I can easily navigate through the court,” he said, smirking. “I’ve never had a problem charming courtiers.” He flashed a half grin at her.
Allyssa had no doubt the ladies of her court would fawn all over him. She’d have to use that to her advantage.
“As far as politics are concerned,” he said, his smile gone, “you’ll have to guide me. It will take some time to get a feel for how things are done here in Emperion.” He reached in the basket and withdrew another pastry, handing it to her.
“No, thank you,” she said, and he put it away.
Mulling over his answer, she liked the fact that since he wasn’t overly opinionated, it would be easy to mold him into the type of ruler she wanted him to be. However, when she was truly torn on an issue, he wouldn’t be able to offer her steadfast advice. At least her mother and father would continue to guide and support her.
As she sat there next to Odar, she felt as if something was missing. Even though he was handsome, well mannered, and friendly, there wasn’t a connection between them. With Grevik, she immediately knew she could tell him any and everything. They shared common goals and interests. The same was true with Madelin, Marek, and Mayra. They’d been friends since they were children, and she trusted them implicitly.
How was she going to marry Prince Odar and share a bed with him? As a child, she had always imagined falling in love and having an intense desire to be with that person. Right now, she didn’t even want to travel to Fren with the prince. What would they talk about?
“Would you like to ride further upstream and see what we find?” Prince Odar asked.
“No, thank you. I need to return to the castle.” She wanted to see how her father took the news of her not being able to marry Odar until she traveled to Fren to meet his parents.
She stood and mounted her horse. Deep breaths. Her relationship with the prince would work—it would just take some time for their friendship to develop. Right now, she had more important matters at hand than dealing with Odar, like facing her parents and saving Grevik.
***
Nearing the stables, Allyssa saw her father blocking the alley doors. She slowed her horse and dismounted, handing the reins to the stable-hand who came running out. Darmik didn’t even glance her way—his focus was solely on the prince.
Odar swung his leg over and jumped off his horse. “Your Majesty,” he said.
“We need to talk,” Darmik said, his voice hard. “Come with me, now.” He turned and stalked away.
“Thank you for the ride,” Odar said softly to Allyssa before hurrying after the emperor.
Curious as to what would happen now that the marriage contract was signed but the ceremony couldn’t take place until she went to Fren, she hastily followed them along the stone path leading to the castle.
Her father swung around to face her. “I’m going to speak privately with the prince,” he said in a clipped tone. “Jarvik is waiting in the training room for you.” He grabbed Odar by the arm and dragged him down the path.
Allyssa entered the training room. She assumed Jarvik wanted to work with her to ensure she was prepared for her meeting with the assassin tonight.
“I hope you have a solid plan,” she said.
Jarvik was sitting on the ground, stretching. “Have
a nice ride?” he asked, a bit of hostility to his voice. He had on plain pants and a loose shirt. His hair was tousled, making him look handsome in a rugged sort of way. Bloody hell. Her face warmed. She couldn’t afford to think of him that way. As he stood up, she couldn’t help but think of how his beauty shone in a different way from Odar’s. While the prince’s was on the outside for all to see, the squire’s was hidden deep inside of him.
“You’re staring at me,” Jarvik stated. “Is something wrong?”
Allyssa shook her head, tongue-tied for once.
“Since the assassin managed to capture your friend, I want to go over some basics with you to ensure you’re not kidnapped as well.”
“I know how to fight,” she replied.
“Yes, but I’ll feel better if we go over a few things.”
She shrugged. “Okay.”
“We’ll focus on hand-to-hand combat first,” he said, placing his hands on his hips. “Most likely, the assassin will be armed and you won’t, so you’ll be at a disadvantage.”
“How long have you been here?” Allyssa asked. Jarvik had a sheen of sweat covering his forehead.
“Not long,” he answered. “I’ve just been punching the practice dummy over there.”
“Why?”
His eyes flickered to hers and then away. “It helps me think.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “Let’s get to work.”
“Very well,” she said, pulling her hair back and quickly braiding it.
The setting sun shone through the windows, casting a soft light on Jarvik. “Let’s pretend the assassin comes up behind you, like this,” he said, putting his arm around her neck and placing his other hand on her hip. “What would you do?”
Allyssa automatically raised her hands to try and pry his arm off her neck.
“Focus,” Jarvik said. “He’ll be taller and stronger than you. You’ll have to outsmart him.”
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and thought over everything her father and Marek had taught her. She was unarmed and would have to fight her way out of this. Since Jarvik’s left hand was on her left hip, she moved her body to the right and swung her left arm down to his groin. As soon as he released her, she spun around and rammed her knee into his stomach.
“Excellent,” Jarvik said, his voice high pitched from the impact. She hadn’t meant to hit him that hard. “Now if he comes at you head on,” he said, “you’ll need to do something different.”
He wrapped his hands around her neck, gently touching her with his calloused fingers. Their eyes locked, and Allyssa’s breath caught. He was so close.
“In this case,” she softly said, swallowing, “I’d raise my hands and do this.” She lifted her arms between his and then swung outwards, knocking his hands away from her neck.
He immediately reached forward and grabbed her upper arms, holding them tightly.
She’d never felt self-conscious working with Marek, so why was she embarrassed with Jarvik? Why was she so acutely aware of where his hands were? She felt her face warm and prayed he didn’t notice her reaction to him. She wasn’t a harlot; she was the crown princess and needed to act like it.
“Now what are you going to do?” he asked, his eyes still on hers.
Holding her head high, she attempted to regain her confidence and composure. Reaching forward, Allyssa grabbed Jarvik’s hips, holding him in place while she kneed him in the groin.
“Keep ramming your knee into him until he lets go,” Jarvik said. “Then kick his head, if you can.”
“I know how to properly kick.”
“You need to hit him hard enough to knock him out, without him grabbing your leg or foot. It needs to be clean and quick.”
“I can do that,” she said.
“After you’ve disabled him, run as fast as you can. You have to assume he’ll be after you again after thirty seconds or so.”
“What if he has me locked in the room?” she asked.
“After we’re done practicing here, I’ll teach you how to pick a lock.”
Allyssa laughed. “You are a man of many talents.”
“You have no idea.”
***
When Allyssa returned to the Royal Chambers, her father and Neco were speaking to Marek, along with a few members of her personal guard in the sitting room.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Go to your bedchamber,” Darmik ordered. “Marek will be with you shortly.”
Her father must still be furious with Prince Odar. She opened her doors and found her ladies-in-waiting standing by the windows, looking outside. Allyssa rushed over to see what they were doing.
In the courtyard below, at least a hundred soldiers stood at attention. A chill ran down Allyssa’s spine. Were these men preparing to leave to defend Emperion’s border? Would Marek be joining them?
Mayra wrapped her arm around Allyssa. “Have you ever seen so many fine-looking young men?” she asked.
Madelin chuckled and moved away from the window. “You can admire the soldiers all you want,” she said. “I’ve found my prince.” She went into the dressing closet. “Do you care what you wear for dinner?” she asked Allyssa.
“No,” Allyssa replied, wishing dinner was already over so she and Jarvik could be on their way to the inn.
“Why are you all sweaty?” Mayra asked, scrunching up her nose.
“I was sparring with Jarvik,” she answered.
The doors flew open and Marek stepped inside, his face flushed and eyes alight. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing. “I must speak with you alone.”
She dismissed her ladies-in-waiting, and Marek came to stand before her. “I heard about Prince Odar not being able to wed you until you travel to Fren and receive the king and queen’s approval.”
“I assume our fathers are upset?”
“They’re livid. They claim the prince deceived them.”
She wondered if her father was having second thoughts about the union now. However, the contract was signed and she wasn’t sure it could be broken.
Marek continued, “Prince Odar insists it had to be done to determine Emperion’s true intentions.”
That was what Jarvik had told her as well. “Does my father approve of me traveling to Fren with war on the horizon?”
“He says there are no other options and you must go. The emperor wants it done as soon as possible so the marriage ceremony can take place.” Marek knelt on the ground in front of her. “My father doesn’t want me to fight in the war. Your father specifically asked me to remain by your side during your journey to Fren. I’m to coordinate a security team with Jarvik for you and the prince.”
Knowing how much fighting in the war meant to Marek, Allyssa said, “I won’t make you stay if you don’t want to.” She reached for his hands, clasping them tightly. “If fighting is what you desire, especially alongside your father, I’ll make it happen. The choice is yours.”
Kneeling on the ground, he stared up at her. “You’d do that for me?”
“Yes, because I value your friendship.”
He closed his eyes for a minute, his head bent down. When he reopened them, he said, “As much as I want to go, I know you need me. I will stay and guard you.” Marek withdrew his right hand from hers and placed his fist over his heart—the symbol of loyalty, friendship, and honor.
A sense of pride and pure relief filled her. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted him at her side until she told him he could go. There was a knock on the door, and Jarvik came into her room. He froze when he saw Marek on his knees before Allyssa, their hands clasped together.
“I’m sorry,” the squire stuttered. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re not,” Allyssa quickly replied. Releasing Marek’s hand, she said, “Thank you for your loyalty. I’m glad you’ll be staying. However, if you ever change your mind, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Marek stood. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Besides,” s
he smiled, “I’m sure Madelin would hate to see you go.”
The corners of Marek’s lips rose and his face reddened. “Yes,” he said. “We’re officially courting now.”
“So I heard,” Allyssa replied, unable to suppress a smile. Madelin had told her all the details yesterday when she was doing Allyssa’s hair.
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness. I have a few things to discuss with my father.” Marek turned and left, leaving her alone with Jarvik.
“Is something the matter?” she asked, wondering why he’d come to her room. She still needed to bathe and change out of her sweaty clothing. Suddenly embarrassed by her appearance, she sat on one of the chairs, trying to act like a proper princess, even though she didn’t look or feel like one.
Jarvik moved to the fireplace, his back to her, not uttering a single word. He stood there, still as a statue. She wished he’d turn around so she could see his face. He hadn’t changed either, although his shirt was now tucked in.
“Did you need something?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I wanted to talk to you—to tell you something. Although, now is not the time.” Allyssa was about to insist he tell her anyway when he continued, “Are you ready for your meeting with the assassin tonight?”
She’d gone over everything in her head a hundred times. “Yes. I’ll do what needs to be done to ensure my friend’s safety.”
He turned around to face her. “I’m worried about you coming to the prince’s rooms so late at night again. It isn’t proper.”
So far none of her guards had said a word or questioned her behavior. However, she didn’t want rumors to start either. “I’ll use my laundry chute. You can meet me in the laundry room. We’ll leave from there.”
With the fire burning behind him, a soft glow surrounded Jarvik, making his face appear dark. “Very well,” he murmured.
The wind howled outside. “You should know I’ve assigned some of my men to join your guard.”
“Why would you do that?” Marek wouldn’t appreciate Fren soldiers stepping into his domain.
“I want my men to start working with your soldiers since they’ll be traveling together. They need to be familiar with one another.”
Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) Page 17
