Cage of Deceit(76)

“This is not the current style,” Allyssa mused, turning in front of the mirror. “But I can easily move in it.”

“It doesn’t matter what the style is,” Mayra said. “You’re exquisite.”

“Since you are the princess, you set the trends,” Madelin added.

“We need to hurry down to the Great Hall before you arrive,” Mayra said. “Is there anything else you need from us?”

Allyssa shook her head and her ladies-in-waiting left. She wished she could tell them she was leaving for Fren tomorrow night without them. They weren’t to know until a decoy had been put in place and Allyssa left. Then her personal guard and ladies-in-waiting would be the only people notified of the situation in order to maintain the ruse.

Allyssa went to the sitting room to wait for her parents. She strolled around the room, thankful no gifts had been sent to her before the ball. Since she was officially engaged, it was no longer proper for men to send a token to her.

“You look stunning,” Rema said as she glided into the room, wearing an elaborate green gown. Her blonde hair glowed and her blue eyes sparkled, making her look exquisitely regal. “Before your father joins us, there is something we must discuss.” She grabbed Allyssa’s hands, holding them tightly.

Allyssa prepared herself for her mother’s scolding for sneaking out of the castle and putting herself in danger.

“I love you more than life itself,” she began. “I want you to have a wonderful life filled with happiness.”

Allyssa nodded, not sure what her mother was getting at.

“You are the crown princess, and you are engaged to and will marry Prince Odar. I’ve seen the way you look at Jarvik—and the way he looks at you. I want you to leave the squire alone. Put all thoughts of him out of your head. It can’t possibly end well, and you’ll only end up hurting yourself.”

Biting her lip, Allyssa nodded, unable to believe her mother was talking to her about Jarvik. It was embarrassing. Besides, she wasn’t even clear on how she felt about the squire.

“Promise me,” Rema continued, “that you’ll behave as the future empress would. You will put your kingdom and your subjects first. You have the power to protect Emperion by marrying Prince Odar. Don’t jeopardize that.”

“I promise.” Allyssa knew how important this alliance was. There was no way she’d allow Russek to destroy Emperion and kill its citizens by chopping off their heads and skewering them on spikes. It was vulgar and disgusting.

“Here are the two most beautiful women in Emperion,” Darmik said as he came into the room. After kissing Allyssa on the cheek, he wrapped his arms around Rema’s waist and kissed her neck. “I love you,” he mumbled against her skin.

“And I love you,” Rema replied.

“I would like to remind the both of you to be extra vigilant tonight,” Darmik said. “As soon as the ball is over, your mother and I are leaving.”

“It’s imperative that we reach Emperor’s City as soon as possible,” Rema added.

Allyssa wished her parents didn’t have to leave her. However, she understood the necessity. “I love you both,” she said. “I pray you have a speedy and safe journey.”

Rema wrapped her arms around her daughter, squeezing tightly. “And I wish you the same.”

Allyssa released her mother and Darmik hugged her, kissing the top of her head. “Please do what Jarvik and Marek ask of you. Be safe, be smart, and know I’ll think of you each and every day we are apart.”

“I love you, Father.” Allyssa hated good-byes—they always made her want to cry.

“We’re late,” Darmik said, heading toward the door. “Let’s go.”

Rema squeezed Allyssa’s hand. “I wish we didn’t have to part ways,” Rema said.

Allyssa nodded, a lump forming in her throat.

“You’ll go to Fren. You’ll charm the king and queen. You’ll secure the troops we need to fight this war. I have full confidence in you.” Rema kissed Allyssa’s cheek. “Never doubt my love for you. Do you understand?”

“I do,” Allyssa whispered. “Thank you, Mother. I love you, too.”

“I want you to know that it will be okay. You have to trust in yourself. You can and you will be able to do this.”

“I won’t disappoint you.” She headed to the door where her father stood waiting.

The three of them left the Royal Chambers as a family and headed to the Great Hall.





After a formal dinner in which Allyssa had been seated between her parents, unable to speak to Jarvik, she was thrilled to be heading to the adjacent room where the dancing would take place. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she would seek the squire out to discuss Grevik.