by Leigh Walker
He hugged me back, gently kissing my hair. It took us a moment to remember that we were surrounded by Mira Kinney, the film crew, and many guards. We both coughed as we pulled away. “Er, sorry about that.” I looked sheepishly at Dallas.
His eyes sparkled. “I’m not.”
“Neither am I,” Mira said gleefully. “This is so exciting! It’s such an honor, Miss West. I’m thrilled for your family. Your Highness, your thoughtfulness and generosity never cease to amaze me. Let’s take a tour of the clinic, shall we, and show the audience the good work that’s happening here?”
The sentinels opened the doors, and we headed inside. I sucked in a deep breath as I peered around—this was more than a clinic. It looked like a brand-new wing of a top hospital. Pristine beds lined the wall, doctors and nurses bustling between the rows to check on patients. From across the room, I recognized Dr. Cameron’s pretty face, her dark skin and braids. She was the one who’d saved Winnie.
Dr. Cameron saw us and came over immediately. “Your Highness, Miss West. It’s a pleasure.” She curtsied, which looked funny because she was wearing scrubs and a lab coat. “I hope you enjoy what you see here at the West Clinic. We’ve had an amazing response from the citizens of Four. People are telling me we’re saving lives.”
“How long have you been open?” I asked.
“Just a few days, but we already have a waiting list.”
Dallas frowned. “How many?”
Dr. Cameron checked her clipboard. “Two hundred twenty-three as of right now.”
“Double your staff and get those patients in here,” Dallas ordered.
Dr. Cameron’s face lit up. “Yes, Your Highness!” She took us on a quick tour of the facility, showing us the top-of-the-line equipment they’d assembled. I was no medical expert, but it was clear that no expense had been spared in setting up the clinic. “We can do vaccinations, screen for cancer and other illnesses, and really accomplish something on the preventative side. We’re also fully equipped for emergency medical treatments. This is going to change the lives of the citizens of Four.”
Dallas beamed at her. “I’m so impressed that you were able to pull this together so quickly.”
Dr. Cameron smiled. “Having funding makes all the difference, Your Highness. We’ve been able to work a miracle.”
He shook her hand. “I can’t wait for you to do this for all the settlements.”
Her smile widened. “Are we going to?”
“Yes, we are. And together, we’re going to strengthen this nation.”
She looked back and forth between us, joy lighting up her face. “I knew good things were coming. I never doubted.”
Dallas bowed. “Your loyalty means everything to me, Dr. Cameron.”
She couldn’t stop smiling. “What are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?”
“We’d like to visit the children’s wing for a while, if that’s acceptable to you.”
Dr. Cameron’s eyes sparkled. “You’re going to make their day, Your Highness. They’re beside themselves with excitement.”
We followed Dr. Cameron to another room, and I leaned close to Dallas. “There’s a whole children’s wing?”
He nodded. “They’re the most vulnerable. We have to protect them.”
Something about the way his voice got husky when talking about kids made my insides go positively squishy. Bloody hell, Lyra was right. I was besotted.
We reached the wing, and another sign had me clutching my heart: “The Winifred West Children’s Wing.”
“Dallas. My sister is going to be beside herself with excitement.”
He grinned, clearly pleased. “She’s my favorite patient. She deserves a little recognition.”
I couldn’t wait to see my sister. She would never stop bragging, but it was so worth it.
Dr. Cameron got ready to open the door. “Be prepared.” She chuckled. “They’re going to go ballistic.” Mira Kinney made sure the crew had a clean shot, and the doctor opened the door. The room was enormous, filled with at least fifty occupied hospital beds. The children—some of them hooked up to IVs, others with masks over their faces—clapped and hollered when they saw us. They cheered and gleefully threw balloons into the air. “Welcome Prince Black and Miss West,” a clearly handmade banner read. The words were written in a mixture of crayon and Magic Marker.
Dallas and I grinned at the sea of excited faces, then at each other. “Shall we?” he asked.
I nodded, reaching for his hand. I had only one answer. “Yes.”
Chapter 10
Former Glory
After a full afternoon visiting with the children and getting to know more about the center, Dallas and I returned to the motorcade. We climbed inside the SUV. “Where are we going next?” I asked.
He looked straight ahead, a sign I’d come to understand meant he was slightly embarrassed about something. “Our hotel.”
I almost choked; it came out a spluttering cough. “I’m sorry?”
He cleared his throat. “We’re going to our hotel to change before dinner with your family.”
“But Dallas, there aren’t hotels in Four anymore. The last one closed its doors a long time ago.”
He glanced at me briefly, then turned away again. “We had one refurbished.”
I arched an eyebrow. “You had an entire hotel refurbished for this visit?”
He nodded almost imperceptibly. “We didn’t have enough time to complete the whole project, so my team concentrated on the lobby and the first floor of suites. The rest of the hotel has been sealed off, and work will continue after we leave. But I’ve heard they’ve made quite astonishing progress. We’ll be able to dine in the lobby restaurant tonight.”
I was rendered speechless, which was how I remained for the rest of the short drive downtown. I stared out the window at my settlement. It appeared much improved since my last visit. Green grass grew in the parks, the sidewalks had been swept, and bright flowers bloomed in large pots on every street corner. Twinkle lights were strung between the lampposts. The atmosphere was colorful, clean, and positively festive. I turned to Dallas. “Did you refurbish the entire downtown?”
He coughed. “Yes.”
I would’ve ribbed him about this, but the car pulled over in front of what had been the most exclusive grand hotel in Settlement 4. Since the war, it had fallen to ruin, with only stray dogs and rats as guests. But now it sparkled like new, surpassing even its former glory. I stared up at the building, which in the old America had been a bank. It was made of smooth, light-gray stone with majestic columns lining its edifice. Its large dome rose toward the sky. In the fading afternoon light, the sun glowed from behind the building. It looked as though it had a halo, a patina of glory and second chances.
Dallas was already on the sidewalk, opening the door for me, as the camera crews followed our every move. That didn’t stop me from peering up at the hotel. I couldn’t help myself. “This is astonishing.”
He grinned. “I’ve heard the inside’s even more impressive.”
He took my hand and led me inside. Sentinels bowed and held the doors for us. I’d thought I was done with heart clutching for one day, but I was wrong. My hand went directly heart center again as we entered the luxurious lobby. The ceiling soared to the dome, skylights flooding the large space with air and light. The marble columns were visible inside the lobby, lending an air of opulence and elegance I’d previously experienced only at the castle. Couches, chairs, and modern lamps adorned the sitting areas. In the center of the lobby, a large ornate fireplace crackled with a robust fire.
“Dallas, won’t all of this go to waste?” The people in 4 couldn’t afford such luxuries.
“Eventually, I’m hoping our economy is restored so that grand hotels like this one become useful again. In the interim, I thought that the royal family and its representatives could stay here when we’re visiting Four.”
I arched an eyebrow. “Are you planning on coming here often?”
> “I certainly hope so.” He coughed. “In any event, I thought it a terrible waste that such a beautiful building was crumbling in the middle of your hometown. I had to do something.”
Touched, I drew closer to his side. He took my hand as he gazed at the spacious lobby. “My main architect said this was an impossible project. I fired him on the spot.”
“Why?”
“Because I saw the glory inside the ruin. What he saw as unobtainable, I saw as natural. It all depends on your mindset, Gwyneth. Whether you think something is impossible or you think you can do it, you are setting yourself up for either failure or success.”
“Are you still talking about the lobby?” I teased. “Or are you being generally philosophical?”
He kissed my forehead. “Actually, I was talking about us.”
Emotion welled up inside me, but two sentinels came forward. “Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness, but your guests will be here soon. Your rooms are ready. We can see you upstairs.”
“Thank you.” We headed through the lobby to a grand, sweeping staircase. We climbed, with Mira and her team following closely. I realized that she’d been quietly but fastidiously recording our every move, our every touch. Perhaps she’d wanted to fade into the background so the prince and I acted more naturally.
Blushing, I realized she’d succeeded. The prince and I hadn’t kept our hands off each other for a moment. I’d been calling him “Dallas” for the entire trip. He’d named a medical clinic after my family, and an entire wing after my baby sister. In one week, he’d refurbished a hotel, not to mention the downtown of my city, in preparation for this visit.
I supposed the proverbial cat was out of the bag.
I didn’t know what anyone—the audience, the royal family, the other remaining contestants—would make of our attachment. I resolved not to care for the next twenty-four hours, until I was back at the castle and in the thick of the competition.
We reached the landing, and the sentinels took us to a room. “Here we are, Your Majesty.” I waited politely as they opened the door and Dallas swept through.
The sentinels didn’t blink, but Dallas stuck his head out a moment later. “Gwyneth? Aren’t you coming?”
“Uh… I…” I looked around, my gaze locking with Mira Kinney’s. She said nothing, just smiling as the cameras rolled, capturing my befuddlement and quickly heating cheeks. I turned back to Dallas. “Where’s my room?”
He chuckled. “It’s through here. We have an adjoining suite, but I assure you, you have your own room. You can have all the privacy you’d like. I thought we’d enjoy the view together.” His eyes sparkled.
“Th-thank you.” Nerves jangling, I stepped into the suite, the camera crew hot on my trail. The spacious room was luxurious, like the lobby, with crystal chandeliers, thick carpets, and fresh flowers in brightly colored vases. But the suite’s quiet elegance made it more comfortable than regal. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows was of the entire downtown. The formerly bustling space now held empty but still glorious skyscrapers, parking garages, restaurants, and parks. It was empty, but with the fairy lights winking below and the green grass visible from the park, hope soared in my heart that my city could one day be restored. “It’s a beautiful view.”
I looked up to find Dallas staring at me. “Indeed. It’s quite my favorite.”
We both went back to looking out the window.
“Your family will be here soon,” Dallas said a minute later. “We should get ready.”
I smiled, then remembering the cameras for once, I curtsied. “Your Highness. I’ll see you shortly.”
His gaze burned into mine as he reached for my hand. “I know it’s only for a little while, but it’s still too long.”
My cheeks flamed. I knew exactly what he meant. “I’ll be quick.” I kissed him then swiftly turned away before the cameras could catch the longing on my face.
My room—which had a lock on the door, I noticed—was similarly spectacular, with an enormous four-poster bed and original artwork on the walls. Still, I barely glimpsed it. I was eager to get back to Dallas, and excitement bubbled inside me at the thought of seeing my family. The sentinels had carefully unpacked my clothes. My gown hung neatly in the closet. But I panicked as I took the fine lavender material between my fingers. I missed Evangeline, Bria, and Bettina. How on earth will I do my hair?
A knock jarred me from my reverie. “Yes?”
Mira Kinney opened the door a crack and smiled through. “Can I send in my hair and makeup team? Your maids threatened them before we left. They said they’d mutiny if we let you on camera with a messy bun and no makeup.” She chuckled.
I sighed in relief. “Yes, please. I’ve become quite spoiled, I’m afraid. I’m completely ruined when it comes to doing my own hair.”
She chuckled. “I understand. Actually, Gwyneth, may we speak for a moment? Off the record?”
I immediately became wary. “Of course. Come in.”
“Thanks.” Mira closed the door behind her and sat at the edge of a wingback chair. “You know I went to Eleven with the Prince and Miss Layne.”
I nodded. “Go on.”
“This trip doesn’t compare.”
My stomach dropped. “I see.”
“No, no, don’t misunderstand me, Gwyneth. I meant that as a compliment. Your relationship with the prince is light-years ahead of what he has with Tamara. You and His Majesty are in another galaxy, one she has no chance of visiting. And I’ve observed him with the other girls, too. I don’t see the same sort of connection to either of them, not at all.”
I twisted a lock of my hair. “I’d say thank you, but I have a feeling there’s about to be a ‘but.’”
She smiled. “Clever girl. Of course there is.”
“Go on.”
“The king asked to see the tape when we returned from Eleven. I watched it with him. He had a lot of questions about Tamara’s parents—their charity work, their influence, their friends. He was quite interested in their particulars.”
I sighed. “I understand. Tamara is an advantageous match for the prince, and I am not.”
Mira smoothed her hair back from her face. “I disagree. From an editorial perspective, I find your connection to His Highness more compelling, which translates to better ratings. You two are star-crossed lovers.”
I wrinkled my nose. “What does that mean, exactly?”
“It means you are not favored by the stars.”
I sank onto the bed. “I don’t want that to be true and yet…”
“And yet, you are a clever girl.” Mira smiled at me. “The king wants Tamara as the princess because he wants her family money and connections. But I see a larger picture here, one that stars you as the savior of the settlements.”
I blinked at her. “How so?”
Mira patted my hand. “I’ve done some digging into you—more than that slick and eely Tariq ever did before he brought you to the palace. I know about your family, Gwyneth. I know who they are.”
I didn’t dare ask if she knew my brother was currently a resident in the castle dungeons. I felt as if I might break into hives and vaguely wondered if they could be covered by makeup.
“Hey. You don’t have to worry about me,” Mira said. “I’m here to frame the narrative, not to hijack it. And I believe, much like the prince, that the audience wants someone like you to win. You’re relatable. People understand what you’ve been through, because they’ve lost loved ones to the revolution too. So that’s what I wanted to say—you have to be brave. You have to be a bit more balls-out, if you’ll pardon the expression.”
I coughed. “What do you mean?”
She looked me directly in the eye. “If the prince asks you about your father on camera again, you should tell the truth.”
“The king will see me hanged.” My voice came out thick.
“The prince won’t let that happen. You know he’ll protect you.”
“Why are you telling me to do this?�
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She smiled. “For ratings. At the heart of this, that’s what I care about.”
I groaned. “Bloody hell, Mira.”
“But I care about you, too. And I’ve come to care deeply for the people in the settlements. We could all have a bright future here, but we need each other to make it happen. The revolution isn’t over yet, and you’re uniquely situated to unite the settlements. And I want to be the one to film it. We can help make each other’s stars rise. Just think about it.” She stood as if prepared to go. “I’ll send in hair and makeup. His Highness doesn’t look like he can bear being away from you, so I’ll tell them to be quick.”
“Thank you.”
But as she left, I wondered, should I really be thanking Mira Kinney? Or should I run, screaming, in the other direction?
Chapter 11
The Only One I Feel
I wanted to talk to Dallas about my conversation with Mira, but there was no time. Hair and makeup whipped me into shape, zipped me into my pretty lavender gown, and sent me to the prince’s suite before I even had a chance to fully process what she’d said.
Star-crossed lovers.
Tell the truth.
Unite the settlements.
Bloody hell. Wasn’t the Pageant a dating competition? Instead, I was embroiled in politics that could result in my head on a spike, adorning the king’s view from his private study.
I hoped we’d have champagne at dinner.
“Gwyneth, you’re stunning.” Dallas beamed at me as I hustled into his suite.
No matter what else was happening, the sight of him made my heart swell. In his black ceremonial uniform and deep-purple cape, he was so tall and handsome it almost hurt to look at him. Remembering myself, I curtsied. “Your Highness. You’re looking dashing, as usual.”
He chuckled as he held out his arm for me. “Your maids will approve of your hair, I believe. It looks lovely.” Mira’s team had worked quickly to arrange my long hair into an elaborate updo, replete with tiny bobby pins adorned with jewels. “You’re sparkling.”