Edward

One Year Later

Christmas at the Royal Palace is no small occasion. Every single inch of the palace is covered in colors and lights and the air smells like honey and chocolate. My clothes are itchy, but they're festive so I don't complain.

I still haven't gotten used to people bowing when I walk by. It makes me cringe just the same as it did a year ago when Mister Rainier handed me the key to Royce Manor.

Miss Ambriella is in the Red Parlor by the fireplace, reading a letter close to the light. Her gown is of fine red satin, making her look like one of those fairies from the books. She doesn't smile until she's seen me.

"Edward!" she holds out her arms and gathers me close to her. She smells of strawberries and the sea. It's a nice smell. "I've missed you! Look at how tall you've gotten!"

"I've swears I've grown four inches since you saw me last," I tell her.

I'd have let her kiss my cheek, but Mister Rainier has just walked in and I think it's beneath my dignity to be kissed in front of peoples. Just a matter of principles is all.

"Happy Christmas, Edward," Mister Rainier says, tossing me a carefully wrapped chocolate turtle. "How's Amonta town?"

"Festive," I tell him. Miss Ambriella sits me down beside her and runs her fingers through my hair. I love when she does this. It feels like when Mama used to do it.

"I wrote you a song," she tells me. "I'll play it for you later. Tell me you haven't eaten yet."

"I haven't."

"Good boy. We'll be dining shortly. Rainier, could you—"

And we both pause, looking to the other side of the room, where Mister Rainier has found his reflection. The prince has a minor addiction to reflective surfaces. I suppose in the castle it's no real trouble, but when Miss Ambriella and I are taking him through the market and he pauses to check his hair on the back of a spoon, it really slows us down. Tonight it's one of the ornamental baubles on a holiday tree in the corner. He's fixing his hair idly, taking his time.

"That man is a princess," I say quietly.

"Yes, well, he's my princess," Miss Ambriella says back. "Come on—why don't I just play you that song now instead?"

-end-