Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,21

an announcement for the two of you.”

“What man could compare to you? I’ve been hopelessly spoiled.” She admired her friend with a smile but faltered for a moment. Her heart skipped a beat. What was she thinking? This was Robert. She shook the thought from her mind and pulled him toward the ballroom.

Robert walked beside the young beauty who had been his friend and confidant since her arrival at Monmoore. Why did Marissa’s eyes darken? Had it been a trick of the light? They turned a corner, and noise from the ball wafted over him. His stomach soured, and he swallowed the bile trying to rise into his throat. Marissa took his hand, twining her fingers with his. Her skin looked pale in contrast to his own.

“Courage, friend,” she smirked.

It brought a smile to his face. It was a term he used when they fenced against one another. “To the battle?” He replied on cue.

“A battle would be easier to face, sir, but face this you must.”

She pulled him with her, not allowing his feet to slow, nor providing the opportunity to turn tail and run. The ballroom was packed. She tried to release his hand, but he tightened his grip. Her brown eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked up at him. He smiled back. With her, at least, he could have courage.

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I will take the first dance.”

The sea of bodies seemed to part as they moved toward the other dancers. The set paused, allowing them to join the line, and then they continued. Robert fell into step with Marissa at his side.

He enjoyed whirling around the floor. The first set ended, and he begged another, a full set. Marissa made a good partner and the easy banter between them boosted his confidence. He glimpsed the chaotic rumble of nobles as they turned to the beat of the orchestra’s strains. The press of bodies was impressive. Everyone appreciated the open terrace doors throughout the ballroom allowing fresh, cool air to alleviate the heat of the crowd. He tried not to notice the women, but several of them were ramrod straight without a curve to be seen. Marissa mouthed “child” for his delight, causing him to laugh. They were tall and short. Skinny and fat. Chubby and clumsy or plain and graceless. Some were even tall and graceful. But none captured his attention, drawing him beyond the safety of his stepsister.

She pulled him into a private corner and scowled. “You have to dance with them, Robert. Put on your royal mask and give them what they came for.”

“You really want me to offer one of them my hand in marriage?” Looking at Marissa now, beautiful with tiny beads of sweat touching her hairline, he didn’t think it was possible. He didn’t want to be this close to anyone … else.

Marissa blinked, and he could read confusion in her face. She darted a glance at the opening of their alcove. She closed her eyes and seemed to shake herself. When her brown eyes were once more set on him, he could tell a mask had been put in place. Calm. Determined, as usual.

“No, I want you to see if you could love one of them. If you go the evening without making a proposal, your father will have to accept your decision.”

“What of you?” He joked, but his heart pulsed at the thought.

“I’m safe and familiar.” She backed against the wall, putting space between them. “It’s time for you to step out of your comfort zone.”

The music stopped, and they heard dancers clapping with appreciation.

“Choose a different partner. I’ll see you at the end of the evening.” Marissa leaned into him to kiss his cheek. He turned, and their lips met for the briefest of kisses. They lingered a moment. When she drew back, her eyes were wide. His own thoughts were muddled. Had he meant to? Or had it been an accident? She staggered back, and he reached for her.

“I thought I recognized my son.” The king’s voice boomed. The ball invaded their alcove, and Marissa slipped away. Robert pulled himself together as his father squeezed his shoulder. Ridiculous, thinking such thoughts of Mars. She was right, though. Father would have to accept his decision, even if it meant there wouldn’t be an announcement tonight. He let himself be pulled into the fray.

Though Robert recognized Marissa’s friend, her name escaped his memory. The dance brought them back together, her tiny hand upon his. He felt