The Ugly Stepsister (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 1) by Aya Ling Read Free Book Online

grow up, but I’d rather you kept that pure, idealistic mind of yours.”
    Poppy flushes. “I’m not a child, Claire, and you know it isn’t naive to want to marry for love.”
    “I agree. Besides, I don’t think the prince would appreciate being regarded as a cash co—I mean, a pile of money.”
    Claire and Bianca stare at me. Actually I’m also surprised I blurted that out in the middle of their conversation. Perhaps I just don’t like the superior manner Claire displays. She reminds me of Ashley, who always complains how boring it is in Oakleigh and brags about her childhood in New York. I wish she had stayed there.
    Poppy smiles at me. I smile back, but now I’m worried about the prince. An antisocial royal who avoids parties? Great. Now, not only do I have to worry about bringing Elle to the ball, but also convincing the prince to go as well.
    I clear my throat and attempt to change the topic. “Doesn’t the prince have a say in his own future bride?”
    Bianca smirks, but Claire actually looks thoughtful. “His character, from what I have heard, does lean heavier toward making his own decisions, but since he hasn’t shown a strong attachment for any woman, he might not care if his parents choose a bride for him.”
    Dang. Please don’t let it turn out he’s gay. How am I to marry Elle to the prince if he swings in the other direction? She is most definitely not a man in drag.
    “That we can never be sure of,” Bianca says, after giving me a long look. “Edward may avoid people at parties, but it does not mean he cares little for women. He simply is not very concerned about social activities and entertainment.”
    “You speak as if you know him well,” Claire says with a tight smile.
    “I am merely forming assumptions from my observations,” Bianca returns, with an equally unfriendly smile. “I may be wrong, of course.”
    If this were a cartoon, sizzling lightning would appear when their gazes clashed. Ooh, this is getting interesting. Now there’s definitely a rival for Bianca.
    Claire takes up her teacup. “Will you be presenting with your sister, Katriona?”
    This is the first time she has actively spoken to me. I suspect she wouldn’t have noticed me if she hadn’t just waged a cold war with Bianca.
    “I hope so,” I say, “but the preparation’s very difficult.”
    “I most definitely agree,” Claire says with a laugh. “I tripped several times before I could move more than a pace.”
    Bianca rises. “We shall not trespass on your hospitality any longer, Claire. Plus, we have a few more places to call, and I have no intention of being late.”
    “Goodness, look at the time!” Claire rises as well. “What a beast I am for keeping you. Hannah, will you fetch the ladies’ coats, please? And tell their coachman to wait at the door.”
    As we leave, Poppy touches my arm. “It was nice meeting you, Katriona,” she whispers. “Mind if I call you Kat? It sounds chummier than Katriona.”
    “Sure.”
    I believe I’m going to like Poppy. I’d much rather be called by my real name.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    SIX
     
     
    Without the Internet, TV, or a cell phone, the evening is horribly boring. I’m told to practice my embroidery—Lady Bradshaw sternly advises that a woman should always have mastery of her needle, no matter her class. Of course I pay no attention.
    I eye the writing desk in the corner of my room, which has a small bookshelf built on top of it. I check out the collection: The Ladies’ Handbook of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness (seriously? A 500-page book on etiquette?), A Ballroom Companion and Guide to Dancing (yawn, yawn, yawn), Fanology: Fifty Rules of Flirting with Your Fan (You have got to be kidding me).
    Reluctantly, I decide to practice for the court presentation. I can’t be bothered to put on the silver dress, so I tie one of the lighter blankets around my waist.
    “Having fun, are we?”
    Krev the goblin appears just as I’m putting a