Knowing how much fighting in the war meant to Marek, Allyssa said, “I won’t make you stay if you don’t want to.” She reached for his hands, clasping them tightly. “If fighting is what you desire, especially alongside your father, I’ll make it happen. The choice is yours.”
Kneeling on the ground, he stared up at her. “You’d do that for me?”
“Yes, because I value your friendship.”
He closed his eyes for a minute, his head bent down. When he reopened them, he said, “As much as I want to go, I know you need me. I will stay and guard you.” Marek withdrew his right hand from hers and placed his fist over his heart—the symbol of loyalty, friendship, and honor.
A sense of pride and pure relief filled her. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted him at her side until she told him he could go. There was a knock on the door, and Jarvik came into her room. He froze when he saw Marek on his knees before Allyssa, their hands clasped together.
“I’m sorry,” the squire stuttered. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re not,” Allyssa quickly replied. Releasing Marek’s hand, she said, “Thank you for your loyalty. I’m glad you’ll be staying. However, if you ever change your mind, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Marek stood. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Besides,” she smiled, “I’m sure Madelin would hate to see you go.”
The corners of Marek’s lips rose and his face reddened. “Yes,” he said. “We’re officially courting now.”
“So I heard,” Allyssa replied, unable to suppress a smile. Madelin had told her all the details yesterday when she was doing Allyssa’s hair.
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness. I have a few things to discuss with my father.” Marek turned and left, leaving her alone with Jarvik.
“Is something the matter?” she asked, wondering why he’d come to her room. She still needed to bathe and change out of her sweaty clothing. Suddenly embarrassed by her appearance, she sat on one of the chairs, trying to act like a proper princess, even though she didn’t look or feel like one.
Jarvik moved to the fireplace, his back to her, not uttering a single word. He stood there, still as a statue. She wished he’d turn around so she could see his face. He hadn’t changed either, although his shirt was now tucked in.
“Did you need something?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I wanted to talk to you—to tell you something. Although, now is not the time.” Allyssa was about to insist he tell her anyway when he continued, “Are you ready for your meeting with the assassin tonight?”
She’d gone over everything in her head a hundred times. “Yes. I’ll do what needs to be done to ensure my friend’s safety.”
He turned around to face her. “I’m worried about you coming to the prince’s rooms so late at night again. It isn’t proper.”
So far none of her guards had said a word or questioned her behavior. However, she didn’t want rumors to start either. “I’ll use my laundry chute. You can meet me in the laundry room. We’ll leave from there.”
With the fire burning behind him, a soft glow surrounded Jarvik, making his face appear dark. “Very well,” he murmured.
The wind howled outside. “You should know I’ve assigned some of my men to join your guard.”
“Why would you do that?” Marek wouldn’t appreciate Fren soldiers stepping into his domain.
“I want my men to start working with your soldiers since they’ll be traveling together. They need to be familiar with one another.”
“You seem well versed with managing an army and military strategies.” More so than what a squire should. She wondered what position his father held at court.
“I grew up with the prince,” he explained. “We’ve taken the same classes, learned how to fight under the same instructors.” She couldn’t be sure with the heat of the fire, but Jarvik’s ears appeared exceptionally red.
“You seem to excel.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Simply that you’re able to take charge and see things through.”
“What are you implying?”
“I haven’t seen the same … commitment from the prince. I wonder how effective he is as a ruler.” Perhaps the only reason the prince had a reputation for being a competent and fair leader was because Jarvik was at his side helping him.
“I think you’ll be surprised once you get to know him,” the squire said, turning back to face the fire. “Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. He isn’t the court fop you think he is.”