One Kiss (Ever After 2) Page 4

  She smiled coyly, then handed the thin strip of silk to Molly.

  “By the way,” John continued, “I think I heard a frog ribbit.”

  Serenia gasped.

  “You may want to have your maid kill it.”

  “Oh I shall!” She turned to Molly. “After our walk, catch the frog Prince John saw and dispatch it. This garden seems to be infested with them these days.”

  “Yes, Your Royal Highness.”

  * * *

  Molly trudged toward her cottage. It was well past dinner time, and her shoes scuffed dust up from the road. “What an endless day.” She sighed. There hadn’t been time to eat anything substantial since the bread and milk from lunch. At least she’d been able to take a bite or two of the leftover pork before the kitchen staff threw everything into the refuse pit.

  “And as long a wait.”

  She looked up to see Robert by her side. Now that she knew his true form, it was easier to see through the curse. “What are you doing here?”

  “Escorting you home.”

  “You needn’t bother.”

  “I insist.”

  She shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Her silly heart picked up. Maybe she was walking too fast.

  Naturally. It has nothing to do with the beautifully masculine man beside you.

  He’d claimed he was a prince. He probably really was. No commoner had five hundred gold coins on hand, or treasures such as that lovely golden ball. Even if he reneged on his promise and didn’t pay her the rest of the money, she had enough to resign from her post.

  And leave she would once her week of helping him was over. She was getting sick of serving Princess Serenia hand and foot, and with little to show for it. The princess didn’t know the words thank you or please. Everything was an order, usually followed by a dire threat. Not an empty one either; a previous gardener had lost his little toe for being unable to make her favorite roses bloom.

  Never mind that it had been mid-November.

  Molly had been lucky to be able to keep all her bodily parts so far, but it was only a matter of time before she ran afoul of Serenia’s temper. There was no point risking it any longer than needed.

  “You don’t have to thank me this way.” Famished, she ripped a piece from the hunk of old bread in the bag she carried. The crust was getting hard, but she didn’t care so long as it didn’t have any mold. She also had two soft fresh croissants, but those were for her mother. “Have you eaten?”

  Robert nodded. “What am I thanking you for?”

  “The present went well, didn’t it?” She chewed the bread, grimacing at the rocklike texture. She’d need to filch a fresh loaf from the kitchen tomorrow.

  “I wouldn’t say ‘well.’ Serenia was too shy to really talk to me.”

  Molly shrugged. “She’s not shy. Trust me.” The princess was shameless when it came to things she coveted. She always got what she wanted, no matter what she had to do to get it.

  “You do your mistress insult. I cannot imagine a princess with such dismal lack of knowledge of current affairs. Surely she has an opinion concerning the troll situation.”

  “Why should she?”

  “The issue is polarizing. Everyone has an opinion, and usually a strong one.”

  “No, not everyone, and that’s the truth. What the trolls do doesn’t affect the princess one way or the other. Some people don’t even know anything or care about Fairy Godmother.”

  He looked scandalized. “You are having a jest. Everyone has a secret wish they would like fulfilled.”

  “What would Princess Serenia need Fairy Godmother for? Her Most Royal Highness has beauty, wealth and a doting father who allows her to do anything she pleases.” It was people like Molly who cared about Fairy Godmother, not that she seemed to have time for lowly people like Molly. Maybe she should simply be grateful she hadn’t caught the Wicked Witch’s attention.

  Robert frowned in puzzlement. “What does Serenia occupy herself with when she’s not taking walks?”

  “She buys things.”

  “Such as?”

  “Clothes, jewelry, accessories and shoes.”

  “She can’t be doing that every day.”

  “Naturally not. When she’s run out of things to buy, she naps. It helps her skin look young and radiant. When she can’t nap any more, she makes lists of things she’d like to eat. Well…dictates them, really.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “Can’t I?” Molly finished her bread and leaned down to look him more or less in the eye. “She is a princess. What else is there for her to do?”

  He flung a foreleg out impatiently. The brevity of the appendage made the gesture somewhat less arresting than it could have been, but it conveyed his exasperation in a passable manner. “There’s a princess who unionized the dwarves because she found their working conditions intolerable.”

  She pursed her mouth. “Granted, I have heard of her.” Probably some propaganda to convince gullible peasants of how hard royals worked for them. “But what of it? You don’t see dwarves here, do you? No. So how could Princess Serenia unionize dwarves?”

  “Yes yes, but she could do other things.”

  “And so she does.”

  “Oh?” Robert leaned closer.

  “She buys clothes, jewels, accessories and shoes.” Molly stole a quick glance at him. “Would you have Princess Serenia actively campaign for those who are beneath her? She is who she is.”

  “I plan to marry her after she undoes my curse. As I am to inherit my father’s crown, I require someone suitable.”

  “And so she is. A royal princess of impeccable lineage. That is what you desire, is it not?”

  He frowned. “It is, but…”

  “Yes?”

  “I need someone who understands the common people’s needs.”

  She rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help it. “Sir Frog. This posturing ill becomes you.”

  “I assure you I’m not posturing.”

  “Prince John didn’t protest this much.”

  He tensed, his jaw clenched so hard he thought his tongue might never fly out of his mouth again. “John? Why do you mention his name?”

  “Why do you care?”

  “You promised to help me. I must know exactly what’s going on between John and Serenia in order to formulate a strategy. I refuse to lose out to him.”

  Molly smiled thinly. “Ah. So now this is about masculine pride.”

  “You don’t know what he’s like.”

  “Do enlighten me, Prince. I find your discourse absolutely ribbiting.” It irritated her that he was so interested in Princess Serenia. If he truly cared about being a good king, he wouldn’t go for somebody as frivolous and selfish as the princess. But no. He was just like every other suitor who’d come to woo her mistress. His ego required that he marry a beautiful royal princess. Nothing less would do. And now that a rival was involved, he must needs win, no matter the cost.

  “John is my cousin on paper, but in truth he is my father’s illegitimate son.” The arctic edge of Robert’s voice scraped her nerves delicately, making her spine prickle. “My uncle, naturally barren, adopted him. Somehow John discovered this arrangement, and now he believes he should be heir to the throne since he is older than I.”

  “Does it truly matter which of you becomes king? It won’t make any difference to your people. Their lives won’t change.”

  His cheeks flushed a dull red, an interesting look for a green frog. “How could you say such a thing?”

  “It is only the truth. There have been three monarchs in my lifetime, and my lot didn’t change one whit under any of them. My mother and I being driven from our last home? Now that changed things.” She stopped suddenly. She’d never spoken of their painful flight to anybody. If her new neighbors found out about it, they might do terrible things to her and her mother.

  “You have my sympathies,” he said quietly.

  She looked at him, searching for signs of mockery. H
e gazed back at her, his gorgeous dark eyes sincere.

  “I’m sure it must’ve been difficult for you,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean your king cannot make your life better. And I plan to be a good king.”

  A sad little smile cracked her face. “That’s noble of you. But I’m afraid you won’t do any better than John.”

  Robert bristled. “Why must you keep saying that?”

  “Because you want the same thing he does.”

  * * *

  Robert’s patience was beginning to wear. Perhaps he’d misjudged this girl’s intelligence. Of course he wanted the throne, but there was more to it than just his personal desire. He was the legitimate heir. He’d trained all his life in the proper ways of kings, while John was a usurper, a pretender. What right did he have to the crown?

  None.

  The curse didn’t change a thing.

  “Look, since I promised to help you…” Molly’s lips twitched as if she was trying not to laugh. Robert wasn’t sure what was so funny. “Prince John gave Princess Serenia a chest full of jewels. Sadly for him, he chose rubies.”

  “Why is that a problem?”

  “She much prefers diamonds. So I fear she wasn’t overly impressed.”

  He considered that nugget of information. How could anyone be unhappy with rubies? It was incomprehensible, and in any case rubies could be exchanged for diamonds.

  “Oh, that’s too much of a bother for her highness.”

  He started.

  Molly grinned. “You were muttering to yourself.”

  “I see. Beg pardon.” She seemed entirely too smug and satisfied. “Might you have had something to do with John’s choice of gemstone?”

  “It is possible.”

  “Why?”

  “He lied about paying me.”

  Robert laughed as a sudden realization dawned on him. “The terrible prince who promised you his ring was John, wasn’t it?”

  “None other.”

  He shook his head. “You see? He knows nothing of being king. One does not anger the servants. Ever.”

  “Well, one could, if one doesn’t mind the consequences. I take my petty little revenge when I can.” She sighed and tried to pick up the pace a bit, though she still walked like her feet had sacks of potatoes attached. “It is a pity that you cannot change into your real form. You could have swept Princess Serenia off her feet.”

  That caught him off-guard. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re exactly her type, that’s all.”

  “And how would you know this?”

  She blinked. “Hmm?”

  “How can you tell what I look like?” he asked again and winced at how eager he sounded. This maid was a cool-headed one. If she knew how desperate he was, she’d drive another hard bargain.

  “Oh.” She sucked her lower lip, then shrugged. “I merely surmised you would look princely, that’s all.”

  “I’ve already told you you’re a terrible liar.” Robert hopped closer. “You can see me too, can’t you? It’s not just your mother who has that talent.”

  “Uh.” She rubbed the side of her neck. “Not at all. I told you my mother’s blind, and all I see when I look at you is a frog.”

  She couldn’t meet his eyes. By all the gods—she could see his true form! Intense hope—the kind he’d not felt in ages—throbbed in his veins. Suddenly nothing mattered except getting her to convince Serenia who he truly was.

  “I’ll double the pay if you tell Serenia who—and what—I really am!”

  Molly shook her head. “You can’t pay me enough.”

  “Nonsense. Of course I can, and easily. You’ll live like a queen on two thousand gold coins.”

  “No! No one must know I can see through curses.”

  “Are you worried about incurring the Wicked Witch’s wrath?”

  “Not particularly. I’m a nobody. She won’t bother with me.”

  He wasn’t so sure. The Wicked Witch was nothing if not petty and vengeful.

  Molly stopped walking and turned to face him. “See here. I know you’re dying to undo your curse, but I simply can’t help you the way you wish. If I do, terrible things will happen.”

  “What terrible things? Once I am king, I can protect you.”

  “No, you can’t.” Her lips firmed into a tight stubborn line. “Nobody would believe you anyway, so I shall tell you something. My mother has the same ability, and to a higher degree. She can see the truth of a matter regardless of the spells used to disguise it. When people needed her, they promised her all manner of things and paid well for her help. But the second their needs were met, they abandoned her. Eventually some who didn’t like it that she had such an uncanny ability started to call her the Wicked Witch’s handmaiden.

  “With my father gone there was no one to protect us. They drove us from our village and took everything we owned.” She clenched her hands, her slim shoulders vibrating with tension. “Once we were happy and comfortable. My father left us a sizable inheritance. But they took that as well” —her voice had become harsh— “the same night they took my mother’s eyes. So it’s up to me to earn enough to provide for us.”

  Robert’s chest tightened. Anger twisted around his heart at what those horrible people had done to her and Ethel. Yet there was another aspect to his churning emotions—indignation. “I’m not like those knaves. What kind of wretch betrays and harasses a widow and her daughter?”

  “The highborn,” Molly answered. “They were mostly nobles and aristocrats, or their agents. I will say it again: the Fairy Tale World is full of desperate cursed lords, ladies, princes and princesses.”

  Her words felt like the kick of a warhorse. Everything made sense now. Her refusal to believe he was going to pay her. Her skepticism at the promises made by nobles and royals. She’d grown up witnessing nothing but broken vows and ingratitude. And worse—betrayal.

  “Don’t ask me to help you convince Princess Serenia you’re not a frog. I won’t do it, no matter what.”

  Frustration bubbled inside him. “Why must I pay the price for the misdeeds of others?”

  “Because you’re like them: cursed and desperate. It’s not my fault you’ve managed to provoke the Wicked Witch.”

  “But—”

  “I’m sorry. I can’t risk everything I’ve worked for for you.” She started walking again.

  He croaked in frustration. It was so unfair…yet he understood her feelings. She didn’t know he wasn’t like the others. If she did, she would surely have helped him.

  There was nothing to do but hop after her. When he regained his form, he’d soundly punish those who’d hurt her and her mother. People like them didn’t deserve to live well on their ill-gotten gains. Prove to her there was still honor, and that he cared. He would show her that he, at least, was worthy.

  Why would you want to go through the trouble, especially after you have everything you wanted? It’s not as though she’s helping you for free, simply out of the goodness of her heart.

  He fidgeted at the uncomfortable—and unwelcome—thoughts. Did he truly need a reason to do the right thing?

  “I’m helping as best I can,” Molly said. “I apologize if it isn’t enough. Still, I can’t return the money you paid me. If you don’t wish to pay me the rest though, I understand.”

  He shook his head. “A thousand coins were promised, and a thousand coins you’ll get. Now let’s stop contemplating the past. Will you help me with tomorrow’s plans?”

  “What do you want?”

  “To sit inside your pocket while John and the princess are together so I can see what he’s up to.”

  She hesitated. “Well, I suppose that’s all right,” she said finally. “But you mustn’t do anything to let Princess Serenia know I’m carrying a frog.”

  “Of course not. Thank you, Molly.”

  She touched the back of his neck, just her index finger brushing his skin. Yet the contact seemed as intimate as a kiss, and all he could see was her love
ly heart-shaped face.

  Why couldn’t she have been a royal princess? She was beautiful, kind-hearted and honorable.

  With the sudden thought came an emptiness so sharp, his heart felt riven by glass.

  She smiled, and the shard dug deeper. “You’re welcome.”

  V. In Which Our Hero Comes to the Maid’s Rescue

  “Princess, you are radiantly beautiful.”

  Robert rolled his eyes at John’s ridiculous flattery. Serenia was of course beautiful, but “radiantly beautiful?” That seemed to be laying it on a bit thick.

  The front pocket of Molly’s apron made for a perfect hiding place. She had even contrived to create a small rip in the fabric that he could peek through, so as to see what his cousin was doing with the princess.

  And from what he’d observed thus far, Serenia spent at least two hours prettying herself in the morning before leaving her room. Molly labored the entire time, curling the princess’s hair just so, buffing and polishing her fingernails, lacing her corset and helping the woman choose what to wear. The princess couldn’t seem to decide anything on her own other than that she was perversely attracted to pink, and if Molly had suggested she put on a pink sack with arm-holes, she might have worn exactly that.

  One thing Serenia could decide for herself was the amount of perfume she wanted. But even that, she’d have Molly do. “Molly, three good squeezes.”

  Serenia smiled, flashing her perfectly symmetrical dimples. Today they looked somehow not as charming. “Thank you kindly, Prince John.”

  “Let’s just make it John.” He took her hand. “I don’t care for formalities, and we’re past such things, don’t you think?”

  She giggled, the sound grating on Robert’s nerves for some reason. She hadn’t caught a chill, and her voice was still the same. So why don’t I find it enchanting any longer?

  “You’re so kind,” she said, half-simpering.

  He hated simpering women.

  They started walking in the garden, following the familiar path. Molly trudged behind them, once again carrying the gigantic parasol by herself. Robert frowned. Her helper must still be sick. He made a mental note to ask about the matter later and settled inside the pocket, trying to make himself small and unnoticeable.