Rise: Populations Crumble, Book 2 by Gandy, A. (read book .txt) 📕

“Woman, you’d better think carefully about what you say next.” His tone is mock serious as he snags her from me, and wraps his arms around her waist.

“It’s no contest. You’re definitely my best husband yet.” She taps him on the nose, and he leans down and steals her next words in a kiss.

I look away, overwhelmed by their intensity. Patrick takes my hand, now that Faith is otherwise occupied, and we walk to the edge of the boat. Why is everyone else so capable of jumping into this, but I’m holding myself back? Is there something wrong with me?

The captain of the sailboat greets us at the railing. “Good morning! You’ve chosen a lovely day for a sail. Allow me to help you.” He extends his arm to help me traverse the watery gap between dock and boat.

I take his hand and step over, the motion of the boat hitting me as soon as my feet are planted on the deck. Patrick steps on after me, and a moment later Teddy and Faith have caught up and stepped onto the boat with us.

The captain makes quick work of untying all the lines and heads up to the top deck where the captain’s area is located. In a few short minutes we’re pulling away from the dock, and towards the open water. The breeze is stiff, and I snuggle with appreciation into my coat. Patrick’s hand is warm in mine, and for the first part of the ride, we all lean against the railing and enjoy watching the deck hands busy at their work as well as the scenery.

A crew member comes over, and offers us all fluted glasses.

“I’m sorry, no champagne for me, I’m expecting!” Faith glows as she shares her news for the first time.

The crew member gives her a polite smile. “We know, ma’am. We’ve got strict instructions for all honeymoon resort participants to only offer sparkling cider or grape juice.”

She gives him a smile in return and takes one of the stemmed glasses.

I force myself to speak as soon as the crewman is out of sight. “I’m so glad all your tests went well yesterday, and you’re both healthy so far. There’s something we need to talk to you guys about, too, that relates to your pregnancy.”

Faith’s brow furrows and she looks back and forth between Patrick and me with worry. “What is it? Is everything okay?”

I set my hand on her arm. “Yes, everything is okay.” I glance at Patrick, unsure how to actually break the news.

He clears his throat. “It’s actually me that needs to share,” he says, giving my shoulder a light squeeze. “I haven’t been fully honest with you two, and I’d like to rectify that. My last name isn’t actually O’Roarke, and neither is Sadie’s. My name is Patrick Royce, and my father is the prime minister of the NAA.”

It’s out there, blunt and open. Like ripping off a bandage, the sting takes a minute to register.

Faith’s jaw drops, and simultaneously Teddy’s clenches. He locks eyes with me. “Did you know about this? Before you married him?”

I worry my bottom lip between my teeth, and shake my head.

His expression goes from surprise to fury in that split second, and he stalks forward towards Patrick. “You mean to tell me that you married my sister under false pretenses, let her send all those other men home, and now you’re springing it on her that you’re from the most prominent political family  in the entire country? And what, she’s supposed to smile and pose for the cameras with you now, like nothing happened?” He hasn’t touched Patrick yet, but his posture tells me he wants to punch him. I’ve seen enough brotherly tussles to know he is not playing around. This could get ugly, fast.

“Teddy—” I start, but Patrick squeezes my shoulder again.

“Sadie felt the same way, when I told her. It is inexcusable for me to have kept it from her, but I’ve apologized and done my best to make it right. I don’t expect her to be some political trophy wife, if that’s what you’re thinking. The reason I live under a false name is to distance myself from my father’s political career. I have no desire to be the next prime minister or hold a political office.”

Teddy’s eyes narrow with menace and his voice is low. “You and I both know that there’s more at stake here than deciding to run for office. They’re voting in the courts right now about making you the first ever prince of the NAA. Do you know what that would mean for Sadie, for our entire family?”

This time, I cut in. “Teddy, that’s enough.” His gaze snaps back to me. “I know you’re angry. Heck, I was mad enough to spit. But this is not in Patrick’s control. He doesn’t want to be a prince, he certainly didn’t call the media, and that’s not why we’re telling you this. There’s something more important.”

“What could possibly be more important? You got a nuke button in your closet, too?” he drawled, accent getting thicker in his anger.

“Your family’s safety. The media shouldn’t have gotten hold of the information about Sadie’s and my marriage. I have no way to know what other information they might find, or how they’re getting it. My parents haven't reached out, which means the leak hasn’t been located yet. If they find out where we are, this place is going to get swarmed with media, and possibly more kidnapping attempts.” He pauses, and takes in my somber expression.

“Sadie is now both the only known genetically normal woman alive, and married to the prime minister’s son. We are telling you this so you can pull any strings possible, and get transferred back home to Georada. Do you think your brother Peter could pull some strings, and get you both sent home?”

Faith’s face drains of all color as the discussion progresses, and