“That’s Prince James,” a male voice answered her.
A beat, then, “A prince rescued my son and puppy?!”
I’d just ignore that. Safer than being drawn back in.
Upon reaching Helena, I started spouting off every question I had. “How goes it? Did Edwin fill you in on the plan? Where is Edwin?”
I wasn’t at all pleased hestillwasn’t here.
“He did indeed. In fact, he stayed with me while I explained everything to our parents, which I’m grateful for, as he was able to answer more questions than I could. I expect him to catch up in a few minutes.” Helena leaned in, a knowing expression on her face. “You like him, don’t you?”
I had no desire to hide my love for Edwin any longer, having already done it in one lifetime. “I’d propose to him if I thought he’d say yes.”
“I thought so. You were very quick to both protect and reassure him. For the record, I quite approve of your taste in men.”
Eh, uh, huh? What was this? “You do?”
“I do. He’s incredibly smart, and I do love intelligent men, but he’s also incredibly kind. He made sure I was settled on my tasks and knew what was going on before diving into his own. Plus, he’s cute.”
Finally, someone who saw him the way I did. “He’s atrociously cute. You’re not going to fight me for him, are you?”
Helena snickered, eyes crinkling up. “No, there’s no point. He clearly has eyes for you.”
He did? Since when!? I absolutely must get to the bottom of this.
“All I’m saying is, I approve. I’ll support you.”
“This really means a lot to me. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. Oh, and I managed to talk our parents into making Victor pay for all the relief funds, as much as his account will allow. This was his screwup. You shouldn’t be paying for it.”
I doubted his account could afford to cover all the costs, but it would definitely cover the bulk of it. And you know what? I was fine with him paying. “I agree wholeheartedly.”
“Good. You stay here, and I’ll take the other side. I brought my own knights to help. Edwin’s right behind me. He stopped to get you a change of clothes. Be extra sweet to him. He’s very torn up about losing his entire library.”
“Shit.” I groaned, reminded. “He had a good four hundred books in his collection. I’ll replace whatever I can.”
“I’m pretty sure if you do, he’ll marry you on the spot.” With a wink, she turned on her heel and took herself off, her knights following.
She was really coming into her own. Look at her, moving with confidence, dispatching people. Edwin had briefed her well. I felt better having her support with Edwin, too. No one in my previous life had known I’d loved him, so it was liberating and satisfying having the words out there, as well as my sister’s support of the relationship.
Speaking of, there came Edwin now. The clench that had been in my stomach eased immediately now that I had my eyes upon him. Truly, he should be with me at all times. I didn’t like how stressed he looked. His normally impeccably combed hair brushed his glasses, and he wasn’t in a suit like usual but a peasant shirt and rubber waders that came up to his thighs. He carried clothes in one hand and a basket in the other.
“I brought you tea and sandwiches,” he said, handing the basket over. “It’s well past lunch, and you need to eat if you’re going to be effective. Was Princess Helena here?”
“Just now. She left not thirty seconds ago.” I wanted to latch on to him so badly my hands shook. I checked the impulse by gripping the basket handle instead. Clinging to him would only make him uncomfortable.
“Oh good, she said she’d check in with you first. I’m sorry you missed it. She tore a strip off Prince Victor’s hide—then did it again with even more venom when he insisted this wasn’t his fault. I didn’t know she couldgetthat mad, but she was enraged. Punched him dead in the mouth and sent him ass over teakettle. Told him and your parents she was emptying his account to pay for aid. Frankly, after watching her, I think the king and queen were afraid to tell her no.”
A laugh escaped me. “I’m sorry I missed that too. Good for her. Thank you for the food. I was so busy, I didn’t even think to eat. Actually, I’m not sure I have time to eat.”
“I figured, that’s why I brought something for you, and please make time.” Edwin gestured me toward the carriage following him. “Sit, eat, I’ve got this.”
He always did. Time to change my clothes, eat something, and drink some tea sounded like precisely what I needed. With Edwin here, I could spare those five minutes of rest.
Five minutes was all I spared, though. With dry clothes on and my stomach full, I had a new burst of energy and dove back into the work. I helped pull people from the wreckage, authorized storing valuables in my own warehouses to protect what little had survived, reorganized the knights and mages when they finished clearing areas, and sent them out into a different area of the city.
Time seemed to fly by, but I wasn’t convinced I was moving fast enough. Unfortunately, after being here all day and now intothe night, I was dead on my feet and slowing. Bodies were so incredibly limiting sometimes.
