Her father took her hand, leading her to the dais at the front of the room. That was when she caught sight of the decorations. “Are the flowers from the main courtyard?” she asked, stifling a laugh.
“I believe so. We didn’t have time to have them brought in.”
“Hopefully, no one will notice. We wouldn’t want to offend the prince from Fia,” she sardonically replied.
Darmik patted her hand. “Care to tell me what happened to your face?” he asked under his breath. Without a pause, he expertly led her through the throng of people who parted and bowed as they passed by.
Of course he’d notice. “It’s silly,” she replied, keeping a smile on her face. “An accident.”
“Really?” he said, playfully pinching her arm. He knew she was lying. Being Commander for the army had taught him to notice such details and had made him far too observant.
“I assure you, it’s nothing.” She smiled up at him. If she didn’t convince her father, he’d send one of her guards to stand inside her bedchamber to watch her at all times. As it was now, having four guards posted outside was more than enough. Having someone actually inside her room would be beyond stifling. “It’s embarrassing,” she muttered.
“Sparring with Marek?” he asked, amused.
She allowed her face to redden, as if ashamed. Darmik chuckled, and Allyssa let him believe the lie. With any luck, he wouldn’t question Marek about it. “Please, let it go,” she begged.
Her father patted her hand again when they reached the dais. Allyssa stood at the front of the room while he left to escort Rema inside. When her parents made their entrance, the room went utterly silent. Everyone loved the empress. She had ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen and managed to take a kingdom devoted to war and turn it into the most prosperous and peaceful kingdom on the continent.
Allyssa hoped she could be half the ruler her mother was.
She peered down at her red gown. Rema had insisted she wear red—the color of Emperion. She didn’t mind, actually. It set off her long, chestnut hair and blue eyes, which almost made her look pretty. Almost. She’d never be beautiful like her mother, though.
After her parents joined her on the dais, Prince Zek from Fia was announced. He was too tall and skinny for her liking. His face was pleasant enough—light brown hair with soft brown eyes. The prince bowed before her and asked for the first dance, as was custom. Of course, she smiled and obliged. His sweaty hand took hers, and they danced.
Surprisingly, he was a good dancer. The problem came when the prince opened his mouth. He never had anything interesting to say—he always discussed his kingdom’s spice trade, or the weather, or the fact that he was in line to inherit the throne of Fia.
Thankfully, the song ended and a noble courtier immediately swept in and asked for a turn. She danced for about an hour with various partners, each conversing about his land, wealth, and what he could offer the crown. Once she’d had enough, she claimed she needed to rest. Allyssa slipped out of the side door, hoping no one noticed.
Marek came up behind her. “Already retiring for the night?”
“Yes,” she said, faking a yawn. “I’m exhausted.”
He silently escorted her to the royal wing where Mayra and Madelin were dutifully waiting in her bedchamber.
“Did you even dance?” Madelin asked.
“Of course I did,” Allyssa replied.
“If I were you,” Madelin continued, “I’d dance with every available man.” She spun around the room, dancing with an invisible partner.
Mayra shook her head. “It’s a good thing she’s not you, then. She’s a princess, not a barmaid.”
Madelin stopped in front of Mayra, placing her hands on her hips. “Excuse me?”
“Girls,” Allyssa said, exasperated. She needed to hurry up or she would be late. “My gown.”
Both immediately came over and helped her remove the dress. After Allyssa was in her nightclothes, her ladies-in-waiting left. Knowing her guards stood watch just outside her door, she quietly changed, pulling on wool pants and a tunic.
Grabbing her cape, she tied it on, making sure the hood concealed her hair and face. Satisfied with her disguise, she opened the laundry chute and climbed in. After closing the small, wooden door behind her, she slid down in complete darkness, landing in a pile of clothes and bed linens at the bottom. Carefully peering around, she made sure no one was about at this late hour. Certain it was clear, she climbed out and hurried from the room. Allyssa exited the castle via the servants’ entrance.
She was free. Finally free.