Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(86)
A moment later, Thomas enters, his face flushed.
“His Grace is home.”
A tall, curly-haired young man enters the sitting room.
“Henry!”
Edward comes forward, a concerned expression on his face. Elle goes still as she holds Little Katherine in her arms. I wonder why Henry has returned so suddenly. Surely he would have written first if he was going to come back, since we are now living at his house.
“Why didn’t you let us know you were planning to come back?” Edward asks, clapping his cousin on the shoulder. “Did the professors allow you a break?”
Henry shakes his head. “I am not going back to Moryn. Augustin has been seized and imprisoned. The leaders of the rebels are discussing what they should do with him.”
I gasp, and I’m not the only one. “They threw the emperor in prison?”
Henry nods, his face grim. “The taxes have taken a toll on the people, and they couldn’t tolerate it any longer. They were marching in the streets and chanting, while the police stood aside and let them pass, all the way to the palace.”
I remember the time I spent in Moryn. The masque was the most glamorous event I’ve ever been to. I remember the mountains of food piled high on golden plates, the numerous glittering diamonds from the dress Simone was wearing.
Edward and I exchange a look of wariness. Not a word is said, but I know we’re thinking the same thing: How will this dramatic turn of events in Moryn impact us?
42
Kat
While we are glad that Henry has returned, we are also worried about the situation in Moryn. Every day the papers bring us fresh news about the emperor in prison, and speculations are circulating on how the eventual fate of the emperor will be. There are articles written about Augustin’s strident taxing on his people, the dire finances of Moryn, the extravagance of Simone...etc. A few editorials argue that Augustin is within his rights, as he rules his people, but most are sympathetic toward the Moryn commoners. Augustin has brought it onto himself, but I also feel sympathetic for him. My memory of him is a well-mannered, suave courtier, who has been nothing but kind towards me. Although something else could be said for his brother.
A few days later, I receive a message from Liam. There’s a selective meeting at the Hungry Boar tomorrow afternoon, and he would like to see me. I don’t feel like seeing him, but my instincts tell me I should go. Considering that the aim of the Union is to bring down the peers, I should hear what they have to say.
When I arrive at the Hungry Boar, no sooner have I passed through the entrance when Liam appears. He’s so fast that I suspect he’s watching the door, waiting for my arrival.
“Miss Wilson,” he says, placing a hand under my elbow. “Have you fully recovered from that vicious attack in the park?”
“I wasn’t hurt. I only had a nasty shock.”
“That's a relief.” He walks beside me, guiding me around the clustered tables. “How awful it must be that you’ve been targeted by a despicable noble. I’ve read of the case in the paper, and learned how Edward had convinced you to switch places with Earl Bradshaw’s daughter. Tell me, then, was it you whom I met in Enrilth? Was it you who lectured me about female education at Princess College?”
“Do you believe Katriona Bradshaw would have talked to you of such issues?”
“I thought so, but I wanted confirmation from your lips.” Liam gazes at me, as if trying to discern the difference between Katriona and I. “How intriguing. When you showed up at the Children’s Education League, I found it impossible to separate you from the princess. I did not understand why Wellesley would not explain more about you. And now the truth is out.”
Not exactly the truth, but I’m not going to blab to him about my own world. The best thing is to change the subject.
“Where are the other members?” I ask, looking around. “Aren’t you supposed to have a meeting today?”
“There is,” he says slowly. “However, I must talk to you first.”
He shows me to a table in a distant corner and starts to pull out a chair, but I stop him. “You forget that I am not a helpless lady. I can sit down by myself, thank you.”
He smiles in appreciation. “As you wish. It is commendable that while you have posed as a noblewoman, you have not become acquainted to the vices of one.”
“The noble ladies are also victims,” I can’t help saying. “It’s not their fault they’ve been spoon-fed a lackluster education aimed at pleasing men only.”
“Hence your determination to advocate female education. Athelia needs more women like you.” He places his elbows on the table and fixes his green eyes on my face, and I have a feeling I am not going to like what he has to say, but I keep quiet. “Miss Wilson, or should I say, Kat. I may call you Kat, now that your identity is revealed? Our leader has decided that all future meetings will be moved to a different place. However, I cannot tell you the new location unless I obtain a promise from you.”
I stare at him. “What are you talking about? What promise must I make?”
“If you come to our future meetings, you have to keep the details a secret. You must not tell Edward. In fact, you shouldn’t even be living with him.”