Cage of Deceit(87)

“Anything else?” It was just as she’d feared.

“The Russek army is ready to march into Fia. They have orders to go straight to the Romek Mountains.”

She knew exactly what the Russeks planned on doing—using the river that began in the Romek Mountains and ran straight through Emperion, ending at the Great Ocean. “We must cut off their supply chain,” Allyssa said. “We can’t allow them to use our own river against us.”

The men mumbled in agreement.

“Are you ready for another assignment?” she asked. She’d never given orders to soldiers before. A rush of power and excitement filled her.

“Gladly,” one of the soldiers answered.

“Excellent. I want you and your men to go back to the Romek Mountains. Dispose of the Russek squad, burn their boats, and destroy their food.”

“It would be my honor, Your Highness.” He gave a fierce grin in approval.





After dinner, Allyssa excused herself, saying she didn’t feel well and hoped she wasn’t coming down with the same cold her parents had. On her way to the Royal Chambers, she stopped by the library, unable to resist. There was no harm in taking a book on the journey.

Going to her favorite section, she plucked two books off the shelf and turned, about to leave, when she saw Jarvik standing right behind her.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I was passing by when I saw your guards outside.” He pointed to the hallway where they stood watch. “You shouldn’t be in here alone. What if someone was waiting in here for you?”

“I guess it’s a good thing I’m armed.”

He chuckled. “You never cease to amaze me.” Jarvik took a step toward her. “I need to talk to you,” he whispered, nodding down the aisle where no one would be able to see them.

They moved until they were hidden between two bookshelves. “There’s something you need to know,” Jarvik said. He ran his hands through his hair, messing it up. “How do you feel about the prince?” he asked, putting his hands on his hips.

She set her books down on the shelf behind her. “Why do you ask?”

“A few things depend on your answer.” He hesitated before placing his hands on her upper arms. “I need you to be completely honest with me. This conversation is confidential.”

Biting her bottom lip, she peered into his warm eyes. “Honestly?”

He nodded.

“Prince Odar is handsome, kind, and everything a prince should be.” Jarvik’s hands tightened on her arms as tension radiated off him. “But I am not in love with him. Maybe one day, I will learn to love him. I can’t be certain because all I see and think about is you.”

His breath caught. “What?”

“I’m sorry,” she backpedaled. “I shouldn’t have told you that.” She tried to leave, but he wouldn’t release her.

“Allyssa,” he whispered. His hands cupped her face. “I didn’t expect to feel anything for you. I thought you’d be just another princess—haughty, arrogant, and uncaring. You turn the very meaning of the word princess upside down. I had no idea you’d spark something deep inside of me.” His eyes bore into hers. “I knew our kingdoms needed the alliance, but I never thought it would end up like this.”

Jarvik bent toward her, tilting his head to the side. When their mouths were only an inch apart, he hesitated. Allyssa leaned forward, anticipating the feel of his lips on hers. And they kissed. Warmth spread throughout her body and she slipped her hands around his waist, pulling him closer to her. His lips trailed from her mouth to her ear to her neck. Returning to her lips, he deepened the kiss. She didn’t want him to stop. She forgot who she was, where she was, and that this man was her future husband’s squire.

Her hands flew to his chest, and she shoved him away. She was engaged to another man.

“I’m sorry,” Jarvik said, his eyes wide. “Did I hurt you?”

She covered her face with her hands, unable to believe what had just happened. She shook her head. “Forgive me,” she said. “I got carried away.”

He reached out and pulled her hands away from her face. “Allyssa, I feel the same way about you.”

“But we can’t,” she said. “I should never have revealed my feelings for you. I’m sorry, but I’m engaged to your best friend.”

“To a man you don’t love.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, stepping away from him, trying to put as much distance between them as possible. “I won’t disrespect Prince Odar that way. I may not love him, but he is to be my husband and I will honor him.”