Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,39

dropping as they moved. Cinderella remained to examine the poster. The king’s signature looked like the scrawl of an old man bound by duty. Prince Robert’s appeared fresh, with thick black strokes. What would it be like to love him? To garner his affection without the trappings of spells? She stretched her hand to touch his writing, then fisted her fingers and dropped her arm to her side. What was the love of a man compared to the power of Doorin? Humans were weak. Magic remained strong, not even time could unravel its grip. Joy broiled her blood. Cinderella moved across the lane to rejoin the servants with whom she worked. She didn’t notice the jarring bumps and jolts of the wagon as they returned to the estate.

On the fifth morning, cold breakfast filled the table as everyone rushed through their chores.

“We’re all to go to town,” an excited scullery maid exclaimed, bouncing as she ran to Cinderella. Cinderella chewed her toast. Weeks of self-imposed drudgery were soon to be ending.

“All of us,” Tanisa squealed. “Sir Anler isn’t pleased, but what can he do? It’s ta King’s directive.”

“Dress in your Lord’s Day finest,” one of the overseers called out in a deep, loud voice. “The wagons will be hitched and prepared to depart in an hour’s time.”

The young women screeched and ran for their chambers. Cinderella finished her meal, and then skipped across the cobbles. Ah, the delight of a well-laid plan. She retired to her meager chamber to dress.

21

“Robert?” Marissa stared at her friend. In the few weeks that had passed, the Prince seemed overcome by a heavy weight. His ashen face was slimmer. His mouth pulled down in a frown. She crossed the veranda and grasped his hand. Unease churned within her as she noted its coldness. “You mustn’t let yourself lose hope.”

“Hope? What is that? I live in despair.” He struggled to remove his hand from hers as though she pained him.

Marissa refused to release him. “She told you Belton Province. The soldiers and herald will have arrived by now.”

“You will love her once she is here.”

“I desire to understand her first, but I have no doubt she will become as a sister to me.” Robert’s hand warmed, and she took hold of his other hand. She could feel him relax.

He looked at their entwined fingers and tightened his hold. “I do not understand this madness,” he whispered.

“None of us do. “

He breathed deep, and then turned his attention to the objects leaning against the door. “What is that?”

Marissa turned. She had forgotten about dropping the sword when she saw Robert. “I found it in the attic. I thought to give it to Captain Standish.” Marissa ran to the sword and picked it up, laying it across both her hands to show it off. “Have you seen it before?”

Robert shook his head. He grabbed the hilt. “It’s been ages since I practiced with Captain Standish.” He brandished the sword as Marissa looked on.

“Perhaps a good fencing match is what you need? Something to relieve the angst as you wait?”

“You and I used to fence.” A ghost of a smile cracked the severe lines that had taken root in his face.

Marissa laughed at that. “I’m sure the Master of Defense would provide better sport.”

“Are you no longer quick on your feet? You may not have had my strength, but I lacked your dexterity and nimbleness. Have you become less in your old age?”

“Ha, sir, never remark on a lady’s age nor her ability.” Hands on her hips, she stomped her foot in protest to his comment. “I will meet you in the yard and we shall see what you have gained or lost since last we crossed swords.”

Robert laughed, pleased with the prospect.

Marissa wasted no time in changing into an appropriate outfit for whelping a mouthy prince.

Both donned the protective gear. Robert held a capped rapier to Marissa. The hiss of blades moving through air preceded the first clash of metal upon metal as the match began. A few faltered steps ending with a whack to her backside and Marissa remembered how to parry and attack. She was faster, dancing out of his reach. Robert loosened up, his laughter filled the yard as Marissa managed to escape yet again.

Marissa dropped against the short retaining wall. Laughter and breathlessness shook her as she laid the sword across her chest. “Surrender,” she cried out. “Mercy.”

Robert held his hand to her, offering assistance. She allowed him to pull her to her