Cage of Deceit(45)

His eyes widened with surprise. “That’s a first,” he replied. “Don’t worry. I understand. We can take this slow.”

“Thank you.”

He slid his hand down her neck, along her arm, and to her hand, pulling her to her feet. Two servants rushed forward to gather the blanket, along with their discarded plates and drinks.

“Let me have the honor of escorting you into the castle,” he said, offering her his arm.

She took it and they strolled inside, passing several courtiers smiling at them. Clearly, the court liked the idea of her marrying a prince from a large and wealthy kingdom. They would have to officially announce the engagement soon to make sure her people maintained hope when war loomed on the horizon.



Allyssa returned to the castle tired, but gratified, from having spent most of the day working at a local shelter feeding those in need. It was something she did with her mother a couple of times each season.

Entering her bedchamber, she found Mayra waiting for her.

Her lady-in-waiting jumped to her feet. “There is something I need to discuss with you,” she said.

“What is it?” Allyssa asked, sitting on the sofa and pulling Mayra down next to her.

“I’ve been discreetly asking around about Prince Odar and Jarvik, just like you instructed me to.”

Since Mayra was so good with other languages and spying, Allyssa had asked her to see if she could uncover anything of importance about the men from Fren.

“Did you know the prince didn’t bring any servants with him?” Mayra asked. “Not even one.”

“Are you certain?” Allyssa thought back to the day he arrived in such grandeur.

“Yes. Every single person here from Fren, with the exception of Jarvik and the prince, are high-ranking officers and soldiers from the prince’s personal army.”

“What about the elaborate entourage we saw? All the lords-in-waiting?” Allyssa asked.

“Soldiers dressed as servants,” Mayra answered.

“Why?” Had the prince feared something foul would happen when he reached the Emperion court? Or was there a darker, more sinister reason behind the sham?

“I’m not sure,” Mayra replied. “What I’m hearing from our castle workers is that the roads are dangerous near the Russek border. Perhaps the Frens expected to encounter trouble on the way here.”

That made sense. But why maintain the ruse? Possibly for the way home? “What about the prince and squire? Did you learn anything about them?”

“No,” Mayra admitted. “No one will speak about either man. If there was a servant with them, I could probably coax or bribe the servant into speaking, but these soldiers are extremely loyal and therefore, closedmouthed.”

“Keep investigating,” Allyssa instructed her friend. “I’d like to see what else you can uncover.” She had an eerie feeling she was missing something vital.



Allyssa entered the training room and found her father sparring with Jarvik. The sight of their wooden practice swords swinging toward one another was so unexpected, she froze, watching them.

When her father saw her, he stopped sparring and pointed his sword at her legs. “Pants?”

“I want to practice my front and side kicks,” she answered.

“If you need to kick, chances are you’ll be wearing a gown. We’ve been over this—I want you practicing in a dress so you’ll be able to defend yourself if necessary.” His shirt was soaked through with sweat, his hair disheveled. She wondered how long he’d been sparring.

“Yes, Father,” was all she said.

Darmik wiped his forehead with his shirt sleeve. “I have a few things to attend to,” he said. “Here.” He handed her his wooden sword. “I’ve worn Jarvik down, perhaps you can take him.” He kissed her forehead and mumbled, “He lifts his chin ever so slightly before he strikes.”

After Darmik left the room, she peered over at the squire, and he smirked. Bastard. Well, she’d wanted an opportunity to hit him, and now she had it.

“I don’t usually fight girls,” he said, standing with his feet shoulder-width apart, the sword loosely clasped in his right hand.

“Fren doesn’t employ women in its army?” she asked. That didn’t seem fair. If a girl wanted to fight, she should be able to.

“I’d never heard of such a thing until I came here. Women should be home tending to the house, not defending their kingdom. That’s a man’s job.”

Bloody two-bit snake pits. She swung, and he easily deflected her blow.

“For a squire, you sure know how to use your sword,” she mused, going on the offensive. “I assumed all you’d know how to do is manage the prince’s affairs and see to his needs.” She wanted to upset him enough to throw him off balance.