Page 85 of Cage of Destiny
He stood and went to the window,looking outside, his back to her. “An unforeseencomplication.”
“What is it?” Her fatheralways planned for every contingency.
“I just received word thatTelmena is furious with us. They heard you received an offer ofmarriage from Kerdan and are adamant Emperion and Russek do notalign through marriage.”
Blasted. She hadn’t even considered Telmena in this. “Why do we carewhat they think?” They wouldn’t attack over that, wouldthey?
“We have a responsibilityto listen to their concerns. They are an influential kingdom ongood terms with Fren. Those two kingdoms together are quite large.It is not wise to dismiss what they say without carefulconsideration.”
Allyssa laid her head down on thedesk. “Does it ever end?” She groaned. There was always somethinggoing on, another kingdom to worry about, politics around everycorner. It was exhausting.
“No. That’s why it’simperative to choose a partner to spend your life with who can helpwith the burden.”
A partner, not a political alliance tostrengthen the kingdom. “How do you know Telmena is upset?” Herfather had been in Russek for well over a week now.
“Odar just received aletter from his parents stating that Fren and Telmena agreeEmperion and Russek should not be united.”
Allyssa laughed. “You can’t beserious.”
“Unfortunately, I am.” Hesat back down on the chair, crossing his legs.
“How dare they say what Ican or cannot do?” She wanted to punch something. Swallowing heranger, she waited for her father to respond.
“I agree with you,” hereplied. “But we must tread carefully.” He looked pointedly ather.
“Well, Fren does not get todictate who I do or do not marry. Not anymore. They lost thatright.”
“I agree.”
She eyed her father. “If you agree,then why are you telling me this?”
“You need to know what’sgoing on throughout the mainland. When we return home, you willresume your position as the crown princess. You will be taking on amore active role in running the kingdom.”
“Excellent.” Especiallysince she wasn’t going to be able to become Lilly anymore. Sheclosed her eyes, picturing Grevik. When things settled down, shewould visit his mother.
“Which brings me to thenext item I wish to discuss with you.”
Allyssa opened her eyes and looked ather father.
“You must decide what youwant. I need to start planning how we will handle eachscenario.”
She assumed he meant with regards toKerdan. “What do you think is best for Emperion?”
“All that matters is yourhappiness. I want you to decide what you want. You deserve to behappy after all you’ve been through.”
“If I don’t marry Kerdan,who do you suggest I marry?” Another prince from a neighboringkingdom? A rich duke’s son?
“Marry, don’t marry. I nolonger care. The choice is yours.”
She couldn’t breathe. The choice washers. “You truly don’t care?”
“There are pros and cons toboth. No matter what you choose, there will be politicalramifications. As Kerdan has so kindly pointed out, you are morethan capable of making your own decisions and taking care ofyourself. Therefore, instead of me telling you what to do, youdecide.” He stood.
“Do you at least have anopinion as to what’s best for Emperion?”
“A happy princess.” He cameover and kissed her head. “No matter what you choose, the kingdomwill survive.” He left the room.
Allyssa remained sitting on the chair,stunned by her father’s change of heart. Somehow, his support andconfidence in her lifted a huge weight from her shoulders. One shehadn’t even realized was there. She would rule Emperion. She wouldbe a fair leader who protected her people. And she would continuethe line of succession to her own children. Now, all she had to dowas pick a partner to take the journey with.
