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I finished my story. Curtis sat digesting the information about his future sister-in-law, then slowly began to smile mischievously. His grin broadened until I could see every one of his teeth. I couldn’t understand what was so funny until he burst out, “Hubert is marrying a MAID???” He began to laugh until tears leaked from his eyes.

“Curtis, no!” I cried. “You mustn’t tease him about it. Cynthia would be so embarrassed!”

Curtis continued to laugh. I groaned. Just my luck to ruin the one good thing Cynthia had going for her. I grabbed Curtis’ jacket front and held on, shaking him slightly. “Please Curtis, don’t say anything about it. I don’t want her to feel bad!”

Curtis wiped at his streaming eyes. “I dunno, I don’t think I can keep quiet about that one! I wonder who will be the MAID of honor at their wedding?” and then he cracked up again, rolling around with hysterical laughter.

I rolled my eyes. Really. I had thought Curtis had matured over the years. But here he was, the same impish boy he had been when I had lived here.

I stood up, “I really should be on my way.” I turned to leave, holding my shoes in my hands so I could walk more quickly.

Curtis stopped laughing. “Aw Truly, don’t leave. Don’t be mad! I promise I won’t tease Hubert. Much.”

“Curtis!” I reprimanded sharply.

“Fine, fine, I won’t say anything about it.” Curtis stood up too and took my shoes from my hands. Without my shoes on, he was a full head taller than I. “Will you stay?”

I couldn’t stay mad at Curtis. “I suppose. As long as you behave yourself!”

Curtis shot me back a calculating look. “Hmmmm, behave myself. I’m not sure I can do that with you around.” He leaned forward and kissed me quickly. “Does that count as me behaving myself?”

I giggled. “I suppose.”

He kissed me again, longer this time. “Am I still behaving?”

“Less so than before,” I teased playfully.

Curtis let out a long pretend sigh. “Alas, milady, it is like I said—I cannot always behave myself around you.”

It was so refreshing to forget the life I had back at the manor, to have fun, to feel attractive. I hadn’t felt that since before the attack. Since Curtis and I had been together. “Well, as long as you behave whenever other people are around,” I teased.

Curtis made a show of looking all around at the concealing rosebushes. “Hmmm, I do believe we are very alone.” He stepped close to me, “Can I misbehave now?”

I leaned in for a kiss. “I suppose just a little.”

I felt Curtis pressing close to me, kissing me, and warmth flooded my body again. How I had missed this! Feeling wanted and desired, with nobody else but us in the world.

I stood on tiptoe, arms around his neck. His arms wrapped around my waist, which suddenly felt small and delicate in comparison to this new, muscled Curtis. I curled my fingers through his hair, reveling in the moment. Curtis tucked some hair behind my ear and traced my face. “You are beautiful,” he whispered.

I smiled, unable to help myself, and kissed him again. He responded enthusiastically, picking me up and twirling me around, then dipped me low, his lips still sealed against mine.

A sudden voice butted rudely into our private world. “Pardon the intrusion—"

Curtis snapped straight. I swiveled around and nearly choked. There stood an entire entourage of people! Mother and Comfort were at the front, looking delighted. But behind them were Hubert, with his usual expressionless face, Cynthia looking outraged, the king and queen, both looking amused, and several courtiers.

CHAPTER 49

My face blazed a bright red, my eyes wide and terrified. I was ready to crawl under a rock; I was so embarrassed. Curtis, bless him, stepped in front of me, shielding me from the scorching look I was being given from Cynthia. “May we help you?” Curtis asked casually.

“What were you doing?” Hubert’s monotone voice asked accusatorily.

“Kissing my girl,” Curtis replied with a shrug. “What did it look like?”

Several titters came up from the crowd, still blocked from my view by Curtis. I heard Comfort’s confident laugh, Mother’s gentle chuckle.

“That is highly inappropriate behavior for a prince,” Hubert declared solemnly.

“Would you prefer I kiss a boy?” asked Curtis, and the crowd laughed harder.