The statement surprised her—they had already discussed the matter and she assured him Odar was trustworthy. “You should be thankful I don’t hold your past behaviors against you.”
“I’m alive today because I overthink things.” He sounded like Odar. “I’m just a little…concerned,” he admitted. “I want to make sure he is on our side. If something goes wrong, you’ll be killed, and I’ll be arrested for treason. There is a lot at stake.”
“I know. And he has the same concerns about you. He’s afraid you’ll double-cross us.”
“I’ve seen him around this castle. It’s his history with Shelene that concerns me.”
Allyssa faced the window again. She knew all about Odar’s relationship with that woman.
Kerdan stood and moved to the dressing closet. “I don’t trust anyone.”
“What about me?” she asked, watching the room’s reflection in the window.
“You’re different.”
“How?”
“You are a princess who can fight, you were tortured but held true to your principles, and you are loyal. I admire you.”
Silence hung between them. He admired her? She thought he was simply using her. That she happened to be in the right place at the right time. He stepped out from the closet, and she turned to face him across the room. “Prince Kerdan, did you just compliment me?” she teased, trying to diffuse the sudden tension filling the room.
“I don’t have many friends,” he said, his voice low, barely audible. “But I consider you to be my friend.”
Her heart pounded from his admission. This rough military man considered her a friend? “Why?” she asked, curious. They barely knew one another, and she did not consider him to be a friend. Not like she did Marek or Mayra. Ally definitely, but not a friend.
“Because I understand you. You make sense to me.”
Allyssa had no idea how to respond, so she said, “I’m going to bathe and ready myself for tonight.” Without waiting for a reply, she hurried to the bathing room and closed the door.
Chapter Twenty
Dressed as a soldier with her hair hidden beneath a cap and black swirls painted on her face, Allyssa strode through the castle alongside another soldier of similar height and build. Four pairs of soldiers walked in front of her and three behind while Kerdan stood at the lead.
The goal was for Allyssa to blend in and be inconspicuous, so these soldiers had not been told her identity. However, they probably knew who she was. Trying not to look around too much as they marched along, she noted each stairwell, where sentries were stationed, and the main corridors.
Kerdan planned it so they would arrive just as everyone took their seats. He had explained that standard procedure in Russek dictated that soldiers guarding members of the royal family stand around the perimeter of the room. Allyssa knew what to expect and what to do once they arrived. When the doors swung open to admit them, she entered the small, intimate room, surprised the dinner would take place here instead of a ballroom. One large table dominated the space, and soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder against the walls.
Kerdan took a seat on his father’s left. Allyssa fell in line with the soldiers against the wall to the side of the prince. It afforded her the opportunity to openly observe his facial expressions. He had assured her that neither of his parents would even think of looking at the guards so they wouldn’t notice her. Regardless, she stood stiff as a board, sweating. If discovered, she would be killed on sight or thrown in the dungeon. She refused to go back to that horrid place as a prisoner. Taking a deep breath, she observed the rest of the room.
The queen sat on the king’s right, elegantly dressed in a gown the color of blood. Next to her sat Soma, Shelene on his other side donning an elaborate green dress, and Odar was seated next to the princess, holding her hand. Allyssa’s fingers itched to tear their hands apart.
The rest of the rectangular table consisted of about two dozen noble families situated around it. The men had on thick tunics, many accented with furs. The women wore high-necked dresses with long sleeves, some with furs wrapped around their shoulders. Her attention drifted once again to Kerdan. He looked handsome and intimidating in his light gray tunic along with metal bracers on his arms and a long sword strapped to his waist. His hair had been pulled back and tied at the base of his neck. Even without a crown atop his head—he’d told her it was too cumbersome—he exuded a regal air and commanded the attention of everyone there.
Servants brought out plates of food, and conversation filled the room. None of the guards spoke nor moved from their position against the wall. Shelene laughed, her voice floating delicately in the air. What did Odar say that the princess found so amusing?
The king tapped his knife against his goblet, garnering everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming this evening,” he said. “Lord Ambrek,” he waved his hand toward the gentleman across from him, “leaves tomorrow with a convoy for Fren carrying the signed marriage treaty between Prince Odar and Princess Shelene. Once Fren sends the required troops, the marriage ceremony will take place.” Everyone pounded on the table in approval.
Allyssa tried not to roll her eyes. Even if Odar was sincere and cared for Shelene, his parents would never approve of the marriage. Which was probably why King Drenton insisted they send soldiers before the ceremony took place. He wasn’t convinced of Odar’s motives. It was a good thing they’d be leaving soon.
Odar smiled, seemingly pleased by the news. He took Shelene’s hand, kissing the top of it. Several women sighed, and a few of the men pounded on the table louder. Another thought occurred to her—did the king and queen of Fren still believe their son was dead? How would they react when Russek’s emissary arrived with news of an engagement?
The king raised his hands, and those gathered quieted down. “I’d also like to announce that Russek’s army has reached the Emperion border.”
Allyssa swayed on her feet. The soldier standing next to her shoved his shoulder against her, keeping her upright and still.
“We have control over Fia and are establishing it in Landania as I speak.”
Fia and Landania had joined the Emperion Empire. That meant her kingdom had already started fighting. Was Prince Zek of Fia alive, or had he been killed?
“Our beloved queen took it upon herself to send word to Empress Rema and Emperor Darmik of Emperion that we captured—and killed—their daughter, Princess Allyssa.”