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

as the king continues to speak.
    “Once everyone is matched, we will celebrate with dancing
    and wine.” Another roar goes up; then Morrick returns to his
    throne.
    A small man with a large scroll takes his place at the front of
    the platform. He wears all blue down to his sandals. His nose is
    too big for his face, his eyes too small. He starts the list, letting
    the scroll unwind. It hits the wood with a large thud. He clears
    his throat and a voice erupts that doesn’t match his face, much
    too deep and loud. “Felix is matched with Seth.” And the list
    goes on.
    After several minutes and smiling couples, Nicon’s name is
    mentioned. I squeeze his hand and he smiles down at me. “Nicon
    is matched with Claudia.” Claudia squeals with joy from across
    the stage and then blushes when Nicon smiles over at her. She is
    petite and pretty. I know her face from the gardens. She works
    the fruit and vegetable section. Her squeal of joy causes the little
    man to give her a stern look. He continues with more names,
    and more sounds of joy gush, causing his face to grow grumpier
    each time.
    “Marta is matched with…” I hold my breath, hoping it is
    someone I can push away easily over time. “Taurus.” I look
    up at the little man in disgust and can see Morrick staring at
    Bellona in shock as she smirks. Was I imaging that? I feel ill as
    the big brute comes towards me, grinning. I look the other way,
    pretending I don’t see him.
    “Well, well, well. Aren’t you a lucky girl?” The smell of wine
    hits my face. He seems to be always drunk and this infuriates
    me.
    The music starts up then, signalling the beginning of the
    celebrations. I look up at Taurus with a show of disgust on my
    face.
    He laughs. “Do not be like that. I promise we will have
    lots of fun.” He winks at me, pulling me into his sweaty
    body.
    I push him away. “I think I will wait another ten years.”
    I storm off, pushing my way through the crowd, wanting
    to get as far away from Taurus as possible. When I reach
    the edge of the mass, I start to calm and watch all the new
    couples dance and talk. After an hour of standing alone, my
    mood darkens. I know Morrick can’t be with me in public,
    but times like these make me feel even lonelier. I take the
    rose out of my hair and throw it on the ground and start
    walking back to my cottage.
    A voice comes from behind me. “You dropped this.” I freeze
    with fear. Has Taurus followed me? I try to muster up as much
    courage as possible.
    “Go away.” I turn around and am faced with Morrick
    holding my white rose.
    I bow. “Sorry, your highness, I thought you were—”
    He finishes my sentence. “Taurus. I guessed as much. Are
    you all right?” He places his hand on my elbow to help me rise
    and puts the rose back in my hair. “That’s better. Now you look
    perfect.”
    I smile. “I better go before anyone sees us.”
    He looks conflicted “I tried to make sure it was Nicon that
    you were matched with.”
    I look at Morrick, startled. “Nicon? And why would you do
    that?”
    “I see how he looks at you, and he would have treated you
    well,” Morrick says, looking annoyed.
    This frustrates me. I did not want to be matched with Nicon.
    I wanted Morrick more than life itself, but this would never be possible.
    “Morrick, I don’t want Nicon.” I look away and don’t say how
    I truly feel. It would be unfair.
    But Morrick startles me with his response. “You have my
    word. I will find a way for us to be together.” And then he is
    gone, back to the village.
     
     

Chapter One
    Ireland ~ Present Day
    (Sarajane)
     
     
     
    I t’s Sunday so I get muffled up and shove on my black wellies
    that are decorated with pink hearts. I smile to myself. Josh
    bought them for me. Josh is my best friend. We met when I
    was only ten years of age at our local beach, here in Blackrock,
    Co. Louth. From that day on, we never looked back.
    “Sarajane, you can’t keep doing this.” My smile