Cage of Deceit(48)

“I’ve tried talking to Prince Odar about politics and treaties, but he’s evasive. It’s almost as if he’s hiding something from me. I find it rather bothersome.”

Jarvik cocked his head to the side, looking at her. “Really? Why?”

“If I’m to rule with him and he isn’t honest with me, or he doesn’t passionately care about his subjects, or want to strategize by my side, how can we ever be partners?”

Jarvik smiled. “You’re going to be the empress. I think you’ll outrank him and be the one in charge.” He sounded almost envious.

“That’s not how I see it,” she responded. “I am seeking an equal partner. I want an open, honest relationship like my parents have. That’s why I keep pressing him for answers.”

“Perhaps he’s not answering you because he’s still determining your worth.”

His comment stung. “Well,” she replied, her voice hard, “perhaps he should have done that before we entered into marriage negotiations. You know, the two of you are infuriating. If my parents had any idea you still weren’t sure about this alliance and the prince might back out, they’d … they’d … I don’t know, but it wouldn’t be pleasant.”

Jarvik started laughing.

“What?” she demanded, putting her hands on her hips.

“Did I offend you?” he asked, trying, but failing, to stop laughing.

“Yes,” she said, folding her arms. “You know what, I have other things to do besides argue with you.” She turned and started to walk away.

He grabbed her arm, stopping her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two of her guards unsheathe their swords. Allyssa put her free hand up, signaling for them to stand down.

“I’m sorry,” Jarvik said. “I didn’t mean to upset you. You can’t honestly tell me you aren’t still weighing the prince’s worth. If you wanted to back out, you know your parents would support you.”

Allyssa didn’t particularly like the squire and she wanted to be out in the city, not standing there looking at it. She missed Grevik and hoped he wasn’t still mad at her. The meeting with the assassin was to take place tomorrow night and fighting with the prince’s lackey wasn’t getting her anywhere. She kicked the stone wall, frustrated.

“I said I’m sorry,” Jarvik reiterated.

“I heard you the first time.” She tried pulling away. “Let go.”

He released her. She turned and headed for the door.

“Wait,” he said, jogging to catch up to her. “I know how to sneak you out of the castle,” he said softly enough so only she could hear.

She stopped. “I’m listening.”

“Come with me to my rooms. I’ll explain everything there.”

To his rooms? That was highly inappropriate. However, if he had a way to slip past her guards, it might be worth it. If anyone questioned her, she would say she was visiting the prince.

Allyssa agreed, and the squire led her to the east wing of the castle. When they reached the rooms dedicated to the people from Fren, Allyssa ordered her guards to wait outside the doors in the hallway. Thankfully, Marek wasn’t on duty. She was certain he wouldn’t have let her go in unaccompanied.

Inside, the sitting room was warm and toasty. Next to the hearth, Prince Odar sat on a chair, reading a book with his feet propped on a stool. The top portion of his shirt was untied and hung loose around his neck, exposing his chest.

When the prince saw her, he jumped to his feet. Jarvik led him to the corner where they spoke in hushed whispers. Allyssa awkwardly stood there, glancing around the large room. There were six doors off the sitting room, each leading to a separate bedchamber. She could hear people talking on the other side of the doors. She found it strange that no one was in the sitting room with the prince. Perhaps he valued his privacy like she did, and he made the guards stay out of sight.

Several trunks were shoved against the walls. One stood open. It was filled with weapons—shining swords, a few bows, and some quivers. She supposed the Fren soldiers needed to be heavily armed in order to protect their prince on the journey to Emperion.

Prince Odar came over to her. “Princess Allyssa,” he said, a smile on his lips, his bright blue eyes gazing at her. “My squire tells me the two of you have something planned.” He gave her the opportunity to speak, which she didn’t. She had no idea how much Jarvik had told him. “I must admit I’m a little jealous. Alas, he is my best friend, and you should become better acquainted.” He gently took her hand and kissed it. “I’m turning in for the evening. Goodnight.” And with that, he went to one of the doors and slipped inside his bedchamber.