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

take it away. Two cameramen file in, and post themselves in either corner of the room. One of them nods to Candy and a red light appears on the camera.

“Good Evening, citizens of the North American Alliance! Candy Thomas here, with an exclusive interview. I am thrilled to be the first to introduce you to none other than Patrick and Sadie Royce, the son and daughter-in-law of Prime Minister Royce.” She lifts her thin arm in an elegant gesture and the cameras sweep toward us. I force a smile, and will my brain to slow down and focus.

Patrick lifts his hand in a small wave, so I follow suit.

“Patrick, how does it feel to finally, after all these years, be open about your identity?”

One side of his mouth lifts, a sardonic smile briefly appearing before he answers, “Well, it is definitely a change to have cameramen camped outside. But, it comes with the territory.”

“Yes, we’ve all seen the photographs taken of you two, enjoying your breakfast earlier this week. That must have been a shocking moment, when the two of you have been trying to focus on building a new family.” She pauses, and we both nod. “How is that going, by the way? Have you two enjoyed your time here at the honeymoon resort?” She raises her eyebrows expectantly.

Sure, except the part with the secret medical facility full of sedated women, and the mandatory sex tracking. I keep my sarcasm to myself.

“Mairmont is lovely, we’ve really enjoyed taking in the fall foliage, as well as the beaches and the local landmarks,” I say instead.

Candy jumps at the chance to dig deeper. “Ahh, an outdoors enthusiast! Tell me, Sadie, did you spend a lot of time outdoors back home?”

I nod. “Yes, my family owns a ranch down south. We all work the herds together.”

“All? How many family members do you have?” She waits expectantly, and I force myself to ignore the pit in my stomach.

“Well, my parents, my brothers and I, plus my sisters-in-law and two nephews.” I try to gloss over the fine details.

“It must be nice to live so close to family,” she says, and her warmth seems genuine. I allow myself to relax a hair.

“Patrick, how do you feel about having been matched with a wife with such a strong family waiting for her at home?”

“Sadie is such an amazing woman, there is no way her family could be anything less. I’m happy she has that support system in her life, for whenever our family starts growing.” He gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

Candy presses a hand to her heart. “Oh my, you heard it here first! Patrick Royce, already planning a family with Sadie. I have to say, the attraction between the two of you is clear.”

I duck my head, embarrassed with the abrupt turn in the conversation.

Patrick slips an arm around my shoulders, as if it can protect me from the prying Candy. “We’ve been very blessed, that our genetic match turned out to be a love match, too.”

Candy leans forward, eyes gleaming with intent. “Sadie, some would say you’ve been the most blessed of all. Here you are, an average girl from a ranching family, and you win the genetic lottery and are matched with the single most eligible man on the entire continent. How do you feel about the fact that so many women would kill to be in your shoes right now?”

My brain spins, trying to think of an appropriate diplomatic answer. “I can see why people might think they’d want to be in my shoes, but Patrick’s family responsibility is not something either of us takes lightly.”

“That’s understandable, given the weight on your shoulders. After all, you’re about to be made royalty! The two of you, and your future son or daughter will rule one of the largest nations in the modern world.” She pauses for dramatic effect. “Speaking of future children, any news you’d like to share today?”

It is not okay to punch someone on national television. It is not okay to punch someone on national television. I’m too busy repeating my new mantra to answer, so Patrick slides in smoothly.

“Not at this time. As you know, even with the NLC’s genetic matching technology, it is not a quick or guaranteed process.”

A mask of sympathy falls across her features. “Yes, it’s so true. The heartbreak of childlessness is still far from eradicated. What would you say to the citizens out there dealing with this same situation, or those soon to be pulled into the Compulsory Marriage Program?”

It’s my turn to jump in. “I would say that your ability to bear children doesn’t define your worth as a person. You’re not alone, and there is hope. There is always hope.” I repeat it, hoping that it sinks in for me, as well as anyone watching. We have to have hope.

“What a touching sentiment, Sadie. Thank you for sharing that. Now, I have one final question for you, before we let you two get back to your honeymoon.” She pauses, and locks her eyes on the camera lens, as if sharing a secret with the viewers. When she turns back to us, something about her mischievous smile gives me a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“We have received information from an anonymous source that you two are an exceptionally high match.” She takes another dramatic pause and stares conspiratorially into the camera lens. “So high, in fact, that it’s the highest recorded match in the history of the NLC program. We know you two have been here going on a few months now, so, we have to ask—how do you feel about the fact that your brother and his wife have already conceived, and you two are still here, stuck waiting? You two are responsible for the continuation of the royal line, after all—that must add an enormous amount of pressure.”

My jaw drops at her audacity at dragging my family into this, and then trying to pit us in some