I Love You, My Cursed Prince

"My son has written a letter for the king," Princess Arya whispered to Muriel after breakfast. They were walking outside in a garden. "If the king provides a suitable response, then my poor boy will finally reveal himself to everyone in this castle, and eventually to the Royal Court."

Muriel nodded to her. "Would any journalists be involved?"

"It certainly won't take long for them to learn of the issue. The king would prefer to have such a thing kept secret, but this problem can only be kept hidden for so long. The healthiest option would be to let the world know that his younger son was horribly cursed."

Looking at a patch of sage, Muriel asked, "Will my agreement to marry His Highness truly improve his standing in the world?"

Patting Muriel's arm, the princess said, "Certainly. That's why we couldn't have Prince Emil learn of the relationship before a confirmed engagement. My sweet Vidar didn't have a true claim on you then. Once we go to the palace with you happily swearing that you'll marry Vidar, then Emil will have less trouble to stir up, and keeping you safe from him will be much easier if Vidar's beside you instead of hiding behind a wall."

Muriel didn't want to think about the concept of being alone with Prince Emil. Having another ally to keep close to her would be a good idea, especially since she was going to enter the Royal Palace more regularly. She nodded to the princess. "This solution might seem defeatist at first but it's actually quite reasonable, especially since Prince Vidar will reveal himself on his own terms instead of someone else's."

Princess Arya clapped her hands together and said, "Oh!" Then she laughed into the back of her hand. "I forgot to tell you! Please forgive me! Tomorrow, we're going to the city for a shopping trip. Vidar wants us to order a betrothal ring for you."

With hot cheeks, Muriel looked down at her skirt's hem. "I ... I see. I'll need one, won't I?"

"Then we'll have a small announcement in the newspapers about the engagement," Princess Arya said.

"Yes, Madam." Muriel was still flushing.