Transcender Trilogy Complete Box Set

by Vicky Savage

  Mother allows me to cry myself out, smoothing my hair all the while. Raising my head, I manage a small smile. “I love you so much, Mother.”

  “And I you, Daughter. Now you’d better go and ready yourself for the afternoon.” She kisses my forehead. Turning, I notice Charles LeGare standing unobtrusively just inside the door, waiting for her. His strong presence has been such an unexpected gift.

  Pressed for time, I wash my face and quickly change clothes before Ryder arrives to escort me to Unicoi Village. Mother surprises me by coming downstairs to see us off.

  “How are you today, Chief Blackthorn?” she says, gliding elegantly into the foyer.

  He bows and kisses her hand. “I’m well, Your Majesty, thank you.”

  She gently touches his cheek. “I know you have my daughter’s best interests at heart, Ryder. Do not let the elders of your tribe take advantage of her youth. You must protect her even at the expense of your own people.”

  My face flushes red. I know Mother means well, but this is too much.

  Ryder takes my hand in his, glancing at my rose-colored cheeks. “I swear to you that I shall protect her against anyone and anything that poses a threat,” he says firmly. “But I have complete confidence that Jaden is wise and skillful enough to effortlessly meet any challenge my tribal elders may place before her.”

  Mother smiles warmly. “Well put, my son. I bid you two have a pleasant afternoon. I look forward to hearing your report at dinner this evening.”

  She waves as Ryder and I skip down the palace steps to our waiting horses. Ralston and two Royal Guardsmen are mounted and ready to accompany us. I hope Patrick will be recovered soon. I miss having him around.

  THIRTY-FIVE

  As we approach Unicoi Village, the scene before me is like entering another world. Streets teem with busy, cheerful, and diverse people dressed colorfully and nontraditionally. Large, blue, open-air conveyances provide public transportation for the locals. Ryder tells me Uncle Harold has prohibited these motorized vehicles from operating outside of the village, even though they run on clean energy and don’t pollute the air. Harold believes they’ll scare the horse traffic. I think he’s being short-sighted, since Domericans have very little public transportation and would benefit greatly from a bus system.

  The multi-storied buildings along the main street are new and almost modern looking. The Unicoi are masters at space utilization—a population of nearly a half million people was tucked neatly inside a mountain before relocating to Domerica.

  At the end of Main Street, the new Sequoya Hall, the official tribal building, is being constructed. The design is a circle shape, reflecting the circle of life and the Unicoi belief in the unity of all. I’m happy to see that the giant Sequoya tree trunks which served as columns for the building in Old Unicoi have been salvaged and will be used in construction of the new building.

  Sequoya Hall is where the Chief and his family would normally reside. Of course, I’m expecting Ryder to live at Warrington Palace with me, but it occurs to me we haven’t really discussed this issue. He may feel obligated to spend a few nights a week in Unicoi Village. Selfishly, I don’t want to share him. So many things must still be worked out between us, not the least of which is the fact that Ryder’s sister hates me. She’s been convinced from the beginning that I’m only out to break her brother’s heart.

  As if reading my thoughts, Ryder says, “Catherine has invited us to tea after our meeting today. I hope you will consent to go. I assure you she will not be unpleasant. She wishes to make amends before we are wed.”

  Attempting to conceal the feelings of dread swirling inside me, I smile. “Ryder, are you sure? I mean maybe it’s best if Catherine and I don’t speak until after the wedding. Then she’ll have to accept our marriage, and she’ll know I’m totally committed to you.”

  “Please come for my sake,” he says. “If you feel uncomfortable at any time, we will leave. Besides, Meli wishes to see you again, and you have not yet met little Alexander.”

  “All right,” I relent. “Ralston’s invited too, isn’t he?” Catherine pretty much can’t stand Ralston either, because he helped me escape back when Ryder attempted to kidnap me.

  “Yes, of course. All is forgiven. We’re going to be family. Family means very much to Catherine, and to me. She’s all I have left … until we have a family of our own.” He smiles and my heart flip-flops. Not ready to think about raising little rug-rats quite yet.

  We pass by the growing houses where vast amounts of fruits and vegetables are produced through the use of hydroponics and high-intensity lighting. It will be fantastic when the technological and agricultural advances of the Unicoi begin to be incorporated into Domerican society. There’s so much hope and positive potential in this new alliance.

  My high spirits are tempered, though, when we reach the river, and I see the number of families still living in tents, carrying their water from the river, and cooking on portable stoves. It seems such a difficult way to live. Ryder tells me that if the lumber and workers intended for the construction of the wall around Unicoi are dedicated entirely to the construction of homes instead, housing could be substantially completed within six months. Clearly this has to be one of my top priorities.

  That’s exactly what I tell the Council of Elders when we meet inside one of the upper school offices. Schools were among the first buildings to be constructed in the new village. Education is a high priority for the Unicoi. The Elders must have been expecting a fight, because there’s a collective sigh of relief at my announcement that any plans for a wall will be tabled until all housing is complete. We discuss a few additional items of concern to the Unicoi. I promise to consider each request carefully, but housing is the major issue, and the Elders appear ready to compromise on everything else.

  I’m surprised and a little humbled when the meeting ends and many of them come forward to shake my hand and thank me for my role in moving the Unicoi to Domerica.

  Ryder seems stoked after the meeting, encouraged by the Elders’ positive reactions. He talks animatedly about the future plans for Unicoi Village as we ride the short distance to his house for afternoon tea. I find myself caught up in his enthusiasm.

  Meli comes out onto the porch to greet us, a chubby baby cradled in her arms. She smiles warmly, her dark eyes alight, and makes a small curtsey. “Princess Jaden, it is good to see you again.”

  “Thanks, Meli. It’s good to see you. And who is this?” I ask stroking the baby’s fuzzy head. He has his father’s pale blue eyes and platinum hair.

  “This is my son, Alexander,” she says proudly.

  Meli is unaware that her husband, who is half-Cleadian, possesses the Cleadian ability to read a person’s essence with the touch of a hand. I discovered it accidentally last year when he inadvertently uncovered my true identity. He’s kept my secret, and I’ve kept his. I can’t help but wonder, though, if the son will grow up with this special talent also. That could be interesting.

  Ryder says, “Meli, do you remember Professor Ralston?”

  “Yes, of course.” She nods to Ralston. “Please come inside. Catherine has arranged a wonderful tea for you.”

  The house is fragrant with the sweet aroma of fresh-baked scones. Catherine enters the room from a side door. Her copper-gold skin glows with perfection. Sheets of shiny, jet-black hair fall gracefully around her shoulders. Her gown is black also, possibly because she’s still in mourning for her father. It occurs to me that I don’t know the mourning customs of this earth. A sapphire brooch, the same shade as her stormy blue eyes, provides the only color in her attire. She walks directly to me and curtseys.

  “Princess Jaden, thank you for coming. I owe you an apology for my previous behavior. My brother is more joyful now than I have ever known him to be.” She glances fondly at Ryder. “The credit for his happiness belongs to you. I rejoice at your upcoming wedding, and I hope that we may truly be sisters someday.” Her words are kind, but her tone is as thin and chill
y as her extended hand.

  “I hope so, too,” I say. “Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father.”

  She nods once and turns to Ralston, offering her hand to him. “Thank you for joining us, Professor,” she says. Her voice retains its frosty edge, causing me to wonder whether Ryder forced her into this little tea party, or if she figured out on her own that she may lose his affection entirely if she alienates his future wife. Either way, a growing sense of unease seeps slowly into my consciousness. Something’s a little off here. Maybe this was a mistake.

  “Let us sit,” Catherine says. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. Tea will be served shortly. I long to hear the details of your wedding plans, Princess. Ryder has kept me mostly in the dark. Please tell me everything.”

  We pass an hour pleasantly enough discussing wedding plans and watching baby Alexander gurgle and coo and play with his rattle. Meli clearly relishes her role as a new mother, and displays endless affection for her baby. I’ve worried about her, raising a child alone, her husband hiding out from the law. She seems contented enough with her current situation, though.

  Ryder excuses himself to change for dinner at the palace, and Meli takes the baby to his nursery for a nap. Catherine, Ralston, and I are left alone in the sitting room. Ralston and I exchange a furtive glance. Then I stare at the floor, my mind grasping for a neutral topic of conversation to fill the awkward silence.

  “I hear your brother was recently married,” Catherine says. “Please convey my congratulations to him.”

  “Yes, I will. Thank you.” There was a spark of attraction between Catherine and Drew when they met last year. I doubt they’ve been in touch since then.

  “Was his bride royalty, then?”

  “Uh, no. She and her family had recently relocated from Dome Noir.”

  “Oh, I imagine your mother is upset that he married a commoner?”

  “Of course not. She loves Adelais.”

  Catherine quirks an eyebrow doubtfully, and we lapse into uncomfortable silence again.

  “Is that the ring my brother gave you?” she says after a moment, gesturing toward my hand.

  Smiling, I admire the ring for the zillionth time. “Yes.”

  “May I see it?” She asks, rising from her chair.

  “Sure.” I stand also, and Ralston pops up in accordance with the rules of royal etiquette. I hold out my hand, and Catherine takes it in her own examining the ring closely.

  “Just lovely.” She raises her eyes to mine. “My brother cares for you a great deal,” she says, a trace of venom in her voice.

  “I know.” I withdraw my hand from hers.

  Her eyes narrow into slits. “I wonder if you truly do know.” Her voice is low and hostile now. “He nearly died from grief when you disappeared. He was only a shadow of himself until Erica Hornsby saved him.”

  It’s as if she thrust a dagger in my heart. “You’re really bringing up Erica to me?”

  “She was his redeemer, and you tortured him because of it. What additional spitefulness awaits him after you are married?” she sneers.

  Ryder enters the room and glimpses Catherine’s poisonous expression. “What is it?” he asks, alarmed. “Is something amiss?”

  She fakes a smile and a light air before answering him. “I was just admiring Princess Jaden’s engagement ring. It’s magnificent. A wonderful tribute to your beloved.”

  “Jade, are you all right?” he asks, not fooled by her act.

  “It’s time to leave,” I say, bolting for the door. My throat is tight from swallowing down my fury and pain.

  Ryder catches up to me. “What is it, love?” He takes my face in his hands. “Did she say something to upset you?”

  “No.” I sniff back my tears. “She still hasn’t forgiven me for hurting you. I understand. She loves you.”

  He gazes at the house, calculating whether to go back inside and deal with Catherine.

  “Let’s just go,” I say. “Don’t make more of it than it is. Just please do not ask me to go there again.”

  “Never again, I promise,” he says. “I can forbid her from attending the wedding, if you wish.”

  “No! Ryder, she’s family. I’ll be fine.”

  Catherine’s name is not mentioned again all the way home. Ryder speaks of Meli and the baby and the joy they’ve brought to the household. I tell him I think it’s rotten that they’re forced to be separated from Alexander. Ryder surprises me by confessing that he’s seen Alexander recently. He says Alexander and a group of others are living back in Old Unicoi.

  “Isn’t it dangerous with the decaying uranium and the radon gas?” I ask. “How do they get by?”

  He explains they’ve isolated a relatively safe area to live in, and the radon levels are monitored constantly. They grow their own food and they make and sell things on the black market.

  “Maybe Damien’s killer will be found, and Alexander will be able to move back to Unicoi Village,” I say.

  Ryder shakes his head slowly. “The fact is, Jade, we know who killed Damien. It was Makoda’s younger brother, Eli. He wanted revenge for the murder of his brother. Alexander will not allow Eli to be turned over to the authorities because then the family will have lost two sons.”

  “He’s the kid from the bar?” I ask. “Ellijay?” Ryder nods. “Oh man, what a mess.”

  * * *

  Dinner at the palace is overcrowded with royal groupies tonight, mostly sucking up to Uncle Harold. Mother is in great spirits because she has received word from King Philippe that his son, Crown Prince Gilbert, will attend my wedding. She sees this as a positive indication that trade talks will soon reopen. As expected, the meal runs too long, but Ryder’s company is a welcome diversion. I let him know I may be traveling to the Enclave in a few days, and ask if he’ll join me. In keeping with Ralston’s advice, I don’t share the specifics with him, just that I have some legal things to discuss with Father’s lawyer. He eagerly agrees to come along.

  The remainder of the evening, we hold hands under the table, while I silently devise ways to sneak him up to my room later for some alone time. My hopes are dashed though, when Mother announces during the dessert course that she’s too exhausted to finish her pommera pie. She asks me to accompany her to her room.

  “Kiss your fiancé goodnight,” she says. “Ryder, will we see you tomorrow?”

  He looks questioningly at me. “I have some meetings in Warrington Village tomorrow,” I say. “But I hope you will come again for dinner.”

  “I shall,” he says kissing my cheek. “Sleep well, love.” The corners of his mouth turn up enticingly. “Until tomorrow.”

  My heart follows him out the door and into the night.

  THIRTY-SIX

  Morning breaks softly in Domerica. No spectacular sunrises, just pale hues of mauve and silver leaking through the cracks of my curtains, swabbing my room in cotton-candy wisps of light. My stomach turns jittery as I lie in bed contemplating the unpredictable day ahead. Throwing off my covers, and stumbling to my desk, I shuffle through some sketches I made last night. After Mother had her medication and was comfortably asleep, I came to my room and worked on designs for Ryder’s wedding ring.

  He’s not the type to wear a stone, so I stuck to a more traditional band design. My favorite sketch is of a wide gold band with interlocking circles carved around the circumference, symbolism for eternal love and the Unicoi belief that all of creation is connected. This is the ring I want Ryder to wear. I hope Lorelei will be able to craft it on such short notice.

  More importantly, I need to speak with her about becoming my heir apparent. There’s no way to predict what her reaction will be. She may love the idea or hate it. At least I hope she’ll give it serious consideration. If she says yes, I’ll contact Father and ask him to have his lawyer, Henry Balfour, draw up the necessary papers, ASAP.

  What really has me tied in knots, though, is the idea of traveling to mysterious Arumel and meeting other Transcenders. Ashe
r and Eve are great, and there’s no reason to think the others aren’t as well, but I’m irrationally nervous and on edge. What if they try to pressure me, or talk me out of my decision to stay in Domerica? I don’t want things to be uncomfortable.

  Maria has the morning off, so I pick a pretty but simple navy blue, ankle-length gown from the closet. It fits me well and makes me look thinner than I am. Ryder’s necklace and a slim silver headband complete the look. My hair is actually behaving today, which is always a boost to my confidence.

  I snap on my TPD bracelet, as I’ve done every day since Asher scolded me for not wearing it, and strap on my red saya low around my hips. It’s unlikely I’ll need a sword in Arumel, but I feel safer with it at my side in Domerica. Gathering my sketches from the desk, I head down to the courtyard to meet Ralston.