Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) (2 page)

“He’s requested an audience with us tomorrow,” her mother continued. “You will be there when he speaks.”

Allyssa stood in front of the hearth, allowing the fire to warm her. She suspected Prince Zek would ask for her hand in marriage at the meeting. Although her parents had insisted she be present when such declarations were made, they hadn’t pushed her into marrying. Yet.

So far, all the princes or high-ranking nobles who had come hadn’t interested her. Rema and Darmik told the gentlemen that their daughter was simply too young and in no hurry to marry. But she could only put off the inevitable for so long. She dreaded the day when she would have to choose who would live in this cage with her, who would rule by her side, and who would be her companion for life. Granted, it had worked out for her parents, but their story was far from usual. They were the lucky ones. Rema and Darmik had managed to choose each other and weren’t forced into an awkward arranged marriage.

“Care to join me in the Throne Room for the weekly proceedings?” Rema gently asked as she turned to face her daughter with sympathy in her eyes.

Allyssa most certainly did not want to join her mother in that stifling place. However, she knew it really wasn’t a question. “Of course.”

Rema smiled and came over to her, linking their arms together as they exited the room. “Want to go riding with me later today?” she asked, kissing the top of Allyssa’s head.

“I would love to,” she answered. Riding with her mother was one of her favorite things to do. “But I’m going to have to decline. I’ll need the time to prepare for the ball.” In reality, she needed to rest. Her muscles were sore, and there was no way she could mount a horse—not after the events of last night.

“I understand,” Rema said, patting her daughter’s hand.

“Tomorrow?” Allyssa suggested, hoping she’d feel better by then.

“I look forward to it.” The empress led them out of the Royal Chambers and to the corridor where their royal guards surrounded them.

“I forgot to tell you that the Legion of Emperion was thoroughly impressed with your handling of the meeting yesterday,” Rema said, her eyes flickering with amusement.

Allyssa had to stifle her laugh. The Legion was made up of elderly gentleman. Her mother had told her to make sure she smiled but maintained control at all times by not letting anyone speak over her.

“Your father and I had a bet,” Rema whispered. “He thought you’d lose your temper and yell at the lot of them.”

Allyssa snorted. “And you didn’t?” she asked, surprised.

“That’s not to say I don’t think you’ll lose it in the future, but I knew you’d be able to remain composed the first time.”

Allyssa laughed.

“Thanks to you, I won a new horse.” Rema smiled.

“You bet a horse?”

“You know your father,” Rema mused. “He jumped at the chance to acquire a new stallion. Too bad he lost.”

***

Sitting in the Throne Room for hours, listening to the representatives from each of the five regions in Emperion drone on and on about the state of their land, nearly drove Allyssa to tears with boredom. She didn’t know how her mother and father sat there listening to this once a week.

At least when she snuck out with Grevik, she was making changes for the better by helping citizens and ensuring criminals were put in jail. It felt like everyone who came to see the empress and emperor wanted or needed something from them. It was utterly exhausting, yet Rema managed to sit there with a kind smile, listening. Allyssa’s father, Darmik, at least appeared a little antsy. He preferred managing the army to politics.

When it was finally over hours later, the royal family stood and strode down the aisle. Allyssa mimicked her mother and smiled at the representatives, who all bowed. The second she exited the room, she moaned.

Her father’s eyes sliced over to her. “There are still courtiers lurking in the hallways,” he mumbled so only she could hear. “Behave.”

She rounded her shoulders and plastered the never-ending smile back on her face. “Of course,” she said. “Forgive me.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I’m going riding,” Rema announced. “I have a new horse I need to become acquainted with.”

Allyssa knew her mother needed to break free from this place on occasion as well.

“I’ll accompany you,” Darmik said, taking his wife’s arm and escorting her down the hallway.

Sighing, Allyssa headed toward the Royal Chambers, wanting nothing more than to crawl in bed for a few hours. She needed to have enough energy to not only make it through the ridiculous ball tonight, but also to meet Grevik afterwards. If she didn’t have the chance to leave the castle for a bit, she’d go stark raving mad.

Marek, the head of her personal guard, stepped next to her. He wore his light armor with his gleaming sword strapped to his waist. “Care to spar for an hour before you dress for the ball?” he asked.

She fought a smile. He knew she loved to fight. After all, they’d grown up together sparring, especially since his father and hers were best friends. As tempting as his offer was, her body couldn’t withstand the physical exertion right now.

“Are you sure you’re ready for me to beat you again?” she teased.

He chuckled. “I let you win.”

“As much as I would enjoy the opportunity to trounce you, I have too many things to do before the ball this evening,” she said. “However, I do believe I will have some free time tomorrow?”

“I look forward to proving you wrong. Again,” Marek said, smiling at her.

The head of her guard was rather handsome, she supposed. She’d grown up with him and his younger sister Mayra. Both of them had dark hair and eyes. Mayra was small and slim like her mother Ellie, whereas Marek was tall and lean just like his father Neco.

When Allyssa caught sight of a group of courtiers up ahead, she stiffened. She hoped the powder still concealed the nasty bruise on her cheek. Marek hadn’t said anything to her about it, but then again, he knew better. Holding her chin high, she glided down the corridor. The pristine leaded glass windows allowed the sun to shine brightly through. As she approached the group, everyone bowed. Allyssa kindly smiled at her subjects. She was the heir to the throne, and they were supposedly beneath her. Yet … yet … she felt like a child playing at a game she knew nothing about. These people had been navigating court for years. They each had an agenda, wanted or needed something, and they were all here for a reason.

Allyssa kept walking, not wanting to give them the opportunity to talk to her. When she rounded the corner, she finally relaxed her shoulders.

***

A ball was nothing unusual since several were held each season. Rema insisted it was good policy to please the nobility. Allyssa had grown up attending these functions. At first, she’d been bedazzled by the glittering chandeliers, the fine clothing, and the ornate flowers. But after attending so many balls, they began to lose their appeal. However, at every single one, she made sure no one knew how she really felt. She smiled at, danced with, and listened to her subjects. Her parents had groomed her well.

Her father took her hand, leading her to the dais at the front of the room. That was when she caught sight of the decorations. “Are the flowers from the main courtyard?” she asked, stifling a laugh.

“I believe so. We didn’t have time to have them brought in.”

“Hopefully, no one will notice. We wouldn’t want to offend the prince from Fia,” she sardonically replied.

Darmik patted her hand. “Care to tell me what happened to your face?” he asked under his breath. Without a pause, he expertly led her through the throng of people who parted and bowed as they passed by.

Of course he’d notice. “It’s silly,” she replied, keeping a smile on her face. “An accident.”

“Really?” he said, playfully pinching her arm. He knew she was lying. Being Commander for the army had taught him to notice such details and had made him far too observant.

“I assure you, it’s nothing.” She smiled up at him. If she didn’t convince her father, he’d send one of her guards to stand inside her bedchamber to watch her at all times. As it was now, having four guards posted outside was more than enough. Having someone actually inside her room would be beyond stifling. “It’s embarrassing,” she muttered.

“Sparring with Marek?” he asked, amused.

She allowed her face to redden, as if ashamed. Darmik chuckled, and Allyssa let him believe the lie. With any luck, he wouldn’t question Marek about it. “Please, let it go,” she begged.

Her father patted her hand again when they reached the dais. Allyssa stood at the front of the room while he left to escort Rema inside. When her parents made their entrance, the room went utterly silent. Everyone loved the empress. She had ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen and managed to take a kingdom devoted to war and turn it into the most prosperous and peaceful kingdom on the continent.

Allyssa hoped she could be half the ruler her mother was.

She peered down at her red gown. Rema had insisted she wear red—the color of Emperion. She didn’t mind, actually. It set off her long, chestnut hair and blue eyes, which almost made her look pretty. Almost. She’d never be beautiful like her mother, though.

After her parents joined her on the dais, Prince Zek from Fia was announced. He was too tall and skinny for her liking. His face was pleasant enough—light brown hair with soft brown eyes. The prince bowed before her and asked for the first dance, as was custom. Of course, she smiled and obliged. His sweaty hand took hers, and they danced.

Surprisingly, he was a good dancer. The problem came when the prince opened his mouth. He never had anything interesting to say—he always discussed his kingdom’s spice trade, or the weather, or the fact that he was in line to inherit the throne of Fia.

Thankfully, the song ended and a noble courtier immediately swept in and asked for a turn. She danced for about an hour with various partners, each conversing about his land, wealth, and what he could offer the crown. Once she’d had enough, she claimed she needed to rest. Allyssa slipped out of the side door, hoping no one noticed.

Marek came up behind her. “Already retiring for the night?”

“Yes,” she said, faking a yawn. “I’m exhausted.”

He silently escorted her to the royal wing where Mayra and Madelin were dutifully waiting in her bedchamber.

“Did you even dance?” Madelin asked.

“Of course I did,” Allyssa replied.

“If I were you,” Madelin continued, “I’d dance with every available man.” She spun around the room, dancing with an invisible partner.

Mayra shook her head. “It’s a good thing she’s not you, then. She’s a princess, not a barmaid.”

Madelin stopped in front of Mayra, placing her hands on her hips. “Excuse me?”

“Girls,” Allyssa said, exasperated. She needed to hurry up or she would be late. “My gown.”

Both immediately came over and helped her remove the dress. After Allyssa was in her nightclothes, her ladies-in-waiting left. Knowing her guards stood watch just outside her door, she quietly changed, pulling on wool pants and a tunic.

Grabbing her cape, she tied it on, making sure the hood concealed her hair and face. Satisfied with her disguise, she opened the laundry chute and climbed in. After closing the small, wooden door behind her, she slid down in complete darkness, landing in a pile of clothes and bed linens at the bottom. Carefully peering around, she made sure no one was about at this late hour. Certain it was clear, she climbed out and hurried from the room. Allyssa exited the castle via the servants’ entrance.

She was free. Finally free.

Cool air whipped around her body, and the moon shone brightly above as she walked along the street to the tavern where she was supposed to meet Grevik. She loved it here. Loved the bustling city, loved the people scurrying about, and loved the smells and sounds. All the chaos drove her mother crazy sometimes. Rema needed open land, which was why the empress relocated the capital from Emperor’s City near the Great Ocean to the town of Lakeside in the middle of Emperion. Even though this city was significantly smaller, there were still hundreds of shops and plenty to see. Her mother had chosen this location because it was surrounded by low, rolling green hills and a forest about a mile away. It reminded Rema of her home, Greenwood Island. Often times, Allyssa would find her mother standing on top of the castle late at night, staring out at the open land.

Allyssa, on the other hand, adored Lakeside. She was thankful the castle had been built right next to it, and that every front-facing window had a clear view of the city.

Before entering the tavern, Allyssa quickly made sure her hair was combed back the way commoners wore their hair. She’d already removed all her dusting powder and smeared some dirt on her face. Opening the door to the Boar’s Head Tavern, she immediately spotted Grevik sitting at a table in the center of the room with two cups of ale in front of him.

“Lilly, where have you been?” he asked.

She slid onto the chair across from him and rubbed her face. “Sorry I’m late. I got held up.”

He shook his head. “You’re always held up.” He shoved one of the mugs toward her. “Luckily for you, I’m used to it.” He wiggled his eyebrows and flashed a smile before taking a drink.

“What’s on the agenda for tonight?” she asked. He clasped his hands around his mug, no longer looking at her. “What is it?” she demanded.

Grevik sighed. “I got my orders today. I got my first choice—City Guard.”

“Oh.” Orders. She’d forgotten that since he was sixteen, he had to choose his profession. Allyssa looked at her dear friend, remembering the first night she’d ever snuck out of the castle. She’d been twelve years old at the time and had wanted to escape from the sniveling, conniving, back-stabbing girls at court. She hated them all. They only pretended to be her friend because of her position.

Donning a servant girl’s dress that Allyssa had found in the laundry room, along with a knit hat that hid her hair, she had gone into the city. She had never been outside the castle’s outer wall on her own before, but she’d been out plenty of times with her parents and guards. Having a general idea of where the market and most of the businesses were located, she headed in that direction, wanting to blend in with the shoppers. As she passed a dark alley, a man stepped out from the shadows with a nasty gleam in his eyes. He approached and demanded she hand over any money she had. A City Guard was patrolling the street only a few feet away from her. She called out for his assistance, and he rushed over, scaring the man off. The guard asked if he could escort her home, and she started crying, afraid her parents would discover what she’d done. When he couldn’t calm her down, he took her home to his wife so she could help locate her parents. Since no one expected the princess to be roaming the streets on her own at night and she was disguised as commoner, no one recognized her.

When Allyssa walked into the small, cozy apartment, she met a boy about her age—Grevik. He asked her to play a game of cards and she stopped crying, gladly accepting the challenge. The guard went back to work, and the mother allowed the two children to play. Allyssa beat Grevik twice. When he questioned her about her parents and where she lived, Allyssa lied. She told him her parents owned a small business nearby.

Grevik made her promise to come back—he’d never lost to a girl before and he wanted the chance to beat her. She agreed to return, and she started sneaking out of the castle every evening after supper to visit her new friend. She would slip into Grevik’s apartment, and they’d stay up all night, playing cards and talking.

But everything changed when Grevik’s father was murdered.

He was on duty one night when he came upon two men fighting. He shoved his body between the men, separating them. One of the men withdrew a dagger and plunged it into his back. The two men ran away while Grevik’s father died on the street with only an elderly woman as a witness.

Grevik swore he’d join the City Guard one day in order to put criminals, like the ones who killed his father, behind bars. Allyssa thought he’d make a fine guard, but she had an idea for something they could both do until he was old enough to claim his profession. It was she who suggested they track down thieves at night. They were almost thirteen years old and if they worked together, there was no reason they couldn’t capture criminals and make a positive change now. Luckily, Allyssa already knew how to fight, and Grevik had some basic skills his father had taught him. Together, they made a formidable pair. So it was on that horrible night, the night Grevik’s father was murdered, that the two friends swore an oath to fight side by side in an attempt to make a difference in the city.

Rubbing her temples, Allyssa tried to force herself to focus on the present instead of the memories of the past. When she looked over at her friend sitting across the table from her at the tavern, she gave him a reassuring smile. Grevik had worked hard for this position—he’d gone to school, took his exams, and passed all the physical trials. Not many were lucky enough to have their first choice of professions, especially when it came to the coveted jobs of the City Guard.

“You must be excited,” she said, trying to sound happy for him.

“I’d be happier if you’d gotten in with me.” He scooted his chair closer to hers.

Ignoring the fact that he was now invading her personal space, she said, “I’m proud of you. Congratulations. You certainly deserve it. Your mother must be proud.” She tipped her cup back and finished off her drink.

“She is.” He leaned on the table closer to her. “What profession did you choose?” he asked.

Allyssa had told him she didn’t go to school—even though it was free for all children, regardless of class—because her parents needed her to help work at their shop. He’d asked on more than one occasion where their store was located, but she’d always been vague and quickly changed the subject. “I chose my family’s business,” she said. She hated lying to her friend but didn’t know how he’d react if he found out she was the crown princess, and the family business she was running was the entire kingdom of Emperion.

“Why are you sitting so close?” she asked.

“If you were in trouble, you’d tell me, right?”

“Of course,” she replied, totally offended he was even questioning her in the first place. “We’re best friends. If something was wrong, you’d be the first to know.”

Grevik nodded. “I just have the feeling that, sometimes, you keep things from me.”

She playfully nudged him. “Are we going out tonight or are we going to just sit here gabbing like sissies?” She needed the freedom of running through the city. There had to be a thief out there who deserved to be in jail. It was her duty as Grevik’s best friend and the heir to the kingdom to make a positive difference. And this was her way of doing it.

How much longer would Allyssa be able to do this? In a few weeks, her friend would be an official City Guard. Where would that leave her? She couldn’t track down thieves on her own. And one day, when she married, she’d never be able to slip out of the castle. She shivered, hating the idea of growing older, having responsibilities, and not being able to do whatever the bloody hell she wanted.

“You sure you’re okay, Lilly?” Grevik asked, his eyebrows pulling together with concern.

“I’m fine,” she assured him, curling her hand into a fist. While she appreciated him caring, she wished he would leave it be.

He chuckled. “Are you mad because your parents wouldn’t let you apply for a position in the City Guard?”

“Sod off,” she snidely said.

He laughed and then finished his drink, slamming the mug down on the table. “Rumor is that a supply wagon carrying expensive fabric arrived early this morning. Two men, both in their thirties, robbed it, stealing almost everything inside.”

Excitement coursed through Allyssa. This was the part she loved. The thrill of the hunt. “Let’s go,” she said.

Most likely, the thieves were in one of the seedier taverns, trying to lay low. The two friends headed to The Lion’s Den in search of their newest targets.

“Ready?” Grevik asked as he shouldered the wooden door open.

Reaching down, she made sure all her weapons were in place. “Yes,” she answered.

“Remember the plan.” He gave her a pointed look.

“What?” she innocently asked. “What happened the last time we were here wasn’t my fault.”

“Regardless,” he said as he headed to the bar, “I’d prefer not to fight everyone in this tavern tonight. Stick together, find the thieves, follow them, and when the chance arises, we take them down together.”

“Which won’t be a problem as long as no one touches me.”

Grevik looked at her with raised eyebrows. As a princess, no one ever touched her—especially strangers. How was she supposed to know the man was simply patting her shoulder as he squeezed behind her? If she’d known, she never would have attacked him—and most of the patrons who came to his aid. She and Grevik were lucky to have gotten out of that scrape alive.

Grevik ordered them two mugs of ale since they couldn’t be at a tavern and not have a cup in hand. Allyssa turned and leaned against the counter, surveying the room. There were several games of cards going at different tables. If the men had already sold the stolen goods, they’d have money to burn.

One of the tables had a larger pile of coins in the center. She nudged Grevik and tilted her head in that direction. Since she was female, she couldn’t join a card game played only by men without garnering undo attention. Allyssa furtively handed him a bag of coins, and he made his way over to the table. She watched him speak to the men as he tossed his bag of coins on top of the pile. One of the men nodded, and Grevik pulled a chair over and joined the game. Allyssa studied the one who had nodded—most likely he was in charge, which meant he was one of the thieves.

She stood there, growing tired, while Grevik played a couple of games, purposely losing each one in order to rouse the other men into boasting. When he ran out of money, he stood and came over to her.

“Well?” she asked, holding the mug in front of her lips so no one could see her talking to Grevik.

“The tall, thin guy with black hair,” Grevik mumbled, pointing out the one she’d suspected, “is one of the thieves. Don’t know who the second is, though.”

Observing the other tables, she didn’t notice anyone who appeared out of place or suspicious. “Anything else?” she asked, hoping the man had told Grevik something useful.

“He said he was only passing through. Plans to leave first thing tomorrow.”

They didn’t have time to figure out who the second thief was then. They had to take this one to their contact in the City Guard tonight. “Very well,” she uttered. “One is better than none.”

Grevik chuckled. “Sometimes you speak so … formal. It makes me laugh.”

“Glad I can be of amusement.”

“Me too.”

They made their way to an empty table near the back where they could watch the thief without being noticed. After a couple more rounds, he collected the money piled high in the middle of the table. This was Allyssa and Grevik’s cue to leave. They exited the tavern and slid into the shadows, watching. When the thief left, they silently followed him until they came to a deserted street.

The two friends had done this so many times they didn’t even have to talk to one another. Grevik left her side and ran a block ahead to cut the thief off. Allyssa remained trailing the man. When she saw Grevik step into the middle of the street up ahead, she unsheathed her daggers. While the thief’s attention was on Grevik ahead of him, Allyssa silently strode up behind the man and struck him across the back of his head with her dagger. He dropped to the ground.

When she glanced up at Grevik, his eyes widened at something behind her. She knew someone was there. She spun and kicked, her foot nicking her attacker. He lunged with his sword and she stepped to the side. Bringing her arm up, she hit his sword arm. His weapon clanked to the ground. Grevik managed to strike the man’s head with the hilt of his own sword, and he fell to the ground, unconscious.