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.”
She didn’t particularly care for Fren’s backward ways. Women were perfectly able to care for themselves. Whatever man came up with their ridiculous rules needed to be set straight. Speaking of which…where was the royal family? In Emperion, her parents were always announced along with visiting royalty. But she had received no introduction when she entered the room.
“Since you’re required to be at my side,” she said to Allek, “why don’t you dance with me?” She did not want to cower or hide on the outskirts of the room.
“I would be honored.” He bowed and led her to the center of the dance floor. Taking her hand, he spun her around to face him. They began moving to the slow tune. The dance, although unfamiliar, was simple enough that she quickly learned the steps. However, the movement jostled her ribs, and her leg ached. When the song ended, the musicians went right into a new tune. Allek raised his eyebrows in question, and she shook her head. It had been too much, too soon. He led her off the dance floor.
A trumpet sounded, and a steward announced, “King Viscor, Queen Lutia, and Prince Odar.” The royal family entered, and everyone bowed or curtseyed.
“Thank you for joining us to celebrate my son’s return from Russek,” the king bellowed. Clapping and cheering erupted throughout the room. “Let us sit and eat, grateful for Prince Odar’s safe journey home.”
Allyssa found it interesting that the king chose not to mention or introduce her. She turned and faced Allek, shrugging off the king’s slight, refusing to let it affect her behavior. She was the crown heir of Emperion and would act like it. Although, if the rumors were true and Savenek was alive, he was the crown heir. Would she be restored to the throne once she returned, or had she permanently lost her position as the future empress? An abyss engulfed her; her future unclear.
“Are you all right?” Allek asked, concern etched on his face.
“I’m fine,” she answered, smiling at him. Stepping out of the abyss, she shoved those worries in a box to deal with later.
The royal family went straight to the head table that was situated on a raised platform at the front of the room. The three of them took their seats, Odar not once looking her way. Where would she sit if not alongside the royal family?
“Let’s find our seats,” Allek said. Taking her arm, he led her to one of the side tables, seating her between a male courtier and himself.
Even if the king was considering the possibility of severing the marriage contract, that didn’t mean she shouldn’t sit with them. By ignoring her and not sharing their table with her, they were making a bold statement—one that she did not like or agree with. “I’m not sitting with the royal family?” she asked, wanting—needing—to clarify.
Allek leaned toward her. Lowering his voice, he replied, “No. You’re not.”
She was about to question whether visiting royals were usually treated with so little regard, but she held her tongue. Maybe she was overreacting. After all, Odar had specifically said he feared Jana would come after her. Perhaps he was simply trying to keep her identity quiet for her own safety. That had to be the reason.
Plates piled high with duck, potatoes, and carrots arrived. She forced herself to eat while conversing with the men on either side of her. The courtier asked simple questions—where she was from, how long she expected to stay at the palace, and the purpose of her visit. Luckily, she had years of practice giving vague answers. She managed to withhold her name while behaving in such a way that no one could find fault with a single thing about her.
Once the royal family finished eating, dancing resumed. Prince Odar had the audacity to dance with a beautiful girl who appeared to be from an affluent family based upon the ridiculous jewels draped around her neck.
Bloody hell. What was he doing? Ignoring Allyssa, pretending she didn’t exist? To what end? Was it because his parents were present? Was he afraid to show his feelings for her? It didn’t make any sense. Unless…did the Fren people not know of the marriage treaty?
Regardless of what Odar was—or wasn’t—doing, Allyssa needed to make sure she left the king and queen with a positive impression of her and Emperion so that relations between their kingdoms would be strong. Even though the Russek soldiers had withdrawn, she wasn’t convinced the tentative peace would last.
As she walked across the room toward the king and queen, her hands shook. She didn’t know if it was from fear or anger. A small group of people surrounded the royal couple. Allyssa strode right up to them, leaving Allek behind. Everyone stopped talking and turned to face her. She pointedly looked at the king and raised her eyebrows, waiting for him to properly introduce her. She would not be treated with anything less than the respect she deserved.
“This is Princess Allyssa from Emperion,” King Visor said, not offering any other information beyond that.
“Pardon the interruption,” she politely, but firmly, said. “I need to speak with the king and queen.” The people nodded and left, leaving her alone with Odar’s parents.
“Is there something in particular you would like to discuss?” the king asked, his voice harsh.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Allek standing not far from her, ever the diligent escort. She couldn’t stay here any longer.
“I’ve decided to return home tomorrow.” She didn’t know if Odar had made the necessary arrangements yet, but she didn’t care. She needed to be home with her parents right now. While her physical injuries were healing nicely, she was a mess emotionally. Nightmares plagued her sleep, she jumped at the smallest sounds, and when she closed her eyes, she saw Shelene’s lifeless body demanding retribution.
“Are you well enough for the long journey?” King Viscor asked.
“I am.”
“Then I think that’s an excellent idea. One of my advisers will accompany you to discuss the contract with your parents.”
She took a deep breath, forcing her temper to remain under control. She needed to talk to Odar to see where he stood on the matter. Everything would work out. It had to. “Emperion looks forward to open communication with your kingdom,” she replied, trying to remain diplomatic.
The king smiled, the gesture not touching his shrewd eyes. “Fren has remained isolated from the mainland’s politics for a reason. What concerns me is how easily Emperion acquired the three kingdoms to your north. To think…they almost acquired Fren as well.”
Allyssa went still. He didn’t intend to move forward with the marriage treaty regardless of what Odar wanted. The words poured from her mouth. “Technically, the marriage contract has been signed. I’m not certain my parents will wish to sever it so callously like you do. After all, we aren’t clear what Russek’s intentions are. I think it’s wise to keep our options open at this point. I would hate to dismiss something only to find out it should have remained intact.”
The queen hadn’t spoken once in her presence. “Besides,” Allyssa said, addressing the queen. “I am quite fond of your son and would be honored to be his wife.”
For the first time, Queen Lutia focused on her. “Prince Odar will make an excellent husband. I am not convinced, though, that he should be yours.” The queen turned and gracefully glided away.
Stunned, Allyssa clasped her hands, trying to refrain from screaming at the woman.
“As I stated before, my advisor will accompany you to Emperion and speak on my behalf.”
“You do not need to fear Emperion,” she assured the king. “We have no desire to rule over Fren.”
“And I will hold you to that.”
An overwhelming desire to punch the king boiled inside of her. She counted to thirty, reining in her temper. She had mistakenly thought she would be welcomed with open arms, that Odar’s parents would be thrilled their son was marrying someone he loved. In a room filled with people, including the one she wanted to marry, she’d never felt so alone.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she said, her voice shaking ever so slightly. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to speak with your son to ensure my travel arrangements have been made.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed straight toward the prince, who stood across the room watching her. She stopped three feet away from him. “We need to talk.”
Odar folded his arms. “Allek, you can leave us.” She had forgotten all about her escort. “Come, let’s find a place a bit more private.” He went to one of the balconies off the western side of the room.