by Aya Ling
Lady Bradshaw, my “mother” in Story World, wears an uncertain, awkward smile. I think she still hasn’t gotten over the shock that it is I who caught the prince’s eye, not her other movie-star-gorgeous daughter. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpse Bianca—tall and regal and her lips formed in a tight smile. She disappeared when Duke Philip invited us to his mansion. Later, Meg informed me that my “sister” tried to seek the fairies, possibly in the hopes of getting a spell di amor, or something similar, to ensnare the prince. She was unsuccessful in her quest as few people actually knew where the fae resided. After days of searching in vain, she returned and resigned herself to an offer from Lord Mansfield’s nephew.
“This is heavier than I expected.” I hold up my hand; the jewels gleam in the light. “I won’t be able to hold a fan during future balls.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Edward smirks. “Your inability to command grace and elegance eliminates the need to carry a fan.”
I raise my eyebrows in mock anger. “How dare you insult me so! I suppose I shall have to withhold the gift I prepared for you.”
Now it’s his turn to raise his eyebrows, though it’s an expression of pure surprise. “A gift? For me?”
I signal to Amelie, who comes forward with a small, dark blue box wrapped in white ribbons. Edward opens the box and lifts out a silver watch chain with a heart-shaped fob attached to it. I motion for him to flip the fob over. Engraved on the back are our initials in long, loopy letters, entwined in an embrace.
Edward looks up, his gaze filled with affection. I swear, if there weren’t others present, he would kiss me on the spot.
“How did you acquire this?”
“Stole it when the shopkeeper wasn’t looking.” Nearby, the duchess deals me a glare. I smile and wink at her. “Well, actually . . . I bought it from the proceeds of my interview of the children. Mr. Wellesley wrote me a check.”
Edward smiles. “And you chose to spend it on me.” Carefully, he fastens his pocket watch to the chain and puts it in his pocket. Then he takes my hand. “Now, I daresay it is time that we face the public.”
Outside, reporters are gathered in the courtyard. A flash goes off, making me feel as though I’m in Hollywood. I was amazed when the king and queen told me that there would be a press conference after the gift ceremony, but if the papers can print my story on child labor, they can certainly cover a report on the royal engagement.
Edward leads me to the top of a flight of stairs that leads down to the courtyard. Bertram and several other palace guards stand at the foot of the stairs to prevent any unruly person from getting too close.
My palms start to sweat. I’ve rarely had any experience in public speaking—apart from that one-time outburst in the park, when I was so incensed by a stranger doubting my report on child labor. But this is different. I am now princess of Athelia and have to maintain a dignified presence in public.
“Your Highness!” a bushy-haired reporter yells. “I wager a hundred people have already asked you this question, but our readers really want to know—of all the girls in the ball, what made you choose Lady Katriona Bradshaw?”
Edward grins. “Believe it or not, I had been courting her before the ball. It took me a long time, but eventually she accepted my proposal.”
Murmurs of disbelief run through the crowd. A few people look at each other and shrug—obviously this was not the answer they were expecting.
“Er . . . Lady Katriona,” the same reporter asks. “Can you tell us the reason for your hesitation?” He doesn’t say it, but he could have added, Normally any girl would be delighted to have the prince.
“I was an idiot.”
More noises from the crowd. Yeah, that was definitely not the answer they expected, either.
“But now that I’ve come to my senses”—I squeeze Edward’s hand—“I pledge you, Prince Edward of Athelia, my undivided devotion and eternal affection. Forever.”
Dear reader,
It’s not over yet! Kat will meet Edward again in the sequel, Ever After, which I plan to release in 2016.
In the meanwhile, you can check out my other books (see the next page), or if you haven’t done it yet, sign up for my newsletter: http://www.ayaling.com/newsletter.html . What you’ll get for joining the club:
1. Receive a bonus Kat/Edward scene, plus deleted scenes. I may add new material from time to time once I get the ideas.
2. Be the first to know when I have a new release. New releases are usually discounted for a limited time.
3. Be the first to know when I give away free stuff, call for advanced readers, run a poll, or other fun activities.
For more information, connect with me at my website:
http://www.ayaling.com
~Aya~
Books by Aya
UNFINISHED FAIRY TALES
The Ugly Stepsister
Princess of Athelia
Ever After (coming in 2016!)
THE PRINCESS SERIES
Princesses Don’t Get Fat (FREE on most retailers)
Princesses Don’t Fight in Skirts
Princesses Don’t Become Engineers
GIRL WITH FLYING WEAPONS
Girl with Flying Weapons
About the author
Aya is from Taiwan, where she struggles daily to contain her obsession with mouthwatering and unhealthy foods. Often she will devour a good book instead. Her favourite books include martial arts romances, fairy tale retellings, high fantasy, cozy mysteries, and manga.
Table of Contents
Princess of Athelia
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Dear reader,
Books by Aya
About the author