Dawning Ascent (The Pearson Prophecy Book 1)

by Jen L. Grey

  “Hey, I need to tell you something, and I’m not sure how you’re going to react.”

  What does that mean? I remain silent, needing him to continue.

  He clears his throat and looks down at the ground. “I don’t know what to do. Honestly, I never thought my father would do this to me. My sister always said things, but I thought she was joking.”

  I’m growing very impatient. “Nick, you’re stressing me out. Just say it.”

  He takes a deep breath. “My father has made an agreement with Gabe that I will marry Emerson. It will be announced at the ball with the Orlons, so they’ll know we have secured the Savior as our own.”

  I stumble backward. It feels as if he just stabbed me in the heart. The tears that had stung my eyes only moments before break free and stream down my face.

  “Oh, Ari,” He steps toward me.

  I hold my hand out. “Stop, you’re engaged to my sister.”

  Nick ignores my statement and pulls me into his arms. “Not by choice, and I’m going to find a way out of it. I want you, Ariah, not Emerson. I honestly view Emerson more like a sister. I’ve been in love with you since I was eight. You are kind, generous, and warm, despite how everyone treats you. You are beautiful, inside and out. Please, don’t lose faith in me.”

  He kisses my lips.

  It takes every ounce of my willpower to put some distance between us. “Okay, I believe you. But until we figure something out, I will not have you cheat on my sister.”

  He looks crestfallen but nods in understanding. A wall has just been erected between us, and now, it’s up to him to tear it down. I fidget and look at my hands.

  “I have to go. Goodnight, Nick.”

  I turn and walk away, leaving a piece of my heart behind.

  Chapter Fifteen

  I can’t sleep tonight. I mean, my heart is breaking into millions of pieces, and I hate how destiny has screwed me. If only I’d been the second-born girl… If only I’d been the only girl… If the Agrolon King was still over all the kingdoms... All these ‘what ifs’, but at the end of the day, nothing has changed. I’m just sitting here, trying to understand what the hell happened.

  I’m truly not jealous of my sister. I just wish that I was the ideal match for him. Despite everything, I don’t want Emerson hurt, so I will stand by last night’s vow to Nick. We will not be together until he is free to love me.

  I kick off the covers and get out of bed. There is no way I’m going to fall asleep, even though I know I’ll regret the decision tomorrow. I shuffle into the kitchen, not paying attention to my surroundings.

  “So, you heard the news, huh?”

  I startle and turn to find my mother sitting there at the kitchen table.

  She gets up to pour me a cup of coffee.

  What does she mean, I’ve heard the news? How could she know that I’m upset over it?

  She hands the cup over to me and sits down beside me. “Oh, you don’t think I’ve noticed how you’ve looked at Prince Nicholas these past years? I was concerned something was up when he stepped in to run interference with me trying to get to your father. He was right, of course, but I knew he could only be concerned if he had a vested interest in one of my children. Now, nothing would happen to Emerson, even if I had been able to get to your father, and I honestly don’t think Logan is his type… So, that leaves you.”

  Oh, no. I thought I had been keeping my feelings hidden.

  Mother takes a deep breath and continues on. “Your father told me the news first thing when I arrived. Another reason I had to come back is so I could be standing beside him and the king when the news is delivered, with a happy face and pretending everything is good. However, I saw the look of devastation on Prince Nicholas’ face. He even tried to get out of it gracefully, but his father would have none of it.

  She was there when he delivered the news? He tried to get out of it?

  “Then, I heard you leave tonight, and that confirmed my horrible suspicion that the two of you have been secretly seeing each other.” She pats my leg. “So, here we are, after a long night of suffering, drinking a cup of coffee, and finally getting everything out in the open.”

  I hate that she suspected something, but also, it’s an immense relief. I can share the burden with someone now. I didn’t realize how the secret had been tearing me up.

  I break down as my mother wraps her arms around me. I cry so much that I don’t think I have anything left. I wipe my cheeks and sniffle.

  My mother lovingly cups my face. “Ariah, you are stronger than you know. I have a feeling there are great and terrible things ahead for our family. But, at the end, we will persevere, and not by just your sister’s hand. I know what you’re feeling.”

  How does she know what I’m feeling? She’s never been in love with a prince that she could never have.

  She pats my cheek. “Believe it or not, your father and I were once truly in love. We got married, and after that happened, things changed. The king was constantly on him to reproduce and finally be worth something to the kingdom. As you know, King Percy doesn’t feel that he should need an advisor. He feels that it’s actually an insult to have one. However, he won’t risk losing the prophesized child to another. So, Gabe pressured me, and then we had Logan, and you know the rest. Long story short, he changed, and our relationship changed with it.

  “I was, and honestly still am, heartbroken, but we can’t obsess over things we can’t change. How we handle controversy and heartbreak defines who we are. Remember, you are a strong woman, and we can stand on our own.”

  I understand what Mother is saying, but all my life, it’s been reinforced that I am unimportant, worthless, and a castaway. However, I am going to persevere and prove everyone wrong.

  I can tell that she approves of something she sees in my eyes.

  “Let’s make breakfast.” She squeezes my hand.

  We make my favorite meal of pancakes and sausage, because I’m totally not above eating my feelings.

  A few minutes later, Logan shuffles into the kitchen.

  “Well, well, what do we have here, ladies?” He eyes all the food sitting on the table.

  “You do go back to training today, so we figured you’ll need all the energy,” I lie, hoping he doesn’t pick up on anything.

  With no further encouragement, he grabs a plate and digs in, and we all enjoy being together.

  After breakfast, I head to the stables, stuffed but content. There are more people helping to get it in top notch shape, since the Orlons should be arriving later on today. After hours of hard work, I’m nasty, but the stables are cleaner than I have ever seen.

  Right as I’m getting ready to head home, a guard walks into the stables, informing us that all residents are required to eat in the dining hall that night to welcome the royal family to our kingdom. Filthy, I rush home to take a shower.

  After I get cleaned up, I walk into my room and notice that Mother has laid out a new dress for me. It is a sleeveless, light blue gown that bunches around the waist. Ugh, I won’t be able to wear my necklace without garnering attention. I take off my necklace but can’t put it down. I slip the dress on and look for a place to stick the key. The waist bunches, so I can securely place it where no one will see. Thank goodness that works. I walk over to brush my hair.

  Mother walks in. “Tonight, we must look nicer than we usually do. I want to add curls to your hair and put light makeup on your face. Normally, the Royal Advisor’s family dresses better than the other residents but a step below the royal family.”

  The last thing I want to do is dress up more than I already am. I want to roll my eyes and complain, but I know the king will focus on us. One screw-up is all it will take. The older we get, the worse our punishments have been.

  My mother puts a light charcoal eye shadow on my eyelids, along with mascara, and my lips are painted a faint pink with gloss on top. My long black hair is curled in tendrils so it cascades down my back. I look in the mirror and almost don�
�t recognize myself.

  “You’re beautiful. Walk into the banquet hall like you don’t have a care in the world.” She meets my eyes in the mirror. Yes, I can do this.

  We walk into the living room, and Logan is standing at the door, looking uncomfortable in nice pants and a dressy shirt.

  I want to laugh at his expression but somehow manage to hold it in.

  He stares at me for a minute but doesn’t say anything about my appearance. He meanders over to us and holds out his arms so he can escort both Mother and me.

  When we leave our quarters, some of the king’s guards are waiting outside.

  “The king requested that you come with us. You will go to your assigned table next to the royal family’s right before the king makes his entrance. That is standard protocol for your status in this kingdom, as you know.”

  I almost laugh at the irony. We are treated worse than all the other residents, but now, since the Orlons are here, we get to conveniently act like we have a higher role.

  Logan catches my eye and shakes his head, telling me to cool it.

  We follow the guards down the hall and wait for our cue to enter. After forever, we take our seats.

  I cringe at how close we are to the royal table.

  The dining hall is situated different now because there are two royal tables. I look across at where the Orlons will sit and realize that they do not have an advisor’s table. I’m sure that puts King Percy in a foul mood.

  Our king makes his entrance and leads his family to their seats.

  As Nick walks by, he looks at me out of the corner of his eye.

  I try hard not to pay attention, but it is so difficult.

  He walks close by me, with Emerson right beside him.

  If this isn’t a blatant reminder of what I can’t have, I’m not sure what else could be.

  They take their seats while the king remains standing. “As you all know, the Orlons were expected soon, and I'm pleased to announce they arrived today. Please, welcome King Michael, Queen Lora, and Prince Samuel.”

  At that, three individuals walk in, dressed in fine clothing. Their clothes are very bright and beautiful. The queen has a medium red color hair, dark eyes, and wears a beautiful emerald green dress. The king has graying dark hair, nearly black eyes, and his shirt very closely matches the shade of the queen’s dress. Their son’s hair is a chestnut brown, with matching dark eyes. All three of them are tall and lean.

  They walk to their table with grace and confidence and take their seats. The prince looks at me and stares. A small, satisfied grin appears on his lips.

  Why is he staring at me? Have I done something wrong? I glance down, not wanting to meet his eyes. I wait a few minutes and look back up, hoping he has diverted his attention, but he catches me.

  I turn my head and, much to my chagrin, find that Logan has watched the whole interaction.

  He is chuckling and shaking his head.

  I decide to ignore all men and find the plate’s design truly fascinating.

  My brother chuckles even more under his breath.

  I kick him under the table and hear him grunt in response. Good, it serves him right.

  The wait staff enters and serves our meal.

  Of course, our best meal is being served, which consists of lamb, potatoes, bread, and an array of vegetables.

  While eating the some of my bread, I sense that someone is watching me. I glance up and catch Prince Samuel staring at me again. As soon as he knows my attention is focused on him, he winks at me.

  Why is he watching me eat? I bet I look like a pig? I curse him under my breath. Guess I’ll be looking at my plate for the remainder of dinner.

  Noticing that interaction, a look of concern replaces the smile on Logan’s face.

  I’m not sure of the cause, but I have enough stuff going on my head to worry about right now.

  As the staff is preparing dessert, the king stands up.

  I glance at Logan, confusion passing between us. The king already made his speech, introducing the guests. What more could he possibly… No. This isn’t happening, not now.

  King Percy spreads out his arms. “While this dinner is to serve as a welcome to the Royal family of Orlon, there is another bit of news that I would love to share with you all.

  “As you know, Emerson is the prophesized Savior. Her role in our country is vital, and fortunately for us, the Pearsons pledged their allegiance to us many years ago.”

  The Orlon guests tense, and a quick look of displeasure outlines their faces before their royal masks slip back on.

  King Percy sees this, too, and he smirks. “Emerson has lived close with us ever since she was a baby. Through the years, it has been evident that she not only became close to Princess Elizabeth, but to Prince Nicholas, as well. I am so pleased to announce the engagement of our Lady Emerson to my son, Prince Nicholas.”

  My heart breaks all over again. There it is. Their betrothal is official.

  How did I not know to expect this announcement on their first night here? It is a complete power play, showing them that they better align with us if they want a good role in our future country.

  Soon, everyone erupts with cheers. Even the visiting royals pretend to congratulate them but in a very indifferent manner.

  Someone’s eyes are on me again, and when I look up, I catch Nick’s gaze.

  If I look at him, I’ll break down here in front of everyone, so I keep my eyes averted, feeling suffocated. Luckily, I have training tonight because I can’t wait to leave the palace and head to Claire’s. I need to get away fast, but I still have to play my part a little longer.

  During dessert, I watch as King Percy laughs and has a grand time.

  I bet we couldn’t even upset him tonight with how happy he is.

  After the king smiles a little longer and celebrates, the whole debacle is over, and he announces the ball tomorrow night, where he will introduce the Orlons to everyone.

  Not able to wait any longer, I slip out before anyone notices that I haven’t congratulated Emerson and Nick. I head to my room and grab the bag I packed earlier, knowing I’d need this escape. I leave a note in Logan’s room, explaining to him that I am sneaking out while everyone is preoccupied with the news.

  While I am glad it was easy to do, the reason why breaks my heart. Emerson and Nick are engaged. I know it isn’t Nick’s choice, but that doesn’t make it any better. If anything, it makes the hurt worse, knowing how far apart our worlds are. At least, if he loved her, I would have a good reason to come to grips with it. Knowing he would be happy would make it easier to accept.

  I walk the entire way to the village with tears dripping down my cheeks. When I’m close to the village border, I wipe my eyes with the back of my hands and stop to take a deep breath. I need to remain composed and calm.

  The sun is going down, and I hurry to Claire’s. As I walk through the village, everyone looks at me and nods. I pass by an older couple who greet me. This freaks me out because it’s so different than my norm. They know exactly who I am because my dark hair is a well-known anomaly out here, but yet they greet me. Most of the time, I’m ignored or insulted.

  Thankfully, Claire’s house comes into view. Crap, due to my haste to leave the palace, I forgot to change out of my dress like I had originally planned. That’s why I was getting such looks. Well, I can’t turn around now, so I take a deep breath and knock on her door.

  After waiting a few moments, a lady who appears to be in her forties opens the door with a smile. She has blonde hair just like her daughter’s and bright blue eyes. A mirror image of her mother, this is how Claire will look when she gets older. She will be even more breathtaking.

  “We’ve been waiting for you. Claire wouldn’t stop talking about your slumber party.” The lady has a radiant smile.

  I nod. I’m not sure how to respond to such kindness.

  “Come on in and make yourself at home. My name is Grace, and I’m so excited to meet you. Claire has said
good things about you, and the shirt you gave her was stunning.”

  “Grace, is that her? I want to meet this girl that Claire won’t shut up about. Ariah, is that you?” a deep voice calls out from the living room.

  Grace rolls her eyes at me and pretends to be annoyed. However, she has a grin on her face. She takes my hand and leads me into the next room, where I find Claire’s father sitting in a worn, cushioned chair.

  He is a darker blond and has a deeper blue eye color. He is handsome, but what strikes me the most is how thick he is. He looks like he could win a fight against a bear.

  It’s official. I am intimidated by this man. I have power on my side if protection is ever warranted, but this man is a force to be reckoned with. I don’t want to get on his bad side.

  “Don’t let Father’s size scare you. He looks menacing, but he’s just a big teddy bear.” Claire walks in the room and gives her father a hug.

  “I am not a teddy bear. I prefer polar bear.” He grins and hugs his daughter back.

  I giggle at their banter.

  Grace sits on the couch, shaking her head. “You both behave. We don’t want to scare Ariah off.” She glances at me and pats the seat next to her.

  Am I supposed to sit beside her? I walk over and sit down.

  Grace pats my arm. “So, Claire tells me that we will have the honor of you coming to visit on a more regular basis.”

  I look up at her, speaking in a soft tone. “If that’s okay. I don’t want to be a hindrance, and I am willing to help out wherever is needed. I don’t want to be an added burden and will earn my keep.”

  Her father’s eyes light up.

  “Well, my baby girl sure can pick them. Claire said that you were different than we’d expect. Every person tied to that awful king thinks they can just do whatever they want. She said that you weren’t like that at all, and that we were going to like you, but I had my reservations.”

  Whoa. That’s the second time in a week I’ve heard someone insult the king. I’ve been told that the whole kingdom loves their king.

  “Derek, you’ve made her feel uncomfortable. She lives at the palace, so you know she probably thinks differently of him.” Grace gives her husband a stern look.