Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) (12 page)

“The reason I am here is none of your concern,” he said, standing before her.

“If it involves my kingdom, it is my concern. I am here tonight to try and become better acquainted with Prince Odar. I need to see if he is capable of ruling beside me since he will be coming to my kingdom. I did not intend to have you here interrogating me.”

Jarvik’s face went flaming red. “You’ll make a horrible empress. You’re too emotional and temperamental. I am going to my king and queen and recommending they find another solution. I’d rather Fren go to war than have Prince Odar marry you,” he spat, shaking with rage.

It felt as if he’d slapped her face. She was too stunned by his outburst and hurtful words to respond. Didn’t he just say he’d do anything for his kingdom? Yet, there he was, ready to single-handedly throw away this alliance simply because he didn’t like her. She couldn’t allow the squire to ruin everything her parents had worked so hard to build.

She opened her mouth to try and salvage the alliance when Prince Odar dragged Jarvik away from her. “As entertaining as it is to watch the two of you argue,” the prince said, “this isn’t helping. The both of you need to calm down.” He released the squire.

Allyssa huffed and took a seat while Jarvik adjusted his tunic.

“That’s better,” Prince Odar said. “I don’t know why the two of you seem to hate one another so much, but I can’t allow this animosity to continue. I understand you have objections to the marriage,” he said looking at Jarvik, “but you need to give it another chance. For the sake of your kingdom.”

Jarvik nodded, not looking at either of them.

Prince Odar continued, “I’d like to spend some time alone with Allyssa so I can become better acquainted with her. I think you should do the same. Then, if you still feel this marriage wouldn’t benefit our kingdom, we’ll leave and figure something else out.”

“Fine,” Jarvik snapped. “But I’m done for the night. Let’s go.” He threw open the door and left.

“I’m sorry for my friend’s behavior,” Prince Odar said. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. I’ve known him since we were boys, and he’s not usually like this. Please apologize to your parents for our early departure.” He took her hand, quickly kissed it, and left.

Just as the door shut behind him, Rema and Darmik returned with Neco. She thought they would scold her for scaring the prince away, but as soon as she saw them both wearing their crowns, she knew something was wrong.

Her mother came to her. “I need to know for certain that you are ready and want to become a leader.” Her eyes were glassy as if she were on the verge of crying.

“I am,” Allyssa answered without hesitating. While roaming the streets at night certainly helped make a positive difference by putting criminals in jail, being a leader and ruling Emperion would be far more effective. By stepping into the position she was born to do, Allyssa would be able to help shape the future of the kingdom. The thought both excited and scared her.

“Then I want you to come with us.”

“Are you sure?” Darmik asked Rema. “You’ve always insisted we shield her from this sort of thing.”

“I know,” she replied, delicately wiping her eyes with the corner of her handkerchief. “But if she’s going to be married and one day rule Emperion, it’s time she sees firsthand the evil that lives in others.”

Darmik’s mouth pulled tight. “Very well.”

Allyssa had no idea what was going on or what she was about to witness. Her skin pricked with fear—whatever she was about to be privy to would not be pleasant. Rolling her shoulders back and standing tall, she steeled her resolve, preparing for what was to come.

Neco led the royal family to the Throne Room. When they arrived, dozens of advisors, all the dukes, and the entire Legion of Emperion were already there, along with a few nosy courtiers. Whatever was going on had to be of vast importance if all the politicians and lawmakers were gathered. Allyssa followed her parents down the aisle to the dais, where she took her seat at her mother’s side. Directly in front of her sat Prince Odar, Jarvik, and several Fren soldiers.

Before taking his seat, Darmik briefly spoke to Neco, and then he came before his daughter. “Remember, you represent this kingdom. This is not about you, or your emotions. Think of Emperion, think of your people, and stay strong.”

She nodded, and he sat on Rema’s other side. Even though dozens of people were present, no one spoke. The doors opened, and three men staggered in. One had blood covering the side of his face, which was caked with mud. Another’s nose was crooked and purple. The last man limped, holding his arm close to his chest. All of their plain, nondescript clothing was torn and dirty. Whatever they had been through, it was bad. When they reached the bottom of the dais, the three men dropped to one knee.

“Your Majesties,” Neco announced, “may I present three of my best scouts, First Division.”

Rema nodded, and the three men stood.

“Your Majesties,” the one in the middle said. “We are all that is left of our squad.”

Allyssa’s stomach twisted. A squad consisted of two dozen men.

“We were sent to Russek to spy,” the man continued. “Our mission was to determine Russek’s military strongholds and to uncover their plans for invading their neighboring kingdoms. When we first reached the border between Russek and Fia, we found it lined with thousands of soldiers. Some of them appeared to be as young as ten; others looked to be in their sixties.” He took a shaky breath, his eyes glossing over with tears. “Behind the soldiers, there were spikes stuck into the ground. On top of each spike was a severed head. There had to be over a thousand of them.”

Allyssa gripped the arms on her chair, her knuckles turning white.

“Rumors are that the heads belonged to the people in Melenia who fought or opposed the invading Russek soldiers. The heads are meant to serve as a warning to Landania and Fia of what will happen if they fight against Russek.”

“Were you able to get past the soldiers?” Darmik asked.

“We were, Your Majesty,” the man’s voice shook. “Russek is preparing to attack the kingdoms to the north of us for the sole purpose of marching straight into Emperion to claim this land as their own. They have tens of thousands of soldiers ready and willing to fight and die to achieve this goal.”

Fear coursed through Allyssa. Why did Russek want Emperion? How could they be so vicious as to kill thousands of innocent people simply to conquer more land? Had King Drenton no heart? No soul? 

“What happened to you and your men?” Rema asked.

“We were ambushed by Russek soldiers,” he answered. “They came out of nowhere. The three of us barely escaped. Everyone else … .” He shook his head.

Another one of the scouts spoke. “The Russek soldiers are animals,” he said. “They don’t fight honorably. When they ambushed us, their goal was to maim as many of us as they could, then drag us closer to a fire where we could be tortured. Over a hundred Russek soldiers took our men, slicing off body parts, burning hands and feet in the fire, and doing whatever they felt inflicted the most pain imaginable without killing. All the while, they made the Emperion men still alive watch.” He started shaking. “Eventually, they all died. Mutilated.”

Allyssa closed her eyes, wanting to block out the images of her people suffering at the hands of Russek soldiers. This crime could not go unpunished. What these scouts saw was not to be tolerated.

“Thank you for your sacrifice for this kingdom,” Darmik said, his voice grim. “Let’s continue this conversation in private. Unfortunately, I need to know more specific details.”

Allyssa stood and went to the men. Her parents were watching her, but they made no attempt to interfere. She wanted to console the scouts.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, placing her hands atop each man’s head, willing them to feel her sorrow and compassion. “What you’ve seen is tragic. No one should witness the deaths of friends and comrades in such a barbaric and gruesome way. I promise that this attack against Emperion will not go unpunished. Come to my private dining room so that I may feed you. We can talk there. While we eat, I’ll have word sent to your families, letting them know you’ve returned safely home and will be joining them in a few hours.” She glanced back at her parents. They both nodded their approval.

“Follow me,” Allyssa said, heading down the aisle. The three men, her parents, Prince Odar, and Jarvik all followed her.

***

Allyssa sat on the edge of her bed, exhausted. It was already well past midnight. After feeding the three scouts, Darmik and Neco had asked them hundreds of questions about their mission. She felt bad the men had to relive losing their friends’ lives. Even Jarvik was relentless, demanding to know the minute details about their mutual enemy. On more than one occasion, Prince Odar offered to escort the princess to her bedchamber, looking as if he might be ill and wanted an excuse to leave. Allyssa insisted on staying, though. She owed it to these soldiers and herself—especially since she would one day rule this kingdom. She couldn’t turn a blind eye when such atrocities were going on. 

Finally, it had been Rema who insisted everyone stop questioning the scouts so they could go home, see their families, and clean up. They were to return tomorrow afternoon for further debriefing.

Allyssa rubbed her face and flopped back on her soft bed. She was supposed to meet Grevik an hour ago—she owed him an explanation. However, she had promised Neco that Marek would accompany her if she left the castle. Blimey. She quickly changed into the plain pants and tunic that she usually wore when she snuck out. After she braided her hair, she grabbed her black cloak. Exiting her room, she startled her guards.

“I wish to go to the training room.” They nodded and led her through the vacant, dark hallways, not once questioning her intentions at this late hour.

Upon entering the training room, one of the guards asked, “Shall we light the torches?”

“No,” she answered. “I need to speak with Marek. Please wake him and bring him here.”

One of the guards nodded and hurried away. The remaining men took their positions near the door. She walked over to a window and stared outside into the dead of night. The moon wasn’t visible, so the sky was filled with thousands of stars that seemed so close she could touch them.

“Do I even want to know why you’ve summoned me here at this forsaken hour?” Marek asked, coming into the room. His hair stood up in every direction, but at least he was dressed and not in his nightclothes.

She waved him over to the window, away from the door and listening ears. “I promised your father I’d let you do your job and protect me.”

Marek snorted, folding his arms and leaning against the window.

“I’m serious.”

“Listen,” he said, “I don’t know what you’ve been doing or why, but you can’t be endangering your life by leaving the castle unprotected.”

“I know.”

“I just … I can’t even believe you did that.” He started pacing. “And then Jarvik caught us together, and now he thinks we’re having an affair. Do you have any idea how that makes me look?”

She was about to defend herself when he continued, “Then you pull that stunt tonight in the Throne Room and set the entire castle talking about how compassionate you are, how wonderful you are, and what a great leader you’re becoming.” He ran his hands through his disheveled hair and stopped pacing. He turned to face her. “You’re maddening. Do you know that?”

She started laughing. “Are you done?”

He threw his hands into the air. “Have you heard a word I’ve said?”

“Yes,” she answered. “But I asked you here because I need a favor.”

He shook his head. “No way. I’m not helping you sneak out.”

“If you don’t go with me, I’ll leave on my own.”

He pointed at her. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

“Stop,” she chided him. “I simply need you to escort me out of the castle so I can meet my friend.”

“The one from today?” She nodded. “No,” he answered.

“I owe him an explanation.”

“Write him a letter. I’ll deliver it.”

“I’m going out. Are you coming?” She started walking out of the training room.

“Fine,” he called after her, “but this is the only time I’m doing this. Do you understand?”

She spun around and smiled. “Thank you.” 

He told her to wait there while he got some provisions, which she assumed meant several knives, swords, and daggers. She reached down and felt her own weapons strapped to her thighs under her clothing. This was going to be an interesting night.

“This isn’t going to work,” Allyssa insisted. When Marek had said he needed provisions, she assumed he meant weapons, not more guards. “I was able to slip in and out of the castle unnoticed because I was alone,” she said.

“We’re not trying to leave the castle unnoticed,” Marek retorted.

He might not be, but she certainly was. “We can’t go traipsing around the city in a large group. We’ll attract too much attention,” she said, trying to make him at least understand her reasoning.

“I’m not letting the crown princess leave the castle without the proper protection, especially at a time of war,” he answered simply. “Besides, they’re all generically dressed and we’re not going to walk together—we’ll spread out when we enter the city.”

“For the record,” she muttered, “I think this is a bad idea.”

“It is a bad idea,” he agreed. “You shouldn’t be leaving the castle at all, especially at night and unannounced.”

“You know what I mean.” She shouldered past him and exited the castle.

“So where to, Lilly?” Marek asked, following close behind.

“We’re going to my friend’s apartment building near the center of town.”

As they made their way along the city streets, her guards walked tall and stiff. Even though they were dressed as commoners, anyone looking at them would know they weren’t.

“I can tell where every single guard is,” she groaned. “Can they back off a little more?”

“No,” Marek answered. “They are to keep you in sight at all times.”

They finally reached Grevik’s building. When she went to climb the ladder to the window of his room as she’d done so many times before, Marek grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the ladder.

“I don’t think so,” he said.

“Let go,” she demanded.

Marek ordered one of her guards to climb up and knock on the window for her.

She couldn’t believe they were all standing out in the open like this. “This is ridiculous,” she complained. “We are going to attract attention.”

“So what if we do?” Marek asked. “No one can do anything to us.”

“I don’t want word to reach my father that I’m out in the city.”

Marek shrugged.

Allyssa leaned against the building, trying to blend in with the shadows. Something moved down the street and she squinted, trying to see if someone was there. The street appeared empty. Above, her guard spoke with Grevik. A minute later, her friend stood before her.

“What’s going on?” he asked, focused only on her and ignoring the half dozen men standing nearby.

“I owe you an explanation,” she said, still leaning against the building. She had planned to have this conversation alone in his room.

He scratched his head. “I thought we were friends.”

“We are.”

“Then why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like what you have to say? That you’ve been keeping things from me all these years? Friends don’t lie to one another.” He leaned against the building next to her, waiting for her to speak.

The words started tumbling out. She told him about the time when she was only twelve years old and had snuck out of her house looking for freedom, but instead, found a dear friend. About how important their friendship had been through the years. About how she lived for their time together roaming the city, searching for criminals. And then she told him she wasn’t really Lilly, but Allyssa, the crown princess.

His face went whiter than snow. “I knew you were hiding something from me,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “I just didn’t know it was this. I thought maybe you were a lady-in-waiting or someone of importance. Never did I imagine you were the actual princess.” He cursed and ran his hands through his hair. “I even saw the princess speak once, and she looked nothing like you.” He pushed away from the wall. “I don’t even know what to say or how to act. Am I supposed to bow? Am I even allowed to talk to you?”

“It doesn’t change anything,” she said. “I’m still me.”

“With a crown,” he bitterly replied.

Allyssa hoped he would understand and forgive her for lying.

“Why all the guards tonight?” Grevik asked. Marek stood there quietly, having listened to the entire conversation.

“Now that the head of my personal guard knows I’ve been sneaking out of the castle at night, I can’t slip by him anymore. I asked him to come with me so I could speak to you.”

“I need some time to think about everything you’ve told me.” He scanned her guards. “And I can’t talk to you with people watching us.”

She told him she understood, but she really didn’t. The one thing she valued most about his friendship was his honesty—the fact that he liked her for her. If this lie—the lie that allowed them to become friends in the first place—ruined their friendship, she’d never forgive herself.

“When you’re ready to talk,” Marek said, stepping a little closer, “come to the castle. Ask for me. I’ll make sure you’re admitted and gain access to the princess.”

That surprised Allyssa. Commoners weren’t granted entrance very often.

Grevik scratched the back of his neck. “We’ll see,” he said to Marek. Facing Allyssa again, he muttered, “I guess I can’t hug you anymore. So, good-bye.” He turned and left without glancing back.

She was about to call out after him when Marek stopped her. “Give him time,” he whispered. “He just found out his best friend has been lying to him.”

“Maybe if I explained it again,” she said, “he’ll understand.”

Marek shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Allyssa watched her friend climb back into his room. Her eyes swelled with tears. Grevik had to understand why she lied. He just had to.

“We need to go,” Marek gently said. She nodded. They started walking away when four men stepped into the street ahead of them. They fanned out, blocking the road. Marek’s hand went to his sword, and then he relaxed.

Three of the men bore army uniforms with the colors of Fren. The fourth man was dressed in solid black. When he looked up, Allyssa saw that it was Jarvik.

Blimey—could this day get any worse?

“It seems you, Princess, are keeping a great many secrets,” the squire said, crossing his arms.

“Stand aside and let me pass,” she demanded.

“Not until you tell me why you’re visiting another man—and a commoner no less. I guess your guard isn’t the one you’re having an affair with.” He leaned toward her, hatred in his eyes. “This must be why Prince Odar hasn’t been able to woo you.”

“You disgust me,” she said, her voice not nearly as strong as she’d intended. “You’re boorish and judgmental. I want you to leave me alone.”

“Come on,” Marek said, taking her arm. “He’d never understand what you’re doing anyway.”

“You’re right,” she said. “And I don’t want to stoop to his level.” Holding her head high, she stepped around the squire.

Jarvik’s head suddenly snapped to the side, and he squinted at something down the street. His hand went to the hilt of his sword, and he unsheathed it. “Take her away from here,” he  ordered Marek. “We have company.”

Allyssa turned around and saw a single man standing in the middle of the street about twenty feet away, his arms casually at his sides. The man wore a long, black cape and hood, concealing his identity. Fear pricked up her spine—the same sensation she’d had over the past couple of days when she felt as if someone was watching her.

“Let’s go,” Marek whispered, tugging her arm.

Allyssa started to turn away when the man yelled, “Wait.” She froze, somehow knowing he was speaking to her.

He pointed his black-gloved finger at Allyssa. “I want a word with the girl,” he said, his voice deep and rough. “The rest of you can leave.”

“Come on,” Marek urged, yanking her arm. “Let the others deal with him.”

Why did this man want to speak with her? Had he been following her in hopes of having the chance to catch her alone? She needed to know what was going on, so she stayed rooted in place.

To her surprise, Jarvik spoke. “You’re not speaking to her now, or ever.”

The man chuckled, the sound throaty and menacing. “As you wish.” He stepped forward, unsheathing two twin blades. Before she realized what he was going to do, he threw the knives at two of her guards, hitting each one directly in the head with the hilt. Both men collapsed to the ground, unconscious. 

The rest of her guards rushed toward the man. Jarvik ordered the Fren soldiers to hold their position. Marek was still clutching onto her arm. The man had all three of her guards on the ground in no time at all. Jarvik yelled at Marek to take her away from there. Allyssa knew she shouldn’t turn and run because then the man could overpower her from behind. She removed her daggers and stood her ground.

Marek cursed when he realized she wouldn’t cooperate. He bent down to pick her up.

“Don’t touch me,” she said. “That’s a direct order.” He hesitated. “If you don’t listen, I’ll have you dismissed.”

The man ran forward, directly toward her.

Jarvik yelled at her for not listening while Marek stood in front of her, attempting to shield her from harm. When the man was only five feet away, Jarvik’s men surrounded him, but the man was able to render them all unconscious in less than thirty seconds. The only ones left were Allyssa, Jarvik, and Marek.

“Like I said before,” the man sneered, not even winded, “I want to speak to the girl alone.”

“Who are you?” Jarvik demanded.

“If you don’t allow me to speak with her, I’ll kill the two of you, and then I’ll have her all alone, unprotected. The choice is yours.”

Allyssa knew Marek would rather die than leave her side, so she stepped toward the man, still clutching her daggers. Marek went to grab her, but she quickly swerved out of his reach and moved closer to the man.

“Don’t go any nearer,” Jarvik said. “He’s an assassin.”

Allyssa stood still. If the man meant to kill her, he would have done it by now.

“I want to speak with you privately,” he quietly said so only she could hear. His face remained hidden under his hood.

“This is all I can offer you.”

He reached for her arm, so she twisted and smacked his wrist with her dagger. “Keep your hands off me,” she said. “You can speak softly and no one will hear. Now hurry up, you have one minute.”

“What is your name?” he demanded.

Her heart thudded in her chest, and relief filled her. He didn’t know who she was. Still, she needed to proceed with caution. “What’s your name?” she countered, unsure where her bravado came from.

A few of the guards on the ground started to moan as they came back to consciousness.

“Do you work in the castle?” he asked. She nodded. “I have a proposition for you. Meet me in three days’ time. Come to the tavern at the Wooden Inn. Alone.” He turned and strode away without waiting for her response.

Marek was immediately at her side. “I don’t know if I should hug you because you’re alive, or kill you for not listening. You’re infuriating.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one who wants to kill her,” Jarvik said. “Seems there’s a long list. I’ll get in line.”

Allyssa ignored them and replayed the encounter with the assassin in her mind. He wanted to meet her alone in three days. She rubbed her tired face and realized her arms were shaking.

Marek went over to the men on the ground, helping them to their feet.

Jarvik stepped closer to her. “What did the assassin want?”

“We’re in the middle of a public street in the city. Is that really what you think we should be discussing right now? Especially when you have men lying on the ground?”

He glanced around. “You’re right.” He bent down, checking the pulse of one of his men.

Allyssa was too stunned to respond. Did Jarvik just say she was right?

***

Sitting in the alcove, Allyssa kept the curtains drawn shut, hoping no one would find her. She’d even instructed her guards to stay out of sight so they wouldn’t announce her presence in the library. Reading through a book on wooden jewelry, she found one paragraph that mentioned an old peasant tradition where a wooden ring was given from a man to the woman he wished to court. If she fancied the giver, she would wear the ring on her finger. It was an ancient tradition from centuries ago, before the reigning kingdoms of today even existed.