The Rejected Princess

by Clark, Katie;

  “Lady Roanna?” Duke Mayne’s voice broke through her fog. “Would you care to dance?”

  Lady Gretchen had started something she called a record, and it played soft music throughout the room. Ben was already dancing with Britta.

  Roanna managed a smile and took his hand. “I would be honored.”

  Mother sat with Duchess Mayne and Lady Gretchen near the record player, and Roanna allowed the duke to sweep her out onto the dance floor.

  “I am happy our kingdoms will have peace at last,” Duke Mayne said. “It has never happened in the whole of the Dawsonian existence.”

  Roanna smiled, but his words brought to mind Roland’s threatening of Bette. What kind of peace was that? She needed to tell Ben, ask his opinion on it. Were the Dawsons planning some type of attack? A takeover? An empire?

  “Peace is so hard to come by,” Duke Mayne said as the song ended. “Many times in the past, man has spoken for peace but had war in his heart.”

  Roanna frowned and Duke Mayne bowed slightly. “Thank you for the dance, Your Highness.”

  He left the small dance floor, and Roanna stared after him. His words left a gaping hole in her reasoning for marrying Roland Dawson. She was marrying him to bring peace to her kingdom. To keep the people safe. To keep Bette’s brother safe.

  But if Roland and King Dawson were planning something different, something sinister, her marriage to him would be for naught. She could not keep to herself what she had overheard any longer. She had to tell Father.

  “Roanna, are you well?” Mother took Roanna’s hand. “You’re standing in a trance.”

  Roanna looked around. Ben was readying to dance with Lady Gretchen, and the duke had taken his wife’s hand.

  “I’m sorry, Mother. I was dizzy.” She hurried to the cushioned seats Mother had been sitting at a moment before.

  “You looked upset,” Mother pressed.

  Roanna threw her a scowl but quickly wiped the telling look away before anyone else could catch it. “Upset it an understatement, Mother.”

  “We were going to tell you,” Mother whispered.

  “After the wedding?” Roanna found it hard to keep the venom from her voice.

  Mother sighed. “It wasn’t a wise plan, I know. But we were afraid you would refuse to marry him if you knew.”

  Roanna shook her head. “It is worse that Roland didn’t tell me himself. How can you wish me to marry someone who respects me so little?”

  Pain flashed behind Mother’s eyes. “You are right, and I admit I don’t relish the thought. But tell me you know the peace is necessary. You’ve heard your father’s reports. There are more deaths each week.”

  Roanna’s nostrils flared, and she looked again to the duke. Based on his cryptic remark the deaths might not stop with a simple marriage fulfillment. “I know the peace is necessary.”

  “Good.” Mother sighed again. “Because Ben will ask you to dance next. It would only be polite. You must prepare yourself.”

  Roanna pressed her eyes closed. Of course he would ask her to dance. She had been so caught up in the news of Roland’s previous marriage that she hadn’t thought much of dancing. “Will you tell me more later? Please, Mother?”

  “Yes, I will tell you what I know. What little that is.”

  The song ended, and the dancers took a break to refresh themselves.

  Mother moved away to get a drink, and Roanna was left alone for a moment.

  In no time at all, Ben stood in front of her.

  “Dance with me?” he asked, his voice gentle.

  She didn’t look at him. Couldn’t. He must pity her now. Poor little Roanna.

  She took his hand, and he led her onto the floor as a servant started the next song. He put his arms around her, and they began to dance. She fought the chills racing through her, but these had nothing to do with her hair and everything to do with his nearness.

  “You must meet me in the library later.” The words were so low she barely heard them.

  She looked at him at last. “You think this wise?”

  “I don’t care what’s wise. You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

  She swallowed hard and looked away again. He knew her so well. “When everyone has gone to bed?”

  “Yes.”

  They didn’t speak more, but she relished every moment of being in his arms. Here she felt safe. Loved. Protected. All of the things she didn’t feel with Roland.

  36

  Roanna allowed Bette to help her into her bed clothes, but as soon as she left, Roanna changed into a more casual day dress. Mother had left her with a promise to discuss the full Roland situation when they reached the safety and comfort of home. Roanna wanted to know more immediately, but she wanted Mother to go to bed so she could meet Ben in the library.

  The clock passed midnight. Roanna peeked into the hallway. It was empty, and the house was quiet. She crept into the dim hallway and to the stairs. Nothing moved from the floor below, so she tiptoed down. Keeping her eyes peeled, she made her way to the library. A dim light shown under the closed door, and Roanna slipped inside.

  Ben stood at the window, holding a book casually as if he’d simply been unable to sleep. But once she closed the door behind her, he tossed the book onto the couch and rushed to her. His arms closed around her, and Roanna breathed in the comforting scent of safety. She laid her head on his chest and imagined what it would feel like to be engaged to Ben. To be planning a wedding to him. She could almost imagine her dress.

  “Did you know about Roland?” she finally croaked out.

  “No. That’s definitely something I would have told you.” He pulled away and shook his head. “I can’t believe he kept that from you.”

  Irritation pulsed behind her eyes. She reached up and rubbed her forehead. “This is insanity.” She sat on the couch, and Ben sat beside her. He still wore his evening wear, but his dark blond hair was messy, as if he’d rubbed his hand through it.

  “How was Santa Rio?”

  “It was beautiful, really.” She shook her head, remembering the beauty of the ocean and Roland’s promise to build her a chapel. “But something happened just before we left. Bette came to me, clearly red-eyed. She claimed Roland cornered her for information on my family. He threatened her family if she told.”

  His eyes narrowed. “What could be his purpose in that?”

  “I don’t know, but then tonight Duke Mayne said the strangest thing. He mentioned the coming peace between Chester’s Wake and Dawson’s Edge, but then he said sometimes men speak of peace but have war in their hearts.” She bit her lip before going on. “Do you think King Dawson plans to attack Chester’s Wake?”

  Ben sighed and leaned back against the couch. A frown turned his lips down. Lovely lips. Soft lips.

  Roanna quickly looked away before her thoughts took over her actions.

  “At the ball, I danced with Merry Stern.”

  That she’d heard was on the tip of Roanna’s tongue, but she kept it to herself. Ben was here with her now.

  “This pleased King Dawson, and he pushed me to spend more time with her. However, when I told him of my plans to travel and visit with the Maynes, he was clearly unhappy.”

  “Why travel with them, though?” The words spilled out before she could stop them. What if he told her he was interested in Britta?

  “It’s my best chance at finding Dr. Presnell. But maybe the Maynes are causing disruption within the kingdom. This could be why King Dawson didn’t like the idea.”

  Roanna considered his words then nodded. “It could explain his thoughts on a rebellion.”

  Ben cast a sideways glance her way. “Has that happened anymore?”

  Hearing thoughts?

  She swallowed the uneasy feelings swirling through her. “Yes. I heard Roland several times during the last few days.” Chill bumps raced up her arms, and she rubbed them away. “What are the chances I’m simply insane?”

  Insanity sounded better than having an anomaly.
Of being Rejected.

  He reached for her and pulled her against his chest. His hands rubbed her arms, warding off her chills. “I don’t believe you’re insane. I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re not insane.”

  They sat quietly for a moment, but her fate weighed heavily on her. “What do you suppose happened with Roland’s first wife? Could she have died?”

  “Based on Lady Gretchen’s reaction, something so serious is unlikely. Duchess Mayne mentioned your wedding going better than the last, not the marriage. Maybe she didn’t show up.”

  That was somewhat comforting.

  They sat in silence, Roanna in Ben’s arms. Roanna had experienced Roland’s unromantic kiss, but what would it feel like to kiss Ben? All she would need to do was raise her face to his; they were already so close.

  “We shouldn’t meet like this anymore.” Ben broke into her thoughts. “It’s too dangerous. If we happen to find ourselves in the same place at the same time again, we should limit ourselves to written correspondence.”

  Disappointment wormed its way through her, but she pushed it away. Kissing him wouldn’t be the right thing to do, at least not right now. “You’re the one who summoned me,” she reminded him. She pulled from his embrace.

  He sighed. It sounded more like a growl. “I shouldn’t have asked you here. Stop looking at me.”

  She let out a small laugh. “Why on earth should I do that?”

  “Because I’m going to do something we’d both regret later if you don’t.” He stood and paced away.

  Roanna watched him, her heart melting inside her. He wanted so badly to be honorable. She would help him, as long as she could manage it. “What happens if we uncover something unpleasant regarding the Dawson family intentions?”

  His gaze flew to hers, and surprisingly he seemed happy. “Then both of our agreements with their kingdom will be broken.”

  Realization trickled in slowly. If they discredited the Dawsonian’s desire for peace, she and Ben would be free from their marriage contracts. Hope swelled in her chest, and her breaths came in short bursts. She dare not voice what it could mean.

  “I should go back to my room now.” She stood and moved to the door.

  “Thank you for telling me about Bette and what Duke Mayne said. These are clues to the mystery. At some point, I hope we’re able to put all the pieces together.”

  “Via our written correspondence?”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “Go away.”

  “Good night, Ben.”

  He met her gaze one last time then whispered, “Good night, Roanna.”

  37

  Ben

  Ben forced himself to stay by the window as Roanna left the room. Every muscle in his body wanted to follow her. Stop her. Kiss her.

  He closed his eyes and took slow breaths. If the Dawsons were planning an attack—if they planned to break the peace treaty—he might be able to stop Roanna’s marriage to Roland. First, though, he had to prove it. What proof did he have but Roanna’s crazy intuitions and the words of an ornery old duke?

  Dr. Presnell would have more answers. Ben needed to find the doctor and press him for information.

  His only regret with his entire mission was leading Lady Britta Mayne on. She thought he was coming south because he was interested in her. She was nice. Lovely, even. But he’d just as soon marry no one.

  Once enough time had passed, and he wasn’t likely to be seen with Roanna in the hallway, he moved to return to his room. He had reached the library door when a sneeze erupted from inside the room.

  Ben froze. Slowly, he returned to the main part of the library. It was a small room, fitting for the small manor. There were a few couches, but no one crouched behind them. Then he saw a closet. If someone had heard his and Roanna’s conversation, the peace treaty could be doomed already. He crept toward the door, his muscles tensed to attack.

  In one swift motion, he jerked the door open.

  Lady Britta gasped and shrank back. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spy. I only—”

  “You what?” he demanded.

  Yelling at her wasn’t likely to endear her to his side. He had to get her to keep his secrets.

  Ben stepped away to keep from cornering the poor girl in the closet. He took a deep breath and started again. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to yell. It’s just that you startled me. What are you doing in the closet?”

  She wrung her hands and stepped out. She looked toward the library door as if she would bolt at any moment. “I meant to retrieve the book I’d found earlier this afternoon. When I heard you coming in, it startled me. I hid. I don’t know why.” She looked down as her ears turned bright red.

  “And you stayed there this whole time?”

  She nodded, still looking down.

  “And you heard everything I spoke of with Princess Roanna?”

  She finally looked up. “You love her.”

  So much for his ruse. “I’m sorry, Lady Britta. I didn’t mean to use you.”

  Her throat moved as she gulped. “It’s all right. I wondered why you were even coming with us. I don’t seem like your type.” The red in her ears moved to her cheeks.

  Guilt moved through him, and he ground his teeth. “I’m sorry.”

  She shook her head. “It’s all right. I’ve never heard someone so in love before. It was quite romantic.”

  “Lady Britta, as you can imagine, the things you heard are very sensitive matters.”

  Now she looked up at him, her chin held proudly. “I heard what you said about my family, and what Grandfather said to Princess Roanna.”

  “We meant no disrespect, Lady Britta. Strange things have been happening, and we’re merely working to figure them out.”

  “You were absolutely correct.”

  The words hung in the air, and Ben finally frowned. “What?”

  “King Dawson dislikes my family. He dislikes everyone in the southern province.”

  Was she giving him some sort of intelligence? “I don’t understand why you’re telling me this,” he admitted.

  “Because,” she stepped closer and glanced again at the door, “King Dawson has threatened Grandfather. I overheard my grandparents talking before we came for the ball, and they mentioned they were surprised I had even received an invitation.”

  As the future King of Lox, Ben was sure the King of Dawson’s Edge would not like him knowing this information. Yet, it was exactly the kind of information he needed. “Why would the king threaten them?”

  “There are families in the southern province who don’t believe in the Dawson family’s use of—” She stopped, as if considering her words. Finally, she went on, “Their use of magic. Grandfather once called it a purging. I believe your country uses the word Termination.”

  Ben frowned. The Dawson family’s use of magic? Termination of…the royal family? The girl wasn’t making any sense.

  “So, you’re telling me this to help me what? Bring down the royals?” His stomach tightened. Speaking such words in the library of a royal family member wasn’t the smartest thing to do.

  Lady Britta shook her head. “My family doesn’t necessarily want to bring them down, but King Dawson threatened to take away my family’s holdings if Grandfather didn’t cooperate. I don’t know what sort of strange things are going on, but if helping your cause will help my cause, I’m willing to work together.”

  “I can’t guarantee that I will be helping your cause at all.” In fact, he was fairly certain he couldn’t help her in any way. If the Maynes wanted to change the nation’s Termination practices, who was he to assist or stop them?

  Lady Britta’s face scrunched up. She shifted from foot to foot. “Perhaps I spoke too quickly, but above all, it sounded as if you and Princess Roanna are worried that your peace treaties will not be honored. I warn you that it’s highly possible you are correct.”

  Her words sank in, and Ben gave a sharp nod. “I won’t speak of the information you gave me. You have
my word. And I thank you to do the same for me.”

  She nodded quickly. After a moment, she stepped away from him and toward the door to the hallway. Ben didn’t stop her. He didn’t need to pretend he had a reason to want her to stay.

  As she reached the hallway, he called out. “Lady Britta.”

  She turned.

  “Thank you for helping me. I do appreciate it.”

  She nodded solemnly and hurried away.

  38

  Ben finished dressing for the morning as Hansen packed his bags. The rain had stopped sometime in the night, and he and the Maynes would continue their drive south.

  He strode toward the dining room where he would thank Lady Gretchen for her hospitality, say good-bye to Roanna, and meet the Maynes for the drive. Saying good-bye to Roanna was harder every time he had to do it, but seeing her unexpectedly was worth it.

  Inside the dining room, Duke and Duchess Mayne sat on Lady Gretchen’s right, and Lady Britta sat on her left. No Roanna, no Queen Charlotte.

  “Good morning.” He smiled, keeping his disappointment at bay.

  “Good morning, young man.” Lady Gretchen had already started eating, but she placed her fork down while he took a seat. “I wish I could talk you into staying a bit longer. It’s been ages since I’ve had so much fun.”

  Ben smiled at the old woman. “I hope we are able to visit again someday.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Do you jest?”

  He held up his right hand. “I swear it.”

  Her face relaxed into a smile. “I will hope for it as well.”

  Ben dug into his food and forced himself to keep from looking at the door every few seconds. Roanna and Queen Charlotte never showed up, and disappointment spread over him as he realized they must have left early. It shouldn’t matter to him, but it did. It always would.

  They finished eating, and he bid farewell to Lady Gretchen.

  She gripped his arm. “I hope to see you again soon, young man.”

  “I will look forward to it,” Ben smiled. He leaned down, kissed her cheek, and then climbed into the Maynes’ black day limo. Duke Mayne sat beside him, and Duchess Mayne and Lady Britta sat opposite him. They had a few hours of driving to reach the southern province. Making polite conversation for long hours didn’t appeal to him, but he could use the time to dig for information on Dr. Presnell. He should have asked Lady Britta the night before, but he had been more focused on making sure she kept what she’d heard quiet.