Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(66)
My father sighs and places his hands on his thighs. There’s a weariness in his eyes that reminds me he is nearing sixty, and he had expressed more than once that he wished to retire. “I admit I have not expected you would acquiesce defeat. I am not a hard-hearted person, Edward, and I do not deny the vast difference in your behavior after Katriona moved into the palace. Yet I feel it my duty to caution you—if you wish to achieve your goal, you would do well to behave more discreetly. Moving out of the palace, deserting your lawful wife, taking in another woman, and now planning for a divorce…mark my words, you will find it a long and arduous journey.”
True. Yet when I recall Kat’s disheveled face and emaciated state at court, I have not the slightest regret for moving out of the palace.
“I appreciate your advice, Father,” I say. I probably should have left it at that, but I could not help adding, “If you have no further need of me, I would like to go home now.”
32
Kat
I sense that there is something on Edward’s mind. When Amelie told me he has returned, I flew down the stairs, a huge grin on my face. I’ve been trying to amuse myself with the books from Henry’s library, but to be honest, he hasn't acquired anything interesting since the last time I perused it. Most of the books are dry and boring, like sand clogging my brain.
After Edward hands his coat to Thomas, I pounce on him (husband, not butler). I fasten my arms around his neck and kiss him hungrily, my desire rising as each second passes by. Were we in my bedroom, instead of the sitting room, I would have tugged his shirt off and led him to bed.
“Kat…” Edward breaks off the kiss and gently removes my arms. He’s smiling—the pleasure from our intimacy evident from the glow in his eyes, and his ears have gone beet red. “While I appreciate your exuberant display, do not tempt me again. I doubt I could stop myself from ravishing you if you kiss me like that again.”
“Why should you be concerned? We’re husband and wife—almost. Besides, I’ve missed you so much. I want you, Edward. Now that we’re living together, why shouldn’t we be able to continue as before?”
There’s a sparkle in his eyes when I proclaim that I want him, but he shakes his head, his shoulders slumped. “As much as I wish to spend the night with you, I cannot take the risk. If our child is born when we are not lawfully wedded, he would be a bastard.”
“But even if I’m pregnant tomorrow, it’ll take nine months until the baby is born. Surely we’d be married by then.”
He looks away. “I suppose. However, according to the proper procedure, it will take about three or four months until I can marry you. If you have a swelling belly when we re-marry, people may believe I only married you because you have my child.”
“Our child,” I say emphatically. When others referred to our future kids, they made it sound like I’m birthing a child for the sake of producing an heir, but in my mind the child is first and foremost the result of Edward and I. “Who cares what others think? If you cared, you would have married a proper lady. You had your share of disbelief and ridicule when you chose me at the ball.”
But no matter how I coax, beg, and do everything I can to convince him that there’s no need for us to be celibate, he remains adamant. It almost seems ridiculous at this reversal of events. Last year, when I returned to Athelia in my own body, Edward had been actively pursuing me, his desire restrained by action but evident in his eyes. However, this time when it’s me wanting to sleep with him, he is concerned about my reputation.
Slightly miffed, I fold my arms. “Did you say it will take at least three months until the divorce is finalized? Is it because of some fussy rule that it has to be so long?”
He explains the process of the divorce, including a decree nisi and decree absolute, and it's up to the court to decide if the prince can be allowed to divorce his wife. Geez.
“What if High Court won’t agree?” I say, remembering the headlines. “The public doesn’t know the truth. They’ll think you’re deserting your wife for another. What shall we do if the judges won’t let you divorce Katriona?”
Edward sets his jaw. “That is why I told you we cannot be intimate, because I cannot be sure how long it will take for us to be together. Moreover, High Court is not the only place we should be worried about.”
“There’s more?”
Edward informs me of a Royal Marriages Act that forbids a royal to marry a commoner. “This signifies that even if I am divorced, my marriage to you will not be recognized. You cannot take the title of princess.”
“I don’t care about being princess,” I exclaim, glaring at him. “Being with you is enough.” But once the words leave my mouth, I know I’m being naive. There’s no way I can stay in the palace as Edward’s mistress.
He smiles ruefully and runs a hand down the side of my face, cupping my chin. “Perhaps it does not matter as much in your world, but I care if you cannot receive royal privileges from an official marriage. I want you to hold your head high.” He applies pressure to my chin, making me tilt my head and look up at him. “I want you to walk by my side, accompany me to official events, and be widely respected and loved by our people. Besides, there are many things you will be able to do if you were royal. Think of Princess College, for example. The social acts you undertake will be much easier to implement when you wield the power and have the influence as princess of Athelia.”