43. Jacob
JACOB
LICHTENSTEIN CASTLE
“We scoured the countryside,” Prince William exclaims the morning after the ball to Rumpelstiltskin, Wilhelm, and me. “Still no sign of Dr. Wissen or his wolves.”
“This is a problem,” Wilhelm says, rubbing his forehead as he scans through Wissen’s maps one more time. “We need to find him before he decides to use those weapons. What do you think, Jacob?”
I startle at the mention of my name and push away from the window overlooking the valley. My thoughts are drowning in memories of last night in the garden with Ella. The taste of her lips, the way her body fit against mine, her soft skin under my touch.
“It’s highly concerning,” I agree. “He’s up to something. I wish we knew what.”
The problem is that Wilhelm and I need to capture him so we can complete his story. Ella isn’t safe until we do.
“My father hired you because you were supposed to be expert hunters,” Prince William says. “Not having this doctor chained and prepped for execution worries me greatly. Especially because I want tonight to be special.”
“Special?” Rumpelstiltskin laughs. “Special is just another word for trouble dressed up in ribbons.”
My heart stills at what I think he will say.
“It’s the last night of the festivities,” the prince explains. “Which means I’ll choose my bride and announce her to the entire kingdom. I won’t have this moment destroyed by a doctor and his dogs, do you hear me?”
Is it horrible that I want to write his story before he announces his bride? Yes, and I don’t care.
“Perfectly,” I practically growl. “Who’s the lucky girl?”
“The beautiful maiden I danced with both nights.” Prince William pours himself a drink and downs it all in one gulp.
“I don’t know her name yet, but she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.
Never has there been a person alive who has moved me like she has.
She keeps running off before I have a chance to ask her name, which makes me worried she’ll leave before I have a chance to propose. ”
“May I suggest a brilliant stratagem?” Rumpelstiltskin offers, tapping his fingers together excitedly. “Have your guards smear pitch on the bridge, so if she tries to escape, you’ll catch her. Can’t escape if you’re stuck in muck.”
“Quite the extraordinary way to woo a woman’s heart,” I say, rolling my eyes. Getting caught in pitch is the last thing Ella would want.
“Extraordinary indeed!” He smiles, quite pleased with himself. “Tonight, I’m going to discover her name and proclaim her as my future wife.”
“It’s quite the decision,” I say. “Are you sure you don’t want to take more time to think about it? At least know her name for a few days.”
“This is true.” The prince’s smile wavers. “My first marriage didn’t go so well.”
“Who needs a name when love is on the line?” Rumpelstiltskin asks.
Wilhelm scowls at me. “You’re making the right decision, Your Highness. From the rumors I’ve gathered, she’s the kindest, sweetest person you’ll ever meet. She deserves the life you can offer her. I know you two will have a happily ever after.”
“I say we drink to that!” Rumpelstiltskin says.
“Yes!” The prince’s face brightens, and he pours everyone a drink. Then he lifts his glass into the air. “To happily ever afters!”
“To bargains struck and debts well kept,” Rumpelstiltskin adds and gives me a meaningful look.
“To giving those we love everything they deserve,” Wilhelm finishes, clicking his glass against the others while staring hard at me.
Why does even a toast have to be about me? I turn back to the window, leaning my arm against the frame, cursing every story I ever wrote and all the ones yet to come. The prince will marry Ella. It’s the right decision. There’s no escaping the inevitable.
I’m heartbroken.