Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 34243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
—and he’s so, so unfair.
The driver doesn’t even pretend to think about it. He flicks the reins and the horses pick up to the fastest trot Foxtown allows.
He turns to me, I try turning my face away, but—
No no no no no no
Arkane hauls me into his arms, and his embrace is the worst possible cage because it’s the kind that I want to be imprisoned in forever.
God, I really am an idiot, aren’t I?
He tucks my head under his chin. His arms tighten around me. His chest is rising and falling fast against my cheek from the running, and I can hear his heart going hard, and then he starts to speak—
“I get why you don’t want to look at me.”
—and he’s just so, so unfair.
Why does he keep saying things that make it hard for me to forget I’m not the only one who’s hurting?
“And I know I’m asking for something I don’t deserve to ask...because it’s something I refused to do before. But I’m asking you all the same. Will you listen to me?”
I shake my head against his chest even though we both know it’s for show.
This close, trapped in a hackney that won’t stop for a thousand dollars, I’m as good as his slave, and so if he wants me to listen—
The hackney rattles over a rougher patch of cobble, and his arms tighten to keep me from being jostled, and he doesn’t even seem to notice that he’s done it.
“You’ve got your stories crossed.”
I’ll listen...even if he’s not making sense.
“Sometimes, it’s the other way around. And princes—”
No no no no no.
“Especially princes like me who was so damn desperate not to make a mistake—”
I don’t want to hear him talk about that.
“That when I did end up making another one, I just couldn’t let it go.”
I try shoving out of his embrace, but it’s no use. His arms are bands.
“So this sequel?”
I can’t bear hearing Arkane talking about things that matter to me matter to him, too—
“Princes can turn into frogs when they hurt the girl they love.”
Can’t bear hearing him talk like I still matter.
“And I love you.”
No no no no no no.
“Always did, always will—”
He finally lets go, but it’s only so he can torture me some more, his large hands cupping my face as he makes me look into his eyes that never ever lie—
“Will you forgive me, Tiara?”
“I do,” I choke out. “But it’s not—”
“Will you love me again?”
“You don’t understand—”
“Yes or no.”
Oh God, I’m so, so scared to mess this up. And even more, I’m so, so scared to mess him up all over again.
“Will you love me again? Will you marry me and be my princess?”
Give me a sign, God.
Please.
I want to do things right—
“We already know what it means to live apart, Tiara. Don’t you think it’s time for us to taste forever?”
And I start to cry because that right there—
It was God answering both my questions in one.
For everything there is a season, and this time now...
I cup his face with still shaking hands. “Yes.” I’m crying and laughing, and so is he, because this time...
It’s a time where we mend and heal, a time where we choose to love.
Epilogue
HELLO AGAIN, MY SECRETIVE gossipy little lambs!
We acknowledge it’s been a while. The last time yours truly remembers writing was all about Logan Hardwall marrying his nephew’s nanny Mathilda, and that seems so many seasons ago! Was Bridgerton already a thing back then?
But anyway, it has been quite eventful lately. I was very fortunate to enjoy a front-row seat (of sorts) to the first night ball of Foxtown’s Season of Second Chances, and my oh my, it was truly like watching a fairytale come to life. Princes, frogs, and tiaras—I’m so very sorry if you’ve missed it. I can try putting it into words. But I won’t. As Foxtown’s newest countess puts it, for everything there is a season, and what happened yesterday...it’s something you have to experience yourself, to see the beauty in offering second chances, even to the people you don’t think are deserving.
And on that note, oh fine...
I must report that Mirabella of the Azucaras, a former San Antonio society belle, was also seen in Foxtown. This column wishes her well on her flight back to Spain, and we’re going to leave it at that.
But on to more exciting news. Wedding plans are already underway for Arkane Young and Tiara Sauller, his former TOTGA. It’s quite possible his sister-in-law Lana may also make a public appearance before the wedding.
It’s been quite the busy season for the Youngs and the Lims and the Rest of San Antonio society. On which remaining unmarried ones should we turn our eyes to? Marius or Icelle? Perhaps even the youngest one Raiden?
Do let me know what you think while I search for more tea to brew.