Jarvik’s eyebrows drew together. “Please don’t yell at me for asking, because I’m honestly curious, what is your relationship with Grevik?” He stood next to her, waiting for an answer.
She debated telling him. After all, last time, he’d accused her of having an affair. Looking into his eyes, her chest tightened—she didn’t see hatred or loathing there. “He’s my best friend,” she admitted. “We’ve been friends for years. He’s a commoner who only learned my identity a few days ago, and I fear he won’t forgive me for lying to him.”
“Are there any romantic feelings between you two?”
“No. We’ve been meeting at night, tracking down criminals together. It’s a long story.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I have to save him.”
Jarvik rubbed his face. “Grevik knows you’re the crown princess?” She nodded. “Do you think he’ll keep that information to himself? Even if being tortured?”
Tears slid down her face. Grevik was a good fighter, but he was no match for the assassin. If her friend was being tortured because of her, she’d never forgive herself for dragging him into this mess. “He knows to keep my identity a secret,” she said, “but I can’t be absolutely certain he’ll be able to.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks.
“A couple of my men are taking rooms at the inn. If the assassin is keeping Grevik there, we’ll find him.”
“I have a feeling the inn was just a meeting place.”
“I also have several men stationed outside watching the exits. When the assassin leaves, my men will follow him. We will find your friend.”
“I’m supposed to meet the assassin again tomorrow night. What am I going to do?”
Jarvik put his hand on her lower back, leading her to the door. “Go to sleep. I’ll come up with a plan. I promise.”
“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand, letting him know how much she appreciated his help.
She left Prince Odar’s rooms, pulling her cloak tightly around her body so no one would see her clothing underneath. As the royal guards escorted Allyssa to her bedchamber, she felt strangely comforted that she was working with Jarvik to save her friend.
Walking to the meeting room, Allyssa was suddenly overwhelmed with panic. Changing directions, she ran to the library and hid in the alcove, closing the curtains so no one could see her. Her heart beat erratically in her chest.
Mayra slid inside after her. “Marek wants to know what’s going on,” she said.
“I can’t breathe,” Allyssa uttered.
“I’ll fetch a healer.” She turned to leave.
“Please don’t.” Allyssa grabbed her necklace, holding the wooden ring tightly. “I just need a moment.”
“Are you upset because of the marriage?” her friend asked, taking a seat.
Leaning against the table, Allyssa took several deep breaths. “I’m about to sign a marriage contract to a man I barely know, and … and … Jarvik … he … I … .”
“What are you saying?” Mayra asked. “If you hate Jarvik so much, you can have him reassigned. You mustn’t worry about that.”
“That’s the problem,” Allyssa whispered. “I’ve grown rather fond of the squire.”
Mayra’s eyes widened in shock, and she bit her bottom lip. “You like him?”
“Only as a friend,” Allyssa confided.
“Then what’s the problem?”
She sighed. “I’m not as strong as I thought I was.”
“I’m not sure I’m following you. Are we still talking about the squire?”
“I need to be stronger to do this.”
“That’s not true. You’re incredibly confident and capable of ruling a kingdom.”
“I’m not,” Allyssa insisted. “I don’t know if I can lead the kingdom, marry Odar, and protect my people. Right now, I can’t even help my friend Grevik, who is in trouble. I wish I was stronger.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so emotional,” Mayra commented. “Maybe you’re just overwhelmed by everything. We’re all under a tremendous amount of stress with the impending war.”
“I have this awful feeling everything rests on my shoulders—that I am responsible for the fate of Emperion.”
Mayra hugged her friend. “I’m glad my fate is in your hands,” she whispered, “because you’re the strongest person I know.”
Someone cleared his throat on the other side of the curtains. “Your Highness,” Marek said. “We need to go to the meeting. Everyone is waiting for you.”