Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1)

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  He chuckled. “Are you mad because your parents wouldn’t let you apply for a position in the City Guard?”

  “Sod off,” she snidely said.

  He laughed and then finished his drink, slamming the mug down on the table. “Rumor is that a supply wagon carrying expensive fabric arrived early this morning. Two men, both in their thirties, robbed it, stealing almost everything inside.”

  Excitement coursed through Allyssa. This was the part she loved. The thrill of the hunt. “Let’s go,” she said.

  Most likely, the thieves were in one of the seedier taverns, trying to lay low. The two friends headed to The Lion’s Den in search of their newest targets.

  “Ready?” Grevik asked as he shouldered the wooden door open.

  Reaching down, she made sure all her weapons were in place. “Yes,” she answered.

  “Remember the plan.” He gave her a pointed look.

  “What?” she innocently asked. “What happened the last time we were here wasn’t my fault.”

  “Regardless,” he said as he headed to the bar, “I’d prefer not to fight everyone in this tavern tonight. Stick together, find the thieves, follow them, and when the chance arises, we take them down together.”

  “Which won’t be a problem as long as no one touches me.”

  Grevik looked at her with raised eyebrows. As a princess, no one ever touched her—especially strangers. How was she supposed to know the man was simply patting her shoulder as he squeezed behind her? If she’d known, she never would have attacked him—and most of the patrons who came to his aid. She and Grevik were lucky to have gotten out of that scrape alive.

  Grevik ordered them two mugs of ale since they couldn’t be at a tavern and not have a cup in hand. Allyssa turned and leaned against the counter, surveying the room. There were several games of cards going at different tables. If the men had already sold the stolen goods, they’d have money to burn.

  One of the tables had a larger pile of coins in the center. She nudged Grevik and tilted her head in that direction. Since she was female, she couldn’t join a card game played only by men without garnering undo attention. Allyssa furtively handed him a bag of coins, and he made his way over to the table. She watched him speak to the men as he tossed his bag of coins on top of the pile. One of the men nodded, and Grevik pulled a chair over and joined the game. Allyssa studied the one who had nodded—most likely he was in charge, which meant he was one of the thieves.

  She stood there, growing tired, while Grevik played a couple of games, purposely losing each one in order to rouse the other men into boasting. When he ran out of money, he stood and came over to her.

  “Well?” she asked, holding the mug in front of her lips so no one could see her talking to Grevik.

  “The tall, thin guy with black hair,” Grevik mumbled, pointing out the one she’d suspected, “is one of the thieves. Don’t know who the second is, though.”

  Observing the other tables, she didn’t notice anyone who appeared out of place or suspicious. “Anything else?” she asked, hoping the man had told Grevik something useful.

  “He said he was only passing through. Plans to leave first thing tomorrow.”

  They didn’t have time to figure out who the second thief was then. They had to take this one to their contact in the City Guard tonight. “Very well,” she uttered. “One is better than none.”

  Grevik chuckled. “Sometimes you speak so … formal. It makes me laugh.”

  “Glad I can be of amusement.”

  “Me too.”

  They made their way to an empty table near the back where they could watch the thief without being noticed. After a couple more rounds, he collected the money piled high in the middle of the table. This was Allyssa and Grevik’s cue to leave. They exited the tavern and slid into the shadows, watching. When the thief left, they silently followed him until they came to a deserted street.

  The two friends had done this so many times they didn’t even have to talk to one another. Grevik left her side and ran a block ahead to cut the thief off. Allyssa remained trailing the man. When she saw Grevik step into the middle of the street up ahead, she unsheathed her daggers. While the thief’s attention was on Grevik ahead of him, Allyssa silently strode up behind the man and struck him across the back of his head with her dagger. He dropped to the ground.

  When she glanced up at Grevik, his eyes widened at something behind her. She knew someone was there. She spun and kicked, her foot nicking her attacker. He lunged with his sword and she stepped to the side. Bringing her arm up, she hit his sword arm. His weapon clanked to the ground. Grevik managed to strike the man’s head with the hilt of his own sword, and he fell to the ground, unconscious.

  “I take it this is the second thief?” Allyssa said, panting.

  “Doesn’t matter,” Grevik replied. “We’re taking them both to my contact, regardless.” His contact in the City Guard ensured anyone they delivered to him was secured in prison. This particular guard had been good friends with Grevik’s father, and he was eager to help.

  Allyssa glided inside Darmik’s office. Her parents and Prince Zek sat at a small, round table waiting for her. She had planned to arrive early so she could talk to her parents before the prince showed up, but it had taken even longer today to conceal her bruised face than it had yesterday. It actually hurt to smile. As gracefully as possible, she took her seat between her parents.

  She’d attended enough of these meetings by now to be able to determine the seriousness based upon small subtleties. The low fire in the hearth, the absence of fresh flowers, and the fact that her father wore his commander uniform instead of his royal tunic and crown indicated that her parents didn’t consider the prince a potential suitor. However, there was definitely something of importance they wished to discuss—otherwise, they wouldn’t have even bothered to meet with him.

  Darmik motioned for the remaining guards to exit and shut the door, leaving the four of them alone. “You wanted an audience with us,” he said to the prince. “What would you like to discuss?”

  Prince Zek cleared his throat. “I wish for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

  Allyssa had heard similar declarations before. Many wanted to marry the crown—no one actually cared for the person wearing it.

  “You and every other prince on the continent,” Darmik bluntly answered.

  Allyssa wanted to kiss her father. She tried desperately not to laugh at the look of shock on the prince’s face.

  “Why don’t you save us both a lot of time and get to the point?” Darmik said. He leaned back on his chair, crossing his legs.

  “My country is in need of Emperion’s protection,” Prince Zek declared, trying to regain his composure.

  Allyssa admired the fact that he was willing to marry her in order to protect his kingdom. It showed loyalty, duty, and a sense of honor on his part—something she hadn’t learned listening to him drone on and on over the course of the past few weeks. However, she wondered what Fia needed protection from. The ten kingdoms on the mainland had lived in relative peace for the past decade. She’d heard whispered rumors that Russek was bullying its neighbors, yet that was nothing new or worth being concerned about.

  Rema folded her hands on her lap. “You come from the small kingdom of Fia, which has little to offer us. Why would we allow you to marry our daughter?” She kept all emotion from her face, but Allyssa knew her mother well enough to know she was leading the poor prince right into a trap.

  “Russek has invaded the kingdom of Melenia,” Prince Zek stated. “My parents fear Russek will invade us next.”

  Russek invaded Melenia? Allyssa opened her mouth to question Prince Zek when Rema shook her head. Allyssa withheld her question and sat there silently, waiting for her parents to respond. Since neither of them appeared to be shocked or outraged, this information wasn’t new to them.

  Darmik stood and paced about the room, appearing deep in thought. Allyssa tried not to roll her eyes. Her pare
nts were master negotiators and planners.

  “I have a proposition for you,” her father began. “Your kingdom is in need of protection. We will give you the resources you seek.” Darmik stopped walking and turned to face the prince. “If Fia joins the Emperion Empire.”

  “What?” the stunned prince asked, his eyes wide.

  Darmik smiled. “Fia will become a region within Emperion. Your parents will retain their titles and land. However, they will pay taxes to Emperion. Their army will join with my army. That is what I’m offering you. No need to marry my daughter.”

  Prince Zek sat there, fumbling with the edge of his cuff, not looking at anyone in the room. If his parents deemed him capable enough to come here to Emperion, the largest kingdom on the continent, and seek her hand in marriage, thus securing an alliance, surely he could speak on their behalf regarding this matter.

  “I’ll, uh, need to discuss it with the king and queen,” he answered.

  Rema abruptly stood. “You do that. Until then, we wish you well.” She was dismissing him. He was no longer welcome in their castle under their protection.

  The prince stood, his chair scraping against the stone floor. After he exited the room, Allyssa sank back against her chair, sighing.

  “Interesting move on his part,” Darmik said, folding his arms and staring out the window.

  “How so?” Allyssa inquired.

  “He didn’t even attempt to negotiate,” Rema answered. “It makes him appear weak.”

  “Do you really think his parents will agree to it?” Was the threat from Russek so severe that the king and queen of Fia would willingly join the Emperion Empire?

  “I do,” Darmik answered.

  “Why didn’t you tell me Russek invaded Melenia?”

  Before either of her parents could respond, Neco, Darmik’s best friend and Mayra and Marek’s father, entered the room.

  “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing to Darmik, which seemed oddly formal for him. Usually, there was an unspoken casualness between her parents and Neco. “Our spies have returned,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back and not once looking Allyssa’s way. “Russek has established control in Melenia. The king and queen were publicly executed after being forced to watch the executioner decapitate their three children.”

  Rema squeezed her eyes shut as Darmik said, “Allyssa, out of the room.”

  Her parents had never been so quick to dismiss her before. “King Drenton of Russek did this?” she asked, a chill overcoming her.

  Darmik’s attention snapped to her, and his eyes narrowed.

  “Sorry,” she muttered as she stood. “I’m leaving.”

  “One more thing,” Rema said as Allyssa headed to the door. “I want you to give the weekly report this afternoon. Alone.”

  Allyssa froze. She’d never addressed the people of their kingdom without her parents at her side. “Is this because of Russek?” she asked.

  “No. It’s because you’re sixteen now,” Rema answered. “We’ll be increasing your duties so you’ll be ready to rule Emperion when the time comes.”

  “That’s years away,” Allyssa said. She wasn’t supposed to ascend to the throne and become empress until she was thirty.

  Rema’s blue eyes flashed, instantly looking hard and unyielding. “I pray that’s the case. However, sometimes life has a way of turning out quite different than we expect it to. I’ve learned it is better to be prepared.” Darmik gently placed his hands on either side of Rema’s face and kissed her nose.

  Not knowing what else to say, Allyssa simply nodded and left, closing the door behind her. She couldn’t get that intimate image of her parents out of her head. It seemed as if they shared a secret—one so big that they couldn’t even reveal it to their daughter.

  ***

  Taking a deep breath, Allyssa stood before the closed double doors, listening to the cheering crowd outside. Glancing behind her, Allyssa noticed Mayra and Madelin smile encouragingly. Of course, they had nothing to worry about—they weren’t the ones going out there. Alone. How could her parents do this to her? She’d never publicly spoken to the people before.

  “Ready?” Marek asked, clutching the hilt of his sword, which was strapped to his waist. Since he was head of her personal guard, he’d be on the balcony with her, but only in the background as protection. He couldn’t help her if she stumbled over her words or forgot what to say.

  Facing the doors once again, she wiped her sweaty hands on her dress. At least she looked the part, donned in a simple, yet elegant, red gown etched with gold embroidery. Squaring her shoulders and holding her head high, she refused to be intimidated. She would do this, and she would do it well. “I’m ready,” she announced.

  Her ladies-in-waiting came up behind her, placing a heavy cape bearing the royal family’s crest upon her shoulders. Allyssa tried not to hunch forward from its weight. Marek flung open the doors, revealing an additional four heavily armored guards on the balcony.

  The crowd roared as Allyssa strode out to greet everyone. The sun shone brightly overhead. She went to the railing and waved, smiling at the packed courtyard below. The crowd got even louder as they cheered for their crown princess. Her arm shook slightly, so she lowered it, not wanting anyone to see how nervous she really was.

  The people quieted down, eager to hear the weekly address. Luckily, her father had told her exactly what to say.

  “My dear people of Emperion,” she began. “Thank you for coming this afternoon. It is with great honor that I am speaking to you today. The empress and emperor wish you well. They requested I update you regarding a situation brewing in the north.” Allyssa paused here, just as Darmik had instructed. “Russek has invaded Melenia,” she said with a strong and determined voice. A murmur rippled through the courtyard. “The dukes from the five regions of Emperion—Romek, Elek, Sarek, Krosek, and Lanek—will arrive within the next couple of days in order to discuss the situation in Russek. As a precaution, we are sending additional troops to ensure our borders are secure.” Many of these people had family members in the army, and Darmik believed it was best for everyone to know the state of the continent at all times. “I assure you that Emperion is strong,” she bellowed. “Not only are we the largest kingdom, but we have the most proficient army. We will maintain peace. Of this, I am certain.”

  The crowd burst into applause and cheers. She raised her hands, and they quieted down. “My people,” Allyssa said, her voice echoing in the courtyard. “Thank you for your loyalty to the crown. I serve you.” She bowed and strode off the balcony, the crowd roaring their approval behind her.

  When the doors closed, she could finally breathe again.

  “That went well,” Mayra said as she removed Allyssa’s heavy cape.

  “Except that you forgot the entire part about Emperor’s City,” Madelin said with her hands on her hips.

  “I know,” Allyssa admitted, upset with herself for having forgotten at least half of the speech.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Mayra said, shaking her head. “You went out there and addressed them on your own.”

  “Yes, I did,” Allyssa said, smiling. “It was invigorating to speak before so many people, all cheering for the crown and what it represents. I’m lucky to be part of this legacy.”

  ***

  Allyssa entered the Great Hall where two long tables were set for supper. A third table, set slightly apart, was situated straight ahead for the royal family. She walked toward it, passing between the other two tables where nobles and courtiers sat watching her.

  After taking her seat, she saw Neco and Ellie sitting nearby, their heads bent together in quiet conversation. Ellie kept glancing her way, and Allyssa knew they were talking about her. Perhaps they were discussing her speech today, or Prince Zek’s proposal.

  A small group of musicians played a simple melody, setting a joyful atmosphere. The tables were lined with large vases filled with fragrant flowers. While everything appeared perfect, hardly anyone in the room w
as talking and everyone kept glancing furtively at her.

  Allyssa clasped her hands together on her lap, forcing a pleasant smile on her face. Something was wrong. If her parents didn’t arrive soon, she’d leave to find them and demand to know what was going on. Right when she was about to stand, the guards stationed near the doors announced the empress and emperor. Rema and Darmik entered, arms joined together as they walked toward Allyssa. Once her parents were seated, the food was brought out and conversation resumed.

  “I hear you did a decent job addressing the citizens,” Darmik commented as he took a bite of his potatoes.

  She noticed the way he said decent and not good. Since people were around, she couldn’t roll her eyes or make a snarky comment, so she simply replied, “Thank you, Father. Your approval and kindness is astounding.”

  The corners of his mouth lifted as he fought a smile. Allyssa took a sip of her wine, trying to catch bits of the conversations going on in the room.

  “We need to talk,” Darmik said, taking another bite of potatoes. “I just can’t decide if I should discuss the matter with you when there are people around, or when we’re alone.” He chuckled.

  Allyssa clenched her fork. She’d only thrown a fit in public once, and she had been five at the time. The king and queen from Dromien had been visiting with their eight-year-old son. When no one was listening, he’d called her a skinny, ugly runt. So Allyssa punched him in the stomach and started yelling at him.

  “I believe you’ve just made the decision for me,” he said. “When we’re alone then, since you have difficulty … controlling yourself.” He lifted his goblet and took a drink, signaling for her to keep her mouth shut on the matter.

  Allyssa peered around Darmik to her mother. Rema didn’t say anything. Instead, she sat there, moving her food around her plate and barely eating. Darmik reached over and patted Rema’s leg, comforting her. Allyssa wanted to demand to know why her mother was upset. Was it because of the situation with Russek? Or was something else bothering her? And what did Darmik wish to discuss with Allyssa? But she couldn’t make such demands. It wasn’t the time or place to behave in such a way. Contrary to what her father had said, she could control herself. He had no idea how much control she was exhibiting right now. Sitting there, she ate her food while making boring, unimportant conversation. She wanted to scream.