Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) (17 page)

Darkness surrounded Allyssa, and she couldn’t see a thing. Fumbling for her knife, it wasn’t there. She reached down for the one in her boot, but it was gone as well.

Blasted.

Someone banged on the wooden door to the room. “Open up!” a man shouted. She couldn’t tell if it was Jarvik or not.

Fingers curled over her mouth, and she felt a body behind her. “Do exactly as I say,” a man whispered in her ear.

She nodded.

“Get rid of whoever is out there. Now.”

The assassin led her forward in the dark. The door opened a few inches, and Allyssa saw a man standing there. Behind him, she glimpsed Jarvik on the stairs, his face white and panic stricken.

“Can I help you?” she asked. The assassin squeezed her arms, and she had to stifle a yelp. She knew if she screamed, Jarvik would storm in there and rescue her.

“I’m looking for a barmaid,” the man said, swaying on his feet as if drunk. His eyes however, were keen and alert. He had to be one of Jarvik’s guards. “Long, blonde hair, fine body, if you know what I mean.”

“I’m sorry, I haven’t seen her.”

“My apologies,” he slurred. He moved to the next door and banged on it.

The assassin closed the door and released her. There was a scuffling sound and a candle was lit, casting a soft glow over part of the room. The man stood in the corner, hidden in shadows. He wore a cape concealing his face and obscuring his body.

Allyssa shivered. “What do you want?” she asked.

“I’ve seen you entering and leaving the castle. I assume you work there?”

Thankfully, he hadn’t figured out who she was yet. “Yes,” she answered. 

“I have a proposition for you,” he said, speaking with an accent that indicated he wasn’t from Emperion. He had a slight drawl, like the northerners did.

“What makes you think I’m interested?” she asked.

His head tilted to the side. “I know you’ve been coming and going from the castle. Don’t you think it’s safe to assume I’ve been watching you? Both you and your friend, Grevik.”

She reached for her weapon that wasn’t there.

The assassin tsked, shaking his head. “You can’t harm me—not when your friend’s life hangs in the balance.”

If he harmed Grevik, she’d kill him.

“Sit,” he ordered, pointing to the sagging bed cot.

“What do you want from me?” she asked as she took a seat.

“Information.”

“What kind?” Allyssa tried to look scared—which wasn’t hard since she was terrified.

He took one step toward her. The carefully planned, threatening movement sent a chill down her spine, making her lean away from him.

“I need to know when the royal family will be out of the castle.”

“So you can kill them?”

“That is not your concern.”

“I don’t have access to their daily schedules.”

“You seem resourceful. I’ve watched you fight with thieves. I saw you a few moments ago threaten that patron downstairs. I have no doubt you’ll be able to acquire the information.”

She almost laughed. It was absurd. He was here to assassinate her. Only, he didn’t know it. She sat there, violently shaking, unable to make herself stop. Blimey. She needed to gain control of herself before he saw through her disguise and realized who she was.

“Very well,” she said. “Once I provide the information, will you release Grevik unharmed?” she asked, trying to determine if the assassin actually had him or not.

“I will release your friend,” he said. “Meet me back here tomorrow night.”

She noticed he never said unharmed. Her heart pounded, and a rushing sound filled her ears. Grevik couldn’t be hurt—he just couldn’t. “It may take me longer than a day to find out when the royal family will be out of the castle.”

“Meet me back here tomorrow night, or your friend dies.”

“Fine,” she snapped, jumping to her feet and exiting the room. The low-life assassin had no idea who he was dealing with. If Grevik was harmed in any way, she would be sure the assassin paid dearly for his crimes.

***

She exited the tavern, knowing the assassin was somehow watching her. Searching the rooftops, she didn’t see anything amiss. Pulling her cloak tight around her body, she hurried along the street.

Up ahead, a man stood near the entrance to the alley. It had to be Jarvik. Shaking her head infinitesimally, she indicated for him to stay away from her. Passing by as if she didn’t know him, she went straight toward the castle to the army’s private entrance, where she waited for Jarvik and his men to catch up. Blimey. What was she going to do? The assassin had Grevik.

“You’re shaking,” Jarvik said by way of greeting.

“I want to go inside. Now.”

His men were suddenly there. As a group, they were granted entrance at the gate. The soldiers swayed on their feet, singing and hanging on to one another as if they were drunk. Allyssa tried to play along, but it was difficult with Grevik’s life dependent upon her.

They went up the servants’ stairwell and into the prince’s chambers. Prince Odar wasn’t in the sitting room. Jarvik ordered the soldiers to go to their bedchambers, and they all obliged. Going over to the fireplace, the squire threw a few more logs onto the fire, warming up the room. Allyssa sat on the ground next to the hearth, staring at the flames, trying to figure out what to do.

Jarvik sat next to her. “Tell me everything,” he gently said.

She hesitated, remembering the conversation she’d overheard between the squire and the prince. However, Allyssa needed help in order to save her friend, and she had no doubt Jarvik was more than qualified to concoct a way to undermine the assassin. She quickly explained the note the serving wench had given her, what happened when she went in the room, and everything the assassin said.

“I think we should tell your father what’s going on.”

She’d been wondering the same thing, too. However, her father’s priority would be protecting Rema and Allyssa, not saving Grevik’s life. “Before we say anything, I’d like to figure out who sent the assassin.” That would give her time to rescue Grevik.

“Can’t we assume it was the king of Russek?” Jarvik asked.

She had been considering that option while walking back to the castle. “I don’t think it is.” Wrapping her arms around her legs, she rested her head on her knees. “King Drenton wants war. There’s no way he’d send a lone assassin here now. He would’ve sent one before he mobilized his soldiers.” The fire crackled in the hearth.

“You know, you’re not at all what I thought you’d be,” Jarvik said, leaning back on his hands and stretching out his legs. The glow from the fire radiated off the squire’s face, softening his features.

“I should be getting back to my bedchamber,” Allyssa said, jumping to her feet. “I need to figure out how to help Grevik.” Her friend was in mortal danger while she was safe inside a castle, talking to a man she thought she hated.

Jarvik’s eyebrows drew together. “Please don’t yell at me for asking, because I’m honestly curious, what is your relationship with Grevik?” He stood next to her, waiting for an answer.

She debated telling him. After all, last time, he’d accused her of having an affair. Looking into his eyes, her chest tightened—she didn’t see hatred or loathing there. “He’s my best friend,” she admitted. “We’ve been friends for years. He’s a commoner who only learned my identity a few days ago, and I fear he won’t forgive me for lying to him.”

“Are there any romantic feelings between you two?”

“No. We’ve been meeting at night, tracking down criminals together. It’s a long story.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I have to save him.”

Jarvik rubbed his face. “Grevik knows you’re the crown princess?” She nodded. “Do you think he’ll keep that information to himself? Even if being tortured?”

Tears slid down her face. Grevik was a good fighter, but he was no match for the assassin. If her friend was being tortured because of her, she’d never forgive herself for dragging him into this mess. “He knows to keep my identity a secret,” she said, “but I can’t be absolutely certain he’ll be able to.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“A couple of my men are taking rooms at the inn. If the assassin is keeping Grevik there, we’ll find him.”

“I have a feeling the inn was just a meeting place.”

“I also have several men stationed outside watching the exits. When the assassin leaves, my men will follow him. We will find your friend.”

“I’m supposed to meet the assassin again tomorrow night. What am I going to do?”

Jarvik put his hand on her lower back, leading her to the door. “Go to sleep. I’ll come up with a plan. I promise.”

“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand, letting him know how much she appreciated his help.

She left Prince Odar’s rooms, pulling her cloak tightly around her body so no one would see her clothing underneath. As the royal guards escorted Allyssa to her bedchamber, she felt strangely comforted that she was working with Jarvik to save her friend.

***

Walking to the meeting room, Allyssa was suddenly overwhelmed with panic. Changing directions, she ran to the library and hid in the alcove, closing the curtains so no one could see her. Her heart beat erratically in her chest.

Mayra slid inside after her. “Marek wants to know what’s going on,” she said.

“I can’t breathe,” Allyssa uttered.

“I’ll fetch a healer.” She turned to leave.

“Please don’t.” Allyssa grabbed her necklace, holding the wooden ring tightly. “I just need a moment.”

“Are you upset because of the marriage?” her friend asked, taking a seat.

Leaning against the table, Allyssa took several deep breaths. “I’m about to sign a marriage contract to a man I barely know, and … and … Jarvik … he … I … .”

“What are you saying?” Mayra asked. “If you hate Jarvik so much, you can have him reassigned. You mustn’t worry about that.”

“That’s the problem,” Allyssa whispered. “I’ve grown rather fond of the squire.”

Mayra’s eyes widened in shock, and she bit her bottom lip. “You like him?”

“Only as a friend,” Allyssa confided.

“Then what’s the problem?”

She sighed. “I’m not as strong as I thought I was.”

“I’m not sure I’m following you. Are we still talking about the squire?”

“I need to be stronger to do this.”

“That’s not true. You’re incredibly confident and capable of ruling a kingdom.”

“I’m not,” Allyssa insisted. “I don’t know if I can lead the kingdom, marry Odar, and protect my people. Right now, I can’t even help my friend Grevik, who is in trouble. I wish I was stronger.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so emotional,” Mayra commented. “Maybe you’re just overwhelmed by everything. We’re all under a tremendous amount of stress with the impending war.”

“I have this awful feeling everything rests on my shoulders—that I am responsible for the fate of Emperion.”

Mayra hugged her friend. “I’m glad my fate is in your hands,” she whispered, “because you’re the strongest person I know.”

Someone cleared his throat on the other side of the curtains. “Your Highness,” Marek said. “We need to go to the meeting. Everyone is waiting for you.”

Mayra released her. “You can do this,” she said. “I’ll be close by if you need me.”

“Thank you.”

***

Allyssa glided into the room. Only two members from the Legion were present at the table, her parents sitting across from them. There was one empty chair at the end of the square table, so Allyssa quickly took her seat. Directly across from her sat Prince Odar and his squire. Jarvik’s eyes met hers for a brief second, and she quickly looked away. What was he doing there? Why did her breath catch just by looking at him? He wasn’t even that handsome. Sure, he was interesting with his black hair, brown eyes, and freckles covering his nose. Blimey. He was staring right at her with that bloody expression of his that she couldn’t decipher.

“Let’s begin,” Darmik said. “Jarvik will receive a copy of the executed contract to deliver to the king and queen of Fren. Two members of the Legion will also retain a copy.”