Cage of Deceit(27)

As much as Allyssa loved her father, spending time with him, and training together, she absolutely despised these runs. When Darmik insisted she go with him, it meant she got no sleep at all since he required they leave before sunrise.

Allyssa was already drenched in sweat and could barely breathe even though they’d only gone five miles. Unfortunately, Darmik was just getting warmed up. Blimey. At least he let her run in pants. Both of them had on the training outfits worn by their soldiers. She’d even braided her hair and wrapped it around her head so if anyone saw her from afar, they would never know she was the princess.

“Let’s pick up the pace,” Darmik said. “You’re a bit slow today.”

Blasted. She didn’t think she could run any faster. Her father took off and she sprinted harder, trying not to fall too far behind him.

They ran their usual route, the royal guards trailing them as they headed around the lake and entered the small forest to the east of the castle. This was her favorite part and the only reason she hadn’t been moaning and complaining out loud. Allyssa loved running between the towering trees and over the moss-covered flooring. It was so different from Emperor’s City which was where the royal family spent at least one season each year. Here in the forest, she understood why her mother had insisted they establish Lakeside as their primary residence.

“You seem rather distracted,” Darmik commented, slowing his pace to run alongside her. He wasn’t even winded, whereas she felt as if her lungs were on fire even though it was freezing out. The sun hadn’t crested the mountains yet, and a dull gray blanketed the land. “Anything you want to tell me?” Darmik asked between breaths.

She shook her head, unable to answer. Darmik started running faster. Was he upset over something she’d done? Did he suspect she had snuck out of the castle? Did he want her to confide in him about Prince Odar?

A dull clanging sound echoed through the forest. Since her father didn’t flinch, he must know where the sounds were coming from. Darmik slowed his pace, allowing Allyssa to catch sight of the Fren soldiers sparring with one another up ahead.

Now that she was paying closer attention to her surroundings, Allyssa realized her father had taken her slightly off their usual trail. “Do they do this every day?” she asked, glancing at Darmik as they jogged closer to the men. He nodded. There had to be a good fifty soldiers out there, practicing sword work with one another.

“Good,” one of the men yelled. “Let’s try that exercise again, only faster.”

She recognized the voice as Jarvik’s. Why was the squire leading these men? Perhaps their captain had stayed behind in Fren.

Allyssa and Darmik slowed to a stop. The princess bent over, resting her hands on her thighs, breathing heavily as she watched Jarvik. The squire started running through the drill with another soldier. When they turned, she realized it was the prince. Prince Odar swung his sword, clashing it against Jarvik’s. With a flick of his wrist, the squire disarmed the prince. Jarvik placed his hand on the prince’s shoulder, speaking to him. The prince nodded.

“One would think the prince of a large kingdom would be a better swordsman,” Allyssa whispered so only her father could hear. Their squad of soldiers stood about fifteen feet behind them.

“I agree. It’s unusual for a squire to lead the exercises,” Darmik commented. “At least Prince Odar is learning now and taking an interest in his army. That’s a good sign.”

“I’m surprised you approve of him as a son-in-law.”

Darmik’s eyes sliced over to hers. “Why do you say that?”

“Father,” Allyssa said, pointing at the prince. “He’s… he’s … .” She wanted to say a daft cow, but she knew her father wouldn’t approve of such language. “I just expected you to choose someone more like Marek.”

Darmik folded his arms. “Honestly, I’d prefer if you married someone with a little more experience in commanding an army rather than a court. However, an alliance between our kingdoms is beneficial right now. I’ve done extensive research on Odar. All my reports indicate he is intelligent—even if we don’t see it.”

She was about to argue when her father put his hand on her arm and said, “You, of all people, should understand that people can show the world one side of them, and keep another side hidden. I say we give him time and become better acquainted with him.” Darmik started jogging again. “Let’s go,” he called over his shoulder.

She ran after him as he led the way around the open area where the soldiers were practicing. All of them appeared to be good fighters—lethal and proficient with their moves. It was rather impressive to watch.