“Regardless,” the king continued, “since the war with Russek is over, an alliance between Fren and Emperion is no longer necessary.”
Bloody hell. That hadn’t occurred to her. She glanced sideways at the prince, trying to see his reaction. His carefully neutral mask revealed nothing. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on her. Forced to enter a marriage treaty with a man she didn’t love, only to discover she loved another man, who, in a drastic turn of events, ended up being her betrothed. At first, she hated the idea of marriage. Now, she’d come to love Odar and wanted to spend her life with him.
The king watched her, waiting for a response.
“I will discuss it with my parents.” She barely got the words out.
“What is your say on the matter?” the king pushed.
Rounding her shoulders, she replied, “Until I know what state my kingdom is in, I am in no position to make or break treaties.”
“When do you want to return home?” he asked.
She blinked. He wanted her gone? “As soon as possible, Your Majesty. I am eager for my parents to know that I am alive and well.”
“I can send word via a messenger to them,” he offered. “No parent should believe his or her child is dead.” He glanced at his wife. The queen nodded in approval.
“Thank you.”
“In a few days, when you are fully recovered from your taxing experience, a unit of my soldiers will escort you home.”
Home.
Odar went to one of the side doors and returned a moment later with a man dressed in Fren livery. The king waved his hand, and the man approached the dais. “Travel to Emperor’s City immediately. Tell Empress Rema and Emperor Darmik that their daughter, Princess Allyssa, is alive and well at the Fren court. She will be escorted home in a few days. Deliver this message in person—write nothing down in case you are intercepted.”
“Wait,” Allyssa interjected. Her parents could still be in hiding or decoys could be in their place. “If the empress and emperor aren’t there, you may leave word with Neco.”
The man nodded and left.
“Last we heard, your parents were in Emperor’s City. I’m sure my man will have no trouble finding them.”
“I can’t imagine what they’ve endured the last few weeks thinking they lost their only daughter.” Both Rema and Darmik had to be devastated. At least they had a lot to contend with to keep them occupied.
The king chuckled. “Yes, they’re in for a bit of a shock. I know we certainly were when Odar showed up. Plus, they’re in a precarious situation since they declared your brother, Savenek, as the crown heir.”
The room spun before her. She must have heard him wrong. Odar reached out and grabbed her arm, steadying her. “What?” she asked.
“Your parents never mentioned you had a twin brother.”
Savenek was alive? She’d been told he died when they were babies. This wasn’t possible. Her parents had lied to her? Was this what they kept trying to tell her before the kidnapping? What her mother meant when she said she did something to ensure the line survived?
“Are you certain, Father?” Odar asked.
The king tapped his finger on the armrest. “I do not have all the details,” he responded, his eyes focused on his son’s hand holding her arm. Odar quickly released her. “I have a letter from Empress Rema herself stating that her son, Savenek, has been named the heir. The coronation took place not long ago at their castle in Emperor’s City. Are you all right? You seem a bit shocked.”
“I’m fine,” she lied, not wanting him to know her parents had deceived her. She needed to travel home immediately to see for herself. Her brother, Savenek, was alive? Impossible. And yet, it was something her mother would have done for the greater good. She had so many questions. Who raised him? Where did he grow up? Had he known his identity? Or did her parents lie to him, too? She blinked several times, willing the tears away.
“I’m glad a male heir is on the Emperion throne,” King Viscor mused. “Wonder if they’ll keep him or return it to you?”
“I think the princess needs to lie down,” Odar said. “She’s looking rather pale.”
“Very well,” the king responded. “If Princess Allyssa is feeling well enough tonight, I’d like for her to join us at the banquet celebrating your return and the end of the Russek standoff.”
She barely heard him or registered what he said because all she could think about was the possibility of her twin brother being alive.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Allyssa slowly turned before the mirror, marveling at the pale blue dress adorned with thousands of tiny pearls. The sleeves flared out, hanging all the way to the ground, while the waist was pulled in tighter than she cared for, accentuating her figure.
“Let’s try applying some more dusting powder,” Becka said. “Maybe that will help.”
Her coloring was still off, her cheeks gaunt. It would take a few weeks to regain the weight she’d lost from her ordeal in Russek. No matter how much makeup she put on, it wouldn’t improve her complexion. She just needed time and food.
“There.” Becka stepped back, observing her. “You’re presentable.”
Allyssa rolled her eyes and turned away from the mirror. Going over to the side table, she mixed the herbs the healer left with some hot water and drank the concoction, instantly feeling the pain in her torso lessen.
Someone knocked on the door, and the servant answered it, speaking softly with whoever was on the other side. A moment later, she closed it. “The prince sent this for you.” She held a simple silver circlet adorned with sapphires.
Why hadn’t Odar given it to her himself? She shook her head. It was probably some silly Fren tradition. Taking the circlet, she placed it atop her head, thankful he had enough forethought to send it to her. She’d never attended a formal event without her crown.
“I’m ready,” she declared, rolling her shoulders back and lifting her chin in the air. It was time to put on her court face and go to the banquet.
***
Thousands of candles hung from glass chandeliers, making the Great Hall sparkle. A group of musicians played in one corner, people danced in the center of the room, and long tables were situated around the perimeter. In Emperion, custom dictated eating came first and dancing second. Apparently, that was not the case here in Fren.
Officer Allek remained at her side. “You don’t have to watch over me,” she informed him. “I can take care of myself.”
He smiled. “While I’m sure that’s true, women are not allowed to be unaccompanied in Fren.”
“Not even during a banquet where plenty of people are in attendance?” Why couldn’t he watch her from the perimeter? He was an officer—it seemed highly inappropriate.
“Especially not at an event such as this one.”