Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(27)
“Right. As if your country would allow a princess to—”
He places a hand on my cheek, attempting to turn my face to his. I could bet my newly acquired wedding ring that he wants to kiss me.
Panic races through me—what should I do? He is the most attractive man I’ve ever met. Everything about him, from his perfectly chiseled features to his immaculate apparel, places him in People’s Sexiest Man Alive list, if such a thing exists in Athelia. Not to mention he is one of the richest men in the country, judging from the magnificence of the palace. He’s the kind of guy who only exists in romance novels.
Come on, Kat. Technically, he is your husband in this world. What’s the harm in one kiss?
But we’re alone at night. The bedrooms are a few steps away. The prince is half-drunk and infatuated with me. Isn’t it likely that one kiss will lead to another, and eventually, it’ll end up with the two of us in bed?
Jason. My boyfriend’s face appears in my mind—incredulous, disbelieving, outraged. What’ll Jason say if he sees me now? Only one week, and I’m having thoughts about doing it with another guy? When I think of our conversation about Outlander, and him asking if I could prefer an anachronistic man over him . . . it’s so ridiculously close to what’s happening now that I could have laughed if the situation wasn’t serious.
I push Edward away and try to stand up, but he captures my wrist. The alcohol must have weakened his self-control, and it’s so hard not to feel bad when he’s looking at me with raw desire, his fingers hot against my skin.
“Don’t go.”
I swallow hard. I already have a boyfriend. I should pretend I didn’t hear him and lock myself in the bedroom. It’s too risky staying here with the prince. But when I meet his eyes, filled with love and longing, I can’t make myself walk away.
Try to steer him away from his object.
“I just want to get you a glass of water,” I lie. “You look like you could use it.”
And I rush to the side table before he can drag me back to the sofa. Thank God the maids left a pitcher. I pour him the water and come up with another idea. “I have a question about Henry.”
That does the trick. Edward blinks, apparently confused to hear another man’s name.
“And Elle. Does the duchess still disapprove of their marriage?”
Much to my relief, he gets up and takes the glass. When he drains it, his eyes seem more focused. Inwardly, I breathe a sigh of relief.
“What do you remember of them now?”
I scan my mind and try to recall the last few chapters of the book. “They’re together? No, wait, it’s an open ending. Elle isn’t sure she wants to marry Henry yet, because she still needs time to think it over.”
“You certainly have read the book many times.”
I blush. “I told you it’s one of my favorite stories. Anyway, you haven’t answered my question.”
“I am not fully certain about the reasons, but it might boil down to this—Elle is unable, and unwilling, to adapt to the lifestyle of a duchess, and Lady Petunia cannot tolerate it.”
“The lifestyle of a duchess . . .” I glance at the sitting room, which is the most magnificent place I’ve been in. Friezes the color of pine trees decorate the walls, rock-crystal chandeliers hang from the rococo style ceiling, and red velvet armchairs are placed in front of a huge marble fireplace. Roses and heliotropes are everywhere, tastefully arranged in vases made of lapis-lazuli. It feels like I’m in a five-star Renaissance-style hotel. I wonder if I can adapt to the lifestyle of a princess.
“One reason is that Elle, being a former servant herself, is incapable of growing out of her role. She prefers to do tasks herself instead of delegating, supervising, or even giving orders.”
I nod. I was also uncomfortable at Enrilth, seeing servants lugging pails of hot water up and down the stairs, all because they were preparing my bath.
“Why is the duchess so against Elle’s . . . un-duchess behavior? She’s no longer a servant, she’s pretty and nice, and she is clearly attracted to Henry.”
Edward sighs. “Do you know why there are so many rules for the aristocrats?”
Because they’re nuts? “Because it’s tradition and they don’t want to change?”
“There has been a number of tradesmen striking gold in business. Some of them earn enough to rival a nobleman’s fortune,” Edward says slowly. “But the aristocracy wish to keep their circle exclusive. And so, they established numerous rules, such as what to observe when paying calls, what to wear for different meals and occasions, and what to write when corresponding. Failure to heed these codes of etiquette is a sign of ill breeding, and so, no matter how much you may make in mining or railroad stock, you will not be regarded as one of their crowd.”
“Got it.” I feel like I’m in history class.
“Another reason that could have made Lady Petunia uncommonly determined to adhere to tradition is because of Henry himself. His desire to be a doctor is not what a man of his station would do. An aristocrat does not work for a living. The taxes he collects from his lands would be sufficient. Therefore, Lady Petunia hopes that his bride might influence him and steer him in the right direction of a duke.”
I have to smile. “Elle certainly is the exact opposite of her ideal daughter-in-law. But your family doesn’t seem to have a problem with my behavior.”