Cage of Deceit(4)

Allyssa snorted. “And you didn’t?” she asked, surprised.

“That’s not to say I don’t think you’ll lose it in the future, but I knew you’d be able to remain composed the first time.”

Allyssa laughed.

“Thanks to you, I won a new horse.” Rema smiled.

“You bet a horse?”

“You know your father,” Rema mused. “He jumped at the chance to acquire a new stallion. Too bad he lost.”



Sitting in the Throne Room for hours, listening to the representatives from each of the five regions in Emperion drone on and on about the state of their land, nearly drove Allyssa to tears with boredom. She didn’t know how her mother and father sat there listening to this once a week.

At least when she snuck out with Grevik, she was making changes for the better by helping citizens and ensuring criminals were put in jail. It felt like everyone who came to see the empress and emperor wanted or needed something from them. It was utterly exhausting, yet Rema managed to sit there with a kind smile, listening. Allyssa’s father, Darmik, at least appeared a little antsy. He preferred managing the army to politics.

When it was finally over hours later, the royal family stood and strode down the aisle. Allyssa mimicked her mother and smiled at the representatives, who all bowed. The second she exited the room, she moaned.

Her father’s eyes sliced over to her. “There are still courtiers lurking in the hallways,” he mumbled so only she could hear. “Behave.”

She rounded her shoulders and plastered the never-ending smile back on her face. “Of course,” she said. “Forgive me.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I’m going riding,” Rema announced. “I have a new horse I need to become acquainted with.”

Allyssa knew her mother needed to break free from this place on occasion as well.

“I’ll accompany you,” Darmik said, taking his wife’s arm and escorting her down the hallway.

Sighing, Allyssa headed toward the Royal Chambers, wanting nothing more than to crawl in bed for a few hours. She needed to have enough energy to not only make it through the ridiculous ball tonight, but also to meet Grevik afterwards. If she didn’t have the chance to leave the castle for a bit, she’d go stark raving mad.

Marek, the head of her personal guard, stepped next to her. He wore his light armor with his gleaming sword strapped to his waist. “Care to spar for an hour before you dress for the ball?” he asked.

She fought a smile. He knew she loved to fight. After all, they’d grown up together sparring, especially since his father and hers were best friends. As tempting as his offer was, her body couldn’t withstand the physical exertion right now.

“Are you sure you’re ready for me to beat you again?” she teased.

He chuckled. “I let you win.”

“As much as I would enjoy the opportunity to trounce you, I have too many things to do before the ball this evening,” she said. “However, I do believe I will have some free time tomorrow?”

“I look forward to proving you wrong. Again,” Marek said, smiling at her.

The head of her guard was rather handsome, she supposed. She’d grown up with him and his younger sister Mayra. Both of them had dark hair and eyes. Mayra was small and slim like her mother Ellie, whereas Marek was tall and lean just like his father Neco.

When Allyssa caught sight of a group of courtiers up ahead, she stiffened. She hoped the powder still concealed the nasty bruise on her cheek. Marek hadn’t said anything to her about it, but then again, he knew better. Holding her chin high, she glided down the corridor. The pristine leaded glass windows allowed the sun to shine brightly through. As she approached the group, everyone bowed. Allyssa kindly smiled at her subjects. She was the heir to the throne, and they were supposedly beneath her. Yet … yet … she felt like a child playing at a game she knew nothing about. These people had been navigating court for years. They each had an agenda, wanted or needed something, and they were all here for a reason.

Allyssa kept walking, not wanting to give them the opportunity to talk to her. When she rounded the corner, she finally relaxed her shoulders.



A ball was nothing unusual since several were held each season. Rema insisted it was good policy to please the nobility. Allyssa had grown up attending these functions. At first, she’d been bedazzled by the glittering chandeliers, the fine clothing, and the ornate flowers. But after attending so many balls, they began to lose their appeal. However, at every single one, she made sure no one knew how she really felt. She smiled at, danced with, and listened to her subjects. Her parents had groomed her well.