by Vicky Savage
I sigh. “All right. I get your loyalty to him. I’ll try to stay out of his way until I can send them home myself.”
“Thank you, darling. I’m certain if you just give Harold a chance, you will see that he can be a wise and devoted supporter.”
I do a mental eye roll. “There’s one other thing, Mother.”
“What is it, dear?”
“We have a bunch of issues relating to Unicoi coming up at the next few Council meetings. It would be helpful, and only fair, to appoint a Unicoi member to the Council.”
She scrutinizes me for a moment. “Did you have someone in mind?”
“Yes. Chief Blackthorn.”
She tilts her head and half-smiles. “It would be appropriate after you are married—”
“No, Mother. Now. If I’m going to have to take on Uncle Harold and deal with a string of Unicoi matters, I’ll need someone who has first-hand knowledge of life in the village, Unicoi customs and beliefs, and all the other stuff that should be considered when making decisions.”
She stares at me, her lips pressed into a hard line.
I stare right back, unflinching.
“Oh, all right. As you are taking on my other responsibilities, I suppose you should be able to choose your own Council members.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“Speaking of Chief Blackthorn, are we to be graced with the presence of your hard-working betrothed this evening?”
I grin. “Yes, we are.”
“Thank heavens,” she says. “I was beginning to wonder about you two. I admire his dedication, but hope he will not make a habit of neglecting my daughter’s needs.”
“I promise you’ll be seeing much more of him, Mother, beginning with dinner.”
“Good. Tonight we shall settle on a wedding date for the two of you. There is much preparation to be done, as many dignitaries will be traveling from Cupola de Vita and I hope from Dome Noir. Invitations must go out at once.”
“Yes Mother. We’re happy to choose a date tonight. Plan as lavish a wedding as you want, just make it soon.” I kiss her cheek and wave the ladies back into her room.
TWENTY-NINE
I head straight for Ralston’s room to fill him in on everything.
“Come in,” he calls when I knock on his door. He’s in front of the mirror fussing with his bowtie. “I’ve never been able to tie these things properly.”
“Let me help.” Turning toward me, he lifts his chin. “You almost had it,” I say, adjusting the knot slightly. “There. You look very handsome.”
He smiles. Thank you, my dear. And you look ravishing. Now what brings you here?”
I tell him about my meeting with Uncle Harold and his thinly disguised threats. “I’m sure he had the Skorplings kidnapped,” I say. “You don’t think they’re dead, do you?”
“No, I do not. If Prince Harold is indeed responsible, it would be completely out of character for him to destroy something so valuable, when he could possibly sell them or use them as leverage against you.”
“Geeze, Rals, I don’t know what I’ll do if he tries to hurt Gabriel. I’ll sleep in his stall if I have to.”
Ralston taps a finger on his lips thoughtfully. “Perhaps that won’t be necessary. We could arrange for Gabriel to be housed in the Royal Guard stables. It’s closely protected, and Patrick could keep a closer watch on him.”
“That’s not a bad idea, Rals. It should work for now. This is getting too creepy, though. I think we need to move ahead with naming Lorelei my heir. Have you looked into that, yet?
“Yes I have. Please sit down.” I seat myself in a needlepoint upholstered chair next to a small lamp table. Ralston pulls his chair around to face me. “Apparently the only hard and fast rule regarding succession to the Domerican throne is that the heir must be a female member of the royal family. When you ascend to the throne, your cousin Osrielle will automatically become next in the line of succession, but Domerican law provides that a monarch may alter the line of succession as she sees fit. This may be done by either will or proclamation. Accordingly, you may name Lady Lorelei your heir apparent and exclude Osrielle permanently and completely from the line of succession. Your Uncle Harold will have no recourse.”
“That’s great news, Rals. We’d probably better talk to Lorelei first to make sure she’s okay with this, but I think we should get the documents ready right away, so everything will be in place when Mother … you know. Should I do it by will or by proclamation?”
“I would do it by proclamation, an Act of Succession, so everyone will know immediately upon your ascension to the throne that Lorelei is next in line, and Osrielle is out. But the Act must be drafted in complete confidentiality. If word were leaked to Prince Harold before you have taken the throne, he may become unhinged. I believe we should speak with your father about it. Perhaps his lawyer, Lord Balfour, will consent to draw up the papers. Having them prepared at the Enclave will provide an extra layer of security, as will making your father privy to your plans. In the meantime, I would not breathe a word of this to anyone else. I’m afraid that includes Ryder, my dear.”
I frown. “Geeze, Rals, we just got back together, I don’t want to start keeping secrets from him.”
He raises a snarky eyebrow.
“Okay, don’t even say it. My whole life’s a secret. What’s one more, right?’
“Speaking of Ryder,” he says with a smile, “I believe I heard guests arriving downstairs, just now. Shall we see if he is in the party?”
My spirits come to life. “Let’s go.” Shucking off my short jacket, I lay it over the back of the chair. “Can I leave this here?”
“Yes, of course. You look lovely, my dear. Ryder is certain to be enchanted.”
“Thanks, Rals.” I lace my arm through his. When we reach the second floor landing, my breath hitches, and my knees turn to mush. Ryder stands in the foyer below flanked by two strapping young Unicoi warriors. Holy sweet Lord. He’s a Greek god in a dinner jacket and completely unaware of it.
Ralston pats my hand. “Deep breath, old girl. Your betrothed awaits.”
When Ryder catches sight of me, his face lights up the room, and my heart flutters. Meeting me at the foot of the stairs, he takes my hand and slowly brings it to his lips, kissing the inside of my palm. “You’re stunning,” he says softly.
“You too,” I breathe.
He stands aside. “Princess Jaden, may I introduce Liam and Adahy, two of my best trackers. I am sorry to hear of your friends’ disappearance. We will do our best to help you find the Skorplings. Liam and Adahy will be with you as long as you wish.” The two warriors bow.
I nod to the men. “Thank you so much for coming to help. I’ll take you to meet Patrick Stillwater. He’s in charge of the investigation and will fill you in on all the details.”
“Why don’t I do that?” Ralston says. “You two have some catching up to do.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind?” I ask Ralston.
“Of course not. I need to speak with Patrick regarding Gabriel’s new boarding arrangements, in any event. I shall see you at dinner.”
Grasping Ryder’s hand, I pull him down the hallway into one of the smaller parlor rooms. The soft glow of electric candles bathes the room in subtle light. Fresh flowers perfume the air. I push the door shut and wrap my arms around him, raising my eager mouth to his. My craving for him has intensified after fearing I’d lost him.
“Has it been only hours since we saw each other last?” he says, after kissing me warmly. “It seems like years.”
Okay it’s a little cheesy, but it makes my heart dance with delight anyway. “I missed you too, but I was well occupied today searching for Fred and Ethel.”
“Come, let’s sit,” he says taking my hand and leading me to a blue satin loveseat. “Tell me what happened. How did they escape?”
“I’m not entirely sure they did. The servants say the nursery door was left open, but I think somebody took them. Maybe my Uncle H
arold.”
His face registers shock. “Prince Harold? Why would he do such a thing?”
“Because I countermanded his orders to keep them in a cage. And because he’s angry that Mother appointed me as her representative on the Council. He could be sending me a message that if I defy him in the future, bad things will happen.”
Ryder’s eyes grow turbulent. “Has he threatened you?”
“No … not directly. But we had a disagreement over that wall he wants to build around Unicoi Village. He told me it would be in my best interests to support his recommendations. Mother says he’s only trying to persuade me of the project’s importance.”
“You argued over the wall around Unicoi?”
“Yes. The Council hasn’t even discussed it. I’m not sure there’s any kind of agreement about whether it’s even necessary. What do the Unicoi think about the wall?”
“Candidly, I believe most Unicoi do not oppose it. If it operates similarly to the wall around the Enclave, then it may be the best thing for our people.”
“That’s surprising. I thought you’d be against restrictions on travel in and out of the village. It seems to me you’d be losing all your freedom.”
“The way it has been presented to us, if we accept the wall and the monitoring of our comings and goings, we are free to marry as we choose, practice our own faiths, and educate our children as we see fit. If we do not accept the restraints placed upon us, we will be required to comply with the marriage laws of Domerica, attend the Church of the Chosen, and follow the Domerican educational guidelines. Already, there is talk of outlawing the Unicoi warrior training camp.”
I squint at him. “Who gave you this ultimatum?”
“Prince Harold, acting on behalf of your mother, I was told.”
“I doubt Mother knows about it. It’s strange that Harold is so fired up about this wall. Why does he care so much?”
“My understanding is that the lumber for the wall is coming from land he has recently acquired in the north. He stands to make a considerable fortune from the construction project.”
Okay, now it all makes sense. I’m standing in the way of Harold’s little enterprise. I take both Ryder’s hands in mine and sit facing him, our knees touching.
“Ryder, will you to do me a favor? Well, two favors actually. Will you to take me on a tour of Unicoi Village? Tomorrow if possible. Also, I could really use you on the Council of Advisors. We need a member who knows about Unicoi Village and the Unicoi people, since a number of important decisions affecting the future of the Village are pending.”
He hesitates, gazing for a moment at our intertwined fingers. “Jade, we haven’t had an opportunity to discuss this, but the ultimate goal for the Unicoi is to gain our independence from Domerica, similar to the status of the Enclave. My joining the Domerican government may not be the most expedient way to do that, and it may send the wrong message to my people.”
I hadn’t thought about that. It was pretty naïve of me to assume the Unicoi would want to become full-fledged Domericans. Some of the Domerican laws are hard to swallow. Citizens are given a choice to either marry by age twenty and enter normal society, or undergo surgical sterilization and take a job with the government. Couples who choose to marry are allowed to have only two children. If additional children are born, they’re taken away from the family and put in a home for “redundant” children. Plus, attendance in the Church of the Chosen is mandatory in Domerica. These are things I hoped to reconsider once taking the throne, but for now it’s the law.
“All right. That makes sense,” I say somewhat disappointed. “You need to do what you believe is right. I just thought Unicoi might want a voice on the Council. Will you at least take me on a tour of the Village?”
He smiles. “Of course. But not tomorrow, please. Let us take a day for ourselves, to rest and enjoy each other. Perhaps a picnic at the lake, if you like.”
“That’s a great idea. Fun would be nice for a change. I’ve been so worried about Mother and now the Skorplings. At least things are better between us.” Lifting his hand, I place it softly against my cheek.
The grandfather clock in the corner lightly gongs seven times. “Uh oh, we’d better join the others,” I say. “Mother will be looking for us. She wants us to set a wedding date tonight. I hope that’s all right with you.”
“Of course, I am pleased she wishes to have the wedding so soon, but I’m sorry for all you are going through. What can I do to help?”
“Just marry me,” I say. It’s the one thought that is completely joyful to me, making all my other cares seem small.
“I intend to, my lady,” he says, his eyes burning with something that makes my blood quiver.
THIRTY
Ryder arrives early for our picnic. He’s driving a carriage. It’s the first time I’ve seen him ride anything other than his huge gray stallion, Tenasi. Servants carry out our picnic supplies and pack them in the back of the carriage. I climb up front with Ryder. He looks young and carefree today, dressed in a red-printed Cherokee style shirt, buckskin pants, and moccasins. He’s even tied a feather on a beaded string in his loose, flowing hair. My heart swells to see him so happy.
Within ten minutes of sitting down to dinner last night, Mother had selected a wedding date and extracted promises from Ryder and me that all would be ready. We’re to be married at the palace in three weeks! Tiny pixies dance a jig in my stomach every time I think of it. I’m alternately nervous, scared, and ecstatic.
Ryder lifts my hand and kisses my palm. “You look lovely, Your Highness,” he says grinning.
“Don’t even …” I say. “There’s no Chief or Princess here today. We’re just two people in love out for an afternoon of fun.”
“You have a new sword.” He nods at my red saya. “It looks unusual.”
“It’s a katana, a Samurai sword. I’ll show it to you later.”
“Samurai?” he asks. “Will you ever cease to surprise me?”
“I certainly hope not.”
He clucks at the horses snapping the reins, and we start down the palace lane. After several yards, Patrick falls in behind us on his bay gelding. Ryder twists around. “Your guard is coming with us?” he asks, incredulous.
I flash a pleading smile. “I’m sorry. He’ll keep his distance. General LeGare has given him strict orders not to let me venture off the palace grounds without him. LeGare will tell Mother if I sneak away, and that will only upset her.”
He sighs, shaking his head. But it doesn’t dampen his mood. We talk animatedly about our future plans all the way to the lake.
Ryder spreads our colorful quilt under a sheltering ancient oak near the water’s edge, and we unpack our feast—a whole roasted chicken, julienned vegetables with a creamy dip, cheddar cheese popovers, and rhubarb lemonade. For dessert, Cook filled bowls with fresh mixed berries and sweet cream. She even included a tin of chocolate lace cookies. Everything looks delectable, and I realize I’m starving.
“How is your mother feeling today?” Ryder asks me as I load up my plate.
“I’m thrilled to say that she seems rejuvenated now that she has a wedding to plan. Later today, she’s meeting with a florist, a dressmaker, and a wine merchant. She was with the engraver when I left. He looked in need of oxygen. Mother told him she wants the invitations to go out today.”
He laughs, taking a handful of vegetables from the tray.
“So how did Catherine react when you told her the news?” I ask.
He gnaws on a carrot stick, looking as if he’d rather not tell me. “She was not as pleased as I’d hoped. In fact, she said I was making a mistake. But I know she will change her mind. Meli was very happy, though, and asked me to convey her congratulations to you.”
“She’s sweet. Sorry about Catherine. I hope she’ll find a way to accept our marriage even if she doesn’t approve.”
He gazes out at the sparkling lake, taking a few bites of a popover. Then he regards me with a serious expression.
“We’ve not had the opportunity to speak of your time with the Outlanders. Was it intolerably difficult? You must have been frightened and desperate.”
I study the pattern in the blanket, not meeting his eyes. “Well, I was kind of ill for a lot of the time, and you know, dazed when they found me. I don’t really remember too much about it, but it wasn’t terrible. They were kind and treated me well.”
“Was there ever anybody else, while you were away from me?” he asks shyly.
My head pops up, and I scoot closer to him, finding his eyes. I wish I could tell him the truth—that I spent every spare moment searching for his counterpart on my earth, that I dreamt of him each night, that I missed my senior prom because I wanted to stay home and scour the internet for some trace of him. “I can honestly tell you that, since that first day when you kidnapped me, there has never been anyone else. And I know now there never will be.”
