Cage of Deceit(47)
“I have a question for you,” she said. Glancing around, she made sure no one was paying them any heed. “Why Emperion? You already have a strong alliance with Telmena. Why not join forces with them and attack Russek?”
“We need Emperion’s army,” he answered. “It is the strongest and most capable on the continent.”
She opened her mouth to ask another question when he said, “I think we’ve talked enough about politics for one night. We can discuss such matters later, but not now.” He lifted his glass of wine, taking another drink.
“Of course,” she said. There was something the prince wasn’t telling her—something he was hiding. Otherwise, he wouldn’t change the subject every time she brought up their alliance or the upcoming war with Russek. Allyssa was determined to find out what it was.
Allyssa sent a message to the squire, instructing him to meet her on the castle rooftop instead of the library as planned. There were several questions she needed answered before they started working together. As of now, she’d feel safer sneaking out alone rather than entrusting her life to him.
Her father and Neco were so wrapped up sending spies to the front lines to obtain information about Russek that she’d barely seen either of them lately. Her mother was trying to finish contract negotiations with Prince Odar while managing to find the time to call up all the military reserves Emperion had.
Leaning on the stone railing, Allyssa gazed out over the city. Thousands of sparkling lights glittered below from windows, the breeze gently rustled her hair, and the moon cast a soft glow over the rooftop. Her guards were stationed near the door, far enough away to give her the illusion of being alone, and certainly far enough away not to overhear a word she spoke.
Jarvik’s soft footsteps approached behind her. “Why does this not surprise me?” he mused, coming to stand next to her.
“What?” she asked, glancing back and signaling for her guards to hold their position.
“You seeking solace out here.”
“How do you know that’s what I’m doing?” He didn’t know anything about her, so how had he guessed this was one of her favorite places to come when she needed comfort?
He leaned against the stone railing, gazing out at the city. “Trust me, I know.”
They stood in silence for several minutes, neither one of them attempting to speak. Finally getting up enough courage to ask him what she needed to, she took a deep breath and said, “Why are you here?”
His eyes sliced over to hers. “You asked me to come up here.”
“No,” she responded. “Why are you here with the prince?”
He shrugged. “He brought all his closest advisors.”
“But is that the only reason?” she asked. “Simply to give your opinion as to whether Prince Odar should marry me or not?”
Jarvik rubbed his face. “Yes,” he finally said, turning to face her.
“But why you?”
“The king and queen are eager for this alliance. However, they have some serious concerns. The prince believes it solves all of Fren’s problems. I’m here for a second opinion. May I speak plainly?”
She nodded—didn’t he always?
“The king and queen of Fren don’t want Prince Odar to do anything stupid—like marry you without certain guarantees in place in the marriage contract. I am here to ensure Fren’s best interests are followed.”
“So you’re here to decide if this alliance is truly the best course of action for Fren?”
“Yes.”
His honesty was refreshing.
“It’s not like Fren is without options,” he continued. “They have a strong army, the prince has several suitors, and so the question becomes what is the best move in the long run?”
“What I don’t understand is why our kingdoms can’t work together. Why must we have a marriage treaty in place?”
“If only it were that simple,” he muttered. “The emperor before your parents focused solely on war. Even though your parents have restructured your army and made no move against your neighboring kingdoms, few people trust Emperion. Therefore, your word isn’t good enough. Only a marriage treaty will suffice in order for our courts and armies to be on board. I’ve studied all the great battles of the mainland. The only way we can join together, and have Telmena’s approval, is with this contract.”
“Why are you being so open and honest with me?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” He turned and gazed out over the city again. “I guess because time is running out, and I must decide Fren’s next move.”