Cage of Deceit(39)

Allyssa closed her eyes, wanting to block out the images of her people suffering at the hands of Russek soldiers. This crime could not go unpunished. What these scouts saw was not to be tolerated.

“Thank you for your sacrifice for this kingdom,” Darmik said, his voice grim. “Let’s continue this conversation in private. Unfortunately, I need to know more specific details.”

Allyssa stood and went to the men. Her parents were watching her, but they made no attempt to interfere. She wanted to console the scouts.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, placing her hands atop each man’s head, willing them to feel her sorrow and compassion. “What you’ve seen is tragic. No one should witness the deaths of friends and comrades in such a barbaric and gruesome way. I promise that this attack against Emperion will not go unpunished. Come to my private dining room so that I may feed you. We can talk there. While we eat, I’ll have word sent to your families, letting them know you’ve returned safely home and will be joining them in a few hours.” She glanced back at her parents. They both nodded their approval.

“Follow me,” Allyssa said, heading down the aisle. The three men, her parents, Prince Odar, and Jarvik all followed her.



Allyssa sat on the edge of her bed, exhausted. It was already well past midnight. After feeding the three scouts, Darmik and Neco had asked them hundreds of questions about their mission. She felt bad the men had to relive losing their friends’ lives. Even Jarvik was relentless, demanding to know the minute details about their mutual enemy. On more than one occasion, Prince Odar offered to escort the princess to her bedchamber, looking as if he might be ill and wanted an excuse to leave. Allyssa insisted on staying, though. She owed it to these soldiers and herself—especially since she would one day rule this kingdom. She couldn’t turn a blind eye when such atrocities were going on.

Finally, it had been Rema who insisted everyone stop questioning the scouts so they could go home, see their families, and clean up. They were to return tomorrow afternoon for further debriefing.

Allyssa rubbed her face and flopped back on her soft bed. She was supposed to meet Grevik an hour ago—she owed him an explanation. However, she had promised Neco that Marek would accompany her if she left the castle. Blimey. She quickly changed into the plain pants and tunic that she usually wore when she snuck out. After she braided her hair, she grabbed her black cloak. Exiting her room, she startled her guards.

“I wish to go to the training room.” They nodded and led her through the vacant, dark hallways, not once questioning her intentions at this late hour.

Upon entering the training room, one of the guards asked, “Shall we light the torches?”

“No,” she answered. “I need to speak with Marek. Please wake him and bring him here.”

One of the guards nodded and hurried away. The remaining men took their positions near the door. She walked over to a window and stared outside into the dead of night. The moon wasn’t visible, so the sky was filled with thousands of stars that seemed so close she could touch them.

“Do I even want to know why you’ve summoned me here at this forsaken hour?” Marek asked, coming into the room. His hair stood up in every direction, but at least he was dressed and not in his nightclothes.

She waved him over to the window, away from the door and listening ears. “I promised your father I’d let you do your job and protect me.”

Marek snorted, folding his arms and leaning against the window.

“I’m serious.”

“Listen,” he said, “I don’t know what you’ve been doing or why, but you can’t be endangering your life by leaving the castle unprotected.”

“I know.”

“I just … I can’t even believe you did that.” He started pacing. “And then Jarvik caught us together, and now he thinks we’re having an affair. Do you have any idea how that makes me look?”

She was about to defend herself when he continued, “Then you pull that stunt tonight in the Throne Room and set the entire castle talking about how compassionate you are, how wonderful you are, and what a great leader you’re becoming.” He ran his hands through his disheveled hair and stopped pacing. He turned to face her. “You’re maddening. Do you know that?”

She started laughing. “Are you done?”

He threw his hands into the air. “Have you heard a word I’ve said?”

“Yes,” she answered. “But I asked you here because I need a favor.”

He shook his head. “No way. I’m not helping you sneak out.”