Page 1 of The Mirror and the Curse

With her phone to her ear, Princess Edurne of Bilbao scowled across a panoramic view of royal gardens and pristine beach beneath a colorful evening sky. Her gaze focused on a pair of tall people strolling along the shore: the girl talking with unusual animation and the young man listening attentively.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” she declared, her face tight with frustration. “After all these months, Fidelio askedherif she would like to take a walk, and I was right there!”

“What were you doing when he asked her, Eddi?” a gentle voice inquired.

“Playing table tennis.”

“Now the real question. With whom?”

Eddi’s brows pulled further together. “With Carlo and Dom and their cousin Raoul—remember him? But I would have quit instantly if Fidelio asked me for a walk on the beach. Bea, how can he not realize I’m nuts over him?”

“Maybe because you have more fun goofing around with his brothers and cousin than you do talking with him?” Beatrice suggested.

“Not true!” Eddi paced along the parapet. “He’s blind if he believes that. Raquel guards him like a watchdog. I never get a chance alone with him! Seriously, she plans her holidays around his schedule—”

“Don’t you do that too?”

Eddi stopped short. “How else am I supposed to spend time with him?”

“How can you blame her for doing the same thing? Aren’t any of your girlfriends there for you to hang out with?”

“Maria was supposed to come but backed out last minute, and Ianthe’s family had other plans. The only girl I have to hang out with is—get this—Lady Gillian Montmorency, who is newly engaged to Raoul.”

“She is? Really?” Beatrice sounded satisfyingly surprised.

“I know, right? I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news—figured the man must be a blind fool after all and the Mean Girl wants him for his money. But then, crazy as it sounds, yesterday she apologized to me for her past behavior.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful news!” Beatrice exclaimed. “Are she and Raquel friends again?”

Eddi let out a sarcastic laugh. “Hardly. Last night, when Gillian worked up the nerve to talk to her, Raquel ignored her entirely and walked away. Gillian cried.”

“Oh, that’s sad. Those two have been besties forever.”

“More like worsties.”

Beatrice chuckled. “They were mostly immature and self-absorbed. Wow. I’m really pleased to hear that Lady Gillian is . . . different, now.”

“Yeah, she’s not mean anymore. I even went running on the beach with her this morning. But mostly she and Raoul are all lovey-dovey and making wedding plans, so I end up with Carlo and Dom. The king and queen glower if Fidelio and I hang out at all.”

After a silence, Beatrice observed, “Their Majesties always seemed fond of you. Has something . . . happened?”

“I haven’t done anything shocking, if that’s what you’re asking. Fidelio says they want him to finish his degree and medical school before he even thinks of having a girlfriend.”

“Ah. That makes sense.”

“But you know he’s perfect for me, Bea. He never minds how much I talk, and he understands the trials of being royal. He’s kind of clueless sometimes, but so patient and good-natured. He makes me feel . . . happy. Important.”

“Hmm. What do his parents think of Raquel?”

“They glower at her too. At least that much is fair. Oh! Carlo and Dom are hunting for me, probably for a rematch. Gotta go.”

But Beatrice cried, “Wait! When is the race? I meanyourrace?”

Eddi glanced back at the ocean, trying to ignore the shouts from above. “Tomorrow, of course! One of these days I’ll get you trained to follow sports news . . . or at least,mysport’s news. White’s in great shape, and I think we have a shot at winning this.”

“Good luck, Eddi. Be careful. And do try to enjoy your holiday. If you make it all about Prince Fidelio, you’ll only end up frustrated.”

Eddi scoffed. “Iknowhe likes me. I’ve seen it in his eyes. He just needs more encouragement.”

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