Page 85 of Destined Dawn

I try to read Rhi’s face, trying to decipher her emotions through the bond – avoiding the temptation to read the thoughts in her head. How did the conversation with her dad go?

Her emotions seem mixed – excitement, reservation, confusion.

Next, I try the Black Prince’s thoughts instead, but his are well guarded and it would take considerable force to penetrate them.

“Come,” the Black Prince says. “There is much to show you.”

I can’t deny the tour is impressive. We’re led through the streets of the city – wide sweeping avenues with the dark signature of the West fluttering on flags that line the route. Everything is new, well constructed, sleek, clean.

However, I also note that we’re heavily guarded wherever we go. Is it to stop us from fleeing? To stop us from snooping around? Or is it to protect the beloved leader from his people?

Many have come out on the streets to watch the procession of the Black Prince, his long-lost daughter and her five fated mates. People stop their everyday routine to stand and watch us pass. Others gather in places they hope will allow them to catch a glimpse of us.

I hear their thoughts, all jumbled and jabbering together. They’re not as well shielded as the guards but they are in the language of the West – a language I learned a little of back in the academy. Certain words jump out at me, but I can’t make sense of them, not in this context. What do they mean? I search for the memory but it’s out of reach.

There are words in those thoughts that stir something inside me. I may not understand them but they make me uneasy.

If the Black Prince hopes to convince us that the West is not a run-down shackle of a country, he’s made his point. But he also seems keen to convince us that his kingdom is better than the republic – fairer, kinder, more just. He leadsus round the hi-tech clinic – available to all – magicals and non-magicals alike. He takes us to a school brimming with books and computers and eager students. He takes us to a shelter where those unable to work are given a bed and food.

The show seems to have Rhi convinced. She asks many considered questions and as the day progresses I can feel her doubts weakening and her admiration for her father growing.

By the time we return to the palace it’s nightfall.

“So,” the Black Prince says as we pass through the palace gates, a teasing smile on his face. “What do you make of this dilapidated and desolate kingdom of mine?”

“It’s wonderful,” Rhi says, giggling, clearly a little giddy. “I still can’t believe this is the West.”

“Things aren’t always as they seem,” I say, gaze lingering on the Black Prince’s face. “But the truth always outs in the end.”

“It does.” The Black Prince bows his head with a sense of seriousness. “It has been a pleasure to show you this kingdom, but it has been a long day. Perhaps a quiet dinner in your quarters would be best tonight. We can meet again in the morning.” He snaps his fingers and the young girl from earlier comes scurrying out of nowhere. “Charmaine, show the princess and her fated ones back to their quarters.”

On the way back to our rooms, Rhi sidles up to me and pinches me hard on the bicep.

“Jeez,” I mutter, rubbing my arm. “What was that for?”

“Being rude to my dad.”

I lift my eyebrow.Dad? Is that what we’re calling Daddy Dark Prince now?

“I was not.”

“Humph. What was all the,” she lowers her voice, “‘thetruth will out’ business then? You basically called him a liar to his face.”

I flick my eyes towards her. I don’t want to hurt her. I don’t want to pour water on her hopes or squash this excitement she’s feeling. I also want to protect her.

“Because, maybe he is, Rhi? Your aunt–”

“He showed us the city. How was that a lie? You think he magiced up some incredible illusion and really the place is falling down and full of rats?” She sniffs.

“No,” I say, “but we didn’t speak to anyone, did we?”

“We spoke to the doctors at the hospital and the kids at the school.”

“We didn’t talk to anyrealpeople, Rhi. How do we know they are as happy as your father is making out?”

“You’re such a cynic, Stone.” She tuts her tongue in annoyance. “You never trust anyone or anything.”

“That isn’t true,” I say, feeling a little hurt.