Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 3)

Home > Other > Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 3) > Page 11
Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 3) Page 11

by Aya Ling


  If it weren’t for Edward…what can I do to earn money? Work as a governess? Would anyone hire me? But then, I wouldn’t know. Collecting eggs in the chicken coop isn’t a permanent solution.

  As I stagger through the streets with my packages, my feet aching and my arms sore, something catches my eye. A young woman—two, in fact, are pasting handbills on the wall outside a shop. One of the women has honey blond hair. I’d recognize that shade anywhere.

  “Elle.” The name falls from my lips.

  My voice isn’t loud—I doubt she heard me—but she turns around. I panic for a second, wondering if this is the right time, but she has seen me, clutching my purchases and staring like an idiot.

  Elle stares as well. She rubs her eyes, and then makes her way to me. “Pardon me, but…”

  My arms are aching so much that I set my parcels on the ground. “It’s me, Elle. I’ve come back.”

  She searches my face, which is devoid of makeup, and the plain gray gown I’ve borrowed from Mary. My hair is completely concealed in the kerchief. Compared to how I usually appear, beautifully dressed and styled thanks to Amelie, I must look like a drab sparrow.

  “Kat?” Her voice is full of hesitation. “Is that really you?”

  “I’m Kat.” I give her a tentative smile. “Not Katriona Bradshaw.”

  “But I thought in your letter...”

  “I survived.” I step closer and touch her arm. “Can we find some place to sit down? I’ve been walking since early morning and my legs feel like jelly.”

  “Of course.” She seems dazed, and I can’t blame her. After believing that I was gone and some other woman took my place, to have me suddenly appearing in the streets, and looking nothing like the former princess, she must be shocked. Elle says something to her companion, and the young woman nods. “I’ll see you in half an hour.”

  We enter the nearest pub. There aren’t many customers, possibly because it’s early afternoon and most people are still out at work. The tables look greasy, and the beer glasses look dusty, but at that moment I couldn’t care.

  “How were you cured?” Elle says. Her large eyes rove over my face. “It’s been months since you disappeared, and I believed you were dead.”

  Since I can’t bother to explain to her about the fairies, I tell her that a doctor in my world has cured me. Her eyes widen, but she accepts my explanation. “His Highness and Poppy mentioned that the world where you came from is marvelous. I’m so glad you found a cure there.”

  “Edward and Poppy told you about my world?”

  “After Poppy and I received your letters, we met up and asked His Highness about you. On our way to his office, we met Lady Katriona. Poppy called to her and she didn’t respond, as though she were a stranger. But she recognized me.” Elle looks down on her lap. “I think she resents me. She told me to get out of her sight.”

  I understand. Katriona Bradshaw must hate Elle for inheriting most of the earl’s fortune, and also for indirectly causing Lady Bradshaw being ostracized from high society. Never mind that her mother had tried to commit murder in the first place.

  “She’s the one who should be sorry,” I say firmly. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Lady Bradshaw did.”

  “When did you come back?”

  “A few days ago.” I decide to omit my adventure in Moryn—that would be too complicated. “I’m now living in the palace, but not with Edward, of course. I board with Amelie’s sister, who is in charge of the chicken coop. I help her collect the eggs and clean the coop.”

  Her mouth falls open. “You’re working as a servant?”

  “I had to help in some way,” I say. “And I had to have something to do.”

  Our orders arrive. The beer is watery and the meat is burned, but as I’m starving, I don’t care. I attack the food with a fork, and also reflect that it’s a relief not having servants around me, watching how I eat. I don’t have to care about table manners, about the precedence, or which spoon goes with which fork.

  Elle helps herself to the food with much more decorum. If anyone were to see us, they would identify Elle as a lady and I a rustic commoner. “His Highness must be overjoyed that you are back.”

  “Both of us are. I never imagined that I could make it back.”

  “But…” Elle puckers her forehead. “How are you going to get together again? Surely it must be difficult for His Highness to explain to others he wants to marry you. And what about Lady Katriona? Do you think she would agree to a divorce?”

  “We’ll figure out a way, just like we did with all those problems in the capital.” I wipe my mouth with a napkin. “By the way, what are you doing outside? Those flyers you are putting up—what are they about?”

  A shadow passes over Elle’s face. “Did you know that Princess College shut down?”

  My hand flies to my mouth. After all the trouble we had gone through to save the school, it didn’t survive.

  “How did it happen?”

  “So many people left. Henry is in Moryn, Lady Katriona refused to contribute, His Highness was miserable about your leaving, Liam resigned, and Lady Gregory also disappeared. We couldn’t keep the school open, no matter how hard we tried. It’s because you weren’t there, Kat. Without your support, it was so easy for the school board to quarrel and they decided there was no point in having the school any longer. There aren’t that many teachers left, nor pupils.”

  “But what does this have to do with the flyers outside?”

  Elle extracts a flyer from her pocket and hands it to me. The title is “Petition: Education For All.” I look up.

  “When I brought the question to Katriona, she refused to listen. She said it was none of her business, she didn’t believe in having a school for girls. So I had no choice but to turn to His Highness. He showed me an article he finished composing, which was adapted from a proposal you wrote, and suggested that the best way to restore Princess College was to make it necessary for the girls to attend school.” Elle looks sad. “And since Henry is gone, I had more time on my hands. So I asked Miss Cavendish, and some other nice people I met when I organized the trust fund for Jimmy. We formed the Children’s Education League, and the goal is to make education available to all children. We’re currently trying to convince people to sign our petition.”

  “A Children’s Education League,” I muse. “You’re hoping that a large number of signatures will attract attention, and consequently Parliament will pass the Education Act.”

  “As you did with child workers.” Elle looks at me, her gaze filled with determination. “That proposal you wrote was wonderful. We missed you so—His Highness most of all. I haven’t seen him that much, but when I went to ask him about what could be done for Princess College, I could see that he was miserable and doing his best to hide his loneliness.”

  “I know.” My heart aches. Everyone—Henry, Bertram, and now Elle—have been telling me how Edward suffered without me. “I missed him as well. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have survived.”

  We chat for a while. Elle also mentions she misses Henry and wishes he’d be back soon. The duchess seems to have given up trying to find another girl for Henry, and only wants him return from Moryn. Once Henry comes back, he and Elle will marry.

  I wish I could stay longer with Elle, but I know it’s going to take a long time back to the palace. The omnibus and the walking are more time-consuming compared to a private carriage.

  “Can I come to the next meeting for the Education League? I have to go back to the palace, but I’d love to help you sometimes.”

  Her expression brightens. “I was hoping that you’d say that, Kat. You always have the best ideas.”

  Before we part, Elle surprises me by throwing her arms around me. Poppy is more likely to hug me, but Elle, sometimes restrained in manners due to her many years of servant training, is less inclined to touch me.

  “I’m so glad you’re back, Kat,” she murmurs. “I’m so glad.”

  18

/>   Edward

  I return to the palace with renewed vigor. I had dreamed that one day Kat would return to me, but I never allowed myself to count on it becoming a reality. Kat’s appearance in Moryn was not a dream. It seemed as if the gods above had answered my prayers. However, elated as I am, I cannot be satisfied until she is back in the palace. To be honest, while her staying with Mary is the best provision for the time being, I would feel safer were she in the suite, where I can see her constantly.

  “Your Highness.” Mabel curtsies, a bemused look on her face. My brief meeting with Kat had brought me such delight that my countenance must look vastly different to the stern expression I usually wear these days.

  And yet, my joy dissipates when I enter the suite. Katriona Bradshaw has emerged from Kat’s bedroom, smiling as if she had been coronated as queen. How I wish I could toss her from the suite and never have her return.

  “Edward,” she exclaims, coming over to me. I retreat to the window and fold my arms across my chest. “Yes?”

  She is not the slightest fazed by my indifference. “Look at me. Do you not find anything different with my appearance?”

  Ever since that fateful morning I had mistaken her for Kat and embraced her, I’ve never gone to sleep without locking my door, including the journey to Moryn. My greatest fear is that if I take her for Kat and get her with child, divorce will be virtually impossible.

  “I see no difference.”

  She pouts. “I know I am no beauty, but you could pay me more attention. After all, I am your wife.”

  I do not bother arguing with her that beauty never played a pivotal role in choosing my wife. I appreciate a pretty face, but it is the character that makes a lasting impression on me. “If you have nothing else to say, then I must be about with my business. I have far more important matters to attend to.”

  “Wait!” She steps closer and again I retreat, careful to maintain my distance. “Look. Is not this necklace the most stunning?”

  I wince. The necklace is an intricate web of diamonds, almost like a collar.

  “Is that new?”

  “Just arrived this morning,” she says, her fingers stroking the largest diamond. “My sister recommended the most famous jewelry designer in the capital, and he had this custom-made for me. Is it not gorgeous?”

  I consider replying with a biting remark that she already has that necklace from the fairies, and then another thought strikes me. “Keep tabs on your finances, or you might find yourself depleted of your allowance before the Season starts.”

  “Oh, I didn’t even need to dip into my allowance. I have other sources.”

  I frown. How could she, a woman with no practical skill for moneymaking, have other resources? “Care to enlighten me?”

  “The city mayor gave me a wedding present of ten thousand pounds. Since…Katherine did not spend it, the amount plus the interest has been more than sufficient.”

  Irritation flares within me. “You spent all that money on a new necklace? Kat was planning to use it on her girls’ school.”

  She shrugs. “But there is no use of it, since the school was shut down. Bianca told me that my wardrobe is hardly fitting for a princess—she could not believe how shabbily Katherine dressed. Do you know how the ladies were talking when we were in Moryn? They couldn’t believe the princess of Athelia dressed in gowns so simple.”

  It takes all my mental discipline not to shove her out of the door. There is only one princess of Athelia, who is currently collecting eggs in the chicken coop. Who is more concerned with the welfare of her people than the paucity of her jewelry or clothes. “The Moryn wedding has already taken place. There is no need to purchase that necklace.”

  “There are plenty of other occasions. As a matter of fact, Bianca invited me to a dinner party tomorrow night. We should attend it together.”

  “Do you honestly believe I’d attend a party thrown by your sister, when she is responsible for causing Kat misery?”

  She looks taken aback. “Your father wishes that you be involved in more social activities.”

  “Of the numerous things he requires for me, partying is nowhere on top of the list. There are state affairs I must attend to.”

  “But you cannot forgo every party invitation. People expect you to make an appearance, not locking yourself from the public all day long.” She looks up with pleading eyes; I look away to avoid confusing her with Kat. “Please, Edward. Besides, this would be an opportunity for me. I never had my Season. I never had a chance to go out in society.”

  As if that were any of my concern. “You had your chance in Moryn. You could have attended the boat trip, or the ride through the capital, yet you declined. Many young ladies would never have such an opportunity in their lives.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t have…” she trails off, an uncomfortable look in her eyes. “I told you I had a headache, and I’ve been regretting it ever since. That is why I need to go to more social events, Edward. Now I can make up for the chances I missed.”

  “Before I had Kat by my side. She lessened my workload considerably.” I stride to the door, ignoring her pleading expression. “Until you can draft a memorandum for the Moryn ambassador, save your breath.”

  I open the door and shut it with vehemence, unable to restrain my displeasure. Kat had talked about the school, her face glowing with pride as she outlined how she would provide for young girls, and how she wanted them attain a bright future. She wanted them to have more choices in life, as she did in her own world. And now Katriona Bradshaw has taken the gift that was meant for Kat and bought a costly necklace. I clench my fists and quicken my pace, wondering if I could move to another room. Maybe I could stay in Kat’s old room when she was my fiancee. If I continue living with Katriona Bradshaw, my mental health would be adversely affected. She represents everything I detest in a partner.

  As I settle into my desk, I make a note to have a dinner tray sent to the office later. I do not relish in going to dinner and escorting Katriona Bradshaw. Far better to bury myself in work and dream of the day when Kat returns to my side.

  * * *

  “Edward.” A deep, authoritative voice that could only belong to the king. My father stands in the doorway, arms folded. “I want to have a word with you.”

  “Was there some problem with the planning of the city park? Or did you have a comment about the memorandum we drafted for the Moryn ambassador? Or did you have something to say about Lord Dudley resigning his position as the Minister of Education?”

  Father comes in and indicates a servant close the door. “I have received a report of your behavior in Moryn. It is not as satisfactory as I expected of you.”

  I take the seat across him. “I did not do anything that was not expected of me. The emperor and his fiancée were pleased.”

  “I am not talking about your conduct in front of the Moryns. What I am referring to is your treatment of your wife.”

  I grit my teeth. “She is not my wife. She is merely a woman you want to use to project an image of a stable family to the public.”

  “I’ve seen how you behave with Katriona. She looks as if she married a block of ice. She does not deserve this kind of indifference from you. Remember that you are the crown prince. It has been months since you married and you have not given us an heir.”

  I seize on the opportunity. “Since there is no heir, this is perfect evidence that Katriona Bradshaw is unsuitable as a wife. I should put her aside and marry another.”

  Father glares at me. “You will do no such thing. The problem lies not with Katriona Bradshaw, but you. Clearly, you haven’t been making an effort to produce an heir. Tell me, Edward, is this marriage ever consummated?”

  I look away. “I can only tell you the affirmative with Kat.”

  “Well, she’s gone now, so you might as well settle…”

  “She’s not.” I interrupt, unable to say that Kat is gone. “She survived her illness. I saw her.”

  Father’s eyes bulge. “A
re you saying that other woman, Katherine Wilson, has recovered? You told me she had an incurable disease.”

  “I did not believe it could happen…but it’s true. She’s alive and well.”

  Father groans and rests his head on his right arm. “What are we to do now?”

  “Simple. I divorce Katriona Bradshaw and marry Kat. There would be no question of an heir.”

  “That is out of question. If you wish, you may take Katherine Wilson as a mistress. You can make discreet visits to Katherine Wilson. But I will not hear of a divorce; the public will not accept it. Remember, Edward, that adultery is a lesser sin than divorce.”

  I stand up. “I am sorry, but you know Katriona Bradshaw is not fit to be princess. Even if she were, I have no feelings for her. If you are so concerned about maintaining the image, imagine what would happen if we can no longer stand each other. Not everything can be manipulated at will.”

  He also stands up. “I did not bring you up to be so liberal with your feelings. You have duties to this kingdom.”

  “My duties do not extend to my private life.” I exert every effort to restrain the urge to raise my voice. “Kat is the only woman I wish to marry. If you cannot accept…”

  Someone knocks on the door. A maid pokes her head inside. “The queen is asking for a word with His Highness.”

  Father and I look at each other. We do not speak, but both of us understand there is little point continuing the conversation. Neither of us is willing to concede to the other’s stance on this matter.

  “Very well.” Father strides to the door. “One last thing, Edward. Is Katherine Wilson a commoner?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then your marriage to her will not be recognized. She cannot live in the palace as princess, and your children will not bear your name. Is that what you want?”

 

‹ Prev