Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(103)

I decide I’ll tell her the truth after the wedding. I don’t want to ruin her wedding day.

“Nothing, Mom. Just wondering where he can stay.”



* * *



Edward is put in a spare room, while Paige and I spend almost the entire night talking. We’ll look dreadfully sleepy the next day, but neither of us care.

“There’s nothing a concealer won’t fix,” Paige says, indicating her generous collection on the dresser. “Kat, I wish you didn’t have to leave. But I can see he adores you, and you’re happy with him. I wish I could see my future nephew or niece.”

I place a hand on my stomach. Who knows, there could be a tiny life inside there right now. “I wish you could see him or her as well.. How about you? Any plans for tying the knot yet?”

“David has given me a hint,” she blushes. “But I have to get through medical school first. You know, now I understand why doctors are paid so well—it’s torture they put us through every day. I’m a complete zombie after school.”

“Everything is going to be fine.” I give her a hug. “You’ll get through this and receive your degree.”

“What about you? Do you really have people bowing to you every day and call you Your Highness?”

I laugh. By the time I finish telling her all I’ve been through since returning to Athelia, my voice is so hoarse that I have to gesture with my hands.



* * *



I fight hard to contain my emotions when Mom walks down the aisle. She looks beautiful, and I mean it. Seriously, she might be over forty, but she looks more stunning than any of her bridesmaids. When Ryan holds out his hand, his eyes are filled with appreciation and admiration for my mother.

One of my cousins couldn’t believe I got a husband like Edward. I try to answer as many of their questions, since Edward doesn’t know anything about our world. He smiles and nods, but doesn’t speak for most of the time. Instead, he focuses his attention on observing the world around him. This is his first and last chance.

I am crying by the time Ryan and Mom repeat their vows. One hour left, and we have to catch the plane back to Cornwall. It’s too short. I wish the goblins could give us more time. I don’t want to leave so soon.

But it has to come to an end. After the ceremony, I ask for some private time with my family. Ryan is slightly surprised, but I tell him that Edward and I have urgent business and must head back. Then I tell Mom the truth: we have to leave and never will return. She is visibly shaken, and she asks to see Edward.

“You take good care of my daughter from now,” she says, patting his hand. “When Kat told us about you, I couldn’t believe it at first, but I’m glad you came.”

“I give you my word, ma’am.” Edward grasps her hand, his face a picture of sincerity. “Kat is very precious to me.”

Paige grabs my arm. “Do you really have to go now?”

I show her the red mark near my armpit. “If we don’t get back to Cornwall and back to Athelia, we’ll be dead meat. We can’t breathe in the air here.”

Silence falls. Before Mom or Paige burst out crying, I produce two custom-made lockets from Athelia. I had asked the queen recommend me the best jewelry designer in the capital, and placed an order with him. They are made of sterling silver, with the Athelian royal crest delicately engraved on the face. Each locket contains a lock of my hair.

“For you both.” I explain the pattern on the locket.

“My God, Kat.” Paige attempts a roguish wink, though her eyes are glistening. “You really are a princess.”

Mom wipes her eyes. Suddenly, she removes the bridal necklace she’s wearing, and fastens it around my neck.

“This belonged to your grandmother, and great-grandmother,” she says gently. “Keep it in your possessions, and remember that even if I’m not with you, you’ll always be my darling daughter.”

Paige unfastens her rose-gold pear drop earrings and puts them in my hand. “When I got these, I decided I’d never let anyone borrow them. I know they’re not much compared to your royal jewelry, but promise me you’ll wear them whenever you think of me.”

I slip the earrings in my pocket. By this time, I’m letting the tears fall freely. Mom opens her arms, Paige does the same. The three of us embrace fiercely, knowing that this is going to be the last time.

“I’ll miss you, Mom. Paige.” I’m crying and speaking at the same time. “I’m sorry I’m leaving permanently. But you know that I love you forever.”



* * *



I try very hard not to cry on the plane on our way back. Edward never lets go of my hand. We attract some curious looks, but I stay calm when the flight attendant asks me if I need any help. Several hours later, we land in Britain safe and sound.

We waste no time getting to Cornwall. Both Edward and I could feel Yasuk’s spell is fading—we need to take longer, deeper breaths as we hurry from the airport, flag a taxi, and start walking briskly from the nearest stop. My heart leaps when we reach the hill where we first arrived. As if magic was cast over the portal, it starts glowing when we approach. Once we step through the shining hole, it’s going to be forever.

I turn for a last look at my world. My heart feels like it’s filled with sand; my throat is hurting. I take a deep breath; I choke.