by Aya Ling
“We’re the ones who cannot be more grateful,” I say. “If it weren’t for you, we’d have a tough time getting to Canada after emerging from the portal.”
He smiles and hands me a printout of the booking confirmation. I read it carefully—it is crucial that we fly back on time, or we’d be dead meat.
It’s time to catch a flight.
* * *
Edward behaves remarkably well as we head to the airport. There are a few times I thought he might lose his composure, like when we arrived at Heathrow and he balked at the hordes of people hurrying around, hauling their suitcases, and talking on cell phones. And when the airport loudspeaker starts broadcasting the next flight, I swear he jumps.
“Edward, calm down.” I resist the urge to laugh. “You’re ruining your royal image.”
And even here in my own world, he attracts attention. In his formal suit, he is positively ravishing. Not only do females ogle his face and body, I’ve discovered a few men casting interested glances in his direction.
“Kat?” Edward pauses in his stride. “Why are you glaring at that man in the corner?”
Quickly I explain. Edward raises his eyebrows. “I forgot about your world’s rules.” Right. In Athelia, a man and woman walking side by side without a chaperone should be either engaged or married.
“And you also forgot how plain I look next to you. They could be wondering if you’re a movie star and I’m your agent.”
His brow furrows—I don’t think he has ever fully understood what a movie star or agent stand for—but all he does is pull me close.
“This ought put a stop to anyone who thinks otherwise,” he murmurs, and the next second, he kisses me. Right in front of a huge duty-free shop, where there are loads of passengers shopping and staff hovering around. And it’s not just a peck on the lips—it’s one of his all-consuming, time-stalling kisses that makes me feel like the heroine in a steamy romance novel.
Oh my God. I love it when he’s passionate and demanding, but I’d prefer to keep it behind closed doors. But his fingers are tangled in my hair, and no way can I match his strength, so all I can do is go along with it. I certainly don’t want to create a scene trying to push him away.
Just as I’m getting worried that a security guard might appear and yell at us for the public display, he lets me go. I give him an exasperated look, but he only smirks.
“Come along, love. I cannot wait to experience the incredible flying iron bird.”
* * *
On the plane, we concoct a fabricated background for Edward, in case the guests wonder who he is and where he came from. I continue explaining to him things about our modern world, all the way from the takeoff until we land in Vancouver. Paige had emailed the address in Vancouver, and once I give the taxi driver the address, we get there without any difficulties. Edward marvels how beautiful and clean and well-kept the city is.
“It looks like a sleeker, cleaner version of our capital. If I didn’t have obligations back in Athelia, I wouldn’t mind coming here and living with you.”
“I’d rather not.”
He raises his eyebrows.
“Because if you stay in my world, then I won’t be special to you anymore. You’ll find that the women here are similar to me. You might fall in love with someone else.”
He looks like he’s going to kiss me again if I dare to oppose him. “You honestly believe that?”
Not wanting to cause another scene, I quickly shake my head. “No.”
“We’re here.” The taxi driver announces.
Once the door opens, Paige flies at me and gives me a giant hug.
“Oh Kat!” She wipes a tear and looks at me closely. “Oh my God, it really is you!”
She looks past me, and her eyes bulge when she sees Edward.
“Hey,” she says, holding out her hand and acting like he is just any ordinary guy. “You must be my brother-in-law. I’m Paige.”
Thankfully, Edward doesn’t bow and kiss Paige’s hand. Instead he gives her a hearty handshake, as if she were a man in Athelia. “I am glad we finally meet. Kat has told me so much about you.”
She giggles and blushes. “Come in, both of you. Mom and Ryan have gone to pick up his parents from the airport, but they’ll be back soon.”
She introduce us to her boyfriend, David, who seems a decent guy and totally enamored of my sister. While David engages Edward in conversation in the living room, Paige pulls me aside and whispers, “Holy smokes, Kat. He really is as dreamy as you described. Ten times over.”
“I just hope he won’t be too shocked coming here. You should have seen his face when he was at the airport.”
“Professor Bartlett said you can only stay for two days. Can’t you stay at least a week?”
My heart sinks. Making sure that we aren’t overheard, I whisper, “There isn’t going to be a next time.”
“What are you talking about? Are you living on the moon?”
“Remember that I told you I couldn’t survive in Athelia because of the oxygen? Well, Edward and I were only able to come because of some rare magic. After that, the passage between our world and Athelia will be sealed off. The goblin king has decided that no one should be able to pass through the two worlds.”
“You’re joking.”
When I don’t say anything, she puts a hand to her mouth. “Truly, Kat? I’ll never see you again?”
Tears run down my cheek and this time I’m the one to throw my arms around her. “I’ll miss you,” I whisper in her hair.
* * *
When Mom and Ryan return from the airport, I drag Edward away from the television. He’s been glued to the screen, his eyes wide in wonder.
“Mom, this is Edward. My husband in…well, you know.”
“My lady mother.” He performs a magnificent bow. “I am honored to meet you at last.”
I don’t know whether to laugh or nag him for the dramatic show, but Mom blushes and smiles. Once I had told Edward that Mom would love his princely behavior—yup, she’s totally fallen for his charm. Like me. “You’re just in time for the wedding. How long are you staying?”
Edward and I look at each other. “The day after tomorrow,” I say. “We need to catch the plane back to Cornwall.”
“But that’s too short!” She exclaims. “It’s the first time you brought your husband with you, Kat!”
“Mom, we already booked the tickets.”
“Can’t you extend them?”
“We have to get back.”
She looks disappointed, but then brightens. “Well, then you’d better stay longer next time. Ryan has bought a new house by the sea; you should see the views from the second floor.” She smiles and pats Edward’s shoulder. “I’m sure you will love it, even when you’re used to living in a castle.”
“It’s a palace,” I say. In Athelia, castles are relics of the past—huge, stone fortresses built with a drawbridge and moat. Such as the one in Enrilth. “Actually, Mom, we can’t…”
Ryan happens to call for Mom at the moment.
“I’ll be right there!” Mom shouts back, then turns to me. “Sorry, dear, what were you saying?”
I decide I’ll tell her the truth after the wedding. I don’t want to ruin her wedding day.
“Nothing, Mom. Just wondering where he can stay.”
* * *
Edward is put in a spare room, while Paige and I spend almost the entire night talking. We’ll look dreadfully sleepy the next day, but neither of us care.
“There’s nothing a concealer won’t fix,” Paige says, indicating her generous collection on the dresser. “Kat, I wish you didn’t have to leave. But I can see he adores you, and you’re happy with him. I wish I could see my future nephew or niece.”
I place a hand on my stomach. Who knows, there could be a tiny life inside there right now. “I wish you could see him or her as well.. How about you? Any plans for tying the knot yet?”
“David has given me a hint,” she blushes. “But
I have to get through medical school first. You know, now I understand why doctors are paid so well—it’s torture they put us through every day. I’m a complete zombie after school.”
“Everything is going to be fine.” I give her a hug. “You’ll get through this and receive your degree.”
“What about you? Do you really have people bowing to you every day and call you Your Highness?”
I laugh. By the time I finish telling her all I’ve been through since returning to Athelia, my voice is so hoarse that I have to gesture with my hands.
* * *
I fight hard to contain my emotions when Mom walks down the aisle. She looks beautiful, and I mean it. Seriously, she might be over forty, but she looks more stunning than any of her bridesmaids. When Ryan holds out his hand, his eyes are filled with appreciation and admiration for my mother.
One of my cousins couldn’t believe I got a husband like Edward. I try to answer as many of their questions, since Edward doesn’t know anything about our world. He smiles and nods, but doesn’t speak for most of the time. Instead, he focuses his attention on observing the world around him. This is his first and last chance.
I am crying by the time Ryan and Mom repeat their vows. One hour left, and we have to catch the plane back to Cornwall. It’s too short. I wish the goblins could give us more time. I don’t want to leave so soon.
But it has to come to an end. After the ceremony, I ask for some private time with my family. Ryan is slightly surprised, but I tell him that Edward and I have urgent business and must head back. Then I tell Mom the truth: we have to leave and never will return. She is visibly shaken, and she asks to see Edward.
“You take good care of my daughter from now,” she says, patting his hand. “When Kat told us about you, I couldn’t believe it at first, but I’m glad you came.”
“I give you my word, ma’am.” Edward grasps her hand, his face a picture of sincerity. “Kat is very precious to me.”
Paige grabs my arm. “Do you really have to go now?”
I show her the red mark near my armpit. “If we don’t get back to Cornwall and back to Athelia, we’ll be dead meat. We can’t breathe in the air here.”
Silence falls. Before Mom or Paige burst out crying, I produce two custom-made lockets from Athelia. I had asked the queen recommend me the best jewelry designer in the capital, and placed an order with him. They are made of sterling silver, with the Athelian royal crest delicately engraved on the face. Each locket contains a lock of my hair.
“For you both.” I explain the pattern on the locket.
“My God, Kat.” Paige attempts a roguish wink, though her eyes are glistening. “You really are a princess.”
Mom wipes her eyes. Suddenly, she removes the bridal necklace she’s wearing, and fastens it around my neck.
“This belonged to your grandmother, and great-grandmother,” she says gently. “Keep it in your possessions, and remember that even if I’m not with you, you’ll always be my darling daughter.”
Paige unfastens her rose-gold pear drop earrings and puts them in my hand. “When I got these, I decided I’d never let anyone borrow them. I know they’re not much compared to your royal jewelry, but promise me you’ll wear them whenever you think of me.”
I slip the earrings in my pocket. By this time, I’m letting the tears fall freely. Mom opens her arms, Paige does the same. The three of us embrace fiercely, knowing that this is going to be the last time.
“I’ll miss you, Mom. Paige.” I’m crying and speaking at the same time. “I’m sorry I’m leaving permanently. But you know that I love you forever.”
* * *
I try very hard not to cry on the plane on our way back. Edward never lets go of my hand. We attract some curious looks, but I stay calm when the flight attendant asks me if I need any help. Several hours later, we land in Britain safe and sound.
We waste no time getting to Cornwall. Both Edward and I could feel Yasuk’s spell is fading—we need to take longer, deeper breaths as we hurry from the airport, flag a taxi, and start walking briskly from the nearest stop. My heart leaps when we reach the hill where we first arrived. As if magic was cast over the portal, it starts glowing when we approach. Once we step through the shining hole, it’s going to be forever.
I turn for a last look at my world. My heart feels like it’s filled with sand; my throat is hurting. I take a deep breath; I choke.
“Ready?”
I wrench myself away and stumble through the portal, forcing myself to march forward. “Let’s go.”
Farewell, my own world. This time, it’s truly going to be forever.
49
Kat
Edward and I got married as soon as we returned from my own world. Like Henry and Elle, we chose a simple wedding, though the ceremony took place in his private garden. Only our closest friends and relatives were there, surrounding us in a half-circle, their expressions radiant and rapturous. Around my neck I wore Mom’s necklace, on my ears were Paige’s earrings, and pinned on my chest is an exquisite brooch sent by Lady Gregory. The lace trimmings on the hem of my dress were hand sewn by Amelie and Mabel, the roses I carried straight from Edward’s garden.
I will never forget when Krev appeared, right at the moment when Edward slipped the ring on my finger.
“Congrats, girlie,” he says, grimacing before blowing me a kiss. “That’s from Pippi, not me. She’s been pestering me to drop by, and see that you’re happily married to Eddie.”
I don’t have a mirror but I know my face is positively glowing with happiness. Krev gives me a thumbs-up, then disappears.
Nor will I ever forget the wedding night, when Edward came into my room and took me into his arms.
“Kat,” he murmurs, bearing me down on the bed. “My wife.” His kisses set me burning in desire, his hands hot on my skin. “My love.”
No more deception, memory loss, or breathing problems. We are united in matrimony, as any normal couple in Athelia, ready to write the next page of our lives together.
* * *
I am strolling through the gardens, enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. It’s nearly autumn, and after the long winter we’ve had, I want to savor the remaining days I can spend outdoors in a light cotton dress. Particularly on the weekend, free of tedious meetings and laborious paperwork.
In bright daylight, my new wedding ring glitters on my fourth finger. Pure silver, consisting of an elaborately carved band, with one diamond winking from the top, and our names carved inside. It’s fancier than the fake ring he made me wear when I was working in the chicken coop, but less elaborate as the one Katriona had, when she returned to her body. The new ring signifies our new start; I hope it will also bring good luck, after everything we’ve been through.
As I’m due to take tea with the queen, I take a shortcut across the gardens. I come across Mabel crouched behind a massive, smoothly trimmed hedge, looking like she is up to no good.
“What are you…”
“Shh…” She puts a finger on her lips.
Puzzled, I squat down next to her. This is unlike Mabel, treating me as though I were a child who has to be disciplined. “Who are you spying on?” I say in a whisper.
“Look,” she shows me a hole in the hedge. Through this tiny hole, I could see Amelie and Bertram standing under a large, conical evergreen tree, both of them blushing like Princess College schoolgirls in Edward’s presence. Bertram holds a bunch of pink-and-white flowers in his right hand, which he keeps behind his back.
“But Amelie is allergic to flowers,” I say, surprised.
“Those aren’t real flowers, Princess. He asked me how to sew artificial flowers out of silk.”
I imagine Bertram with a needle and thread, and the image cracks me up.
“Isn’t his finger too large for holding a needle?” I ask, doing my best to keep my voice down while watching for Bertram’s next move.
“I had to teach him for hours, he was that determined.” Mabel shrugs. “
He could have chosen something else, like a necklace or a brooch. But he knows Amelie likes flowers, but can’t go near them because of her allergies. So he got this idea to make silken ones that won’t make her sneeze.”
“Good for him,” I say. Bertram has come a long way from the infatuated young man who didn’t even know Amelie’s condition.
It’s kind of sneaky of us, hiding behind that hedge and waiting to see what happens, but to be honest, in my life where there’s no TV or Internet available, this is closest to a soap I can get.
Bertram has sank down on one knee and holds out his dainty bouquet of silk roses. “Dar… dear… Amelie, would you…makemethehappiestmanalive?” The last part of his sentence comes out in such a rush, I’m only guessing what he means.
Amelie stares at him, kneeling on the ground. Even if she didn’t hear the last sentence, there is no doubt what Bertram intends to say. Her cheeks rosy red, she opens her mouth and answers him. Bertram remains kneeling. Puzzled, Amelie repeats her answer.
Slowly, she takes the bouquet. And then she chucks him over the head with it.
“Didn’t you hear me?”
Bertram raises his head, confused, a few petals stuck on his hair. I think he was so nervous that he didn’t even hear Amelie give her answer.
“Yes, you idiot!” She says, her voice traveling through the hedge. “I said yes!”
Bertram looks like he just won the lottery. He snatches Amelie up, raises her high in the air, his eyes glistening. Like he’s so moved that she finally opened her heart and is willing to spend the rest of her life with him, despite the less fortunate experiences of her mother and sister.
Mabel grasps my arm. “Oh I just knew it would happen, but ain’t it grand hearing her say yes?”
“Definitely,” I smile. “All right, Mabel, time for us to go. We’ve been here long enough…”
Nausea sweeps over me, and I’ve barely enough time to move away from Mabel, before throwing up on Galen’s carefully maintained grassy lane.
