Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(82)

The very next day, Edward asks George to schedule an appointment with Lord Dudley, the Minister of Education. I wonder why the government officials have a title. Even Edward’s own secretary is called Sir George.

“Your Highness,” Lord Dudley says, giving me a dubious glance when he enters Edward’s office. I had refused to remove my desk, even though gossip had informed me that some courtiers disapprove strongly of me working at Edward’s side. “To what honor do I have that you wish to see me?”

“Have a seat.” Edward gestures to a chair directly opposite him. “George, bring us some tea.”

Lord Dudley sits down, but the bemused look in his eyes still remains. Tea means a discussion, not simply a command or question. Back when I was going on calls with Bianca, I could tell whether it was going to be a short or long call, judging by whether the lady asked us to remove our hats or called for tea.

“We apologize for this sudden appointment,” I say, which earns another suspicious look from Lord Dudley, who glances quickly at Edward, as if I’m supposed to be invisible or deaf. “You see, Edward and I have this plan.”

I swear, a frightened look passes his face. You’d think I were announcing a plan to take over Athelia and crown myself as empress.

Edward slides a sheaf of papers toward Lord Dudley. The latter takes it, and his jaw drops when he glances at the very first page.

“Are you suggesting, Your Highness, that ALL CHILDREN before the age of twelve must attend school?”

I really don’t see what he has to be so astonished about, but then I remind myself for the umpteenth time that this is Athelia.

“I understand that this is going to be a monstrous project, and it might even take years for it to be realized,” Edward says, steepling his fingers together. “However, we believe that the benefits will be worth it in the long run.”

I cannot help but grin when he says we. If there wasn’t a space between our desks, I would have reached out and taken his hand.

Lord Dudley, however, still looks dazed, as though he hasn’t recovered from a strong blow. “But . . . I really don’t think that this is feasible, Your Highness. Are you saying that this applies to all children of Athelia? Most parents won’t be able to spare their children! And think of the amount of funding required! You are taking a radical leap here.”

“I am well aware,” Edward says in his aristocratic tone, which I can’t help but appreciate for now, “of the difficulties you outlined. Hence, we chose to submit a plan on paper. If you would kindly take the time to go through the plan, instead of skimming through the first page, we would be glad to hear what can be improved.”

Lord Dudley starts reading like an obedient child. I raise an eyebrow at Edward, my feelings mixed. Even if he has no executive power in Athelia, it appears that being a prince still commands a great deal of respect and deference from his subjects.

Edward only winks.

I finish my second cup of tea when Lord Dudley raises his head. “Your Highness,” he says, still looking at Edward only. “I . . . I fear that I cannot advance an opinion at this moment. I would beg that you allow me to show this project to my colleagues and discuss it with them.”

Edward and I look at each other. I guess it is too much to ask for the Minister of Education to agree at this point. Indeed, were I in his place, I would also prefer to have a discussion with several people rather than accepting it right away. Still, with the reluctance he shows, I think it is more of an unwillingness to reject us right away rather than seriously considering the possibility of the project.

“Certainly, Dudley,” Edward says. “This is no simple task. Take all the time you need. We anticipate a favorable answer.”

When Lord Dudley leaves, I sink in my chair. “Do you think it’s possible that the Ministry of Education will approve the project?”

Edward takes a book from the shelf and lays it on his desk. “They will, eventually. I read through your proposal this morning, when you were still dealing with your letters in our suite, and the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced of the necessity of compulsory education. Whatever job our citizens take, all will benefit from literacy, math, and basic knowledge.”

He comes to my side and lays his hand over mine, his back facing the entrance. Although we’re spending every night together, Edward still snatches the chance for a covert caress or whispered endearment during the day. “If it weren’t for you, Kat, this idea wouldn’t have occurred to me.” His fingers stroke the back of my hand. “Having you by my side is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

I smile up at him. “That was my line.”

Someone coughs in the doorway. Startled, I pull my hand back and Edward turns around. Uh-oh. We were so focused on each other that neither of us heard the approaching footsteps. I can’t entirely blame those courtiers for criticizing my working in Edward’s office.

It’s Lord Mansfield. His black wool hat is askew, and he is breathing heavily, both hands pressed on his knees. He must have sprinted on his way here.

Edward calmly pours him a glass of water. Lord Mansfield takes a swig, but soon he sets the glass on a table.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I…uh…actually, I was informed that Princess Katriona is here.”

I stand up, surprised. “You wanted to speak to me?”