Eden Forest (Part one of the Saskia Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page A

hair, releasing it from the bun I placed it in this morning.
    Curls bounce around my shoulders. I gather two small pieces
    from the front and tie them loosely, leaving my hair down,
    but keeping it off my face. As I sit sideways, my hair looks
    beautiful in the mirror. Some days from the heat, it would
    be frizzy, but today it is smooth and shiny. I lift my tunic
    and smile at my reflection; pregnancy suits me. I think I look
    beautiful with my bump. I go back into the kitchen and take
    a white rose out of Corrona’s vase of flowers, placing it at
    the side of my hair.
    Corrona returns then, her eyebrows set in a furrow. “She
    wasn’t there,” she says.
    “Don’t worry. She must have gone to someone else’s to get
    ready.”
    “Maybe”
    “Are you not going to say anything about my hair?” I ask
    while twirling around.
    “Oh, Marta, sorry. It is perfect.” She comes over and twirls a
    curl around her finger. “It is perfect.” She says sincerely.
    “Stop worrying, Corrona. Sometimes you worry too much.”
    “You are right. She must have gone to Ancellia’s home…
    maybe…” Then she claps her hands together. “All right, let’s
    get you ready.”
    An hour later, after being pulled and prodded by Corrona,
    I am fully dressed in a beautiful blue dress. All the material
    gathers around my stomach to conceal my bump. It is perfect.
     
    I arrive at the main square of the village. While I stand there,
    I take in the transformation. I have heard it is one of the most
    magical nights, but have never seen it before. Everything is so
    exquisite. A large platform has been erected for the occasion for
    the king and queen to watch us. It is decorated in the finest silk
    of gold and reds. At each corner, there are fifty-foot sheets of
    white silk material billowing in a slight breeze. I pity whoever
    has to stand there for the night and use their air affinity, no
    doubt a woman.
    I walk deeper into the crowd. Everyone is dressed in their
    finest clothes. The women gather on one side and the men on
    the other. The square is lit by lanterns and candles scattered
    all around. Large barrels have been turned upside down and
    candles are placed in the centre. Someone has spread rose
    petals on the ground to give it the illusion of a carpet. It is
    beautiful.
    Goblets of wine are handed out by servers. A girl hands me
    a goblet while giving me a look of envy. “Your time will come.
    Don’t worry,” I say.
    She gives me a disgusted look. “That’s all right for you to say.
    I have another ten years to wait.” She walks off, serving others
    begrudgingly. I hold the goblet and pretend to take small sips so
    nothing looks suspicious.
    “You look stunning.” I laugh as I face Nicon. And feel very
    shocked. He cleans up well. He’s dressed in a black pair of
    trousers and a snow-white tunic. His beard is shaved, making
    him look younger, and his blue eyes are sparkling.
    “Nicon, you will make some girl’s dreams come true here
    tonight.”
    He laughs slightly, and then kisses me on the cheek. “You
    are too kind, Marta.”
    Beating of drums settles everyone down, except me. The king
    and queen are arriving. My stomach tightens at the thought of
    seeing Morrick.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, bow for your King Morrick and
    Queen Bellona.” The king and queen take their seats, both of
    them dressed in white robes with royal-blue trimmings, the
    colours that represent the matching festival.
    Morrick stands then and walks to the front of the platform.
    “Rise.” I look up and meet his deep grey eyes, causing my
    breath to catch in my chest. A small smile tugs at the corner
    of his mouth, but is gone as soon as it appears. His attention
    is now back on the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we
    will unite you together to live long and happy lives and create
    the next generation.”
    Everyone applauds, the men louder than the women. No
    doubt it is the last statement that makes the men happy. Everyone
    settles back down