Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(26)
“Bed-and-breakfast place?” The king furrows his brow. “Is that some new-fangled term that you young people have coined? What does it signify?”
“Just . . . er . . . just a nice place to stay at, Your Majesty . . . I mean, Father,” I stammer, wishing that I could dive under the table.
“I’m glad you found Enrilth House to your liking, Katriona. I hope that it allowed you to rest fully,” the queen says. “We were so worried when you fainted away at the wedding.”
“She needs to strengthen her constitution,” the duchess remarks. “After all, it is her duty to bear the future heir to the throne. I suggest that Katriona halts pursuing her interests in trivial matters . . . such as running that school for girls.”
What school? I thought it was Elle who opened a school.
“It is my duty as well,” Edward says calmly. His hand moves subtly, re-arranging my salad fork in the correct position. “Besides, if bearing an heir is the only requirement for my wife, then I needn’t have held the ball. Any girl would do.”
Despite my reluctance to marry a stranger when I already have a boyfriend, my heart thaws upon hearing him say those words. I’ve only been here for a short time, but from what I remember of The Ugly Stepsister and from what I’ve learned of Athelian culture so far, it takes guts to defy tradition.
The duchess, however, doesn’t look impressed. “Naturally, as a member of the royal family, one must be selective when choosing a bride.” She glances in the direction of Henry, who colors and focuses on his plate of roast beef and garlic potatoes. In the book, Henry was attracted to Elle. She isn’t invited, so they aren't married yet. I wonder if they are still together.
I cannot help but breathe a sigh of relief when dinner is finished. Despite the fact that no one suspected me (I hope so. It’s not easy deciphering their well-mannered, etiquette-trained expressions), I don’t know how much longer I can keep pretending I am Katriona.
11
Back in our bedroom, after Amelie stripped me of the fancy clothes (whoever invented that bustle thing and the S-shaped corset is sadistic) and I’ve taken a hot bath, thanking God there’s modern plumbing here, I dart a quick glance at the door. After dinner, Edward had told me to go ahead and return to our suite, as he had some business to take care of. I wonder when he’s coming back. While I still don’t want to go to bed with him (I’m honest. I swear), I don’t like the idea of him sneaking around the palace at night. After all, we are newlyweds.
Pulling a shawl over my white silk nightie, I tiptoe into the sitting room. There is a cuckoo clock hanging on the polished oak wall, showing that it’s a quarter to ten. A few minutes later, there is the sound of a key turning in the lock, and the main door to our suite swings open.
Edward comes in, his tread firm and assured. An aura of satisfaction seems to surround him. My speculation about him going off to some other place is instantly shot down.
“Kat.” The corners of his mouth curve when he sees me pacing on the carpet. “Have you been waiting for me?”
“I . . .” To tell the truth, I have wondered where he went instead of coming back to the suite with me. But why should I care? I’ve been trying to keep him at arm’s length, and if he chooses to seek solace with someone more receptive to his attentions, that will certainly make it easier for me to leave Athelia.
Edward steps closer to me, his eyes glowing with a combination of amusement and tenderness. There’s a faint smell of alcohol emanating from him. I wonder how much he drank during dinner.
My heart beats faster. There’s no mistaking the desire in his eyes. To be honest, my body definitely finds him attractive, though my mind still protests against sleeping with a guy I’ve only known for a week. Even if he is lawfully my husband in this world.
I retreat a step. The backs of my knees collide with a sofa, and I land on the velvet cushions with a thump. Edward settles next to me, close enough that my nightie rustles against his black trousers.
“Kat, sit still.”
“Wha . . . what?”
“I need you to hold out your hand.”
I blink at him. Taking advantage of my surprise, he simply draws my arm toward him, and before I can ask him what he’s up to, I find myself staring at a glittering ring on my fourth finger.
That’s why he disappeared. Before we boarded the train to Enrilth, Edward told Amelie to order a wedding ring for me. He went to see if it arrived—and here it is.
The ring is easily the most dazzling piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen. It’s a rose-gold band, encrusted with three rows of sparkling diamonds of various sizes. My first instinct is that such a magnificent ring doesn’t suit me, but before I can take it off, Edward places his hand on top of mine. His ring forms a perfect pair with the one he gave me.
“On no occasion should it leave your finger.” He moves closer, and this time, I can no longer ignore the solid warmth of his body. His breath tickles my face, and I can smell the intoxicating scent of the amber-colored wine served at dinner. “That ring is worth a fortune.”
“I’ll take extra care with it.”
“Worry not, love. If you ever lose it again, I shall have you working in the palace. I guarantee that it will take you an entire lifetime.” His tone indicates that he very much looks forward to my working off the debt.