Cage of Deceit(41)

“It doesn’t change anything,” she said. “I’m still me.”

“With a crown,” he bitterly replied.

Allyssa hoped he would understand and forgive her for lying.

“Why all the guards tonight?” Grevik asked. Marek stood there quietly, having listened to the entire conversation.

“Now that the head of my personal guard knows I’ve been sneaking out of the castle at night, I can’t slip by him anymore. I asked him to come with me so I could speak to you.”

“I need some time to think about everything you’ve told me.” He scanned her guards. “And I can’t talk to you with people watching us.”

She told him she understood, but she really didn’t. The one thing she valued most about his friendship was his honesty—the fact that he liked her for her. If this lie—the lie that allowed them to become friends in the first place—ruined their friendship, she’d never forgive herself.

“When you’re ready to talk,” Marek said, stepping a little closer, “come to the castle. Ask for me. I’ll make sure you’re admitted and gain access to the princess.”

That surprised Allyssa. Commoners weren’t granted entrance very often.

Grevik scratched the back of his neck. “We’ll see,” he said to Marek. Facing Allyssa again, he muttered, “I guess I can’t hug you anymore. So, good-bye.” He turned and left without glancing back.

She was about to call out after him when Marek stopped her. “Give him time,” he whispered. “He just found out his best friend has been lying to him.”

“Maybe if I explained it again,” she said, “he’ll understand.”

Marek shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Allyssa watched her friend climb back into his room. Her eyes swelled with tears. Grevik had to understand why she lied. He just had to.

“We need to go,” Marek gently said. She nodded. They started walking away when four men stepped into the street ahead of them. They fanned out, blocking the road. Marek’s hand went to his sword, and then he relaxed.

Three of the men bore army uniforms with the colors of Fren. The fourth man was dressed in solid black. When he looked up, Allyssa saw that it was Jarvik.

Blimey—could this day get any worse?

“It seems you, Princess, are keeping a great many secrets,” the squire said, crossing his arms.

“Stand aside and let me pass,” she demanded.

“Not until you tell me why you’re visiting another man—and a commoner no less. I guess your guard isn’t the one you’re having an affair with.” He leaned toward her, hatred in his eyes. “This must be why Prince Odar hasn’t been able to woo you.”

“You disgust me,” she said, her voice not nearly as strong as she’d intended. “You’re boorish and judgmental. I want you to leave me alone.”

“Come on,” Marek said, taking her arm. “He’d never understand what you’re doing anyway.”

“You’re right,” she said. “And I don’t want to stoop to his level.” Holding her head high, she stepped around the squire.

Jarvik’s head suddenly snapped to the side, and he squinted at something down the street. His hand went to the hilt of his sword, and he unsheathed it. “Take her away from here,” he ordered Marek. “We have company.”

Allyssa turned around and saw a single man standing in the middle of the street about twenty feet away, his arms casually at his sides. The man wore a long, black cape and hood, concealing his identity. Fear pricked up her spine—the same sensation she’d had over the past couple of days when she felt as if someone was watching her.

“Let’s go,” Marek whispered, tugging her arm.

Allyssa started to turn away when the man yelled, “Wait.” She froze, somehow knowing he was speaking to her.

He pointed his black-gloved finger at Allyssa. “I want a word with the girl,” he said, his voice deep and rough. “The rest of you can leave.”

“Come on,” Marek urged, yanking her arm. “Let the others deal with him.”

Why did this man want to speak with her? Had he been following her in hopes of having the chance to catch her alone? She needed to know what was going on, so she stayed rooted in place.

To her surprise, Jarvik spoke. “You’re not speaking to her now, or ever.”

The man chuckled, the sound throaty and menacing. “As you wish.” He stepped forward, unsheathing two twin blades. Before she realized what he was going to do, he threw the knives at two of her guards, hitting each one directly in the head with the hilt. Both men collapsed to the ground, unconscious.