Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 2)

by Aya Ling

  I roll my eyes. Still, I’m a bit skeptical about this tea gown. “Are you sure it’s all right? Are you sure I don’t need to wear a corset under this . . .” My voice trails off.

  Edward is leaning in the entrance of the doorway, arms crossed in front of his chest. I swear, there is a predatory glint in his eyes as he looks at me. Like he’s undressing me in his mind.

  “Did you hear our conversation?”

  “Every word.”

  “You shouldn’t eavesdrop, you know.”

  “I wasn’t. I was here the entire time. You simply didn’t notice me.”

  Sometimes, His Royal Highness, Edward, can be the most obnoxious person I have ever met.

  “However.” Edward uncrosses his arms and takes a step toward me. “Don’t wear this gown to Lillie’s engagement.”

  He’s using his bossy prince tone—ever since our first real quarrel, he has seldom used it. “Why not? It should be more comfortable when dancing. And there’s padding. It’s not like the gown is some flimsy nightwear.”

  “Do you know how the tea gown received its name? It is because the Moryn aristocracy found afternoon teas the most convenient time of the day to conduct extra-marital affairs. If you wear this gown, others may have the wrong idea.”

  “Um, Your Highness?” Mabel says tentatively. “We don’t have much time left. If you prefer a different gown—”

  “I want to try it on,” I say, ignoring the noise of disapproval from my husband.

  Moments later, I enter the sitting room in my tea gown. Mabel wasn’t kidding when she said that the gown would be much more comfortable to wear compared to the corset. In fact, due to the heavy padding, it’s even more comfortable than a bra.

  Edward’s eyes widen and he swallows, but when he speaks, his voice remains harsh. “Don’t wear it.”

  “I beg your pardon?” I am fully covered from neck to toe.

  “Don’t wear it to the engagement party.”

  “Why not? It’s a lot more comfortable than the corset.”

  He mutters under his breath, but thanks to his proximity, I hear him fine. “No man should see you in that gown, other than I.”

  I could have smacked my head on the wall. “Geez, do you know I’ve worn far less than this in college? I could show my arms and my thighs. And how many times do I have to tell you that I’m not your property?”

  “Stop using this excuse that you are from another world. You are in Athelia now.”

  Edward finally relents, as I tell him that I get to decide what I wear, but there is still a strained silence in the carriage ride to Lillie’s party.

  “Come on, Edward,” I say in a coaxing tone. “Don’t you remember when I was Katriona Bradshaw and no one noticed me? Only Bianca got all the attention.”

  He looks out the window. “I cannot be glad about the fact that you revealed so much skin to other men. I’m sure that suitor of yours has seen your arms bare.”

  Jason saw me naked, but of course, I don’t say that. In an effort to pacify and comfort him, I clamber onto his lap, making him look at me.

  “Listen up, Your Highness.” I take his face in both of my hands. “There’s no point dwelling in the past. It’s just a bit of skin. So what if there were other guys who saw my arms and legs? I am married to you.” And I kiss him right on the lips.

  To my surprise, he doesn’t respond. It’s like I kissed a statue.

  “Edward?”

  “Another,” he orders in his bossy, princely tone.

  I shrug and kiss him again.

  “Another.”

  I have a notion to poke his ribs, but I comply. This time he reciprocates, setting his hands on my shoulders, his lips chasing mine. It’s not until the coachman hollers that Edward releases me.

  Pulling my collar back into place, I wonder what the public would say if they knew the stately Prince Edward can be so immature at times.

  * * *

  Lillie’s husband, the Marquess of Sunderland, greets us with warmth and kindness. He is average-looking—standing next to Lillie’s flowerlike features, he pales in comparison. Now if it were Edward and Lillie, that would be a different picture.

  Lillie is arrayed in a sapphire-blue gown lined with diamonds, which makes her look more sophisticated than her real age. She gives us a bright, wide smile which seems a tad strained.

  “Congratulations,” I say. “I hope you’ll be very happy.”

  “Thank you, Katriona,” she says, clasping my hand. “I’m glad that you were able to come.” She pauses, as though she has something to say but is holding back. I really hope it doesn’t have anything to do with Edward.

  “Princess Katriona,” a lady gushes, sidling over to us, her expression filled with curiosity. “Forgive me for this brazen question, but is it true that you punched a man in the street?”

  Lillie gasps. So do the other ladies surrounding us. I realize the story of me punching Molly’s abductor has gotten out.

  “Is it true that you prevented a detestable thug from abducting an innocent child by detaining him by force?”

  “How were you able to land a blow on him?”

  “I suppose that he wasn’t expecting a lady could use her fist,” I say, wishing that they wouldn’t gaze at me like I’m a weird species.

  “How did you learn how to attack a man?”

  Without thinking, I open my fan, even though it isn’t really necessary. It’s warm in the room, thanks to the fire and the number of guests, but it’s snowing outside. “Well, I . . .”

  “Excuse me.” Edward loops his arm around my waist, an intimate gesture that makes the ladies gasp again, though for a different reason this time. “I’m afraid it’s necessary to remind the princess to get some refreshments. She has barely eaten anything since lunch, and I certainly don’t want her fainting again.”

  As a matter of fact, I had consumed a hearty afternoon tea, but I’m glad for an excuse to get away from the women. After a while, Philip and Constance, along with the parents of the Marquess of Sunderland, appear and ask us to move to the corners so that Lillie and her betrothed may open the ball.

  At first, Edward dances with me alone. I wonder if it’s because the men are afraid I might punch some of them as I did to Molly’s abductor. Which is absurd.

  Edward doesn’t seem to mind, however. He really meant it when he said he doesn’t want other gentlemen to discover I’m wearing a tea gown, even though he’s being ridiculous. As if any man would want a dalliance with me, when most of the women present are prettier than me. Not to mention that Edward is certain to eviscerate any man who dares to leer at me.

  During the break, I pause for some water. The past two songs were fast tracks, and I need to regain my breath. When I reach for a glass of water, it seems that my lungs are suddenly robbed of air, and I choke. Geez, I really should exercise more.

  “Are you all right, Katriona?” A courteous, cold tone.

  I whirl around and find myself facing Bianca. “Good evening.”

  “Enjoying yourself?”

  I dab my mouth with my handkerchief and nod. “Perfectly, thank you.”

  “I assure you, I have no design on your precious school anymore. My husband has found another location for our new house.” Bianca adjusts her necklace. “In fact, why don’t you come to our house tomorrow morning? There is a young girl who is extremely eager to meet you.”

  I wonder how any acquaintance of Bianca’s would want to meet me, given my notoriety. “She wishes to attend Princess College?”

  There’s a flash of emotion in Bianca’s eyes, but she shrugs. “Something like that, but you’ll have to convince her first and introduce her to the school. I couldn’t have her meet you in an event like this.”

  I am not sure if Bianca is sincere. She doesn’t seem to care whether the girl wants to enroll in our school. Maybe the girl heard of our palace outing and got interested? We did have a few more girls sign up after the outing.

  Anyway, as the co-founder of Prin
cess College, if a student is interested in the school, who am I to refuse? Even if she may be Bianca’s relative.

  “Kat.” Edward approaches us, and there’s a worried look in his eyes before he turns to Bianca. “Lady Pembroke.”

  She curtsies and looks up at him through her eyelashes. “Your Highness.”

  Edward nods. “If you have finished your conversation, I would like to ask Kat to come and sit with me. She looks rather pale.”

  I jump at the chance of getting away from Bianca. “Sorry, Bianca, but I am feeling a bit weary, to be honest.”

  When Edward leads me away, his hand on the small of my back, I can sense Bianca’s eyes on us. I glance at her and flinch at the anger in her glare. She looks like she wants to take up the nearest decanter of brandy and hit me over the head with it.

  40

  I shiver when I open my eyes in the morning. Although the drapes around the bed are still drawn, it’s not warm enough. It has started snowing, and no matter how big a fire Amelie kindles before we go to sleep, it’s bound to die out in the morning. If only we had electric heaters in here—I tell myself to stop this nostalgia for modern appliances. When I made the decision to stay in Athelia, I was prepared to accept its state of technology as well. It’s something that I have no control of. Anyway, Edward is worth all the trouble.

  I wonder what time it is. Lillie’s engagement party lasted well past midnight, and it was early morning when we got home. I wonder how we’re going to manage when Parliament reopens. Luckily, it’s the weekend today.

  “Kat?” Edward stirs. He wraps an arm around my waist and nuzzles the curve of my collarbone, his warm breath tickling my skin. I could stay in this position and never want to get up. “What time is it?”

  I stretch my arm through the opening in the drapes and grab my pocket watch, which is usually set on the nightstand. My fingers close around the metal chain, and I bring the clock face to my eyes. “Holy crap,” I gasp. “It’s nearly nine.”

  Edward yawns. “Send in a breakfast tray.”

  When I attempt to get up, his arms tighten around me. “What’s the hurry, love? You don’t have anything scheduled this morning.”

  “Actually, I do. Last night at Lillie’s party, Bianca asked me to meet her at her new house.”

  There is a moment of silence. “So that was what you were talking about last night. But why would she volunteer an appointment with you?”

  “I don’t quite get it either,” I say honestly. “But she wanted to introduce a pupil to me. Maybe it could be some truce.”

  “Then let me accompany you to her house.” Edward sits up and looks for his dressing gown. With his hair tousled and stubble on his chin, he still looks gorgeous.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I doubt that’s a good idea.” I hop out of bed and attempt to rekindle the fire. “Every time she sees you with me, she looks furious. Don’t worry about me, Edward. I’m not going into a shady alley to negotiate with some drug lord. And now, I am the notorious princess who punched a man in the street and sent him reeling. Bianca won’t dare to do anything to me.”

  “Very well.” Edward draws me to him and kisses me deeply. “Go, but remember to be back for lunch.”

  “Of course.” I smile at him. “Trust me, I would much rather spend my time in your company than hers.”

  * * *

  Bianca’s residence is a perfect representation of her character. There is an elegant yet frosty atmosphere as I step inside the house. Marble pillars, glass-topped tables, stone fireplace. It lacks a touch of wood to give the home a cozy feel. The colors are mostly blue and silver, colors that match her ice queen persona.

  “Good morning.” The mistress of the house greets me with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Do step in before the wind brings the snow inside the parlor.”

  Two servants take my coat, my muffler, and my hat. I thank them courteously, as I do with any servant in the palace, and they look at me with a brief moment of surprise. I doubt Bianca has ever bothered to thank them.

  “You have a beautiful house,” I say, making an effort to be friendly. “And very well furnished.”

  “It is nothing compared to your quarters,” Bianca says coldly. “The size of this house isn’t any larger than the greenhouse in the palace.”

  She definitely still holds a grudge toward me. Then why did she invite me here to introduce me to a prospective student? It has to be pressure from an elder relative. She’d never be this benevolent to encourage more pupils for my sake.

  Or does she have something more sinister in mind? But as much as she hates me, surely Bianca doesn’t have the nerve to harm the princess of Athelia. Lady Bradshaw was ostracized since I made it known that she tried to have Elle drowned. Besides, I’m sure Edward would expel Bianca from Athelia if she tried to do anything to me.

  We pass through the sitting room, which is decorated in the same blue-and-silver theme of the other rooms. I pause, but Bianca doesn’t stop. “What are you looking at, Katriona?”

  “Nothing. I just thought, since this is the sitting room . . .”

  She gives a tinkling laugh, a laugh that contains derision. “And I thought you had grown used to being a princess! Did you not know that there can be more than one sitting room in a house? Did you not know that I usually receive close acquaintances in my drawing room upstairs? Come along.”

  I shrug and follow her upstairs, though there’s an uneasy feeling in my stomach. A housemaid, who’s dusting the landing on top of the stairs, stares at me when I pass. Like I’m a freak.

  By now, I have a feeling that Bianca didn’t invite me here to introduce a new pupil. I swallow and wish that we could get this over quickly so I can return to the palace. Even though there is nothing to be afraid of, and it’s not the first time that I have gone to pay calls alone, I don’t like this house. It has the same unwelcoming atmosphere as the hostility Bianca holds toward me.

  Bianca leads me not to the second floor, but curiously, the third floor. Strange. I desperately try to recall the typical layout of a wealthy family’s townhouse—the third floor is usually reserved for the members of the family. Well, I am supposed to be family, but still, it’s weird that she would bring me to this area.

  “Is your husband home?” I ask.

  “Gone out to the casino,” Bianca says dismissively. She doesn’t seem to care much for her husband, even though Lord Mansfield’s nephew is considered a catch. “He can’t hunt or shoot during winter, so the casino is his favorite place. It is dreadfully difficult to occupy oneself when it’s snowing outside.”

  She leads me to a small room, the door locked. I clench my fists and brace myself. If she dares to do anything to me, I won’t hesitate to punch her. Bertram is outside, and if I am gone for too long, he will definitely come in and inquire for me.

  Inside is a room that is sparsely furnished. There is a bed in a corner, a few chairs, and a compact fireplace. Then, as my gaze wanders around the room, a girl who is sitting on the bed rises and comes forward.

  This must be the person that Bianca wishes me to meet.

  I gasp and squeeze my eyes shut, but when I open them, the girl is still there. For a moment, I am frozen like the icicles hanging from the roof. The girl looks exactly like me. Red hair, gray eyes, freckles splashed over her face.

  Katriona Bradshaw. The real sister of Bianca, the real younger daughter of the Bradshaws.

  The other girl is apparently shocked as well, for she takes a step back and grabs one of the posts of the bed. “It cannot be . . .” she whispers, her face chalk-white.

  “Mercy me,” someone else utters. I whirl around and find myself facing Lady Bradshaw. I haven’t seen her since a year ago, when I accidentally ran into her and Bianca moving out of their old house. She looks much thinner than when I last saw her, and older as well. I guess country life didn’t suit her. “Who are you? Which one of you is my daughter?”

  My first thought is to bolt out of the room, but I am paralyzed wi
th shock. How could Katriona Bradshaw suddenly turn up? Am I not supposed to be inhabiting her body? Where was she all this time? Did something go wrong with the goblins’ spell?

  All I can think of is, This is bad. Really bad. Bianca’s revenge on me has started off with a bang.

  “Witch,” Bianca hisses, pointing a long, accusing finger at me. “You have been masquerading as my sister. You used some despicable charm to get the prince. You should be burned at the stake.”

  “No.” I fall backward and cower against the wall. “I didn’t do anything. There must be some mistake here.”

  Bianca steps closer, her eyes glowing with fury. “Then tell me this: what is our mother’s middle name?”

  I lick my lips. No idea. I rack my brain frantically, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard it during the year I was in Lady Bradshaw’s house.

  “Coraline,” the other girl says. “Aileen Coraline Hamilton.”

  “What is the name of the first governess we had when we were ten?”

  Governess? I didn’t even know we had governesses. When I was still at Lady Bradshaw’s house, there was only this music and dancing master called Pierre.

  “Miss Dawson,” the other girl says in a monotonous voice. “I never liked her.”

  There is no point in continuing this interrogation.

  Bianca turns toward me, eyes blazing, and crosses her arms. “Explain yourself, witch.”

  * * *

  The king and queen are already in the dining room when we arrive. Both of them look surprised when I enter with Bianca and Lady Bradshaw accompanying me.

  “Katriona?” The queen raises a quizzical eyebrow. “Did you want to invite your mother and sister for lunch?”

  “She is not who you think she is,” Bianca says coldly. “In fact, I doubt her name is Katriona at all.”

  The king and queen look at each other, and then at Bianca, as though she’s lost her mind. Like in a drama onstage, Bianca steps aside, revealing the real Katriona.

  I feel like throwing up or running away. If only I could think of a better way to handle this. But try as I might, nothing comes to mind. Even if I had prevented Bianca from coming to the palace today, she could find other ways to expose me. Katriona Bradshaw’s presence at Bianca’s house must have already attracted gossip. The best that I can hope for is that Edward might figure out a miracle to save me. He’ll stand by me. That’s for certain.