Royal Mistake: The Complete Series

by Ember Casey

  My brow furrows. “Has she…?” I almost wince at my thought. “Has she said he’s abusing her?”

  “Not in so many words. And not physically, I don’t believe. But emotionally—it’s difficult to say how much damage he’s inflicted. He seems to believe she is a pawn to be used for his own political advantage. And I find I want to help her.”

  “Do you have a plan? I’m happy to help if I can.”

  He shakes his head. “No, I have no plan as yet. I’d hoped I might be able to speak with Andrew about it, but he’s quite busy these days. And Justine…” He shakes his head again before turning his gaze back to mine. “She’s still quite angry with him, as you might imagine.”

  “I can imagine. Unfortunately.”

  “Yes, I suspect you and she might be good friends someday, once everything…everyone has calmed down a bit.” He sighs, turning back to the foliage again. “I’m considering doing something rash. Something to prove a point.”

  “William, I’m not sure I’m the best person—”

  “But you’re the only person I can speak with about this, Victoria. At least, the only person somewhat removed from the situation. Were I to speak with Andrew, he would tell me to do what is best for my family. For my country. Were I to speak with Leopold, he would laugh me out of Montovia for even considering involving myself in a political situation. And Nicholas and Sophia are so much younger and less experienced in life, let alone anything else…” His frown deepens. “As you can imagine, it’s difficult to have friendships of any depth when you are part of a royal family. I can’t say I can name three people outside my family I would trust with anything. In fact, I can only name one. And hopefully she will be my sister soon enough.”

  It takes me a second to realize he’s talking about me. “You can talk to me anytime, William. I might not have an answer to your problem, but I’ll always be here to listen.”

  He nods and is silent again for a few moments. “I…I’m not sure what is happening to me. I don’t know that I can live a political life like this. I don’t know that I want to spend the rest of my life in the middle of battles that make no sense. Battles that are being fought over the whims of despicable men.”

  “So…are you planning to run off?”

  “No, nothing so rash. Father would suffer another coronary if I did something like that. But I am considering leaving the palace. Perhaps finding a suitable career somewhere. Doing something meaningful with my life.”

  “I can see why you can’t talk to your brothers about this.” I can imagine how Leo would give him nothing but grief about actually wanting to work for a living. And I honestly can’t imagine what Andrew would say to him. Probably something along the lines of what he’s already told me he expected—that he needs to think of his country first and his own needs second. He certainly wouldn’t give him a blessing to follow his heart. Andrew has only been able to scratch the surface of putting his own needs before that of his country. He certainly wouldn’t support one of his brothers being able to do it—not to the degree William seems to be suggesting, anyway.

  “I’m going to think on it a bit more.” He pauses. “Thank you for sparring with me this afternoon. I needed to clear my head a bit. I have much to think about now.”

  I nod again. “I’m happy to. Anytime.”

  “Good. Does that mean you won’t be leaving Montovia?” He turns to me, his eyes hopeful. “At least not until I do?” He gives me the smallest of smiles.

  “Yes, I think I’ll be staying, at least for the time being. At least until the Festival. Andrew keeps going on and on about it.”

  He nods. “Yes, you’ll love it. It is one of the only things Montovia is famous for, after all. Well, that and Leopold.”

  I laugh. “Yes, well, you’ll have to tell me what to expect. I’m not much of a party girl.”

  “Oh, it’s not the type of party you’re thinking of at all. In fact, you’ll probably be much more suited to the jousting tournaments than to the masquerade ball, though I’m certain Andrew will try to drag you to a dance as some sort of show of affection.”

  “That does sound like Andrew.” I smile.

  “You know, you are a fine fencer, Victoria.” A slow smile begins to spread over his face.

  “Thank you. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it before I came here. At least Montovia has given me that—”

  “No, no. I don’t think you understand what I’m saying at all.” His smile grows impossibly wide. “Prince Reginald believes he is a fine fencer. He’s won a few of our Salt Festival tournaments over the five years or so. He beat me in the final joust just last year.”

  “Well…” I grin, not wanting to say out loud that William could stand to improve many parts of his technique.

  He shakes his head, grinning widely. “I think I have an idea of how we can win back the scepter, Victoria.”

  Andrew

  I’m really beginning to despise King Maximilian.

  The man is truly insufferable. I’ve now spent nearly three days almost exclusively in his company, and I’m beginning to wonder how anyone could survive for much longer than that. I pity his council and staff—not to mention his family.

  Still, I’m proud of the work I’ve done over the last few days. My father’s wisdom and advice has been indispensable—I’ve managed to get Maximilian to admit that his claims to the Amhurst Valley are out of line—at least in regard to our current negotiations. I have a feeling our two countries will be disputing those land rights for some years, but at least it isn’t on my shoulders tonight.

  Perhaps Maximilian only compromised because he heard my father is awake and recovering—but I’d like to think he’s beginning to realize he’s underestimated me. Perhaps he’s even coming to respect me a little, if begrudgingly.

  You’re doing it, I think to myself. You’re proving that you can be a proper king for Montovia. Despite the long hours of arguing with Maximilian that seem to go nowhere, I still feel like I’m making progress. I’m slowly becoming the ruler I always hoped I would be someday.

  And I couldn’t do it without Victoria. I’m fighting for her. For us. And every time I feel like banging my head against a wall or throwing a punch right at Maximilian’s pointed nose, I remind myself of that.

  She hasn’t taken off the ring I gave her. It’s been three days, and yet she still wears it on her finger. We haven’t discussed the ring or our engagement since that last conversation at the gardener’s cottage, but that small symbol of hope is enough for now. It’s a reminder that we’re both fighting.

  I sigh and rub the back of my head. We haven’t had much time to be alone since that night in the gardener’s cottage, either. Between my negotiations with Maximilian and all the extra duties I must take over while my father is recovering, we’ve hardly had a moment to ourselves. Victoria has been insistent that we sleep in our own separate bedrooms at night—and as much as I’ve wanted to convince her otherwise, I haven’t pressed the matter. I can tell she blames herself for so much of our current situation, and though I firmly disagree, I won’t put any more responsibility on her shoulders.

  She still wears the ring. That’s enough.

  I look out my window onto the city below. The whole scene is bright with lights, and I can hear music rising up from the main square. Tonight is the first night of the Festival, and celebrations have already started. My family has made it clear to everyone that everything should go on as usual, despite my father’s condition—we all need the morale boost right now.

  Festivities will continue over the next several days—there will be dancing and revelry, a jousting competition, games and pageants, all culminating in a masked ball on the final night. The streets will be full of people selling food and drink, as well as street performers from all over Europe. Music will play all night every night, and many people will not sleep for days on end—it is one of the few times each year when the entire country stops work to simply celebrate. Many people wear masks during the enti
re length of the festival, taking full advantage of the opportunity for anonymity.

  Traditionally, the royal family wears masks all week as well. For most of the festival, we are as anonymous as everyone else—just revelers enjoying the celebrations. Tradition dictates that anyone who recognizes any one of us among the crowd receives a royal treat—but though I’ve carried a small pouch of fine chocolate sweets with me every year, I’ve only given out a handful over the course of my life. It is one of the few times a year where I truly feel like I am just another citizen of Montovia, just enjoying the Festival like everyone else.

  And tonight, I get to share this experience with Victoria, the woman I love. I get to forget about Maximilian and Reginald for a few hours and simply celebrate the joys of life for an evening.

  I check my watch. I told Victoria I’d meet her at seven. I can probably head to her room now.

  I grab my mask from the table and tie it around my eyes. My costume this year is fairly simple—intentionally, since it keeps fewer people from recognizing me. I’m wearing a plain black shirt and slacks, topped by a long, dark cape. The cape feels silly—I’m not usually one for frippery—but Sophia insisted that I wear it. She was in charge of the costumes this year, and indulging her is the least I can do, considering what I’ve put our family through.

  Once my mask is secured, I give myself a look in mirror. Sophia said my mask is supposed to be a raven. It’s covered in blue-black feathers that blend right into my dark hair.

  It’s certainly dramatic, I think as I leave my suite and head to Victoria’s. I can’t wait to see what she’s picked out for Victoria.

  When I reach Victoria’s room, I hear giggling inside as I rap at the door. Sounds like Sophia is still here.

  In fact, it’s my sister who answers. She looks me up and down, a wide grin spreading across her face.

  “You look so handsome!” she says. “And mysterious. I knew that was the right mask for you.” She steps aside and beckons me inside. “I bet you want to see Victoria, don’t you?”

  I do. More than she can even imagine. I can hear rustling in the bedroom, but before I can walk over there, Sophia bounces past me.

  “Victoria,” she says cheerfully, peeking into the bedroom. “He’s here. Are you ready?”

  “Yes. I think so,” comes Victoria’s voice.

  I find myself holding my breath as I wait for her to emerge. And when she does step out of the bedroom, all of that air comes whooshing out of me.

  She looks…breathtaking. Like me, she’s wearing fairly simple clothes—a plain, sapphire blue dress. Her hair is loose around her bare shoulders, spilling down in soft waves over her chest. Her mask is also covered in feathers, but hers are blue and purple and emerald green, the colors as rich and shining as jewels.

  I take my time, looking at her. And when I reach her eyes, I find her studying me with equal admiration.

  Sophia grabs Victoria’s hand and tugs her toward me. “She’s supposed to be a hummingbird,” she says. “And you’re the raven, Andrew. But you won’t really get the full effect until you see what you’re wearing to the masquerade ball in a few days.” Traditionally, the royal family officially “reveals” themselves at the ball, so much more ornate costumes are appropriate. Still, I can’t imagine Victoria looking any more beautiful than she does right now.

  Sophia passes Victoria’s hand into mine, and I take her fingers. Our eyes never leave each other, but as my thumb brushes across her fingers, I can feel she’s still wearing her ring.

  “Oh,” she says softly. “I should probably take that off if we’re going out in public.”

  “Why?” I murmur. “No one will know who we are.”

  Her lips part, almost as if she means to argue, but then she gives a small nod. “I guess I can keep it on.”

  I smile, tightening my grip on her hand.

  “You guys should hurry if you don’t want to miss the celebrations,” Sophia says. “Leo and Elle are probably already waiting for you downstairs.”

  “Are they birds too?” Victoria asks without looking away from me.

  “We all are,” Sophia responds, grabbing her own mask off the table. “Elle’s a dove. And Leo’s a peacock.” She grins. “William’s a falcon, and Nick’s an owl. Mother and Father are swans, though they probably won’t be joining the Festival until the final night.”

  “What about you?” I ask.

  She holds her mask up over her face. It’s covered in pink feathers.

  “I’m a flamingo,” she says, grinning.

  I shake my head, amused. “Will you be riding with us as well?”

  “No. I’ll be making sure Nick gets into his costume. I’ll meet up with you later.”

  “If you can find us,” I say. The streets are probably already packed.

  “I will,” Sophia says, unconcerned. “Now you two hurry up. You don’t want to miss any of the fun.”

  Together, Victoria and I head down to the courtyard.

  “You look beautiful,” I tell her.

  “And you look very handsome.”

  I stop and pull her into my arms, kissing her. The masks make it a little awkward, but I don’t let that stop me.

  After a moment, Victoria pulls away, smiling. “Come on. We don’t want to hold up the others.”

  When we get to the courtyard, Leopold is already helping Elle into an open-air carriage. Normally we take cars into the city, but on a night like this, a carriage is much more appropriate. William, poor fellow, will be stuck as Lady Clarissa’s companion for the Festival, and the two of them left a short while ago.

  “There you are,” Leopold says, a wide grin spreading across his face when he sees us. “Are you ready for a night of revelry?”

  “I’m ready to forgot about Maximilian for a night, if that’s what you’re asking,” I say, helping Victoria up into the carriage.

  “What about you, Victoria?” Elle asks, making room for her. “Isn’t this exciting? Leo’s told me all sorts of stories about things that go on at the Festival.”

  “It will definitely be interesting,” Victoria says, smiling.

  I climb into the carriage and take my seat next to hers, pulling her hand into mine once more. Leopold takes his place next to Elle, but as the carriage starts to move, he leans toward Victoria.

  “Ready for the fencing competition?” he says to her, winking. “William told me you’re entering.”

  “You are?” I say, turning. “I didn’t realize.”

  Victoria looks a little embarrassed. “Yes, well…I was thinking I might.”

  “I think that’s wonderful,” I say, squeezing her hand.

  She glances away from me, almost as if she’s hiding something. I glance up at Leopold, who’s looking between us with a question in his eyes.

  “What is it?” I ask. “What aren’t you telling me?” I’m not sure who I’m speaking to, exactly, but it’s Victoria who answers.

  “I’m not the only one entering the fencing tournament,” she says. “Prince Reginald is, too. William told me he’s entered some of the festival jousting competitions before.”

  I frown, trying to follow the threads. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying I think I can beat him,” she says. “William does too.”

  “And me,” says Leopold.

  “And that gives us the perfect opportunity,” Victoria continues. “Do you think you can convince him to make a wager on the outcome of that competition?”

  I sit back, stunned. I can’t believe everyone was organizing this behind my back, but it’s almost too perfect.

  “Maybe,” I tell her. “I’m damn well going to try.”

  “Then all Victoria has to do is kick his ass,” Leopold says. “God, I’d love to see that.”

  “I’ve been practicing with William the past few days,” she tells me. “I’m not as good as I was in college, but I’m close. William says Prince Reginald isn’t as good as he thinks he is.”

  “I’ve seen him
compete a few times,” I say. “He’s certainly overconfident, but he shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s won several of our competitions.”

  “But we have a good chance,” Leopold says. “We just have to convince him to put everything on the line.”

  “Leave that to me,” I say. “I’ve worn him down a little these past few days. Now I simply must poke at his pride.” I find a smile creeping over my lips. “If Reginald has one weakness, it’s pride.”

  We’ve reached the edge of the city now, and the carriage slows to a stop.

  “You really think this is a good idea?” Victoria asks, looking up at me through her mask. “You think I can beat him?”

  I raise her hand to my lips. “I have every faith in you, Victoria. And we’re fighting for the most powerful thing in the world.”

  She returns my smile. “Good. Convince him to put the scepter on the line, and I’ll do the rest.”

  How did I ever luck into such an extraordinary woman?

  “I will,” I tell her. “Tomorrow. Tonight is about us.” I help her out of the carriage. “I hope you’re ready, Victoria, because you’re about to experience something you’ll never forget.”

  Victoria

  I’m not sure what I was expecting from the Festival, but it’s even more of a fairytale than I’d imagined. The open area in the middle of the town square is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. Paper lanterns of every color hang from the light strands, giving the entire area a magical glow.

  As Andrew helps me from the carriage, I hear an orchestra playing in the distance. Hundreds of people are gathered—many of them dancing—and everyone is dressed in costumes complete with ornate masks.

  When Sophia had first come to me today with the mask I’m wearing, I thought it was far too complicated to just go mingle with the crowd tonight. This mask seemed like it would be more appropriate for the masquerade ball two nights from now, but she had insisted she knew what she was doing.