end, took a few steps up, and led Sereh onto a dark platform.
Sereh gripped Marissa’s arm. “What are you doing?”
“Wait until you see this.” She slid a frame from the wall and an oblong opening allowed light to brighten the space. There were three more such openings, but Marissa didn’t need to go further. “Look.” Part of the grand ballroom of Monmoore Palace lay before them.
Chandeliers of black iron burned reservoirs of oil, adding a smoky haze along the coffered ceiling. Columns decorated with green vines stood like sentinels opposite them. A little beyond, open French doors lined the outer wall, showing the fade of afternoon. The marble floor shone.
“What is that?” Sereh pointed out the medallion inlaid in the center of the ballroom.
“It is the King’s coat. The hothouse has been brought in.” Arrangements of flowers, ornamental bushes, and trees were scattered around the large space, creating manageable areas for activity.
A bell rang. “Called to supper.” Marissa picked up the frame from the ground, sliding it along the wall until it hooked into place, throwing them into darkness again.
“Isn’t it early to be eating?”
“We have a long evening ahead of us. Dinner won’t be until the midnight hour.” Marissa led the way, trying to pull her skirt from Sereh’s feet as her friend kept a tight grip on her arm. She led them through the room to the hallway.
“There you are.”
Marissa turned around with a gasp, and then grinned. “Were you looking for me?”
Mrs. Boyde raised a brow. She waved a passing servant to them. “Please, take Miss Sereh to the ladies dining hall. Marissa will join them when I am finished with her.”
Marissa said nothing as Sereh was led from the guest wing. She turned to Mrs. Boyde as her friend disappeared around a corner. “Is something wrong?”
“Not at all. I have a gift for you. Something your father commissioned. This evening is a special occasion. I think now is the perfect time for it.”
“Father?” Marissa started to ask, but then she stared at the silver necklace Mrs. Boyde held between her hands. An intricate swirl of roses and birds, eyes twinkling, hung in the air. “How could this be from Father?” Marissa touched the delicate design with one finger. The cold feel of silver caused a chill to run down her back.
“It is from one of his travels.” Mrs. Boyde made a turning motion with her finger, and Marissa obeyed so she could lock it around her neck. “He gave it to me for keeping until you were old enough for such a bauble. Would have given it to you himself if he could.”
The necklace lay against the bare skin above her bodice. She covered it with her hand, blinking moisture from her eyes. Father? All that remained of his memory was a vague shape of a large man with blue eyes and a laugh that made anyone nearby want to laugh in response. The memory washed over her, causing a warm glow to radiate through her soul. Mrs. Boyde turned her about, placing hands on her shoulder and giving her a once over. “I always knew you would be beautiful.” She took a breath and stepped back. “There. You will be fine.”
Marissa grabbed her hands. “Join us for dinner.”
She patted Marissa’s cheek as she gave her a gentle smile. “That is not the way of this world. I will hear about your adventures tomorrow.”
Marissa studied the group of ladies chattering around the table. How could Mrs. Boyde be anything less than one of these? She shook off the thoughts. The necklace rested against her chest. She could feel the touch of silver on her skin, yet, none of the others seemed to take notice. Could they not see the delicate design? Did they not notice the glitter of diamond eyes? Sereh pulled her attention. Within moments, Marissa herself forgot about the talisman around her neck.
Cinderella twirled in front of the mirror. The gown settled against her legs.
Crow moved like a shadow behind her. “Does any of the real you remain?” His dark eyes met her soft blues in the reflection. The image shimmered, and then revealed the taller woman with jet black hair falling in waves around her shoulders. Instead of the rounded face of youth, her real face had high cheekbones, arched brows, and wide lips with natural berry color.
Crow slipped his dark hands across her pale shoulders, but Cinderella moved away from him. His features darkened, while desire and jealousy sparked his eyes. “Why