Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
The fairgrounds was small, but stepping onto the lot had always felt like walking into a small town in its own right. It felt as alive as a theme park would have, with plenty of food stands, small carnival games, and more booths with people selling their wares.
It had always been lively, but now it seemed like a winter party more than just a simple fair. People clutched hot cider as they milled around. A folk band was playing music on a small stage near the entrance. The entire grounds was always decked out to look like a winter wonderland. Lights were strung from every awning and tree, in shapes of snowflakes or trees or reindeers.
“This is beautiful,” Emma declared as she looked all around. “There is nothing like this in Beloria.”
“Berrydale takes winter very seriously,” Henry said. “I’m glad to see that hasn’t changed, at least.”
“Are there any rides?” Emma asked. “I’d love to go on a roller coaster.”
A small smile appeared on Henry’s face. “Afraid there aren’t any coasters here,” he said. “Pretty much the only ride you’ll find is the Ferris wheel.”
“I see,” she said, still marveling at a string of snowflake lights that was hanging from an oak tree. The princess had probably grown up in a castle with actual diamonds in its chandeliers, and yet cheapie plastic string lights fascinated her.
“But Carter’s does have the best beef and peppers sandwich you’ll ever have,” Henry said, nodding toward the sandwich stand. “Hope you’re ready to get messy, princess?”
I glanced over at Emma. She was wearing a pristinely clean, cream-colored silk dress, and had various bracelets and rings on her hands that had to contain silver and emeralds and diamonds, too.
“We don’t need to eat at Carter’s, Emma, if you’d prefer something else,” I offered.
“No, no, it sounds lovely,” she said. “Let’s go. Order for me, Henry?”
“At your service,” he said, winking at her as we made our way over.
A few minutes later, we crowded around a tall, stand-up table with big, greasy sandwiches. Xavier had been the only person to get a salad, something I hadn’t even realized Carter’s sold until now.
“Would you like me to find you a fork and knife?” I asked Emma.
She just smiled at me, reaching down to pick up the big, sloppy sandwich, bringing it to her mouth.
Henry lifted an eyebrow at me before diving into his own sandwich.
“Delicious,” Emma said as she chewed. “Incredible.”
We devoured the sandwiches, the princess finishing before I did.
“This is the best salad I have ever had,” Xavier said, stabbing the last lettuce leaf with his plastic fork.
“I’m glad you like it, because I’ll never get anything other than the sandwiches,” Henry said.
“I love it,” Emma said. “Do you think they ship internationally?”
Henry snorted. “Believe me, even if they shipped it on the fastest private jet in the world, this sandwich would be a pile of slop by the time it made it to Deercrest, let alone Beloria.”
“Mmm,” she said, licking her fingers. “I could eat this every week.”
“I’m impressed, Emma,” I said.
“You underestimate her,” Henry told me. “Gotta quit that shit.”
“I’m sorry, I know, I know,” I said. “It’s just… I’ve met a few princesses in my day, and most of them wouldn’t stoop below eating filet mignon, let alone fairground sandwiches.”
“I would love to see the Ferris wheel,” Emma said as she cleaned off her hands with a wet wipe. “And get a hot cider. Maybe a pastry, too? I love this festival. Thank you for the recommendation, Henry. I’d marry you if you were the prince.”
Emma winked and smiled at him as Genoveve pointed out the cider stand.
“I’m afraid I prefer the company of men, but I’m flattered,” Henry said.
Emma frowned. “What is the phrase…” she said, momentarily looking up at the sky as she was lost in thought. “Oh! Our loss,” she said. “Any woman would want you, Henry.”
“I’m straight, but yes, even though you’re an asshole, you are attractive,” Xavier said.
“Xavier, he isn’t an asshole,” I protested.
“I saw how he treated you in the car, sir,” Xavier said. “Nobody tells my prince to fuck off.”
“Nah,” I said. “Henry can tell me to fuck off whenever he wants.”
Henry shot me a glance, but I could tell he liked what I’d said.
Emma laughed. “Okay. I’m going to get a cider. Accompany me, Genoveve?”
“I’ll come along,” Xavier said, eyeing me and Henry like he didn’t want to be a third wheel to our conversation.
“Grab me one, as well?” I told Genoveve. “Thank you, Gen.”
Xavier, Genoveve and Emma wandered off toward the stand and I hung back with Henry, shaking my head at him.
“You’re magic,” I said.
“Not magic, was just hungry,” he said, a small smile appearing on his face. The string lights twinkled behind him, making his sandy hair look like some sort of halo. He looked so comfortable everywhere he went, whether it was a castle in a loaned expensive suit or here in his flannel. I was still jealous of that. I wasn’t sure I felt comfortable anywhere, really.