Chapter 49
My face blazed crimson, my eyes wide and horrified. I wanted nothing more than to sink through the earth and disappear. Curtis, bless him, stepped smoothly in front of me, shielding me from Cynthia’s scorching glare.
“May we help you?” he asked, tone light and casual.
“What were you doing?” Hubert demanded, his monotone carrying a weight of accusation.
“Kissing my girl,” Curtis replied with a shrug. “What did it look like?”
Several titters rose up from the crowd, still blocked from my view by Curtis. I heard Comfort’s bold laugh and Mother’s gentle chuckle among them.
“That is highly inappropriate behavior for a prince,” Hubert said stiffly.
“Would you prefer I kiss a boy?” Curtis shot back. The crowd laughed harder.
“Besides, Hube,” Curtis added in a stage whisper, “if you ever tried kissing a girl, you might actually enjoy it.”
Comfort laughed again.
“My fiancé simply knows the dignified image a crown prince must uphold!” Cynthia’s crisp voice cut through. I peeked over Curtis’s shoulder and saw Cynthia’s arm linked tightly with Hubert’s. His head bobbed in eager agreement.
“Yes. Precisely. Thank you.” Hubert cleared his throat. “I have come to formally introduce you to my fiancée—and your future queen—Lady Cynthia Eleanora.”
Cynthia swept into an elegant curtsy, and I recognized her utilizing several curtsying tips that Mother and Comfort taught their students. She must have been paying attention when she was dusting. I stayed behind Curtis, trying to compose myself.
“Pleased to meet you,” Curtis said politely, stooping to kiss Cynthia’s hand. “I have heard so much about you.”
“From whom?” the queen asked sharply. “We only met this young woman tonight.”
“Why, from her stepsister,” Curtis said smoothly, “one of the Council’s former linguists.” He glanced back at me with a mischievous grin. “You remember Truly, don’t you?”
Heart hammering, I stepped into the dim light and sank into a curtsy.
“My dear!” King Edmont exclaimed. He brushed past Cynthia to clasp my hands warmly.
“How could I forget? After your father passed, I longed to express my condolences, but you were still recovering from that dreadful day. It brings me such joy to see you well.” His eyes twinkled as he glanced at his son.
“Although perhaps not quite as much joy as my son has.”
Heat flared in my cheeks. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” I murmured. Up close, I could see where Curtis got his curls from. Usually, the king’s wild hair was hidden, but tonight I could see it peeking through under the heavy gold crown perched atop his head.
The queen clasped my hands next, her expression soft and kind. She told me how much she had always liked me, about how devastated Curtis had been after I left, and how pleased she was to see us together again. My blush grew hotter by the second.
All the while, I could feel Cynthia’s glare drilling into me. What was her problem? She had everything she’d ever wanted—Hubert, a crown, freedom from housework. Shouldn’t she be thrilled? Hubert finally kissed her hand in farewell and marched back toward the castle, stiff as ever.
Finally, Mother gently reminded me that it was time to leave. Relieved, I bade goodbye to the king and queen, then Curtis pulled me into a brief hug while his parents went back inside. “I’m coming to see you tomorrow. Don’t ever vanish on me again, alright?”
“Alright,” I whispered back.
Mother and Comfort started for our carriage, but I hung back, Curtis at my side. “Cynthia? Do you want to share our coach?”
“No,” she snapped, eyes fixed on Hubert’s retreating back. The castle clock began to strike midnight.
“We’d like you to come with us,” I offered. “We’re family. You could tell us—”
“Just leave me alone!” Cynthia shrieked. “Why is that so hard for you to understand? Leave me alone, Ugly!” She raised her hand as if to slap me, but stumbled, her ankle twisting in her too-large slipper.
“These wretched glass shoes!” she cried, ripping one off and hurling it in my direction. Curtis stepped in front of me. The slipper bounced off his chest and fell to the gravel with a crystalline clink.
“You need to leave,” Curtis told her, voice firm. “Before I call for the guards.”
Cynthia flounced away, wobbling on one shoeless foot, head held high.
Curtis watched her go. “So that’s your stepsister. Charming girl.”
I stooped and picked up the slipper, pressing it into his hand. “Here. You can give it back to your brother. He’ll want it for his blushing bride-to-be.”
Curtis snorted. “Poor fellow. I wouldn’t wish her on anyone.”
“She isn’t always like that,” I said defensively. The suddenness of her outburst still mystified me. “She was probably just…nervous.”
Curtis squeezed my hand. “You may be a little too forgiving. I’ll see you soon.”
Nodding, I hurried to join Mother and Comfort at the carriage. I knew they would want to hear everything.