Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(52)
I hope Elle’s hand isn’t trembling as she signs her name. Once the ‘transaction’ is complete, she will be the owner of Princess College and Katriona won’t be able to do anything about it. She’ll be amazed, of course, and she’ll suspect I’ve returned, but I can worry about that later. Who knows, maybe Edward or Mr. Davenport would have found a way to divorce her then. I also try to stay confident and calm when signing the name ‘Katriona Bradshaw.’ Luckily, when I was at Lady Bradshaw’s, I had seen Katriona’s signatures in a few etiquette books she owns, and I had practiced her handwriting in order to convince everyone I was her. Now it’s paying off.
When the third paper is signed and Langley stamps it with the seal of Spencer’s Sky-High Realty, I’m unable to stop myself from exhaling a sigh of relief. A tingle of victorious joy runs through me—it’s done. Princess College is safe from Katriona and Bianca. I exchange a look with Elle; my relief is reflected in her eyes and vice versa.
Turning to Langley, I incline my head and part my lips in a gracious smile, as though he were a knight doing me a service. “I appreciate your kind assistance, Langley. And I wish you and Spencer’s Sky-High Realty the very best.”
He places a hand over his chest and bows. “Always a honor to serve you, Your Highness. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
I smile and shake my head. “You’ve done a lot already. I wish you a pleasant day.”
Sir Langley bows and shows us out of his office. I’ve mostly felt down and frustrated since I came back to Athelia, but this is one of the few moments I have a sense of accomplishment. Like that day when I punched Fremont. I remember how satisfying it was to have him reel back, clutching his nose.
And then I turn into stone.
Two people have entered the building, and the clerk has risen from his chair, his face white with shock.
Katriona and Bianca.
25
Edward
It is late evening when I close the door to my bedroom. The suite is quiet; Katriona Bradshaw has already gone down to dinner. She has grown resigned to my refusal to accompany her to dinner—if she will not agree to a divorce, I see no reason to accommodate to her requests. Father has chastised me frequently that I should maintain a harmonious relationship in front of the servants, but I am reluctant to comply. If he had not suggested Katriona Bradshaw replace Kat as princess, I would not be mired in this insurmountable problem of divorce.
I step in Kat’s study. Little has changed since she left, for Katriona dislikes working at the desk and prefers to dictate letters to Amelie or Mabel instead. A fierce longing surges within me at the sight of the window seat. Kat had spent countless hours curled up among the cushions, her nose buried in a book, or gazing out at the gardens while she ponders an appropriate reply to a letter.
Soon, I pray. Ever since Kat appeared in the masque in Moryn, I have been praying for a miracle that will allow her return to my side.
A sound comes from the sitting room. Bertram must have arrived.
“The carriage is ready, Your Highness.” He salutes me. “As are the traveling bags you ordered me to pack. I’ve stashed ‘em under the seat.”
“Good.” I lay an envelope on the table, addressed to my parents. It contains a note that says I am on urgent business, in case my father panics and sends out a nationwide hunt. “Let us depart immediately. The sentinels are likely to be more cautious when it’s dark.”
* * *
I leave the carriage at Henry’s, where Thomas has two horses ready.
“You have my gratitude,” I say, as I swing onto the saddle. “We shall be back within a week, should everything goes to plan.”
“Very good, Your Highness.” As any well-disciplined butler, Thomas refrains from asking why I did not ride out of the palace. The reason is simple: I do not wish to arouse suspicion. It is very rare that I travel on horseback, unless it is in a procession. I could have continued using the carriage, but it is lighter and faster on a horse.
We reach an inn at a small village near midnight.
“Why aren’t we taking the train, Your Highness?” Bertram asks. His nose is red from the cold, and there’s a tired look in his eyes. Were it not for his respect and loyalty for me, he would have groused for my making him travel in the dark, bone-chilling night. “It’ll get us to Enrilth quicker.”
“The train does not run at night. Furthermore, I have no desire for us to be traced through the ticket.” I clap my equerry on the shoulder. “My apologies, Bertram. However, it is imperative we make this trip. If everything goes well, Kat will be able to return to the palace.”
“Ain’ no trouble, Your Highness.” Bertram grins. “I’ve been hopin’ she’d return, and so does Amelie.”
* * *
We change horses twice before we reach Enrilth in early morning on the third day. My hand goes to my breast pocket, where an important letter resides. It is because of the letter’s contents we have made this secret journey. If anyone, particularly the Bradshaws, discover what I am doing, I will lose any hope of getting Kat back.
There is sleet falling when we arrive at the mayor’s house. I am thankful that my parents had insisted I undertake a strict regime of strengthening and exercising, even though it is unlikely I shall enter the military. Most other men of the nobility could not travel as I did without catching a cold.