Just then, there was a soft knock and one of the Fren soldiers entered, carrying a tray of food.
The healer removed Allyssa’s bandages and smiled. “The wound is closed,” she said. “I had to sew several stitches to bind the skin together, but you’ll heal up mighty fine as long as you put this ointment on twice a day.”
“Thank you,” Allyssa croaked. The healer smiled and left the room.
“I want to leave tonight,” Jarvik said. “It’s too dangerous to remain here any longer.” He hauled Allyssa to her feet.
She picked up the can of salve, and they exited the small room located in the servants’ wing. Keeping her hood low and her head down, they made their way to the stairwell where they met Marek.
He bent down on one knee. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I failed you.”
She patted his shoulder. “You did not fail me. You kept me safe.”
He stood tall and stiff. “Let’s go to your bedchamber so you can clean up.”
Allyssa quickly changed into a dress while her ladies-in-waiting braided her hair and applied dusting powder to her face. Once presentable, she left the decoy, who was recovering from her stab wound, in the bedchamber while she went to join Jarvik in the sitting room of the Royal Chambers.
“Walk with me outside,” Allyssa said to the squire. “We must talk, and I desire some fresh air.”
Double the usual amount of guards accompanied them. When they entered the courtyard, the bright sun warmed her skin as she closed her eyes, reveling in the comfort.
“Don’t tip your head back,” Jarvik mumbled. “You don’t want to expose your wound.”
She had chosen this particular dress because it covered her neck completely. She took his arm and quietly said, “What needs to be done before I leave?”
“You need to meet with the Legion member who will be in charge until your parents announce their arrival at Emperor’s City.”
They neared the water fountain so it would drown out their voices. The sweet smell of gardenias permeated the air. “Anything else?”
“Wear commoner clothing tonight. You can bring a sack with one outfit to change into. That is all. When we reach Fren, I’ll ensure you receive enough dresses to wear during your stay.”
Allyssa trailed her hand over a nearby hydrangea, the leaves wet from the fountain. She couldn’t believe she was leaving the castle tonight. She’d traveled throughout the kingdom, but she’d never left Emperion before. The idea of leaving this place was certainly enticing; she just wished it could be on her own accord.
“There’s something I must tell you.” Jarvik ran his hands through his hair. “I’ve wanted to tell you for quite some time. It is a secret, and one you must keep until we arrive at the castle in Fren.”
Allyssa nodded. “You can trust me.”
He took a step closer to her. “When I first traveled to Emperion, I thought it would be best if—”
A soldier ran up to Allyssa, out of breath. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing. “You’re needed in the Throne Room immediately. Spies from the Russek border have just arrived.”
“Of course,” Allyssa replied. Knowing she had to keep up the pretense that her parents were still at the castle, she added, “Have the empress and emperor been notified?”
“They have, Your Highness. They are indisposed at the moment, and your father requested you handle the matter.”
“They weren’t feeling well this morning,” she replied. Only the Royal Guard knew decoys had been put in their places. “Inform the Legion I am on my way.”
He bowed and left.
“We’ll talk later,” she said to Jarvik. He nodded, and she joined her guards standing discreetly in the distance.
Sitting tall in her Throne Chair, Allyssa watched as half a dozen men came down the aisle. When they reached the dais, they bowed.
“Are you the spies who just returned from the Russek border?”
“We are, Your Highness,” one replied.
“Tell me what news you have learned.” These men were all well-trained soldiers handpicked by Neco to serve in his secret guard. Though they were dressed as commoners, they most certainly were not.
“Your Highness,” one of the men said as he stepped forward. “A small squad of men from the Russek army has been spotted in the Romek Mountains.”
Allyssa abruptly stood. The Romek Mountains extended from the southernmost tip of Fia and into Emperion. “What were they doing?” she asked, afraid she already knew the answer.
“Guarding a cave stocked with supplies such as food and weapons. There were also several boats.”