“Right,” she said. “I suppose you have a wedding to plan now.”
Rosalie. My heart dropped. I’d promised myself to another woman, and as a fae, I had to see it through, no matter how much I longed to be with Lizzy.
She fidgeted, twisting her fingers together. “Can I—give you a hug?”
I nodded. Maybe I shouldn’t have because it was hard enough walking away, but I wanted to. She stepped close, and I inhaled her soft, flowery scent one last time. I wrapped my arms around her, and she did the same, burying her face in my shoulder. She held tighter, and suddenly I hated to let her go, because the moment I did, it would be all over. She’d move on with her lifewithout me, and I’d be the prince who was engaged to marry another.
I don’t know how long we stood there, neither of us moving. But then she released me and gave me a slow smile. “I hope you’ll be happy with her.”
I wouldn’t. I’d never be happy with anyone who wasn’t Elizabeth Bennet. “Glad I could help, Lizzy.”
And with that, I turned and walked out the door.
Chapter 14
Thatevening,Istoodinside the Hearthside House Inn. The entire council was packed into the small foyer area. I lingered next to the fireplace. Georgiana sat nearby as my support. It had been a rough night for her after I told her everything I discovered about our parents. And even though I assured her that her presence wasn’t necessary, I appreciated her being there.
Uncle also was present. There was a lot to discuss, and I prayed it would all go according to plan.
Uncle rose from his spot on a large plush chair and walked up in front of the fireplace. “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’re gathered here this evening. Prince Fitzwilliam and I have news. I am stepping down as regent, and the prince will be taking his rightful place as king…”
We’d discussed this. I wouldn’t require Uncle to admit his sins to the council, but his misdeeds would come out soon enough when he turned himself over to the police for the murder of my parents and Clara. It was more important to both of us that thesuccession and the acceptance of a cure for Moonrot go over smoothly.
Uncle motioned to me, and I stepped up. “I’ve difficult information to convey to you,” I began. “My parents… before they died, they experimented with wild magic. They wanted to strip the powers of other magical races that weren’t fae.”
The council broke out in whispers among themselves. I looked at Georgiana, and she raised her chin, the determination in her eyes giving me the strength to continue.
“I won’t ask which of you may agree with my parents in thinking that might be a good idea. Their experimentation backfired on them and released Moonrot, cursing and killing only pure-blood fae instead.”
The murmurs and whispers increased. “You’re saying your parents, the king and queen, did this to us?” John Rittle demanded, the anger in his voice no doubt reflecting the feelings of others.
“Yes,” I said, even though my hands shook as I spoke. “However, the positive thing is that since we understand the source of the curse, we’ve found a remedy for Moonrot.”
Silence descended on the room. Everyone stared at me in surprise and rapt attention. “You possess a cure for Moonrot?” Mrs. Trent asked, her eyes wide.
“Yes. But it wasn’t my cure. We could only create such a cure through combining the powers of different races. Even the forbidden or so-called dark creatures, such as werewolves and vampires. It is only with their power that we can hope to cure any more fae.” I took a slow breath. I wasn’t afraid of what came next, but it would be a big ask for some on the council. “The only way that we’ll be able to make more potion quickly enough to save the lives of others cursed with Moonrot is to change our laws concerning werewolves, vampires, and even some witches. We must grant them immunity for coming forward and offeringtheir help. We must also grant them assistance, should they need it. I know this is unorthodox, but I drafted legislation for your perusal.”
Uncle jumped to his feet and began handing out the papers with the proposals that Georgiana and I had worked to put together, with much referencing to Mary, who served as a spokesperson for those who were too afraid to share their identities.
More words rippled through the council members as they argued among themselves. “Please!” I shouted over them. “I’m not finished.”
The room quieted a little.
“As your prince, soon to be your king, I humbly request that we take an emergency vote, here and now, to grant the proper immunity and assistance to such races so that we can start creating and distributing the cure right away, so no more will die of Moonrot.”
“You may be the prince, Your Highness, but you cannot call for a vote at such an informal gathering,” said one council member.
“Yes, it’s highly unusual,” said another. “We need time to—”
“Why not?” interrupted John Rittle.
The room again fell silent.
“The prince and I disagree on many things, as everyone is aware,” John Rittle said. “And I am skeptical about granting immunity to such dangerous beings. Many of you may feel the same. However, how many of us have a family member or a friend dying from Moonrot?”
Almost two-thirds of the council raised their hands, including John Rittle.
“I have a sister who has been suffering from Moonrot for years,” John Rittle continued. “She has children who hope and pray to see her get better.Ihope and pray she will get better.People aredying,and yet we’re hesitating? I say we take the vote now.”
