“M…maybe,” Rogue replied, wiping the tears from her eyes.
“Not maybe. It’s the truth,” Seth said, giving her a stern look. “Nobody in Prime should have to steal food. There’s enough to go around. It’s his fault, his rules, his system that causes so much suffering.”
Rogue nodded, allowing the words to sink into her brain. Seth was right. Still, it was hard to let go of the guilt. It had become a part of her. It was the reason she wanted, no needed, to go back. “I have to save Prime. I have to. Douglas is a monster.”
“I know, and I’ll be there with you,” Seth said. “Every step of the way.”
“Thank you,” Rogue said, blinking back fresh tears. But these were tears of happiness. Of joy. “That means a lot to me.”
“Now, how about that walk?” Seth asked, drawing her to her feet.
“Okay,” she said, scooping up their things. Somehow, she felt much lighter, and it was with a spring in her step that she resumed their interrupted tour.
They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the Zoo and unearthing its many secrets. There was the hatchery with its rows of eggs sitting on hothouse shelves, and the enclosures containing herds of Zuniceratops, Stegoceras, and Parksosaurus.
She watched as young Zuni’s chased each other around the field while their mothers munched on twigs and leaves. Male Stegoceras headbutted each other for dominance, the thunderous booms causing her to jump with fright.
Rogue strolled past fields of sunflowers, flax, maize, and wheat, their leaves rippling in the breeze. Rows upon rows of vegetables fed the community’s many mouths, and fruit trees filled the orchards. Banks of herbs provided both seasoning and medicine to the community, bunches of the stuff drying on racks.
She smelled the stink of hides turning to leather and the salty tang of cured meat. A friendly woman allowed her to hold a bunny, its fur soft between her fingers. Another showed her how to create cloth from flax.
To top it all off, a foul-smelling camel spat at Seth, and a troop of monkeys bombarded them with rocks. The primates were survivors from the previous era, kept alive by the Exiles for reasons she couldn’t fathom.
By the time night fell, Rogue was exhausted. Her bruised hip ached, and she walked with a pronounced limp. When they reached her home, Seth paused to take her in his arms. After a long tender kiss, he hustled her onto the porch. “Off to bed. You look like a stiff wind could blow you over.”
Rogue stifled a yawn. “Have no fear. It’s an early night for me.”
“And have Olivia give you something for those blisters,” Seth said, indicating her hands. “I’ll oil that pump tomorrow. It shouldn’t be so hard just to get water.”
Rogue nodded, but her thoughts were already drifting toward her bed with its clean sheets and soft pillows. Too bad, he can’t join me, but one step at a time. “Goodnight, Seth.”
“Goodnight.” Seth turned to leave but paused. “By the way, when you asked me to kiss you earlier, was that a test?”
Rogue’s lips curled into a smile at the memory. “It was.”
“Did I pass?”
“With flying colors.”
Chapter 13
As Rogue walked into the house, the pungent aroma of wild garlic filled her nostrils. Olivia was in the kitchen, frying up a storm. “Hi, sweetie. How was your day?”
“It was okay,” Rogue hedged, placing her bag on the table. She wasn’t ready to talk about her and Seth yet. For now, it would remain a secret.
“Did Ric work you too hard?” Olivia said with a worried frown.
“Not really. He gave us the afternoon off, and we went exploring.”
“We?” Olivia asked. “Who’s we?”
“Seth and I. We learned a lot of interesting things today.”
“That’s great, sweetie,” Olivia said, flashing her a bright smile. “Are you two hitting it off?”
“Sort off. Have you seen Jamie today?” Rogue asked, deflecting her mother’s curiosity.
“I went to see her this morning. Poor thing. She’s in a lot of pain, but it looks like the Zuni’s horn missed any vital organs.”
“So, she’ll be okay?” Rogue asked, relieved beyond measure. The last thing she needed was for the Exiles to blame her for Jamie’s death as well. Besides, unlike her daughter, Jamie was a nice person. She didn’t deserve to die because her daughter was a spiteful little cow.
“Yes, she’ll be fine, though it will be a while before she’s back on her feet again,” Olivia confirmed.
“Good, I’m glad to hear that,” Rogue said, stifling another colossal yawn.
“Ric told me what happened today. I don’t know what’s come over those teens. They used to be so polite and well-spoken,” Olivia said with a shake of her head. “I’m glad he punished them.”
Rogue opened her mouth to reply, but a knock on the door interrupted her. She stood up on wobbly legs, every muscle in her body stiff and sore. “I’ll get it.”
When she opened the door, she was shocked to see David standing on the porch. “It’s okay, Mom. It’s someone for me.”
“Alright, but hurry up. Supper’s almost ready.”
Rogue stepped outside and closed the door behind her with a firm click. “What do you want? Back to gloat some more?”
David shook his head. “No, I’m here to apologize.”
“What?” Rogue asked, shocked to the core.
“Yes, I’m sorry for my part in what happened. Both today and during the hunt,” he said, his expression earnest.
“I hope this isn’t some sick joke,” Rogue said, peering over his shoulder. “If your friends are out there…”
“I swear this isn’t a joke. They don’t know I’m here,” David said. “Except Brittany. She knows.”
“Brittany?” Rogue repeated. “What does she have to do with this?”
David sighed. “It’s all a mess, isn’t it? It started out as a joke, but Sandi missed her throw. It should never have happened. All Brittany wanted was to show you up in front of the rest.”
“Why? Because I’m a Prime?” Rogue said.
“Try to understand. Brittany lost her uncle at the gates of Prime. He and Jamie were among those turned away, only he didn’t
