Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1) (19 page)

Her father swung around to face her. “I’m going to speak privately with the prince,” he said in a clipped tone. “Jarvik is waiting in the training room for you.” He grabbed Odar by the arm and dragged him down the path.

Allyssa entered the training room. She assumed Jarvik wanted to work with her to ensure she was prepared for her meeting with the assassin tonight. 

“I hope you have a solid plan,” she said.

Jarvik was sitting on the ground, stretching. “Have a nice ride?” he asked, a bit of hostility to his voice. He had on plain pants and a loose shirt. His hair was tousled, making him look handsome in a rugged sort of way. Bloody hell. Her face warmed. She couldn’t afford to think of him that way. As he stood up, she couldn’t help but think of how his beauty shone in a different way from Odar’s. While the prince’s was on the outside for all to see, the squire’s was hidden deep inside of him. 

“You’re staring at me,” Jarvik stated. “Is something wrong?”

Allyssa shook her head, tongue-tied for once.

“Since the assassin managed to capture your friend, I want to go over some basics with you to ensure you’re not kidnapped as well.”

“I know how to fight,” she replied.

“Yes, but I’ll feel better if we go over a few things.”

She shrugged. “Okay.”

“We’ll focus on hand-to-hand combat first,” he said, placing his hands on his hips. “Most likely, the assassin will be armed and you won’t, so you’ll be at a disadvantage.”

“How long have you been here?” Allyssa asked. Jarvik had a sheen of sweat covering his forehead.

“Not long,” he answered. “I’ve just been punching the practice dummy over there.”

“Why?”

His eyes flickered to hers and then away. “It helps me think.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “Let’s get to work.”

“Very well,” she said, pulling her hair back and quickly braiding it.

The setting sun shone through the windows, casting a soft light on Jarvik. “Let’s pretend the assassin comes up behind you, like this,” he said, putting his arm around her neck and placing his other hand on her hip. “What would you do?”

Allyssa automatically raised her hands to try and pry his arm off her neck.

“Focus,” Jarvik said. “He’ll be taller and stronger than you. You’ll have to outsmart him.”

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and thought over everything her father and Marek had taught her. She was unarmed and would have to fight her way out of this. Since Jarvik’s left hand was on her left hip, she moved her body to the right and swung her left arm down to his groin. As soon as he released her, she spun around and rammed her knee into his stomach.

“Excellent,” Jarvik said, his voice high pitched from the impact. She hadn’t meant to hit him that hard. “Now if he comes at you head on,” he said, “you’ll need to do something different.”

He wrapped his hands around her neck, gently touching her with his calloused fingers. Their eyes locked, and Allyssa’s breath caught. He was so close.

“In this case,” she softly said, swallowing, “I’d raise my hands and do this.” She lifted her arms between his and then swung outwards, knocking his hands away from her neck.

He immediately reached forward and grabbed her upper arms, holding them tightly.

She’d never felt self-conscious working with Marek, so why was she embarrassed with Jarvik? Why was she so acutely aware of where his hands were? She felt her face warm and prayed he didn’t notice her reaction to him. She wasn’t a harlot; she was the crown princess and needed to act like it.

“Now what are you going to do?” he asked, his eyes still on hers. 

Holding her head high, she attempted to regain her confidence and composure. Reaching forward, Allyssa grabbed Jarvik’s hips, holding him in place while she kneed him in the groin.

“Keep ramming your knee into him until he lets go,” Jarvik said. “Then kick his head, if you can.”

“I know how to properly kick.”

“You need to hit him hard enough to knock him out, without him grabbing your leg or foot. It needs to be clean and quick.”

“I can do that,” she said.

“After you’ve disabled him, run as fast as you can. You have to assume he’ll be after you again after thirty seconds or so.”

“What if he has me locked in the room?” she asked.

“After we’re done practicing here, I’ll teach you how to pick a lock.”

Allyssa laughed. “You are a man of many talents.”

“You have no idea.”

***

When Allyssa returned to the Royal Chambers, her father and Neco were speaking to Marek, along with a few members of her personal guard in the sitting room.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Go to your bedchamber,” Darmik ordered. “Marek will be with you shortly.”

Her father must still be furious with Prince Odar. She opened her doors and found her ladies-in-waiting standing by the windows, looking outside. Allyssa rushed over to see what they were doing.

In the courtyard below, at least a hundred soldiers stood at attention. A chill ran down Allyssa’s spine. Were these men preparing to leave to defend Emperion’s border? Would Marek be joining them?

Mayra wrapped her arm around Allyssa. “Have you ever seen so many fine-looking young men?” she asked.

Madelin chuckled and moved away from the window. “You can admire the soldiers all you want,” she said. “I’ve found my prince.” She went into the dressing closet. “Do you care what you wear for dinner?” she asked Allyssa.

“No,” Allyssa replied, wishing dinner was already over so she and Jarvik could be on their way to the inn. 

“Why are you all sweaty?” Mayra asked, scrunching up her nose. 

“I was sparring with Jarvik,” she answered.

The doors flew open and Marek stepped inside, his face flushed and eyes alight. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing. “I must speak with you alone.”

She dismissed her ladies-in-waiting, and Marek came to stand before her. “I heard about Prince Odar not being able to wed you until you travel to Fren and receive the king and queen’s approval.”

“I assume our fathers are upset?”

“They’re livid. They claim the prince deceived them.”

She wondered if her father was having second thoughts about the union now. However, the contract was signed and she wasn’t sure it could be broken.

Marek continued, “Prince Odar insists it had to be done to determine Emperion’s true intentions.”

That was what Jarvik had told her as well. “Does my father approve of me traveling to Fren with war on the horizon?”

“He says there are no other options and you must go. The emperor wants it done as soon as possible so the marriage ceremony can take place.” Marek knelt on the ground in front of her. “My father doesn’t want me to fight in the war. Your father specifically asked me to remain by your side during your journey to Fren. I’m to coordinate a security team with Jarvik for you and the prince.”

Knowing how much fighting in the war meant to Marek, Allyssa said, “I won’t make you stay if you don’t want to.” She reached for his hands, clasping them tightly. “If fighting is what you desire, especially alongside your father, I’ll make it happen. The choice is yours.”

Kneeling on the ground, he stared up at her. “You’d do that for me?”

“Yes, because I value your friendship.”

He closed his eyes for a minute, his head bent down. When he reopened them, he said, “As much as I want to go, I know you need me. I will stay and guard you.” Marek withdrew his right hand from hers and placed his fist over his heart—the symbol of loyalty, friendship, and honor.

A sense of pride and pure relief filled her. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted him at her side until she told him he could go. There was a knock on the door, and Jarvik came into her room. He froze when he saw Marek on his knees before Allyssa, their hands clasped together.

“I’m sorry,” the squire stuttered. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not,” Allyssa quickly replied. Releasing Marek’s hand, she said, “Thank you for your loyalty. I’m glad you’ll be staying. However, if you ever change your mind, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Marek stood. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Besides,” she smiled, “I’m sure Madelin would hate to see you go.”

The corners of Marek’s lips rose and his face reddened. “Yes,” he said. “We’re officially courting now.”

“So I heard,” Allyssa replied, unable to suppress a smile. Madelin had told her all the details yesterday when she was doing Allyssa’s hair.

“If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness. I have a few things to discuss with my father.” Marek turned and left, leaving her alone with Jarvik.

“Is something the matter?” she asked, wondering why he’d come to her room. She still needed to bathe and change out of her sweaty clothing. Suddenly embarrassed by her appearance, she sat on one of the chairs, trying to act like a proper princess, even though she didn’t look or feel like one.

Jarvik moved to the fireplace, his back to her, not uttering a single word. He stood there, still as a statue. She wished he’d turn around so she could see his face. He hadn’t changed either, although his shirt was now tucked in.

“Did you need something?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I wanted to talk to you—to tell you something. Although, now is not the time.” Allyssa was about to insist he tell her anyway when he continued, “Are you ready for your meeting with the assassin tonight?”

She’d gone over everything in her head a hundred times. “Yes. I’ll do what needs to be done to ensure my friend’s safety.”

He turned around to face her. “I’m worried about you coming to the prince’s rooms so late at night again. It isn’t proper.”

So far none of her guards had said a word or questioned her behavior. However, she didn’t want rumors to start either. “I’ll use my laundry chute. You can meet me in the laundry room. We’ll leave from there.”

With the fire burning behind him, a soft glow surrounded Jarvik, making his face appear dark. “Very well,” he murmured.

The wind howled outside. “You should know I’ve assigned some of my men to join your guard.”

“Why would you do that?” Marek wouldn’t appreciate Fren soldiers stepping into his domain.

“I want my men to start working with your soldiers since they’ll be traveling together. They need to be familiar with one another.”

“You seem well versed with managing an army and military strategies.” More so than what a squire should. She wondered what position his father held at court.

“I grew up with the prince,” he explained. “We’ve taken the same classes, learned how to fight under the same instructors.” She couldn’t be sure with the heat of the fire, but Jarvik’s ears appeared exceptionally red.

“You seem to excel.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Simply that you’re able to take charge and see things through.”

“What are you implying?”

“I haven’t seen the same … commitment from the prince. I wonder how effective he is as a ruler.” Perhaps the only reason the prince had a reputation for being a competent and fair leader was because Jarvik was at his side helping him.

“I think you’ll be surprised once you get to know him,” the squire said, turning back to face the fire. “Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. He isn’t the court fop you think he is.”

“I hope not,” she replied. “Because I need a strong man by my side, not some pretty face.”

Walking briskly along the street next to Jarvik, Allyssa huddled in her cloak, trying to stay warm against the frigid air. Even though it wasn’t raining, the wind whipped between the buildings, making her eyes water and her nose run.

The squire hadn’t spoken since they left the castle. His shoulders were stiffer than normal, and his eyes darted to every person they passed.

Allyssa shivered. If all went well, she would meet with the assassin, tell him her information, and he’d release Grevik. She had wanted to go and see his mother, to let her know she was trying to save her son. However, Jarvik wouldn’t let her. After he verified Grevik was indeed missing, he’d sent one of his men to speak with Grevik’s mother about his disappearance.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jarvik asked. “I can send my men in to apprehend the assassin. We can interrogate him until he reveals where your friend is.”

“The last time we met the assassin, I seem to recall him rendering your men unconscious in less than a minute.”

“We’re better prepared this time,” he said.

“I want to continue with our original plan,” she replied. The squire nodded, like he had expected her to say that. “Can I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything,” he said.

“Why are you helping me?” Their relationship had progressed from pure hatred, to a level of tolerance, and now to respect. However, Allyssa didn’t know if Jarvik thought of her as a friend, ally, or colleague. She wasn’t certain what she considered him—none of those felt quite right.

“I’m here because if I was in your situation, and my friend had been kidnapped, I’d want all the help I could get to save him.”

His answer surprised her, and she couldn’t help but admire his loyalty. As annoying as Jarvik could be sometimes, she was glad he was there with her. It was nice having someone to collaborate with, especially someone as sharp as Jarvik. Blimey. Did she actually think he was intelligent?

“In case I haven’t told you,” she said, “thank you for your help.”

He stopped and turned to face her. “I must have heard you wrong. Did you just thank me?”

The wind thrashed against her cloak, tangling it around her legs. “Yes,” she said. “I did.”

He laughed, surprising her. The  simple act transformed his face, making  him look  younger and … blasted, he was alluring. She stiffened, suddenly unsure how to act around him.

His smile faded and he placed his arms on her shoulders, gazing into her face. “We should stop walking together, just as a precaution,” he said, his voice gruff.

Nodding, she whispered, “Are your men in position?”

“Yes.” She peered down at his fingers, waiting for him to release her. “Be careful,” he said. “Remember what we talked about—what questions to ask and how to act.”

“I will.” She bit her lip, needing to clear her head. An assassin who held her friend captive awaited her. All of her energy and focus needed to be on Grevik.

Jarvik hesitated and then let go of her shoulders.

Not knowing what else to say, Allyssa walked away and rounded the corner, the inn in sight. She slouched, trying to act like a commoner, and entered the inn. She’d played this part often enough that she shouldn’t have been nervous. However, after working with Jarvik this afternoon and having him point out every little thing she did wrong, she was suddenly hyper aware of every movement she made. Allyssa suspected the assassin would be scrutinizing every detail, and under no circumstance could she reveal her true identity.

Once inside the tavern, she headed upstairs and knocked on the wooden door to room 205. It creaked open enough for her to slip inside the dark room. Her heart beat frantically, knowing the assassin was near and Grevik’s life depended upon her.

The door clicked shut, and silence greeted her. Hands deftly slid over her body, removing her weapons. The assassin tugged a blanket off the oil lamp, illuminating the small room. They stood facing one another, both hidden under black cloaks.

The assassin folded his arms. “Well?” he demanded. 

“I have information,” she replied.

“And?”

Remembering what Jarvik told her, she said, “I won’t tell you unless I know my friend is safe.” Making demands was dangerous. With a flick of his wrist, he could kill her. Holding her breath, she waited for his response.

“If your information is of value, I’ll take you to your friend. If it isn’t, you can watch me slice his throat.”

Jarvik had warned her this might happen. Taking a few deep breaths, she attempted to remain calm and not answer right away. She didn’t want the assassin to know she’d do anything to save Grevik.

After counting to twenty like Jarvik had suggested, she said, “I overheard the empress talking to the princess. They are going to the local shelter to feed the poor.”

“When?”

“In four days.”

“Is the emperor going with them?”

“They didn’t say if he was going.”

The assassin nodded. “I deem your information worthy. I will allow you to see your friend.”

Her shoulders relaxed. Now all that had to happen was for Jarvik and his men to follow the assassin as he took her to Grevik. Then they’d storm in, killing the assassin while she rescued her friend. 

“Obviously, he isn’t here. I’ll need to take you to where I’m keeping him.” He moved to the corner of the room. “You don’t have a problem being blindfolded, do you?”

Allyssa had expected him to take her somewhere else, but she hadn’t anticipated being blindfolded. When they left the building, patrons would notice such a thing. Which meant they weren’t leaving out the front door.

“Of course I do,” she said, trying to control her temper. “You’re an assassin here to kill the royal family and you’ve kidnapped my friend.” She needed to watch her language—make sure she didn’t speak too formally. “I’ll go with you, but there’s no need to cover my eyes.”

He laughed, the sound harsh and menacing. “I haven’t managed to stay alive so long by being stupid. If you want to see your friend, you’ll go blindfolded. It’s up to you.”

Blimey. Her heart pounded in her chest. What should she do? She needed to know that Grevik was alive and well. Jarvik had told her he had men watching all the exits, so even if she went out the side, one of the Fren soldiers would notice and follow. Just because she wouldn’t be able to see didn’t mean Jarvik wouldn’t.

“Very well,” she said. “After I visit my friend, you’ll release me?”

He nodded. “I’ll bring you back to this inn.”

If Marek were here, he’d be screaming at her not to go anywhere with an assassin. He’d say that this was a terrible idea and she shouldn’t risk her life. Jarvik, on the other hand, had sparred with her and taught her how to pick a lock in order to prepare her for this. He understood that her friendship with Grevik wasn’t something she could easily dismiss. Grevik was in this mess because of her, and she planned to make sure he was freed and returned safely to his mother. Allyssa remembered how devastated Grevik’s mum had been when his father was murdered. She knew his mother would never be able to handle the death of her only child.

The assassin ripped off a strip of fabric from the blanket on the cot. He came up behind Allyssa, and she removed her hood. The assassin slid the fabric around her eyes and secured it at the back of her head.

“Let’s go,” he said as he wrapped his arm around her waist, making her jump.

The door was to her left. However, he led her in the opposite direction. There weren’t any other exits in the room, nor were there any windows. She lifted her hands to remove the blindfold, and he pinned her arms down.

“Leave it alone,” he ordered.

“Where are we going?” she demanded.

“If I wanted you to know, you wouldn’t be blindfolded.”

The sound of wood creaking echoed through the room. Was the assassin removing some floorboards? He shoved her down into something.

“You’ll need to crawl,” he said. “And keep your head down.”

Reaching out, she felt wood right above her. The sound of clanking mugs and people talking was directly below her. She had to be in between the ceiling of the first level and the floor of the second level. This must be how the assassin was entering and exiting the inn without Jarvik’s men knowing. 

Pulling herself along in the cramped space, Allyssa felt a splinter dig into her palm.

“Stop,” the assassin said. It sounded as if a wooden door creaked open, and then cool air brushed past her skin. “Turn around and lower your feet until you hit a ladder. Then climb down.”

Allyssa did as he said, sliding outside the opened door on the side of the building, praying she didn’t fall. She lowered her legs, fumbling for the first rung of the ladder. Her foot connected with it, and she started climbing down to the street.

When she reached solid ground, the assassin pulled her hood lower over her face, probably making sure no one on the street would see her blindfold. Linking his arm with hers, they started walking. It took some getting used to—being led along the streets, unable to see. She tried memorizing each turn, but he took so many that she couldn’t keep track. At times, it seemed as if they walked around the same block multiple times to ensure she didn’t have her bearings. To keep from losing her temper and screaming, she kept picturing Grevik’s face. It was enough to keep her going. 

After a good twenty minutes, they climbed a flight of stairs. A door clicked open, and the assassin led her a couple of paces forward. The door shut behind them, and her blindfold was quickly removed. In the middle of the small, dimly lit, empty room, Grevik sat tied to a chair. 

Running over, she dropped to her knees before him. “Are you all right?”

He slowly lifted his head, looking at her. She gasped. Grevik’s face was covered with bruises, his right eye was swollen shut, and his breathing was labored, indicating he had a damaged lung.

“What did you do to him?” she demanded, swinging around to face the assassin.

“I asked him a few questions,” he said.

Rage and hatred consumed her—she wanted to kill the assassin for hurting her friend. However, she couldn’t attack him until Jarvik and his men arrived—if they came at all. They were probably still back at the inn, having no idea she’d left with the assassin. Still, she decided to give them a few minutes before she tried to render the assassin unconscious long enough to free Grevik.

“I’m so sorry,” she said to her friend.

“This isn’t your fault.”

Knowing he’d been interrogated, she wondered if the assassin knew her true identity. Perhaps this had been an elaborate plot to isolate her. She shivered and mouthed, “Does he know?”

Grevik muttered, “No.”

If Jarvik and his men had followed her, they would be in here by now. Help wasn’t coming.

“Don’t worry about me,” Grevik said. “Take care of yourself.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but Grevik silenced her with his stare. “Leave,” he said. “Before this sadistic madman hurts you.”

Tears formed in her eyes. She couldn’t leave him there—she had to try to fight the assassin. Putting her hands on either side of Grevik’s dear face, she whispered, “I’ll find a way to rescue you. I promise.” Allyssa stood and kissed the top of his head.

“This reminds me of that time we caught those snake dealers,” Grevik said, his head hanging.

They never caught any snake dealers. It had to be some sort of clue. “Yes, it does,” she said, forcing a laugh.

“Time to go,” the assassin said. Holding the blindfold, he moved closer to her to put it on.

When he was directly behind her, she spun around and kneed him in the groin. At the same time, she swung her hand toward his head. The assassin caught her wrist midair, squeezing it tight.

“That was a very foolish thing to do,” he chided her, not even winded from her hit.

Allyssa went to kick him again. He blocked her leg and backhanded her across the face hard enough to hurt, but not to leave a mark. The assassin whipped out a dagger and pointed it at Grevik.

“Please no,” she said, shaking her head.

“Touch me again, and I’ll kill him.”

Grevik was struggling against his binds, trying to wiggle free, his eyes wide with horror.