Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(53)

He stares at me, the corner of his lip twitching. Feeling self-conscious, I lower my fist, but he moves closer and cups my cheek, his gaze filled with affection.

“If only I had a mirror,” he murmurs. “You have no idea how adorable you looked when you talked like that with your fist raised.”

My heart starts to flutter and I lean into his touch, wishing that we didn’t have to go out. I would much rather stay here with my royal husband.

The clock strikes at that moment. A few seconds later, Amelie enters the sitting room and Edward drops his arm with unfeigned reluctance.

“The Moryns are waiting,” she says, her face expressionless as usual. “Due to the number of security guards accompanying you, it is expected that the journey to the gardens will be longer than normally required.”

Edward gestures at my gown. “Bring the princess a wrap or scarf. She should not be out walking in the night without some protection.”

A quizzical look passes in Amelie’s eyes, but it’s gone in an instant. “Certainly, Your Highness.”



* * *



Simone and Jér?me are waiting at the foot of the grand staircase near the entrance of the palace. Both of them are dressed exquisitely in the finest silk and velvet, and adorned with glittering jewelry. Simone, in particular, seems to have stepped out of a storybook. In her pale blue gown that must contain a huge crinoline, and a dainty diamond tiara sparkling in her mass of golden hair, she is the quintessential fairytale princess.

“Augustin will not be coming with us to Fauxe Gardens,” she says, shaking her long feathery curls. As an unmarried lady, she can have the luxury of having her hair down. “He ate too much lobster at dinner and is currently suffering from a stomachache. Serves him right.”

“Hence he sent me in his place.” Jér?me makes a grandiloquent bow and offers me his arm. “However, I am confident that you will find me every bit as charming as my brother. May I escort you to the carriage, Princess Katriona?”

I hesitate, but it’s unlikely that I can refuse. Augustin would have escorted me if he were present.

“Where’s Henry?” Edward says, looking around. “He is supposed to join us.”

“I’m afraid he won’t be able to make an appearance either,” Jér?me says. “He seems to be greatly taken with Francis and wishes to spend more time with him.”

I blink. Has Henry suddenly fallen for a man from Moryn?

“Oh, stop teasing her, Jér?me,” Simone admonishes in the tone of a bossy older sister, though it’s clear she’s at least ten years younger than him. “Francis is Augustin’s personal doctor. Duke Henry has been asking him about his work since he arrived.”

“That may be expected,” Edward says. “Dr. Durant is renowned for the introduction of intravenous therapy. Henry has always idolized him.”

“But they could have come along as well,” Simone says, frowning. “Isn’t it common for people to stroll in the gardens and chat?”

“It is not ideal for serious conversation. Music entertainment—whether it may be vocal or instrumental—is always readily available, and there are firework displays during summer nights.”

Simone looks excited. “Oh, how positively lovely! I must ask Augustin to build a similar one in Moryn when we go home.”



* * *



Fauxe Gardens is indeed magnificent. At night, you can’t see the vibrant colors of the flowerbeds, but there’s a magical atmosphere when the walks are illuminated by hundreds of glass lamps swinging gently in the breeze. A golden pavilion is set up in the very middle of the venue, and an orchestra is playing. The spectators gathered around seem to be appreciative of the music—no dancing, however.

“Why aren’t they dancing?” Simone asks curiously. “I would dearly enjoy a waltz or quadrille in the open air.”

“It depends on the orchestra,” Edward explains. As we meander in the gardens, he has taken care to walk behind Jér?me and me—supposedly so he can keep an eye on us. Even when Simone sometimes exclaims at some display and hurries ahead, he doesn’t budge. “However, it is my understanding that dancing is discouraged in Fauxe, for the insufficient lighting means that it is likely to facilitate inappropriate contact with the partner. Moreover, the long, dewy grass may cause a nuisance for a lady’s dress, especially if the material is particularly fine.”

“It is because we are in a fancy establishment, dear sister,” Jér?me drawls. “Now, Rayon Gardens is an entirely different matter.”

Edward pauses in his step. “You have been to Rayon?”

Jér?me shrugs in a nonchalant manner. I wonder what it would take to unsettle him. As the emperor’s brother, he can have anything he wants without the stress and responsibilities that go along with the privileges he is bestowed. “Twice, in fact. I find the lively steps of the bourgeois dances very much to my liking. And the women less prudish.”

Simone smacks his arm. “Remember what Augustin told you, you oaf. The customs are different here.”

Edward had said that Moryns are less fussy with the old-fashioned Athelian rules. Just the action of Simone slapping her future brother-in-law is enough to signify that.

Fireworks start exploding in the sky, a perfect diversion at the moment. As everyone points at the sky and gasps in wonder, the tension between Edward and Jér?me is temporarily on hold.