Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(20)
Impulsive as usual, Edward would say. But that is why I love you.
But right now, it looks like my impulsiveness isn’t going to do me any good. I am standing in the end of a huge corridor, and there’s something about this place that doesn't feel right. The decor, for one instance. The corridors in the palace are magnificent, yet also classy in their elegance. But this place seems too opulent from what I’m used to. Some of the furnishings might even be called garish. On one side of the corridor is a row of windows interspersed with alcoves with drapes, while on the other side are several doors. Since I can’t very well stay here forever, I might as well move. I have to sneak out and get myself to a place where Katriona Bradshaw can’t find me.
Laughter and giggles ring out from one of the alcoves, and I nearly trip over my foot. Someone, no, two people at least—judging from the shoes peeping from the drapes—are hiding behind the alcoves. The next second, a man’s voice drifts in the air.
“Stop squirming, you little minx.”
Then a high-pitched giggle and a slap. “Gustave, not there! Naughty, naughty boy.”
There is a chuckle from the man, and blood rushes to my cheeks. There’s a couple making out in this alcove. Geez, I didn’t know the palace rules have relaxed. Even Edward and I, as much as we want to be together, would keep our makeout sessions in the garden or in our room. Certainly not in this large, handsomely furnished corridor, with bright light streaming in through the windows. There’s a muffled sound, a shriek, and the sound of fabric tearing. The next second, a piece of the curtain is ripped off, and I behold the shocked faces of two strangers. The man has a long ponytail tied with a ribbon, while the woman is wearing layers of makeup. Both of them stare at me in utter astonishment.
“Why, isn’t it Princess Katriona?” Is the woman a foreigner? Judging from her accent, she doesn’t sound like anyone in the palace. “Did you lose your way?”
“Or did you come to seek some fun as well?” The man says cheekily, his hands clasped around the woman’s waist. They don’t seem to be ashamed at all. Like, they’re not embarrassed of making out in public. Since when did Athelia relaxed its rules on propriety? “That husband of yours has been giving you the cold shoulder again?”
“I…”
“What a magnificent dress you have on!” The woman exclaims, pushing away her lover and standing up. “Did you bring it all the way from Athelia? Ooh, I love those laces and shimmering folds. Do tell me the name of the dressmaker, I would love to order a gown from him.”
Then I realize what has gone wrong. Why the palace looks different, why the strange accents, and maybe also why the unabashed behavior. This is Moryn, not Athelia.
“I have to go,” I say quickly. “Edward is waiting for me.”
“Oh but can you tell me… Wait!” The woman calls, but I keep running. As if I could tell her that the dress is from the fairies. Honestly, if any of those fairies had any business sense, they should come to the human world and start profiting from their fashion. Look how Elle captured everyone’s attention when she arrived at the ball.
I dart past servants and courtiers, until I reach another corridor that seems deserted. I duck into an empty room, shut the door and try to get my breath back. Well, at least I’m not wheezing and coughing after running.
That being said, my predicament is far from being optimistic. I need to get out of here. As I lean against the door, panting, the voices from other people float into my ear. The hairs on the nape of my neck stand up, but fortunately no one opens the door.
“Did you see Simone in her wedding dress? She looks like a dream.”
“I bet she does, but we all know how Simone looks like. Did anyone catch a glimpse of the prince of Athelia? Is he as gorgeous as the rumors say?”
“Jeanne did; she was dusting the corridor near his room when he came down for lunch. She said she thought she’d faint on spot when he looked at her.”
Delighted squeals echo through the door.
“However, she also said the rumors of him being sweet on his red-haired bride seem to be unfounded. They acted so formal with each other.”
“Maybe it’s their customs. You know how those Athelians are, so stuffy, prim, and proper.”
“I don’t mind stuffy if it comes in the form of that delicious prince Edward.”
More giggles, as the women discuss and dissect Edward’s physiology. I roll my eyes—he is not a piece of meat, you airheads.
Taking another deep breath, I assess my situation. This is definitely Moryn, and from what I gathered from the conversation, it’s the emperor’s wedding. Edward is here with Katriona. How lucky I am to overhear this conversation. But on the other hand, I’ve also landed myself in a messy situation. I can’t let myself be seen or recognized. Imagine the confusion and chaos if it’s discovered that the ‘witch’ is here.
What should I do? I don’t know who is the occupant of this room, but she might come back anytime. Garments are tossed carelessly about, the carpet is messy, and there’s lipstick on the mirror.
I stride to the window, wondering if it’s possible to escape, but my hopes are dashed when I find myself staring at the top of a leafy tree. I must be at least three stories high above the ground, judging from the size of the soldiers marching in the courtyard.