Cage of Deceit(37)

The squire’s eyes narrowed. “They are one in the same.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “They most certainly are not.” Allyssa knew the difference. She knew who served her crown versus who served her as a person.

He rested his arms on his legs as he studied her. “What about you?” he quietly asked. “Where does your loyalty lie?”

Jarvik was a shrewd and cunning man. Allyssa wasn’t sure if she should admire or fear him. “Like you,” she responded, “I love my kingdom and will do anything to secure peace so that my people may prosper.”

“So you’ll align yourself with Prince Odar just to prevent war?” Jarvik asked. “Even though you obviously don’t care for him?”

“Yes,” she snapped. “I’ll do whatever I have to for Emperion.” He was about to respond when she cut him off. “I’m sure the prince’s feelings for me are similar to my own for him. Friendship and love will come in time.”

“You honestly aren’t taken with him?” he asked, pointing to the prince.

She jumped to her feet, unable to sit still any longer. “That is none of your business. It is between the prince and me. Now back off.”

Jarvik’s eyes widened. “You have quite the temper.”

She glanced at the prince, but he kept his head down, giving no indication that he intended to join in the conversation. Was he seriously going to sit there and allow his squire to speak to her in such a way? “I suggest you leave me alone,” she said. Before I wallop you, she thought to herself.

“I’m simply trying to ascertain your disposition. The king and queen don’t want someone volatile marrying their son and leading their army into war. They need a levelheaded girl by their son’s side.”

Putting her hands on her hips, she asked, “Are you in their confidence? Did they send you here for this reason?” Perhaps the king and queen knew Prince Odar would do his duty, so they sent the squire to make sure this match was truly in the best interest of their son and kingdom. Even though she didn’t like Jarvik, she admired his sovereigns for being so practical.

“The reason I am here is none of your concern,” he said, standing before her.

“If it involves my kingdom, it is my concern. I am here tonight to try and become better acquainted with Prince Odar. I need to see if he is capable of ruling beside me since he will be coming to my kingdom. I did not intend to have you here interrogating me.”

Jarvik’s face went flaming red. “You’ll make a horrible empress. You’re too emotional and temperamental. I am going to my king and queen and recommending they find another solution. I’d rather Fren go to war than have Prince Odar marry you,” he spat, shaking with rage.

It felt as if he’d slapped her face. She was too stunned by his outburst and hurtful words to respond. Didn’t he just say he’d do anything for his kingdom? Yet, there he was, ready to single-handedly throw away this alliance simply because he didn’t like her. She couldn’t allow the squire to ruin everything her parents had worked so hard to build.

She opened her mouth to try and salvage the alliance when Prince Odar dragged Jarvik away from her. “As entertaining as it is to watch the two of you argue,” the prince said, “this isn’t helping. The both of you need to calm down.” He released the squire.

Allyssa huffed and took a seat while Jarvik adjusted his tunic.

“That’s better,” Prince Odar said. “I don’t know why the two of you seem to hate one another so much, but I can’t allow this animosity to continue. I understand you have objections to the marriage,” he said looking at Jarvik, “but you need to give it another chance. For the sake of your kingdom.”

Jarvik nodded, not looking at either of them.

Prince Odar continued, “I’d like to spend some time alone with Allyssa so I can become better acquainted with her. I think you should do the same. Then, if you still feel this marriage wouldn’t benefit our kingdom, we’ll leave and figure something else out.”

“Fine,” Jarvik snapped. “But I’m done for the night. Let’s go.” He threw open the door and left.

“I’m sorry for my friend’s behavior,” Prince Odar said. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. I’ve known him since we were boys, and he’s not usually like this. Please apologize to your parents for our early departure.” He took her hand, quickly kissed it, and left.

Just as the door shut behind him, Rema and Darmik returned with Neco. She thought they would scold her for scaring the prince away, but as soon as she saw them both wearing their crowns, she knew something was wrong.