Page 77 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

Rosamund pushed out of his arms and scrambled off the bed. She wobbled on her feet and placed a hand on the side of her head as if the quick movement was too much for her. He leapt up to catch her and steadied her. She flashed a grateful smile.

“Must tell him what?” he asked.

“That the Fae are not interested in Stonebridge,” she said.

“How do you know that?”

She started to reply, but her mother bustled into the bedchamber, her arms outstretched. When Rosamund saw her, she released Phillip and went to her. They hugged, her mother sniffing with her tears of joy. Then she pulled back, holding the princess at arm’s length.

“I’m so relieved the curse is broken. And so will your father,” the queen said.

“Mother, I need to speak with Papa at once,” she said.

“Oh…” She sucked in a breath as she glanced from the princess to Phillip. He saw the apprehension in her eyes. “He’s resting now, dear. I’ll ring for tea and we can discuss—”

“Now, Mother,” Rosamund said, her tone firm.

She blinked surprise. “But—”

“It’s important. It’s about the Fae.”

Her mother drew her lower lip through her teeth and then nodded. “If it’s that important.”

“It is.”

The queen cut him a glance. “Under the circumstances, Prince Phillip, I think you should return to your chambers with your mother.”

He nodded. “Yes, of course.”

“Why? What’s happened?” Rosamund demanded.

“I will explain.” Queen Eleanor took her by the hand and led her away.

As they exited the chamber, he had a terrible feeling he wouldn’t see her again. He hoped he was wrong.

Chapter 29

Rosamunddidn’tunderstandwhatthe circumstances were her mother spoke of as she followed her out of the bedchamber. She stole a glance over her shoulder to see Phillip’s crestfallen face and worried something terrible had transpired when she was under the curse.

What had happened?

Her mother opened the door to the chamber to exit into the hallway. When she did, Queen Adele was waiting on the other side. She paced the length of the hallway, her skirts swishing with the movement. When she saw them, she came to a jarring halt. Her face lit with joy when she saw Rosamund. She rushed over to them.

“Princess!”

Without waiting for her to respond, she swept Rosamund into a great hug, holding her in a tight embrace that nearly squeezed the life out of her. For a moment, she was too stunned by the sudden action to react. When it was clear Queen Adele was not going to release her, she wrapped her arms around her and returned the hug. The queen smelled like lilacs.

At last, the queen pulled back and looked her over. Her broad smile was infectious and Rosamund found she was unable to resist returning the smile.

“My son was successful in breaking the curse, I see. How wonderful!”

“Your majesty,” she said and tried to dip a curtsy.

“None of that,” Adele said. “We are to be family soon.” Her gaze flickered to her mother who remained behind her.

Queen Eleanor cleared her throat. “Yes, well, that remains to be seen.”

Alarm suddenly pounded through Rosamund. “What do you mean, Mother?”

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