She slid down in the corner while Jarvik sat next to her. It was going to be a long night if he planned on keeping them sequestered in there. She removed her bloodied gloves and wiped her hands on the fabric of her dress.
He leaned in until his lips were at her ear.
“Since the assassin is here, you can’t be with your parents right now. We have to keep you at a separate location. Otherwise, if the assassin found the three of you, he could kill the royal family and throw Emperion into chaos. Neco is aiding your parents in their departure. They are leaving right now on horseback. Decoys are already in the Royal Chambers. Your father instructed me to keep you safe until the assassin is found. He also told me to tell you that he loves you.”
“Why are you telling me this? Why not Marek?”
“Marek is searching for the assassin. The man could have escaped through the servants’ stairwell in all the chaos, which means the assassin could be roaming the hallways right now.”
“Marek is always at my side—especially in a situation such as this one.”
Jarvik ran his hands through his hair. “I know, and I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I had a long conversation with your father earlier today. He entrusted you to my care. I promised to keep you safe, and I intend to honor that promise.”
She was surprised her father chose Jarvik as her protector since Marek was the one she grew up with and trusted.
“You can ask Marek the next time you see him,” Jarvik added. “I am the one in charge of your safety until we return to Emperion and I relinquish the responsibility to your father once again.”
She didn’t need anyone to be in charge or responsible for her. She could take care of herself.
“There is one problem,” he said.
“What?” she asked, wishing Jarvik wasn’t sitting so close to her, that his head wasn’t leaning against hers.
“Grevik.” The squire was quiet for quite some time. “Allyssa,” he finally said, “with the assassin showing up here tonight, I think it would be best for us to leave tomorrow night as planned. Staying an additional day is too risky.”
She shook her head. “I’m not leaving until he’s safe.”
“We don’t even know where he is.”
“Then I guess we better find out.”
“Are you always this difficult?”
“You’re the one being difficult, not me,” she snapped.
“Unbelievable. Your life is in danger and all you care about is your friend. If you die, what happens to the kingdom? Is your friend’s life more important than the welfare of your subjects? Where do your loyalties lie?”
She wanted to kick him. After taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down, she said, “What kind of friend would I be if I allowed him to die? I have to try.”
“It’s not worth the risk.”
“Maybe not to you, but it is to me.”
His hand came up, cupping the back of her neck and holding her against him. “This is the last time I’ll ask you this question. Are you in love with Grevik?”
“No,” she replied. “He is my best friend.”
He cursed. “At least you’re loyal,” he said. “Fine. We’ll attempt to rescue him. But we’re using my plan. Don’t even try to argue with me—you already promised.”
“What is this plan of yours?”
“We’re sending in a decoy.”
“He’ll know it’s not me.”
“But if he’s at the inn, then Grevik will be alone, giving us the perfect opportunity to rescue him.”
She wanted to kiss Jarvik—his plan might work. They just needed to figure out where Grevik was being held.
“I have men searching for him,” Jarvik admitted.
A clicking sound made by one of the guards echoed through the room, and the squire stilled. His lips went to her ear again. “Don’t move or say a word.”
They stayed like that, their heads frozen together as slow footsteps echoed in the hallway. Allyssa had no idea if it was a guest, a guard, or the assassin. Regardless, she didn’t move as she held on to Jarvik, waiting for the threat to pass. When the guard repeated the clicking noise, Jarvik released her.
“Close your eyes and go to sleep,” he ordered. “We have a lot to do tomorrow, which includes trying to make it through the day without being killed.”
When Allyssa opened her eyes, she found herself leaning against the wall with Jarvik’s head on her lap. He looked peaceful while he slept; his mouth slightly ajar, his hair messy, and his face vulnerable. She trailed her finger along the side of his cheek. When he nuzzled closer to her, she realized what she was doing and quickly nudged him awake.