Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,28

against the glass flute filled with champagne. Her face bathed in moonlight. A sob shook his body, then he noticed a glitter.

A sparkle lit the corner of his eye, as he had seen at the ball. Hope flared to life and he surged to his feet, turning. But it wasn’t Cinderella. What had called him? He looked down. Moonlight gleamed on a slipper, a dainty thing forged in glass. It was hers, he was sure of it. A piece of herself left behind for him. He touched it, but it had already turned cold. How had she danced the night in such a thing? He lifted the slipper. It was like a jewel, glittering with hues of rose and dandelions. I will find you. His words echoed in his head. His promise. She needed him. He cradled the slipper against his heart. This was how he would find her.

13

Dawn kissed the eastern edge of the sky when the last of the guests wound their way to their rooms or sauntered to their carriages. The royal family didn’t watch their going. The king, his son, and Marissa were in the king’s office. Mahogany wood desk and bookcases added to the air of elegance brought on by the subdued pattern of linen wallpaper and wainscoting the color of champagne. Prince Robert sat on the edge of a hard, straight-back chair. His father lounged in a more-comfortable stuffed chair that matched the walls. Marissa slouched on a bench, leaning her head against a tapestry while watching Robert and his father argue.

“Why did she leave?” King William asked a third time, his voice projecting his irritation.

“She didn’t explain. But you noticed? I could not take my eyes from her. The moment she entered the room, I felt alive.”

Marissa pressed a hand against her temple. The fervent look in Robert’s eyes evoked a pounding in her head. The king’s fist hit the desk, causing her to jump.

“If she knew she procured your affection, she should have stayed. Why run?”

“You wanted a match, I made a match.” Robert’s steely voice chilled the room.

The king shook his head. Age and weariness showed in the sloop of his shoulders and the pull in his frown. “Not just a match, Robert. I want you to be happy, to be loved as I was loved by your mother.”

“I do love her, Father. More than I can express.” He reached out to touch his father’s arm. “I am grateful—if you hadn’t insisted on this ball, we may never have crossed paths.”

“Too bad,” Marissa muttered soft enough that the others couldn’t hear, then she admonished her attitude. What right do I have to think negative thoughts about the prince and his new love? She toyed with her necklace. The king focused his attention on Marissa, causing her to sit straighter. Her cheeks flushed.

“You saw her?” he asked.

“Everyone saw her. She was the only woman he danced with once she arrived.”

“None of the other guests knew her? No one recognized her?” King William’s forehead wrinkled.

Marissa sighed. “None that I could find. She did not leave with anyone. Robert tried to find her, but …”

Robert jumped to his feet. “It matters not. Cinderella is the woman I love. She is the woman I will marry. I have vowed to find her. When I do, I will bring her to the palace. You will love her, Father. She is everything that is sweet and kind.”

The king tried to smile, to reassure the prince, but Marissa thought it looked more like a grimace. She stood, eager to retire herself. “We are tired.” She waved at the heavy curtains that couldn’t block out the morning glow. “Morning light has come. Let us retire to our chambers and sleep. We will think and reason better when our minds are rested.”

“You make a fine point, my dear. Robert,” He turned to his son, “we will find Cinderella. The more I hear of her, the more I long to meet her.”

Robert rubbed the bristles beginning to cover his cheeks and chin. Marissa quelled the unexpected desire to offer comfort and turned her back on the pain in his eyes. What is wrong with me? She muttered something unintelligible and removed herself from the king’s office.

14

Light still shone through the heavy curtains of her room as Marissa stretched. Sleep had been sweet. Somewhere in her dreams, Robert’s lips moved against hers. She pressed into the down-stuffed mattress fitted with soft linen sheets, wanting to return to her dreams. Warmth spread through