Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 3)

by Aya Ling

  We stop in front of a tall building about ten stories high. Few buildings—apart from the palace—in the capital are this tall; the height alone tells me it’s one of the newest constructions. Still, ‘new’ in Athelia isn’t glass and steel. The stones merely are less weather-beaten compared to the other older buildings.

  I take a deep breath. That incident with Lord Fremont had made me appreciate how useful it is being a princess. What I am doing is outrageously illegal, but I’ve no other options. Trying to get Edward, or the queen, or anyone to persuade Katriona to hand over Princess College is unlikely to succeed, not to mention she’d be furious to learn I’ve returned. Well, she’s bound to know it sooner or later, but at the moment I’d rather keep my existence a secret from her knowledge until a better timing.

  A small rectangular placard with a gold border is nailed into the right-hand side of the doors: Spencer’s Sky-High Realty.

  It’s been at least a year since Elle and I had visited Spencer’s Sky-High Realty. I had convinced Sir Langley, the head of the commercial real estate company, to sell me the building that was later converted into Princess College. He belongs to the minority of aristocrats involved in business and trade, though from my experience of reading the papers, the number of noble-turned-businessman is increasing. Sir Langley himself was only the son of a country squire, but when his father left a rather nasty debt when he died, Langley had gone into business and proved to be successful at it. Edward himself had given Langley a loan, which is part of the reason that Langley is willing to sell me Princess College, since there certainly are more lucrative offers.

  The clerk in charge of screening visitors looks surprised when Elle and I enter. Yeah, I guess it’s uncommon for ladies to conduct business with Sir Langley. However, it turns out not to be the case.

  “Er...Your Highness?” The man says tentatively, squinting at my face. Here’s someone who recognizes me. It doesn’t happen a lot when I’m downtown, but it can happen sometimes.

  I incline my head gracefully, as any princess would do. “I would like to see Sir Langley, if he is not currently occupied.”

  He bows. “Certainly...please, have a seat.” A messenger runs upstairs, and I wonder how long it’ll take for telephones to be invented. If I’m not mistaken, Sir Langley’s office is on the seventh floor.

  A while later, the boy is back, and Sir Langley is right behind him.

  “Your Highness!” he says, astonishment written over his face. “Good lord, if you wished to see me, all you had to do was send a message. There’s no need to exert yourself coming to this part of the city.”

  Yeah, like I could receive him in the palace now.

  “I cannot stay in the palace all the time, Langley,” I say, offering him a gracious smile. Inside, I’m rejoicing. They didn’t detect anything suspicious about me. “I would make a poor monarch indeed if I shut myself away from the people all day.”

  He flushes, then grins. “Your Highness, you are too magnanimous. Ah, and this is Lady Elle. Allow me escort you to a more comfortable place instead of keeping you standing.”

  He leads us to an office marked “Private” and guides us to our seats before he sits down and orders tea. I can’t help but wonder how he’ll treat me if he knew I’m a commoner now.

  “How may I be of service, Your Highness?” Langley asks solicitously. “Is there any property you are interested in?”

  I take a deep breath. I have to do this fast and convincingly, or I’d be in deep trouble. “As a matter of fact, I have a favor to ask.”

  “Anything, Your Highness. Your word is my command.”

  “I would like to sign over the ownership of the school I purchased to Lady Elle.”

  There. I’ve said it.

  Sir Langley raises his eyebrows and looks at Elle, who gives him a sweet, pacifying smile, like this is what we’ve been planning all along.

  “Why, certainly, Your Highness, if that is what you wish,” he says slowly. The unspoken question hangs between us: then why didn’t you have Lady Elle own the school in the first place?

  I could come up a few explanations, such as my duties getting too onerous for me to manage the school, but I’m aware that as a royal, it’s not custom to explain for your actions unless the occasion calls for it. You just give orders and expect others to bow and say yes. “Thank you, Langley. If you would be so kind to provide the documents necessary for the process.”

  Langley calls for his secretary—a tall, curly-haired blonde dressed like an actress out of a classic film. She curtsies as she hands her boss the necessary papers.

  “Here.” Langley points at a dotted line on the bottom. “This document states that you, the current owner of 102 Longbourne Street, is voluntarily relinquishing ownership and transferring it to Lady Elle, the eldest daughter of the late Earl Bradshaw. Please sign three copies, and each of us will keep a copy for future references.”

  I hope Elle’s hand isn’t trembling as she signs her name. Once the ‘transaction’ is complete, she will be the owner of Princess College and Katriona won’t be able to do anything about it. She’ll be amazed, of course, and she’ll suspect I’ve returned, but I can worry about that later. Who knows, maybe Edward or Mr. Davenport would have found a way to divorce her then. I also try to stay confident and calm when signing the name ‘Katriona Bradshaw.’ Luckily, when I was at Lady Bradshaw’s, I had seen Katriona’s signatures in a few etiquette books she owns, and I had practiced her handwriting in order to convince everyone I was her. Now it’s paying off.

  When the third paper is signed and Langley stamps it with the seal of Spencer’s Sky-High Realty, I’m unable to stop myself from exhaling a sigh of relief. A tingle of victorious joy runs through me—it’s done. Princess College is safe from Katriona and Bianca. I exchange a look with Elle; my relief is reflected in her eyes and vice versa.

  Turning to Langley, I incline my head and part my lips in a gracious smile, as though he were a knight doing me a service. “I appreciate your kind assistance, Langley. And I wish you and Spencer’s Sky-High Realty the very best.”

  He places a hand over his chest and bows. “Always a honor to serve you, Your Highness. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  I smile and shake my head. “You’ve done a lot already. I wish you a pleasant day.”

  Sir Langley bows and shows us out of his office. I’ve mostly felt down and frustrated since I came back to Athelia, but this is one of the few moments I have a sense of accomplishment. Like that day when I punched Fremont. I remember how satisfying it was to have him reel back, clutching his nose.

  And then I turn into stone.

  Two people have entered the building, and the clerk has risen from his chair, his face white with shock.

  Katriona and Bianca.

  25

  Edward

  It is late evening when I close the door to my bedroom. The suite is quiet; Katriona Bradshaw has already gone down to dinner. She has grown resigned to my refusal to accompany her to dinner—if she will not agree to a divorce, I see no reason to accommodate to her requests. Father has chastised me frequently that I should maintain a harmonious relationship in front of the servants, but I am reluctant to comply. If he had not suggested Katriona Bradshaw replace Kat as princess, I would not be mired in this insurmountable problem of divorce.

  I step in Kat’s study. Little has changed since she left, for Katriona dislikes working at the desk and prefers to dictate letters to Amelie or Mabel instead. A fierce longing surges within me at the sight of the window seat. Kat had spent countless hours curled up among the cushions, her nose buried in a book, or gazing out at the gardens while she ponders an appropriate reply to a letter.

  Soon, I pray. Ever since Kat appeared in the masque in Moryn, I have been praying for a miracle that will allow her return to my side.

  A sound comes from the sitting room. Bertram must have arrived.

  “The carriage is ready, Your Highness.” He salutes me. “As are the tr
aveling bags you ordered me to pack. I’ve stashed ‘em under the seat.”

  “Good.” I lay an envelope on the table, addressed to my parents. It contains a note that says I am on urgent business, in case my father panics and sends out a nationwide hunt. “Let us depart immediately. The sentinels are likely to be more cautious when it’s dark.”

  * * *

  I leave the carriage at Henry’s, where Thomas has two horses ready.

  “You have my gratitude,” I say, as I swing onto the saddle. “We shall be back within a week, should everything goes to plan.”

  “Very good, Your Highness.” As any well-disciplined butler, Thomas refrains from asking why I did not ride out of the palace. The reason is simple: I do not wish to arouse suspicion. It is very rare that I travel on horseback, unless it is in a procession. I could have continued using the carriage, but it is lighter and faster on a horse.

  We reach an inn at a small village near midnight.

  “Why aren’t we taking the train, Your Highness?” Bertram asks. His nose is red from the cold, and there’s a tired look in his eyes. Were it not for his respect and loyalty for me, he would have groused for my making him travel in the dark, bone-chilling night. “It’ll get us to Enrilth quicker.”

  “The train does not run at night. Furthermore, I have no desire for us to be traced through the ticket.” I clap my equerry on the shoulder. “My apologies, Bertram. However, it is imperative we make this trip. If everything goes well, Kat will be able to return to the palace.”

  “Ain’ no trouble, Your Highness.” Bertram grins. “I’ve been hopin’ she’d return, and so does Amelie.”

  * * *

  We change horses twice before we reach Enrilth in early morning on the third day. My hand goes to my breast pocket, where an important letter resides. It is because of the letter’s contents we have made this secret journey. If anyone, particularly the Bradshaws, discover what I am doing, I will lose any hope of getting Kat back.

  There is sleet falling when we arrive at the mayor’s house. I am thankful that my parents had insisted I undertake a strict regime of strengthening and exercising, even though it is unlikely I shall enter the military. Most other men of the nobility could not travel as I did without catching a cold.

  We dismount and stride up to the door. A few raps, and Susan looks out. Her eyes widen for a second, and then she sinks into a deep curtsy.

  “Your Highness! We did not expect you would be here today, the weather being…Please, come inside and I’ll get you both a cup of hot tea.”

  Inside, the mayor is seated on his easy chair. He attempts to rise, but I hold up a hand. There is no need for him to bow; we are not at court and he has a lame leg. My attention is drawn to the man sitting across him. He has a tanned face, bushy eyebrows, and thick arms. When he speaks, there is a distinct Moryn country accent.

  “Prince of Athelia,” he stammers, making a clumsy bow.

  “Jacques?” I hold out my hand. “Thank you for making this journey across the sea. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. In the letter, you mentioned your identity. Now, can you prove to us who you are?”

  He raises his left arm and uncurls his fingers. A ring sparkles on his palm. It is identical to the one I’m wearing, the one Katriona is wearing, and also the one that Kat wears around her neck.

  “Excellent.” I gesture to the mayor, Susan, and Bertram. “We have three witnesses present. Are you willing to swear that everything you say is true?”

  Jacques bows. “O…of course, Your Highness.”

  “Very good.” I sit down, and indicate that everyone do the same. “Now, tell me everything you know.”

  26

  Kat

  Of all of us, Langley is the first to react. “Er...” he looks at me, and then at Katriona. “Lady, may I inquire who you are?”

  Katriona darts a look at me, her expression filled with shock...and then turning into hatred. “You told me that you…why did you come back?”

  “Your Highness?” Langley looks at me with uncertainty.

  My heart sinks to the soles of my feet. There’s the same sense of doom as when I first encountered Katriona at Bianca’s house, but this time it’s even greater. Why did they choose to visit at this very moment?

  Bianca raises a finger and points at me accusingly. “You witch. How dare you show your face in the capital again?”

  Langley looks confused. Elle takes my arm and glares at Bianca. “Don’t call her that, Lady Pembroke.”

  “Hold your tongue, you insolent girl,” Bianca sneers. “You’re no different from her. You may bear a title, but at heart you’re a lowly commoner attempting to ape your betters.”

  “Commoner?” Langley frowns. “Who are you calling a commoner? This is Princess Katriona and Lady Elle.”

  Bianca makes a noise of disdain. “Princess, indeed! Has she been deceiving you again? She’s just a nobody who happens to look like my sister.”

  “But...” Langley says, clearly at a loss how to handle this. “But she signed her name as Katriona Bradshaw...”

  Crap. It’s all over. My plan—the plan I thought was brilliant—it’s totally shattered. Worse, Bianca and Katriona now know I’m back. And I had just committed an unpardonable crime of using Katriona’s name.

  “What did she do?” Bianca narrows her eyes.

  “Did…didn’t Her Highness intend to sign over 102 Longbourne Street to Lady Elle?”

  “How interesting.” There’s a gleam of malicious intent in Bianca's eyes, and she gives me a cold, cruel smile. “May we have a look at those papers? And send for a man from the Metropolitan Police.”

  “No!” Elle cries. She stands in front of me, as though she could shield me from Bianca’s wrath. “Please, I can explain, there’s no need to bring in the police.”

  Nothing good can come of bringing in the police. I bolt, but I haven’t gone a few paces before the burly guard by the door seizes me. I use every move of karate I know, but his strength is overpowering. Every punch I land only makes him wince, but he doesn’t loosen his grip.

  I’m trapped.

  Bianca folds her arms, ignoring Elle. “Finally. Witch, you shall receive what you deserve.”

  * * *

  Impersonation and forgery. That’s what Bianca charged me with. It was too obvious, once Langley got the papers. The policeman sent from the nearest station seems particularly unfriendly, once Bianca stated my crimes.

  “The nerve of her,” he says, sending me a disgusted look and producing a pair of handcuffs. “I don’t know anyone who’d dare to impersonate the princess. Don’t worry, Lady Pembroke. She’ll certainly be thoroughly punished.”

  A shiver runs down my spine, but I refuse to let them see my fear. I’m not brave, but the last thing I want is to give Bianca the satisfaction of me being cowered.

  “Stop!” Elle exclaims. “What are you planning to do to her?”

  The policeman stares at her, confused. “We’re taking her back to the station, ma’am. A person who has committed a criminal offense as this can’t be let off lightly.”

  “Are you saying you’re holding her at the police station until there’s a sentence dealt?” Elle says, her voice rising. “You can’t do this. She isn’t convicted; you can’t hold her. I’ll bail her out.”

  “Don’t you dare interfere,” Bianca hisses. “If you impede justice being served, I can also deal with you.” She lowers her voice and speaks to Elle, who turns white. Maybe some threat to her family?

  “It’s all right, Elle,” I quickly say, though inside I’m scared silly. Without the protective shield of the princess title, plus Bianca’s long-felt hatred for me, I’m doomed. The fact is, I am guilty of her charge. I HAVE forged Katriona’s signature, no matter my motive is to save the school. If only Bianca and Katriona didn’t show up, my plan would have succeeded. And yet the unlikely has happened.

  “I’ll be all right,” I say, though my tone lacks confidence. I take her hand and trace in her palm the
two words: tell Edward.

  However, Elle insists on accompanying me to the police station, despite dirty looks from Bianca. But no matter how she tries to help me, she’s no match for Bianca, who is bent on throwing me into jail. And with Langley as witness, I have little reason to defend myself. The best thing I can do is to convince them it was all my idea and Elle had nothing to do with it. I’m already in the mud; I can’t drag her into this mess.

  “So you admit to what you did? You disguised yourself as Princess Katriona on purpose and forged her signature, in an attempt to take 102 Longbourne Street for yourself?”

  I flinch. “I didn’t mean it.”

  “Then you shall remain here until the trial is held.”

  Elle gasps. “You cannot hold her in jail! How much is needed to bail her?”

  “Quiet, you,” Bianca hisses. “If you dare interfere in the way of justice, then I shall accuse you of being her accomplice.”

  I clench my fists and brace myself. I had better prepare myself for the worst. Once Edward arrives, he’ll figure out a way to save me. If I argue, with Bianca determined to throw me into jail, I’m likely to make things worse.

  “For a crime as serious as hers, I suggest you keep her under chains before the trial,” Bianca says coldly. “If I were the magistrate, the very least she deserves is a sound whipping and eviction.”

  “Of course, Lady Pembroke,” the sergeant says, simpering. After marriage, Bianca is as gorgeous as ever. Along with her authoritarian attitude, almost anyone in her presence will bend to her will. But not me.

  Ever since she found out Edward and I were in a relationship, Bianca has harbored a deep resentment for me—a hatred that only intensified with time. My presence is poison to her; she’d do anything to see that I’m stripped of power. She’d never be queen, but with her sister on the throne, she could still wield considerable influence.