Veracity (The Seven Cities Book 1)

by Lindsey Stell

  The frizzy haired office manager gives us a curt, but friendly hello before showing the way to the head scanner's office. She may have been neatly dressed when she arrived this morning, but now her gown is wrinkled and her hair has escaped her tidy braid, creating an auburn halo around her face. She tucks and pulls on it as she walks, trying without success to put it back into its proper place.

  We reach the scanner's office, and Travis pulls me inside when my feet turn to cement at the door. I know that for most residents, frequent scanning is just a part of life, but for me, it is still scary. The room does nothing to alleviate my fears either. Stark and empty, except for a small wooden table and a few chairs, it looks uncomfortable and intimidating. The room also lacks windows, and while the many candles provide light, they also warm the room to a miserable degree. Taking a seat on one of the hard, rigid chairs, I sigh with relief when Travis sits beside me. He takes my hand, squeezing it gently in support. I am so glad that he is here for this.

  The head scanner walks in with a grimace and an air of superiority. He is younger than I would have expected, maybe 20 or so. Short but well built, he has a hard, unfriendly face. Unceremoniously sitting in the chair across from me, and without introducing himself, he holds out his arm, waiting for me to respond. I slowly lift my arm up, wrapping my fingers around his forearm to allow my wrist to press against the device on his.

  "You have been scanned before?" he asks.

  "Yes."

  "It looks like this is your first "official" scan since being back, though," he says looking through a file. "You are aware that lying while being scanned is punishable by death?"

  "No! I most certainly was not aware. That seems very . . ."

  "Harsh?"

  "Absolutely!"

  "The rules were set long ago," he says absently. "We are meant to enforce them, not question them. So, you are now aware of the punishment for lying?"

  "Yes," I say, shaking with fear, suddenly aware of the power the scanner yields.

  "Your name?"

  "Katherine Winters."

  "Your age?"

  "18."

  "Are you a rebel or work with a rebel organization in any way?"

  "No."

  "Do you have memories from before you were kidnaped?"

  "No. I may have had nightmares of my parent's death, but nothing is ever clear the next morning."

  "Do you have memories from when you were gone?"

  "No. Well, maybe. I have been dreaming about then as well, but I don't know if they are truly just dreams or memories."

  The man writes something down on a pad of paper, and Travis is staring at me with a curious expression.

  "What have you dreamt of?" the scanner asks.

  "Waking up in the woods, running from soldiers, finding a cabin to live in, and two men arguing over me."

  "What were they arguing about?" he asks.

  "About taking me away from where I was staying, and away from the man who I was with."

  "Did you recognize either of the men?"

  "The man who drugged me was one of them. I don't know who the other one was."

  "Did he say where he wanted to take you?"

  "No, but the one who drugged me didn't like the idea and said I would die there. That it was too dangerous."

  "Would you recognize the man he was talking to if you saw him?"

  "I don't think so. He was in a uniform but other than that, no."

  "Would you recognize the man who drugged you?"

  "Yes."

  "What are your plans for the future?"

  "I am not sure," I say, put on the spot. "I know I am supposed to marry Travis."

  "Anything else?"

  "Maybe have some kids eventually? I am really not sure what the future holds for me, I suppose whatever Travis and the General wish."

  The Scanner and Travis both seem happy with my answer, but I am not, even though it was obviously the truth. Am I so passive? I hadn't realized just how little value I put in my future until this moment.

  "Have you lied, stolen, or hurt anyone since your last scan?"

  "No."

  "Have you been indecent in your actions or words?"

  "No."

  "Have you willfully broken any laws set forth by our city founders and enforced by the General and his soldiers?"

  "No."

  "That concludes your scan, you are free to go," he says grabbing his notes before making a hasty exit.

  "That makes me so nervous," I say, rubbing my wrist.

  "It shouldn't. Unless, of course, you have something to hide," Travis says winking at me.

  14 – Alana

  Amber didn't waste any time getting her cousin installed in my suite. When I return, I find the gorgeous redhead draped across a love seat in my sitting room, a look of pure disgust written across her face. If it weren't for the coarse, beige servant's dress, I might have mistaken her for a Lady who had stumbled into my rooms by mistake. Her glare makes me feel like our roles have been reversed, placing me as the sullen new maid, and her as the disapproving lady in charge.

  "Y – You must be Alana," I stutter.

  "Observant one, aren't you?" she sneers.

  "I know that this must be quite a change for you," I say, trying my best to remain polite. "I am sure it won't be long until you feel at home here."

  "Save it, your highness. We both know I'm only here because of Amber. You don't have to pretend to want me, because I sure as hell won't pretend to want to be here. Just do your best to stay out of my way and we will get along just fine."

  "Why I never!" Maggie roars from the doorway. "I could have you thrown in the work camp for talking to Lady Katherine that way. You are lucky I don't call a guard right this instant and have you hauled off. Get to your room, and don't you let me catch you in this sitting room again!"

  Alana storms off, and I let out a long breath. What in the world is wrong with her? When Alana spoke, her eyes were full of embers. I have never had anyone look at me with such hate. What could I possibly have done to her?

  "Are you okay my dear?" Maggie asks.

  "Yes, I just didn't know what to say. I don't think anyone has ever said things like that to me before. Not that I can remember anyway."

  "That hateful thing has been causing trouble since she got here. I thought Sadie was going to run her through with the poker from the fireplace. Didn't so much as say hello to Sadie before making fun of her. Mark my words, there's evil in that girl."

  "I am going to go have a talk with Amber and see if maybe she can be placed somewhere else," I say. "She is obviously not happy here."

  After some searching, I find Amber in the drawing room sitting near the fire. She looks up with a smirk as I walk in. She knew I would be coming.

  "Amber, we are having a little issue with your cousin, would it be possible to find her another assignment?"

  "Oh, no. There isn't a vacant spot left in the whole house. I am sure any issue that you have will resolve itself quickly. Its not uncommon for girls entering into service to need a little while to adjust."

  "To be honest, her behavior is horrid," I say. "You wouldn't believe the things she said. I can't imagine it's just a matter of becoming adjusted."

  "You have to understand that Alana is going through a really tough time right now. She is naturally ambitious, and had big plans for herself from an early age. Easily the greatest beauty in her class, she had all the boys interested in marrying her. However, only one man was good enough for my little cousin."

  "She was in love?" I ask.

  "Of course not," Amber laughs. "She still has never even met him, but that silly girl was so sure of her future, that she pushed all the other boys away. When her desired match fell through, she was crushed and alone."

  "So now she is a servant," I say.

  "Surely you can imagine how hard that must be. Dreams of a better life one day, cleaning bathrooms the next."

  "I suppose I can understand how she might need a lit
tle room to find herself in this new life. If you really think she just needs some more time . . ."

  "I am positive that's all she needs." Amber smiles.

  I promise to wait, to give Alana the time she needs to find peace with her new life; and I am miserable for it. The days have gone by slowly and painfully, Alana's smart mouth and sullen attitude casting a dark cloud over the whole suite. Only two things make living with her bearable: Maggie, who keeps her busy enough to stay away from me, and Sadie who has now become my lady's companion.

  Sadie still fixes my hair, but after that, we are free to roam the Big House. We take advantage of this new freedom, leaving the suites as early as possible, and arriving back late in the evening. I feel bad for leaving Maggie alone with Alana, but I think some part of her delights in forcing her to do her chores and reprimanding her when she doesn't mind her manners. Maggie was made to be in charge and if there is anyone who can get Alana in shape it's her.

  In our explorations, Sadie and I often come across Amber, and she is never very happy to see us. She seems altogether disappointed that Alana was the ticket to my freedom, even though it was her idea in the first place. I don't know exactly what Amber had hoped for in bringing Alana into my service, but she doesn't seem to be satisfied with the results. My guess is that my future mother-in-law knew exactly what Alana was like when she asked me to take her. Is my suffering not great enough for her? She should come spend a night in my suite; it would reassure her just how miserable we all are.

  I couldn't care less how disappointed Amber is in my unhappiness. I am just so thrilled to be free of my rooms. In my eagerness to stay away from my new maid, I don't even mind when the General throws Amber and I together to plan the anniversary party for the Cleanse. He has declared the celebration to be the last for Amber until the baby is weaned, and has left it to me to plan any events until then. Working with Amber aside, I am grateful for a chance to learn the ropes before being thrown into the task.

  With Amber acting as an eager, although tired and easily frustrated, teacher, I throw myself into planning the party. After being idle for so long, I fall in love with feeling useful. Amber sees it as a mind-numbing obligation, but I enjoy spending hours working out seating charts and planning menus. Happy to act as supervisor, Amber kicks her poor, swollen feet up while I pour through sheet music and pick out china. I learn to ignore her trademark snide remarks, and I think she learns to tolerate my presence with just a tiny bit less resentment.

  After a long day of party planning, and sadly our last, Sadie and I make our way into my suite. As we enter, we find Maggie fast asleep in the sitting room. When she hears us come in she cries out, jumping to her feet. I don't think I have ever seen Maggie sit down before, much less fall asleep.

  "Oh, love, I am so embarrassed," she cries.

  "Maggie, you don't have to be embarrassed for resting. Are you feeling okay?"

  "It's that darn Alana, sulking around all day. It takes me twice as long to do anything when I have to make sure she is doing her work too."

  "I am so sorry Maggie, Sadie and I have been going out way too much. We should stay here and help you deal with her. I talked to Amber about moving her again and apparently there is just no where else for her to go."

  "I know a place I'd like to send her," Sadie grumbles.

  "No need for that. I can sort the little beast out. I just need to sit down and rest for a minute or two from time to time. Now off to the bath with you, I've just sent her in there to get it ready. Sadie, my dear, would you mind helping me straighten up this room?"

  "Of course," Sadie says with a wide smile.

  Walking into the steamy bathroom, I notice that the water has already been drawn, and Alana is bustling around the room actually doing her job. She ignores me completely while I undress and I am flooded with relief. Vulnerable is not a strong enough word for standing naked in front of someone who hates you for no apparent reason. I slip into the water and am pleasantly surprised when the temperature is perfect. Maybe my days, and days, of being as sweet as possible to her, giving her the time she needs to adjust, has paid off.

  Relaxing in the tub, I mentally let go of all the snide comments, jealous quips, and even the accidental breaking of my things. I am just about to try and start a pleasant conversation with her when I feel something warm and sticky pour over my head.

  My hands fly up, trying in vain to remove the thick, black goo from the clumps of what used to be my hair. My nose burns, and my eyes well up with traitorous tears as I work to untangle the matted mess. Looking up at the ceiling, I try my best to keep the tears from falling.

  Don't cry. Don't cry. Please, don't cry in front of this girl. Her smug face begs for confirmation that she has finally gotten to me, and I fight not to give it to her. Despite my best efforts, I blink, a single tear rolling down my cheek. Her smile is slow to start but spreads quickly, taking over her entire face. Her sheer delight in my pain is frightening. She is thriving on my misery, and she doesn't even hide it. Her eyes light up with her self-righteous grin, making her a mockery of a beautiful girl, just a pretty mask hiding a grotesque face.

  "What have I done?" I cry at a loss. "What could I have possibly done to deserve this?"

  "You really don't know?" she says surprised. "You honestly have no idea that you've ruined my life?"

  "I don't see how I could have possibly ruined your life. I only met you a couple of weeks ago!"

  "My life was set up to be perfect, and you took all of that away!" she screams. "And the worst part is that you don't even know. You are innocent, the flawless sweetheart of Veracity. You ruined my life and you can't even be held accountable for it. Argh! Could it get any worse?"

  "Tell me," I say crying as I drag big handfuls of goop out of my hair. "Make us both feel better and just tell me what I have done!"

  "I can't!" she cries. "This is bigger than us. I want nothing more than to watch you wallow in your guilt, but I can't even do that."

  "Do you really expect to behave this way and keep this position?"

  "Actually I do," she says smugly. "If you enjoy running free with your slacker "companion" you will keep your mouth shut."

  "This behavior has to stop! I do enjoy spending my time out of this suite, but I will not tolerate any further attacks on me, or anyone else who lives in these rooms. If you value your position you will be nothing but polite and accommodating from now on. I don't care if you are unhappy or feel as if you have been cheated. I got you this position, and I can find you a new one. I imagine we can find a red dress that would look lovely with all that hair."

  Her smile fades, and I can see fear eating away at her anger. For now, the idea of servicing soldiers for the rest of her youth is enough to win over her obedience. She walks slowly to a cabinet and pulls out a bottle of clear solution. Fifteen silent and strained minutes later my hair is clean again.

  Alana takes off toward the maid's quarters and I am left to dry and braid my hair on my own, which is in both our best interest. If I had to look at her face for one more moment, I would bash her head in. What was that? Caught of guard by my own violent thought, I stare into the mirror. Who are you?

  Dry and dressed, I grab a book off the shelf, settling in by the fire to try and distract my mind long enough to sleep. I am thoroughly drawn into a romance about a cursed princess and a fire breathing dragon, when I hear the creak of my door opening. The old woman pops her head in, clearly delighted to catch me awake.

  "Marilyn!" I say surprised. "What are you doing here?"

  "A little birdie told me you had some trouble with your maid. I came to make sure you were alright."

  "A birdie? It just happened, how on earth . . ."

  "I have my ways. Not much happens that I don't know about."

  "Well, I appreciate your concern, but everything is fine now. I told her I would find her a new position if she didn't change her attitude and it seemed to work."

  "Watch your back. That one has ambition, and take it f
rom someone who knows, ambition is a powerful thing and will make you do things you never thought yourself capable of."

  The old woman disappears into the darkness of the hall, closing the door softly behind her. I am left alone to ponder the ominous message she offered. Am I wrong to give Alana another chance? How in the world did Marilyn find out about the incident this quickly? Are one of my own maids her "little bird"?

  15 – Cleansing Day

  With Alana thoroughly chastised by my warning, the next few days pass in blissful peace. Well, as much peace as you can have with a celebration approaching! The Anniversary of the Cleanse is an entire day devoted to enjoying the luxuries offered to us by living in the city. It's also a time to reflect on the generosity of the Seven for giving us this new world free of crime, disease, and war.

  While I enjoy the excitement of the party atmosphere, I can't help but shudder every time the Seven's generosity is toasted. I have seen first hand what their "generosity" looks like. I am still haunted by the burned out cities and by the couple in the motel. I acknowledge my hypocrisy, if only to myself, as I resent the Seven, but still look forward to celebrating their memory.

  The monotony of the Big House has been eating away at me lately, and I am looking forward to a full day devoted to having fun. Sadie and I have run out of places to explore in the Big House, and it seems that everyone, save for Travis, has lost interest in visiting me. I have begun to have suspicions that I am not the only one trying to avoid Alana.

  In honor of the festival, Sadie and I have been given permission to explore the city. It's the first time I have been allowed past the garden since returning. We are both anxious and excited, getting up with the sun to start getting ready for our big day.

  We are in the bathroom working on my hair when my mind starts to drift to my experiences outside the wall. It dawns on me then, that no one has ever asked about my time away. The General was curious about Jack, and Marilyn had a few questions, but everyone else has kept quite on the subject. In fact, I am rarely asked anything at all.