That was what she feared Jarvik would suggest. Telling her father meant she’d have to tell him everything. He was going to be livid; however, it was the right thing to do. She had to protect her parents. Her only fear was that she wouldn’t be able to save Grevik. How could she trade one life for another?
“Allyssa?” Jarvik asked. He hesitantly placed his calloused hand on her bare shoulder, sending a jolt of warmth through her. “If you want, I’ll speak with the emperor now.”
“Let me handle it,” she said.
“What are you going to tell him?”
“The truth.”
He removed his hand.
Allyssa turned to leave when she remembered something. “Grevik said it reminded him of that time we caught snake dealers.” She couldn’t believe she’d almost forgotten this important detail.
“You caught snake dealers?” Jarvik asked.
“No. That’s the problem. We never caught illegal snake traders. Grevik said it for a reason, although I haven’t figured out why.”
“I agree,” he said. “It has to be of importance. If I think of anything, I’ll let you know.”
She turned again to leave.
“Wait.” She froze, not turning around to face him. “Allyssa,” Jarvik whispered her name like a soft caress, the feeling in the room suddenly shifting.
She closed her eyes, knowing he stood a few feet behind her dressed in a handsome tunic with his hair a mess from him running his hands through it.
Fabric rustled, and the sound of his breathing neared. Neither of them spoke. Her bare skin warmed from the closeness of him. She wanted to turn around to face him, but knew she couldn’t. Something light and soft like a feather caressed the base of her neck.
“Allyssa,” he whispered in her ear. She shivered. His finger delicately traced a line from her shoulder down to her hand. “I’m afraid you’re locked in this cage of deceit with me. When you break free, you’re going to hate me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Just … be careful today in case the assassin is lurking somewhere.”
“Of course,” she said, her voice hoarse.
“Are you armed?” He must have moved further back because she was suddenly cold, and he no longer spoke by her ear.
“Yes.”
“Good. Make sure you’re armed at all times—even at the ball tonight. Don’t eat anything unless it has gone through your food tasters twice.”
“Why the sudden concern?” she asked, still not facing him. “I didn’t think you liked me.”
There had to be more going on than just his desire to protect Prince Odar. Did he have feelings for her?
“I don’t know,” he answered. “Let’s just say you’ve grown on me.”
Biting her swollen lip, she finally decided to turn around to face him. Only, Jarvik was gone, the interior door slightly ajar.
“Why did the squire want to speak to you?” Mayra asked as they walked down the hallway.
“Oh,” Allyssa stuttered, not sure what to say. It would be wonderful to confide in her friends; however, admitting that she had any sort of attraction to Jarvik was dangerous. “He just wanted to go over some security measures.”
Mayra glanced sideways at her. “Whatever you say.”
“Let’s head outside,” Madelin suggested. “We’ve been to the seamstress. No one will find fault if we go to the courtyard.”
“Are you all right?” Mayra asked. “You seem a little frazzled.”
Allyssa stopped walking and turned to face her two ladies-in-waiting. “I’m sorry. I’m just distracted.” She wished she could tell them about Grevik. Glancing at her guards a respectful distance away, she was acutely aware of them watching her every move. Before she faced her father, she needed some time alone to organize her thoughts.
“Is there anything we can do to help?” Madelin offered.
“Why don’t the two of you prepare my dress for this evening? I want to stop by the library to grab a book. I’ll be along shortly.”
“You’re always at the library,” Madelin commented, rolling her eyes.
“She likes hiding in there,” Mayra added, playfully jabbing Madelin in the ribs.
“If the two of you must know, I need a moment alone before I find my father to tell him something.”
“What are you going to tell him?” Mayra asked.
“I will explain everything later.” As Allyssa walked away, her guards trailing behind her, something tugged on her memory. Something about snakes, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint the memory she was searching for.
A group of courtiers stood up ahead, talking to one another. Striding straight down the hallway, Allyssa maintained her position in the middle, expecting them to move out of her way. She hated to be so bold, so forward, but it was the way a princess was expected to act. Keeping her head held high as she passed them, they all bowed and offered words of congratulations. Allyssa thanked them as she strode past, not stopping.