The Rejected Princess

by Clark, Katie;

  “Supper will be soon, and the rain hasn’t let up yet,” she said at last. “I hope you will consider staying the night.”

  “Yes, of course,” Mother said. “I am so grateful for your hospitality.”

  “Then I will have a servant show you to your rooms.” She rang a bell and the same woman who brought the tea earlier returned. “Show Queen Charlotte and her daughter to the first guest rooms on the second floor.”

  The woman curtsied and waited for Mother and Roanna to follow. They stood to go when a man entered the room.

  “My Lady.” He spoke to Lady Gretchen. “An auto has arrived seeking shelter. It seems they are all getting rained out today.”

  “Oh.” Lady Gretchen stood with a groan. “I’ll greet them.”

  The man bowed and took Lady Gretchen’s arm to help her, and the other servant led Mother and Roanna from the room. They reached the stairs and started up as Lady Gretchen greeted the new guests.

  “May I present Prince Benjamin of Lox,” a man said.

  Roanna glanced at Mother, but Mother hadn’t heard. She looked down the stairs just in time to see Ben bow over Lady Gretchen’s hand. He didn’t see her, which was just as well. They would likely have supper together, and Mother would overreact.

  If she could talk to him before then, she could tell him what Bette said about Roland. Ben would help her figure out what it all meant. But would he be happy to see her? He had spent the last few days being spoiled by female attention.

  She swallowed hard as she followed the servant to two rooms side by side. If she saw Ben, she would know—know if he was in love with someone else. Someone he’d danced with last night.

  Guilt filled her, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t necessarily betraying Roland, and she deserved to know what would become of Ben. If she could find a way to see him before Mother learned he was here, she needed to do it now.

  She waited a few minutes then checked on Mother. Then she headed down the stairs and to the sitting room where voices met her ear. Ben’s smooth, kind voice spoke to Lady Gretchen telling her about his thwarted trip to spend a week with the Maynes in the southern province of the kingdom. Roanna had almost reached the door when she heard a different voice. A woman’s light, tinkling laugh.

  She paused. Ben was here with someone else. If he was visiting the Maynes, it was likely the Maynes themselves.

  She took a deep breath and stepped into the sitting room. “Prince Benjamin.” She gave him a small curtsy. “How strange to run into you here.”

  Ben’s eyes widened, and he stumbled to his feet. “Princess Roanna. Indeed.” He bowed slightly.

  She smiled, playing the royal part she was used to playing. “We were travelling to the main palace when the rain nearly washed us off the tracks. It was terrifying.”

  He nodded. “Same here, only we were travelling by auto from the main palace to the southern province. Please, meet Duke and Duchess Mayne and Lady Britta Mayne, their granddaughter.”

  Roanna turned to them and smiled brightly. “I met the duke and duchess briefly at the palace. How lovely to see you again, though I’m sorry your trip has been postponed.”

  “Postponed?” Lady Gretchen chuckled. “This is like a party for me. I haven’t had guests in months.”

  Duchess Mayne took the older woman’s hand. “That’s terrible. Shame on us for not visiting you more often. You’re right. We should make it a party.”

  As they jabbered about entertainment for the evening, Roanna chanced a look at Ben. She caught his eye and gave him a small smile. He nodded, almost imperceptibly, and she turned away in relief. He understood her need to speak with him.

  “Lady Gretchen, I thought I might read while we wait for supper. Do you have a library?” Roanna asked.

  Lady Gretchen looked up from Duchess Mayne. “Certainly. I wouldn’t survive here without a few books. Two doors to the left.”

  Roanna smiled. “Thank you. I’ll be there reading.”

  “Why don’t I come with you?” Britta was a pretty girl, with big, blond curls adorning her head. She smiled sweetly, and Roanna worked to keep her disappointment off her face.

  “That would be lovely.” They left Ben with Duke and Duchess Mayne and Lady Gretchen.

  33

  “You’re the princess of Chester’s Wake?” Britta asked.

  “That’s right. And do you live with your grandparents?”

  “I do. My parents took an exploration across the ocean when I was seven, but they never came home.”

  Roanna frowned as they reached the library. “I’m so sorry.”

  But Britta shook her head. “Grandfather and Grandmother are wonderful, but I thank you all the same.”

  Roanna had no interest in any books in this library, but she browsed the few shelves anyway. “I heard there was a ball. Did you attend?”

  Britta blushed. “I did. I was rather surprised Prince Benjamin took any notice of me at all. There were so many girls!”

  “It’s no surprise, Miss Mayne. You’re quite fetching.”

  Britta smiled gratefully. “That’s very kind of you, but he danced more than once with Lady Merry Stern, and I spotted them talking multiple times throughout the night. I rather thought he fancied her.”

  The news stung. Merry Stern? The very woman Roanna had hoped to befriend. “But he chose to spend time with you, too, obviously.”

  Britta nodded. “You’re right, and I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I’m very excited.”

  Roanna smiled and went back to the bookshelves. To speak of romance when it involved the man she wanted to marry was too painful.

  “You didn’t come to the ball?” Britta asked.

  “I was visiting Ambassador Dawson’s estate, as we are engaged.”

  Britta’s eyes widened. “That’s right! I forgot. How exciting!”

  Roanna managed another smile then plucked a book from the shelf just to have something to flip through. Maybe Britta would stop talking. As she settled onto a small couch, the library door opened and Ben entered.

  He smiled sheepishly. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Oh, I don’t mind at all.” Britta turned to Roanna. “Do you mind?”

  Roanna put her emotions in check and gave a smile and nod. “Of course not.” He moved to the shelves then grabbed a book and sat in a chair near her couch. Britta still looked at titles, seeming somewhat interested in what she was seeing.

  “Is that one any good?” Ben nodded to the book in her hand and winked.

  Roanna let out a small smile but didn’t look up from the pages. Of course he saw through her ruse. She hadn’t actually looked at the title, so she didn’t know what the book was.

  She flipped to the cover page for future reference.

  Britta sat on the opposite end of Roanna’s couch. “You know each other, I take it?” she asked.

  Roanna glanced at Ben then smiled at Britta. “Our parents have been friends for many years, so we’re well acquainted.”

  Britta returned the smile. “That’s nice. And will you be staying in Dawson’s Edge long?” She directed the question to Roanna.

  “Not long, no. I’ll be returning to Chester’s Wake with my family by the week’s end. What about you, Prince Benjamin? How long will you be visiting?”

  “I’ll be spending a week in the southern province of the kingdom with Lady Mayne’s family. They have lived along the coastline for decades.” He spoke casually, but instantly her heart lightened. Dr. Presnell lived along the coastline, or Ben thought he did, which meant Ben probably wasn’t interested in Britta at all.

  The girl’s words from earlier came to mind. Ben had spent a good portion of his ball with Lady Merry Stern.

  Her heart grew heavy again. “That sounds lovely. I love the water.”

  Britta nodded and smiled. “It’s so warm along the coast, we’ve never had a visitor who didn’t enjoy their trip.”

  “Then I’m sure Prince Benjamin will have a fantastic time.”

 
; “Tell us about Santa Rio.” Britta leaned toward Roanna, her face congenial and happy. “I’ve heard Prince Roland’s estate is the nicest of them all.”

  Roanna’s eyebrows stretched upward. “Santa Rio? It was very nice, as you said. Every part of it was beautiful.” At least she could say it truthfully.

  “It’s along the water as well, correct?” Britta had all but forgotten her book.

  “That’s right.” Roanna laid her book aside. She didn’t want to read it anyway, so they might as well talk instead. “There’s even a small beach. Ambassador Dawson agreed to let me plant gardens and build a prayer chapel.”

  Britta’s eyes widened. She looked between Roanna and Ben.

  “What is it?” Roanna asked.

  “Few have gardens, and no one has a prayer chapel. It seems so strange.”

  Roanna nodded. “I had heard about the lack of gardens, and I understand the belief system here. Thankfully, Ambassador Dawson is understanding of my own beliefs.”

  Britta nodded and smiled, but she still seemed confused.

  Time for a subject change. “So,” Roanna said with a smile, “what shall we do now? Do you play games, Prince Benjamin?”

  He lowered his book and gave her a look, but laughter danced in his eyes. “I don’t care for games, no. But if the ladies would like to play, I am open to the possibility.”

  “Oh yes!” Britta said. “Let’s play. I love games.”

  Heavens, she definitely wasn’t the right woman for Ben.

  Roanna looked over the shelves and found a small wooden board and a bag of black and white circles. “What is it?” she asked.

  Ben took the pieces and looked them over, but Britta saved the day. “It’s Fanorona! I haven’t played since I was a child, but I loved playing with my father before he died.”

  Ben’s look softened. “Your father died?”

  “When I was young. He died along with my mother, while they were out of the country. I was raised by my grandparents.”

  Ben set up the board on a small table. “I’m sorry to hear it.”

  Britta smiled at him. “Thank you. It was a long time ago.”

  Roanna watched them interact. Ben was kind to her—Ben was always kind—and his actions were getting the poor girl’s hopes up.

  Roanna forced herself to stop analyzing them. Ben would choose whomever he willed, with no help from her. “Since you are the expert,” she said with a smile, “you shall teach us what to do.”

  Britta sat on the floor near the short table. “I would be happy to.”

  They gathered around and listened to Britta’s explanation, and soon they began a game between Britta and Roanna—Ben insisted ladies should go first, though Roanna knew it was only because he hated games.

  The afternoon was fun. If Roanna couldn’t have Ben to herself, at least she was still able to enjoy his company. It would be short lived once Mother found out he was here.

  34

  That night, Roanna readied for supper and paced her room. She needed to tell Mother about Ben’s presence before they reached the dining room. If Mother found out Roanna had spent the afternoon with Ben and Britta Mayne, she would have Roanna’s head.

  Taking a deep breath, she pushed into the hallway and knocked on Mother’s door. Mother’s maid allowed Roanna entrance.

  “Did you rest well?” Mother sat in front of a vanity mirror. She caught Roanna’s eye in the mirror. “You look lovely, darling.”

  Roanna smiled. “I was restless, so I went downstairs instead. Mother, do you remember there are other visitors?”

  Mother stood. “Of course, I remember. What about it?”

  Roanna took a slow breath, willing herself to go on.

  Mother raised an eyebrow. “Well?”

  “It’s Ben. He’s travelling with a duke and duchess from a southern province, along with their granddaughter.”

  Mother’s eyebrows rose higher, and her mouth fell slightly ajar. “Benjamin is here?”

  Roanna nodded. “I saw him when I went downstairs. Britta Mayne is the duke’s granddaughter. She and Ben met at the ball the Dawsons threw, and he’s travelling to their home to spend more time with her.”

  That bit of news seemed to relax Mother, and she nodded. “What a strange coincidence. But I suppose all will be well.” She gave Roanna a look, as if asking, “It will be well, won’t it?”

  Roanna smiled, relieved she took the news so well. “Yes, and Lady Gretchen has called it a party. After supper, she wants us to have dancing and fellowship in the small ballroom.”

  Mother laughed. “Lady Gretchen wishes to dance? I hope I can get around so well when I’m that old.” She finished putting on her last piece of jewelry.

  Roanna took her arm, and they headed toward the dining room.

  Roanna’s heart beat faster with every step they took. Putting on a show in front of Britta Mayne had been easy, but fooling Mother would be much harder. She would have to practically ignore Ben in order to keep Mother happy, and that wouldn’t come without effort.

  Lady Gretchen’s home was much smaller than the main palace or even Roland’s estate, and soon they were seated in a small but ornate dining area. A large, oval, mahogany table sat in the center of the room, and a long buffet had been set up along one wall. A medium sized rectangular window faced the forest on one side. Rain still washed against the glass, though no thunder rolled.

  Lady Gretchen sat at the head of the table, and Ben spoke with her quietly. Britta and the duke and duchess hadn’t arrived yet.

  “Ah, here are more of our guests.” Lady Gretchen’s face beamed. “I haven’t entertained in years.”

  Mother moved forward graciously and gripped Lady Gretchen’s hand. “Thank you for having us. You’re our savior.” They spoke a moment longer, and it gave Roanna the chance to throw a look Ben’s way.

  He smiled at her, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

  Duke and Duchess Mayne, followed by Britta, entered at that moment, and Ben rose to greet them. He introduced them to Mother.

  “Now,” Lady Gretchen said. “We’re all here. Let’s begin, shall we?”

  Mother sat at Lady Gretchen’s right, and Roanna sat beside her. Duke Mayne took a chair on the other side of Lady Gretchen, and Duchess Mayne sat beside him, then Britta, then Ben. For a torturous moment, Roanna feared he would sit beside her so he could be across from Britta, but, of course, he had better sense than that.

  Lady Gretchen called a server to begin the meal, and plates were set before them. Next, a second server joined the first, and the platters from the buffet were passed around the table.

  Duke Mayne peppered Mother with questions, and Ben and Britta kept up a steady stream of small talk.

  Duchess Mayne looked at Roanna. “Britta said you mentioned your engagement to Prince Roland Dawson. You must be very excited.”

  Roanna smiled. “Prince Roland is very gracious. We’ve just spent the last few days at his estate.”

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Duchess Mayne piled her plate with vegetables. “I haven’t been there recently, but I remember the ocean view.”

  “I admit, it was breathtaking.”

  “So,” Duchess Mayne asked as they began eating. “When will the wedding be held?”

  A much less attractive subject to consider. “Just under four weeks, at the main palace here in Dawson’s Edge. I do hope you will come.”

  “We would love to come.” Duchess Mayne smiled.

  Inviting guests was a factor Roanna hadn’t considered before. Would Mother and Queen Katherine take care of it? Would nobles from Chester’s Wake be invited? People from Lox?

  She glanced at Ben, but then she felt a jolt from the opposite side of her body. Mother had kicked her.

  She looked away from Ben. “Mother and Queen Katherine have been planning without end. It’s sure to be lovely.”

  “Have you chosen a bridal gown?”

  Curse Duchess Mayne and her questions. Bridal gowns were typical
ly silky contraptions sewn in some shade of white, red, and black. Roanna hadn’t thought of it once. “Not yet.” She forced a smile. “But I’m sure we will commission one as soon as we return to Chester’s Wake.”

  “It will be lovely,” Duchess Mayne said. “And the wedding is sure to be better than his first one.”

  “Duchess!” Duke Mayne’s face turned a putrid shade of purple, but Lady Gretchen laughed.

  “That brother of mine never was good for much more than causing a splash. He was only a wee thing at my wedding, but even then, he spent the day tugging on the other girls’ piggy tails.”

  Chills broke out across Roanna’s skin, and she glanced between Mother’s nervous face, Lady Gretchen’s look of amusement, and the duchess’s calm satisfaction.

  Duchess Mayne had known Roanna knew nothing of Roland’s first marriage?

  And by the look on Mother’s face, she had known.

  Roanna forced a smile but didn’t reply. Humiliation didn’t begin to describe her feelings. How could something like this be kept from her? Her face burned, and she looked down at her plate. She couldn’t bring herself to join another conversation for the rest of the meal.

  35

  Once the meal ended, the guests made their way to Lady Gretchen’s small ballroom.

  Roanna walked beside Mother. She wanted nothing more than to pull Mother aside and demand answers, but she knew better. They would discuss it later, when they were alone.

  Still, Roanna’s heart hurt. Mother and Father had kept this from her? It seemed obvious they must have known. Perhaps they’d even been invited to his first wedding. Why had they not mentioned it to her?

  But worse than that was the thought of Roland being married previously. What had happened to his wife? Lady Gretchen obviously found the entire situation amusing. But how humiliating to be the man’s betrothed and still know nothing about him. She felt like a fool. What had the people at their engagement party thought of her? Did they assume she knew? Or that she didn’t care? Did they think he was all she could get, a used up fourth prince?