Veracity (The Seven Cities Book 1) (14 page)

Amber didn't waste any time getting her cousin installed in my suite. When I return, I find the gorgeous redhead draped across a love seat in my sitting room, a look of pure disgust written across her face. If it weren't for the coarse, beige servant's dress, I might have mistaken her for a Lady who had stumbled into my rooms by mistake. Her glare makes me feel like our roles have been reversed, placing me as the sullen new maid, and her as the disapproving lady in charge.

"Y – You must be Alana," I stutter.

"Observant one, aren't you?" she sneers.

"I know that this must be quite a change for you," I say, trying my best to remain polite. "I am sure it won't be long until you feel at home here."

"Save it, your highness. We both know I'm only here because of Amber. You don't have to pretend to want me, because I sure as hell won't pretend to want to be here. Just do your best to stay out of my way and we will get along just fine."

"Why I never!" Maggie roars from the doorway. "I could have you thrown in the work camp for talking to Lady Katherine that way. You are lucky I don't call a guard right this instant and have you hauled off. Get to your room, and don't you let me catch you in this sitting room again!" 

Alana storms off, and I let out a long breath. What in the world is wrong with her? When Alana spoke, her eyes were full of embers. I have never had anyone look at me with such hate. What could I possibly have done to her?

"Are you okay my dear?" Maggie asks.

"Yes, I just didn't know what to say. I don't think anyone has ever said things like that to me before. Not that I can remember anyway."

"That hateful thing has been causing trouble since she got here. I thought Sadie was going to run her through with the poker from the fireplace. Didn't so much as say hello to Sadie before making fun of her. Mark my words, there's evil in that girl."

"I am going to go have a talk with Amber and see if maybe she can be placed somewhere else," I say. "She is obviously not happy here."

After some searching, I find Amber in the drawing room sitting near the fire. She looks up with a smirk as I walk in. She knew I would be coming.

"Amber, we are having a little issue with your cousin, would it be possible to find her another assignment?"

"Oh, no. There isn't a vacant spot left in the whole house. I am sure any issue that you have will resolve itself quickly. Its not uncommon for girls entering into service to need a little while to adjust."

"To be honest, her behavior is horrid," I say. "You wouldn't believe the things she said. I can't imagine it's just a matter of becoming adjusted."

"You have to understand that Alana is going through a really tough time right now. She is naturally ambitious, and had big plans for herself from an early age. Easily the greatest beauty in her class, she had all the boys interested in marrying her. However, only one man was good enough for my little cousin."

"She was in love?" I ask.

"Of course not," Amber laughs. "She still has never even met him, but that silly girl was so sure of her future, that she pushed all the other boys away. When her desired match fell through, she was crushed and alone."

"So now she is a servant," I say.

"Surely you can imagine how hard that must be. Dreams of a better life one day, cleaning bathrooms the next."

"I suppose I can understand how she might need a little room to find herself in this new life. If you really think she just needs some more time . . ."

"I am positive that's all she needs." Amber smiles.

I promise to wait, to give Alana the time she needs to find peace with her new life; and I am miserable for it. The days have gone by slowly and painfully, Alana's smart mouth and sullen attitude casting a dark cloud over the whole suite. Only two things make living with her bearable: Maggie, who keeps her busy enough to stay away from me, and Sadie who has now become my lady's companion.

Sadie still fixes my hair, but after that, we are free to roam the Big House. We take advantage of this new freedom, leaving the suites as early as possible, and arriving back late in the evening. I feel bad for leaving Maggie alone with Alana, but I think some part of her delights in forcing her to do her chores and reprimanding her when she doesn't mind her manners.  Maggie was made to be in charge and if there is anyone who can get Alana in shape it's her.

In our explorations, Sadie and I often come across Amber, and she is never very happy to see us. She seems altogether disappointed that Alana was the ticket to my freedom, even though it was her idea in the first place. I don't know exactly what Amber had hoped for in bringing Alana into my service, but she doesn't seem to be satisfied with the results. My guess is that my future mother-in-law knew exactly what Alana was like when she asked me to take her. Is my suffering not great enough for her? She should come spend a night in my suite; it would reassure her just how miserable we all are.

I couldn't care less how disappointed Amber is in my unhappiness. I am just so thrilled to be free of my rooms. In my eagerness to stay away from my new maid, I don't even mind when the General throws Amber and I together to plan the anniversary party for the Cleanse. He has declared the celebration to be the last for Amber until the baby is weaned, and has left it to me to plan any events until then. Working with Amber aside, I am grateful for a chance to learn the ropes before being thrown into the task.

With Amber acting as an eager, although tired and easily frustrated, teacher, I throw myself into planning the party. After being idle for so long, I fall in love with feeling useful. Amber sees it as a mind-numbing obligation, but I enjoy spending hours working out seating charts and planning menus. Happy to act as supervisor, Amber kicks her poor, swollen feet up while I pour through sheet music and pick out china. I learn to ignore her trademark snide remarks, and I think she learns to tolerate my presence with just a tiny bit less resentment.

After a long day of party planning, and sadly our last, Sadie and I make our way into my suite. As we enter, we find Maggie fast asleep in the sitting room. When she hears us come in she cries out, jumping to her feet. I don't think I have ever seen Maggie sit down before, much less fall asleep.

"Oh, love, I am so embarrassed," she cries.

"Maggie, you don't have to be embarrassed for resting. Are you feeling okay?"

"It's that darn Alana, sulking around all day. It takes me twice as long to do anything when I have to make sure she is doing her work too."

"I am so sorry Maggie, Sadie and I have been going out way too much. We should stay here and help you deal with her. I talked to Amber about moving her again and apparently there is just no where else for her to go."

"I know a place I'd like to send her," Sadie grumbles.

"No need for that. I can sort the little beast out. I just need to sit down and rest for a minute or two from time to time. Now off to the bath with you, I've just sent her in there to get it ready. Sadie, my dear, would you mind helping me straighten up this room?"

"Of course," Sadie says with a wide smile.

Walking into the steamy bathroom, I notice that the water has already been drawn, and Alana is bustling around the room actually doing her job. She ignores me completely while I undress and I am flooded with relief. Vulnerable is not a strong enough word for standing naked in front of someone who hates you for no apparent reason. I slip into the water and am pleasantly surprised when the temperature is perfect. Maybe my days, and days, of being as sweet as possible to her, giving her the time she needs to adjust, has paid off.

Relaxing in the tub, I mentally let go of all the snide comments, jealous quips, and even the accidental breaking of my things. I am just about to try and start a pleasant conversation with her when I feel something warm and sticky pour over my head.

My hands fly up, trying in vain to remove the thick, black goo from the clumps of what used to be my hair. My nose burns, and my eyes well up with traitorous tears as I work to untangle the matted mess. Looking up at the ceiling, I try my best to keep the tears from falling.

Don't cry. Don't cry. Please, don't cry in front of this girl. Her smug face begs for confirmation that she has finally gotten to me, and I fight not to give it to her. Despite my best efforts, I blink, a single tear rolling down my cheek. Her smile is slow to start but spreads quickly, taking over her entire face. Her sheer delight in my pain is frightening. She is thriving on my misery, and she doesn't even hide it. Her eyes light up with her self-righteous grin, making her a mockery of a beautiful girl, just a pretty mask hiding a grotesque face.

"What have I done?" I cry at a loss. "What could I have possibly done to deserve this?"

"You really don't know?" she says surprised. "You honestly have no idea that you've ruined my life?"

"I don't see how I could have possibly ruined your life. I only met you a couple of weeks ago!"

"My life was set up to be perfect, and you took all of that away!" she screams. "And the worst part is that you don't even know. You are innocent, the flawless sweetheart of Veracity. You ruined my life and you can't even be held accountable for it. Argh! Could it get any worse?"

"Tell me," I say crying as I drag big handfuls of goop out of my hair. "Make us both feel better and just tell me what I have done!"

"I can't!" she cries. "This is bigger than us. I want nothing more than to watch you wallow in your guilt, but I can't even do that."

"Do you really expect to behave this way and keep this position?"

"Actually I do," she says smugly. "If you enjoy running free with your slacker "companion" you will keep your mouth shut."

"This behavior has to stop! I do enjoy spending my time out of this suite, but I will not tolerate any further attacks on me, or anyone else who lives in these rooms. If you value your position you will be nothing but polite and accommodating from now on. I don't care if you are unhappy or feel as if you have been cheated. I got you this position, and I can find you a new one. I imagine we can find a red dress that would look lovely with all that hair."

Her smile fades, and I can see fear eating away at her anger. For now, the idea of servicing soldiers for the rest of her youth is enough to win over her obedience. She walks slowly to a cabinet and pulls out a bottle of clear solution. Fifteen silent and strained minutes later my hair is clean again.

Alana takes off toward the maid's quarters and I am left to dry and braid my hair on my own, which is in both our best interest. If I had to look at her face for one more moment, I would bash her head in. What was that? Caught of guard by my own violent thought, I stare into the mirror. Who are you?

Dry and dressed, I grab a book off the shelf, settling in by the fire to try and distract my mind long enough to sleep. I am thoroughly drawn into a romance about a cursed princess and a fire breathing dragon, when I hear the creak of my door opening. The old woman pops her head in, clearly delighted to catch me awake.

"Marilyn!" I say surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"A little birdie told me you had some trouble with your maid. I came to make sure you were alright."

"A birdie? It just happened, how on earth . . ."

"I have my ways. Not much happens that I don't know about."

"Well, I appreciate your concern, but everything is fine now. I told her I would find her a new position if she didn't change her attitude and it seemed to work."

"Watch your back. That one has ambition, and take it from someone who knows, ambition is a powerful thing and will make you do things you never thought yourself capable of."

The old woman disappears into the darkness of the hall, closing the door softly behind her. I am left alone to ponder the ominous message she offered. Am I wrong to give Alana another chance? How in the world did Marilyn find out about the incident this quickly? Are one of my own maids her "little bird"?

With Alana thoroughly chastised by my warning, the next few days pass in blissful peace.  Well, as much peace as you can have with a celebration approaching! The Anniversary of the Cleanse is an entire day devoted to enjoying the luxuries offered to us by living in the city.  It's also a time to reflect on the generosity of the Seven for giving us this new world free of crime, disease, and war.

While I enjoy the excitement of the party atmosphere, I can't help but shudder every time the Seven's generosity is toasted. I have seen first hand what their "generosity" looks like. I am still haunted by the burned out cities and by the couple in the motel. I acknowledge my hypocrisy, if only to myself, as I resent the Seven, but still look forward to celebrating their memory.

The monotony of the Big House has been eating away at me lately, and I am looking forward to a full day devoted to having fun. Sadie and I have run out of places to explore in the Big House, and it seems that everyone, save for Travis, has lost interest in visiting me.  I have begun to have suspicions that I am not the only one trying to avoid Alana.

In honor of the festival, Sadie and I have been given permission to explore the city. It's the first time I have been allowed past the garden since returning.  We are both anxious and excited, getting up with the sun to start getting ready for our big day.

We are in the bathroom working on my hair when my mind starts to drift to my experiences outside the wall. It dawns on me then, that no one has ever asked about my time away. The General was curious about Jack, and Marilyn had a few questions, but everyone else has kept quite on the subject. In fact, I am rarely asked anything at all.

"Why doesn't anyone ask me questions about when I was gone?" I ask Sadie.

"People don't generally ask questions," she says with a shrug.

"What do you mean, they don't ask questions?"

"Exactly that. People don't ask direct questions. They may hint that they want more information, or they may ask questions that pertain to work or business, but as a general rule people don't question each other in social conversation."

"How does anyone find anything out?"

"They don't I suppose. Unless the person they are talking to wants to share. You have to realize that asking a direct question forces the person to speak the truth. We are not allowed to lie. So it has become rude to put someone in the position to give out information they may wish not to. When it comes up, some people say "I'd prefer not to answer" but even then you know they are hiding something."

"I never noticed," I say thinking back.

"You might hear some questioning in the Big House, or in the General's family because they are not held to as high a standard of truth as the rest of us. They don't get scanned, I mean."

"I wish I didn't get scanned. I hate it."

"Me too. Don't worry though, once you marry Travis, they won't scan you anymore. The first family is protected."

"Wait. I have been asking questions non-stop. They must think I'm terribly rude."

"No, they understand. It can't be easy to be thrust into a life you can't remember."

"I guess that's why Maggie said my curiosity drove my mother crazy."

"If you were anything like you are now, I am sure you did," she laughs.

"I am so embarrassed!" I moan. "Next time I ask a question just pinch me or something."

"Losing your curiosity that quickly huh?"

"I just want to fit in."

"Don't we all," she sighs.

Dressed and ready, Sadie and I sit down at the small dining table in my bedroom, laughing and giggling with anticipation. Maggie hovers as we eat, huffing and puffing about us behaving like silly girls. Moving about the room, she grumbles over spending the day alone with Alana, who has taken to ignoring us all to play solitaire in the drawing room. Maggie may pretend to be irritable, but I see her slip a few extra credits into Sadie's apron, so I know she isn't really that upset.  Claiming she is tired of our antics, she shoos us out the door and we crash head on into Grayson as he walks by.

"I am so sorry!" I say. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

"It takes more than that to hurt me," he laughs. "You ladies have a big day I hear, out visiting the city for the first time?"

"Yes, but we will be back in plenty of time for the games and fireworks."

"You always loved fireworks," he says fondly.

"I did?"

"Yes, as kids we would all hide away on one of the balconies and watch them. We would end up staying up all night because the nanny couldn't find us."

"I would give anything to remember that," I sigh. "It's so strange to know I've had a childhood's worth of memories in this house. I feel like a ghost walking the halls."

"I know everything is different now, but someday you will remember, and when you do, things might be tough for a while. I want you to always remember that your fiancé loved you more than life then, and loves you just as much now. Cling to that if things get difficult."

"I appreciate you saying that," I say blushing. "Travis has been very adamant in his devotion; it's sweet of you to be so supportive of him."

"Not everything I do, I do for my brother. I want you to be happy as well."

"Thank you," I say as I pull Sadie down the hall. I have gotten so used to grumpy Grayson that I am not sure how to respond to kind Grayson anymore. Barely six feet away Sadie starts to giggle and I playfully shush her before falling into laughter myself. Maybe we are just silly girls . . .

"Grayson is very handsome, isn't he?" Sadie sighs, and giggles. "The brooding and drinking aside, he is probably the most handsome man in the whole city. Not that your Travis is any less handsome, mind you. Grayson just has this . . . "

"Fire?" I suggest with a smile.

"Yes," she sighs. "That's exactly it. Those eyes of his could melt even the coldest heart."

"Maybe we should let him spend some time with Alana," I tease.

"No way," Sadie laughs. "I plan on being the only maid secretly pining for him if you don't mind."  

We reach the edge of the garden and at last, the city of Veracity is before me. I marvel at the fact that I have been here months without stepping a foot onto its streets. I have spent my time here staring out the windows of the big house, longing to visit all the little shops down the main road. Now I'm on my way, my pockets heavy with credits that both the General and Travis have given me.

The day is beautiful, sunny, and warm with a crisp breeze. Sadie, bless her heart, found me a gown made from a lighter material than I normally wear, and the breeze flows right through it, keeping me cool as we walk.

The city is so alive today. Flowers are blooming in window boxes and flowerbeds, brightly colored flags wave, and brilliantly dressed men and women walk the streets. It's all bright and cheery, standing out vividly against the brash whiteness of the buildings and wall that surrounds them.

The city may look optimistic and friendly, but the people are a different story. As we walk, only those dressed in green even acknowledge that we are alive. The sidewalks are busy, packed with shoppers and merchants, but no one else looks at us. They walk right past us, continuing on with their own conversations, never once meeting our eyes. It's unbelievable that I feel so isolated in such a large crowd of people.

"They act as if we are not here," I say.

"Well, we are in a different class," Sadie says. "To them we don't exist. If they passed their own children in the street they wouldn't acknowledge them. Once placed in our occupations and marriages, we are only able to socialize with the people of our own class in public. We can visit our families in private, of course."

"That seems a little strict."

"Not strict, just orderly. Fewer associates mean fewer complications. It makes sense to only make friends with the people you have things in common with. If I am married to a merchant, I wouldn't have much in common with a farmer's wife now would I?"

"I suppose not."

"Exactly. Now, the merchant and the farmer converse," she says thoughtfully. "But that is just business and conducted in the shop. When we enter one of the stores, the merchant will be happy to greet us and serve us, but on his free time, he would walk right by us like everyone else."

"I don't know," I say, considering the arrangement. "I suppose I see the logic in it, but I just don't know how I feel about the concept of segregation."

"You don't have to feel anything about it," she laughs. "It is not something to think about or dwell on. It's just the way things are. You just accept it, and be happy."

Sadie insists on visiting the bakery first, and even though we just had breakfast, I agree whole-heartedly. The shop is warm from the many ovens, and the smell of fresh bread and pastry is thick in the air. I laugh at the joyous look on Sadie's face as she breathes it all in. Taking a seat at one of the many tables, I wait for Sadie to order. She returns hauling a platter full of round pastries coated with a sticky, sugar glaze. I take a bite and nearly cry out from joy. Soft and warm on the inside, and just the tiniest bit crunchy on the outside, they melt in my mouth and have to be one of the best things I have ever eaten.

"These were popular before the Cleanse," Sadie says. "Only back then, the bakers cut a big hole in the middle so it looked like a fluffy ring. Then they packaged up all the middle pieces and sold those separately!"

"You are teasing me," I laugh. "Who would fall for something like that?"

"People were not very clever back then. Despite all their technology, they were easy to fool. Even the adults would believe anything you said, as long as you said it with a smile."

We are working our way through the tall stack of pastries when a jewelry stand across the street catches Sadie's eye. Stuffing the last bit in her mouth, she jumps up with a wink, running over to try on all the different belts and pins. On my way to join her, I spy a familiar face in the crowd, a handsome young man standing next to a flower cart. It's Jack! Jack is just standing right there in the middle of everything, staring right at me.

"Sadie," I say distracted, "I am going to walk over to the flower cart for a minute. I will be right back."

"Okay!" she chirps, "Just don't buy any sunflowers! I hate sunflowers!"

Jack's eyes never leave mine as I make my way to him. Although he is smiling, his body seems tense, ready to run at the slightest hint of danger. I don't blame him. I am anxious, and I am not even the one who would get into who knows how much trouble if I were caught . . . am I?

"Kat."

"Jack."

We stare at each other for a few uncomfortable heartbeats.

"You remembered my name," he says, nervously.

"From a dream," I say. "I haven't told anyone, they don't ask me your name anymore. Why are you here?"

"For you," he says, casting his eyes around the crowded street. "I made a huge, unforgivable mistake, and I want you to come back with me. I was wrong about everything, Kat, it isn't safe for you to be here."

"You are the one who told me to come!"

"I know, and I'm sorry. I didn't know the whole story then. I know this sounds crazy, but you need to come back with me. You have to trust me, the city isn't as safe as I thought."

"You kidnapped me, and wiped my memory! How can you even ask me to trust you?"

"I didn't kidnap you," he says quietly, looking around to make sure no one heard me. If they have, they aren't letting on. "I was asked to hide you. I didn't know why and I didn't ask. At least not at first."

"Right. Now, tell me this "whole story". What has changed to make you think Veracity isn't safe?"

"I can't talk about it here, come with me and I will explain everything."

"No."

"Damn it Kat! Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

"Why did you have to wipe my memory?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sadie walking in our direction.

"I have to go. My friend is coming."

"Come with me." he begs. "I love you. I am sorry that I did this. I only wanted to protect you."

"I can't. I really am sorry, and I don't want to hurt you, but leaving isn't an option. I have made promises. I have a life here."

"We made promises," he pleads. "To each other. If you remember my name you have to remember at least some of our life. Tell me you don't remember loving me and I will go away."

I hesitate.

"I am not going to give up," he promises stubbornly. "I can see it on your face. You remember. That kind of love doesn't just go away. I will be back for you, Kat. I am going to make this right."

"I don't know if it can ever be made right," I say sadly.