Page 23 of The Promised Prince
Of course, her mother would be worried about that. Ever since King Bryant had sent for her, she seemed desperate to prove to the entire kingdom that she belonged and was worthy of her position.
“Like I said, nothing happened, so you don’t need to worry.”
Her mother wrung her hands. “Just promise me you’ll keep it that way in Albion. Mangum said the man made plans to see you at the ruler’s palace.”
“The palace is a big place. I bet I won’t see him again.” Renna hoped that wasn’t true.
“What’s his family’s name? Are they prominent in Albion?”
“I don’t know. He never told me his last name.” Renna smiled to herself, remembering the cute way he had said,just Trev.
The queen raised an eyebrow. “And what about his position?”
“He’s an officer in the king’s guard.”
Her mother was silent for a moment, then sighed heavily. “Please remember that this silly flirtation comes second to the courtship between Seran and Prince Ezra. Nothing distracts from that.” Mariele’s brown eyes were pleading. “Seran needs us right now, more than ever.”
“I know.”
“And for goodness’ sake, Renna! Clean yourself up for the ride. We’re leaving soon.”
“Okay.” As she left, her mother shook her head in what could only be disappointment.
Her father used to say her mother made mountains out of molehills. Now that Renna was older, she understood what he’d meant. Her mother had always been fragile. Anxiousness ruled her emotions. Her father tried hard to make her mother happy, but nothing worked for long. She had been cold and indifferent to him, often picking fights. It was hard to watch and hard to forgive, especially since Renna adored her father.
Her mother’s mood had improved since they moved to the Government Center. Renna still remembered that day four years ago when a transporter arrived at Wellenbreck Farm with a special message from the king of New Hope. Her mother had read that letter through tear-filled eyes.
“Finally!” she had said, over and over again. It was like her mother knew that one day King Bryant would come for her, which came as a complete surprise to Renna. She couldn’t understand why the king of New Hope would marry her mother, the wife of a common farmer, or how he’d even known who she was. Had her mother entered some sort of contest to be the next queen of New Hope? Or did she somehow know King Bryant? None of it made sense. But a month after Queen Isadora died, King Bryant sent for Renna’s mother. Almost instantly, she went from being Mariele Degray, living on the far lands of the kingdom, to being Mariele, Queen of New Hope.
Renna remembered the king’s servants packing their things—touching everything. Before Renna knew it, she’d been forced to say goodbye to her home and her way of life. It had been traumatic, to say the least. Guards had pulled her from her father’s grave. She’d sobbed and screamed that she didn’t want to go, clinging to Preetis and Nellie until the guards pulled her away from them, too. The memory was so painful, it took her breath away. Now she was leaving Wellenbreck Farm again, except this time she had something to look forward to.
Renna made her way to her room to clean up. Thankfully, Nora had left a dry dress and undergarments on her bed. She picked up the clothes and walked to the bathroom across the hall, turning on the faucet in the tub. Renna held her hand under the running water, trying to find a reasonable temperature. She was grateful to whatever leaders after Desolation who had voted to keep running water. It seemed like an obvious thing, but after Desolation, when everything was destroyed, people wanted to go back to a simpler way of life.
Running water had been deemed essential in one of the early councils, but new things were added every time the Council of Essentials met. Transporters had been added at the last council, but only for political leaders and soldiers.
Not wanting to delay the caravan’s departure, Renna quickly bathed, threw on her pink travel dress, and headed downstairs. Nellie was in the kitchen, packing up the last of the food for travel. Renna ran to her, almost knocking her over with the force of her hug.
“I wish I had more time here with you.”
“Child, we’re not going to do a big sad goodbye again. You can come visit whenever you want.” Nellie released the hug and put her hands on Renna’s cheeks. “Promise me.”
Nellie’s hands on her face made it difficult to move, but she managed a stiff nod.
“Now, go outside and say goodbye to Preetis.”
Renna hugged her tightly one more time. She hated saying goodbye to them and to Wellenbreck, but this time it was different. There were no tears and screams. She was older now, stronger. She had been through the worst and had come out the other side. Her future wasn’t exactly bright—although Trev was a bright spot—but she could handle whatever came her way.
Renna took the back door out of the kitchen, thinking she might find Preetis working in the fields, but instead, she found Seran sitting on a bench next to the back door, her legs crossed gracefully. Long black hair poured down her shoulder, smoothly pooling in her lap. She looked beautiful with the summer sun on her—illuminating her like an angel. But when did Serannotlook beautiful?
“Have you seen Preetis out here?” Renna squinted out toward the nearby fields, scanning for the farmhand’s lanky form.
“Who?”
Renna had to remind herself that Seran didn’t know this place—didn’t know Preetis. “The caretaker. Tall, bald, and wears a gray farmhand uniform.”
Seran answered without even glancing her way. “I think he’s out front, loading the transporters.”
Renna moved to go, but something about Seran’s demeanor beckoned her to stay. “You okay?”
