Page 48 of The Mirror and the Curse

“Everything is fine here. The children test my patience sometimes—tag-team naughtiness is a bear to deal with—but they’re a lot of fun most of the time.”

“Good. Any ch-chance you can come for the C-Cup race?”

“I can’t promise, but I’ll do my best.”

“Okay. I think I can talk now.”

“Just take it slow.”

“I wanted to tell you how h-happy I am. Fidelio pretty much swept me off my feet. Every day this week he thought up something s-special. Last Sunday, we played in the maze; Monday, we went canoeing and had a p-picnic; Tuesday we waterskied all day, then joined a singalong around a bonfire on the beach; W-Wednesday, we joined a role-playing game night with our crowd, and it just went on like that all week. Then tonight—I mean, last night—a few hours ago, he took me dining and dancing at Rene’s in Huttwil.”

“Aww, Prince Fidelio did all that?”

“Yep. He said he asked friends for ideas, and it worked.”

“Huh. Poor Raquel. How did she react during all this?”

“She’s not here. She’ll be back Monday, tomorrow now, with three other racers and their horses. Fidelio and I have been planning our training routine.”

“It was just Fidelio and you all week?”

“Yes. But I know he loves me, Bea. He talks about Raquel like a friend, that’s all.”

“I’m curious. What’s happening at your lessons with Kai?”

“He canceled them. I d-don’t want to t-talk about it.” Eddi clamped her mouth and eyes shut, but a sob escaped.

“Okay. Shhh. You don’t have to talk about it. Tell me about your plans for training.”

“I th-think it’ll be b-better when the other horses are here.” Eddi paused to draw and exhale a deep, quivery breath, regaining control. “There isn’t much more to tell. The important thing is that I was right about Fidelio. He does like me best. He holds my hand sometimes, and we’re good friends. I mean, I told him I need to take things slow, like you suggested. No kissing or anything. He didn’t argue or try to push me. We’re too young to get married anytime soon; I’ve got to finish college, and he’s got med school. But he’s a great friend.”

“Very wise of you both. He truly is a sweet young man, and I know he respects you. I’m honored that you wanted to tell me everything . . . but Eddi, you really need to get back to the resort and be careful!”

“I will. I’m starting the car now. It’s seriously dark out here.”

“Better hang up now. Call me when you need to talk again. I’m here for you.”

“I know. Love you, Bea.”

“Love you back. G’night.”

“They said eleven o’clock? It’s nearly one, and I’m starving!” Fidelio swept his long fingers through his curly hair and clapped his hat back on his head, bill backwards. Which made his nose look even bigger.

“Want me to run up to the castle and get us sack lunches?” Eddi offered.

They waited on a bench just outside the resort’s front gate, Fidelio slouched with his arms crossed and his feet spread wide. Eddi perched on the bench with her knees pulled up to support her chin, arms wrapped around her shins.

They had run out of conversation some time ago, and she kept dozing off.

“Yeah, might be a good idea.” He sighed, giving her a guilty sidelong glance. “I could do it.”

She lowered her feet and wiggled her toes into her slip-ons. “I’ll go nuts if I have to sit still another minute.”

Moments later, she was trotting up the curved drive. Not that movement banished her wayward thoughts. If only she hadn’t spilled everything to Beatrice the other night. Any idiot would know that two o’clock in the morning is a stupid time to make a phone call. Next time, she was determined, next time she talked to Beatrice, she would be in control of her emotions and project confidence and contentment.

Instead of regret and devastation, which didn’tat allreflect her true emotional state.

The lunch bags took longer to procure than she’d hoped, although the kitchen brownies seemed pleased to serve her. A brownie girl in a spotless apron delivered them to her. “For you, Your Royal Highness,” she chirped with a deep curtsy.

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