Dawning Ascent (The Pearson Prophecy Book 1)

by Jen L. Grey

  “Oh, no. That’s not it.” I put my hand to my chest. “I was just caught off guard. From what I’ve heard, I assumed everyone loves the king. I hadn’t realized there are some that don’t.”

  “Honey, none of us villagers love him. We dislike him greatly.” She exhales. “There is a difference between liking someone and just showing respect for their station.”

  That’s surprising. I nod my head, still processing this recent revelation.

  Claire rescues me from my discomfort. “Well, now that you’ve met her, I’m going to steal her for my much-needed girl time. Come on, Ariah. Let’s go to my room.”

  I get up from the couch and look at Claire’s parents. “Thank you both for letting me stay. Once again, I’d like to help out in anyway. Good night, Grace and uh… Claire’s father.”

  At that, everyone laughs. “Well, obviously, I lost my manners. Please, call me Derek.”

  I grin and turn to follow Claire to her room. Even though her parents are kind, I’m glad to be away and not the center of attention anymore. As soon as her door shuts, she turns to me.

  “Why have you been crying, and don't even try to deny it. It's written all over your face.”

  I sit on her bed and hug my arms to my sides. All of a sudden, my secret seems too big to keep to myself any longer, and I let it all spill out.

  “I'm in love with someone I have no future with. We both have felt so strongly for each other for so long that a dumb decision was made that would wreak havoc on my heart. I knew that a relationship with him would never work, but we both fooled ourselves into thinking we could make it happen. Tonight, he officially got engaged to my sister.”

  Claire’s eyes fill with understanding. “So, you are in love with our prince, and he loves you, too. Not trying to be mean or judgmental, but the rumor around here is that the royal family doesn't like you. That's one reason why we common folk do. We understand what it's like to not matter.”

  I sniff. “That's true, but Nick is so different than the king and princess. Nick is kind and takes care of the residents discreetly so his father isn't aware. We grew up close. He saw how others treated me, and it made him a good person. He will make a magnificent king.”

  “Nick, huh? You guys actually call him that at the palace?” Claire’s eyes are wide.

  I have to laugh. “No, only a select few have that privilege.”

  “It seems like he is great, Ariah. But don't you think you deserve someone who will be with you, no matter what, who feels like you are worth fighting for?”

  I take in a sharp breath, the wind completely knocked out of me. Claire is trying to be kind, but her question hits me hard. She is right, but my heart hasn't been mine for so long. It isn't a choice, or at least, not a conscious one. “You're right, but the damage is done. I just need to come to grips with it before I can do anything else.”

  She gives me a sympathetic hug “Well, I know you hate dresses, even if it's a beautiful one, so why don't you change and make yourself comfortable.”

  I grab my bag and head to the bathroom, ready to get out of this ridiculous dress. It doesn’t take long to change, and I’m back in her room in minutes, my key returned to its place around my neck. When I walk in the door, she looks at me. I’m confused, until her eyes settle on the gown in my hands.

  “Uhhh… do you want to try this on?” I’m guessing if that’s really what she wants.

  Her eyes brighten, and she grabs it from my hands. “Only if you insist.”

  She’s sheds her clothes and has the dress halfway on.

  I can't contain the laughter that spills out at her over-eagerness.

  Once it’s on, she turns to look at herself in the mirror. She looks absolutely gorgeous.

  She looks at herself in the mirror and turn around looking at the back. “I could wear this every day.”

  “Well, it's yours then.” There’s no way I can take it away. The dress was made for her.

  She turns to look at me. “No, I couldn't! They will want this back.”

  I roll my eyes. “Apparently, everyone is aware of the king’s dislike for me. He doesn't want anything back we are given. It's not good enough for him.”

  Claire gives me a sad look but tries to cover it with a grin. “Then, of course, I want it. Thank you so much.”

  Claire’s clock shows it’s just past dinner time. I have a few more hours before I meet Lydia. I sit back on the bed and realize that my power hasn't been flaring like before. I search for it within me and find it is buzzing more than ever. How have I not been struggling to maintain this? Also, Logan can glimpse my feelings, but he can't feel me like he used to.

  Claire comes over and sits next to me. “So, tell me about your brother. I'm sorry, but he is gorgeous.”

  I scrunch up my nose. “Well, he’s kind, loyal, and protective. He has the best sense of humor and a strong sense of ethics.”

  “Sounds like he'd make an awesome husband.” Claire has a faraway look in her eye.

  So, she has more than a smidgen of a crush on my brother. Now that I've gotten to know her better, I think she'd be good for him. My brother and Claire deserve happiness, but I am not adding fuel to this fire. They'll need to do it on their own.

  There’s a knock on the door. “Girls, Derek and I are heading to bed. Do you need anything?”

  Claire rolls her eyes and calls back, “No, we are good. Thanks.”

  Claire purposely steers the conversation toward different things to get my mind off Nick, and I am so thankful.

  The sky darkens, and it’s time to meet Lydia, so I get up and head to Claire’s window. If I can lift Logan onto a horse and slam him against a wall, I should be able to lower myself to the ground with no problem. I don't want to risk waking up Grace and Derek.

  Claire gasps. “What are you doing?” She looks at me like I've gone crazy.

  In all fairness, I do look crazy. “Don't worry. I can lower myself to the ground with my power.”

  “No way.” She walks over to the window. “No one has had that much control since the original magical beings.”

  What? How does she know this and I don't? Trying not to make a big deal about it, I just shrug my shoulders.

  She shakes her head. “Okay, I'm going with you.”

  “I don't think that's a good…” I try to dissuade her, but she puts her hand over my mouth.

  “Nope, not up for debate. This is the deal, or I am going to head to the palace first thing in the morning and talk to Logan myself. I'd like to see him anyways.”

  I sigh in defeat. “Fine.”

  A triumphant expression crosses her face.

  I turn and walk off the ledge. My power takes over, and I land lightly on my feet without making a sound.

  Claire gapes at me. She shakes it off and gets on the ledge herself.

  I will my power to lift her up from the ledge and lower her to the ground.

  Claire looks at me, an ecstatic expression on her face. “I honestly thought you were bluffing. That was amazing.”

  “Shh.” My goodness, we are trying to sneak out, not wake everyone in the village.

  I trudge ahead, and she follows super close, which reminds me that she’s terrified of the woods. My heart warms even more now, since Claire must care for me if she’s willing to face her fears. I take her hand and lead the way.

  Lydia is waiting in the clearing once again and Claire’s presence doesn’t faze her.

  Why would she expect Claire to be with me? She knows something.

  Claire stares in awe at Lydia, and I laugh. Claire is salivating over Lydia’s gown, which drapes down her body. It is red and somehow complements, instead of clashing with, her hair.

  Lydia stares at me. “How are you doing?”

  “I don't know how, but ever since our last training lesson, my power doesn't bother me at all. I don't notice it unless I actually seek it.”

  Lydia seems ecstatic and relieved at the news. “You're now strong enough to handle it.”
>
  What does that even mean? Nothing has changed.

  She steps toward me. “The last time we trained, I made sure you were drained of all your power, so you could reset, per se. Your body couldn't handle all the power in you because it increased all at one time. The strongest powerful beings, like the Originals, had to be depleted the night before they came of age. When your power was depleted, your body had time to heal itself and become more resilient. Each depletion allows your body to strengthen that much more.

  That should be standard knowledge. Why haven’t I heard of this before?

  “You've always had power but were never taught how to use it until you became of age. That's not a big deal, since most powerful beings today aren't as strong as they used to be. You, my dear, are very strong and should have been learning about this a long time ago. Since you didn't learn, you didn't know. Now, you feel like a normal person… but you are far from normal. You have accessed very strong power that has not been seen in a very long time.”

  At this, she turns to look at Claire, who is sitting underneath a tree nearby. “None of this gets repeated to anyone. This will stay a secret between the three of us. Not even Logan will be informed. Anyone who knows this will be in danger.”

  Claire and I nod our heads in understanding, and my stomach drops. “Lydia, if I'm this powerful, what will happen to Emerson? She will have more issues than me.”

  Lydia looks at me with an indifferent expression. “I will take care of Emerson. Don't you worry about her at all.”

  I believe her, because, at this point, there isn’t anything else I can do. She is the only one capable and willing to help me.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The alarm sounds like nails against a chalkboard. I try to turn it off, but it’s so hard to move my body. Claire curses beside me and smacks it onto the floor. I want to lay in bed all day but know that’s not going to happen.

  We drag ourselves out of bed and head down to eat breakfast with her parents.

  Her mother laughs when she sees us shuffling in. “Did you stay up too late, girl chatting?”

  “In a way.” Claire fills two cups of coffee.

  While we eat, Claire’s family tells stories of his past hunting experiences and how he met Grace. It’s so strange because I already feel like part of their family.

  I take my last bite of eggs. “What can I do today to help you all?”

  “Oh, nothing at all.” He looks loving at his daughter. “I've learned that Claire can't help out with the animals, so she does most of the housework while Grace and I tag team the farm.”

  Yeah, that’s not working for me. I’m not about to eat their food and stay at their house without helping in some way. I am not going to take advantage of these people.

  “I help out with the palace stables. Let me help you all this morning,” I insist.

  Derek scratches his ear. “You really are different than I expected. People say that you are unfavored by the king, but I was still skeptical that you would be spoiled and selfish. I'm glad I was wrong, and I apologize. We would love for an extra set of hands with the animals.”

  I grin and get up to help clean off the table.

  I leave with Derek and help feed the animals, which sounds simple, but they have a ginormous farm. Even with my task at hand, Nick jumps into the forefront of my mind, which makes me think about Emerson and their engagement. I just need to stop thinking about them. With a great deal of willpower, I think about my training last night.

  Since lighting the candles came so easily for me the last time, Lydia had me throwing fireballs last night. Part of that process is learning how to put them out before catching the forest on fire. So, it is actually a two-step skill. By the end of the night, I had it perfected, much to Lydia’s delight. Even though Claire won’t let me live down the three of four times, I almost caught the forest of fire.

  Once again, she made sure my magic was depleted. However, I wasn’t as exhausted as the first time around.

  After helping Derek out this morning, it’s time for me to get back to the palace before Logan finishes training. I eat lunch with them then tell them goodbye.

  On the way back, thoughts of Nick spring into my mind. Again. I try thinking about training, but it doesn’t work. It’s as if a cloud is coming back over me the closer I get to the palace. Claire’s house is a place that Nick hasn't been part of, but everywhere in the palace stands as a constant reminder.

  I get back to the palace too soon and head straight to the stables to complete my usual chores. After I finish up, I head home. I walk into our quarters, yelling. “I’m home.”

  I’m about to continue on when Logan pops his head out, his fingers to his lips, indicating that I should be quiet.

  Did he really just tell me to be quiet? Expletives are about to come out of my mouth when I notice Dave standing pops his around Logan’s body. Both are sweaty and still decked out in their guard training clothes.

  Logan looks relieved that I caught on. This is the exact reason why I need to be staying at Claire’s.

  But for some reason, Dave is focused on me. “Hey, Ariah. I tried to find you last night, but with all the commotion going on about the Royal engagement and Orlons’ visit, I couldn’t find you in the crowd. I was hoping I could talk to you alone for a second.”

  I don’t want to go talk to him alone, but how do I get out of it without being rude? I nod and follow him back out the door. Right before the door closes, I give Logan a pleading look.

  Dave looks down and fidgets with his fingers. “So, first off, you looked stunning last night. I don't think you noticed me, but I swear my heart skipped a beat when I saw you. So, what I'm trying to say is, I would be honored if you would be my date to the ball.”

  I wish he didn’t ask me this. Dave seems like a good guy, but I’m just not interested in him. Other than Nick, he's one of the few that have expressed an interest in me, but that’s just not enough. I’m heartbroken over Nick, and it wouldn’t be fair to either one of us. I open my mouth to say no, but somehow, I end up agreeing to be his date instead. Why do I keep doing that? First dinner, and now this.

  His face is bright with excitement. “I'm so glad you said yes. I will pick you up in two hours.”

  I force a smile, trying not to cringe.

  He runs off to get ready, and I slowly head back in my quarters.

  I find Mother and Logan waiting on me.

  Logan quirks his eyebrow at me, waiting for an explanation, while Mother looks very confused.

  Let’s just get this over with. I take a deep breath. “Apparently, I have an escort to the ball.”

  My mother looks shocked.

  However, my brother doubles over in laughter. “I told you Dave was an admirer. I thought something might happen when he asked if he could come over after training.”

  “Don’t laugh at your sister. You can tell she isn’t thrilled. I’m sure it was a complete misunderstanding.” My mother looks at me with a knowing look. “Why don’t you go take a shower, and then I’ll meet you in your room with your outfit,” she encourages, while my brother is still chuckling at my misfortune. Jerk.

  I head to the shower, wanting to wash off the day and have a good cry. It seems like my life is spiraling out of control. The only good thing here lately is getting better control over my power. I stand under the hot spray, letting it drench me. I get clean, and after a few minutes of crying and wallowing in self-pity, I decide that I will not cry anymore until after the ball.

  With new determination, I head to find the monstrosity of a dress I’ll have to wear for the remainder of the evening and night that is waiting in my room. Forced smiles will be expected and perfect behavior mandatory. Okay, being negative isn’t helping, so I’ll be positive from here on out.

  When I walk into my room, I find Mother already there waiting for me. She has a beautiful beige gown hanging from my closet door. It’s the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. The top is a fitted corset with cap sleeve
s, and it flares at the waist, touching the ground. The corset will be perfect for hiding my key.

  My mother motions for me to sit so she can do my hair and makeup. I want to complain but remind myself to be positive. I sit in the chair by my bed.

  She pulls my hair into an elegant twisted up-do with a few loose curls cascading down. She adds light charcoal eyeshadow, pink lipstick, and a hint of blush. She pulls out a mirror when she is done. Once again, another version of me I don’t recognize is staring back.

  She reaches out and squeezes my shoulder. “Now, I’ve got to go get ready. Your father and Emerson will be here any second, so we can all go down to the ball as a family.” A frown his marring her face. She leaves and I find myself alone.

  I take a deep breath and nod my head. The mantra of no crying keeps circling in my head. I can get through this. But to be honest, I just don’t want to.

  There is a light knocking on my door. Oh, wow, it’s later than I realized.

  I open the door and find Emerson standing there, looking beautiful.

  She has a more extravagant dress than me, which isn’t surprising. Her dark red hair is pulled into an elegant up-do, and the black silk of her dress clings to her body. Her bright green eyes pop with her makeup, but there’s a sadness I can see she’s trying to hide.

  She smiles at me and touches my arm. “Apparently, your date is here. Father is giving him the rundown on his expected behavior tonight. I hope you aren’t too upset about Prince Nicholas and my engagement.”

  What the heck. How does she know? I take a deep breath, trying to keep my expression as neutral as possible. “No, not at all.” The words are hard to get out, I’m almost choking on my lie. It isn’t her fault, but she still stands there as the reminder of the man I can’t have.

  She shakes her head and then grabs my arm. “Come with me.”

  She leads me deeper into my room and shuts the door. “If there was any other way, I’d walk away. He doesn’t love me the way he loves you. This is hard for you, but it’s just as hard for me. I’ll never measure up to you. Our marriage is what’s best for our kingdom and country, but that’s all it is.”