Chapter 58 - I Was Bribed (1/2)

As the wife of the forgotten prince, nobody cared what I wore during my free time as long as I was 'properly dressed' during meals, morning tea with the queen and other princesses, and on the rare occasions where Al and I were required to make public appearances.

They would dress me up like a Barbie but as soon as I was free it was back to my comfy casual wear.

One day a week later as we were curled up in the library reading in adjacent chairs, Al reached over and rubbed my sleeve on his cheek.

”What are you doing?”

”You seem so happy in these. I want one too. You're right, it is soft…”

I laughed. He was jealous of my sweaters? Well, they were probably the least stiff article of clothing he had ever seen as a royal. Poor Al.

”You can order one when we go back to pick up the rest of my things. These are mine.”

”I can't even borrow one?”

”I'll think about it.”

”You're cruel, Katie McLeod,” he said as he dramatically dr.a.p.ed himself over the arm of his chair. ”Not letting your poor husband wear something nice with you.”

”Stop,” I laughed, bopping him on the head with my book.

He sat upright and grinned at me. ”So you'll do it?”

I had an idea. ”I'll let you borrow my black sweater…if you come with me to meet your brother this afternoon for a strategy meeting.”

Al instantly stopped smiling. ”That's not fair!”

”That's my deal, take it or leave it.”

In the end, his desire to wear one of my sweaters won out over his dislike of getting involved.

As predicted, the black sweater went very well with his overall aesthetic. Black hair and sweater, gray eyes and pants. He looked good and I told him so, which made him blush.

I wore my white sweater with a blue skirt that flared out around my calves, showcasing my favorite maroon knee-high socks and the slippers I normally only wore in the bedroom but lately had been a constant fixture because they were the most comfortable shoes I owned.

Al and I technically matched but had completely opposite vibes.

Mariela was used to my fashion choices at this point but I hadn't worn a sweater around Franz yet so he was quite surprised when I walked in the door, especially since Al was in tow.

”What are you doing here, wearing that?” he asked in astonishment.

Al crossed his arms and scowled, stepping behind me. ”I was bribed.”

I could tell Franz wanted to pursue the matter further but he wisely let it drop rather than picking a fight.

I had a feeling Al would throw hands with the next person that said anything to him so I subverted the danger by hugging his arm and leaning my head against his shoulder. He wouldn't do anything if I held him back.

”So, Franz, how have things been progressing?” I asked, changing the subject.

”Quite well, it seems,” he said with a raised eyebrow, obviously alluding to the two of us.

It wasn't like that! I was just trying to save you from getting punched because that would ruin all future chances of collaboration!

”Franz,” Mariela said in a warning tone. ”Stay on topic.”

”Yes, dear,” he replied brightly and shuffled the papers he was holding before reading off of one.

”Using your idea as incentive, we have managed to get a third of the lower nobility on our side, which is pretty good considering the time frame. My contacts have begun talking the plan up to their usual allies so there is a good chance that number will grow to half within the next few weeks.”

”Nicely done,” I commended as I sat and yanked Al down into the chair next to me. He still did not want to be here. ”What do we need to do next?”