by Paige Elwood
They were wonderful, magical days, but the worry about what her parents would do when she went missing plagued them. There must be something she could do, she thought. She didn’t want them to spend the rest of their lives, or their retirement savings, on trying to find her.
“I’ve been invited to visit the Austrian Royal Family,” Max said the week before the betrothal, after their daily yoga session. Sarah’s eyes widened. “I leave in two days.”
“That’s perfect!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together in glee. Austria! Why had this not occurred to her before?
“You want to get rid of me for a few days?” Max frowned.
Sarah’s own brow furrowed. “I can’t come with you?”
Max shook his head ruefully. “We’re not yet married, or officially betrothed. It would be frowned upon.”
Sarah sighed. “It could still work,” she said, tapping her chin.
“What could?” Max asked, looking at her like she’d lost her mind.
Sarah explained her plan to plant a letter for her parents at their dig site in Austria. When they attended the site in her time, they’d find the letter and know that Sarah was ok.
A grin spread across Max’s face. “That’s genius!” he said, cupping her face between his hands and planting a kiss on her lips. He pulled back, gazing into her eyes. “I love how intelligent you are.”
Sarah blushed. “I don’t know if it will work. What if it doesn’t last long enough? Parchment degrades very easily.”
“What if we make a box to put it in?” Max said. “Something designed to make sure it lasts?”
Sarah threw her arms around his neck. “And that’s why you’re my hero!” she said, kissing him again. She loved the feel of his lips pressed against hers, their bodies pressed together. She couldn’t wait to become his wife and do this forever.
When she pulled back, a thought occurred to her. “How can we actually make sure the letter doesn’t degrade, and that they find it? I know where the dig is in my time, but I don’t know what is or isn’t on that land now.”
“There will be a way,” Max said. “For now, let’s make the box.”
“It will need to be waterproof and rust-proof to stop the letter from degrading before they even find it,” Sarah said.
“Gold,” Max shrugged.
Sarah gaped at him. “Wouldn’t that be incredibly expensive?”
“I’m a Prince, I’m not so short of gold that I can’t have a small box made of it!” Max laughed. “And I can’t think of a better use for that gold.”
“Is it durable enough to last that long when buried?” Sarah asked.
“I think so,” Max said. “I could always make an outer layer of copper?”
“Like a box within a box? That sounds perfect!”
“I know a forger who can probably do it for me. I’ll get Henry to set up a meeting tomorrow.” He glanced across to the castle entrance. “For now, I think you’re wanted by my mother.” He gestured across to where one of his mother’s ladies’ maids was waving at Sarah.
“Duty calls,” she said, sighing. She liked it a whole lot better when she was the teacher. Or at least when the subject interested her. The correct way to greet royals from seventeen different allied nations was not something she found interesting, yet that was what the Queen proceeded to teach her for the next two hours. She’d never been so glad for dinner time when it finally rolled around.
“Good lesson?” Max asked her, an innocent look on his face as she sat down. The servants were placing bread onto the table and she swiped a piece.
Sarah flashed him a look. “They always are,” she said, smiling at the Queen.
“Don’t worry,” the Queen said, raising an eyebrow. “There are only two more lessons and then you’re off the hook.”
“Maybe we could accompany Max on his trip to Austria?” Sarah said, hopefully. “Then I could put the learning into practice?” She popped a piece of bread into her mouth and chewed.
The Queen offered her a sympathetic smile. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. We have far too much to do here to arrange the betrothal ceremony. You still need to choose flowers and finish posing for your portrait.”
Sarah nodded and avoided Max’s eye. She was regretting all of the teasing she’d given him over his own portrait. She was sure that the painter had been disappointed that her beauty wasn’t quite so regal as Katherine’s, and she’d bet good money that he’d painted her with porcelain skin and erased the freckles that dotted her nose and cheeks.
“Nice try,” Max said to her later as they browsed the library for something new to read.
“I thought it was worth asking,” she shrugged. “Did you commission the forger?”
“I did,” he said. “It will be ready the day after tomorrow, so just enough time to pick it up before I have to leave.”
“Then I’d better think of how to explain this to my parents in a way that’s believable,” Sarah sighed.
Two days, and six pieces of parchment ruined later, Sarah had finally written a letter that she was happy with. Her portrait was almost finished, and she’d managed to sneak a peek. While she was correct in thinking her freckles would be non-existent, the painter had actually done a good job of creating an image of her that she didn’t hate.
In fact, freckles aside, it was the best representation of herself that she’d ever seen. She’d wondered if it was because she fit so well here, in this time. She hoped the painting survived to her parents’ time. She’d referenced it in her final letter as further proof of her outlandish claims.
“Do you think they’ll believe it?” she asked Max as she placed it carefully in the box he was holding out. They’d been in the library all day, using the maps and books to find the exact dig site location.
“If they know you as well as I do, they’ll believe it,” he said. At her quizzical look, he expanded, “You’re the most honest, genuine person I know. It’s not like you’d do this as an elaborate joke, is it?”
Sarah snorted. “No!”
“Then they’ll believe it,” Max said. “And they’ll know that you wanted them to know where you were, that you were happy, and not to worry about you.”
“I hope so,” she said, closing the lid of the box. The forger had engraved a pattern into the copper, that was identical to the pattern on the rings. She traced her finger over it. “It’s beautiful. It’s a shame it will probably be a green mess by the time it’s discovered.”
“I know,” Max said. “But if they do manage to restore it, I thought it was a nice touch. Besides, the forger thinks it’s a box to hold our rings for the betrothal.”
“So that’s what you told him?” Sarah grinned. “I never had you down as a liar, Prince Maximillian.”
“I could hardly tell him what it was really for,” he said, wrapping the box in a black cloth and lowering it gently into a satchel.
He pulled out a map of the Austrian regions and pointed to where he’d placed a small cross. “Is this definitely the right place?” he asked her nervously.
“I’m pretty sure it is,” she said. “In fact, I’m very sure it is. It’s next to Melk Abbey, and I remember Dad telling me how excited he was to visit the Abbey.”
“Good,” Max said. He folded the map and placed it carefully next to the box. “I promise that I won’t return until I’ve buried the box.”
“While that would normally sound great,” Sarah said, “Please make sure you don’t miss your own betrothal ceremony.”
“Trust me,” Max grinned, pulling her into him. “Nothing could keep me away.”
Chapter 44
The three days while Max was away, Sarah felt a little lost. She was so used to spending all her time with him now, and she wasn’t sure what to do when he was gone. Her new status was incredible, and it came with a lot of perks – like the amazing bedchamber – but it sometimes felt like her every move was scrutinized. She was always so conscious of behaving the right way, like a proper lad
y.
On the second day, she sat on a bench in the garden, gazing across the manicured lawn and wondering how Max’s trip was going. Had he managed to leave the letter? Was it in the right place? She sighed heavily.
“I thought you’d be more cheerful considering you’re getting betrothed to the man of your dreams in less than a week,” a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.
Sarah gasped and jumped up, hugging the dark-haired beauty tightly. “Katherine! When did you get here? And why are you here?”
Katherine laughed. “I just arrived with Phillip. We received an invitation to the wedding and decided to come early. It’s a long trip from our home, and I couldn’t wait to see you both.”
“Max is away on a royal trip until the night before the betrothal,” Sarah said.
“Ahh,” Katherine nodded. “That explains the glum face.”
“He’ll be home tomorrow,” Sarah smiled. “So just one more day to pass, and now it will pass much quicker because you’re here!”
Katherine grinned. “And to think, you used to hate me.”
“Hate is a strong word,” Sarah said. It really was nice to see Katherine again.
“I was hateful at times, though.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve had worse students, trust me!”
She spent the rest of the afternoon and the following day with Katherine, laughing and talking. Her mind still wandered occasionally to Max, but Katherine was actually wonderful company, and Phillip was happy to let the two ladies catch up while he accompanied the King on hunts and discussed politics.
“Phillip seems very nice,” Sarah said to Katherine the following evening as they took an after-dinner stroll around the gardens.
“He is,” Katherine smiled. “He’s even managed to charm my father into accepting him.”
“I’m pleased to hear it,” Sarah said. She stopped as she spotted a familiar figure crossing the garden towards her. She gathered up her skirts and ran across the lawns, not caring if it was ladylike. When she reached Max, he swept her up into his arms.
“I put the box exactly where you told me to,” he whispered against her ear. “And I missed you so much!”
“Thank you,” she squeezed him tightly. “You have no idea how much that means to me.” It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her.
A loud cough sounded from behind them. “Oh, I forgot to say,” Sarah said. “Katherine’s here for the wedding.”
Max grinned. “It’s just like the old days!”
“Maybe we should have a lesson,” Sarah joked.
“The only lesson I’m happy with right now is how to eat an entire roast duck in one sitting,” Katherine said. “I’m starving.”
“I have to agree with Katherine,” Max said, shaking his head. “Besides, we need our rest this evening ready for our betrothal ceremony tomorrow.”
“Agreed.” Sarah beamed, taking Max’s hand as they headed for dinner. By this time tomorrow, she’d officially be betrothed to a Prince!
When she woke the next morning, she was giddy with excitement and nerves. What if she tripped in front of everyone? What if she fumbled over the words?
Agata came bursting in the room and startled her out of her thoughts, a bundle of ruby red fabric under one arm and a pair of matching ruby red shoes in the other. She grinned at Sarah. “Let’s get you betrothal-ready!” she said.
After that, Sarah had no time for worries as her ladies’ maid fussed around her. Agata helped her braid her hair, and they coiled the braid high on her head like a crown. She slipped into the undergarments Agata had brought, and then she helped her into the beautiful velvet dress. Agata laced it tightly, and Sarah yelped.
“Agata, I’d like to be able to breathe!” she huffed.
“Sorry,” Agata grimaced. “I got a little carried away.” She loosened the laces a little so that Sarah’s rib cage could expand a little as she breathed.
“Thanks,” Sarah said. “It should be the handsome Prince taking my breath away, not a dress!” Agata snorted.
She slipped her feet into the shoes, which fit perfectly. She gave a little twirl. “How do I look?”
“See for yourself!” Agata said, guiding her over to the mirror.
Sarah hardly recognized herself. She looked every inch the real Princess. The dress fit perfectly, skimming her waist and the wide-cut neckline hinted at her shapely shoulders. Her eyes were bright and her skin was a healthy pink from the steam in the bath.
The ring glinted on her hand, the perfect complement to her dress. Sarah flung her arms around Agata. “Thank you, I feel amazing!”
“And just in time,” Agata said as a knock sounded at her door. “It’s time to go.”
Sarah approached the throne room with nervous butterflies dancing in her stomach. This was everything she’d ever dreamed of, and her heart pounded in her chest as the doors to the throne room were opened for her.
The room was packed with Lords and Ladies, all in their lavish finery. A band played soft music that floated on the air, and there were colorful flowers everywhere she looked. A collective gasp arose in the crowd as she entered, and her eyes found where Katherine and Phillip stood. She gave them a beaming smile. Their love had helped this come to pass, and she was so happy for all of them.
Max was waiting for her at the front of the room, resplendent in a ruby red tunic that matched her dress. His unruly hair had been tamed as much as it ever could be, but it was the adoring look in his eyes that had her breath hitching. She reached the front of the room and gave him a shy smile that he returned with one of his own.
They stood side-by-side as Father Thomas asked the crowd to be seated. The ceremony whizzed by in an absolute blur as she repeated the words given to her by Father Thomas. It seemed as though she’d been there only a few seconds when he announced they were officially engaged.
The crowd cheered, and Max took her hand in his, their rings touching. His eyes were filled with so much love, and as she gazed at him, the warmth from their rings seemed to spread through her whole body. A pulse of light dazzled her for a moment, and the crown gasped again.
Sarah stared incredulously at the ring. She’d felt it, the rings binding them together through the ages, their hearts now irrevocably intertwined. She caught Max’s eye, and he looked as stunned and as happy as she was. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, and suddenly there was just the two of them in the room. The whole world fell away and there was only her, and Max, two parts of the same whole.
Epilogue
Sarah examined the streetlight prototype that Max had built. “I like it,” she said, circling the iron structure. His new workshop was large and airy, and it was equipped with everything he needed to build his inventions. Sarah loved the new workshop, although she sometimes missed the excitement of creeping through the secret passageways to work on his secret inventions. She laid a hand on the prototype, and her wedding band nestled beside her gramma’s ring brought a smile to her face.
They had been married two weeks to the day after the betrothal ceremony, and it had been everything Sarah could have ever wished for. She’d known since she first met Max that she was supposed to be here, and while she missed her old life and her family occasionally, there was nowhere else in the world that she would rather be.
They had been honored to welcome Katherine to their wedding ceremony — she’d been like a different person. Sarah had never seen her smile so much as when she was with Phillip, and she was struck by just how lucky they both were.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Max’s arms circled her waist and his warm breath tickled her ear.
“Just thinking again how lucky I am to be here with my wonderful husband,” she said.
“We’re both very lucky,” he said, kissing the side of her neck in a way that made her knees weak. His hands stroked the sides of her body and she was filled with an overwhelming desire. “Stop it!” she chastised him.
“What?” he held his hands up in moc
k indignation.
“You know what,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “We’ve got to attend your mother’s gala dinner and do our royal duty.”
“I thought our royal duty was to provide an heir,” he said suggestively.
“We can do that afterwards,” she laughed. “Now wash that oil off your hands and come with me!”
Max rolled his eyes. “You’re mean,” he teased her, planting a soft kiss on her lips.
They attended the dinner and made polite small talk with all of the nobles and the diplomats that came to wish them well on their recent nuptials. When the dancing began, Max took her in his arms and whirled her around the dancefloor until she was dizzy.
They paused to get some water, her throat dry and the back of her neck damp with perspiration. “Shall we take a walk?” Max suggested. She nodded, grateful to get some fresh air.
The music from the dinner drifted faintly through the courtyard as they walked, reminiscing about their early days as tutor and pupil.
“Come,” Max said. “I have something to show you.”
“What is it?” Sarah asked, but he shook his head.
“You have to see it,” he said. “Just come!”
She let him lead her by the hand to the castle ramparts, and they stood looking out over the city.
“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Sarah said, looking out across the landscape.
From here she could see the monastery, the synagogue, and the clock tower. She found the bridge and then saw the very faint outline of Edita’s brothel in the distance. She smiled.
The sun was making its journey home for the evening, and she rested her head against Max’s shoulder as it began its steady descent. The skyline changed from blue to pink, and then to a perfect golden yellow at the horizon. Sarah gasped. “Oh, I see it now!”
“Yes,” Max said, giving her a knowing smile.
The sun’s last rays enveloped the city below like a blanket, and she watched in wonder at the incredible effect it created. “The Golden City,” she breathed, in a hushed, awed tone.