Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(95)

“We have to get to the podium,” I say, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“Where is it?”

“You’ve never been here?”

“Ain’t my place, Princess.”

“Then I made the right decision coming in with you.” I point in the direction of the platform. “Over there.”

Together, we make our way to the platform. A window had smashed into bits; we have to take a longer route in case of getting pierced by glass shards. There’s a pillar lying straight across the podium. My heart beats fast as we approach. Bertram clears away some debris, and then I see the very person I have been searching for. Crouched beneath the podium, he looks shaken, but very much alive.

Oh my God. I wants to put my arms around him, but I’m afraid I’ll do more damage if he's injured. “Edward? Are you hurt?”

“Kat?” There is disbelief in his voice. “You must leave. It’s dangerous in here.”

“Shut up,” I say, kneeling beside him. “We’re getting you out. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“My…foot.” His voice is less steady, now he realizes I’m serious about rescuing him right away. I look at his trousers, and gasp. A huge wooden painting hanging to the right side of the podium has toppled, covering Edward’s legs a little way below the knee. That painting looks as heavy as a rock, and the force that came from its dropping off the wall must made a painful impact.

“Oh my God.” I bite my lip and place a hand on his shoulder. “Bertram, give me a hand.”

Bertram moves the painting away. I hook my arm under Edward’s armpit and help him stand up. He winces; his right foot seems okay, but he’s not putting any weight on his left foot.

“Bertram, see that the rest are removed as soon as you can.”

The young giant hesitates. “I don’ like leaving yer…”

“Don't worry about it,” I say, fitting Edward’s arm around my shoulders. I can’t carry him, but I can be his walking cane. “We’ve got to get everyone out as soon as possible.”

Outside, a huge crowd is gathered around the injured people and MPs. When I emerge with Edward, shouts of surprise and delight reverberate in the air.

“The prince is unharmed!” “Look! Katherine Wilson is carrying him!” “Three cheers for Prince Edward!”

Edward smiles and waves. I hesitate for a second, then do the same. For the first time since I’ve entered Athelia, I’m happy to bask in the screaming, whistling, and applause from the people.





46





Kat





Edward would have preferred to stay and supervise the disaster, but as reporters have arrived with their huge, bulky cameras, I persuade Edward to return to the palace. He agrees, but not before issuing an order to send for a troop of soldiers. They close off the Parliament by using wooden stools and rope, and put up several signs that say ‘Do Not Enter.’ The other soldiers assist in conveying the injured, including MPs and commoners, to the hospital.

“That foot of yours has to be treated as soon as possible,” I say, holding a piece of raw meat to his swollen foot. A butcher was among the curious onlookers, and had generously given us the meat. An ice pack would be ideal, but I’ll take what I can get under the circumstances.

“It isn’t a life-threatening injury,” he protests. “The more important matter to deal with is the Union.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t have a doctor look at your foot, and besides, I’m sure your father is in a better position to take care of the Union.” I raise my head. “Honestly, Edward, what if I were the one injured? Wouldn’t you have insisted that a doctor be sent for me right away?”

“I cannot bear it if anything happens to you.”

“Neither can I.” I glare at him. “Thank heavens that bomb didn’t do any further damage, because if you’re seriously harmed, I’m gonna kill Charlie Quinn.”

“When I heard your voice while I was hiding under the podium, I thought I had to be dreaming. I couldn’t imagine you’d risk your life coming in for me.”

“Hey, I already took a risk when the fairies transformed me into an Athelian. You’re the most important person to me, Edward. Of course I’d come find you.”

He leans down and caresses the curve of my cheek. There’s a tenderness in his eyes, which reminds me of when he used to say how precious I am to him. “I love you.”

I smile and lean into his touch, feeling his affection for me flow through his fingers. It isn’t over yet—there’s going to be a LOT of work dealing with the aftermath of the bombing. There’s no telling if the Union won’t try another attack. We have to resolve this escalated clash between classes, and do our best to ensure that a reasonable resolution can be reached. No more violence shall be inflicted, whether it may be on the people or the peers. However, Edward is safe and sound, and that is enough to give me strength to handle whatever problems that arise in the future.



* * *



Queen Isolde comes running down the grand staircase when we enter the main entrance.

“My goodness,” she gasps, gathering her skirts and hurrying to us. “Edward…what happened to your foot?”