Page 1086 of One More Kiss

Chapter6

Edan finally found his voice.“Thank you, Father. However, we have a bit of a snag.” He paused to take a drink of tea, then set his cup on the side table. “Tatiana was issued an assignment by the guild to cast a wish upon me, paid for by Princess Hadley, to make me fall in love with her.”

The king spat out his tea. “She did what? That guild! You’ve no idea the games they play. “He directed his attention to me. “Tatiana, dear, I do not include you among them. I speak of times long before you were born, however, it seems they are using the same backhanded tricks. And on my son no less.” He was clearly angry, and thankfully, his anger wasn’t directed toward me.

“Yes, Your Majesty, and after discussing it with Prince Edan, I wish to give up my wings and my wand. I no longer want to be part of an institution that takes free will from others and creates unions with magic.”

King Fredrick’s face paled. “There is something I must tell you, the both of you.” He paused, seeming to gather himself. “Many years ago, after Edan’s mother passed away, I was the victim of a fairy’s wand…” He rose from his chair and walked toward the window. “I’d thought myself in love with the most beautiful woman in all of Wisteria and set out to marry her…then the fairy’s wand was broken, and the spell shattered. My true sight, my true heart was returned to me, and I realized straightaway I had been taken advantage of, regardless of my feelings.”

“Father, I…” Edan rose to meet the king. “I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?”

King Fredrick appeared stricken, and I couldn’t blame him. This sort of situation was exactly why free will was so important and shouldn’t be stripped away. “I could not speak of it, son.” He clapped him on the shoulder. “It was a time in my life I wish I could erase from my memory—it was quite painful to endure, and you were so young at the time.”

He took a deep breath and continued, “Soon after your mother and I were married, we had you—my most precious memory. However, as you know, she was taken from us far too early.” He shook his head and stared out of the window. “I sought comfort from another, and when the wand was broken, I felt as though I’d been cheated, my will taken from me once the veil of magic was lifted. I cannot say I did not love the woman, however, I vowed then I’d never trust the guild again.”

“King Fredrick, if I may.” I stood and crossed the room. “This is precisely why I want out. And why it’s so important for me to begin a new life with Edan at my side. With your blessing, it will reveal to the kingdom that not all fairies are the same. We—all fairies—can and will have true love if we desire. We do not have to live under the harsh rules of the guild if we choose.”

He turned and met my gaze. “You, Tatiana, are absolutely correct. I shall announce your and my son’s upcoming nuptials and decree that he is free to marry whom he wishes—Tatiana, the Fairy Godmother.”

“Your Majesty, would it be improper if I hugged you now?” I had to ask, because I was bouncing on the balls of my feet and grinning as though I’d just won a prize. Well, I had… My Prince!

He chuckled. “Please, call me Fredrick, and you may hug me any time you wish.”

I wrapped my arms around him in a tight embrace, and then I felt a pair of strong arms encase the two of us. Edan. It was a group hug, it seemed.

Pulling away, King Fredrick leaned down and kissed my cheek. “I best be off to prepare for the wedding announcement. Don’t worry about the guild, Tatiana. I shall handle them if anything arises. You and my son shall be married. And that is that.”

He hugged Edan again and then left the room.

“Well, I guess the interruption wasn’t quite so embarrassing after all.” Edan pulled me close and kissed my nose.

“I beg to differ. It was mortifying! But, the outcome was incredible. I couldn’t ask for anything more, my Prince.” I rested my head against his chest, listening to the rhythm of his heart.

“Do you know what this means?” I glanced up at Edan’s words. “We will have to see Griselda together. I look forward to it.” Oh, his grin was wicked.

My stomach plummeted, and I felt my face turn a bit green at the thought. I did not look forward to it in the least. That woman was scary on a good day. Downright frightening on most other days.

Time for my big girl panties.

Dammit.

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