Cage of Deceit(54)

All three of them stopped talking at once. Madelin’s eyes were bright red, Marek wouldn’t look at Allyssa, and Mayra’s hands were fisted on her hips.

“Someone had better tell me,” Allyssa said.

Mayra cleared her throat. “My brother put in a request to join the army. He wants to go to the frontlines to fight when we go to war.”

The unexpected news made Allyssa feel as if she’d stumbled head-first into a cold lake. “What?” she screeched. “Are you crazy?” He would be killed.

“I’d like a moment to speak with the princess alone,” Marek said, his voice hoarse.

“Try talking some sense into him,” Mayra said as she stormed out of the room. Madelin meekly followed Mayra, crying as she walked past Marek.

Once the door closed, Marek held up his hands. “Before you start yelling at me,” he said, “at least hear what I have to say.”

“Very well,” she said, folding her hands together and waiting for him to continue.

“We’re going to war,” he said. “We are starting to organize the army and move soldiers into position to fight Russek. You’re doing your part by marrying Prince Odar of Fren. I want to do my part, too. I can’t stay in this castle while everyone I know is fighting for our kingdom. I’m a trained soldier. You need me fighting for you.” He ran his hands through his hair. “There. I’ve said my part.”

“I need you here, guarding me. You’re the head of my personal guard. There is no one I trust more than you.” Protecting her might not be the most exciting job, but it was a position of value and respect.

“There are others who are qualified. You’ll have no trouble filling my spot.” He went over to the window, leaning on the ledge, looking outside at the pouring rain. “Protecting you is an honor, but I want to be where the action is.”

A lot of men his age probably felt the same way. Her parents had managed to keep Emperion out of any major scuffles for the past twelve years. He’d never seen or experienced war before. The battles she’d studied and the wars Darmik had told her about were all vicious, bloody, and brutal. How could she possibly allow Marek to fight on the frontlines? How could Neco or her parents be okay with this?

“What did your father say when you told him?” she asked, taking a seat on the chair near the hearth. The fire roared nice and high, warming her room.

“He was furious and said my position is here.” Marek turned around to face her. “But you outrank him. You have the power to let me go.”

“Marek … .” She didn’t want to let him go. It was selfish of her, but she felt like being selfish with her dear friend.

“You don’t understand. Your father and my father are going.”

The room swayed before her. “What do you mean, they’re going?” she demanded, her heart thundering in her chest.

“To the frontlines to fight.”

She thought she was going to vomit. Her father couldn’t lead the army into battle—what if he died? Leaning forward, she rested her head on her hands.

“Your Highness, are you okay?” Marek asked, kneeling before her.

“Yes,” she answered. “I just need a moment.”

“I’ll get my sister.”

She grabbed his arm. “Wait,” she said. “I understand why you want to go.” He needed to protect his father, and so did she.

Their eyes locked, and they stayed that way for a minute. “You’re not going to try and talk me out of it?” he whispered.

“I want to. But no, I’m not.”

“Will you sign my orders?”

She nodded.

“Thank you.” He left to find Mayra.

She sat there, staring into the fire. The sound of men marching pounded in her head. War was coming. Those she loved would die. She had to protect her family and her people.



Allyssa was almost to the meeting room when she heard angry voices around the corner. Slowing her pace, she gave the signal for her guards to fall back and remain silent. She stopped at the corner and leaned against the stone wall, listening to Jarvik and Prince Odar arguing with one another. Allyssa knew she shouldn’t stand there eavesdropping, but she couldn’t make herself move.

“I forbid it,” Jarvik said, his voice low and angry.

“Why? What’s changed?”

“We shouldn’t be having this conversation here.”

“No one’s around.”

Jarvik sighed. “Stick with the plan … but back off.”

Prince Odar chuckled. “Why can’t I have a little fun? It’s not as if you like her. So why do you care?”