Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 72146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
My throat goes tight with emotion. I love him dearly, even if the past years I’ve seen nothing but sadness in his gaze. “Your mother would do the same. She would be better at this,” he admits.
“I’m glad to have your blessing, Father,” I say, surprised to find tears coming to my eyes. “I miss her. I wish she were here for this moment and what’s to come.”
“As do I,” he says and his eyes go glassy. “But she would want nothing more than for you to be happy. And thankfully you’ve been picky just enough,” he attempts to joke and the small laugh that bubbles from me is proof the humor was required to lighten the mood.
“Are you sure you wish to go? Are you sure he…and his family and kingdom will suit you?”
“We will find out,” I answer him honestly.
“Do not be afraid to come home. You are my daughter and I will always love you as you are,” he says, and there’s a seriousness there that tells me he may know I’ve been taken by the prince or perhaps he has a feeling such has happened.
“And I love you,” I tell him. “I will see you soon. And I will write!”
He laughs and touches my cheek, then it is time to climb into the carriage and follow after the princes. With a long exhale, I take my leave, knowing when I return, I may be planning my wedding. My father’s squire opens the door for us and surely he will be the one to take us to this new kingdom. Perhaps, a kingdom that will join my own.
Isabel and I wave to the Blanche and Alice who gathered to see us off. They clutch each other’s hands and call goodbyes. I try to promise them that I will bring them with me, if I am to move households, but there is not enough time, so instead I promise to speak to them soon. Inside the carriage, we’re provided with a small basket in case of hunger or thirst. Pastries, a bottle of wine, and goblets.
We’re quiet as the countryside around the castle rolls past us. As soon as it is out of sight, Isabel turns her gaze on me, her eyes wide.
“I must know more, Cora,” she demands. “It has been…what, four days, and already he is whisking you away? I did not think you would be willing! All those other suitors, and you did not seem to show any interest at all. It’s quite a difference.” The horse clopping and the sound of my racing heart compete with one another as I look my lifelong friend and confidant in the eyes and know I must come clean. Even at the cost of risking everything. I don’t know if she’ll understand but I pray she will still love me regardless and keep my secrets. And that she doesn’t judge the princes too harshly either.
“I know it seems like a change of heart since I’ve seen you last.” I hide my face in my hands and gather my thoughts, then face her again. “The truth is…things began the night of the ball.”
“I knew it,” Isabel says, looking pleased with herself. A smirk brings her lips up. “I knew something was different about you that night. Had he sent word of his interest? Did he write to you in secret?”
As if it was that civil…
“No,” I admit and swallow thickly. “I saw a shadow watching from the balcony above the ballroom. Once I noticed him, I could not stop looking for him. I’m used to being watched by the guards, of course, but this was different. I felt his eyes on me all night. I could not pay attention to my dancing partners.”
Isabel’s brow furrows in mock confusion. “Just as well, as those men do nothing but talk over you!” The carriage jostles over the rough terrain for a moment but I continue, afraid that if I don’t, the truth will never spill.
“They did,” I agree, laughing a little. “It seemed they barely saw me at all. But he—this strange man in the shadows—he did see me. So after my father closed the ball…”
Isabel gasps as if she knows what I am about to say next. “You went to him?”
“I pretended to go to my rooms, but I stole away. I thought he might still be in the balcony above the ballroom, and I was right. But he had gone down a passageway to another balcony, which was outside, but he stayed in the shadows. He did not say a single word, and I could not stop talking. I admitted that I did not want a husband who would attempt to control every move I made. I admitted…that I wouldn’t mind if my husband controlled me in bed.”
Isabel covers her mouth. “You did not.” Her eyes are wide but more with shock than judgment. “Cora,” she stresses and then lowers her voice, “tell me this isn’t true. Have you told anyone else?”