After Evangeline’s last encounter with the Prince of Hearts—when he was actually trying to help her—she’d been turned to stone. She didn’t want to imagine what might happen if she saw Jacks again and he decided to collect on the three kisses she owed him.
The best way to protect herself from the Prince of Hearts was to turn down the offer to go to the North.
But then what? At best, Evangeline would continue working at the bookstore and holding her breath every time the bell rang. Which suddenly felt a little pathetic rather than hopeful.
“If you’re worried about that nasty rumor, we’ve already had it fixed,” said the empress.
“Oh yes, that was so fun!” Princess Donatella held out her hand, and a pair of spirited hummingbirds delivered a sheet of black-and-white newsprint to Evangeline.
* * *
The Whisper Gazette
SPECIAL EDITION ANNOUNCEMENT
By Kutlass Knightlinger
Just in from a reliable source, Valenda’s Sweetheart Savior has been cured. Her touch no longer turns men to stone.
* * *
Evangeline hadn’t even thought to worry about this rumor, but she was impressed the sisters had already taken care of it.
“It just went out. By tonight, no one will think you’re cursed anymore,” confirmed the princess. “Though I think most people should know by now they can’t believe everything they read. You should have seen some of the things said about me after the Week of Terror.”
“I might have read a few of them,” Evangeline admitted. “The bookshop where I work keeps all the old papers.”
“And what did you think?” the princess pressed, appearing excited rather than embarrassed as she plopped a small tart into her heart-shaped mouth.
Evangeline couldn’t help but laugh. She liked these sisters. “I think Mr. Knightlinger got it all wrong. You’re far fiercer in person than the gossip sheets made you out to be.”
“I told you she’d be perfect.” The princess clapped. “Tell us you’re going to say yes! You don’t have to do anything but go.”
The sisters gave her a pair of matching grins as flower petals rained down and more hummingbirds buzzed around.
If they knew the truth about the day she’d turned to stone, they never would have asked her to do this. But maybe Evangeline could use this ball to become more of the person they thought she was. The invitation could be fate manipulating her path and bringing her back to Jacks, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t also her chance at finding a happier end to her own story. She knew it was wishful thinking to imagine that if she went north she’d meet Prince Apollo and he’d fall in love and choose her. But she’d been raised to believe in wishes and fairytales and things that seemed impossible.
And what if this wasn’t just her chance at a happy ending but Marisol’s opportunity as well? Evangeline had wanted to find a way to make things better for her stepsister. Maybe this was the way.
If Marisol went north with Evangeline, no one would know her as the Cursed Bride. She’d just be a girl at a ball, and Evangeline would make sure it was the best ball of her life. By the time they returned to Valenda, Luc would be a forgotten memory for both of them.
Evangeline returned the royal sisters’ smiles. “If I said yes, would it be possible for me to take my stepsister?”
“That’s a lovely idea,” said the empress.
“I should have thought of that,” muttered her sister. “But don’t worry, we’ve thought of everything else. You might have noticed the North’s seasons are different from ours. Their first day of winter is only three weeks from now, so we might have already started preparations.”
There was a great deal of talk after that about lodging, then dresses. Fashion in the North was quite different. Gentlemen wore doublets and lots of leather. Ladies wore gowns with double skirts and ornamental belts. And then the princess was oohing and aahing about jewels and pearls, and Evangeline’s insides were like curling ribbons, all giddy and excited.
Finally, she asked the last question she was curious about. “Do either of you know anything about the prince?”
“Yes!” both sisters answered enthusiastically.
“He’s—” Princess Donatella’s eyes went foggy. “Actually, I can’t remember what I’ve heard.”
“I’ve—” The empress broke off in a similar manner as she tried to recall what she had heard as well.
Evangeline wondered if information about the prince was cursed in the same way that many Northern tales were. Neither sister could remember a thing about Prince Apollo Acadian or his family.