A grin filled his usual stoic expression. “Well, look at you two newlyweds. I see I’ve won the bet.”
Liam’s eyebrow rose. “Which bet?”
“At your reception I said you two would make a fine match. It appears I was correct.”
Liam’s expression softened. “Indeed you were. I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong.” He brushed a kiss along my cheek. Prince Nolan’s grin broadened.
“I’m pleased to hear that. I’ve been thinking a lot about you two, hoping things were going well.”
He seemed to be addressing this last statement more towards me than Liam. His gaze was searching, as if by looking hard enough he could both discern my well-being and get an accurate assessment on my marriage.
“I must do my brotherly duty and check up on my sister.” He approached and extended his hand. “A stroll through the gardens, Lavena?”
“She’d like that,” Liam said. “She’s been in stitches awaiting your arrival.” He gave me a final snuggle before withdrawing his arm. “Have a good time, sweetheart.” He turned to Prince Nolan. “Bring her back quickly.”
“I certainly will.” Prince Nolan helped me to my feet before tucking my arm through his and leading me from the room. The moment we entered the corridor, he leaned in close and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Well done, Anwen. That didn’t take long.”
“Is that all you have to say to me?” I hissed.
He chuckled. “No, I have plenty to say, but I’m sure you have much more. Since I’m a gentleman, I’ll allow you to go first.”
I launched in immediately. “Why are you going along with your sister’s dangerous scheme? Do you find it amusing? Should I be caught—and I will be—this will end in disaster for me.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said, patting my hand reassuringly. “You have my word.”
His word did little to ease the fear squeezing my heart. “What if Their Majesties don’t listen?”
“They will, especially once they they see this.” He tapped Princess Lavena’s ring brandishing my finger.
“Can you take it off?” I asked.
“Unfortunately not. Only Lavena can do that.”
I sighed. His answer wasn’t surprising, but it was disappointing all the same. We stepped outside, far too sunny and pleasant for my current mood. “You never answered my questions about your motivations to go along with the switch.”
Prince Nolan smirked. “I already have; you just didn’t recognize the answer—I truly think you and Liam make a much better match. Are you suggesting I’m wrong?”
There were no words to summarize all that I felt for Liam. My cheeks flushed.
He smirked. “I can easily discern for myself how well things are going. I knew you were a sweet, charming girl, but even I’m surprised at how close you two have become in such a short amount of time. I’ve known Liam since we were children and I’ve never seen him happier. Not only are you two better suited, but I have no doubt Liam will make a much better king with you as his queen. For selfish reasons, a better King of Draceria will aid me when I’m King of Lyceria. You two are meant to be together.”
I stared at him in disbelief. He chuckled.
“You doubt that?”
I didn’t want to, not when it was my secret hope that Liam and I belonged together. “But my station, the political contract—”
“Ah, yes.” His expression became grave once more. He was silent for several minutes as he escorted me through the garden of blooming daylilies and daisies, whose beauty was lost on me as I restlessly awaited his response. “I admit those are both obstacles,” he finally said.
“The political contract is more than an obstacle, Your Highness,” I said. “Isn’t it in your best interest as the future Lycerian King to want the benefits of a union between your kingdom and Draceria?”
“It undoubtedly is,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I was slightly disappointed when I saw you with Liam at the reception. While I wouldn’t wish Lavena on my good friend to achieve it, the benefits of her union with Draceria cannot be denied. However, at that point, the contract was already in jeopardy because of my sister’s actions. There was little I could do except expose you publicly, and that would have harmed both you and Lavena, as well as soured the relations between our two kingdom.”
“So you’re merely delaying the inevitable consequences.”
He frowned. “They’re not necessarily inevitable. I’m hoping by the time Lavena’s actions become known, I’ll have uncovered a solution that will protect both you and the contract’s benefits.”
“And are you anywhere near finding this solution?”
He sighed. “Unfortunately not.”
That wasn’t reassuring. Prince Nolan saw my anxiety and gave my hand another pat.
“Please don’t worry; all will be well. You forget there will be another fighting to protect both you and an arrangement that will allow him to keep you: Liam.”
My heart gave a strange flutter. “Liam?” I squeaked.
“While Kian was indifferent to the arrangement, poor Liam has always abhorred it,” Prince Nolan said. “As has Lavena. She looked forward to her union with Kian, but when he died…she became cold and bitter. I believe she resents Liam because he’s not his brother, and he resents her for taking away his choice in whom to marry.” He shook his head. “In any case, now that Liam has fallen for you, he’ll like his arrangement with Lavena even less, hence he’ll do all he can to break it.”
My already fluttering heart felt on the brink of soaring. “Fallen for me?”
“Come now, Anwen, surely you can see the way he looks at you—like a man who’s lost his heart.”
Warmth swelled inside me at the thought. The prince smiled knowingly.
“I see he’s not the only one whose heart has been stolen.”
I blushed and lowered my eyes to the cobblestone path. “Although you’re correct, I’m not foolish enough to allow myself to hope. I know we’ll never work.”
“I disagree. You are working.”
“He’s a prince; I’m a goose girl.”
“There is no law preventing such a match.”
“There’s no benefit to it either, except to Liam and me.”
Prince Nolan nodded solemnly. “I can’t deny that, but don’t give up yet. Liam will fight for you, and so will I.”
Liam had been fighting against his engagement contract for years. What made Prince Nolan believe he could find a solution now when he couldn’t before? “But won’t Liam be hurt when the truth is finally exposed?”
“He knows Lavena as well as I do. He’ll know the one behind the deception and hold you blameless.”
“You’re assuming I wriggle out of a trip to the gallows.” My blood chilled at the thought.
“I’ve already assured you no harm will befall you.”
“But my union with Liam will ruin the contract.”
Prince Nolan waved that thought away. “I’m still working on that puzzle, so you have no need to worry about that. Just enjoy your relationship with Liam and be assured that we’ll do all in our power to allow you to keep him. All will be well.”
I ached for the fairy tale picture he was painting to come true, but how could I believe it? Happy endings only occurred in stories…didn’t they?
Chapter 20
Liam seemed quite excited about something, for he was extra wriggly during lunch, earning several smiles from me and puzzled looks from his family.
“Alright, I can’t handle it anymore,” I said when we adjourned to the parlor following the meal. “What has you so excited?”
His grin only grew. “Finally you ask. You have an annoying amount of patience.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Is this a game?”
“Everything is a game with me.” He held up a single finger—his silent instruction to wait a moment—before hurrying from the room.
“What on earth has gotten into him?” the queen asked.
> Elodie shrugged. “Considering it’s Liam, it could be anything.”
“I’m pleased to see him so happy.” The queen gave me a tender look, as if she thought me responsible for Liam’s contagious joy.
Prince Nolan—who’d arranged to stay a week after the state dinner and diplomatic meetings had ended—gave me a knowing, almost smug look, as if he felt justified in going along with the princess’s plot so he could play matchmaker. My cheeks warmed but I couldn’t mask my pleased smile.
Liam returned in record time, holding something behind his back. “Shall we play a guessing game?”
“I couldn’t even begin to guess what you’re up to.” I tried to shift in my seat to peer behind him, but he angled his body so I couldn’t steal a peek.
“No cheating, dear.”
I pouted. “But I’m curious. Won’t you show me?”
Mischief flashed in his eyes. “I might be persuaded with a kiss.” And he leaned forward. I humored him and was rewarded with his dashing smile. “Payment accepted. Your surprise, my dear. Happy two-month anniversary.” And he presented a package wrapped in shiny paper. My heart swelled as I stared at it.
“You got me an anniversary gift?”
He became bashful. “It seemed a fitting gesture considering how well things are going between us.” He handed me the package. I spent a moment admiring it before Elodie gave an impatient sigh.
“Hurry up and open it. I want to see what he gave you.”
I carefully unwrapped my present while Liam crunched the hem of his shirt and watched. The wrappings fell away, revealing a wooden music box, carved with a simple yet elegant design of butterflies. I gaped at it as I lightly traced the patterns with my fingertip.
Princess Aveline wrinkled her nose. “Shouldn’t you have given her something more grand, Liam? Jewels would have been a more appropriate choice.”
Liam’s face went bright crimson. “But Lavena likes insects, butterflies in particular.”
My gaze snapped up to meet his worried-filled one, my heart hammering wildly in my chest, as if it too were a butterfly on the brink of taking flight. How had he known butterflies were my favorite?
“You always notice them,” he said in his rush to explain, still blushing adorably. “You point them out during every stroll.”
I continued to stare.
“I had this made especially for you,” he continued. “I thought you’d like not only this design, but that you’d prefer a more simple music box, one free from extravagant jewels considering you seem more simple in your own tastes. You always wear your simplest gowns and very little if any jewelry. And its melody…”
He motioned for me to wind it up. I complied and the most tranquil tune, which I immediately recognized, trilled through the air like a gentle waltz. My tears escaped. The melody was the one Mother had sung to me growing up.
“Lavena?” Liam’s voice was taut with worry, his fear that his most perfect of gifts had failed.
“The song,” I stuttered. “How?”
“You’re always humming it,” he said. “I spent ages plucking it out on the pianoforte when I was supposed to be going over reports, and then I played it for the music box maker.”
“Mother used to sing that to me. I don’t even know if it has a name.” I wiped away my embarrassing tears. “Oh Liam, this is perfect, the best present I’ve ever received.”
“You really like it?” Hope pierced the worry marring his expression. It brightened further as I pulled him into a hug. He enthusiastically squeezed me back. “Does this mean I passed this particular husband test?”
“You certainly did. Not only is this the most beautiful music box, but you’re right in that I love butterflies.” It felt wonderful to make this Anwen admission, but that wasn’t what made me feel as if my heart would soar. This was yet more proof that Liam could see the true me, even buried deep behind my Princess Lavena mask.
And I loved him all the more for it.
“I’m so glad you love it, sweetheart,” he murmured into my hair before pulling back and placing a gentle kiss on my brow. “I hoped you would.”
“It’s my most cherished gift.” How perfect it had come from the man I loved.
He smiled sweetly. “Then prepare for another, for this isn’t the only surprise I’ve arranged—your parents are coming for a visit.”
Instantly, my happiness deflated, replaced with raw panic. “My parents?” He nodded, grinning widely. My panic swelled into sheer terror, seeping over me like I was being dipped in ice. “They’re what?”
He mistook my exclamation for one of excitement and his beam widened. “You kept asking for them before last week’s state dinner. I realized you missed them, so I wrote and learned that they’d be passing through Draceria on the way to Sortileya for a meeting. They were pleased with the invitation to stay for dinner. Isn’t this a grand surprise?”
Surprise was not the word I was searching for; this was a nightmare. I may have fooled Liam’s family, Prince Aiden and Princess Eileen, the Lycerian dignitaries at the state dinner, and the servants, but there was no way I’d fool Their Majesties. It’d only take them one look to immediately know I wasn’t their daughter, and then…
Fear squeezed my heart and nausea churned my stomach; I felt faint. I exchanged a panicked look with Prince Nolan, who sat frozen, his tea cup raised halfway to his gaping mouth. He slowly lowered it. “Our parents are arriving today?”
“Yes.” Liam was practically bursting with joy at his surprise. I would have found it adorable if I hadn’t been experiencing a miniature heart attack. I widened my eyes desperately at Prince Nolan, who seemed at a loss as to what to do. Some help he was.
Liam leaned forward, his brow lined with concern. “Are you alright, sweetheart? You’re looking quite pale.”
“I feel sick,” I muttered. “Please, I need to lie down.”
Liam helped me to my feet. “I’ll escort you back to your room. I hope you feel better before your parents arrive.”
I most definitely wouldn’t. Rather, I’d embrace this excuse to hide away in my room, for Their Majesties seeing me would ruin everything—the charade would be exposed, causing me to lose Liam, a thought I couldn’t bear.
Liam began leading me from the sitting room, but I stopped him in the doorway. “Please wait a moment, I want to bid my brother good night.” I practically scampered towards Prince Nolan, who rose and met me in the corner of the parlor. “Prince Nolan!” I hissed quietly. “Your parents—what am I going to do?”
He rested his hand on my arm assuredly. “Don’t panic, Anwen. I’ll do all in my power to ensure they don’t see you. Just try to remain calm.”
His words did little to reassure me. My nerves only tightened as I turned away from Prince Nolan’s own worried expression and returned to Liam’s side, looping my arm through his so he could escort me to my room.
Once we arrived, it took much convincing before Liam would leave my side, and even after I’d won that battle, he still seemed reluctant to do so.
“Please let me stay. I’ll go crazy with worry if I’m apart from you when you’re not feeling well.” He stroked my hair back. “Won’t you let me be the doting husband you deserve and remain by your bedside?”
I almost started to cry at his eagerness to remain close to me, but my fear of the inevitable discovery that would cause me to lose him permanently was stronger than my need for him now.
“Staying with me all day will make you restless,” I said. “I insist you do something fun. You can tell me all about it after I rest.”
He searched my expression and sighed in defeat when he realized my determination. “Very well, if that’s what you need. I’ll check on you soon.”
He leaned down to bestow another gentle kiss before slowly backing out of the room. The moment the door closed behind him, I released a heavy sigh and fell back against my pillows. The calmness I felt with Liam’s presence disappeared, replaced with anxiety smothering my senses, much as I ima
gined the noose would feel like should I be caught.
No, I wouldn’t get caught. I’d feign being ill until Their Majesties left. Despite this assurance, the knots in my stomach only tightened.
Time slowly crept by. I stared up at my bed canopy, the patterns of the shadows of settling darkness doing little to soothe the tension shackling my body. A knock came at the door. I immediately rolled over to my side, praying it wasn’t Their Majesties.
The door creaked open. “Lavena love? Your parents are here and…oh, she’s asleep.” Liam pattered over and stroked my hair.
“I’ll inform her parents she’s not feeling well,” the queen said. “Perhaps her mother can check in on her.”
Liam and the queen tiptoed out of my bedroom. I waited a minute or two to be sure they were gone before I sprang from bed. They were going to tell the Lycerian Queen her daughter was ill so she’d check on me? It was a problem I hadn’t foreseen.
I swiveled to the mirror and frowned at the outfit I wore—a gown of silk, earrings donning my ears—a costume that wouldn’t make me look any more like Princess Lavena to her mother. I yanked my disguise off before raiding my trunk, where I’d packed one of my old handmaiden outfits, just in case I encountered such a horrible situation as this. I slipped the familiar outfit on and quickly pinned my hair up in my simple servant’s bun before peeking in the mirror once more.
My breath hooked as I stared at myself. Me. My eyes hungrily traced my reflection. It was me, looking so much like Anwen it was as if she’d never left. I pressed my fingers against the glass, meeting up with Anwen’s fingertips, as if by touching hers, she would feel more like a real person rather than a mere reflection.
I stared at Anwen, a girl who had seemed to be slipping away bit by bit. But despite the charade I’d been forced to play these past two months, the real me had remained the entire time. It was an incredibly comforting thought.
I froze as a soft knock sounded at the door, reverberating through the room. “Lavena dear?” It was the Queen of Lyceria. “Are you alright?”
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