Page 102 of Of Curses and Courtship

OPHELIA

OPHELIA

Meeting one’s parents happens relatively fast in traditional courtship—the problem is that I’ve never been traditionally courted. Before my first love, Ethel, I had a series of short-lived lovers who never amounted to much. When Ethel and I began courting, I had no parent to introduce her to, and I already knew her parents quite well.

The most I can do to prepare for this meeting is wear a clean gown—lavender to match my wings. I pull the cloth from my hair and twirl my curls around my finger, hoping desperately that the set will come out well.

Impressing royalty is near impossible for someone like me, but I’m trying for the sake of my courtship with Emyr… and perhaps the fate of the palace. Emyr claims to love me, and if the prophecy is true, our marriage may break the curse.

Usually, I would say it’s too soon to think about marriage, but we have few other choices.

My curls are soft and not too tight. At least one thing is going well. I leave a few tendrils around my face and pile the rest of my hair on my head.

There’s a gentle knocking on my door.

“Come in,” I say, already knowing who it is.

Emyr is as dashing as he has ever been; in his golden suit, he is the very picture of the sun, standing before me with an equally vibrant smile. “I would ask if you’re ready, but it appears you are.”

“Physically, I am.” I step away from the looking glass. “I don’t know if anything can prepare me mentally for what comes next.”

He steps closer and takes my hands in his. “They’ll be polite, if that is your concern.”

“Decorum is the least of my worries—it’s that they’ll not like me. As far as they can see, I’m the one who ruined your betrothal to a princess. That would have been a far more advantageous marriage for you.”

“Marrying her wouldn’t have broken the curse, and they’ll realize that. If they’re upset about anything, it’s the last-minute change in plans.” His expression softens. “And perhaps that’s my fault… for not realizing sooner.”

After all, he and Minetta were set to marry on the next full moon. I am either the one who can save them or the one who stopped Minetta from doing so. I won’t blame them for disliking me.

“Let us not make them wait any longer,” I say.

He squeezes my hand and leads me out. Perhaps the touch is meant to comfort me, but I’m still growing accustomed to being able to be close to him at all. It sends my heart racing, as do the words that accompany the display of affection.

“You look lovely,” he murmurs. “I adore this color on you.”

“As you should.” I attempt a smile, but it feels halfhearted. “It’s the color of my wings, and I can do little to change that.”

“I don’t wish you to change anything about yourself, big or small.”

Sweet words can’t stop my racing heart. We meet his parents in a dining hall, one I’ve only been to when working. Am I truly allowed to dine in places like this, with high chandeliers and tables abundant with food? The candles flicker, and a hint of rosemary and sage fills the air. White plates etched with red flowers are placed over the pristine tablecloth.

His mother’s eyes sharpen to take me in. “You work for us, do you not?”

I curtsy. “Yes, Your Majesty, I do.”

The king clicks his tongue. “That won’t do. If the others find out?—”

“Her employment doesn’t matter.” Emyr pulls out my chair. “Our goal has always been to break the curse. When did that change?”

“The goal is the same,” the queen says. “But to compare a maid to a princess?—”

Emyr silences his mother with a sharp look. “Then do not compare them.”

The queen presses her lips together.

As I expected, I’m a disappointment to them. Heavens above, how I wish to bolt. The weight of scrutiny pushes me into the solid, wooden floor. I glance at the door, pining for escape, but Emyr clears his throat and gestures to the chair he’s pulled out.

I sit down and plaster on a polite smile. “It is lovely to meet you, despite the odd circumstances. My intention is thesame as yours—to break this curse that has fallen over your once beautiful land.”