Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(30)

A tear runs down my face, and I don’t bother to wipe it away.

I want a normal life. I want to go home.





13





The sound of the door of our suite opening and closing disrupts my writing. I quickly crumple up the paper that contains the American dates and toss it into the wastepaper basket.

I wipe away my tears as fast as I can. “Come in.”

Edward enters, and his gaze seems to soften when he sees me bent in front of the desk like I belong here.

“Hey.” I look up at him and attempt a fake smile. “So, you’re finished with your meetings and discussions already?”

“There is never an end unless I relinquish my claim to the throne. It is a luxury I am not allowed, being the only son. However, I’m allowed to have a break while morning tea is served.”

Oh yes, Athelians are obsessed with tea time. How they manage to have morning tea and afternoon tea plus three meals a day, I will never comprehend.

“How are you faring, dear wife?”

“Great.” I gesture toward the stacks of letters. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more popular in my whole life.”

He doesn’t miss the sarcasm in my tone. “I wish that my position would not bring you this much extra work, Kat. Could you set aside those you have problems with? I have some free time this afternoon and will be able to assist you with them. Once you have regained your memory, you will be better equipped to deal with the letters.”

I wonder how long it will take. I still can’t remember a thing. Every time I try to think, my head aches. So far, I’ve managed to fool others, thanks to my knowing the book by heart and Edward stepping in or giving hints. Amelie probably has suspicions that I’m not quite the same, but she gives no sign of being concerned about it. But now that we’ve returned to the palace, where there are a lot more people who have interacted with me previously . . . I’m not sure how much longer we can keep up the charade if my memory doesn’t return.

Edward holds his hand out to me, a gesture that I’ve become extremely familiar with over the short time I’ve met him. I’m somewhat surprised, since he usually extends his hand when we’re about to enter a carriage or begin a meal.

“May I request the pleasure of your company?”

“Sure.” Bemused, I stand up and take his hand. “But what’s with the formality? I mean, I’m supposed to be your wife, but—”

“Certainly, love. If you wish less formality between us, I shall be happy to cede to your request.” He moves closer, his eyes gleaming, like he’s ready to ‘cede’ to my request right away.

“No, that’s not what I meant! It’s just your way of speaking. I don’t think I can ever get used to your royal style. Like this.” I imitate his father, extending my arm and striking up a majestic air that only makes him laugh.

“Oh, Kat,” he sighs, his gaze brimming with warmth. “You’re simply too precious. I don’t know how I ever agreed to let you leave.”

“Where are we going?” I quickly say, anxious to change the subject. Guess he decided to ditch the ‘no flirting while we’re alone’ rule.

“To your favorite place in the palace.”

“You have a library in here?” I ask, incredulous.

He raises an eyebrow. Looks like I guessed correctly.

“The second largest in the country, after the one in the University. But while the latter holds mostly academic literature, you’ll find more books to your liking at the palace. I took the liberty of ordering books from your favorite authors.”

Now my curiosity is roused. What kind of books did I read when I was here? I doubt Athelia could match up to the plethora of books I’m exposed to in modern life.

I quicken my pace, eager to see this library. Edward chuckles, and there is warmth in his eyes as he guides me through a corridor.

When Edward opens the door and I step inside, it feels like I’m entering a completely different world. For a second, I feel like I could stay in Athelia, if only for this magnificent library.

Edward touches my arm. “Does this place seem familiar to you?” he whispers.

I glance at the frescoed ceiling, the tall windows, and the ladders against the shelves. It does seem familiar, but maybe it’s because the library resembles the one in Beauty and the Beast.

“Do you remember visiting this library many, many times and leaving with your arms full of books?”

I blink. This time, I stare with all my might at my surroundings—the winding staircase that leads to the second floor, the ladders that reach up to the ceiling, the tall windows that look out to the bright blue sky, the golden reading lamps with dark green lampshades, and the low sofas installed near the windows.

Something stirs in my mind, as though a pebble is thrown into my mind and ripples spread out in circles.

Edward leads me to a corner near the windows.

“Look, this is your favorite section. I used to order books from the authors you enjoyed most and have them stacked in this section.”

I can’t hold back my curiosity. I step closer to the shelves and run my fingers over the leather-bound hardbacks. The titles leap out at me—mysteries, Gothic romances, fantasy fiction—I know that I have read those books before and cherished them. Some of them, I have reread many times. I raise my head and meet Edward’s eyes. I don’t know what happened to me just then, but I know that I have been here. I have been in this library and stood at the spot I’m standing on right now, while he watched me, his gaze filled with tenderness and longing.