by Dakota Trace
“So what do I do now? She needs time.”
“The question you should be asking is – how long are you going to be able to resist completing your bond?”
16
Chapter One
High Wizard's Palace, 2113
"I won't do it!" Walking over to the window, Gracie turned her back on her father.
"Gracie, your name was placed on the list years ago as a suitable match for Prince Randall."
"I won't marry him!"
"Be reasonable. It’s an honor to have him select you." Colin joined her at the window.
There was a knock on his office door. Grace watched as Rand and his father entered the room. Even as angry as she was with him, she couldn’t deny he’d matured and grown into the promise of manhood she’d seen at his Gathering. His dark hair was longer but his frame had filled out. He was the spitting image of his father and side by side it was more than obvious.
When he smiled at her she glared at him.
"You look wonderful this morning, Gracie." Rand joined her when she returned to the loveseat. "And very pissed off," he added for her ears alone.
"I think I have every reason to be." She made no effort to keep her voice down.
"Colin, you have the scrolls ready?" King Mica sat down in the large chair across from Colin's desk.
"Yes, I do. They’re just waiting for your blessing and your signatures.” Picking up the fragile scrolls, Colin handed them to his king.
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"May I say something?" As the closeness of her chosen began to wear on her nerves, Gracie stood up and approached Mica. His look of surprise didn’t faze her. They probably assumed I would fall at their feet with gratitude.
"What is it, Gracie?" His affection showed clearly in his eyes.
"I don't think I’m the best person to rule at your son's side. I fear my mixed blood will be hard for the people of Venus to accept." Behind her, she heard Rand’s curse. She chose to ignore it as she continued. "My Earthling blood has to be taken into consideration. I can't change the fact my mother is from Earth, nor would I want to. I just don't think the majority of Venusians are ready to accept me on the throne."
"Colin and I have discussed this issue already, Gracie. We wouldn’t approve of your match if we hadn’t looked at every aspect and angle of your joining. In the end the most important truth is you are the perfect match for my son."
"And who decided that? You? My dad? Did you even think to include your son or I in this decision?" She began to pace as her temper frayed even further.
"In essence, it was your father and I who made the decision. Then we both informed Rand."
"Were there other candidates as 'qualified' as I am?"
Mica seemed to hesitate before answering. "Yes."
"Did you tell Rand about them also?"
* * * *
"Enough Gracie.” Rand surged to his feet. “I knew my choices and I chose you. Don’t take your anger out on your dad or mine. Place the blame where it belongs, on me."
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"Is there any chance you’re going to change your mind?" While her voice was deceptively calm, Rand knew he was treading on dangerous ground but no longer cared. She’s mine and I’m tired of waiting.
"No. You’re my chosen!"
“We’ll see about that.” Pushing past him, she bolted out of the room.
Rand turned his attention back to his father as the door slammed shut behind her.
"She's the one you want?" Mica opened the scrolls and waited for his son’s answer.
"The only one. She's my chosen."
King Mica nodded his understanding and there was a brief flaring of magic which filled the room with light. The betrothal was complete. Rolling the scrolls up, he handed them back to Colin.
"It is done. Will make sure they are returned to the holy vault, Colin?"
"Of course, Mica.” When the two royals turned to leave, Colin spoke again. “Rand, a moment of your time please?"
“Is there some other paperwork we need to complete?” Rand stopped and returned to face Colin.
"My daughter may be your chosen and there is no doubt she’s the best match for you.”
“But?”
“Never forget she’s wasn’t asked or even consulted about this. It has roused her Irish temper. Give her time to accept it.”
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“I understand your concern, Colin, but time is all I’ve ever given her. I’ve waited over ten years and I’ll wait no longer. In less than six weeks, she’ll be my wife, temper or not.” He left the study and vowed to find his wayward bride and set a few things straight.
Mica and Colin watched him leave.
“Would you like to lay odds on them actually making it to the altar?" Colin joked.
“They’ll make it. They’re chosens."
"If they don’t kill each other first. My oldest daughter is merely a younger version of her mother and your boy has enough of you in him that I don’t doubt they’ll have a wild ride to the altar.
* * * *
Rand found Gracie beside the fountain in the royal gardens. She was sitting on the ledge, gazing down at the gold coins scattered across the bottom of the fountain. If anything she’s only become more willful since my Gathering. Despite her temper, it does nothing to distract from how she affects me. If I had a durlac for every time I’ve had to stop myself from claiming her, I would have enough to bring our country out of deficit. His loins tightened at the picture she made, her generous curves covered in a light purple poet’s shirt with dark leggings. She’d twisted her long red hair up into a twist but as usual tendrils had escaped to caress her neck. And she’s mine. “Ours!”
He nearly grinned at Ruzac’s reminder. Sometime during the first year after his sentient power awoke, he’d broken down and gave his power a name, tired of talking to nameless being.
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When Gracie heard him approach, she glanced up but remained sitting, looking down into the swirling water.
“You know, I used to come here with my father and toss coins in and make the craziest wishes. Some of them would come true and some wouldn’t. But at eight, I was still innocent enough to expect that they would.” Her voice was wistful.
"I did the same thing. My favorite thing to wish for was us being together for the rest of our lives. You’re my best friend, and even while I was studying for my placement test, you were never far away. As close as we are why don’t you want to marry me?" He sat down next to her on the ledge.
“The only reason I was close at hand is because I was interning under my dad. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to one day be an Advisor. When this farce gets out, the board of Elders will never take my application seriously.”
"So your objection to marrying me is because you’re afraid it will affect your wizardry exam?”
She nodded.
“I don’t believe it. There’s more than just a thwarted career goal here. Try again.”
“We’ve been friends for years, it just won’t work.”
“That in itself will do nothing more than make our marriage stronger.” He tried to keep his patience. “How can we make this work if you won’t tell me the truth, Gracie?
You’ve never lied to me in the past.”
“I’m not lying!” Her eyes narrowed in anger.
“Then explain it to me.”
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“I don't know if I can explain it. It just doesn’t feel right. We’ve been friends for so long, making the jump to a full partnership and marriage seems nearly impossible.”
“More excuses, Rand? Just claim her and be done with it!”
“Shut up, Ruzac.”
He strived for patience. “You wanted a partnership with me as my Advisor. Think of this as another kind of partnership. I've had enough excuses; what are you hiding from me, Gracie?
“I resent I’ve no say in this marriage. Your father and mine, in their infinite wisdom, decided this was the best thing for both of us. While we’re socia
lly and magically compatible, there are two living, breathing people in this. We both have needs, wants and desires.”
“So you’re concerned about what our relationship will be once we take off our crowns. There’s no need for it. I’ll be more than happy to take care of any of your needs.
I want you to be happy with me.” Reaching out, he took her hand and edged her closer until there was no marble separating them. In a move which didn’t surprise him, she pulled her hand free and stood up.
“This is a serious issue, Rand. The primary duty of a royal couple is to produce an heir and I won’t throw myself at a man who doesn’t want me.” She started to pace back in forth in front of him. A gasp escaped her when she bumped into him.
When he put his arms out to steady her, she looked up at him. Rand nearly groaned.
I can’t remember the last time she’s been this close to me. After our near kiss at the Gathering she’s kept her distance. I’d be a fool to pass up this up.
“Yes, take it.”
22
“Shut up, Ruzac.”
Lowering his head towards hers, his mouth was within inches of hers when she began to struggle.
“Stop it, Gracie. We both know I won’t hurt you.” Burying one hand in her hair, he tipped her face up to his.
“Don’t do this. I don’t know what are you’re trying to prove but...”
“What are you afraid of? Finding out how hot the fire between us will burn or not being able to control it?” He rubbed his thumb over her lower lip. “Because the way I feel right now, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control it. I’ve waited too long.”
“This isn’t funny, Rand.” Real anger showed in her eyes.
"I know you’re angry with me. In the end it won’t matter because we’re chosens and the prophesy has been fulfilled. I wish you’d recognize it as easily as I do.”
“And who says I haven’t, Your Highness?” Wrenching free of his hold, she backed away from him. “I don’t know what you did at your damn Gathering to fulfill that damn prophesy but you can undo it. I won’t be forced into this. Not by my father or yours; and certainly not by you or some damn prophesy!”
“No.”
“What did you just say?” Her eyes narrowed as she approached him.
“You heard me.” Grabbing her around the waist, he jerked her against him. “You’re mine and have been for the past ten years.”
“You won’t want to claim me once I’m done.” Pushing hard against his chest, she broke his hold. Rand cursed while he fought for balance. It turned into a full-fledged shout when she used her power to tumble him into the fountain.
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Coming up, he sputtered and pulled himself out of the fountain. Vicious little wildcat!
She’s going to be so much fun to tame.
* * * *
On the far side of the courtyard, two figures watched the Prince pull himself out of the fountain. "What do you think of his new bride?”
"I don’t think she’ll be a problem. It’s obvious she doesn’t want to be his bride. I’ve checked her out, it’s a royal match. Their fathers negotiated it.”
“So do you think she could be turned to helping us?”
“I don't think so. She's one of his best friends along with his security advisor, Jonathan. I’ll keep digging. Maybe I can find something on her to persuade her to our way of thinking.” The figure glanced at his watch. “I have some unfinished business to complete. I’ll report back later.”
* * * *
Later that night, Grace let herself into her suite. After she had managed to give Rand the slip, she had spent the rest of the afternoon in the palace library, searching for a loophole in the antiquated courtship laws. She was well trained in the laws of her country due to her choice of career, but so far she had not found any. It looked as if Rand had her cornered for the time being. “Why are you fighting him, sweetie?”
“Not you too, Zara! Please don’t make me fight both of you.”
“I don’t want to fight you, but you forget my mate is part of your chosen. Do
you honestly want to sentence me to a life without him?”
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“Spare me the guilt trip, Zara. I refuse to be bullied into this. Rand has never even shown an inkling of romantic interest in me until his Gathering. Until you and Ruzac reared your little heads and took over.”
“You keep trying to make us into separate beings, we’re not. We’re just as
much a part of you as your heart or lungs. We’re here to help guide and protect
you.”
She chose to ignore Zara and let herself into her room. “Not only do I have my father trying to foist me off on Rand, everyone else is conspiring against me.”
“Of course, Dad wants you to marry Rand.”
Spinning around, Grace saw her sister sitting on the couch. She looked cool and elegant in her white linen suit.
Gracie sat down next to her.
“Round one didn’t go in your favor, did it?” Pati wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Neither did round two. I don't know who is more stubborn, our dad or Rand.”
Laying her head on her sister's shoulder, she felt like crying. Since the Gathering she only let her younger twin see her vulnerable side.
“Are you sure it won’t work out?”
“Oh, Pati, I don’t see how it can. I’ve been his friend for so long. I’ve seen the women he’s gone through; they’ve all been dazzled by his charm, but have never seen the iron will underneath. He needs a woman who’ll be able to stand beside him. He doesn’t even realize it. If we marry, it’s exactly what he’ll get from me, which will be the end of our friendship. That will hurt more than anything else could.”
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“You even lie to your sister. Why can’t you just admit you’re scared of losing
control with him? You’ve denied your desire for him for so long you’re now
scared to let it free.”
“I didn’t ask you, Zara!”
"Liar. I’ve seen the tapes, Gracie. You bonded at his Gathering and the prophesy was fulfilled.”
Gracie shook her head in denial. It was one thing to admit it to Rand and another to admit it to her younger sister.
“You know it’s true, Gracie. Why fight him when he’s fated to win?”
Before Patience could scold her sister any more, the communications console chirped. Gracie leaned over and pressed a button to activate it.
“Gracie, that wasn’t very nice.”
“Are you ready to call it off yet, Rand?”
Laughter filled the room. “It’s not going to be that easy, Wildcat. We’ve unfinished business to take care of and since you’ve been avoiding me after that little stunt you pulled, you’ve left me no other choice. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Don’t you dare!”
Gracie’s protest came too late. He’d already ended the transmission.
“Evidently whatever you did didn’t have the affect you’d hoped for,” Patience observed.
“Damn stubborn man.” She turned to face her sister. “Wanna keep me company tonight, Pati? We can make into a slumber party. You can stay and keep me company."
“Aren’t we a bit old for that? Not to mention I’ve a date tonight.”
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“Traitor.”
“At least I’m not the one who’s going to be sitting up all night trying to avoid a dream merge. I warned you about letting him practice on you the summer after his Gathering, but you wouldn’t listen. So now you’re stuck trying to stay awake to avoid the man you love but was foolish enough to let have access to your dreams.” Pati giggled as she stood up.
“This is just great. I’m twenty-eight years old, my best friend wants to marry me and my twin thinks it funny.”
“Don’t forget you have your final wizardry exams to take.”
“Yeah, I'm scheduled to take them next week. Hopefully, when I finally talk Rand out of this betrothal,
I’ll still be able to hold a spot on his cabinet.”
“Best of luck with that.” Pati winked before scooting out the door to avoid the book her sister flung at her.
* * * *
Patience and Jonathan were shown to their seats shortly after they arrived at La Chez. After sitting down and ordering, they cut to the heart of the matter. “You called this meeting. So what are we going to discuss?” Patience sipped on her water. Jonathan waited for the waiter to leave.
"We’re going to play cupid.”
"For Rand?
“Yes. Believe it or not, Rand asked for help. It’s no secret to anyone other than your sister that he’s head over heels for her.”
27
“I know. I can understand why he waited but I doubt she’ll understand when she finds out.”
“I don’t know why he’s kept the danger from her. I’ve told him to tell her many times but regardless, they belong together.”
The waiter arrived with their salads.
"I know he made sure she got the scholarship at the same advanced studies center as him. Then when he graduated he stayed close.”
“Partly because of the danger but the biggest reason is his power has already merged with hers.”
"There’s going to be pure hell to pay when she finds out. Especially on top of the fact she wasn’t told about the danger to her. Whose idea was it to keep it from her anyway?"
"Rand and I agreed it was best if she didn’t know. Even though Deanna got off with a slap on the wrist due to her age, she's a dangerous woman."
"I think you are making a mistake of not telling her. Now that she is his betrothed, she deserves to know the danger; keeping it from her will only enrage her and may even endanger her."
"In the end it was Rand's decision. She'll be angry at him."
"Don't delude yourself, Jonathan. She is going to be angry at anyone who kept it from her. You're both supposed to be her best friends."
"I've tried to talk him out of it several times, Pati. He just won't listen. He's hung up on protecting her. He's trying to treat her like a pampered princess…innocent and unaware."
