Cage of Deceit(3)

“No need to fuss,” Madelin said, hugging her back.

“Now hurry,” Mayra added, giving her a small shove. “It’s not wise to keep your mother waiting.”

Allyssa exited the dressing closet and entered the sitting area of her bedchamber. “Hello, Mother,” she said, trying to keep her head angled so her hair covered her bruise.

Mayra and Madelin came up behind her. “Your Majesty,” they said in unison, bowing before the empress.

Empress Rema quickly dismissed the royal guards and Allyssa’s ladies-in-waiting. Once the door closed and they were alone, Rema’s eyes narrowed. “Did you just awaken?” she asked, a hint of disbelief coloring her voice.

“No,” Allyssa lied. “Why do you ask?” She prayed her mother didn’t notice the bruise.

“I haven’t seen you today. And you seem a bit … thrown together. Are you feeling all right?” Rema came over, gently clutching her daughter’s arms as her eyes roamed over her body, inspecting her for some sign of distress or illness.

Allyssa stood there, knowing her mother was only concerned for her wellbeing. Since her twin brother died shortly after birth, and Rema hadn’t been able to conceive another child, Allyssa was all she had. If her mother wanted to fuss, the least she could do was let her. She smiled, trying to reassure her, but had to stifle a yelp since her face was sore from being punched. “Yes, Mother. I’m all right,” she forced herself to say, trying not to wince from the pain.

There was no way Allyssa could tell Rema that she snuck out of the castle at night to aid the City Guards in tracking down criminals. The empress would never understand or allow it, especially since Allyssa was the crown princess and the only heir to Emperion.

“Very well,” Rema said, releasing her daughter. “I’ve come to tell you that a small ball will be thrown in honor of Prince Zek of Fia tonight.” She moved to the window, gazing outside.

Allyssa wondered if the boring prince from the tiny kingdom of Fia was ever going home. He’d already been there a fortnight, and she’d been forced to sit alongside him at dinner on more than one occasion. She couldn’t take much more of his idle chatter.

“He’s requested an audience with us tomorrow,” her mother continued. “You will be there when he speaks.”

Allyssa stood in front of the hearth, allowing the fire to warm her. She suspected Prince Zek would ask for her hand in marriage at the meeting. Although her parents had insisted she be present when such declarations were made, they hadn’t pushed her into marrying. Yet.

So far, all the princes or high-ranking nobles who had come hadn’t interested her. Rema and Darmik told the gentlemen that their daughter was simply too young and in no hurry to marry. But she could only put off the inevitable for so long. She dreaded the day when she would have to choose who would live in this cage with her, who would rule by her side, and who would be her companion for life. Granted, it had worked out for her parents, but their story was far from usual. They were the lucky ones. Rema and Darmik had managed to choose each other and weren’t forced into an awkward arranged marriage.

“Care to join me in the Throne Room for the weekly proceedings?” Rema gently asked as she turned to face her daughter with sympathy in her eyes.

Allyssa most certainly did not want to join her mother in that stifling place. However, she knew it really wasn’t a question. “Of course.”

Rema smiled and came over to her, linking their arms together as they exited the room. “Want to go riding with me later today?” she asked, kissing the top of Allyssa’s head.

“I would love to,” she answered. Riding with her mother was one of her favorite things to do. “But I’m going to have to decline. I’ll need the time to prepare for the ball.” In reality, she needed to rest. Her muscles were sore, and there was no way she could mount a horse—not after the events of last night.

“I understand,” Rema said, patting her daughter’s hand.

“Tomorrow?” Allyssa suggested, hoping she’d feel better by then.

“I look forward to it.” The empress led them out of the Royal Chambers and to the corridor where their royal guards surrounded them.

“I forgot to tell you that the Legion of Emperion was thoroughly impressed with your handling of the meeting yesterday,” Rema said, her eyes flickering with amusement.

Allyssa had to stifle her laugh. The Legion was made up of elderly gentleman. Her mother had told her to make sure she smiled but maintained control at all times by not letting anyone speak over her.

“Your father and I had a bet,” Rema whispered. “He thought you’d lose your temper and yell at the lot of them.”