Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(28)
Edward grins. “They are more inclined to upholding middle-class values. Don’t you worry, love. Rest assured that you will always have my family’s support, as well as mine.”
He’s getting that heated look in his eyes again. I fish around for something else to say in case he starts advancing on me again.
“Hey, Edward . . . I mean, Edward. Do you mind telling me more about Athelia? I still can’t remember anything, and I’m worried I might blunder again. You stopped me from blabbing at dinner, but what if you’re not with me?”
He presses his lips together as realization sinks in. “That certainly is a concern. It would be highly undesirable for people to know you are mentally inflicted, especially when my grandfather is known to have gone mad. Let us proceed to the study, and I shall procure some books for you.”
12
“Wake up, Your Highness.”
I stir and burrow further into the pillow.
“Wake up!”
The curtain is pulled apart, and bright sunlight streams into the bedroom. I throw up a hand to shield my eyes.
Amelie tosses a pile of clothes on the bed. “It’s a quarter past seven. His Highness is already up and dressed.”
I grumble under my breath. It’s the weekend, and I can’t even hit snooze on my alarm clock. Here in Athelia, my maid is a human-sized alarm. I don’t know how Edward manages it. I didn’t get to sleep until two in the morning, as I’m still cramming Athelian culture, doing my best to appear that I have my memories intact.
I roll out of bed. It’s a relief that the palace has modern plumbing, complete with running taps and flushing toilets. It’s also a relief to get some privacy. I can bathe by myself without a dozen servants hanging around. Yawning, I stumble through the door and run into a solid wall.
“Good morning, dear wife.”
I look up to see Edward, looking absolutely tempting in his pristine white shirt and black trousers. Images of the previous night come rushing back to me of how he had lost control and tried to kiss me. If I didn’t come up with using Henry’s name in time, I’m not sure how far he could have gone. Anyway, I have to keep him at arm’s length. No way am I going to leave Jason for a guy I’ve only known for a week. I hope that Krev will hurry up and come take me home.
“Good morning,” I say, ignoring his proffered hand. I open the door and start down the hallway.
Edward grabs my arm. “Do you even know where you’re going? The dining room is the other way.”
“Oops, my bad. Thanks.” Discreetly, I yank my arm back. The problem with having no memory is that I can’t even find a room by myself.
Edward takes my hand again. His grip is firm, and I can feel his wedding ring brush against mine. “Remember, we are newlyweds. It is rare that I should walk down the hallway without holding your hand.” His breath is warm against my ear. “Act like we are deeply attached to each other.”
“I . . .” It’s so hard not to blush. “I’m a lousy actor.”
“Nor am I good at faking my emotions. I can conceal, but I cannot contrive. Fortunately, I do not need to act.”
I feel like holding up a sign saying, No flirting when we’re alone.
* * *
Breakfast is scrumptious. The amount can’t compare to the dozen-course dinner we had with the nobles last night, but every dish screams high-class, from the delicate salmon rolls topped with cream cheese, the butter shaped like roses, and the flaky croissants, to the freshly brewed coffee with a latte art of a crown on top. I’ve come a long way from making coffee in a ten-dollar machine at home.
It’s a pity that I can’t fully enjoy the food, for I’m still sleepy after the tiring day yesterday, starting from the train journey to the Athelian lesson at night.
“Katriona? Are you feeling all right?” The queen asks after I yawn for the third time.
“I’m fine,” I answer without thinking. “It’s just that Edward kept me up last night . . .”
I shut my mouth like a clam, realizing the implication of my words. The king drops his fork and the queen spills her tea. Edward, on the other hand, is trying to contain his laughter, judging by how his shoulders are shaking.
“Stop it,” I whisper and jab my elbow into his arm, but the mirth remains in his eyes. Behind us, a servant’s eye twitches. Perhaps I should have pretended nothing happened. After all, I have a royal dignity to maintain.
Needless to say, I’m so glad when breakfast is over, and not just because I feel like catching up on lost sleep.
Sweeping back to the suite, I try to look gracious and walk gracefully as the royal princess I’m supposed to be. Edward has to go to a council meeting with the king—I hope he's bored to death. Servants bow and curtsy when I pass, making me feel uncomfortable. There were house maids at Enrilth house, but they appeared to be more relaxed and carefree, while here in the palace, everyone is disciplined, formal, and well-trained. I feel like I’ve moved from a comfortable middle-class bed-and-breakfast place to the penthouse suite in an expensive Manhattan apartment building.
“Princess?” Amelie’s voice interrupts me from my thoughts. “The suite is this way.”
I give myself a mental shake. No matter when Krev may return, I’ve got to get my memory back. I’d do well to start by learning my way around the palace.