The Professional Page 20

  Nothing made sense and the only person who could tell me the truth was Alex. Maybe I should have stayed with him last night. Maybe he would have whispered his sins to me under the cover of darkness and then I’d know for sure if I could love him. But that window of opportunity was closed to me now, and with Alex missing in action, I wasn’t even able to confront him again.

  That left me sitting alone in my room, thinking myself in circles, debating possibilities, and questioning just how much I could forgive until Colette knocked on my door and called for me to come get ready.

  The ball wouldn’t be starting until six, but it took at least two hours for the team to prep me, doing my hair, my makeup, and shimmying me into a gown that Mother picked out. It was dark blue with intricate beading patterned into the bodice and skirt. It gathered at my waist and fell to the ground, but left my shoulders bare. A pair of black elbow-length gloves completed the look. The attendants did my hair up and my makeup minimal while I stood poker-straight and reminded myself that there were people starving somewhere and that “unhappy about going to a costume ball with a prince” was the epitome of a first world problem, if not a step above that.

  Once they were finished, I was released back into the wild and told not to mess any of it up. I didn’t have to go downstairs for another hour, but I was bored out of my mind and tired of pondering the million and one questions I had about Alex. Gathering my skirt, I crept as quietly as I could past my mother’s room where she was being prepped and to the stairs.

  I stopped for a while in the curve of the main staircase and looked out into the great hall, watching the attendants and waitstaff and party committee rush back and forth like ants, getting all the last-minute details finished up before show time. But even that couldn’t hold my attention for long before it flitted back to thoughts of Alex.

  I moved on, down to the main floor and passing through the dining room to the smoking room which was completely deserted. I sat on one of the stiff-backed chairs and tried to pretend that I existed in another era. One where I could enjoy the frivolity of these events without feeling shame at the excess. One where I never had the chance to fall for Alex.

  I rested there for a while, staring up at the beautiful Moorish chandelier and listening to the sound of the band warming up their instruments on the other side of the wall. The music combined with the old world furnishing and costume gave the air a magical quality - as if I had gone back in time and not even realized it. But my thoughts of Alex soured the mood. I wished I could wipe him from my mind and start fresh. Become that girl who just wanted a guy who didn’t freak out once he found out I was royalty. I was afraid that my standards might have been ruined forever. Alex had been perfect. Until he wasn’t.

  He lied to you, my inner voice whispered.

  For a good reason, I thought aggressively back, even though I had absolutely no way of knowing that.

  A movement in the doorway distracted me from my thoughts and I slunk lower in my seat, hoping it wasn’t Mother coming to cast a last appraising eye before the cameras got to me.

  “Don’t bother. I can see you there.”

  I recognized the grouchy rasp immediately. “Hi Gran,” I said, sitting up straight. “I thought you were someone else.”

  Gran waved a hand weighed down by several enormous rings. “Don’t worry about her. She’ll be powdering her breasts until they’re ready to lead her downstairs.”

  She walked across the floor and sat herself firmly in the chair opposite mine, fixing me in the cool, appraising gaze of a professional politician. “What’s wrong with you, Cora?” she asked.

  The directness of the question caught me off guard, and I immediately felt like I was in a therapist’s office. But I was dying to talk to someone about my problems who didn’t have a stake in the game… I answered the question as truthfully as I could.

  “I met a guy,” I said, “but Mother doesn’t approve of him.”

  Gran narrowed her eyes. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “Nothing’s wrong with him,” I said. “I think. He has some kind of secret that he’s not telling me. He thinks I’m better off not knowing about it.”

  “This sounds less about your mother and more about him,” Gran said. She was never one to mince words.

  “I know,” I said, “but I don’t think it’s anything huge. I think it’s just easier to blame it on this mystery problem than the obvious one. He’s an average guy. He doesn’t do banquets and photoshoots. He’s never been interviewed. He’s not used to a public life.”

  “And you are?” Gran asked, raising an eyebrow.

  I paused. No, I really wasn’t. It wasn’t like I sought fame out like Mother did. The entire reason I was in this city was to be as far away from the spotlight as possible.

  “I know you feel obliged to participate in all this,” Gran continued, “but you’re an adult now. You can say no.”

  I laughed. “What? No, I can’t.”

  “Why not?” she asked.

  Her simple dismissal of my life’s biggest problem threw me. I gaped like a fish, trying to decide how to explain why it just wasn’t that simple. Finally I spluttered, “Because the family! It’ll look bad if I just stop showing up for functions.”

  “No it won’t,” Gran said.

  “You won’t feel betrayed?” I asked.

  “Why in heavens would I feel that?” she asked. “I know you love me. All I require is a phone call every now and then. I don’t need you out doing magazine interviews.”

  I stared hard at her, trying to comprehend what she was saying. Was it all really just so simple as saying no to Mother? Had that always been an option for me? She had to be wrong. There had to be a tiny contract somewhere in a vault back in Athea that I’d signed out of the womb saying that this was my life and would always be my life until the day I died.

  Could I really just opt out, unattached and guilt free?

  Gran laughed at the look on my face. “Dear, you’re a part of this family and you always will be, but that doesn’t mean you’re cut out for a public life. Sure, your mother would whine and grumble for a while, but you’re under no obligation. You’re an adult. You can live your life. Of course, if you’re planning on breaking off, I’d suggest saving your money for something more important than this house.”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked. “The government pays for this house.”

  Gran blinked. “No it doesn’t. The running costs of the house and security come out of your inheritance. I thought you knew that.”

  “I have an inheritance?” I asked, shocked. “And it’s paying for this house that I don’t even want to live in?”

  The reality of how much my mother had twisted my life around was slapping me in the face repeatedly and I wished it would stop for a moment just so I could get my bearings. Other than the guilt of abandoning my family, the only reason my mother had such a hold on my life was because without her, I’d have no money, no place to stay, and zero tuition. Had I had personal wealth for years and not even known it?

  “Yes,” Gran said, “your father left both you and Hendrik a good-sized sum along with a stock portfolio. Are you telling me you knew nothing about this?”

  “I had no idea,” I said softly. Then I laughed, a little hysterically, but in astonishment too. Just like that, I was free. The weight of expectations lifted completely off my shoulders and I was light enough to float right off the couch and up to the ceiling. This was the last time. I’d never have to wear another period gown if I didn’t want to. I’d never have to go out with a stupid or mean or boring prince ever again. I could leave this massive palace I’d never wanted to live in anyway. And most importantly, I could figure out what was really going on with Alex because now whatever it was could be settled between us. Mother was no longer involved in my life.

  Gran must have sensed that her job here was done because she got up from the couch and started away, back toward the great hall. She disappeared without further comment
, leaving my world open, for the first time, to endless possibilities.

  * * *

  I couldn’t help but smile. If you look at the photographs from that night, of Prince Malik and me walking into the ballroom, of me sitting next to my mother, of the opening dance, all you’ll see is my smile. Goodbye uncomfortable dresses. Goodbye cameras flashing in my face. Goodbye stuffy rich people whose names I’ve never remembered and whose faces blend together into one single boring mass. It was over and this was my final farewell.

  Even my mother - encased in dark green velvet with a monstrous feathered hat atop her head - noticed that something was amiss. As we ate the prepared feast at the head table, she whispered, “You must be getting along well with Malik, darling. I’ve never seen you so happy at an event before.”

  I just turned to her, smiling, and said, “No, we have nothing in common, Mother.” It was loud enough for Malik to hear me, but I didn’t care. I only popped a piece of bread in my mouth and continued to beam at her furrowed expression.

  The only thing that would have made this night even more perfect would have been Alex, but he was nowhere in sight for the first portion of the dance. I looked for him, but once dinner was over, the ballroom was so full that it was hard to see through the crowds of guests. I could wait though. There was plenty of time. Once I found him, I could explain everything and then my real life could finally begin.

  Around nine, everyone sat again, and the Crown of Athea was brought out and carried throughout the room to thunderous applause. After today, it would be displayed for the public in the chapel, but Mother’s guests had the privilege of seeing it first. It glittered and glistened against the bright overhead lights, but I couldn’t have cared less. I was still riding the high of my freedom and all I wanted to do was sit back in my seat and dream.

  After the Crown was paraded back and forth for a while and everyone got their fix, it was taken back to be stored in the chapel, its handlers escorted by Scott.

  Then the real dancing began. First Hendrik got the pleasure of opening the floor by twirling Mother around, both smiling for the cameras as if their lives depended on it. I knew Hendrik had no clue about his inheritance either. I would be sure to tell him as soon as I could get him alone. After they retired to the head table to even more applause, the floor began to fill up. Mother sat back down beside me.

  I knew she’d sensed something was wrong all evening due to how she kept eying me over the course of the evening. I was too happy, too genuine, and that was cause for suspicion. I hadn’t said anything yet, but my actions were about to speak for me. Malik and I were supposed to take to the floor after Mother and Hendrik finished, but that wouldn’t be happening.

  “Go on, dear,” Mother whispered through a forced smile. “The song is beginning.”

  I glanced at my partner. Malik was texting under the table, presumably to his girlfriend, and was just as uninterested in the affair. I wouldn’t be getting any static from him.

  “I’m a bit tired,” I said. I glanced toward her and couldn’t help but grin in the face of Mother’s confusion at my blatant disobedience.

  “It’s time for you to dance,” she prompted, choosing to ignore my words, the royal smile still affixed to her face.

  “I don’t think I will,” I said, taking my napkin and fanning myself with it casually.

  Mother’s lips tightened. This was unprecedented and I relished in it.

  “Must I remind you-”

  “Remind me of what, Mother? My responsibility to the family? I don’t care.” Sweeter words had never left my lips.

  Mother’s eyes bulged and the smile left her face. The air tightened around us and even Malik cast a nervous eye at us before scooching his chair a little further away.

  “Now is not the time for a tantrum, Cora,” she said.

  “Not having a tantrum,” I replied. “I just am not doing it.”

  “Is this how you’re going to repay me? On the one night I need you to keep it together?” she asked, anger mounting. “After everything I’ve done for you? For this manor that I’ve given you and the tuition I pay?”

  I laughed, gleeful at the very fact that she would lie right to my face and I could finally call her out on it with no fear of repercussion. “Have you done anything for me, Mother? Or has it all been for yourself? This house is just to keep up these ridiculous appearances you’ve been obsessed with my entire life. And guess what? It’s over starting now. I know.”

  Mother’s face paled. “Know what?” she asked slowly.

  “I know that I have an inheritance and I know its been paying for this house and probably for my tuition. So the minute this party is over I’m taking it back. I’m moving out of this house, and I’m done letting you tell me what to do.”

  Never had the words flowed so freely in front of my mother and I felt powerful for the first time in my life. Mother stared at me with an unreadable expression and I reveled in my victory over her.

  But she didn’t look angry and that was worrying. If anything, she looked annoyed and even- was that embarrassment?

  A sinking sensation started in my gut and I held my breath, waiting, praying, for her to confirm that I’d bested her.

  It didn’t come. Instead, Mother gave a long sigh and shook her head. “Cora, there are some things that are a little beyond your comprehension.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” I asked.

  “The economy took a bit of a downswing five years ago and it would have been manageable if the Sotherling Mine hadn’t dried up and then the Asping one after that and I made some investments back in the nineties that seemed quite promising, but-”

  “Just tell me,” I interrupted. The joy and enthusiasm was draining out of my body and I felt hollow with dread.

  “Your inheritance was needed for the country,” she said flatly. “I apologize, but it was necessary.”

  “You spent my money?” I asked. I didn’t even know why I was surprised, but the blow was crushing and every bit of happiness I had not even two minutes ago was floating away with her dismal words.

  “It was necessary,” she repeated.

  “And this, this palace is?” I cried. “How much could you have saved by just letting me get an apartment? Or maybe even a job like everyone else in this city!”

  “That’s beneath your station,” Mother said stiffly. “You might be willing to embarrass the family like that, but I won’t have it.”

  “Stop making the ‘family’ the scapegoat for what you really mean,” I hissed. “It’s you. You would be embarrassed. You don’t want me living a normal life. And you spent all my money! My money!” I couldn’t believe it and disbelief was making me loud. Malik was now physically leaning as if the few extra inches would keep our words from reaching his ears.

  The attention was bringing Mother back to her normal state of being. “I realize it’s not ideal, Cora,” she said lightly. “But we all have to make sacrifices. I have made them and you will to. The first of which is to get out on that dance floor and dance with Malik. Right now or you can say goodbye to everything you’ve ever cared about.”

  My only bargaining chip was gone. I had nothing. I searched for a way out, but couldn’t find one. I’d lost. I stood up and Malik immediately stood with me, offering me his arm and escorting the both of us away toward the dance floor.

  We danced and he didn’t meet my eye. I think even my disinterested prince felt a little sorry for me. But nobody felt worse for me than myself. I had no out. My money was gone and that meant Alex was gone too. Of course, he quite literally had been gone since last night so maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference anyway. Who knew where he was now.

  “Excuse me,” a familiar voice said behind me. Malik stopped and I turned. Like I’d summoned him with a wish, there Alex stood, dressed in a black waistcoat and vest over a dark gray shirt. A top hat jaunted on his head and a pocket watch chain trailed from his pocket. He looked every inch the gentleman as the upper crust men trailing
the dance floor.

  “May I cut in?” he asked.

  Malik, unsure, looked at me and I decided right then that it didn’t matter at all if I had money or not. I’d rather live in a cardboard box than ever submit to my mother again. And hopefully Alex would be right there beside me.

  I turned from Malik and took Alex’s hand in mine. He spun me into a waltz as the tempo increased.

  “I didn’t expect you to know how to dance,” I said in his ear.

  “I picked it up somewhere,” he replied.

  “I just found out that my mother stole an inheritance my father left me,” I said as we danced.

  “I’m sorry, Cora.” He genuinely sounded it too.

  “It’s okay,” I said. “Because that was the final straw. I don’t care if I have to drop out of college. Hell, I don’t care if I have to leave New York. I’m done with her. She’ll never have any power over me again.”

  I stopped him and we stood in the center of the ballroom with couples dancing around us. I needed him to hear this and to be completely focused on my words. “Alex. At least give me a chance to forgive you. It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you were. Just tell me and we can start a life together where Mother has no say in who I’m with.”

  Alex looked deep into my eyes. “I came back here to tell you, no matter what had changed. You deserve to know the truth and I want you to see the real me, all of it. I’m not a good person, Cora. I’ve done a lot of terrible things, but I can forgive myself for every one except deceiving you.”

  He paused and his eyes traced my face, looking at me like he suspected that this would be the last time. A hint of doubt grew inside me. What if it was terrible, worse than I’d expected. What if there was no turning back after this?

  “For almost a decade, barring nine months I spent in a Thai prison, I’ve been a professional thief, mostly of art and antiquities. I created a fake identity to sneak into this house so I could steal your family’s Crown before my rival did.”