Cage of Deceit(36)

Rema and Darmik welcomed them before sitting next to one another on the sofa. Allyssa hurried and sat on the chair near the fireplace, forcing the prince and squire to share the other sofa. Her father looked at her and raised his eyebrows, questioning her behavior. She merely smiled as if she were happy to be with such lovely company.

“We’re so pleased you could join us this evening,” Rema said.

“Thank you for the invitation,” Prince Odar replied. “I look forward to getting to know you and your family better.”

Allyssa folded her hands on her lap.

“We appreciate you traveling so far to speak with us,” Darmik said. “Especially considering how dangerous traveling is right now.”

“It was necessary,” the prince said, leaning back on the sofa. “This alliance is beneficial for both our kingdoms.” He quickly glanced at Jarvik, who sat there staring at something on the side table. “If we hadn’t received your invitation,” Prince Odar continued, “I don’t know what we would have done to stop Russek. So with all due respect, it is I who should be thanking you.” He gave that dazzling smile of his.

Allyssa wanted to know what lay under his beautiful exterior. What sort of man was he? What did he enjoy doing in his spare time? “Prince Odar,” Allyssa said, and all eyes turned to her. “I would love to know about your country. We hear so little about Fren.”

The prince’s eyes darted to his squire before returning to her. “Our kingdom is more like your northern lands. We don’t have any deserts like you do in your southern region.” He paused and peered at Jarvik again. “Um … our coastal areas have great steep cliffs, most of the kingdom has excellent farmland, and the northern portion of the Biztanek Forest is teaming with oak trees, which we use for making furniture and homes.”

Fren was known for keeping to themselves—they didn’t import or export with any other kingdom except Telmena.

A tray of tea was brought in, and the servant handed Allyssa a cup. “Tell me about your parents, about court, and about your interests,” she said. She took a sip of tea and waited for him to continue.

“My parents are kind but strict,” he said, setting his cup down on the low table in front of him. “Our court is similar to yours—we have those vying for political positions, others seeking an advantageous marriage, and lots of gossips. As far as my interests go … I enjoy hunting and reading. However, I spend a lot of my time working, so there is very little time for such luxuries.”

Taking another sip, Allyssa decided to question him on their marriage. Perhaps she could learn what to expect from him once the contract was finalized.

“How do you feel about us aligning ourselves in order to fight Russek?” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father cross his legs. He always did that when he wanted her to back off.

Prince Odar tugged his collar, and he swallowed hard. “As I said before, it’s advantageous for both kingdoms.”

“Yes, but how do you feel personally about the two of us marrying?”

The squire knocked over a statue that was sitting on the side table, and all attention turned to him. “Sorry,” he murmured.

Darmik cleared his throat. “Jarvik, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?” he said, changing the subject to something more neutral.

“There is nothing to tell. I am a squire for the prince.”

Who knows how to fight exceptionally well, Allyssa thought. Usually, squires oversaw the prince’s lords-in-waiting, acted as a valet, accompanied the prince to various activities, and carried confidential messages. There was definitely more to Jarvik than he was letting on.

“Pardon the interruption,” Neco said as he hurried into the room. “I must speak with Your Majesties immediately.”

Rema and Darmik excused themselves and left the room with Neco.

Allyssa looked to the squire, who gave no indication he planned to say anything else now that her parents were gone. “Jarvik, how do you feel about Fren and Emperion’s union  ? Do you, like Prince Odar, believe it to be advantageous?” She was pretty sure the squire despised her, but how did he feel about the marriage?

His eyes focused on her as he said, “Fren is a proud country, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect it.” He spoke with such conviction that Allyssa admired his passion. Yet, he hadn’t answered her question.

“Does your loyalty lie with Fren or the prince?” she asked, leaning forward. Prince Odar obviously trusted the squire, but she wasn’t sure he should. Perhaps Jarvik had his own agenda.