Cage of Deceit (Reign of Secrets Book 1)

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  Movement caught her attention, and she glanced up in time to see the prince and squire strolling toward her. Her breath caught. Jarvik looked stunning dressed in what had to be Fren’s high-ranking military uniform—dark blue fabric with the royal seal embroidered on the front of his tunic. The color set off his dark hair, suiting him well.

  Prince Odar cleared his throat, forcing her attention from the squire to him. The prince took her gloved hand and kissed it. “You look beautiful,” he said, seductively smiling under hooded eyes. He placed her hand on his arm, and they took their place beside her parents.

  “You look handsome,” she said, complimenting him. He wore a sapphire overcoat with ivory embroidery down the center. The color set off his piercing blue eyes, making him look every bit the pretty prince that he was.

  A steward announced Princess Allyssa and Prince Odar, and they entered the Great Hall while the hundred or so guests inside bowed and curtsied to them. After the empress and emperor came in, the festive music began. Prince Odar swung Allyssa into his embrace for the first dance.

  Jarvik stood off to the side among the Fren soldiers, who all wore their military uniforms with polished swords strapped to their waists. His eyes roamed around the room, observing every detail. Allyssa spotted Marek speaking with a group of guards, pointing to the doors, which were all closed. Four times the standard amount of guards were stationed throughout the room. The guests didn’t seem to notice, and if they did, they didn’t show any indication something was amiss.

  “Like my squire, you seem a bit off,” the prince mused. “Is something the matter?” He twirled her around and brought her back to his chest, holding her tightly.

  “I’m sorry for my distraction,” she said. “I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Care to tell me? I am a good listener.”

  “I assumed Jarvik already apprised you of events.”

  His eyes darkened. “You are mistaken. He hasn’t disclosed anything to me.” He forced his smile to remain in place.

  She glanced over to where the squire stood watching her, his arms folded across his chest. “There was a security issue earlier.” She smiled up at Odar. “It must not have been as severe as I’d originally thought if he didn’t bother to tell you about it.” Allyssa couldn’t discuss what was really going on right now. It wasn’t the time or place.

  He twirled her around again. Didn’t Odar notice the additional guards? He should at least question why so many were present. He couldn’t possibly be that oblivious. Why didn’t Jarvik tell the prince? Why would he keep the assassin and the travel plans from him?

  Prince Odar dipped her backwards, and then slowly brought her back up. “You spoke with Jarvik?” he asked, a hint of jealousy coloring his voice.

  “I was speaking with the head of my guard, Marek,” she answered, side-stepping his question. “He told me he planned to talk to Jarvik so you’d be informed.”

  His smile returned. “You know,” he said, spinning her around, “you can come to me regarding such matters. You do not need to deal with your guard.”

  Allyssa wanted to punch him. She wasn’t some stupid, naïve girl who had to have a man take care of her. She forced herself to smile at him, ready for this dance to be over. “I will keep that in mind for next time,” she replied, a sharp edge to her voice. How was she ever going to survive being stuck in a carriage with this man while they traveled to Fren? He certainly was nice, cordial, and friendly, but he failed to see the obvious and he wasn’t quick-minded like Jarvik. Yet, she had an obligation to her kingdom. She needed to speak with the king and queen of Fren and secure those soldiers. If they didn’t approve of her, help wouldn’t come. Emperion needed those troops to fight Russek.

  The song ended. “Your Highness,” she said, stepping away from Odar, relief filling her. She turned and found Jarvik before her. Her heart sped up.

  “May I please have this dance?” the squire asked, bowing.

  Her mother’s warning came back to her—she was supposed to put all thoughts of Jarvik out of her mind so she could focus on Odar, her future husband. However, the squire was the prince’s best friend and he’d asked to dance with her. It would be rude to refuse him. Glancing at the prince for his reaction, she watched him pat Jarvik on the shoulder and stroll away.

  Jarvik took a tentative step toward Allyssa and she smiled at him, letting him know she accepted his offer to dance. Blimey. She wanted to dance with him, to feel his hands holding her. He gently placed one hand on her lower back, the other taking her gloved hand and lifting it into the air. A new song began, and the two of them started moving together around the dance floor.

  When she gazed into Jarvik’s eyes, the music and people faded away, and all she saw was the man standing before her. Suddenly nervous, she feared she’d step on her dress and fall. However, Jarvik expertly glided with her around the dance floor, putting all her fears to rest. Why did she care what Jarvik thought of her? He was her future husband’s squire. She’d be seeing a lot of him and couldn’t afford to feel anything but friendship for this man.

  Needing to take the focus off her thoughts of running her hands through his hair or tracing the curve of his lips, she asked, “Why didn’t you tell the prince what’s going on?”

  “No need.” He shrugged. “He’ll find out soon enough.”

  “But doesn’t he give the orders?”

  His eyes flickered. “Not when it comes to matters of security. He has confidence in my abilities and has placed me in charge.”

  Jarvik hadn’t twirled her once. In fact, he hadn’t let go of her at all. His warm hand was still placed on her lower back. She wished she wasn’t wearing gloves so she could feel his calloused skin against hers.

  Glancing around the room, she spotted Odar speaking with her parents and wondered what they were discussing. Since he wasn’t watching her dance with Jarvik, she felt relieved yet ridden with guilt, as if she was doing something wrong simply by enjoying his company.

  “What’s the matter?” Jarvik asked, pulling her closer to him, their chests touching and their faces only inches apart. His lips were so close. Her heart beat erratically and she couldn’t breathe. How could the squire—a man she had originally loathed—have this effect on her? She was acting like a barmaid.

  “Allyssa?” Jarvik asked. “Are you okay?”

  Gaining her wits back, she forced all romantic thoughts of Jarvik away. “Yes, sorry. I’m just thinking about the events of the day.”

  “I know,” he whispered. “Me too. But you seem … off. Are you sure nothing else is bothering you?” His fingers dug into her back.

  Her face flushed. Bloody hell. It had been easier when she hated him. “I’m concerned about Grevik,” she murmured. “I’m supposed to meet you know who tomorrow evening, but apparently, that can’t happen now. Do you have any suggestions?”

  He leaned down, his lips near her ear. “Only one,” he whispered. “But it’s risky.” He hesitated a moment before continuing, “You have the authority—once your parents are gone—to delay our departure by one day. Then I will help you save Grevik on the condition that we do it together. You will not go anywhere near that assassin on your own.”

  If she didn’t meet the assassin, how would she find Grevik?

  “You have to trust me,” he said.

  She nodded.

  “Promise me,” the squire insisted.

  “I promise.”

  His hand slowly slid up her back, holding her closer. What is he doing? She was certain they shouldn’t be dancing like this.

  The music ended, and a couple of men came up behind the squire to request the next dance. Jarvik didn’t even hesitate—he held onto her, not giving anyone else a chance to request her hand. It was considered improper for her to dance with the same man twice in a row unless he was courting her. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything because she was right where she wanted to be.

  The music started up again. It was a slower song, allowing the
squire to hold her close to him. She swore she could feel his heart pounding against hers, just as frantic and erratic.

  They danced in silence for several moments, her head resting against his shoulder. They turned slightly, giving her a clear view of her parents watching her. Although Rema and Darmik were both smiling, her father’s eyes were pinched with worry and her mother kept glancing sideways at Odar. The prince folded his arms as he stood with her parents, staring at her. She lifted her head off Jarvik’s shoulder, putting some space between them. She felt cold without his body against hers.

  “Why are you willing to help me with Grevik?” she suddenly asked. “I don’t understand you.”

  He sighed. “I shouldn’t be helping you,” he muttered. “But I know Grevik is your friend, and he’s important to you. If he died, it would cause you pain, and I don’t want to see you hurting.” He gazed down into her eyes. They stopped dancing and stood there staring at one another.

  Allyssa couldn’t breathe. Blimey. She was in love with Jarvik. Quickly pulling her hands free, she stepped back, away from him. His eyebrows scrunched together, questioning her actions.

  “I, uh, need to go.” She turned and practically ran off the dance floor.

  Marek was immediately at her side. “You can’t leave,” he said. “With the added security measures in place, you can’t slip away tonight. I’m sorry.”

  She needed air.

  “The doors to the balcony are open,” he suggested. “I’ll find one of your ladies-in-waiting for you.”

  She understood what he wasn’t saying—that she needed not only a friend, but to be with a woman. It couldn’t appear that there was anything going on between her and the squire. Stepping out onto the balcony, the courtiers present all bowed. Two guards were posted there, and several more were on the nearby rooftops.

  “I’d like a moment alone with my daughter,” Rema said from the doorway, startling Allyssa.

  Everyone except the guards left the balcony, leaving mother and daughter alone.

  Allyssa gripped the railing, looking up at the stars and breathing in the fresh air. She didn’t want a lecture on propriety right now.

  “Are you all right?” Rema asked, rubbing her daughter’s back.

  “I’m fine,” she answered.

  “Do you care to tell me what’s going on?”

  “I’m sorry for my behavior,” Allyssa said. “I just got caught up in the moment. I won’t let it happen again.” She couldn’t even look at her mother right now.

  Rema hugged her. “I’m proud of you. I know it’s not easy having an arranged marriage. The choices you’re making are good ones, and I couldn’t be happier of the woman you’ve become. I love you.” She kissed Allyssa’s forehead. “I need to go back inside so we don’t cause an unnecessary scene. You have to have faith and trust everything will work out for the best.”

  She had expected her mother to be upset with her; instead, she’d been proud and supportive of her. Allyssa watched her mother glide into the ballroom. Darmik took Rema’s hand, and her parents started dancing together.

  “Your Highness,” Madelin said, coming out on the balcony. “Marek said you needed to speak with me.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Allyssa replied. Once she left for Fren, she wouldn’t see her dear friend for weeks. She hoped Madelin would be safe here.

  Her lady-in-waiting came over and whispered, “I suggest you go back inside and dance with someone. Now. Everyone is gossiping about you and Jarvik.”

  That was what Allyssa had feared. “Of course,” she said. She couldn’t afford to have her subjects questioning her actions. Madelin reached out, grabbing Allyssa’s hand and squeezing it. Holding her head high, Allyssa went inside with a pleasant smile on her face. A Legion member approached and she took his arm, accepting his offer.

  She spent the next few songs dancing with various partners, making lively conversation so no one would suspect her warring emotions. However, no matter how many partners she danced with or how much she laughed, she was acutely aware of Jarvik standing off to the side, watching her every move.

  A servant approached with a tray of drinks, offering her one. She politely refused, although she was thirsty. She knew she couldn’t have anything to eat or drink unless it went through her food tasters first.

  “May I have this dance, Your Highness?” a man asked, bowing before her.

  “Of course,” she answered, not recognizing him.

  A detailed guest list had been made, and no one was allowed to gain entrance if he or she was not on the approved list. He had to be someone of importance to be here this evening.

  He carefully took her gloved hand in his, and they started dancing.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, “but I don’t recall your name.”

  The man smiled at her. “That is because we haven’t been formally introduced.”

  If she had to guess, she’d say he was in his early to mid-twenties. He was of average height and weight with no distinguishing features. He had black hair, tanned skin, and dark eyes. The gentleman wore a tunic with no family crest, but it was embroidered with exquisite detail, indicating great wealth.

  “Since we haven’t been introduced and we are dancing together, I think now would be the appropriate time for you to tell me your name.”

  He suddenly twirled her around and when she faced him again, he squeezed her hand tightly as his eyes narrowed. “There’s no need for you to know my name,” he drawled. His hand painfully dug into her waist, and she knew something was wrong. “I simply wanted to dance with you so we could talk. However, now that I’m with you, you look like someone I recently met.” His eyes dissected her face.

  She froze. His voice sounded familiar. Was this the assassin? “Tell me your name,” she demanded.

  “I think not.” He winked.

  “All I have to do is shout, and you’ll be arrested.”

  “Hmm,” he said. “A risky move on your part considering I hold all the cards.”

  “You’re hurting me,” she said. “Let go.”

  His grip tightened. “When the song is over, feign a headache.”

  Allyssa couldn’t help but laugh to herself. That was what she normally did in order to leave a party early to escape out of the castle. However, she had no intention of doing what he said. He was in her fortress. There were hundreds of trained soldiers only feet away. This assassin wouldn’t succeed—not if she could help it.

  The music ended, and he still held her tightly. “I will meet you in the hallway. Now go and tell that pathetic guard who trails you around like a puppy that you are tired and want to retire for the evening.”

  This may be her only opportunity to kill the assassin. She slowly moved her free hand down her dress, sliding it in one of the folds where a dagger was hidden.

  “Very well,” she said, trying to stall.

  As soon as his hands loosened, she whipped the knife out and plunged it into his side. He grunted, encasing her hand with his. Red blood coated the tips of her gloved fingers. She tried to pull away, but he held on to her.

  “That was a very stupid thing you just did.”

  Her left hand was still free, so she reached down and grabbed another dagger. The assassin noticed her pull the knife out and his other hand snatched her arm, stopping her mid-air. She lifted her right knee and rammed it into him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Marek and Jarvik sprinting toward them with their swords drawn.

  The assassin’s eyes darted around the room. “Nice play, Princess. But this isn’t over.” He released her and disappeared into the crowd of screaming people.

  “Are you okay?” Marek frantically asked when he reached her.

  “Go after that man,” she shouted. “I want him captured—dead or alive. He doesn’t leave the castle.”

  He nodded and raised his arm, signaling for the guards to keep the doors locked. No one was to enter or leave the room until Marek found the man. Since the assassin was dripping with blood, he should b
e easy to spot.

  Jarvik wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s get you out of here.”

  “My parents,” she said. “Where are they? They’re in danger, too.”

  “Neco is removing them from the room.”

  “And Prince Odar?” she asked.

  “Is taken care of.”

  The squire rushed her to one of the back doors where the guards allowed them to pass through. In the hallway, a handful of her guards along with several Fren soldiers surrounded them.

  “I’m assuming that was the assassin,” Jarvik said as they hurried along the corridor.

  “Yes,” she answered, glancing down at the blood on her gloves.

  “Why didn’t he kill you when he had the chance?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. He wanted me to leave the room, so I stabbed him.”

  The corners of his lips tugged up. “Glad your survival skills kicked in. I wonder if he wanted to kill you at another location or wait until he could kill your parents as well?”

  She noticed they weren’t heading to the Royal Chambers. “Where are we going?”

  “Somewhere the assassin won’t be able to find you.”

  “Don’t light the torches,” Jarvik whispered as they entered the library. “I want you two guards with me, the rest of you hide near the entrance so that anyone who passes by won’t be able to see you.”

  “I want to go to the Royal Chambers with my parents,” Allyssa insisted. She hadn’t seen them since she danced with the assassin, and she wanted to make sure they were all right. “They’re going to be worried.”

  Jarvik took her to the back of the library where the small reading alcoves were situated. He found one and tugged her inside while two guards hid a few feet away. “Sit,” he demanded. “Be quiet and don’t move.”

  She slid down in the corner while Jarvik sat next to her. It was going to be a long night if he planned on keeping them sequestered in there. She removed her bloodied gloves and wiped her hands on the fabric of her dress.

  He leaned in until his lips were at her ear.