One Kiss (4 page)

It took all of his self-control to adopt a conciliatory tone. “As you wish.”
We’ll see about that.

He would undo the curse no matter what it took.

Robert waited for Princess Serenia in the same spot he’d seen her the day before. If Molly had spoken the truth—and he knew she had—the princess would be coming along soon.

His offering rested on the grass in front of him. Made of gold and sparkle-glass, the sphere was the size of a man’s fist and gleamed like a well-polished jewel. Small diamond chips embedded into swirling patterns and butterfly motifs glittered in the sunlight like a thousand tiny stars. He’d commissioned this and two others like it from three of the most famous craftsmen in the land. Similar in theme but individually unique, the set was one of the finest items from his treasures. They were lovely enough to bedazzle any woman, even a princess with the most exacting and impeccable taste.

The late morning breeze brushed by, cool and lovely. The soil under his webbed feet was pleasantly moist and fragrant. Even the sun seemed unusually brilliant, though he was careful to stay in the shade of a pomegranate tree so that he didn’t dry out.

Soon he’d undo his curse, marry Serenia and return to Lustrea. The Wicked Witch would howl, watching him take his throne in triumph with such a stunning bride.

He chuckled. What a satisfying outcome. Seeing the Wicked Witch’s infuriated face would almost make up for the indignities he’d suffered from the curse.

Almost.

“Hold the parasol more upright,“ came a clear voice. “And don’t crowd me so. I don’t want you stepping on my skirts.”

Serenia. His chosen. His heart beat faster.

“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”

Robert’s jaw dropped at the meek tone. Molly? Could she actually sound like that?

He closed his mouth. He was there to catch a princess, not flies.

They appeared on the other side of the path. Serenia smiled at a trio of yellow butterflies fluttering by. She was so perfectly formed. Even her dimples were symmetrical—appearing identically on both corners of her beautifully curved mouth. A gorgeous pink silk gown sewn with jewels covered her lithe form. It would be difficult to find a wedding dress that would do her justice.

Slightly behind and to one side, Molly marched with a huge parasol. The tube, thick as her wrist, was braced against her shoulder and sweat beaded on her forehead.

Robert tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. The parasol seemed too big and heavy for one woman. Why didn’t Molly have someone to help her? Was her partner sick perhaps?

The chivalrous thing to do would be to lend a hand, but he currently didn’t have one. So frustrating. What if Molly hurt herself? Though he was sure Serenia would continue to pay her while Molly recovered, injuries could bring a lifetime of nagging pain, especially for someone who had to work for a living.

Well. She
would
have a thousand gold coins to ease her suffering.

A sudden gust tipped the parasol, unbalancing Molly. She almost tripped, and Serenia cried, “Steady, you clumsy chit.”

Robert blinked. Had Serenia just called her maid a “clumsy chit?” Shouldn’t she be worried about Molly’s wellbeing? After all, maids were part of a princess’s responsibilities. That was what being a royal meant.

Then Molly made a face at the princess behind her back. Hmm. Perhaps Molly wasn’t so meek and biddable after all. That must be why the princess had been harsh with her.

Yes. That had to be it. Why else would Serenia treat Molly so?

But shouldn’t a princess be above such pettiness? Shouldn’t she be nobler?

He ignored the voice. There was no need to nitpick or obsess about Serenia and Molly’s relationship. He had much bigger things to attend to, such as undoing his curse. Once that was accomplished, he was certain Molly would quit her job and retire.

He rolled the golden ball, making sure it would stop in the princess’s path, and crouched in the middle of the grassy lawn, blending into the green. No need for her to see him first and run screaming again.

Serenia came closer to the golden ball with each step.

Come on, Princess.

She looked up at the sun. “It’s awfully bright, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” Molly answered.

“Hot, too.”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”

“Did you bring my favorite fan?”

“My apologies, Your Royal Highness. I didn’t know you would want it.” Molly dropped her gaze briefly.

Robert could tell she was lying. She had known exactly what Serenia wanted, but hadn’t brought it.

What a terrible maid she was. Was this why Serenia didn’t allow Molly to take food from the royal kitchen? He certainly wouldn’t if his servants were this bad.

“Next time, bring it,” Serenia snapped. “It’s getting too hot, but I must have my walk and you need to keep me cool.”

Molly’s face twisted into a grimace. Robert was sure she was attempting—unsuccessfully—to smile. “Yes, Your Royal Highness.”

Serenia resumed her slow-paced stroll. She was so busy grumbling and stealing glances back at Molly that she didn’t even notice the golden ball in her path.

Argh! It was all Molly’s fault Serenia was too irritated to see his offering. And to think he’d paid five hundred gold coins. He might as well have given them to the Wicked Witch.

“Your Royal Highness, there is something on the path,” Molly said.

“What?” Serenia began a screech, then stopped and bent for a closer look. “What is it?”

“It appears to be a golden ball.”

“Oooh. Do fetch it.”

Molly did as she was told, all the while keeping the enormous parasol over the princess. The poor maid strained so hard, Robert felt guilty for getting mad at her just a moment ago. Why didn’t Serenia pick up the ball herself? It wasn’t that heavy.

Perhaps Serenia simply didn’t know that yet.

When Molly handed her the ball, Serenia said, “This is the most beautiful ball I’ve ever seen. Where could it have come from?”

Part of being a prince of the realm is knowing when to Take Action, and Robert seized the moment. “It is a gift for you, most beautiful princess,” he said, staying hidden in the grass.

“Who’s there?” Serenia turned to Molly. “Did you hear that?”

“I did, Your Royal Highness.”

“So I can keep this?” Serenia asked Molly.

Before Robert could object to being ignored, Molly said, “Well, the voice did say it was a gift.”

“That’s what I thought. So it’s mine now.” Serenia started to hand it over to Molly, then stopped. “Never mind, you clumsy girl. I’ll carry it myself.”

“Are you pleased with my gift, Princess Serenia?” Robert said quickly, before Serenia resumed her walk.

“Yes, Oh Invisible Man.”

“Then will you spend some time with me?”

“Doing what?” she asked, her face blank.

“I merely wish to talk with you.”

“Oh.” Serenia frowned. Even that was lovely. It was good that the Wicked Witch wasn’t around. If she had been, she might have cursed Serenia just for her beauty. “I don’t know.”

“But I have given you the golden ball—a one-of-a-kind objet d’art, I might add. Do I not deserve something in return?”

“Oh very well.” She pouted. “But I have nothing to talk about.”

Robert doubted that. She was probably just being modest. All the princesses he’d known were at least passable conversationalists.

Serenia sat on a marble bench. Molly stood behind her with the parasol over both of them.

Robert remained hidden and attempted to engage the princess with the latest developments in Fairy Tale politics—such as the troll strike—and art. She seemed uninterested in politics—“That’s for the kings to decide”—or art—“Unless I can wear it, I don’t care.” He tried the latest happenings with other royal families—poor Sleeping Beauty’s never-ending slumber—and the latest trend in vocal music. She was unsympathetic to the former and uninterested in the latter. Finally, he spoke about the latest treatise on proper etiquette (“Oh, who cares? Rules are for the little people.”) and the prediction for the year’s harvest: scanty, hence the common folk might need some help in the form of tithe relief and/or special public assistance. (“That’s the minister’s concern, not mine.”)

Hmm. Perhaps Serenia was simply shy. But hopefully she realized that he was someone of intellect, worthy of her notice and esteem. Though his true form would’ve been the easiest way to gain her attention, he had to make do. And he was quite justifiably proud of his wide range of knowledge and interests. None had ever accused him of being a dullard.

Suddenly, Serenia rose. “I’m hungry. Molly, what’s for lunch?”

“Your favorite, Your Royal Highness.”

“Which favorite would that be?”

“Roasted pork with fig sauce, freshly baked bread and chocolate cream pie.”

“Sounds delicious. Let’s go.”

Robert’s mouth hung open and an involuntary croak seeped out. How could she just
go?
And without saying farewell to him, who had given her
the most beautiful ornamental ball she’d ever seen?

“Oh Prinnnnncess!” called a familiar male voice. Robert’s blood ran even colder than usual when he heard it. “Where arrrrre you?”

Serenia turned with a smile brilliant enough to rival the sun. “Prince John! I thought you were resting.”

“I was, but I couldn’t resist the allure of spending time with you in your favorite garden.”

Impotent fury blazed white-hot at the sight of his cousin. John hadn’t changed much in the years Robert had been absent from Lustrea. His hair was as burnished copper to Serenia’s gold, his eyes a dark hazel that many women found attractive.

Robert studied John, but couldn’t find a single physical flaw. John dressed well, looked well, and Serenia was—unless Robert was mistaken—happy to see him.

Most galling of all, John hadn’t been cursed into a frog’s shape.

“Oh my, dropped something.” John crouched down and made a show of hunting around in the grass. “Robert, I know you’re somewhere around,” he muttered.

“What are you doing here?” Robert demanded in a fierce whisper.

“Wooing Princess Serenia, naturally. I’m in need of a suitable wife.”

“She’s mine. I chose her first.”

“Did you, now? And did she say yes to you first?”

Robert fumed.

“Of course not. I heard she can’t stand frogs.” John sneered as only a royal could. “You’re never going to undo your curse.”

“No curse is forever in our world. You would do well to remember that, cousin.”

“Such faith is touching.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“The Wicked Witch told me. You should never have crossed her, cousin. Or should I say ‘half-brother?’ She does not forget or forgive easily.” John straightened, pulling a pink bit of silk out of a pocket as he did so, and returned to Serenia.

Robert glared at his cousin’s retreating back.

John was the king’s bastard son, who had been adopted by the king’s childless younger brother. As John was two years older, he thought his claim to the throne more legitimate than Robert’s, regardless of the circumstances of their births. Robert was almost certain John had had something to do with his curse. His cousin was too manipulative and devious not to utilize everything he could to ensure Robert could never return to Lustrea and claim what was rightfully his.

“Shall we?” John extended his arm to Serenia.

She rested her slim hand lightly in the crook of his elbow. “Yes.”

“This ribbon is for you. A small token of my affection. I thought it’d go well with your dress.”

She smiled coyly, then handed the thin strip of silk to Molly.

“By the way,” John continued, “I think I heard a frog ribbit.”

Serenia gasped.

“You may want to have your maid kill it.”

“Oh I shall!” She turned to Molly. “After our walk, catch the frog Prince John saw and dispatch it. This garden seems to be infested with them these days.”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”

* * *

Molly trudged toward her cottage. It was well past dinner time, and her shoes scuffed dust up from the road. “What an endless day.” She sighed. There hadn’t been time to eat anything substantial since the bread and milk from lunch. At least she’d been able to take a bite or two of the leftover pork before the kitchen staff threw everything into the refuse pit.

“And as long a wait.”

She looked up to see Robert by her side. Now that she knew his true form, it was easier to see through the curse. “What are you doing here?”

“Escorting you home.”

“You needn’t bother.”

“I insist.”

She shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Her silly heart picked up. Maybe she was walking too fast.

Naturally. It has nothing to do with the beautifully masculine man beside you.

He’d claimed he was a prince. He probably really was. No commoner had five hundred gold coins on hand, or treasures such as that lovely golden ball. Even if he reneged on his promise and didn’t pay her the rest of the money, she had enough to resign from her post.

And leave she would once her week of helping him was over. She was getting sick of serving Princess Serenia hand and foot, and with little to show for it. The princess didn’t know the words
thank you
or
please
. Everything was an order, usually followed by a dire threat. Not an empty one either; a previous gardener had lost his little toe for being unable to make her favorite roses bloom.

Never mind that it had been mid-November.

Molly had been lucky to be able to keep all her bodily parts so far, but it was only a matter of time before she ran afoul of Serenia’s temper. There was no point risking it any longer than needed.

“You don’t have to thank me this way.” Famished, she ripped a piece from the hunk of old bread in the bag she carried. The crust was getting hard, but she didn’t care so long as it didn’t have any mold. She also had two soft fresh croissants, but those were for her mother. “Have you eaten?”

Robert nodded. “What am I thanking you for?”