“I love you,” he repeated. “I love your laugh and the way you see the best in everyone. I love that you’re brave and kind and that you care more about what’s true and right than what anyone thinks—”

“Stop, please,” she said, shaking her head. “Your kiss didn’t end the curse. It wasn’t True Love’s Kiss. That means you can’t love me. You can’t!”

“We met once before that,” Phillip said. “And your aunts were shouting at me to kiss you. That can’t possibly count.”

If anything, that made Aurora look more stricken. “It’s not fair! All the things I said in front of you—the way I acted. Sitting up alone at night and playing games before the fire in our underclothes! I would never have behaved that way if I thought—”

Phillip felt cold all over, cold that extended all the way from his heart to his fingertips. He had thought it was possible that Aurora wouldn’t return his feelings, but he hadn’t expected her to be horrified by his confession.

“I see,” he said stiffly, and made a formal bow. “I should not have spoken. I will take my leave of you.”

“Yes,” Aurora agreed. “You should go.”

And numbly, trying to show nothing of what he felt on his face, he did.

Chapter 19

The day of the festival dawned early. Aurora awoke, kicking off her blankets. She flung open her windows, letting in a rush of sweet air that carried the scents of blooming flowers and baking bread.

None of it made her feel any better.

Every time she thought of Phillip, she had a curious sensation in her chest, as though she were wearing a too-tight corset. And it seemed she couldn’t put thoughts of him aside.

The night before, she’d found herself gazing down at the fountain at the edge of the royal gardens, hoping that she would see Phillip waiting for her there. If he had been, she would have gone down and tried to explain—although she wasn’t sure exactly what she would have said.

Marjory came in, smiling. “Are you eager for the festival to begin?”

“Yes,” Aurora said, trying to focus on that. “Today the humans and the faeries will dance together and eat together. Surely they will see that we’re not so different.”

Aurora thought of what Nanny Stoat had told her: We want enough food in our bellies to be strong, enough warmth in the winter to be hale, and enough leisure to have joy.

But the thought of food and leisure and joy made her mind wander to the monstrous banquet of the night before. Phillip had been such a good guest that everyone had liked him. And she’d been so happy.

Until the end.