Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(85)

“Stop using this excuse that you are from another world. You are in Athelia now.”

Edward finally relents, as I tell him that I get to decide what I wear, but there is still a strained silence in the carriage ride to Lillie’s party.

“Come on, Edward,” I say in a coaxing tone. “Don’t you remember when I was Katriona Bradshaw and no one noticed me? Only Bianca got all the attention.”

He looks out the window. “I cannot be glad about the fact that you revealed so much skin to other men. I’m sure that suitor of yours has seen your arms bare.”

Jason saw me naked, but of course, I don’t say that. In an effort to pacify and comfort him, I clamber onto his lap, making him look at me.

“Listen up, Your Highness.” I take his face in both of my hands. “There’s no point dwelling in the past. It’s just a bit of skin. So what if there were other guys who saw my arms and legs? I am married to you.” And I kiss him right on the lips.

To my surprise, he doesn’t respond. It’s like I kissed a statue.

“Edward?”

“Another,” he orders in his bossy, princely tone.

I shrug and kiss him again.

“Another.”

I have a notion to poke his ribs, but I comply. This time he reciprocates, setting his hands on my shoulders, his lips chasing mine. It’s not until the coachman hollers that Edward releases me.

Pulling my collar back into place, I wonder what the public would say if they knew the stately Prince Edward can be so immature at times.



* * *



Lillie’s husband, the Marquess of Sunderland, greets us with warmth and kindness. He is average-looking—standing next to Lillie’s flowerlike features, he pales in comparison. Now if it were Edward and Lillie, that would be a different picture.

Lillie is arrayed in a sapphire-blue gown lined with diamonds, which makes her look more sophisticated than her real age. She gives us a bright, wide smile which seems a tad strained.

“Congratulations,” I say. “I hope you’ll be very happy.”

“Thank you, Katriona,” she says, clasping my hand. “I’m glad that you were able to come.” She pauses, as though she has something to say but is holding back. I really hope it doesn’t have anything to do with Edward.

“Princess Katriona,” a lady gushes, sidling over to us, her expression filled with curiosity. “Forgive me for this brazen question, but is it true that you punched a man in the street?”

Lillie gasps. So do the other ladies surrounding us. I realize the story of me punching Molly’s abductor has gotten out.

“Is it true that you prevented a detestable thug from abducting an innocent child by detaining him by force?”

“How were you able to land a blow on him?”

“I suppose that he wasn’t expecting a lady could use her fist,” I say, wishing that they wouldn’t gaze at me like I’m a weird species.

“How did you learn how to attack a man?”

Without thinking, I open my fan, even though it isn’t really necessary. It’s warm in the room, thanks to the fire and the number of guests, but it’s snowing outside. “Well, I . . .”

“Excuse me.” Edward loops his arm around my waist, an intimate gesture that makes the ladies gasp again, though for a different reason this time. “I’m afraid it’s necessary to remind the princess to get some refreshments. She has barely eaten anything since lunch, and I certainly don’t want her fainting again.”

As a matter of fact, I had consumed a hearty afternoon tea, but I’m glad for an excuse to get away from the women. After a while, Philip and Constance, along with the parents of the Marquess of Sunderland, appear and ask us to move to the corners so that Lillie and her betrothed may open the ball.

At first, Edward dances with me alone. I wonder if it’s because the men are afraid I might punch some of them as I did to Molly’s abductor. Which is absurd.

Edward doesn’t seem to mind, however. He really meant it when he said he doesn’t want other gentlemen to discover I’m wearing a tea gown, even though he’s being ridiculous. As if any man would want a dalliance with me, when most of the women present are prettier than me. Not to mention that Edward is certain to eviscerate any man who dares to leer at me.

During the break, I pause for some water. The past two songs were fast tracks, and I need to regain my breath. When I reach for a glass of water, it seems that my lungs are suddenly robbed of air, and I choke. Geez, I really should exercise more.

“Are you all right, Katriona?” A courteous, cold tone.

I whirl around and find myself facing Bianca. “Good evening.”

“Enjoying yourself?”

I dab my mouth with my handkerchief and nod. “Perfectly, thank you.”

“I assure you, I have no design on your precious school anymore. My husband has found another location for our new house.” Bianca adjusts her necklace. “In fact, why don’t you come to our house tomorrow morning? There is a young girl who is extremely eager to meet you.”

I wonder how any acquaintance of Bianca’s would want to meet me, given my notoriety. “She wishes to attend Princess College?”

There’s a flash of emotion in Bianca’s eyes, but she shrugs. “Something like that, but you’ll have to convince her first and introduce her to the school. I couldn’t have her meet you in an event like this.”