Regaining her wits about her, Allyssa knew she needed to act quickly and couldn’t afford to make a mistake since the sword was digging into her throat. Closing her eyes, she took a shallow breath, slamming her heel down on the soldier’s foot. At the same time, she shifted her body and swung her elbow into his stomach. When his grip loosened and the blade was no longer at her throat, she whipped out a knife from a hidden slit in her pants, and plunged it into the soldier’s side. He dropped to the ground, and Marek jumped on him.
Something warm dripped down her neck to her chest. Reaching up, she touched blood. Lightheaded from blood loss, she staggered and then collapsed.
***
Allyssa woke up in Jarvik’s arms. The dark night sky loomed above as he carried her, his brows pinched together with worry.
“Hurry,” he ordered the remaining soldiers. “She’s lost a lot of blood. We must take her to a healer.” His face blurred as she passed out again.
The next time she woke up, she was lying on a cot in a dimly lit room.
An elderly woman with dark, wrinkled skin hovered above her. “No signs of poison,” she said. “Only blood loss. I’ll stitch her together and bandage her up.”
“Thank you,” Jarvik said. “What can I do to help?”
“Give her this.”
Jarvik reached down and lifted Allyssa’s head. “Drink,” he encouraged her. He held a cup to her lips, and warm liquid slid down her throat. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep.
The next time Allyssa woke, the room was dark. She tried to sit up, but a hand reached out, gripping her shoulder.
“Rest,” Jarvik whispered. She leaned back against the pillow. “The healer doesn’t want you moving too quickly. You must regain your strength.”
When she went to say something, her throat seared with pain as if it were on fire. She hadn’t realized the soldier’s sword dug so deep into her skin.
Tears filled her eyes when she remembered Grevik’s lifeless body. A sob escaped her.
“Shh,” Jarvik said, rubbing her arm. “It’s going to be all right.” He brought his chair closer to her cot so she could see his face. “I’m having Grevik’s body brought to the castle. His mother has been told. I’ll make sure she’s heavily compensated for her son’s sacrifice.”
Tears spilled down Allyssa’s face. Her friend was dead because of her. She’d never hear his laugh, see his dear face, or chase thieves with him again.
“It wasn’t your fault,” Jarvik insisted.
She closed her eyes, wanting to go to sleep so she didn’t have to feel the pain of her best friend’s death.
***
When morning came, the sun shone through the room’s only window, mocking her. Jarvik slept slumped on the rickety, wooden chair in the corner. Allyssa pushed herself up into a sitting position. The furnishings were sparse, the room small, and no healers lingered nearby. This was not the medical wing of the castle.
Jarvik jerked awake. “How are you feeling?” he groggily asked.
“Better,” she said.
“Let me get you something to eat.”
“Where are we?” she asked.
Jarvik rubbed his eyes and yawned. “The servants’ wing. I thought it would be safer for you here. The decoy is in your bedchamber recovering.”
He went to the door, mumbled something to the person standing on the other side, and then he sat down again. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing to her neck.
She reached up and felt several bandages covering her skin.
“No, on the chain.”
“Oh,” she said lamely, not sure what to tell him. “Just a gift.” She lifted the necklace the rest of the way out from under her shirt. Strung on the delicate chain was the wooden ring she’d received as a gift. Based on her research, it most likely came from Fren. She suspected Prince Odar had given it to her, although it didn’t seem like something he would do.
“You’ve been wearing it this entire time? A simple ring?”
“Yes,” she whispered, her throat sore. “It means something.” She wasn’t sure how to express that this gift was more valuable to her than all the diamonds and jewels others had bestowed upon her.
“Do you know what it means?” he asked.
“I know there’s an old peasant tradition where a wooden ring is given from a man to the woman he wishes to court. If she fancies the giver, she wears the ring on her finger.”
“Do you know who gave it to you?”
She fingered the smooth ring, turning it over on her hand. “I’m not certain.”
“Then why do you wear it?”
“For what it represents—hope for love that has nothing to do with crowns or kingdoms, but love for love’s sake.”
Just then, there was a soft knock and one of the Fren soldiers entered, carrying a tray of food.
The healer removed Allyssa’s bandages and smiled. “The wound is closed,” she said. “I had to sew several stitches to bind the skin together, but you’ll heal up mighty fine as long as you put this ointment on twice a day.”
“Thank you,” Allyssa croaked. The healer smiled and left the room.
“I want to leave tonight,” Jarvik said. “It’s too dangerous to remain here any longer.” He hauled Allyssa to her feet.
She picked up the can of salve, and they exited the small room located in the servants’ wing. Keeping her hood low and her head down, they made their way to the stairwell where they met Marek.
He bent down on one knee. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I failed you.”
She patted his shoulder. “You did not fail me. You kept me safe.”
He stood tall and stiff. “Let’s go to your bedchamber so you can clean up.”
Allyssa quickly changed into a dress while her ladies-in-waiting braided her hair and applied dusting powder to her face. Once presentable, she left the decoy, who was recovering from her stab wound, in the bedchamber while she went to join Jarvik in the sitting room of the Royal Chambers.
“Walk with me outside,” Allyssa said to the squire. “We must talk, and I desire some fresh air.”
Double the usual amount of guards accompanied them. When they entered the courtyard, the bright sun warmed her skin as she closed her eyes, reveling in the comfort.
“Don’t tip your head back,” Jarvik mumbled. “You don’t want to expose your wound.”
She had chosen this particular dress because it covered her neck completely. She took his arm and quietly said, “What needs to be done before I leave?”
“You need to meet with the Legion member who will be in charge until your parents announce their arrival at Emperor’s City.”
They neared the water fountain so it would drown out their voices. The sweet smell of gardenias permeated the air. “Anything else?”
“Wear commoner clothing tonight. You can bring a sack with one outfit to change into. That is all. When we reach Fren, I’ll ensure you receive enough dresses to wear during your stay.”
Allyssa trailed her hand over a nearby hydrangea, the leaves wet from the fountain. She couldn’t believe she was leaving the castle tonight. She’d traveled throughout the kingdom, but she’d never left Emperion before. The idea of leaving this place was certainly enticing; she just wished it could be on her own accord.
“There’s something I must tell you.” Jarvik ran his hands through his hair. “I’ve wanted to tell you for quite some time. It is a secret, and one you must keep until we arrive at the castle in Fren.”
Allyssa nodded. “You can trust me.”
He took a step closer to her. “When I first traveled to Emperion, I thought it would be best if—”
A soldier ran up to Allyssa, out of breath. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing. “You’re needed in the Throne Room immediately. Spies from the Russek border have just arrived.”
“Of course,” Allyssa replied. Knowing she had to keep up the pretense that her parents were still at the castle, she added, “Have the empress and emperor been
notified?”
“They have, Your Highness. They are indisposed at the moment, and your father requested you handle the matter.”
“They weren’t feeling well this morning,” she replied. Only the Royal Guard knew decoys had been put in their places. “Inform the Legion I am on my way.”
He bowed and left.
“We’ll talk later,” she said to Jarvik. He nodded, and she joined her guards standing discreetly in the distance.
***
Sitting tall in her Throne Chair, Allyssa watched as half a dozen men came down the aisle. When they reached the dais, they bowed.
“Are you the spies who just returned from the Russek border?”
“We are, Your Highness,” one replied.
“Tell me what news you have learned.” These men were all well-trained soldiers handpicked by Neco to serve in his secret guard. Though they were dressed as commoners, they most certainly were not.
“Your Highness,” one of the men said as he stepped forward. “A small squad of men from the Russek army has been spotted in the Romek Mountains.”
Allyssa abruptly stood. The Romek Mountains extended from the southernmost tip of Fia and into Emperion. “What were they doing?” she asked, afraid she already knew the answer.
“Guarding a cave stocked with supplies such as food and weapons. There were also several boats.”
“Anything else?” It was just as she’d feared.
“The Russek army is ready to march into Fia. They have orders to go straight to the Romek Mountains.”
She knew exactly what the Russeks planned on doing—using the river that began in the Romek Mountains and ran straight through Emperion, ending at the Great Ocean. “We must cut off their supply chain,” Allyssa said. “We can’t allow them to use our own river against us.”
The men mumbled in agreement.
“Are you ready for another assignment?” she asked. She’d never given orders to soldiers before. A rush of power and excitement filled her.
“Gladly,” one of the soldiers answered.
“Excellent. I want you and your men to go back to the Romek Mountains. Dispose of the Russek squad, burn their boats, and destroy their food.”
“It would be my honor, Your Highness.” He gave a fierce grin in approval.
***
After dinner, Allyssa excused herself, saying she didn’t feel well and hoped she wasn’t coming down with the same cold her parents had. On her way to the Royal Chambers, she stopped by the library, unable to resist. There was no harm in taking a book on the journey.
Going to her favorite section, she plucked two books off the shelf and turned, about to leave, when she saw Jarvik standing right behind her.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I was passing by when I saw your guards outside.” He pointed to the hallway where they stood watch. “You shouldn’t be in here alone. What if someone was waiting in here for you?”
“I guess it’s a good thing I’m armed.”
He chuckled. “You never cease to amaze me.” Jarvik took a step toward her. “I need to talk to you,” he whispered, nodding down the aisle where no one would be able to see them.
They moved until they were hidden between two bookshelves. “There’s something you need to know,” Jarvik said. He ran his hands through his hair, messing it up. “How do you feel about the prince?” he asked, putting his hands on his hips.
She set her books down on the shelf behind her. “Why do you ask?”
“A few things depend on your answer.” He hesitated before placing his hands on her upper arms. “I need you to be completely honest with me. This conversation is confidential.”
Biting her bottom lip, she peered into his warm eyes. “Honestly?”
He nodded.
“Prince Odar is handsome, kind, and everything a prince should be.” Jarvik’s hands tightened on her arms as tension radiated off him. “But I am not in love with him. Maybe one day, I will learn to love him. I can’t be certain because all I see and think about is you.”
His breath caught. “What?”
“I’m sorry,” she backpedaled. “I shouldn’t have told you that.” She tried to leave, but he wouldn’t release her.
“Allyssa,” he whispered. His hands cupped her face. “I didn’t expect to feel anything for you. I thought you’d be just another princess—haughty, arrogant, and uncaring. You turn the very meaning of the word princess upside down. I had no idea you’d spark something deep inside of me.” His eyes bore into hers. “I knew our kingdoms needed the alliance, but I never thought it would end up like this.”
Jarvik bent toward her, tilting his head to the side. When their mouths were only an inch apart, he hesitated. Allyssa leaned forward, anticipating the feel of his lips on hers. And they kissed. Warmth spread throughout her body and she slipped her hands around his waist, pulling him closer to her. His lips trailed from her mouth to her ear to her neck. Returning to her lips, he deepened the kiss. She didn’t want him to stop. She forgot who she was, where she was, and that this man was her future husband’s squire.
Her hands flew to his chest, and she shoved him away. She was engaged to another man.
“I’m sorry,” Jarvik said, his eyes wide. “Did I hurt you?”
She covered her face with her hands, unable to believe what had just happened. She shook her head. “Forgive me,” she said. “I got carried away.”
He reached out and pulled her hands away from her face. “Allyssa, I feel the same way about you.”
“But we can’t,” she said. “I should never have revealed my feelings for you. I’m sorry, but I’m engaged to your best friend.”
“To a man you don’t love.”
“It doesn’t matter,” she said, stepping away from him, trying to put as much distance between them as possible. “I won’t disrespect Prince Odar that way. I may not love him, but he is to be my husband and I will honor him.”
Jarvik smiled. “I’ve said it before—you are loyal.” He took a step toward her, and she raised her hands for him to stop. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he said.
“Wait.” She withdrew the necklace from beneath her dress and lifted it over her head. Unclasping the latch, she removed the ring. “I … I want you to have this.” She held out her hand, the ring resting on her palm.
“Why?” he asked.
“From the moment we leave this library, there can never be anything between us. I want you to have this ring to remember me.”
“I’ll be seeing you every day—there will be no forgetting you.” A smile tugged on the corners of his lips.
“Please,” she begged. “I don’t know how to be friends with you—I care for you too much. I want you to have this ring as a token of what could have been if my kingdom didn’t dictate who I marry.”
He took the ring and opened his mouth to say something, but Allyssa grabbed her books and ran from the aisle.
“Allyssa! Wait!”
She sprinted out of the library, not looking back. Bloody two-bit snake pits. What had just happened? The feeling of Jarvik’s lips was now seared into her mind. She would never be able to forget her first kiss. She didn’t stop running until she reached her bedchamber.
***
Shortly after midnight, Marek led Allyssa to the stables, where a plain carriage that had been commissioned for their journey awaited them. She had suggested they ride horses instead; however, Jarvik didn’t want to have to take the time to stop and sleep.
Dressed in the trousers and tunic she usually wore when she snuck out of the castle, Allyssa stood before the small contingent of men—Jarvik, Prince Odar, Marek, and two Fren soldiers she recognized but didn’t know the names of. Everyone was dressed similarly to her. Such a small group to travel so far. Fear pricked down her spine.
“Did anyone see you?” Jarvik demanded.
“No,” she replied. The decoy was sleeping in her bed. Only the Royal Guards on duty in her room knew she�
�d left. “Marek and I did as you suggested and left through the laundry chute.”
“Very good. We want to travel as quietly and stealthily as possible. No titles will be used on our journey. Allyssa, Odar, Marek, and I will be in the carriage for the first leg of the journey. My two men, Renlek and Dromar, will steer the carriage. When we stop to change horses, we’ll rotate positions. Any questions?”
They all shook their heads.
“Excellent. Let’s go.”
Allyssa climbed into the carriage and slid down the bench so she rested against the open window. She supposed glass was a luxury only the wealthy had, and since they were supposed to be commoners, she’d have to brave the cold air. Odar got in and sat next to her. Jarvik and Marek shared the bench across from them. The lone torch in the stables was extinguished, and Renlek and Dromar steered the carriage out into the dead of night.
***
Allyssa managed to fall asleep for a few hours. When she awoke, thick clouds coated the sky, masking the countryside in a dull gray. Prince Odar still slept at her side.
“Morning,” Jarvik said. He reached under his seat and took out a loaf of bread. Tearing it into four sections, he handed one to Marek and one to her—his fingers gently brushing hers. The wooden ring was on his finger. She felt horribly guilty for having kissed the squire. Every time she looked at him, she envisioned his lips on hers. Taking a bite of bread, she tried to think of something besides kissing Jarvik.
“What’s that?” Marek asked. He set his bread on the seat and leaned out the window. Jarvik also stuck his head out, looking for potential threats.
Renlek yelled down, “Someone’s coming up mighty fast behind us on horseback.”
Allyssa nudged Prince Odar awake while unsheathing a dagger from her boot.
“Only one?” Jarvik hollered up.
“I only see one.”
“Stay on course but be ready to fight,” Jarvik answered.
“Why not stop and face him?” Allyssa asked.
“It might only be a messenger heading from one town to another. If we stop, we’ll gain his attention and if he’s later questioned, he’ll probably remember our actions as being strange and mention it. If we act normally, he won’t recall us at all.”
Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) Page 23
