For months, he had been looking for these girls, worrying that they had been killed. Trev had felt helpless and defeated. Now, they were standing in front of him, crying and hugging each other. He’d finally found them.
“Why kidnap innocent girls?” Drake asked, still pointing his gun at them. “Were you trying to start a war with Tolsten?”
“Why would I want to start a war with Tolsten?” Joniss spat.
“You tell us,” Trev said. He pressed the barrel of the gun deeper into Joniss’s neck, making him wince. “You’re the one who tried to assassinate King Adler.”
“You both think you’re so smart.” Joniss laughed. “You think you have it all figured out.”
“Don’t we?” Drake raised an eyebrow.
“Hardly,” Joniss muttered. “I didn’t try to kill Adler. I was working with him. Up until the time he double-crossed me.”
Drake and Trev exchanged glances.
“Adler was supposed to kill you at the wedding.” Joniss looked right at Trev. “And if he had followed the plan, I would be returning these girls to Axville and would look like a hero right now. The crown would have been mine. Instead, Adler took matters into his own hands and killed Seran.”
Trev felt like he’d been hit with a bullet again. He was supposed to die. Not Seran. Guilt emerged like a companion—reliable and constant.
“We can work together, Ezra,” Joniss said. “If you spare me, I can work for you. Gather information about Tolsten from King Adler. We can get revenge for Seran’s death.”
Trev gave a rough laugh. “I’m not interested in revenge. But I am interested in justice. Joniss Doman, you’re under arrest and will be tried before the king and high rulers for kidnapping, attempted murder, and treason against the kingdom of Albion.”
57
Renna
Snow flurries floated to the ground outside, dusting over the fields and trees. That was about as much snow as Wellenbreck ever got, but Renna made the most of the small winter magic. She pulled out an old blanket Nellie had made years ago. The seams were opening in places, and some of the stuffing was coming out where the blanket had been snagged on something sharp. She sank into her father’s favorite chair, the one that had been worn into the shape of him, and read from her favorite book of fairytales.
Renna had only been back at Wellenbreck Farm one week. After Seran’s funeral, it felt wrong to leave the Government Center so soon, so she’d stayed for a few weeks, helping her mother and King Bryant adjust to the loss and their new normal without Seran.
Nellie, Preetis, and Mangum talked about winter preparations and what crops they might want to try next spring while Renna stared blankly at her book.
Remorse and guilt hung in the back of Renna’s mind, awakening at night when her head hit the pillow—when there was nothing to think about but Trev and Seran. Her mind always drifted to the last conversation she’d had with Seran. That conversation would forever haunt her. The last words they’d spoken to each other were about Renna’s feelings for Trev—feelings she never should have had. They should have been talking about Seran, her wedding, her future. That’s what a good sister would have done.
“I think I’ll go take a bath,” Renna said, throwing the book to the side.
“That’s a fine idea, child.” Nellie nodded. “I’m just going to soak some beans for tomorrow’s soup. Then we’ll go to bed too.”
Renna started to climb the stairs to her room, then remembered she still had her apron on. She turned back around to go hang it up in the pantry. She’d be sorry at breakfast if it wasn’t there.
Nellie’s usually loud voice was lowered into a hushed whisper, slowing Renna’s steps. “All I’m saying is it’s been almost three months. What’s taking the man so long? Why hasn’t he sent even a letter to the poor child?”
Mangum whispered back, “I’m sure he’s under a lot of pressure. From the fallout of the wedding to the election, he’s had a lot going on. Not to mention everything with Tolsten.”
“I just thought he would have reached out to her by now. Are you sure he loved her?” Nellie asked.
“I thought so, but maybe I was wrong.” Mangum paused before admitting, “I thought he would have come for her by now too.”
Renna pulled her hands to her chest, hoping it would somehow make her heart feel better.
“Well then, he’s a fool!” Nellie spat.
Renna tiptoed back to the stairs. The apron could wait.
Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who thought Trev would’ve written by now.
She was pathetic.
Why did she even want him to write? It’s not like they could be together, not after everything that had happened to Seran.
58
Trev
“I heard you were back from your campaign tour,” Drake said, walking into Trev’s office. He casually sat down in the seat across the desk from Trev. “How was it?”
Trev looked up from the paper in his hands, the most recent report from Axville. “Good. Really good, actually. I spent a lot of time with the people, learning about their ways of life, finding out their needs. It’s given me a lot of ideas for the Council of Essentials.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Assuming I’m the one going to the Council of Essentials.”
“I think it’s safe to assume you’re going. The high rulers have reviewed Joniss and his father’s case. They’ll be executed in a few weeks.”
Joniss’s life as payment for Seran’s hardly seemed like justice. She was so young and so ready to give her life to serve a kingdom that was new to her. Joniss was cunning and despicable.
“So . . . did you . . . hear from anyone while you were gone? Write any letters?”
Trev rolled his eyes. Drake was clearly being coy. It didn’t suit him. “Just ask what you want to ask.”
“Have you written to Renna, or has she written to you?”
“No.” Trev went back to looking at the paper in his hand.
“Why not?”
Drake could be so annoying when he wanted to be.
“Why would I?” It seemed absurd to contact Renna. He was still grieving Seran. Even though he hadn’t loved Seran, he still felt an incredible amount of pain at how her life had ended, how he hadn’t saved her.
Drake persisted. “I don’t know, maybe because you love her? I’m just taking a stab in the dark here, but that’s my best guess.”
Trev set the paper down and rubbed his forehead. Drake gave him a headache. “There’s no chance for us now. We can’t be together after everything that’s happened. I couldn’t do that to Seran.”
“What do you mean you couldn’t do that to Seran?”
“You know what I mean. I can’t dishonor Seran’s memory by running off to Renna. I already dishonored her when she was alive.”
Drake’s eyes softened. “You need to forgive yourself.”
“What about King Bryant?” Had Drake even thought about him? Because Trev had every day. “I can’t do that to him. He doesn’t deserve it.”
“King Bryant doesn’t expect you to be single your whole life.”
“I agreed to marry Seran, and in all honesty, I wasn’t even going to do that. I won’t disgrace their family further by being with Renna. He’s a good man who’s just lost his daughter. I don’t want to complicate things more.”
Drake stood. “I hope you change your mind. I know you miss Renna, and I hate to see you so unhappy.”
Trev shrugged. He wasn’t going to change his mind no matter how much he missed Renna, even if it was every second of every day.
When Trev didn’t answer, Drake stood to leave. “You should write to her.”
Trev tossed and turned in his bed that night. So many things had happened in the last few months. Big things he wished he could talk to Renna about, but he couldn’t. There was no future for them. Trev’s guilt, his shame, his errors would always be in the way. But none of that stopped his mind from racing with words he’d never get the chance to say. All those
words had been keeping him up night after night.
He threw off his covers and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from his drawer. He would write a letter.
Renna would never read it because he would never send it, but maybe the writing of it would be enough.
To the lovely Renna,
I’ve thought for weeks about what I would say to you if I saw you. The words take up space in my mind, making it hard for me to think or even sleep. There are so many things I want to tell you. I’ve decided to keep a list of all the things I would say if you were here, if I could talk to you every day.
1. I miss you.
2. I feel like I killed Seran.
3. Tybolt shaved his beard. Shocking, I know!
4. Transportation. You were right. Every working-class person I’ve asked wants an easier way to get around. Bicycles, transporters, you name it. They just want to be able to go places quicker.
5. Dara, the horse, misses you. I miss you.
6. While I was on the campaign tour, someone locked the door to the roof of the palace, and no one can seem to find the key to open it for me. I’m livid.
7. The wedding ceremony.
8. Joniss was the informer. How did I not see that sooner?
9. Joniss kidnapped those girls from Axville. I don’t even know what to say about that. I’m just glad they’re back home.
10. There’s snow on top of the mountains. You would love it.
11. Your mom and King Bryant really love each other. When Seran died, I found myself envying them—how they had each other to lean on. I’ll always be jealous of anyone that gets to be with the person they love.
Trev’s eyes started to get heavy. It felt good to get some of his thoughts out on paper, so they didn’t run a marathon in his mind all night long. He climbed into bed and eased into a heavy sleep for the first time in months.
Writing to Renna became a ritual on the nights Trev couldn’t sleep. Sometimes even during the day, he would think about what he was going to add to his list that night.
12. I’m sick of only the ruling class wearing colored clothes. It’s stupid.
13. It’s freezing outside. I’ve never been so cold in my life.
14. I had a wedding present for Seran. It was silly, a figurine that Crosby picked out. I’m not sure what to do with it now. It’s on my dresser, taunting me.
15. Yesterday I went to the artifact room to look at the magazine picture of the girl in the red dress. I may or may not have used my thumb to cover her face so I could picture you. I know. I’m pathetic.
16. My father is in a terrible mood (more than usual). I think he’s throwing a tantrum because he’s about to lose his role as king.
17. Sometimes I daydream about all of your different expressions. I think my favorite one is the look you get on your face when you are nervous—when I make you nervous because I’ve come too close.
18. I beat Drake in a fight a couple of days ago for real. At least I think I beat him. On second thought, he probably let me win like he always does.
19. I got a new suit for the election. Blue, of course.
20. I moved Colter’s family into a real house with more land. Now they can plant better crops and live off of that money. Don’t worry, though, I’ll still check in on them.
21. I feel bad that I didn’t attend Seran’s funeral. Somehow, that doesn’t seem very kind of me, even though everyone told me I needed to stay in Albion.
22. Drake keeps mentioning Lizanne in conversations—casually as if I wouldn’t notice he keeps bringing her up. Did you know there was a connection there? I didn’t.
23. Crosby wants to start planning my “victory party” for after I win the election. It seems a little presumptuous, don’t you think? Especially after everything that has happened.
24. You would be scared if you knew how much you were on my mind—borderline stalker-ish.
59
Trev
25. I won the election. Not really a big surprise since Joniss, the only other candidate, is in prison.
26. I’m thinking of changing my name. King Ezra sounds weird.
27. Our kiss . . . can we just talk for a minute about how mind-blowing it was? My heart still races when I think about it.
28. Are you somewhere missing me too?
29. Do you think I would have beat Joniss in the election? I’ll never know, and that bugs me.
30. I was sworn in as king today. Crosby’s kind of a big deal now. I’ll try not to let it go to his head.
31. It’s weird. I always pictured myself getting sworn in with Seran by my side. She was a faceless person when I thought about it before I knew her. I felt sad today when I stood there all alone. She should have been by my side.
32. Tybolt is growing his beard back out again. Probably a good choice.
33. You don’t know this, but I chose you. I was going to leave this all behind for you. The words were about to roll off my tongue when everything . . .
34. Joniss and his father were executed today. I thought I would be happy, thought I wanted justice, but instead, I feel empty.
35. I just ate ten chocolates. I feel sick. I must be depressed.
36. New Year’s Eve . . . the loneliest night of the year.
37. I cried the other night. Did you know I cry sometimes? Only manly tears, of course.
38. I made my father move out to the Trevenna lodge in the mountains. It was a huge fight, and I can’t believe he actually left. I guess I really am in charge now. It’s kind of great to have him gone.
39. No one ever thinks about the meetings. Being king means going to a lot of meetings.
40. Will it ever be warm again? I’m starting to doubt it.
41. I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Do you think I’m good looking?
42. Drake wants to come to New Hope with me for the Council of Essentials. He says it’s not to see Lizanne. Sounds suspicious.
43. I’ve been growing my hair out. I think you’d like it. Who doesn’t like more curls?
44. Packing for the Council of Essentials. Should I go with the red or yellow tie?
45. I ate a cinnamon roll today and thought of you. The roll was delicious in case you were wondering.
46. I can’t sleep. We drove past Wellenbreck Farm, and I didn’t stop. I told them not to stop. I hate myself.
47. It’s getting warmer the closer we get to the New Hope Government Center. Why do I live in the mountains?
48. I just saw a cactus. I’ve never seen one before. I made them stop the transporter so I could get out and see it.
49. The Government Center is plainer than I expected. It just shows how vain and non-essential Albion has become. It’s not fair. I have to fix this somehow.
50. Cypress. How have we not talked about her yet? She terrifies me.
51. I had a servant take me on a little tour. We just happened to pass by your room. I can picture you there. I might’ve taken a bottle of your perfume.
52. How does King Bryant not hate me? I hate me after everything with Seran, but he still wants to be aligned with Albion, with me. I’m not sure I deserve his friendship.
53. This place seems absent without Seran. Without you.
54. I wish you were here.
55. My first Council of Essentials meeting was today. Ahhh, there is so much I want to tell you with this one. I wore the red tie in case you were wondering.
56. King Adler didn’t come to the Council of Essentials. Not a big surprise there. He doesn’t follow the Council of Essentials rules anyway, so why would he even bother coming? He sent some advisors, though. They were annoying.
57. I really like King Davin of Enderlin. King Bryant introduced us formally, and I think there’s a lot of good we can do with Enderlin as far as transportation and trading goes.
58. Do you really think King Reddick is better looking than me? You were joking, right?
59. I got public transportation approved for everyone! My first essential i
tem as king. You are the first person I wanted to tell. I think you’d be happy about it.
60. I miss you so much it hurts.
61. Have you found a good-looking guy from Vassel to keep you company these past few months? I hope not.
62. There’s a lot of political dinners and parties and a lot of political men trying to throw their daughters at me. I’m not saying that to make you jealous. I’m just saying it.
63. Can you believe it has been 166 days since you pretended to drown, and I pulled you out of the water? It has also been 132 days since I last saw you, but who’s counting? Definitely not me.
64. The king of Cristole proposed that clothing dyes should be essential for everyone. I voted for it. I already told you I thought the distinction of color was stupid. It passed.
65. Your mother and I mostly avoid each other. I think she’s worried I’ll ask her about you and I’m worried she’ll bring up our kiss. Avoidance is much easier.
66. Drake is in love with Lizanne. He denies it, but I know.
67. I wonder how long this list will get. I wonder if I will ever stop thinking about you.
68. I don’t like Jenica. Is that okay to say?
69. I just realized, if we got married, your name would be Renna Trevenna. That’s awful! You would need to go with Renna Degray Trevenna, just to break it up a little bit.
70. This is the last week of the Council of Essentials. I’ve learned so much from the other leaders. I think the world is in good hands. Well mostly—we’ve still got King Adler and Tolsten to deal with.
71. King Bryant and I have had some side conversations with other leaders. Everyone wants to avoid a war with Tolsten. We’re going to hold tight for now. There are rumors that Tolsten rebels are challenging King Adler on his own soil. Adler won’t have time for a war with Albion if he is trying to keep his throne from the rebels.
The Promised Prince: A YA Dystopian Romance Page 32