Transcender Trilogy Complete Box Set

by Vicky Savage

  “Things the princess collected for her marriage. Just towels and spoons, hankies ... things like that.”

  “Weird. Like she couldn’t afford to buy new stuff.”

  “It’s just an old tradition.”

  “Is that why you’re getting married so young? Because of tradition?”

  “Yes and the law. You have to get married by age twenty or be surgically sterilized and go to work for the government.”

  “Holy scheisse. That’s really twisted. I hope lover boy’s worth it. The sex must be seriously hot for you to want to stay here.”

  I pass her a cup of steaming tea, and we take our seats in front of the fireplace again. “Ryder and I haven’t actually slept together yet,” I confess.

  “Are you insane? You’re going to marry a man you haven’t even slept with? How will you know if you’re even compatible? I mean that’s kind of important for a long-term relationship.”

  Laughing, I tell her, “Where I come from there are people who actually save themselves for marriage. Not so much anymore. But the real religious people think it’s still the way to go.” I sip the fragrant tea. “That’s not what I’m doing. We just never seem to be alone long enough. No worries about being compatible with Ryder, though.” I half-smile. “We’re okay in that department.”

  She stares at me with her huge blue eyes and slowly shakes her head. “You can’t run away from it, you know.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, somehow knowing we’re not still talking about sex.

  “You can’t run away from being a Transcender. It’s who you are. You may think you can ignore it. You may even be able to repress it for a few years, but it’s as much a part of you as your heart and soul. One morning you’ll wake up in all this royal grundeledge and realize that a dying little dome world isn’t enough, and the gorgeous dude with the luscious body lying next to you isn’t enough either. You are so much more than this, Jaden.”

  Okay, I’m really not in the mood to be taking life advice from a delinquent leprechaun. Setting my cup on the table, I drill her with my eyes. “Eve, you don’t know a thing about me or my life. I’ll make the decisions that are right for me. No one else can judge that, especially not you.”

  “Don’t get your crown all askew, earth girl. I’m just saying you need to come to Arumel before you make up your mind.” She blows on her tea and takes a sip.

  “What in the hell are you doing here?”

  Eve and I whip our heads around to see Asher standing near my balcony doors. He strides to Eve, his face a mask of barely controlled fury.

  “I … I was helping Jaden rescue her Skorplings,” Eve says in a small voice, putting her cup on the table.

  “You’re in fifty kinds of trouble, Shorty. Not only did you abandon your assignment to visit an unauthorized destination, but you ended up brawling with the locals. You’d better get your ass back to Arumel, now. Narowyn’s waiting for you.”

  “Is she upset?” Eve asks.

  “That doesn’t begin to describe it.”

  Eve stands and looks at me. “Remember what I said, Jaden.” She smiles and waggles her fingers. “I had fun. Ta.” The air quivers where she just stood.

  “Are you all right?” Asher asks.

  “Yes, fine. What’s going to happen to Eve?”

  “Ah, she’ll probably be grounded for a while—stuck in Arumel. Depends on how bad it is. IUGA’s already raising hell with the authorities. You’d better tell me what happened tonight.”

  “I will, but we’re going to have to make it quick. Maria will be here with the Skorplings any minute, and I can’t afford to be caught with you twice.” Asher listens to my brief rundown of the evening’s events. He’s mildly freaked to hear that Eve shot someone, but he’s a little crazed when I tell him she used drugs on Patrick.

  “Relax, Ash. The doctors here will never know. I mean, they’ll be able to tell that the wound stopped bleeding on its own, but they won’t know why.”

  “Yeah, that’s not going to cut-it with IUGA.” He shakes his head, jaw muscles clenched. “Self-defense is one thing, but there are rules against using advanced drugs on a different earth unless it’s on a fellow Transcender. IUGA will want something from us. They always do.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know … a concession, reparations, something. Anyway, don’t worry about it. It won’t impact your deal with them. Narowyn will take care of it.”

  He spots my ring and lifts my left hand up to examine it. “This is new,” he says, the agitation gone from his voice. “It’s beautiful. Looks like your eyes. I hope you still plan to visit Arumel before any irrevocable decisions are made.”

  “Yes. I’m still planning on it,” I say half-heartedly. I committed to go, but I honestly don’t want to.

  “When?” he asks softly. “Time’s running short.”

  “Not tomorrow. I have a fitting for my wedding dress and a previously scheduled visit to Unicoi Village.”

  “How about the next day, Wednesday?”

  I suck in a deep breath, stalling for an excuse not to go. I got nothing. “All right, I’ll go with you on Wednesday. Ralston will cover for me, but I’ll need to be home by dinner.”

  Asher’s eyes brighten, and his lopsided smile makes me feel better about my decision.

  “Shall I pick you up here or meet you at the lake?” he asks.

  “Pick me up in Warrington Village. In that same alley.” I warm slightly with the remembrance of our shared kiss. “I need to take care of something at Bartlett’s first.”

  “Wednesday it is. Thanks, Jade.” He hugs me quickly and disappears.

  THIRTY-FOUR

  Stiff and sore from the activities of last night, I nevertheless, feel rested as I roll out of bed. Fred and Ethel, exhausted and happy to be home, have slept the entire night without waking me once. We eat a small breakfast together, and I decide to take them with me to the dress fitting. A new lock will be installed on their nursery door today, but I don’t want to leave them alone until it is.

  On our way to the gown room, we stop by Ralston’s door to check on Patrick. He’s still asleep and softly snoring in Ralston’s bed when I arrive.

  “He’s been like that all night,” Ralston says. “The doctor was surprised to find his arm remarkably healed this morning. What did your friend give him?”

  “I don’t really know,” I say. “Some advanced medication she wasn’t supposed to be using here.”

  “I take it the Transcenders sent her?”

  “She’s a Transcender, but it wasn’t a sanctioned visit. I think she’s in some hot water at home because of it, and IUGA’s already reported her to the authorities, whoever they are.”

  “That is unfortunate, but I’m certain it will all be straightened out. She seems very young.”

  “Yes, and impulsive. But I like her. I hope everything turns out all right.”

  “Did you recognize the culprits from last night?” Ralston asks.

  “No, but it was weird. They could have been Uncle Harold’s so called ‘henchmen’ or just run-of-the-mill criminals. They didn’t seem very bright or very good at what they do—pillaging, that is.”

  He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, it’s possible they were Outlanders or even some of Prince Damien’s missing renegades. They may have no connection to your uncle at all. Speaking of which, I met with my investigator friend last night and asked him to look into the troubling rumors and the shadowy individual who has been following you. He’ll provide regular reports as his work progresses.”

  “That’s great, Rals. Thanks.” Fred and Ethel fidget impatiently in my arms. “I’d better get going. Keep me posted on Patrick’s condition. Oh, and will you come with me to Warrington Village on Wednesday? I need to speak with Lady Lorelei about a couple of things, and then I’m going to slip away for the afternoon. I promised Asher I’d visit Arumel with him.”

  Ralston rubs his hands together in delight. “How wonderful. I was hoping you’d
visit the Transcenders soon. I believe it will be a most edifying trip.”

  “You’re going to have to cover for me while I’m gone.”

  “Leave it to me, my dear,” he says with a wink.

  A large parlor adjacent to the gown room has been converted into a giant fitting room for the day. The sofas and chairs have been moved to one side and a short, round pedestal has been placed in the center of the room. Two three-way mirrors are positioned on either side of the pedestal to afford a panoramic view of everything I try on.

  Mother sits in a large armchair, presiding over the event. When I arrive with Fred and Ethel, at least a dozen ladies are bustling about draping fabrics across chairs for inspection, lining up shoes for display, presenting additional sketches for Mother’s approval. Maria greets me with a flushed smile and takes the Skorplings from my arms. They love the gown room on an ordinary day. I hope they don’t get into too much mischief with all the additional glittering temptations lying around.

  I kiss Mother’s cheek and wish her good morning. She looks great today. Her face glows with a light that isn’t a result of good make-up. She hasn’t looked this happy since the day of my return.

  “Good morning, darling. We have so much to show you,” she says excitedly. “This is Jennifer Osborne.” She introduces a small brunette with a puckered brow and red spectacles perched at the end of her nose. Jennifer curtseys.

  “Jennifer is assisting me with the wedding preparations. She did a remarkable job with Drew’s wedding, but she says she has even more spectacular ideas for your ceremony. Something about two thousand white doves.” She smiles fondly at Jennifer.

  Nice to meet you,” I say, hoping the two thousand doves won’t be pooping on our guests’ heads.

  Bursting into the room, Osrielle breathlessly calls my name. She curtseys to Mother, and then throws her arms around my waist, hugging me enthusiastically.

  “Oh, Cousin, I’m so pleased Ethel and Fred are back. You’re so clever to have found them. May I play with them?”

  “Of course, Oz. Maria has them. You can take them down to the nursery or out for a walk if you like. Just don’t let them out of your sight.”

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  Hovering in the door frame, Uncle Harold bows formally. “Good morning, Your Majesty,” he says to Mother.

  “Hello, Harold. Do come in,” she says.

  He stays put. “I wondered if I might have a word with Princess Jaden before the fitting gets underway?”

  Mother turns to me for my response.

  “Sure,” I say and follow him out into the hallway. Uncle Harold closes the door behind us.

  “Congratulations on recovering your Skorplings,” he says. “The entire palace rejoices in their safe return.”

  “Thank you,” I reply coolly, still suspecting he’s responsible for the abduction. “The locks on their door are being changed. I don’t want a repeat of what happened. At least we know now that they didn’t escape on their own.”

  “That is true,” he agrees. “It is disturbing, however, to comprehend that thieves were so easily able to gain access to the palace.”

  “Yes. I wonder how they were able to do that,” I say, eyeing him closely.

  “An appalling breach of duty. The slackers have been stripped of their commissions in the Royal Guard. I’ve ordered additional security around the entire palace perimeter. I assure you it will not happen again.” He nervously fingers the watch chain draped across his brocade-vested belly. “I understand there was a violent altercation last night with the thieves.”

  “Yes. Patrick was wounded, but I believe he’ll be fine,” I say.

  “Please forgive me, Princess, but as the Lord High Steward, I must express my dismay that you placed yourself in a position of mortal danger in order to rescue two small animals. It’s not fitting for the heir to the throne to behave so capriciously. You really must be more circumspect in your actions. An entire country is relying on your wellbeing.”

  A nasty retort composes itself on my tongue, but I swallow it down. I doubt Harold stays up nights fretting about my wellbeing, but I’m grateful he hasn’t involved Mother in this conversation. “Look, Uncle Harold, in hindsight I admit I should’ve taken more men with me. But I had reason to believe the Skorplings were about to be smuggled out of the country. I felt the need to act quickly. I’ll be more cautious in the future.”

  “That is most appreciated, Princess.” He bows his head respectfully.

  I place my hand on the knob to go inside, but Harold clears his throat loudly. “There is one other thing. I’ve been informed that you received your information regarding the Skorplings’ whereabouts from a mysterious young woman. May I ask her name?”

  “I promised to keep her identity confidential,” I say. “She fears a possible reprisal.”

  “I simply wished to personally thank her, and offer her a fitting reward for bringing the information to you.”

  Yeah, right. “I gave my word I wouldn’t divulge her name.”

  “But Princess, she may have herself been involved with the criminals,” he says, trying a different tact.

  “She wasn’t. Her people are well known to me.”

  He presses his lips together so tightly they disappear into his mouth. “We’ve begun an investigation. It is important that we have all the facts. I’m afraid I must insist on a name.”

  His tone makes me bristle. “No. But thank you for keeping me informed, Uncle Harold. I have things to attend to. You’re dismissed.”

  Flinching at the sharp rebuff, he bows slightly, and toddles down the hallway.

  I watch his retreating back for a moment. He claims to be acting in my best interest, but I’m not getting any warm and fuzzy vibes from him. What is the man really capable of? A cool droplet of fear trickles down the back of my brain. Shaking it off, I open the door to the parlor.

  Several sets of arms pull me inside, and Mother’s ladies unceremoniously begin removing my clothes.

  “Let’s commence with the wedding gown,” Jennifer says.

  For three and a half hours I’m dressed and undressed, pulled, tucked, pinned, and padded. Fabric is swathed around my naked body to determine how the color looks next to my skin. Necklaces and earrings are tried on and approved, rejected, or put in the “perhaps” pile. My hair is swept up, straightened out, braided, beaded, flowered, and jeweled. I finally put my foot down when someone suggests a wig.

  At last, Mother declares we’re finished for the day. I can quit playing human Barbie doll and put my own clothes back on. “Would you like some tea, darling?” she asks.

  “Please,” I say, pulling on my boots.

  A tea service cart instantly appears in the room, complete with fresh berries, honey cakes, and old-lady sandwiches with the crusts cut off.

  “Leave us, please,” Mother says quietly, and the entire entourage of seamstresses, stylists, sycophants, and servants vacates the room in a matter of seconds.

  “Draw up a chair next to mine,” Mother says. “I’d like some time with you before your fiancé arrives. Are you happy with the way the wedding arrangements are progressing?”

  “I’m thrilled, Mother. Everything’s going to be awesome.”

  She smiles a satisfied smile. “I think so, too.”

  I pour a cup of tea for her and put two honey cakes and some blueberries on her plate.

  “What have you and Ryder planned for the afternoon?”

  “He’s taking me on a tour of Unicoi Village to view the progress of the construction there. Then we’re meeting with the Unicoi Council of Elders to discuss the most pressing issues of the transition. Ryder says there is much to talk about, but I hope the meeting doesn’t get heated.”

  She lays a gentle hand on my arm, her eyes warm and weary. “Darling, I wish to express to you my … my deepest regret at leaving you alone to assume these heavy burdens at such a tender age. This should be a carefree time for you. A time to savor the delights of your new love an
d to enjoy planning your life together. Instead, you are to be saddled with responsibilities that one much older than yourself would find challenging. I’d hoped that Harold could ease some of that burden for you, but even I can see now that it is not to be. You are both too strong-headed. Please promise me, Jaden, that you will rely upon your father, and Drew, and your new husband. Do not take everything upon your own shoulders as you have a tendency to do. You will require assistance, and I cannot be here to guide you.”

  Unbidden tears roll down my cheeks. Bereft with the knowledge I’m losing her again, my head spins at the realization of all I must face in the coming months. Falling to my knees on the floor in front of her, I lock my arms around her waist and rest my head in her lap. She strokes my hair in exactly the way my Connecticut mother used to do when I was a child, while I sob inconsolably into her skirts.