chapter 6 - I love you

Lady Margaret usually had snacks around this time. Patricia was very familiar with Margaret's pattern of eating.

She walked into the kitchen and found the servant saddled with the responsibility of serving Margaret her snacks. There was a frown on the servant's face. Patricia understood the maid perfectly. Lady Margaret was in a bad mood, and no maid would be willing to risk seeing her.

Patricia walked closer to the servant and smiled, "Is that Lady Margaret's meal?"

The servant nodded, "Yes." "You don't look so good. Why don't I help you take this platter to Lady Margaret? That will be fine with you, right?" Patricia knew she would get a resounding yes.

"Yes, please help me. I think I need to sit down a bit," the servant said.

Patricia took the tray away.

***

She walked a distance when she felt a hand drag her aside. It was Philip. "Why don't you spend some time with me?"

Patricia gripped the sides of the tray more tightly. She was in no mood for whatever Philip had in mind. All she wanted to do was to carry out her agenda. "You know this is Lady Margaret's snack time, right? I cannot be delayed. Why don't we talk another time?"

"Fat Margaret is crying because she can't get the crown prince. She won't have the strength to eat. Come with me," he pulled her hand towards the garden.

"Someone might see us," she said, turning her head from side to side.

"The coast is clear. I have checked the area. Everyone is busy preparing for Perry's wedding," he pulled Patricia along. And they went together to the garden. They took the secret path.

As they walked past a group of beggars, Philip took the tray of snacks from Patricia's hands and placed it before the beggars.

He took her to a clothing store. "I want a dress," he said. "A beautiful purple dress. It will suit her eyes best," Philip said to the man at the counter.

"You have good taste, sir. Are you her husband?" The storekeeper asked.

Patricia blushed.

Philip answered, "We are married. My wife is very shy." He walked closer to her and wrapped his hands around her waist.

The storekeeper showed them a number of purple dresses, and Philip chose one with flowery patterns. He also bought her some jewelry. The storekeeper gave her a place to change clothes.

When she returned, she discovered he had changed his own clothes too. He was wearing a green garment. "You look handsome," she said.

"And you look stunning. Right now, you are the most beautiful girl in the kingdom. You are even more beautiful than Perry," he said.

Patricia scoffed, "Quit your flattery. Perry has gained a reputation for her beauty. The whole kingdom praises her. Maybe that's why the crown prince wants her, don't you think?"

Philip paused for a moment. He knew she was speaking from the viewpoint of the public. Everyone in the kingdom had the same thought. But if only they knew this was an arranged marriage that the king of Lafenia had planned. And that the crown prince had no say in the matter.

Philip did not want to ruin this moment for both of them. He smiled at her. "They do not know what true beauty is then. I want you to remember this. In my eyes, you are the most special."

"I think we need to talk," she said.

"I have a good spot picked out," he replied.

"Do not take me to a deserted spot. I am sick of those places," her eyes widened as she spoke.

"You will like this place," he answered.

Twenty minutes later, they sat in a restaurant. Their spot was a secluded spot at the top. They could enjoy all the shows and still have privacy to speak to each other without anyone eavesdropping. Philip ordered all of Patricia's favorite food. She watched the opera and kept eating.

"You are sure you can keep eating?" He asked.

She threw another piece of roast beef in her mouth. "It tastes delicious. You should join me."

"How come your belly does not enlarge no matter how much you eat?" He was mocking her.

"Heaven's Providence to me, I believe," she put another piece of food in her mouth.

He folded his hands and said, "We came here to talk, but I guess we won't do that. All you care about is the food, and that lousy performance going on down there."

Patricia frowned, "The performance is great. Do not speak about it like that." She paused to think. Her tone of voice turned serious. "Yes, I think we should talk. I have a lot of things to say to you too."

"You have made up your mind to go to the palace. I am hurt. I wish I could change your mind, but I know how stubborn you can be when you get impatient," he reasoned aloud.

"Do not call me impatient," she said. "I have been patient with you for years."

"You love being with me. You love my company. You blush whenever you see me. You know I always have your back. Why don't you change your mind and be with me?" He gazed into her eyes.

She answered. "I am not a girl who is crazily in love with money and comfort. You know that. Even if I love you... I must go."

His eyes widened, "You love me?"

She swallowed a lump in her throat and said, "I love you, Philip. I have always loved you." Tears began to form in her eyes.

He touched her hands, "It's good to know."

"But I love revenge more than I love you. You will always be in my heart. But I have to go," her voice was barely a whisper.

He nodded. He didn't expect her to change her mind. "Just the acknowledgement is enough. You have finally told me what I have always wanted to hear. It's fine. I will not stop you from going to the palace. In fact, I'll help you."

"You will help me?" She asked.

Philip thought about the odds of helping the love of his life enter the palace. She would marry the crown prince, which he was, even though she had no idea. Either as Philip or as Prince Edward, he would have her. So, what were the odds?