Of Curses and Kisses Read online

  Jaya disengaged Caterina’s hand from her arm, feeling a pang of guilt and warring loyalties. On the one hand, it was clear Caterina was suffering. On the other, Daphne Elizabeth was her friend. And she, too, in her own way, was suffering. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking right into Caterina’s eyes. “Truly. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling.”

  Caterina waited, expectant.

  “But… I can’t get in the middle of this,” Jaya said gently.

  Caterina’s expression cleared. In a matter of moments, she seemed taller somehow, her face closed off again, her eyes cold. It was like Jaya’s words had burned off the alcohol in her blood. “So you won’t help me.”

  “Cater—”

  Caterina held up a hand. “You know, Jaya,” she said. “You could’ve sided with me on this. I always take care of my friends, I told you that. Instead, you’ve decided to oppose me.”

  “Just because I don’t want to get involved doesn’t mean I oppose you,” Jaya said, holding Caterina’s gaze.

  “Is that what you think?” Caterina replied, a hint of a smile at her lips. Then she turned and swept away, her regal exit only slightly ruined by the way she swayed unsteadily on her feet.

  A chilly breeze whipped over the rooftop, raising goose bumps on Jaya’s arms as she watched Caterina merge back in seamlessly with her group of friends. She stood rooted to the spot, unable to shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated with Caterina LaValle.

  Grey

  Mr. Martinez knew how to get their attention, all right. He had one of the only classrooms in the science building that opened out onto a balcony, and he used it to his full advantage. Every day since school began, he’d had them put their chairs outside—once even when it was thirty-five degrees. He claimed the brisk breeze and fresh air kept students paying attention longer, especially today, the day before the trip to Aspen.

  It was working for everyone else. They were all more engaged, leaning in to Mr. Martinez’s demonstration, whatever it was. The man was the world’s biggest introvert—he wouldn’t even make eye contact going up or down the stairs when you said hi—but get him talking about physics and he got extremely animated, almost lively.

  Grey looked toward the horizon, at the heavy snow clouds doing their best to smother the mountains. Without his explicit permission, Grey’s eyes stole across to Jaya—and the pendant at her throat. It had been a little more than a month since the mixer, and although he’d been holding his breath, no other rubies had fallen. It was like they were waiting, biding their time.

  Jaya Rao continued to try to advance their friendship, but he still hadn’t been able to figure out why. He kept her at a distance, though. It was for the best.

  Now the rubies glinted in the muted light of the colorless day, their red shine searing his retinas. They were mocking him. His fingertips dug into his thighs. The pendant knew who he was; it knew he was near. It knew.

  “…allowed me to pull the tablecloth off without disturbing the bowls? Mr. Emerson? Grey?” A pause. “Or do you only answer to Lord Northcliffe?”

  Grey blinked, vaguely aware that he was supposed to do something, that everyone was staring at him and tittering. Jaya turned to look at him and he found himself meeting her gaze, tinged with concern at whatever she saw in his expression. After a pause, she made an urgent motion at him—eyebrows raised, nodding her head, gesturing with her hand—but he had no idea why. He felt weirdly detached from everything, as if he were an onlooker watching a train hurtling toward a cliff and its inevitable conclusion.

  “Inertia,” Jaya said in that crisp, clear voice of hers, turning to face Mr. Martinez. “An object at rest will remain at rest until an outside force acts on it.” She glanced at Grey and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

  “Nothing changes if nothing changes,” Grey mumbled, forgetting where, exactly, he’d heard that.

  “Yes! Good. Very good.” Mr. Martinez went back to his demonstration.

  Grey and Jaya locked eyes again. There was something in her gaze, something that said her answer had to do with more than just physics.

  After class, as they were all hauling their chairs back into the classroom, Jaya said, “You’re going to Aspen tomorrow to shop for winter gear, aren’t you, Grey?”

  He blinked. “Why?”

  “Dr. Waverly said she has tickets to that ski resort up there, if people want to go after they’re done shopping.” She set her chair down, her eyes downcast. She was smiling. “I… would like to ski, but I don’t really want to do it alone.”

  Grey didn’t let his face show any emotion. Jaya Rao was compelling in some ways. When she let her real self shine through. When it wasn’t all mindless chatter and eye batting. When she got mad and said what she really thought. But Jaya Rao was, above all, a Rao. The entire reason he was… the way he was. And that pendant she wore? It really didn’t want him anywhere near her. Who was he to fight that? “DE skis.”

  Jaya studied him, her smile fading. As if she might be genuinely disappointed at his rejection. “Okay. I’ll ask her, then.”

  Nodding, Grey set his chair down and turned away, ignoring the slight regretful tug in his own heart.

  Jaya

  Grey Emerson had turned her down.

  Jaya stood looking after him, feeling equal parts confused, unsettled, and mildly irritated. This past month since the mixer had been mostly progress. Although she’d felt fissures of doubt crack through her plan at the mixer, Jaya had somewhat reluctantly decided to continue with it because, really, there was no other choice. Between a stranger who’d orchestrated her sister’s scandal and her entire family, who was she supposed to choose?

  So while Grey was still his gruff, standoffish self, occasionally she’d gotten glimmers of something from him this past month. A response to a question or a comment that felt genuine, less guarded. She’d been moving in the right direction. Or at least, she thought she had. He wasn’t supposed to turn her down. He was supposed to fall for her, head over heels, heart and soul, all of that. And you’re feeling just the slightest bit disappointed at his rejection, a small voice deep inside her whispered. Denial doesn’t become you, Jaya.

  She scoffed at the inner voice. Disappointed? Princess Jaya Rao was never disappointed, let alone by an Emerson. If Grey Emerson thought she was going to be put off that easily, he was wrong. Jaya knew she just needed to chip away a little bit longer. Success was right around the next bend, calling her name over its golden shoulder.

  * * *

  Later that day, Jaya set her laptop down on the polished wood desk in the library. The wind howled outside, announcing winter’s steady encroachment. Jaya felt safe, ensconced in the warm cocoon of books. They had a big test coming up in calculus, one Leo had called “epic.” Hearing it in his French accent had caused Rahul to ask him to repeat himself about seventeen times, which had then sent Daphne Elizabeth into peals of laughter.

  Jaya smiled at the memory. Things had changed immensely since she’d first arrived at St. Rosetta’s. She now had friends here, something she’d never thought possible. They wouldn’t be her friends after she’d successfully executed her plan, but at least she had them for now. That was something.

  She turned on her computer and logged into her email account. There was one unread message (from Kiran; he never texted and refused to use his phone to email people out of some unfathomable sense of propriety and etiquette).

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Hi from Kiran

  Jaya,

  It has now been nearly four months since Isha’s incident this summer. Things have died down in the Media, but not entirely. When you both left, it picked back up again.

  My Family has had some doubts about our possible Alliance, but don’t panic. I believe I have calmed them down. I still believe an Alliance could be beneficial to both royal estates. Of course, how this all plays out remains to be seen.

&
nbsp; Anyway, I wanted to tell you I am thinking of you. How is Aspen? I am sure the Boarding School situation is not ideal. Girls in trouble need their Parents, we all know that. But stay strong for your Family. You are the Heiress, and as an Heir myself, I believe we must do what’s best for our Kingdoms.

  I will write again soon.

  Sincerely,

  Rajkumar Kiran Hegde

  Jaya tried not to glare at her computer screen, but it was a trial. Although she and Kiran did indeed share many things in common, she’d forgotten about Kiran’s propensity for acting like he was a concerned uncle, rather than her peer. Kiran was one of those guys who thought Jaya’s X chromosome stood for “xplain things to me.” Things that were currently irritating Jaya about his email:

  The gratuitous and, to be honest, puzzling use of random capitalization, probably meant to evoke a commanding air.

  That sanctimonious tone Kiran had when talking about their “alliance.” (Or, rather, “Alliance.”) How this all plays out remains to be seen? As if he and his family were conferring a great favor upon the Raos by even considering them still. Despite the recent… problems… the Raos were still more powerful than the Hegdes would ever be.

  Girls in trouble need their parents. Supposedly “we all” know that. Really, Kiran? I must’ve missed the announcement when you earned your PhD in Expertise on Women, Even Though No One Asked for Your Opinion.

  Who signed their personal emails with their complete royal title??

  Before she could stop herself, her fingers were flying across the keyboard, tapping out a response.

  Dear Kiran,

  I AM SorRy mY faMILy siTUAtion haS Been sO HarD on You. WHAT Can I DO to MaKe It BetTer? YoU Are The GUY, so CleArLY You KnOw BeST.

  Jaya sat back, breathing harder, and stared at the screen. She really, really wanted to send the message. But she knew that wasn’t how royals were supposed to act. Sending the email was something an uncouth brute like Grey Emerson would do. She, on the other hand, was Jaya Rao—always poised, always self-possessed.

  Jaya sat thinking for a few minutes, absentmindedly playing with her tie. Then she typed a more appropriate response to Kiran’s email.

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: Hi from Kiran

  Hi Kiran,

  It was nice to hear from you. Thank you for the update re: Mysuru. I’m disappointed that the media continues to libel my family, but as you said, this is for the best. I’m staying strong for my parents and Isha.

  How was the meeting with the tax attorney? Your previous email about the land taxes on your estate was fascinating. You’re right, if the Hegde/Rao estates were merged, we might well make the accounting easier.

  All right, I must go. I hope you’re well. Give my best to your parents, won’t you?

  Regards,

  Jaya

  Jaya closed her laptop and sighed at the notion of an “alliance” between the Raos and the Hegdes. Not that it was completely bizarre. In fact, for so long, it had seemed the right thing to do, the way forward that would benefit both their families. But now, with some time and distance (and honestly, looking over their tepid email history), Jaya found herself waffling.

  A lifetime with Kiran? Someone she had no spark with, no friendship with? Someone who, as far as she could tell, was only with her also out of a sense of duty? Whatever would they talk about over dinner—tax laws? Whether or not the crops were getting enough rain? The very thought bored her nearly to tears. And didn’t Kiran deserve better too?

  Jaya took a breath as she pulled out her textbooks. Well, it wasn’t like she needed to make these decisions now. She had years and years.

  CHAPTER 10

  Jaya

  Saturday, the day their class was taking a trip to Aspen, was finally here. On her way out to the bus with Penelope, Jaya stopped at Isha’s dorm to say goodbye. This weekend was seniors only, so she was leaving Isha here by herself, much as she hated to. “Be good,” Jaya said, infusing a special significance into the words as she put her hands on Isha’s shoulders.

  Isha, still in her Bob’s Burgers pajamas, sighed and leaned against her doorjamb. “I will.”

  Jaya smiled stiffly over her shoulder at Penelope, who stood off to the side, waiting, pretending very hard not to be listening. Turning back to Isha, Jaya said, “So, what are your plans today?”

  Isha gave Jaya a look. “I’m going back to bed. And then I’ll probably go get my nails done with Raina. And after that I’ll eat lunch; I’m thinking a burrito. Maybe with avocado spread, maybe not. But if my itinerary changes, I’ll be sure to text you.”

  Jaya looked at Isha’s guarded, defensive face, at her unkempt hair, and felt a tug of sadness. How had their relationship devolved to this? Couldn’t Isha see that her older sister just wanted to take care of her? Jaya felt a familiar weight pressing down on her shoulders. She wished, fleetingly, that she could kiss Isha on the cheek and be off without any reminders or warnings. Sometimes she felt like Isha’s parole officer, not her sister.

  “Okay,” she said softly. She didn’t have the energy for an argument. “Then I’ll let you get back to bed.”

  Isha didn’t even say goodbye before she closed her dorm room door. Sighing, Jaya turned around and smiled at Penelope. “Ready?”

  They walked outside together, both of them bundled in their coats and mittens. It was an especially opportune trip, because Jaya needed to get her necklace repaired. Perhaps she could find the time to do that on this trip. She hadn’t dared to wear it in a couple of days, just in case the rubies began falling again.

  A giant, shiny black bus stood at the curb, waiting. “Whoa,” Jaya whispered when she climbed aboard behind Penelope. She’d been on luxury buses before, but never one quite like this.

  This bus had sumptuously padded leather seats that looked like they belonged on armchairs in ancient libraries, neon lights that lit everyone up in bright colors, mirrors along the walls, and polished black floors. It was like the designers had tried their hardest to make it look like a nightclub rather than a bus.

  Penelope laughed as they took their seats, Jaya next to Daphne Elizabeth and Penelope next to a Haitian girl named Trinity and some of Trinity’s friends. “It’s a limousine bus,” Penelope said. “It’s even got—”

  “A bar! Ouah!” Leo cried.

  “A bar stocked with hot chocolate and soda,” a blond, middle-aged female teacher Jaya didn’t know said wryly. “Have a seat, Mr. Nguyen.”

  Leo sighed theatrically and slid in next to Daphne Elizabeth and Jaya. Rahul followed. “Can you believe this fascism?” Leo said, and Daphne Elizabeth shrugged. “Will you two go to the slopes after?”

  Jaya looked around for Grey but didn’t see him. Surely he wouldn’t just stay in his dorm and abandon Aspen completely? “Erm, yes,” she said. “Daphne Elizabeth’s going skiing with me. Have you seen Grey?”

  “I texted him seven minutes ago, but he hasn’t answered yet,” Rahul said. “Maybe he won’t come this year.”

  Jaya felt a thud of disappointment. Which was clearly because Grey was impeding her plan by keeping himself isolated this way.

  “Skiing?” Leo said scornfully. “You need to snowboard! That is what Rahul and I are going to do.”

  Jaya raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you tell Sam Wickers you were going skiing? Something to do with the fact that she’s a black diamond skier herself?”

  “Allow me to share what I have learned about wooing hot girls,” Leo said, leaning forward. “You must get your foot in the door when you can or—”

  A loud, authoritative female voice spoke from outside, interrupting him. “No! My father’s assistant cleared this well in advance. I’ll be riding in my own car with Alaric. See, that’s my driver, Pietro.”

  An affected male voice, with a slight German accent that made Daphne Elizabeth stiffen in her seat: “Caterina, please do not make such a scene. Let’s go in the bus.”
r />   “Alaric, why can’t you just for once be on my side?”

  “Ms. LaValle, we simply cannot allow you to make your own accommodations. I don’t know who your father’s assistant spoke to in the office, but Dr. Waverly has made it quite clear that no deviations are permitted. Not for anyone.”

  “Okay, fine. Then I’m just going to go sit in my car. What are you going to do? Drag me out?”

  The blond, middle-aged teacher on the bus stepped down to see what was happening.

  “You’re being ridiculous.” Alaric’s voice floated in to them. It was low and furious. Jaya could barely hear it.

  “Don’t call me ridiculous! This situation is what’s ridiculous! We’re not preschoolers! Pietro is a professional driver!”

  Alaric ascended the stairs of the bus, pushing up the sleeves of his chunky taupe sweater. “Ridiculous,” he muttered again as he went to sit by all his—and Caterina’s—friends. “She’s a spoiled brat,” he said loudly to Lachlan. “Maybe her dad should’ve made her walk to Aspen.” All of them snickered.

  Daphne Elizabeth looked decidedly uncomfortable, her cheeks pink. Jaya’s gaze traveled from Alaric’s smug face to Lachlan’s, and then at Heather, Imogen, and Rebecca. Not a single person in Caterina’s group was standing up for her. Jaya remembered what she’d said on the rooftop, at the mixer. I don’t like to rely on anyone else. I don’t trust anyone, you see. The question was, were they untrustworthy because of their natures or because Caterina kept them at a remove? To Jaya’s trained eye, Caterina’s “friendships” seemed more like business transactions. Everyone served a purpose; there was no inherent loyalty like in Grey’s group. Perhaps Caterina was this way to prevent herself from getting hurt… though, ironically, it looked like she was getting hurt now precisely because of the way she treated the people closest to her.

  Jaya glanced out the window at a smoky gray Tesla SUV, its windows tinted so dark, no one could see inside. A red-haired male teacher gave a thumbs-up to the impassive driver behind the wheel, and he took off. Jaya imagined Caterina inside, alone and small, desperate to not feel anything, and felt a pang of pity for the girl.