Cage of Deceit(28)

Allyssa tried not to look back at Prince Odar or Jarvik, but she felt them watching her as she ran past. Did they know it was her? Did they recognize Darmik? Or did they assume they were simply a squad of Emperion soldiers out for a run?

She found herself able to sprint a little faster than before. Maybe the short break she’d taken had been enough to rest her lungs and muscles, allowing additional energy, or maybe it was the fact that she had an audience.





That night, Allyssa considered not sneaking out of the castle. She was exhausted from not sleeping last night and then running ten miles in the morning. However, the idea of not seeing Grevik was enough to change her mind. Besides, she’d only be able to do this a little while longer, and then Grevik would be a City Guard and she would be married.

As she traveled along the dirt path that led from the castle to the servants’ exit in the wall, she considered—not for the first time—asking Marek to accompany her on her nightly escapades. But he would never condone such activity, let alone be a part of it. Neco would have his son’s head for allowing her to chase criminals.

The sentries manning the gate let her pass, thinking she was a worker. She exited the castle grounds and entered the city. Heading down the street, she had an eerie sensation that she was being followed. Glancing back, she didn’t see anyone behind her. It was late at night, but there were still a few people out roaming the streets. Pulling her plain, black cloak tighter, she went to the apartment building where Grevik lived. Climbing the ladder, she shoved the window open and crawled into his dark bedroom.

He was on his cot sleeping. Barmy. Picking up one of his boots lying on the ground, she chucked it at him. “Wake up.”

“Stop assaulting me,” he moaned. “I’m awake.” He sat up, fully dressed, and pulled on his boots.

“I was thinking we could head over to the river district tonight,” Allyssa said, leaning against the window ledge.

“Sure,” he said, standing and stretching.

“I can’t believe you were sleeping,” she chided him.

“I seem to remember a certain night not that long ago where I sat in a tavern all night long and you never showed up. Now, why was that?”

“Shut up,” she mumbled, knowing she’d fallen asleep that night.

He chuckled and climbed out of the window. When he was out of sight, Allyssa crept out of his room and down the hallway. She placed a bag of coins in the pocket of his mother’s cloak, which was hanging on the wall, just as she always did every time she visited Grevik’s apartment. She hurried and went back into his room, climbing down the ladder after him.

On their way to the wealthy river district, they passed a group of soldiers on patrol. “What’s going on?” Allyssa asked. The soldiers of the army were stationed in the barracks on the castle grounds. They only came into the city when the royal family did. Otherwise, designated City Guards were responsible for maintaining law and order here.

Grevik shrugged. “Not sure. There are rumors though.”

“There are always rumors.”

“Some say Russek spies have been spotted in Emperion. Others say Russek is mounting its army, preparing to go through Fia to enter Emperion.”

Allyssa wondered how accurate these rumors were. If Russek truly was ready to invade, her marriage to Prince Odar needed to take place as soon as possible so they could merge Emperion’s army with Fren’s.

“Want to tell me why we’re in this district tonight?” Grevik asked, interrupting her thoughts.

She wanted to come here to investigate, not catch criminals. “I’ve seen maps showing that this river travels straight through Krosek to the Great Ocean.”

“It’s not something I studied in school.” He glanced sidelong at her, waiting for an explanation.

The river ran past the eastern portion of Lakeside. The homes along the water were the wealthiest homes in the city. Grevik and Allyssa rarely came here since there was practically no crime. However, she wanted to see the river for herself. Reaching the end of the street, they came to a small park bordering the water. Silently, the two friends walked through the park. Allyssa stood at the edge of the bank, watching the water rush by. In the books she’d read, the river originated in the north, somewhere in the mountains in Romek, which bordered Fia.

Allyssa jumped and spun around, certain that someone was standing behind her. No one was there. “Let’s go,” she whispered.

“Are you kidding? We just got here,” Grevik complained.

“I think we’re being followed,” she hissed. She took his arm and pulled him back through the park. Allyssa’s skin prickled, yet she didn’t see anyone hiding in the shadows.