“I’m sorry, Mom,” she said, her voice ragged.
“Oh, Renna.” Her mother grasped her shoulders, pulling her close. “Don’t cry.”
But it was too late. Tears rushed down her cheeks, rolling onto her neck, wetting her mother’s hair and shoulder.
“I know how much you’re hurting right now, but all is not lost. You will find happiness again.”
Renna shook her head against her mother’s neck. “It took you a long time.”
Mariele stroked the back of her hair as she spoke. “You have your father’s strength inside you. You’re much stronger than I ever was, and you’ll be okay.”
Renna pulled back and wiped at her eyes. “I want to ask you something.”
Her mother nodded for her to continue.
“I’d like to move back to Wellenbreck Farm. I own it, after all. Father left it to me.”
Mariele looked perplexed. “Why would you want to do that? The Government Center is so much more comfortable than Wellenbreck. And . . . you’d be all alone.”
“I wouldn’t be alone. I’d have Nellie and Preetis with me.” Renna swiped at her cheeks again, brushing away the last remnants of her tears.
Her mother shook her head. “No. No, we couldn’t possibly do that. The next few months are going to be difficult for you. You should be surrounded by people that love you.”
“I’ve never felt like I fit in in New Hope and I can’t bear to be there when Trev and Seran come to visit for the Council of Essentials in January. I can’t do it. I belong at Wellenbreck now more than ever. Please, let me go home.”
Her mother let out a sigh. “I suppose you living at Wellenbreck for a little while wouldn’t hurt.”
Renna lurched forward, giving her mother another hug. “Thank you!”
“Don’t get too excited. This isn’t permanent.”
“I know, but I’m still excited.”
Her mother pulled away but kept her hands resting on top of Renna’s. “Would you like to leave before the wedding?”
Renna bit her lip as fresh tears pooled in her eyes.
Her mother swallowed back her own emotion. “I couldn’t have watched Bryant marry Isadora.”
“I don’t think I can do it either,” Renna admitted, fighting to keep the tears in her eyes.
“I’ll arrange everything,” her mother said, squeezing her hand. “Don’t you worry about a thing.”
41
Renna
The week of the wedding had arrived, despite the groom’s absence. Renna had no complaints, though. His absence gave her the space to breathe freely, and to roam around the palace.
Guests were beginning to arrive. The palace staff was busy preparing rooms, decorating for the wedding, and cooking lavish meals. The feeling throughout the place was electric. Renna even found herself getting caught up in the buzz. It was easy without Trev around. Easy to pretend this wasn’t his wedding. Just Seran’s.
“Your Majesty.” Mangum bowed excitedly before the queen. The New Hope women were gathered in the royal sitting room after a lovely Sunday brunch with some of the wedding guests. “A New Hope rider just arrived. King Bryant will arrive shortly.”
Mariele clapped her hands in joy. “Oh!” She looked at Seran with the happiest of smiles. “He’s here! We must go greet him.” The queen jumped to her feet. “Did you notify King Carver of his arrival?”
Mangum nodded. “Yes, they are preparing for him now.”
“Cypress!” the queen shouted excitedly. “Help me freshen up before he arrives. I want to look my best.”
“Certainly, Your Majesty.” Cypress quickly followed the queen out the door.
The courtyard was lined with people much like it had been the day Renna had arrived so many weeks ago. So much had happened since then. It was a lifetime ago, but Renna could still remember her feelings, the shock and disappointment she’d felt when she’d discovered who Trev really was, when the ground had dropped out from underneath her.
The New Hope transporter rolled to a stop in front of the palace steps, and Mangum rushed forward to open the door. King Bryant stepped out, and his brown eyes immediately found Mariele. His smile widened as he took her in. Then he glanced at Seran, the same happy smile touching his lips. Mangum ushered him to King Carver.
Everyone watched in silence as the two kings greeted each other. Renna couldn’t help but notice their differences. King Bryant was a little bit shorter and held more weight around his midsection and shoulders. His brown hair hadn’t yet faded to gray like Carver’s had, and his wrinkles weren’t as prominent—a small sign that Bryant was a few years younger.
It was all her mother could do to stand properly next to King Carver and not run to Bryant, but she stayed put through all the introductions. And so did Seran. Then Bryant turned to the queen, his hand gently caressing the side of her face. Her eyes closed as she melted into his touch.
“You get more exquisite every day,” Bryant said. “How is that possible?”
A young Prince Bryant and a young Mariele flashed before Renna’s eyes. She could picture them in love, sneaking around the Government Center. Her heart clenched. It was a vision all too familiar to Renna.
“And you,” he turned to Seran, “there’s never been a more beautiful bride.”
Both women beamed at Bryant’s attention.
“Renna, it’s good to see you,” he said, nodding at her.
Renna curtseyed in front of him. “It’s good to see you too, Your Majesty.”
“Have you been enjoying your time in Albion?”
She glanced at her mother. “Of course, thank you.”
Once the formal introductions were done and the crowd started to disperse, Mariele and Seran flanked both sides of the king. Bryant’s arms draped across their shoulders, hugging the two women closer to his sides.
Renna trailed awkwardly behind, just like she always did.
42
Trev
Seran’s joyous laughter echoed from the royal sitting room. Trev hadn’t seen her since the morning after the ball, and he wondered if she would be happy to see him again or if her happy laughter would fade at the sight of him. He found her on the couch with a man twice her age, holding hands and smiling.
“Ezra!” She hopped up, dragging the man up with her.
Trev had never seen that kind of unrestrained movement from Seran before.
“I want to introduce you to my father.” She beamed from ear to ear. “King Bryant.”
Trev bowed. “Your Majesty. It is an honor to meet you. I’m so sorry I missed your arrival yesterday. We were desperately trying to get back.”
That wasn’t true. Trev had desperately been trying to stall his arrival as long as he possibly could.
King Bryant reached his hand out to shake Trev’s. “No apologies are necessary. I understand the hectic schedule of a ruling family. He looked Trev up and down before turning to Seran. “So this is the man who will marry my daughter.”
Seran smiled with pride. Trev could see the similarities in them. They had the same thin nose, the same high cheekbones, but everyone that knew Queen Isadora said Seran looked exactly like her.