Page 72 of Cage of Darkness
She didn’t want him to leave. They’dfought so hard and risked so much.
He paused at the door, his handresting on the handle. “I’d do anything to keep you safe.” Hisintense eyes shone bright, as if trying to convey something to her.When she went to question him, he left, not giving her achance.
***
Allyssa woke up to the sound of peoplewhispering. Odar and a servant stood near the foot of her bed,their heads bent together.
“She is to be well takencare of,” he insisted.
“Of course, YourHighness.”
“I want her to stay in beduntil the healer deems she is well enough to move about the room.Under no circumstances are you to admit any visitors.”
“Yes, YourHighness.”
Allyssa pushed herself to a sittingposition.
“You’re awake,” he said,immediately coming to her side and rearranging the pillows behindher back so she could sit comfortably. “I’ve ordered a plate offood to be brought. The healer will check in on you sometime thismorning.” He kissed her cheek. “Remember,” he whispered, “no oneknows who you are. I want to keep it that way for now.”
“And yet, you just kissedme.” What would the servant think of that?
He smiled. “I couldn’t help myself.”He went to the door.
“You’re leaving?” Didn’t heplan on spending the day with her?
His shoulders slumped. “I’m going toJarvik’s grave.”
Odar and Jarvik had grown up togetherand were the best of friends—similar to her and Grevik. So muchunnecessary pain and suffering, all because of Jana.
“I’m sorry,” she said,wishing she was well enough to go with him. The memory of the arrowsailing through the air and embedding into Jarvik’s back was searedin her mind. It was hard to believe the handsome man she’d thoughtwas Prince Odar had been killed so cruelly. Of course, what Odarand she did to Shelene was no different. She shuddered at thememory of the princess’s throat being stabbed. Theblood.
“It’s hard being back atthe palace without him.” His eyes glassed over as he turned andleft.
A silence filled the room, andAllyssa’s heart began to race.
The servant cleared her throat,startling her. “If you need anything, let me know.” She went overand sat on a chair in the corner of the room. Picking up somefabric, she began sewing.
“What’s your name?” Allyssaasked, needing someone to talk to.
“Becka.”
“Do you live here at thecastle?” She appeared to be about thirty-five, so she probably hada husband and children.
Becka smiled. “I’m here to get youwhatever you need. However, that is all I’ve been instructed todo.” She resumed her sewing.
“I’m sorry,” Allyssaresponded. “I didn’t mean to overstep my place. I simply wantedsome company.”
Becka kept sewing, not even looking ather. Most of the servants at the Emperion castle were instructed toblend into the backdrop as well. The only friends she had were herladies-in-waiting and Marek. People she had grown up with—thechildren of her parents’ dearest friends. Readjusting her blanket,she closed her eyes.
The healer came around midmorning andexamined Allyssa’s ribs, claiming they were healing nicely. Whenshe inspected Allyssa’s arm, she declared that the infection wasclearing, and the possibility of amputation had passed. Regardless,the healer ordered her to stay in bed and rest.
By the end of the day, Allyssa wantedto scream. She simply couldn’t remain alone in this room with herthoughts any longer. She needed answers. Had Emperion been invaded?Had Kerdan killed Drenton and stopped the war? Shoving the coversback, she swung her legs over the side of the bed.
“What are you doing?” Beckaasked, rushing over and lifting her legs back onto themattress.
“I’d like to see PrinceOdar.” Enough time had passed that he should have spoken to hisparents and received the full report on the state of mattersthroughout the mainland.
“The healer said you are toremain in bed for at least another day.” Becka pulled the coversback up, fussing over her.
