“Yes, it must be exhausting to dance with so many eligible men.”
Was he making fun of her? No one in the castle ever spoke to her in such an informal manner. And she didn’t care for his degrading tone either. “Is there something you want?” she demanded, in no mood to deal with him.
He stood there with his hands clasped behind his back. “Prince Odar asked me to dance with you.” His lips curled as if the mere thought of spending any time with her was detestable.
If he didn’t like her, perhaps he wouldn’t be careful with what he said, and she could obtain vital information from him. “Very well.” She gave him her hand. “I’ll dance with you.” She felt his calloused palm against hers as he led her back to the dance floor. He must spend a lot of time with his sword.
“What is your name?” she asked.
“Jarvik,” he answered. “I’m His Highness’s loyal squire.”
He swung her around to face him, and they began dancing. Jarvik appeared to be a year or two older than she was. He wasn’t nearly as tall as the prince, but he was still taller than she was. Jarvik’s hair was dark, almost black like the night. He had broad shoulders, brown eyes, and freckles on his nose. Not handsome, but there was something interesting about him. They danced in silence, Jarvik making no attempt at conversation. They remained toward the edge of the dance floor, and Allyssa was grateful. She’d be able to easily reach the exit from there.
“I suppose the prince wants your opinion of me?” she asked, breaking the silence.
“He does,” Jarvik answered, his eyes keenly aware, dissecting every inch of her face.
“Does he rely heavily on those around him to form his opinions?” She knew she shouldn’t be so forward, but she couldn’t help it.
The squire bristled. “He listens to the opinions of those around him,” Jarvik answered in a clipped tone, “but he makes up his own mind on matters.”
She smiled, certain she had offended him. This was the first conversation she’d enjoyed all evening. Jarvik didn’t want to be there any more than she did. It was time to get down to business. “Was Prince Odar sent here to acquire a bride?” she asked.
His eyes narrowed, assessing her. “You’re rather bold,” he declared.
“You have no idea.” The dance was a slow one, allowing them to easily converse.
“I have some inclination. Not many princesses know how to use a sword and defend themselves. But I suppose you’ve learned because of your father’s background.” His tone was casual, not condescending.
Although, he still hadn’t answered her question. Now he seemed to be baiting her. Allyssa smiled. “I learned to fight because I am going to be the empress of Emperion. That means I will be the leader of the greatest army. A competent ruler knows how to fight in order to lead his or her people effectively.” He spun her around a little too fast for her liking. “You didn’t answer my question.”
Jarvik huffed. “Prince Odar is here at Emperion’s request.”
“Why did he agree to come?”
He studied her a moment before replying. “We would like to forge an alliance with Emperion. Fren is on the verge of being invaded by Russek, and the prince will do what needs to be done to protect his kingdom.”
“Russek is threatening Fren?” she inquired. “I thought you had a larger army than they do. I didn’t realize you needed Emperion’s assistance.”
Jarvik’s eyes flashed with anger, and he stopped dancing. “What game are you playing?” he demanded, holding her tightly.
She shoved him away, and he let her go. “I’m not the one seeking an alliance to save my kingdom.”
“You’re not?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. “If Russek invades Fren, Landania and Fia won’t be far behind. Then there won’t be any stopping Russek. They’ll crush your kingdom so fast that you’ll wish you weren’t so arrogant and pompous.”
“Me?” How dare he say such a thing to her?
He pointed at Allyssa. “You’re a spoiled little brat,” he declared. “A typical princess.”
She started laughing. He had no clue. He’d made assumptions about her based on what he saw, and that wasn’t who she was at all. She was simply playing a part, and he had fallen for it.
“You know nothing,” she said, seething with fury. “Now be gone before I make a scene in front of everyone here.”
He smiled like he expected her to throw a tantrum. She wanted to wipe the degrading smirk off his face. What an arrogant bastard. Leaning forward, she whispered in his ear, “If you ever disrespect me again, I’ll kill you.”