Once Upon a Christmas: A Paranormal Romance Novella by Joanna Mazurkiewicz & Angela Sanders

Author:Joanna Mazurkiewicz & Angela Sanders [Mazurkiewicz, Joanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

After that rather painful and interrupted not-kiss, Harold requested that I sit alongside him and the rest of the royal party for dinner. I was thrilled, to say the least. Not for what felt like a growing bump on my head, though. I was certain it would be dreadful in the morning.

We took our seats in front of the ballroom, and as promised, Harold sat next to me, while Catherine was on my other side. She kept nudging me with her elbow.

Finally, I leaned in close to her ear. “What is it?”

“I saw you and Daddy dancing, and he almost kissed you.” She cleared her throat and covered her mouth to keep from near shouting. Her covert whispering needed a bit of work. “I nearly fell over from shock. He has never danced at a ball. Bertha, I believe he’s really taken with you.”

“Hush, Catherine. You’re too loud, and yes, I believe so, too, but we’re interrupted each time.” I whispered as silently as I could, but if anyone were watching, they’d know what we were talking about. I could hear other people whispering, as well. “We’ll talk later. Now is not the time.”

“Fine. But you’re giving me all the details after the ball.”

“Me, too.” Lucy moved around Catherine, but thankfully didn’t shout this time.

I wanted so badly to roll my eyes, because if Lucy had heard, that meant Harold did, as well. Damn. Where was the food? I snatched my glass of wine and took a long sip, peering over the rim and up at the decorative ceiling. It was nice.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at the king after the conversation with Catherine. She was bloody embarrassing. It was bad enough Harold and I had clunked heads. Oh, for the love of everything holy.

Finally, the food arrived. I could still hear people whispering at the table nearest us, but the growling in my stomach told me to ignore whatever it was they were saying at the moment. The meal of roast chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans, and something else I couldn’t quite place smelled delicious. I waited until Catherine took a bite before I tucked into my meal. I had to remember my manners and not eat like a heathen because I was starving. It was difficult, but I managed.

Suddenly, I felt what could only be Harold’s hand perched gently on my thigh. My eyes lit up in shock and I nearly choked on my wine. The king—I’d never known him to be so forward, but this was all right with me. It wasn’t as though he was squeezing or being entirely inappropriate, it was just surprising. But a good surprise.

I turned to him, and a handsome smile graced his face. He nodded towards me and removed his hand. I supposed it was meant as more of a comforting gesture. Either way, I could feel the two of us becoming closer, and my heart … I had no idea I was capable of caring for a man in such a way.

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