Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(36)
“Is that new?”
“Just arrived this morning,” she says, her fingers stroking the largest diamond. “My sister recommended the most famous jewelry designer in the capital, and he had this custom-made for me. Is it not gorgeous?”
I consider replying with a biting remark that she already has that necklace from the fairies, and then another thought strikes me. “Keep tabs on your finances, or you might find yourself depleted of your allowance before the Season starts.”
“Oh, I didn’t even need to dip into my allowance. I have other sources.”
I frown. How could she, a woman with no practical skill for moneymaking, have other resources? “Care to enlighten me?”
“The city mayor gave me a wedding present of ten thousand pounds. Since…Katherine did not spend it, the amount plus the interest has been more than sufficient.”
Irritation flares within me. “You spent all that money on a new necklace? Kat was planning to use it on her girls’ school.”
She shrugs. “But there is no use of it, since the school was shut down. Bianca told me that my wardrobe is hardly fitting for a princess—she could not believe how shabbily Katherine dressed. Do you know how the ladies were talking when we were in Moryn? They couldn’t believe the princess of Athelia dressed in gowns so simple.”
It takes all my mental discipline not to shove her out of the door. There is only one princess of Athelia, who is currently collecting eggs in the chicken coop. Who is more concerned with the welfare of her people than the paucity of her jewelry or clothes. “The Moryn wedding has already taken place. There is no need to purchase that necklace.”
“There are plenty of other occasions. As a matter of fact, Bianca invited me to a dinner party tomorrow night. We should attend it together.”
“Do you honestly believe I’d attend a party thrown by your sister, when she is responsible for causing Kat misery?”
She looks taken aback. “Your father wishes that you be involved in more social activities.”
“Of the numerous things he requires for me, partying is nowhere on top of the list. There are state affairs I must attend to.”
“But you cannot forgo every party invitation. People expect you to make an appearance, not locking yourself from the public all day long.” She looks up with pleading eyes; I look away to avoid confusing her with Kat. “Please, Edward. Besides, this would be an opportunity for me. I never had my Season. I never had a chance to go out in society.”
As if that were any of my concern. “You had your chance in Moryn. You could have attended the boat trip, or the ride through the capital, yet you declined. Many young ladies would never have such an opportunity in their lives.”
“Oh, I couldn’t have…” she trails off, an uncomfortable look in her eyes. “I told you I had a headache, and I’ve been regretting it ever since. That is why I need to go to more social events, Edward. Now I can make up for the chances I missed.”
“Before I had Kat by my side. She lessened my workload considerably.” I stride to the door, ignoring her pleading expression. “Until you can draft a memorandum for the Moryn ambassador, save your breath.”
I open the door and shut it with vehemence, unable to restrain my displeasure. Kat had talked about the school, her face glowing with pride as she outlined how she would provide for young girls, and how she wanted them attain a bright future. She wanted them to have more choices in life, as she did in her own world. And now Katriona Bradshaw has taken the gift that was meant for Kat and bought a costly necklace. I clench my fists and quicken my pace, wondering if I could move to another room. Maybe I could stay in Kat’s old room when she was my fiancee. If I continue living with Katriona Bradshaw, my mental health would be adversely affected. She represents everything I detest in a partner.
As I settle into my desk, I make a note to have a dinner tray sent to the office later. I do not relish in going to dinner and escorting Katriona Bradshaw. Far better to bury myself in work and dream of the day when Kat returns to my side.
* * *
“Edward.” A deep, authoritative voice that could only belong to the king. My father stands in the doorway, arms folded. “I want to have a word with you.”
“Was there some problem with the planning of the city park? Or did you have a comment about the memorandum we drafted for the Moryn ambassador? Or did you have something to say about Lord Dudley resigning his position as the Minister of Education?”
Father comes in and indicates a servant close the door. “I have received a report of your behavior in Moryn. It is not as satisfactory as I expected of you.”
I take the seat across him. “I did not do anything that was not expected of me. The emperor and his fiancée were pleased.”
“I am not talking about your conduct in front of the Moryns. What I am referring to is your treatment of your wife.”
I grit my teeth. “She is not my wife. She is merely a woman you want to use to project an image of a stable family to the public.”
“I’ve seen how you behave with Katriona. She looks as if she married a block of ice. She does not deserve this kind of indifference from you. Remember that you are the crown prince. It has been months since you married and you have not given us an heir.”
I seize on the opportunity. “Since there is no heir, this is perfect evidence that Katriona Bradshaw is unsuitable as a wife. I should put her aside and marry another.”