Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(28)

“Her husband is despicable,” I say emphatically. No wonder that Amelie’s sister had to get divorced. “And because of him, Amelie is wary of commitment.”

“I believe she has been more friendly towards Bertram of late, but let us focus on our future now.” Edward tightens his arms around me and sighs. “I don’t want you to go, Kat.”

“I can stay,” I say brightly. “Maybe I can pretend to be a maid along Amelie?”

A light flashes in his eyes, but he shakes his head. “Too much of a risk. If that scum of the emperor’s brother discovers you and the news leaks out, you’ll never be able to return to Athelia. Stay with Mary; lie low for a while. I am sorry that you cannot live as comfortably as before, but I want you safe above everything.”

I lay my head against his chest, my heart filled with warmth and affection. This is why I’ve come back to Athelia.



* * *



Bertram bows when Edward lifts me off the carriage. I think it’s because of his simple nature—as long as Edward is happy, he won’t care who I am.

“Hello, Bertram.” I give him a tentative smile. “Thanks for agreeing to accompany me back to Athelia.” Not that he has a choice—I doubt Bertram has ever thought of refusing an order from Edward—but I feel like thanking him anyway.

“’Tis nothing to mention about, Princess Kat. Always pleased to serve you.”

I stare at him. “Bertram, you know I’m not the princess anymore.”

He shrugs. “His Highness sees you as princess, not that other lady who looks like you.”

“Not in front of others,” Edward says curtly. “Remember what I told you. For the journey, you will call her Katherine, or Kat.”

Bertram gulps and nods. “Yes, of course.”

“You’re his older sister now,” Edward tells me. “Boss him around and treat him as you would do to your little sister.”

I can’t help laughing at his comparing Bertram to Paige. They cannot be further opposites.

We make slow progress to the dock. Both Edward and I are reluctant to part. We’ve been separated for months, and we’ve only had a dance last night and a carriage ride this morning. It’s not enough. It will never be enough.

When we reach the end of the dock, where the ship is waiting, Bertram heads in the direction of the ticket collector, but Edward holds up his hand.

“Just a moment.” Edward pulls me close. “Bertram, I trust that you will protect her throughout the journey. Remember, when you arrive, the first thing is to bring her to Mary without delay.”

Bertram places a hand over his heart. “Yes, Your Highness. You can count on me always.”

“When will you come back to Athelia?” I say, reluctant to let go of his hand.

“The Moryn wedding festivities will end in a few days. I shall return and come for you then. It will be at least a week until we can see each other.”

I smile, but inside I’m a bunch of nerves. Being caught by Jér?me has made me realize how powerless I am without Edward’s protection. “I can’t wait to see you when you return.”

“I cannot wait until I have you reinstalled by my side.” Swiftly he lowers his head and kisses me, right in front of Bertram. “Stay safe.”

Since we’ve already made a public spectacle, I bury my face in his chest and hold him close. “I’ll be counting the days.”

Somewhere, there is the sound of a whistle.

“You have to go,” Edward says, and the reluctance in his eyes is only too obvious. I am reminded of that night when we returned from our honeymoon and had dinner with the king and queen. Edward had gotten drunk and tried to kiss me. He had pleaded with me that I not leave him. There is the same look of love and longing in his eyes now. This time, my expression mirrors his.

“Er, Katherine...Kat? Sorry, but looks like we’ve got to leave.” Bertram points at the ticket-collector, who is waving and yelling that the passengers must board now.

It is then I am able to tear myself away from Edward, trying not to think about the difficult future ahead. With Katriona Bradshaw by his side, and with the difficulty of obtaining a divorce, I don’t know how long it will take before we can be officially united again.

I go a few paces, when something occurs to me and I turn. Edward is still there, right where I left him, his eyes drinking me in like I’m the only person on the dock.

“Edward.” I call. “I’m glad to be home.”

His eyes widen when I say ‘home’—it is the first time I’ve ever called his world home. A muscle moves in his throat, a fierce desire springs in his eyes, and he looks like he wants to hop on board with me.

But then his self-discipline takes over and he sends me a heartfelt smile. “Welcome home.”





16





Kat





The journey across the sea to Athelia isn’t pleasant, without running water or electricity, but what’s more difficult is that I have to conceal my identity and pretend that I am middle-class. Surprisingly, Bertram fares worse—he got seasick. It’s alarming to see a huge man like him looking green and vulnerable. One day he threw up after a lunch of fish and chips. Grabbing some washcloths, I help him clean up the mess, much to his shock and embarrassment.