Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(76)
The magistrate asks Katriona Bradshaw to step forward. “Do you confirm His Highness’s story?”
She’s pale and most likely nervous, but she does not hesitate. “I do.”
“Katriona!” Bianca hisses, making a move to stand up, but as the magistrate did not summon her, she sits down again. “You...you idiot! There was never an arrangement!”
“Control yourself, Lady Pembroke, or I must ask you leave the court,” the magistrate says, and I could kiss him.
Edward smiles. “I believe that many nobles present can testify that Katriona Bradshaw had behaved in a peculiar manner before we married. Such as losing her balance when she was presented to the queen. The explanation is pure and simple. Since Katherine was not formally trained as a lady, she would naturally make mistakes.”
“However…” the magistrate seems immersed in the story, just as the crowd is. “There was a trial several months ago, when Lady Pembroke brought a woman and called the princess a fake.”
“Lady Pembroke later found out that her real sister was not on the throne. She was furious and wanted Katherine to leave. Hence the trial. It was then we also discovered that Katherine had contracted a serious disease. We were unsure if she could survive. Because we did not want to alarm the public, I asked Katriona Bradshaw move into the palace and pose as the princess. Katherine went back to her old home up north, and much to our amazement and relief, recovered her health by a miracle. Perhaps she was allowed to live because I was in deep depression without her. However, Katriona Bradshaw was unwilling to relinquish her position as princess, and also Katherine did not want to continue assuming an identity that was not rightfully hers. Hence I applied for this divorce.”
Bianca looks simply furious when Edward said it was her fault for bringing in the trial. Whatever. Anything that riles her up is a plus to me.
But Edward isn’t done yet.
“Katherine Wilson is qualified to be princess, more than any woman of my acquaintance. She may be unable to perform a perfect court curtsy, but she can do so much more that can be of actual benefit to our nation. She is the one responsible for passing the Eight-Hour Act for child workers. The article I published on compulsory education was adapted from her work, and influenced the passing of the recent Education Act.”
Edward spreads his hands and for the first time, raises his voice. “Why must the princess of Athelia be of noble blood? Katherine Wilson has accomplished more in one year than any previous queen has managed in a lifetime. And compare what she did to many nobles in this country, who are idle and do nothing more than hunting and gambling.”
This time, there are several aristocrats in the Noble Gallery who look furious. On the other hand, the people in the Common Gallery are elated. One man in a checkered shirt shouts, “Damn right!”
Oh my God. What should have been a simple divorce case has turned into a critique of the aristocracy.
“When she fell ill and I thought she might not survive, it was the darkest hour in my life. To lose someone you love with your whole heart and being…” Edward pauses. His voice has grown hoarse, but whether it is from the lack of water or he was overcome with emotion, no one can tell for certain. “Words fail to describe my elation when I learned that she recovered from her illness. And therefore I entreat Your Honor to consider my case carefully. Let Katherine Wilson return to my side.”
Someone sniffs. A second later, I realize the noise did not originate from only one person, but several. Elle is wiping tears with her handkerchief, and a few other women, both in the Common and Noble Gallery, are emotional as well. No one had expected that Edward would make such a shocking revelation.
“Pardon me, but I must clarify that I am not unwilling to relinquish the title,” Katriona speaks up, which comes as a surprise. “In the beginning, I did enjoy the privileges of a princess, but after spending more time with the prince, I came to believe I could never be happy with him. He was not unkind to me, but his strong attachment to Katherine Wilson never wavered, nor diminished with time.” She raises her voice. “You may imagine how damaging that is to my pride. I am tired of this charade and want it to end.”
Gasps of surprise from the court. For a moment, my heart is filled with gratitude for Katriona Bradshaw.
There is nothing more to say. Both parties have voiced the desire to be separated. When the magistrate bangs his gavel three times and announces his decision, I am no longer nervous.
“The court grants His Royal Highness Edward an official separation from his wife. However, the law stipulates that both parties may not remarry until three months later, when the decree absolute will be issued. If there is no objection during this period, they will be free individuals. This case is dismissed.”
I could almost faint with relief. Edward has successfully achieved the divorce! Well, there are still three months and the Royal Marriages Act, but this is a huge step forward. And he saved my public image as well, though at the cost of his own reputation. But seeing the crowds stand up and cheer, I think the king won’t be too harsh on him.
Elle takes my hands. A tear glistens in her eyes. “Congratulations, Kat. Soon you will be back in the palace, back to your rightful place.”
“I know,” I say, fighting to contain my emotions. “I can’t wait either.”
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