The dukes and Legion members unanimously voted to enter into marriage negotiations. Not once did anyone ask her opinion on the matter.
“I have a basic contract here,” Darmik said. “Let’s begin discussing terms.”
A little voice in the back of her head kept repeating the word marriage over and over again. She needed to leave the meeting room. There was no way she could sit there and listen to these men discuss the terms of her marriage. She glanced to the doors. Marek stood guard, watching her. She tried pleading with her eyes, begging him to figure a way to get her out of there. He pursed his lips, and she knew he understood.
Marek slipped out of the room, and another one of her guards took his place. Allyssa prayed he had a plan. A few minutes later, servants entered carrying trays of food and drinks for everyone. When one of the servants approached, she stumbled. The tray she carried fell on the princess, spilling food all over Allyssa’s dress.
“Forgive me, Your Highness,” the servant said as she bent down to pick up the tray.
“It’s fine,” Allyssa answered. “Accidents happen.”
Two additional servants rushed over and started removing the food from her dress. “Your gown is ruined,” a servant said. “I am so sorry.”
Allyssa stood. “It is fine,” she assured the girl. “I will go and change. If everyone will please excuse me.” As she glided from the room, Jarvik’s eyes narrowed. She could have sworn he knew she’d set up the incident to leave the meeting. She couldn’t help but smile.
However, instead of feeling victorious and free, shame overcame her. What would her mother say if she knew the truth? Rema never shied away from what had to be done or her obligations. Yet, here Allyssa was, running away. She hurried to her room to change so she could return to the meeting and at least give the appearance that she cared about her own marriage treaty.
Standing in the middle of the flower field, Allyssa closed her eyes, breathing in the heady, fragrant smell. The sun warmed her face, and a bird cawed from somewhere above. Peace coursed through her. She felt free.
“A true smile,” Prince Odar said.
Allyssa jumped. She hadn’t expected anyone to find her out here. Her guards stood a respectful distance away, giving the prince and princess privacy. Did Prince Odar wish to speak with her? Was he even capable of carrying on a conversation? “Good afternoon,” she politely said.
He smiled the devilish grin of his that she was sure made many women swoon. “I am here to become better acquainted with you.”
He stood next to her amongst the burgundy flowers that filled the entire northern area outside the castle. It was astoundingly beautiful. Her hand reached down, grazing the tops of the petals. The prince brushed the pollen off his sleeves and sneezed.
Raising her eyebrows, Allyssa asked, “What would you like to talk about?”
“You. Tell me about yourself.”
She wasn’t letting him off that easily. “What exactly would you like to know?” she countered, picking a flower and twirling it between her fingers.
“Do you enjoy attending balls?” he asked. “You looked lovely last night.”
“Thank you. I enjoy dancing,” she answered. He smiled at her agreeable answer. “And you?” she inquired.
He sneezed again. “Oh, I love parties and balls.”
Of course he did. “Do you hunt?”
He nodded. “Jarvik and I go all the time.”
Releasing the flower, she gazed into the prince’s blue eyes. “There is something I’m curious to know.” He nodded for her to continue. “If you’re the eldest son, and the younger one is married to the crown princess of Telmena, who will rule Fren if we marry and the king and queen of Fren are dead?”
“Someone will be appointed to rule—similar to the situation you have with Greenwood Island.” Prince Odar glanced back to her guards. “I don’t want to discuss politics with you,” he said, putting his hand gently on her arm.
She wanted to yank it away because the gesture felt too intimate, but she didn’t. Forcing herself to remain standing there among the red flowers, she faced the prince. If she was indeed to marry him, she needed to become better acquainted with him. “I think it’s wise for us to talk about politics if we’re to marry, don’t you agree?”
He shook his head. “There will be time to discuss wars and armies later, but not now. I’m too tongue-tied by your beauty,” he said, smiling that dazzling smile of his.
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. If the prince wanted to act like a typical courtier and had no inclination to be honest and truthful with her, then she had no desire to waste her time with him. “I came out here to be alone,” she stated. “If you don’t mind, I need a few moments to myself.”