“The granddaughter. She’s very nice, though a little silly sometimes.”
Merry never broke eye contact, and it seemed too good to be true that she’d be trying to introduce him to the family he needed to make connections with.
He also thought it interesting that it happened to be the family King Dawson had warned him against—the troublemakers from the southern province.
Finally, he nodded. “Thank you for the recommendation.”
“As I said, this dance is my pleasure.”
The song ended, and Ben bowed slightly to her. “I would like to dance again, Lady Merry.”
She gave him a playful smile. “You have many suitors, Prince Ben. But if you’ve got the time, you may track me down.” She disappeared into the crowd.
Tendrils of guilt toward Roanna worked into his conscience, but he shoved them away. He had no other choice but to be here. If he had to marry, it might as well be to someone who was as agreeable as Merry Stern. Roanna would not hold him accountable for actually liking the woman he was being forced to wed.
Would she?
He turned from staring after Merry and sought out the sister, Rachel. She stood with a few other girls, sipping from dainty glasses. As he made his way to them, their chatter ceased. He bowed to them. “Good evening, ladies. Lady Rachel, might I dance with you?”
Her cheeks reddened immediately, but she quickly handed her drink to a friend and stepped toward him. “It would be an honor, Your Highness.”
He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. He tried to pry a conversation from her, but when she wouldn’t do more than give him a yes or no answer, he took pity on her. “You look lovely, Lady Rachel. Thank you for dancing with me.”
She glanced at him and gave him a shy smile, and they finished their dance in peace.
27
Ben danced with over two dozen women before the night was over. He glided across the floor with all the grace he’d been taught, but his brain was fried. Too much smiling and forced conversation. He was ready for the night to end, and he hadn’t found anyone he wanted to marry.
“Prince Ben.” Merry held out a glass, saving him from the need to ask yet another woman to dance.
He took it gratefully. “I’ve grown tired and thirsty, and you’re becoming a regular hero. Are you always so helpful?”
She smiled. “I try to be. How did you find the duke’s granddaughter?” She cocked her head to the side, and again Ben’s alarms sounded.
“Why so interested?”
“I’m simply trying to serve my king. He wants you to find a wife, and I’m trying to facilitate it.”
“I don’t buy it.”
They kept eye contact another moment before she turned away. “As I said, I am simply trying to help you find a wife. However, I would prefer if it was someone rather than myself, and Britta Mayne is a pleasant girl.”
He raised his eyebrows, surprised at her honesty.
Two pink spots appeared on her cheeks, but she did not bow her head in shame.
Ben narrowed his eyes. Merry Stern had an agenda, but what? She was pushing the Mayne girl on him when the Maynes were exactly the contacts he needed to make to find Dr. Presnell. Instead of calling her bluff, he nodded. “Lady Britta was quite pleasant.” No Roanna—and no Merry—but pleasant. “I’m touring the southern provinces in the next couple days. Perhaps I’ll get to spend a bit more time with her.”
Merry’s smile grew. “That sounds lovely.” Their conversation lagged as they both drank.
The crowd began to dwindle as the next few dances passed, until only a handful of the guests still mingled.
“What about that second dance?” Ben turned to Merry expectantly.
Her eyes widened. “I thought you were tired.”
He took the glass from her hand and set it on a nearby table. Then he held out his hand. “Dance with me?”
She blushed slightly once again, but took his hand. They moved to the dance floor as a slow song played. “Tell me why you aren’t interested in marriage to me.”
“I’ve never dreamed of being a queen.”
Ben shook his head. “That’s not what I’m asking. You’re not even interested in trying to get to know me, and I would like to know why.”
She opened her mouth, but he stopped her. “I realize it’s not my business, but I’m curious. I feel we’re on a friendly footing, so I thought you might like to confide in me.”
Her eyes narrowed, and he chuckled softly. “That’s all it is, I swear it.”
She huffed. “Fine, if you must know, there is someone else I am more interested in marrying.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “More interested in marrying? Does this mean it’s not a done deal?”
The blush returned to her cheeks and she looked away. “No, it is certainly not a done deal.”
So he was right—Merry Stern had an agenda, and it was keeping his interests at bay. Merry wasn’t so different from him. Still, it didn’t explain the coincidence that she happened to be pushing him onto the one family from whom he needed aid. He would let it go, for the time.
When the dance ended, he bowed slightly. “Thank you for your friendship, Lady Merry Stern. This night would have been quite unbearable without your help.”
She gave him a playful shrug. “Only doing my royal duty, Prince.”
Baron Stern approached. He gave Ben a slight bow, and Ben nodded to him. “Merry, your sister and I are ready to go.”
“Thank you for coming and bringing your lovely daughters, Baron. It was nice to see your family again.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it, Your Highness. We’ll be staying on for another day or so. Perhaps we will see you again before the whole thing is over.”
Merry gave him one last look before leaving with her father, and Ben took the opportunity to find King Dawson and Queen Katherine.
“Ben!” King Dawson clapped him on the back like he was Ben’s own father. The gesture didn’t feel right—too familiar—but Ben let it go. “That seemed to go well. Anyone catch your eye?”
Ben glanced around. No women stood near them, but the question bordered on inappropriate. “There were a few women, yes. I will be spending some time with the Mayne family. Lady Britta was quite pleasant.”
King Dawson’s eyes narrowed, but in a moment, the look vanished. “Good, good. And what of Lady Merry Stern? I spotted you talking with her quite a bit.”
Ben couldn’t deny the good feelings he felt toward Merry. “I enjoyed my time with her very much. In fact, I wouldn’t mind spending more with her, as well.”
“Done!” King Dawson beckoned a servant. “Send word to the Sterns to stay on for a few days.”
“That’s not necessary, Your Highness.” Ben didn’t want Merry to think he was pursuing her in spite of her feelings for another man.
“Nonsense. It’s obvious you cared more for Merry than Lady Britta Mayne.”
“Sir, I thought perhaps I might invite the Sterns to visit Lox.”
Understanding dawned in King Dawson’s eyes. “I see. That’s a fine idea.” He turned back to the servant. “Never mind. You may go.”
That seemed to put an end to his meeting with King Dawson, so Ben said his good nights and made his way to his room. The halls were mostly empty as he moved through them. As he passed Roanna’s room, he glanced away guiltily.
The urge to simply stop and knock was strong, but he forced his legs to keep moving. She wasn’t there. He needed to get to his room and away from the possibility of her. It was the longest walk of his life.
28
Two days earlier
Roanna
Bright sunlight pierced the comfortable sleep Roanna had finally reached. She rolled over and pulled her comforter over her head. “Bette,” she mumbled.
“I’m sorry, Miss. Her Highness says you must leave early. You’re to travel to Ambassador Roland’s estate.”
Roanna took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Yes, of course. The
y must whisk her out of the palace before she could run into Ben. He’d be around as they prepared for his ball, and they wouldn’t want her sneaking off with him.
She couldn’t stop the slow smile that crept across her face at the thought of Ben, in her room, the night before. He’d said he loved her.
Of course, it had taken hours of lying in the dark to come to the conclusion that the memory was a happy one, and the pain of their doomed relationship still stung, but she would carry it as a good memory instead of a hurtful one.
With another sigh, she threw back her covers and made her way to the bathroom. The meeting might have been a mistake, but it was a lovely one. She could go on knowing he loved her. Knowing that, truly, if he could, he would marry her.
She showered and dressed in a white blouse and a plum colored, high-waisted skirt that fell just below her knees. Large brass buttons adorned the wide waistline.
Bette packed a suitcase for Roanna while Roanna worked on her hair. She kept her touch gentle, hoping her hair’s tingles would stay in a slumber. Spending the next few days with Roland would likely be unpleasant. His nearness would awaken her hair, but she might be able to use the time to figure out how the shivers worked. If she could learn her hair’s secrets, and Ben could find Dr. Presnell, they might be able to put the mystery to bed.
The thought gave her pause. Did she want to put it to bed? If she did that, what other reason would she have to stay in contact with Ben?
“Are you all right, Miss?” Bette stood behind her at the vanity, frowning into the mirror. “You look upset.”
Roanna smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Bette. I’m fine. Just nervous.”
Relief replaced Bette’s worry lines, and she returned to packing.
“Bette.”
Bette raised her eyebrows in answer.
“I saw Prince Ben last night.”
Now both eyebrows shot up. She threw a look at the door separating Roanna’s bedroom from the family suite.
“Don’t worry,” Roanna said. “Nothing happened. Ben and I know our fate. We ran into each other by accident.”
Bette continued working, but she frowned. Her chipper morning attitude was replaced with tension. “Why are you telling me this, Miss?”
Roanna placed the final pin in her hair and sighed. “I’m not sure. I suppose because I needed to tell someone.” She turned in her seat. “You won’t tell anyone?”
“No, of course not, Miss.”
Roanna moved to the bed where Bette packed. “I don’t want to marry Roland.” She spoke softly. “But I will do it to keep peace. To keep people safe. That doesn’t mean it’s easy.”
Bette’s look softened. “I imagine it’s not easy at all.”
Roanna let out a rushing breath, and she laughed nervously. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to get that off my chest and not be lectured for it.”
Bette put down the nightgown she was folding. She wrapped Roanna in a hug. “I know I’m not old enough to be your mother and not quite young enough to be your friend, but I’m always honored to offer you any help you need, Miss.”
Tears stung Roanna’s eyes. “You are my friend, Bette. I lean on you.” She thought for a moment, then hurried ahead. “I want you to lean on me, too. If you need help with anything, please tell me.”
Bette pulled out of the hug, but she gripped Roanna’s hands. “Thank you, Miss. That means a lot to me.”
They finished packing. Then Bette topped off Roanna’s look with a sleek, plum top hat. Mother knocked on the door between the rooms. Bette let her in then returned to the bed to gather the luggage. “We were just finishing up, Your Highness.”
Mother smiled at Bette. “Thank you, Bette. Go ahead and take that down. We’ll be there shortly.”
Bette curtsied and left the room, pulling the luggage behind her.
“You did wonderfully last night.” Mother moved to her and touched her hair. “You look beautiful, darling. Don’t ever worry about the length of your hair. You are ravishing even with it kept short.”
Roanna forced a smile, but she wanted to throw a dozen questions into the air. “Thank you, Mother. I look forward to seeing Roland’s home. He called it a small palace.”
“Yes, I’ve heard. I expect it will be nice.” Mother took her arm and led her into the hall. “I’m sorry we have to leave so early. Roland says that even by train it takes a couple of hours.”
Roanna considered stopping Mother. Telling her she knew Ben was here, and that was the reason for the immediate trip to Roland’s estate. Instead, she continued walking. Bringing up Ben would only open herself up to another lecture, and it was one she didn’t want to hear. If she wanted a lecture about anything, it would be concerning her hair. Perhaps by the end of the trip she would work up the courage to ask.
Roland stood with Queen Katherine at the front of the palace. The same white auto that had driven them from the air station waited now to take them to the train depot.
“Good morning.” Queen Katherine practically sang. She pulled Roanna into a hug and kissed her cheek. “You’ll love Roland’s home. It’s breathtaking.”
“I look forward to it.” At least she didn’t have to lie about that part. She was curious about Roland’s palace. He said he lived near the sea, and that made her happy. It would remind her of home, of their palace on the river.
Roland reached for her hand, and Roanna offered it slowly. She had no other choice, and she had to get used to the idea. “Good morning.” He spoke softly.
“Good morning, Roland. It’s a lovely start of the day.”
“Made all the lovelier by your presence.” He kissed her hand and smiled.
The gesture was sweet, yet it did nothing to endear him to her.
They climbed into the back seat of the auto while Mother and Katherine took the middle seat.
She clasped her hands in her lap, lest Roland think she wanted him to hold one of them. Time had come to take control of the situation. The drive to the train depot would be a short one followed by a much longer ride to Santa Rio. “So,” she said, turning to him. “Tell me about the history of your home.”
29
Roland told them all about his home—it had been built nearly one hundred years ago by a former king’s second son. Roland had fallen in love with it as a child, and when his father had died, making Bartholomew the king, he had left it to Roland. Roland kept the entire place up and running year-round. He often entertained dignitaries, as he was an ambassador, and he employed most of the surrounding town. He also oversaw the farming of the local area. They grew tobacco and cotton.
The drive passed quickly, as Roland was a masterful story teller. Early on, Roanna’s hair had started its shivering. She was able to keep her chills under wraps thanks to the gray sweater Bette had sent along with her.
“Who runs the place while you’re gone?” Roanna asked. “You’ve been away for a great length of time.”
Roland nodded. “It’s true I am often away. I have a property manager who runs the place like a prince himself. Now, prepare yourself, for it’s just over this hill!”
Roanna couldn’t help the excitement at seeing what would become her next home. She leaned forward to get a better view out the window as the train topped the hill.
“Welcome to Santa Rio,” Roland said.
Land stretched out on either side for as far as Roanna could see. In the middle sat a sprawling three-story palace, with some areas having four stories. The home was made of beige stones and coral tiles and might be called many things, but never modest. Bright green landscaping surrounded the palace, and behind the palace was the most beautiful sight.
“Is that the ocean?”
Roland grinned. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Roanna couldn’t take her eyes from it. The waves crashed against the rocky shore, and to the right was a small beach. “Yes, it’s beautiful.”
When she finally pried her gaze away, she caught Mother and Queen Katherine smiling at her
.
“I knew you would love it,” Queen Katherine said. She gripped Mother’s hand and turned to her. “Didn’t I tell you she would love it?”
Seeing them so happy together filled Roanna with peace. She wanted to make them happy. Even if she’d only known Queen Katherine for a few short weeks, she had a desire to make her glad. She felt a kindred spirit in the queen.
A smile spread across her face. “I do love it. I can’t wait to explore.”
The railcar pulled to the small station near the palace, and from there an auto took them to the front door. Staff members greeted them, and Roland introduced her, Mother, and Queen Katherine to the property manager he’d mentioned earlier.
Mother and Queen Katherine wanted to be shown to their rooms to rest until supper, so servants took them to a staircase to their left. Despite not wanting to spend time with Roland, Roanna did want to explore the estate. He held out his arm. “Does it bother you to be alone with me?”
Roanna smiled nervously. “Not at all. Lead the way.” She held his arm, and they started with the ground floor. It boasted a grand staircase to the left, with a large sitting room behind the stairs. To the right was a small ballroom, the dining room, and the kitchens.
Near the kitchens was a staircase leading down. Roland explained that it led to the basements, which were used for storage.
The second floor held bedrooms, a library, and another more private sitting room. The third floor held offices and the staff’s rooms.
Roland was a perfect gentleman throughout the tour, and Roanna was able to ignore, for a time, that she would be marrying him soon. For now, he was simply a fellow royal who was showing her around his home.
At last. it was time to see the outside of the palace. Roland wasted no time in taking her to see the view of the ocean. Waves roared and crashed, creating a glorious calm in the air.
Roanna stared in wander. “If this were my home I would never leave!” The words slipped out before she thought them through, and heat blazed her cheeks. She chanced a look at Roland, but he only grinned at her.
“I am pleased to hear you say so.” He slipped her hand from the crook of his arm and gripped it between both of his. “I want you to be happy here, Roanna. I want you to love it as much as I do, and it is like a song to my heart to hear your appreciation for it.”
The Rejected Princess Page 11