Page 6 of Red King
“I heard she’s back on the Mainland?” Frost says, lifting his brows.
“Yes, but it’s to help her mother and brother to pack up. They’re finally coming to live here.”
“That’s great,” Frost says.
“But only in a couple of weeks after the medical team arrives. I miss her already, and she’s only just left.” He runs a hand through his hair, his eyes clouding for a moment. “I’m going to ask her to marry me when she returns to Mistveil.” His eyes brighten right back up.
“That’s great news.” I smile. It’s good to see Steel happy. To see him so in love. Jen is a special lady. Makes my heart clench at all I am missing out on.
“I heard that you’re one of the candidates up to find a mate among the Tributes,” Steel says.
“Who told you that?” I bark.
“You said it yourself; the rumors are making their rounds.” Steel lifts a brow. “From your reaction, I would say it’s true and that you don’t like it.”
“You would be right!” I say in a more even tone. “I think it’s a terrible idea. I put my name forward, but I made a mistake. I’m trying to get out of it. The time isn’t right. Perhaps next year.”
Frost chuckles. “The time would never be right, brother. Admit it already. There would always be something standing in your way. Besides, the Council won’t allow you to back out, so you may as well accept your fate,” Frost says. His eyes are filled with pity. “It’s time you took a new mate.”
“I don’t want a new mate.” The words leave me in a whisper. I had intended to shout them to make my point, but it didn’t happen. Frost is right; the Council won’t allow me to back out.
“I know that. We all understand why you feel that way, but as the king, it is your duty to—”
“Yes, yes…I know my duties all too well. The Council drills them into me every chance they get.”
“It’s been years, Arctic,” Frost goes on.
“Not nearly long enough. It will never be long enough,” I say under my breath.
Frost sighs. “You need to try. Keep your name on the list and meet the females. Try, please… Do it for your people. They will more readily accept the pilot program if you do.”
I nod. “Fine, I will meet them, but I will not be forced into choosing a mate, and that is final.”
Except I know deep down that I probably won’t have much of a choice. My Council is going to force my hand. I sigh. I’ll pick someone I get along with. Someone who would make a good mother. As long as the female in question understands that I will never be able to give more of myself, we will be fine and dandy.
3
Paisley
A month later…
“I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this.” Rebecca pours herself another glass of wine, plonking the half-empty bottle on the side table. “You’re really leaving?”
“Yep. My flight is tomorrow.” I nod a few times. “You know this. Why are you so shocked?” I open a drawer.
“I must be honest; I didn’t think you’d do it. I was so sure you’d chicken out. I’m still not completely convinced.”
I laugh. “I’m not chickening out. I told you over a month ago that I resigned from my position at the hospital, that I’m—”
“I know what you told me,” she deadpans, pouting a little. “I still can’t believe that you’re actually going through with it.” She takes a sip, sitting down on my bed. “I mean, you’ve lived in Cedar Pines all your life. You were born here. We went to school together. Your folks live here. Your sister, too. Everyone you know lives in this town. You have a life here. You can’t just up and leave.”
I throw a handful of underwear into my travel bag. “I’m going, Becs. I’m doing it. You’re right; everyone I know lives here. I want to go somewhere where nobody knows me. Where nobody knows my sad history. People look at me like—”
“No, they don’t.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me that Lexi was pregnant? My mom and dad knew about it. My sister knew. So did you but—”
“Yeah, yeah. We should have told you. We were trying to protect you.”
