Cage of Deceit(14)

“Yes, but that was different.”

“I don’t think so. I’m sure your parents would be fine with Marek courting Madelin. Besides, your two families are close.”

Allyssa peered over at Marek and Madelin. Marek stood behind her, his hands on her arms, angling the bow properly.

Mayra rolled her eyes.

“Oh come on, it’s sweet,” Allyssa said. She suspected her friend was probably just jealous.

“No,” Mayra said. “It most definitely is not. It’s gross. He’s my brother.”

One of Darmik’s stewards approached, clearing his throat. “Princess Allyssa, His Majesty bid me to deliver this.” He handed her an envelope closed with her father’s seal.

She tore it open and read the hastily written letter. Her father wanted her to arrive at the Throne Room in two hours’ time. A dress had been laid out for her in her bedchamber. She turned the paper over, looking for more. That was it. Very strange.

“I’m assuming you heard the news about Prince Zek?” Mayra asked after the steward left.

“I haven’t heard a word.” She needed to go to her bedchamber to change; however, she wanted to give Marek and Madelin a few more minutes alone.

Mayra whispered, “He was seen leaving this morning. I overheard my father say that your parents insisted he be gone before sunrise.”

As relieved as she was to hear the boring prince had finally gone home, it only confirmed Grevik’s gossip that someone of more importance was coming.





Staring at herself in the mirror, Allyssa ran her hand down the red material of her dress. She couldn’t help but admire the exquisite fabric and attention to detail her personal seamstress had taken in making the gown. The outer material was softly woven silk, while the top skirt had a slit down the middle, allowing the underskirt to be seen with its intricate embroidery. The edges and square-shaped neck were lined with diamonds. It was utterly beautiful, elegant, and classy—something befitting of an empress.

Mayra finished loosely braiding Allyssa’s hair.

“Why all the fuss?” Allyssa whispered. She still hadn’t had a chance to speak with her father.

Her lady-in-waiting sighed, not answering her. She picked up the crown and placed it atop Allyssa’s head. “There,” she said, “you’re ready to go to the Throne Room.”

Allyssa raised her eyebrows, waiting for Mayra to offer additional information. Mayra started tidying up the dressing room, studiously ignoring her.

Knowing her friend’s keen ear for gossip, Allyssa asked, “Is the prince from Telmena coming?” If she had to entertain the idea of marrying a thirty-year-old goat of a man, she’d consider running away until he found someone else to wed.

Her lady-in-waiting froze. “No,” she whispered. “Although, I did hear an interesting rumor about his sister, Princess Jestina of Telmena. Since the crown passes through the female line, Telmena wanted Princess Jestina to marry the Crown Prince from Fren, uniting their two great kingdoms. However, the prince from Fren refused to marry her. To prevent their countries from going to war, the prince’s younger brother, Prince Kren, married Princess Jestina instead.”

“Why do you think this information is of use to me?”

Mayra shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

If the prince from Telmena wasn’t coming, then it had to be the Crown Prince from Fren. Otherwise, Mayra wouldn’t have bothered sharing that bit of information. Allyssa abruptly turned and exited her bedchamber, her guards falling in position behind her. As she neared the sitting room in the royal wing, she heard her parents talking to Neco. Unable to stop herself, she paused in the hallway, listening.

“The royal convoy just entered the city,” Neco announced.

It was wrong to eavesdrop, but she wanted to know if her suspicions were correct. Thankfully, Marek wasn’t on duty; he’d have made noise to ensure she was discovered. She waved her four guards back, and they dutifully, and quietly, obliged. Allyssa peered around the corner.

Darmik rubbed his face while Rema stood and went to the window, looking outside.

“I’ve dreaded this day would come,” the empress said. “I’ll go and talk to her.”

“I’ll go with you,” Darmik added. “After all, this was my idea.”

Neco cleared his throat. “With all due respect,” he said. “It’s the only feasible option. She’ll understand that. Her tutor has done an excellent job ensuring she understands the politics of the continent.”

“I certainly hope so,” Rema said, “because if she doesn’t, we’ll have a bloody war at our doorstep. I promised to protect the people of Emperion, but it can’t be at the expense of my daughter.”