Marek rocked back on his heels. “The one we ran into that night?” She nodded. “You mean to tell me you left the castle without me—which you promised not to do—and went to meet him?”
“Yes.”
His jaw clenched and he released her hand, punching the wall. “Is this why you’re suddenly so close with Jarvik?”
“Yes, I took him with me.”
“You trusted the squire from Fren, but not me?”
“I knew you’d never let me go. I had to find out what the assassin wanted.”
Marek made an odd noise, shaking his head in disgust. “You’re lucky to be alive.”
“He doesn’t know who I am.” She proceeded to tell Marek about her two meetings with the assassin, along with seeing Grevik last night and his cryptic message.
“Snake dealers?” Marek questioned.
Leaning against the stone wall, looking out over the city, she replied, “Yes. We captured many criminals over the past couple of years, but snake dealers weren’t among them.”
There was some commotion on the stairs behind them. A Fren soldier emerged out of breath. “Your Highness,” he said. “I was told to give this to you immediately.” He held out a piece of paper.
Allyssa took it, and the Fren soldier left. Unfolding the paper, she read a hastily scribbled note:
Found a reference to snake traders.
Emperion uses the term for traitors who are put into exile.
She turned the note over. There wasn’t anything else. Marek leaned over her shoulder and read it. His face paled.
“What is it?” she asked, her heart pounding in her chest.
“This term originated twenty years ago when your mother took the throne. My father said she couldn’t sign the execution order for Empress Eliza or Princess Jana.”
“Yes. Instead, she banished them to a remote place in Emperion.”
“Do you remember anything else from your studies?”
The air rushed out of her and her head spun. “Eliza and Jana were taken away on a wooden cart under the guise that they were illegal snake traders—which was rampant at that time—so no one would know who they were.” How had she forgotten that? “They lived in exile for several years until they suddenly disappeared. No one knows where they went or what happened to them.”
“My father suspects they left Emperion completely. He thinks they sought protection from a neighboring kingdom.”
Did her father’s half-sister Jana really send an assassin to kill them? “Do you think she wants to reclaim the throne?” Allyssa asked.
“Possibly, but the timing is questionable. I think this is somehow tied to Russek.”
Jarvik’s words came back to her—the king of Russek recently married a widower who came to court with her elderly mother. Could King Drenton have married Jana? If so, was it Jana’s daughter who went to Fren to woo Prince Odar? She recalled Jarvik saying no one knew who Princess Shelene’s father was.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Allyssa said.
“It makes perfect sense. King Drenton of Russek sent your family that letter telling you to go into exile in order to avoid the upcoming war, just as your family had sent Eliza and Jana into exile all those years ago. Jana wants to reclaim the Emperion throne and is using Russek’s might to do it.”
“If so, then why send the assassin? Grevik’s message indicates the assassin came from Eliza and Jana—not Russek.”
“I don’t know, but my gut tells me this is all tied together.”
“I want you to go and tell Neco what we’ve uncovered. I’ll go and tell my father everything—sneaking out of the castle, Grevik, the assassin—everything.”
“Very well,” Marek replied. “Anything else?
“I’ve been doing research on the main river that runs from the mountains in Romek down through Lakeside, straight through Krosek to the sea. Now, I don’t have any proof, this is just a theory, but I believe Russek will use the river to move their soldiers into Emperion. It’s the best way to travel with large amounts of people and supplies. It’ll take them right into our country without us even knowing.”
“I don’t know,” Marek responded. “I haven’t heard any reports of boats being spotted or read anything about rivers being used in war before.
“Like I said, it’s just an idea. Will you at least present my theory to your father?”
He nodded. “Have you decided what to do about Grevik?”
She’d been going over that in her mind and hadn’t come up with anything yet. “I’ll see if Jarvik has any ideas.”
Marek elbowed her in the ribs. “Jarvik? Really?” He raised his eyebrows.
She rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing going on between us.”
“I didn’t say that there was. Interesting your mind went there, though,” he teased.
She punched his arm.
“That’s not very princess-like, or lady-like for that matter,” Marek stated.
“Perhaps I’m not in a princessy mood right now,” she said. “Beware.”
“With you, I always am.” He turned and led the way down the stairs of the tower.
She sat in her father’s office, waiting for him to say something—anything. She’d told him about the first time she snuck out of the castle all those years ago, her friendship with Grevik, his father’s death, the two of them tracking down criminals, and then her encounter with the assassin. She finished with Marek’s suspicion of Jana being behind the war and the assassination attempt.
Clutching her hands together on her lap, she maintained eye contact even though she wanted to run screaming from the office. Her father’s face was blank, revealing nothing. He’d sat there the entire time she spoke, listening and not uttering a single word or asking any questions.
He finally leaned back on his chair, his gaze going to the window. His silence was making her sweat—she wished he’d talk to her.
The door flew open, and Neco stormed in. Blimey. Marek must have already told him what happened. Darmik held up his hand, indicating for Neco to wait. Neco stood there with his hand clutched on the door handle, his shoulders rising and falling from having run there. A moment later, Marek stumbled into the office, his face red from running after his father. Marek opened his mouth to speak, but one look from Neco had him snapping his jaw shut.
Darmik focused on his daughter as he slowly stood. “You’ve put our family in unnecessary danger,” he said in a deadly calm voice that sent a chill through her body. The best course of action was to keep her mouth shut and allow her father to speak. “Come in and close the door,” he ordered Neco and Marek. They did as he instructed, and the door clicked shut.
“How long have you known?” Darmik asked Neco.
“My son just told me now.”
Darmik turned his gaze to Marek.
“I only recently found out,” Marek answered.
“We don’t have a lot of time before the ball,” Darmik said, his voice still unreasonably calm. Now standing, he carefully placed his hands on his desk, leaning forward, towering over Allyssa as she sat on the chair. “I have a lot to discuss with your mother. She’s going to be furious with you, as am I.”
His words felt like a slap across the face.
“We must act quickly,” Neco said. “Especially since we heard from Audek this morning.”
“Yes,” Darmik responded, folding his arms. “First, we need to put everyone on high alert for the ball tonight. Marek, go and tell the entire guard on duty that an assassin is attempting to try and gain entrance into the castle. All food to the royal family will go through six tasters, all doors and entry points will be secured at all times.”
Marek bowed and left.
“Rema and I will leave directly after the ball for Emperor’s City. Not only is our largest military base located there, but Audek has arranged for us to meet Nathenek there with, well, with someone we need to meet up with.” He shook his head and rubbed his temples. “Decoys will be put in our places here.”
Neco nodded. “And the princess?” he asked.
Darmik’s eyes fell on Allyssa again. Fury and disappointment shone on his face and she ducked her head, unable to meet his gaze.
“Everyone knows she’s to travel to Fren next week. We can’t change that without altering the agreement.” He moved around the desk, standing next to his daughter. “Allyssa, you and Prince Odar will leave with Marek and an elite guard tomorrow night.”
Shock rippled through her. If she left tomorrow night, then she couldn’t meet the assassin. What would happen to Grevik?
“Is there a problem?” Darmik asked.
“I’m not going with you and Mother?”
He shook his head. “We must preserve the royal line. If anything happens to us, you will be Empress of Emperion.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “You will leave without anyone knowing. I’ll put decoys in your and Odar’s places. Then, a week later, the decoys will make a big show of leaving, drawing the assassin out after them.”
“What’s going to happen to the decoys?” she asked.
He looked pointedly at her. “Their job.”
She couldn’t bear the thought of someone dying for her. It didn’t seem fair—her life wasn’t any more precious than anyone else’s.
“These plans do not leave this room,” Darmik continued.
“And what of my daughter?” Neco asked. “If Marek is traveling with the princess, what about Mayra?”
Darmik went back around his desk and sat down again. “She needs to stay here with the decoys.”
Neco gave a curt nod. “And where can I best serve you?” he asked.
“I need you with Rema and me.”
“I’ll start making the necessary arrangements.” He bowed and left the room.
“Anything else?” Allyssa asked her father. She needed to speak with Jarvik as soon as possible about trying to save Grevik. Maybe there was something they could do tonight after the ball.
“When you arrive at Fren, charm the king and queen so you can receive their approval immediately. A simple ceremony will be held, and you will marry Prince Odar. As soon as it’s done, Marek will send word. I’ve already made plans with Jarvik to coordinate Fren’s soldiers joining with ours.”
She wasn’t going to be married here in Emperion? Her parents weren’t even going to be there? Not knowing what to say, she stood and went to the door, feeling numb.
“Allyssa,” Darmik said, stopping her. “Keep Marek with you at all times. Besides him, you can trust Jarvik. You’ll be well protected. I promise.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, “for deceiving you.”
“This isn’t a punishment, by any means.” He rubbed his face. “Your mother and I have withheld certain information from you in order to protect Emperion. We never meant to deceive you either. I’ll forgive you, if you forgive us.”
“What haven’t you told me?” she asked. “Does it have to do with Audek and Nathenek?”
“Yes, it does. However, I have a lot to do to prepare for my departure tonight,” he said. “And we need to have this conversation with your mother.”
Allyssa nodded and left, wondering what her parents and Audek were hiding, and who Nathenek was.
***
“That’s not the gown I designed with the seamstress,” Allyssa said to her ladies-in-waiting.
“I know,” Madelin replied. “Neco arrived while you were bathing and said your father insisted you wear this dress tonight.”
Allyssa eyed the pale pink fabric. “I don’t care for that particular color.”
“Perhaps it will look better once it’s on,” Mayra suggested. “These long gloves came with it, too.”
“Gloves?” She never wore gloves.
Madelin nodded. “We were told to make sure you wore them. Neco wants your hands covered at all times.” Because of the assassination threat, he probably didn’t want her skin exposed to poisons.
Once she was in the gown, it wasn’t nearly as bad as she thought it would be. The dress was simple, yet elegant. There were several hidden pockets in the folds of the fabric from her waist down, concealing a handful of daggers. The top was form-fitting and covered by an intricate lace, leaving her neck and shoulders bare. Madelin had artfully twisted Allyssa’s hair on top of her head, showcasing her delicate diamond crown.
“This is not the current style,” Allyssa mused, turning in front of the mirror. “But I can easily move in it.”
“It doesn’t matter what the style is,” Mayra said. “You’re exquisite.”
“Since you are the princess, you set the trends,” Madelin added.
“We need to hurry down to the Great Hall before you arrive,” Mayra said. “Is there anything else you need from us?”
Allyssa shook her head and her ladies-in-waiting left. She wished she could tell them she was leaving for Fren tomorrow night without them. They weren’t to know until a decoy had been put in place and Allyssa left. Then her personal guard and ladies-in-waiting would be the only people notified of the situation in order to maintain the ruse.
Allyssa went to the sitting room to wait for her parents. She strolled around the room, thankful no gifts had been sent to her before the ball. Since she was officially engaged, it was no longer proper for men to send a token to her.
“You look stunning,” Rema said as she glided into the room, wearing an elaborate green gown. Her blonde hair glowed and her blue eyes sparkled, making her look exquisitely regal. “Before your father joins us, there is something we must discuss.” She grabbed Allyssa’s hands, holding them tightly.
Allyssa prepared herself for her mother’s scolding for sneaking out of the castle and putting herself in danger.
“I love you more than life itself,” she began. “I want you to have a wonderful life filled with happiness.”
Allyssa nodded, not sure what her mother was getting at.
“You are the crown princess, and you are engaged to and will marry Prince Odar. I’ve seen the way you look at Jarvik—and the way he looks at you. I want you to leave the squire alone. Put all thoughts of him out of your head. It can’t possibly end well, and you’ll only end up hurting yourself.”
Biting her lip, Allyssa nodded, unable to believe her mother was talking to her about Jarvik. It was embarrassing. Besides, she wasn’t even clear on how she felt about the squire.
“Promise me,” Rema continued, “that you’ll behave as the future empress would. You will put your kingdom and your subjects first. You have the power to protect Emperion by marrying Prince Odar. Don’t jeopardize that.”
“I promise.” Allyssa knew how important this alliance was. There was no way she’d allow Russek to destroy Emperion and kill its citizens by chopping off their heads and skewering them on spikes. It was vulgar and disgusting.
“Here are the two most beautiful women in Emperion,” Darmik said as he came into the room. After kissing Allyssa on the cheek, he wrapped his arms around Rema’s waist and kissed her neck. “I love you,” he mumbled against her skin.
“And I love you,” Rema replied.
“I would like to remind the both of you to be extra vigilant tonight,” Darmik said. “As soon as the ball is over, your mother and I are leaving.”
“It’s imperative that we reach Emperor’s City as soon as possible,” Rema added.
Allyssa wished her parents didn’t have to leave her. However, she understood the necessity. “I love you both,” she said. “I pray you have a speedy and safe journey.”
Rema wrapped her arms around her daughter, squeezing tightly. “And I wish you the same.”
Allyssa released her mother and Darmik hugged her, kissing the top of her head. “Please do what Jarvik and Marek ask of you. Be safe, be smart, and know I’ll think of you each and every day we are apart.”
“I love you, Father.” Allyssa hated good-byes—they always made her want to cry.
“We’re late,” Darmik said, heading toward the door. “Let’s go.”
&nb
sp; Rema squeezed Allyssa’s hand. “I wish we didn’t have to part ways,” Rema said.
Allyssa nodded, a lump forming in her throat.
“You’ll go to Fren. You’ll charm the king and queen. You’ll secure the troops we need to fight this war. I have full confidence in you.” Rema kissed Allyssa’s cheek. “Never doubt my love for you. Do you understand?”
“I do,” Allyssa whispered. “Thank you, Mother. I love you, too.”
“I want you to know that it will be okay. You have to trust in yourself. You can and you will be able to do this.”
“I won’t disappoint you.” She headed to the door where her father stood waiting.
The three of them left the Royal Chambers as a family and headed to the Great Hall.
After a formal dinner in which Allyssa had been seated between her parents, unable to speak to Jarvik, she was thrilled to be heading to the adjacent room where the dancing would take place. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she would seek the squire out to discuss Grevik.
“What’s taking so long?” she asked as she stood next to Rema and Darmik, waiting to be announced.
“Security,” her father answered. “We’re being extra cautious.”
Marek remained off to the side, looking mighty handsome in his formal Royal Guard uniform, his hair combed back, and a shining sword strapped to his waist.
“Since you’re engaged,” Darmik said, “Prince Odar will escort you inside once he joins us.”
“Is he aware of the upcoming events?” she asked, trying to be vague since others were nearby.
Darmik leaned in close to Allyssa. “I told Jarvik everything so arrangements could be made. The squire seems to be well-equipped to handle these sorts of situations. I had a long conversation with him, and I trust he has your best interest at heart. He is working with Marek to secure two additional soldiers for the journey.”
“So few men for such a long way?”
“You can’t attract attention.”
She couldn’t believe she was set to leave tomorrow night with Grevik still captive. There had to be a way to save him before she left.
Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) Page 20
