The idea twisted her stomach with fear. If she had an anomaly, it would mean that she was one of the Rejected herself, a fetus who had a negative test result but then was born with defects anyway. Or maybe Mother had never had the tests at all.
She rubbed her forehead, the ache returning. How could she learn the truth? Dr. Richard Presnell of Dawson’s Edge was the only person likely to have those answers now, but perhaps Roanna could learn more about whether Mother had had the genetic testing done. Then again, how could she ask Mother about it when she hadn’t been able to bring herself to ask about Dr. Presnell?
At last, Father announced their meeting had come to an end.
Roanna hugged Queen Katherine and curtsied to King Dawson.
Roland stood to the king’s right, and once King Dawson stepped away, Roland took his place.
“Good afternoon, Roanna.” He spoke alone to her for the first time.
“Good afternoon, Roland.”
He smiled and stepped closer, reaching for her hand. She tensed but allowed him to take it. What else could she do? He was to be her husband.
“Are you happy?” Clearly, he expected only one response.
“Yes, of course. King and Queen Dawson are lovely, and the engagement ball is sure to be fantastic.” She couldn’t bring herself to say our engagement ball.
He squeezed her hand and stepped closer. “I am glad you are happy. I fear I cannot wait long for a wedding.”
Disgust washed over her, but she allowed him to continue holding her hand.
Silence spread around them. What did one say to a man she was engaged to marry but didn’t like?
“Come, Roanna.” Father’s summons saved her.
She smiled at Roland. “I will see you soon.”
He smiled. “Yes. Soon.”
With relief, she pulled her hand from his and nearly ran to meet Father and Mother. They returned to their military base, and while Father spoke with two of the commanders, she and Mother climbed aboard their airship for the flight home.
“They weren’t what I expected,” Roanna said as she arranged herself in the seat.
“Quite kind, I agree.” Mother leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Are you looking forward to the party?”
“I suppose.” She wouldn’t lie to Mother.
Mother peeked at her through one eye. “You can be happy, Roanna. You are allowed. You must give yourself the freedom to live this life and not fret.”
Roanna nodded, but she couldn’t talk herself into smiling. At least her shivers had finally died down.
At last, Father climbed onto the airship, and the driver lifted off from the base. In a few days, they would travel to Dawson’s Edge, and she would attend her own engagement ball. Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let herself break down. Soon they would be home, and Roanna could close herself inside her room to grieve alone.
20
The week at home passed quickly as Roanna and Mother made arrangements and preparations for the engagement ball. Soon, Roanna and her family flew from Chester’s Wake to the air station in Dawson’s Edge. From there, they drove an hour to the palace. The Dawsons provided a sleek, white auto that whisked them from the air station in full luxury and style.
The engagement party was in two days’ time, and Roanna had a trunk full of gowns to choose from. Choosing what to wear to impress an entire kingdom was no easy task. Precisely why she had insisted Bette come along.
Roanna had spent the last week seeking information on whether royal mothers were subjected to Termination testing, but she’d found nothing definitive. She’d considered bringing up the subject to Mother, but like the mystery of her hair, Roanna never found the right time or the courage.
Now their auto neared a stone wall with a wrought-iron gate. Guards stood watch, large guns strapped to their sides. When the motorcade approached, the guards stepped forward and spoke to the driver. A moment later, the gates swung open, and the auto drove through.
Dawson’s Edge was unlike anything Roanna had ever seen. The palace at Chester’s Wake was positioned right at the edge of the capital city and up against the Edge River. The palace at Lox was situated at the base of a mountain, in a lush green valley surrounded by waterfalls and vegetation.
The palace at Dawson’s Edge was a solitary, stone monstrosity with aging, gothic architecture and huge trees surrounding it. The trees weren’t quite in full bloom. In fact, some of them were bare, giving the place the feeling of being partly alive, partly dead.
Rolling green hills sloped in the distance, but the green was different from the vibrant greens of Chester’s Wake. These greens were dark and forbidding, more like the colors of winter, in spite of the heat.
Their auto was directed to the front of the palace where King Dawson, Queen Katherine, and Roland greeted them.
“Welcome to Dawson’s Edge.” Queen Katherine hugged Roanna tightly. “We are so pleased to have you.”
Roanna smiled and thanked Katherine, drawn in by her warmth.
The inside of the palace matched the outside. Dark wood made up the main staircase, and dark green wallpaper lined most of the walls. Gaslights were spaced every few feet along the walls, giving a yellow glow to the entryway.
Once inside, King Dawson turned to her and bowed slightly. “We hope you enjoy your stay with us, and we welcome you to our family.”
Roanna smiled at him, curtsying slightly. As she had searched for answers about her possible anomaly, she had taken time to consider what had happened at the Edge River. Her hair acted up when she brushed it vigorously, but especially when she was near Roland or King Dawson. Her strange shivers and long hair had to be linked to her new ability to sense thoughts and…intentions. What would happen if her anomaly was discovered?
No matter how she considered it, she had no answers.
Roland stepped close to her and took her elbow. The shiver was slight, like a small chill, but this time she expected it and was able to hide it well. Mother had warned her to not act coldly toward Roland, so she smiled kindly at him. “Good afternoon, Roland.”
He took both of her hands and kissed them. “Good afternoon, Roanna.”
She hid her repulsion at his lips touching her skin.
“I cannot explain my joy at seeing you here,” he said.
“Thank you. I was wondering.” She paused. She had practiced what she would say, determined to get to know him. To try. “I was wondering where your home is. I assume you do not live in the palace.”
Roland released her hands and his smile grew. “You are correct. I have a modest palace to the east, along the coast, called Santa Rio. We can visit over the next few days if you would like.”
“I would like it very much. Thank you.” Her heart beat rapidly, but she took a relieved breath. She had done it. She had been kind to him, and things felt normal. Maybe her new life could work out after all. She could hide her anomaly, and pretend things were as they should be.
What is happening to me?
The sentiment had haunted her over the last week. She had sought divine guidance, but no revelation had revealed itself to her. She kept considering how she’d always been drawn to the Rejected—and now she understood why.
“We’ll discuss business,” King Dawson said, nodding toward Father and Gregory, who had come along to attend the engagement party.
Roland stepped to their side.
Queen Katherine smiled. “I will take the ladies to see their rooms.” The women followed Katherine up the grand, winding staircase.
Servants buzzed around them, carrying rugs, flowers, dishes, and more.
“Is all of this for our benefit?” Mother asked.
“Not quite.” Katherine smiled. “My husband has decided it is best to move forward with the marriage agreement with Lox as well. We will be hosting a second ball later this week for the prince to meet our noble women. Don’t worry.” They reached the top of the stairs, and she turned to them. “You all will not be expected to attend
the ball. It will be for the prince, as well as the noble families with eligible daughters. As you will no doubt be exhausted from your own festivities, no one will think adversely if you do not wish to participate.” Her eyes were kind and sincere, but Roanna longed to know more.
Ben was here? In Dawson’s Edge? She hadn’t heard that they were moving forward with his marriage agreement.
“There is to be a wedding, then?” Mother asked.
“Not yet, but hopefully soon.”
Roanna glanced at Mother, but, of course, her face was a mask of serenity. Inside, she must be sighing in relief.
The thought pained Roanna.
Queen Katherine led them to their suite. “These are your rooms. Servants will be available should you need anything, and when you’re rested, you can ask them to fetch me.” She offered one last warm smile before retreating to the stairs.
The suite was masculine but stylish in dark browns and gold. A large sitting area was filled with three couches, and it separated three bedrooms. Each had a four-poster bed with full, golden bedding.
“It’s beautiful here,” Roanna said. “Different than I imagined, but beautiful.”
Mother nodded as servants entered carrying their luggage.
Bette breezed in and Roanna pointed to the right. “I’ll take that room, Bette.” It was the smallest of the three, which suited her best.
Bette carried a bag into the room.
“I noticed you seemed quite at ease with the ambassador,” Mother said.
“I practiced.”
Mother sighed and took her hand with a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re cooperating. I was quite surprised to hear of the other ball being held.”
Roanna barely had time to process the second remark. The first one hurt too much. Why should Mother doubt her cooperation? She had never given her parents a moment’s grief. Didn’t she do everything they’d asked? She’d given up her freedom in order to prosper their kingdom, and she’d done it without complaining.
She hid the hurt, barely able to consider how they’d react if they learned she had an anomaly. Would they disown her, their own daughter? She had no choice but to marry Roland in such a circumstance. “I’m going to rest for a while.”
“Very well. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Roanna nodded and entered the bedroom where Bette already worked to put away their things. Roanna closed the door leading to the sitting room. A second door, leading into the hallways, stood open and other servants brought in the rest of Roanna’s things.
“Any idea what I should wear for the party?” Roanna asked.
“I’ll think on it,” Bette promised.
The urge to get her dress right was strong. If Ben was to be there, Roanna needed to be as appropriate as possible. She could control her behavior, but she also needed to look the part of a devoted, engaged princess.
Roland’s words—or thoughts, rather—from a few days ago rolled through her mind. She has a lover, and I don’t wish to be jilted.
For Ben’s safety, and the peace between their kingdoms, she must keep her distance. It would be best to be prepared.
“Bette?” Roanna moved to the hallway door and closed it softly. She glanced around to ensure they were alone. “Could you please find out who else is visiting Dawson’s Edge this week?”
Bette smiled as she hung another dress in the closet. “I will do my best, Your Highness.”
Roanna breathed out in relief. Bette wouldn’t let her down, and then she would be prepared for whatever the Dawsons had to throw at her.
21
A few hours later, Roanna joined Mother and Queen Katherine in the library. It was a small space, but bright and tidy. Books lined the walls, and comfortable seating had been placed around the room.
“We have an entire section on gardening,” Queen Katherine said as Roanna approached. “Your mother tells me you have a knack for growing things.”
Roanna hid her surprise. After Merry Stern’s strange words regarding gardening in Dawson’s Edge, she hadn’t expected to have access to her beloved flowers. “I do enjoy gardening. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Please, call me Katherine. You’re to be my sister-in-law, after all.”
Roanna smiled and nodded, but she doubted she would be able to bring herself to call the Queen of Dawson’s Edge anything but Highness. She took a seat as Mother and Katherine resumed their conversation about the engagement party.
“We hope to announce the wedding date during the party,” Katherine said. “Have you and Roland decided on a date?”
She and Roland? They had barely spoken, let alone determined when to have their ceremony. Of course, Roland had said enough to imply he did not wish to wait long. “We haven’t set a date, but I imagine it will be soon. We can make a determination before the party.” Dread seeped through every corner of her soul.
Time to change the subject. “May I see your gardens?”
Queen Katherine smiled. “I would love to show you. I don’t have the special talent of gardening, but King Bartholomew is quite gifted with flowers. You will enjoy his work, I predict.”
They stood and made their way to the center of the palace. The citadel was a circular structure, with a menagerie situated in the middle.
The air in Dawson’s Edge was moist and hot, as Merry had described. Roanna didn’t complain. It felt nice compared to the cooler air in Chester’s Wake. The flowers seemed to thrive in the damp climate, and despite the bare trees she’d seen on arrival, the blooms in the garden were huge, some twelve inches in diameter. “It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed.
Katherine smiled. “I agree.”
They toured the gardens slowly, taking in different types of flowers in an array of colors. Had Merry seen this garden? She was so wistful back in Chester’s Wake, as if she had never seen gardens like that before. Perhaps she could become better friends with Merry, and they could tour the gardens together.
As they walked, Roanna noticed garden ornaments among the flowers. There were statues of strange creatures, not like the religious quotes in the prayer chapel at home. A monster with two heads, a snakelike creature devouring a rodent, a flying varmint. Gods?
Unease crept into her belly. The royal Dawsonian garden was beautiful, but it was filled with their infamous superstition.
As they finished their walk, Roland came from the palace. He smiled at her, his dark eyes gleaming in the sunlight. “Roanna, I’m glad to see you rested. Would you care to sit with me for a spell?”
She smiled as sweat pooled on her lower back. “I would love to. Might we go inside?”
His smile grew. “That was precisely what I had in mind.” He offered his arm, and she took it. Mother nodded her approval, so Roanna followed him into the palace.
He led her to a small sitting area on the second floor. There were a pair of couches and a piano. She sat on a couch, but he moved to the piano bench. “What do you think of Dawson’s Edge, Roanna?”
He began playing a light tune, and she stared in surprise. “You play the piano?”
“And the guitar as well as the trumpet. Does this please you?”
“I think it’s lovely!” And she meant it. To think the man she would be marrying did have a few redeeming qualities.
“So,” he reminded her of his earlier question. “What do you think of our kingdom?”
“It’s beautiful here. I love the gardens.”
“I don’t have a garden at my palace, but I would be pleased for you to oversee one.”
The consolation was a small one, and she expected it to bring a tinge of happiness, but she felt nothing. “I will look forward to it.” She swallowed hard, knowing it would be best to press for a date as Queen Katherine wished. “Roland, the queen has asked we provide her with a wedding date to announce at the engagement party.”
His playing stopped. He rose from the piano bench and took a seat beside her on the couch.
Her hands grew clammy, and she held them tightly to ward off th
e bad feelings.
“I do not wish to wait long, Roanna. I’ve told you this already. Soon is not nearly soon enough for me. So I will ask you, when would you like to be married?”
Why did he have to ask it that way?
She hesitated a moment too long. It opened the door for Roland to take her hands and draw closer to her. Repulsion swirled inside her, but worse, the shivers started at the base of her neck.
He leaned close to her. “Roanna, will you allow us to marry soon? Is a month acceptable to you?” Before she could answer, he leaned toward her as if he would kiss her.
Panic overtook her. She had never been kissed, not once. Her entire body shook, and just as his lips touched hers, she shoved him away. She stood from the couch and paced away.
Roland shot to his feet, his face red and his nostrils flaring.
This was not good.
Taking a deep breath, she ran her hands along the folds of her dress. “Forgive me, Roland. I’m quite unaccustomed to the ways of men and women.” True, even if it was only an excuse. The memory of his lips on hers wouldn’t be a pleasant one.
His shoulders relaxed, and he composed himself. “It’s quite all right, my darling.” He stepped closer to her, but this time he didn’t reach for her. “Your confession brings me pleasure. What of the date? Is a month acceptable to you?”
She managed a smile as she nodded. “Thank you, Roland. Yes, a month is well.”
This time he took her hands and pressed his lips into her palms. “I will wait for it with every breath in me.” He smiled and left the room as she stood shaking. This time, she wasn’t sure if the cause was her hair or her fears.
22
The following day was a blur of preparation for the engagement party. Guests arrived throughout the day, and Roanna exhausted herself meeting each of them. She saw little of Father, King Dawson, or Roland, and she saw no one from Lox.
Roanna and Bette now stood in her bedroom. Bette was helping her into her navy party gown. Its full, lacy skirt ended just below her knees in the front and flowed to the floor in the back. Bette paired it with a thick black belt and black boots. Its scoop neck draped gently off her shoulders, and Bette had clasped a strand of pearls around her neck. She looked very grown up and very appropriate. “Did you ever learn who else the Dawsons are entertaining this week?”
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