I Love You, My Cursed Prince

Winter was beginning, and it was time for Prince Vidar to go to his father.

But it had to be done in a certain way.

Very early one morning, so early that it was still dark, Vidar squeezed into a carriage all by himself while the two women went into a different one. Then they rode on to the Royal Palace. The sunrise was painting the sky when they finally arrived at the large, pale building. Vidar discreetly entered through a side entrance. The curious and snobby looks from all the guards made Muriel want to chew on her lower lip.

The women went to their assigned rooms so they could dress up for their appearances. Muriel wore her best outfit yet. It was a rich midnight blue with white lace, black fur trimmings, and an overskirt with a train. Brooches of silver with milky opal stones were pinned in rows on the edges of the robe, lightly bordering the stomacher and underskirt. Her square neckline was so low that too much activity could have her n.i.p.p.l.es slipping out. A lace choker was on her throat, and there was also a long chair of silver with a large opal pendant dangling just into her cleavage. Her pale hair was teased and puffed a bit high. A small cap of white silk and more lace was pinned on top; there was an opal pin with a white feather there, along with lappets falling down her nape.

Still, Princess Arya was higher in rank than her, much higher, and she was allowed the most finery. More jewels, a longer train, and finer materials overall. Even her hair was in a flashier style, taller and fuller with strings of gemstones and very long feathers. This would likely be the standard even after Muriel married her son.

The women quietly marched on to the glittering throne room, where several nobles, attendants, servants, and the royal family waited. The sparking Queen Consort was standing on the king's right, as she normally did, but Muriel happened to glance at her pale green eyes for only a second, and she saw that the queen seemed worried. Crown Prince Emil was also at his place, to the king's left. Muriel didn't even try to look at his eyes. She didn't want to.

Both women curtsied very deeply. Princess Arya gave the king a humble verbal greeting. Then she said, "I imagine you already know this, but our dear son Vidar has asked my paid companion to marry him. I hope you won't be distressed by this news."

Muriel heard the light buzzing of the audience whispering their rumors and such. She froze her face into an emotionless expression and looked down at King Thorvaldo's silver colored breeches and white stockings.

The king stood up from his throne and said, "I've certainly heard of this, but I'm puzzled. Isn't Vidar so terribly cursed that he is nearly unrecognizable?"

"I'm afraid so, Your Majesty," Princess Arya said with a tiny yet somber nod of her head. The feathers in her hair visibly palpitated. "Yet, his resolve has strengthened, and he'll be very obedient once you summon him. I have Miss Devin to thank for that miracle."

The king's fingers twitched a bit. "I don't believe you have any reason to deceive me, but common sense demands that once this cursed creature walks into this throne room he should be tested."

"I completely understand," said the princess. "I'd do the same were I in your position. He's prepared to do anything you require to prove that he is indeed your younger son."

"I should hope so. I have coroners and physicians examining that corpse you brought as we speak."