by Aya Ling
“Nothing to worry about, Princess. I’m more worried about the food prices—did ya know a loaf of bread costs a whole pound? If this keeps up I’ll be needing to ask His Highness for extra.”
When she leaves, I sink into the chair and put a hand on my forehead. The papers are still dominated by my attack and the question of the Pembrokes’ involvement, but if food prices continue to soar, the headlines will be back to the inflation. I wonder when the tax bill will be formally introduced in Parliament; Edward has been so focused on prosecuting the Pembrokes that I don’t think he had any time to draft the proposal.
With a sigh, I open the letter. For a moment, I forget about the worries about food. It’s from Poppy, asking if she can bring her children over this weekend. Mr. Davenport has got his well-deserved vacation, and she wants to try my idea of a ‘date night’.
I run downstairs and alert the household we are to play nanny for the day. On second thought, I decide to invite Elle as well, as I haven’t seen her for a while and besides, she has experience taking care of the kids. Her reply is prompt; she’ll be delighted to come over and watch over the children with us. I also convince Edward to stay at the house that day.
“Edward, you’ve been working yourself too hard,” I say severely. “Yes, there are important issues to deal with, but your health is my priority.”
When Poppy and Mr. Davenport bring the children over, everything is ready. We’ve pushed the tables and chairs against the walls, and Elle has brought a basket of fluffy balls and rag dolls.
Little Katherine starts to cry when Poppy disentangles her fingers and heads to the door. Sébastien also totters after Mr. Davenport; Bertram, who is nearest, picks him up and the baby boy bursts into tears. Uh-oh. Bertram’s gigantic frame must make him appear like a monster to the kid.
“They’ve developed a shyness for strangers,” Mr. Davenport says with an apologetic look.
“Do you think they will be all right?” Poppy asks anxiously, as she watches Amelie and Bertram trying to pacify Sébastien.
“They’ll be fine,” I say firmly. “Go and enjoy yourself. Don’t come back until you have seen at least a play and gone to dinner.”
“I can’t tell you how grateful we are for your help.” Mr. Davenport holds out his hand. There are dark circles under his eyes; clearly, he has been exhausted from his work as a barrister. “Congratulations to both of you for reuniting. We hope you will be married soon. If you encounter any legal difficulties, do not hesitate to consult me.”
“Thank you, Jonathan,” Edward says. “It is also my wish for Kat to return to the palace soon.”
Poppy beams. “I will never forgive you if you don’t invite me to the wedding. The same goes for you, Elle!”
Elle blushes and smiles, promising she won’t forget, but I think there’s a strained look in her eyes. Recently the news in Moryn has got worse. If Augustin cannot control the second uprising, I don’t think Henry will be able to stay there for long.
Little Katherine lets out an ear-splitting scream soon after her parents have left. Sébastien is squirming in Amelie’s arms, crying for ‘Mama.’
“Let me take him,” Elle says, opening her arms. Sébastien goes quiet when Elle takes him, since she is more familiar to him, but he’s glancing at the door like he expects Poppy will return soon. Little Katherine is still yowling as though the world has come to an end.
“Oh dear.” I cradle Little Katherine in my arms, trying to make her calm down. “Little Kat is even shyer than last time I visited. Edward, can you hold her while I get the toys that Elle brought?”
Edward doesn’t seem eager to take the baby, but then a miracle happens. When Little Katherine looks up at him, her eyes grow wide and her small pink mouth forms an O. It’s so dramatic that I have to laugh.
“Look how she’s staring at you.” I tease him. “You are so popular with girls. From one-year-olds to older women, no one can resist your charm.”
Edward holds Little Katherine gingerly, as if she were made of glass. “I cannot agree. Because at my right hand side there is one exception.”
“That’s not true,” I exclaim. “You know I’m counting the days when we can be married again. I’m crazy about you, Edward.”
The room suddenly seems too silent. Elle goes bright pink, Bertram is smirking, and Amelie focuses on Sébastien as if her world revolved around him. Crap, I’ve raised my voice and everyone heard me proclaim my love for the prince.
Seeing the gleam in Edward’s eyes, I smack his arm. “You said that on purpose to get me say I love you!”
“There’s no need to be vexed about it,” he says, adjusting his hold on Little Katherine. “Think of how many times I confessed to you.”
I am about to retort that it's pointless comparing numbers, but then I realize that Sébastien has stopped crying. Bertram is on the floor on all fours, and Sébastien is using his body as a kind of playground. With Amelie’s help, Sébastien climbs onto Bertram’s back and then slides down his legs. It is ingenious, really. Elle watches over Sébastien, making sure he doesn’t fall over.
A while later, Little Katherine starts to wail again for ‘Mama.’ I try to have her climb onto Bertram’s back, but she clutches my arms and screams even more loudly.
“She must be hungry,” I say. “Let’s bring her to the kitchen. Poppy had left instructions.”
Edward is quiet. He holds Little Katherine as I feed her small bites of baby food.
“Hey.” I wave a hand in front of him. “You have the world’s most adorable baby in your arms. What are you being so pensive about?”
“I was merely thinking,” he says gravely. “About how many children we shall have.”
I blush. “Edward! We aren’t even married yet.” Then, another thought strikes me. “Do you remember when we started sleeping together, but I never got pregnant? Do you think there is a chance that I may not be able to bear children? Have you thought of what would happen if I cannot give you an heir? According to tradition, you must produce an heir.”
He shrugs. “Then I shall step down, or let Henry’s child inherit when I’m gone. To be honest, I will be disappointed if we cannot have children, but you are more important to me. There are thousands of women in Athelia who can give me an heir, but there is only one of you.”
I smile at him. So does Little Katherine, as though she could understand what he is talking about. It is remarkable, honestly. Edward isn’t even smiling, but he has such magnetic charm that even the baby is infected.
When we return to the sitting room, Sébastien has fallen asleep. Playing with Bertram must have exhausted him. Amelie and Bertram watch over him, while Elle takes Little Katherine.
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 wea
ring.
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.”
This is getting more and more ridiculous. “Huh?”
“You can stay with one of our female members—Mrs. Stevens runs a boarding house and could put you up for a modest fee.” He leans towards me. “We need someone like you, Kat. Leave the prince, and join our side.”
“Excuse me?” I say, flabbergasted. “Did you hit your head over a low beam or are you drunk? I belong to Edward. Once he gets the decree absolute, we’ll be married.”
His face hardens at the mention of Edward and marriage. “He’s a selfish person. Your ideals are different from his, yet he practically forced you to marry him. He’s only attracted to you because you behaved different from other women. If he truly respected you, he wouldn’t have put up that show at court. By making that ardent declaration in public, he’s making himself look like a saint. You’d be denounced if you don’t accept him.”
“It was my choice!” I say hotly. “It was my decision to be with him.”
“Shortly after your marriage to Edward, I had heard the servants gossip about a quarrel between you two. You had told him you were not his prisoner.”
I freeze. I had said that to Edward, but it was because he was frantically worried I might disappear with Krev. He kept an eye on me because he feared I would leave him alone in Athelia. But I can’t tell Liam the truth.
Liam watches me closely. “Do you deny that rumor, Kat?”
“It was a misunderstanding.”
“Oh right,” he says, not sounding convinced. “Tell me that you crave the life in a gilded cage. Tell me that you don’t mind having your words and behavior gossiped about. Tell me you enjoy abiding those numerous customs and rules of the monarchy.”
“I could endure those for Edward.”
He places his hand over mine. “If you were my woman, you would have the freedom. I would not force you to do what you would not want. Join me, Kat. Together, we can change this country.”
“Never!” I snatch my hand back and stand up, my body trembling. “You’re insane to believe I would desert Edward to be with you instead.”
He looks hurt for a moment, then he shrugs. “I thought you were different. But apparently you are the same as those girls who only want to marry a prince.”
“It has nothing to do with his being the crown prince. Sure, he has his faults, but I love him. I love the way he loves me. And even if Edward never existed, I would never choose you.”
He looks hurt, but I can’t feel any sympathy. To be honest, I find the sudden confession from him too sudden to be taken seriously.
“Have it your way. If something happens in the future, do not say I haven’t warned you.”
I whirl on him. “Are you saying you’re planning a rebellion?”
“Leave Edward, and I’ll tell you everything.”
As if I’d do that. “Goodbye, Liam.”
* * *
I return home, my head spinning, my thoughts a mess. Ridiculous... Liam has just asked me to ditch Edward! So he did take an interest in me when he met me as Katherine Wilson, but I can’t believe he’d persist after Edward made that confession in court. Well, if this is his method to declare his affection for a woman he wants, he’s doing a very poor job about it. Belittling a woman and confessing his feelings at the same time… I’d be retarded to accept him.
Edward is pacing on the floor when I returned to Henry’s. His brow is furrowed; clearly, there’s something lurking on his mind.
“You’re back.” He smiles, but I can detect a tired smile from him.
He didn’t even ask where I’ve been. Usually he is obsessed with knowing where I am. It could be because I am no longer in a hurry to go home, but given that I was attacked just a week ago, Edward should be more concerned about my safety.
“What happened?” Fear grips my mind. I hope it isn’t something like Katriona deciding not to go through the divorce. “You look so pensive.”
He looks at me, and there is pain in his eyes. “The bill about taxing the aristocrats was rejected today.”
Shock runs through me. “But I thought it wasn’t due until next wee
k.”
“Exactly. Sunderland scheduled it early while I was busy prosecuting Bianca Bradshaw and Fremont. They had made sure I would not be present when they brought up the bill. It was not a landslide rejection, but it was enough to block the bill.”
He looks so frustrated that I take his hand and make him sit on the sofa. The best thing I can do now is offer him comfort. “I don’t get it. After the Union making speeches about the unfair distribution of wealth, and given what happened in Moryn with the emperor, aren’t the lords concerned that the people may be angry? They had listened when we protested about child labor and education.”
Edward rests his chin on his hands. “Previously, when we were discussing child labor and compulsory education, the aristocrats were not personally affected. Those who stand to lose by child labor were mostly newly minted capitalists, and the funding for education would be from the government’s coffers. However, if the lords are taxed, then their wealth would be directly affected. A minority, in fact, are not as well-off as people believe. Large estates require substantial maintenance, and a younger generation could easily squander away the family fortune. From what I have observed, most of the MPs are confident that the people’s wrath will not last long, but if the tax bill is passed, the consequences will be long-lasting.”
Yeah, I suppose that it’s unlikely a man will vote that he start paying taxes. “Since the tax bill is defeated, how are we to secure funding for food rations?”
Edward sighs. “We shall have to cut back on budgets for schools and other public constructions. It is our priority that the people cannot go hungry. It has been a tough winter on the crops.”
I think of Molly standing alone in the snow, of Nell trying to get Lord Fremont to pay alimony for her baby, and I bite my lip. I don’t want to delay the compulsory education we have been working so hard for, but Edward is right. The first and foremost objective is to feed the people.
