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Allyssa’s father was acting and the state of the castle, she’d suspected as much.
    “People are saying the threat from Russek is worse than the royal family is letting on,” Grevik added. “The empress probably wants to align with another kingdom to strengthen our army.”
    “We won’t go to war,” Allyssa said, unable to believe he was talking about her family without even knowing it. “Especially against Russek. They’re small and insignificant.”
    “That may be,” Grevik answered. “But they are vicious. I heard they raped and murdered all the women and children in Melenia.”
    Bile rose in the back of her throat. How could any man behave in such a cruel and evil manner? “Luckily, we don’t share a border with them,” she absently said, thinking about Prince Zek of Fia.
    Grevik shrugged. “You never know, Lilly. At least we have the princess to ransom off to the highest bidder. I’m assuming it’s Telmena.”
    She almost spit out her drink. “The prince from Telmena is an old croak.”
    “I hardly think thirty is old,” Grevik mused. “And it doesn’t matter. He could be sixty for all I care. The point is we have an eligible princess who will strengthen our kingdom through marriage.”
    Allyssa whacked her friend’s arm. “We don’t need Telmena,” she vehemently replied. “We’re strong enough without them.” Under no circumstances would she marry a man twice her age—even for the good of her country.
    Grevik took another swig from his mug.
    Straining to listen to those sitting at nearby tables, Allyssa couldn’t catch any of their conversations. Was this how her people saw her? A bargaining chip to be ransomed off to the highest bidder? She rubbed her hands over her face.
    “You never talk of marrying,” Grevik said. “Why is that?”
    Irritation coursed through her. Just because she was a girl didn’t mean she had to be enamored with the idea of marrying. “You don’t talk of marriage either,” she snapped.
    He pursed his lips, staring at her.
    “Are we just going to sit here?” she said louder than she intended. “Or are we going out? I, for one, need some fresh air.” Before she clobbered someone.
    “Not tonight. The City Guard is having an emergency meeting. I spoke with our contact, and he told me to lay low.”
    Unable to sit still another minute, she shoved her chair back and stood.
    “Where are you going?” Grevik asked, finishing off his drink and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
    “Home,” she lied. “I’ll catch you tomorrow.”
    Wrapping her cloak around her, she exited the tavern and headed to a nearby alley. When no one was near, she climbed the ladder on the side of the building and made her way to the center of the rooftop, laying down on her back and staring up at the stars. The smell of baking bread wafted in the cool air.
    She loved her kingdom dearly, but she would not marry some old geezer just to keep peace. There had to be another way. Emperion’s army was strong. Surely, they could keep their borders secure. All her life, she knew she’d most likely have an arranged marriage—she just didn’t realize it would come so soon and be so … so unappealing. A tear slid down her cheek, and she punched the rooftop. She would not cry like some silly girl. She was better than that.
    Growing up, her parents were always happy. Even if they were dealing with a nasty political issue, they always had one another for comfort and support. She knew her parents loved each other and that they were best friends. Allyssa desperately wanted the sort of marriage her parents had—one of mutual love and respect.
    Gazing up at the stars, she found the biggest and brightest one. “I wish to marry a man who possesses all my heart’s desires and who is the prince of a great kingdom that can complement and strengthen Emperion.”
    ***
    Taking a steadying breath, Allyssa released the bow string and the arrow sailed through the air, landing with a small