Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
He rose, standing beside me. “You are not interested in knowing? Don’t most women fantasize about their weddings?”
“It’s strange. I’ve thought about my wedding for years—since I was a little girl, in fact. I was often picking ribbons and lace I knew I would just have to have.” I grinned, noticing the inaccuracy of his sketch. He’d failed to draw any woman but myself and the queen. It looked as if we were in the room alone, and she was teaching me privately. There was no Lady Scarlet or any of the others. “Yet now with it set to take place, it does not feel real. None of this feels real.”
“Maybe happiness has made you delirious,” he whispered. When I looked back into his eyes, I could feel myself melting. Yes, this was strange; all I felt I needed was to hang on to him.
“Are you happy, Wilhelm? I’m sure you would have much preferred not to sit here for hours, listening to us. You do not have to stay—”
“Do you desire that I go?”
“No,” I said immediately. “I quite enjoy you staring at and drawing me. But I am seeking to be considerate of you. Apparently, it is what wives are meant to do.”
He chuckled. “I think I’ve become accustomed to you not being considerate of my feelings.”
“Don’t say that—” I said, nearly too loudly, glancing over to make sure the queen was not annoyed with me. Seeing her still speaking about the menu, I faced him again, but he had leaned in so close that it startled me.
“Never stop being yourself, Hathor.”
“And you remain yourself. Without, of course, all your female companions,” I said sternly. “You have not yet seen me jealous, but I promise you it is not an enjoyable experience for anyone involved. You very well may end up poisoned.”
“Lady Hathor, are you threatening me with murder?” He laughed outright, his grin wide.
“Shh! Do not laugh so much, they are watching everything,” I grumbled. He took my hand, holding it. “Wilhelm.”
“What are they going to do? Tell the world we are in love? I thank them for their efforts.”
I held my head high. “Just because you have me in your hands for the moment does not mean you will have me for a lifetime. I must be given a healthy profusion of love regularly, or I shall lose interest.”
“Should it not be women who worry about losing their husbands’ interest?” He leaned closer.
“I am not women. I am Hathor.”
“How much longer do you two plan to make us witness this little display?” the queen called out from behind me, making us separate quickly. I turned around to face her, noticing that she was now sitting while tea was presented to her. “I terribly hate wasting my time. Should I simply call for the archbishop and have the matter resolved this evening?”
“Is it truly possible? If so, I would be much obliged,” Wilhelm answered.
“It is not possible. And we are very grateful for your time, Your Majesty,” I cut in, giving him a glare before quickly walking back to their circle. “In fact, we are very grateful for all you have done—”
“Do not overflatter, my dear, it is an act of the peasantry.” She waved me off, and just like that, Lady Crane—who should have been called Lady Stone, as she seemed unshakeable and unwavering—stepped forward once more, new books in her hands.
“You walk decently for a lady. However, it must be refined for the wedding. Place these on your head and walk about the room,” she said, handing me three books.
I did as she asked and began to walk slowly. I was sure I could do this well—I had practiced thousands of times before. But just as I was about to complete my first turn about the room, I noticed his eyes on me once more. All he had to do was wink and I tripped, making him snicker.
“Your Highness, are you sure you are not needed elsewhere?” Lady Crane asked him.
“Yes, quite sure. Why?”
“Because you are becoming a distraction,” the queen answered.
“On the contrary, I believe I am helping. Will she not be walking toward me? What if she sees my handsome face and trips then? It’s better she becomes accustomed to it now, if possible.”
I scoffed. “Your Majesty, if overflattery is an act of the peasantry, what is self-flattery considered to be?”
“I believe the church brands it as vain. Though I must admit, he is handsome; of course, it comes from my side of the family,” she replied.
I looked at her, realizing that was not the only thing he seemed to get from her side of the family.
“The books, Lady Hathor,” Lady Crane reminded me.
Sighing, I lifted the books and placed them back on my head.
I could not wait for this wedding to come and go as quickly as possible.