Ā Ā Ā HEARTLESS AESTHETIC: The Beginning.
Ā Ā āWell, Mr. Jest, Iāve sometimes come to believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.ā
Ā Ā His feet stalled all at once, his face turning to her, bewildered.
Ā Ā Her grin fell.Ā āWhat is it?ā
Ā Jestās eyes narrowed, studying her.
Ā Catherine coweredĀ beneath the inspection.Ā āWhat?ā
Ā āAre you sure youĀ arenāt the one the King is in love with?ā
Ā It took a moment, but when the laugh came, It was honestĀ and unforced. The idea that the King might wish to marry her was one thing, but the thought of him being in love with her was anĀ entirely different realm ofĀ absurdity.
Ā Ā āI assure you, heās not,ā she said, still smiling, though Jest lookedĀ unconvinced.Ā āWhat does that have to do with impossible things?ā
Ā Ā āIt just sounds like a queenly sort of thing to say,ā he said, offering his arm again. Cath took it, thoughĀ with more hesitation.Ā āAnd, well, impossible is my specialty.ā
Ā She peered up at his profile, his angled features, the mask of kohl.Ā āThat,ā she said,Ā āseemsĀ entirelyĀ believable.ā