Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,41

slipper isn’t falling off.”

“It’s her. It’s the prince’s lady.”

The murmur of voices started with those closest to the tent, rising in volume as the excited news spread through the town center. A crescendo of screams and delighted hurray filled the air.

“Bring the slipper,” The messenger called to the official travelling with them.

Cinderella’s eyes widened with horror, before she masked herself once again. Fury flared to life inside of her. Not only had the prince not come for her as he had promised, he’d released the glass slipper. Her hold on him wouldn’t be strong.

“She’s no Cinderella,” an angry voice screamed.

She closed her eyes, willing herself to be patient. This scene had to play out, and then she would rectify the situation. She would not lose her prince after so much effort had gone into procuring him.

Millie pushed through the crowd and hurled herself beneath the tent. “You’re not the prince’s Cinderella, just trying to lie your way into a better life.”

Cinderella cried out, fear ringing in her voice. The bitter hag launched over the rope.

“Worthless girl,” the woman shouted as the messenger and soldiers grabbed at the crazed woman, dragging her away. Her screams rolled through the tent as she kicked and fought for freedom. “You’re nothing but a base servant, listening at keyholes and spying on your betters.”

The messenger slapped his hand across her cheek. “The King’s decree called for every eligible lady to try the shoe. If you don’t refrain yourself, I’ll give you the whipping you deserve.”

Cinderella watched with wide eyes as the messenger threatened and Millie wilted against the soldiers restraining her. When he returned to Cinderella and knelt in front of her, face full of concern, she made sure none of the bubbling laughter she felt showed. She held one hand to her chest. “Oh my,” her voice was a whisper.

“Are you alright?” He wrapped her small hand in his, and then smiled as she nodded. He patted her hand. “You are precisely who our prince would fall in love with. I am honored to have found you.” The official placed the real glass slipper in his hand. He reached for her foot and it went on as easily as the cast.

Cinderella smiled. A ray of the late afternoon sun struck her, causing the glass shoe to shoot beams of light across the well-worn ground beneath the tent. Those nearest the scene gasped at the sight. Cinderella stood, one hand on the messenger’s arm for support. The blonde beauty blushed as applause started from those nearest the tent and spread like wildfire.

“Princess! Princess!” The chant thundered through the town.

Over the din, the guard looked at the crier. “Prepare a message and send the pigeon at morning’s first light. The prince’s bride has been found.”

Cinderella pulled her packed traveling case from beneath the bed in her room at the manor. A black crow beat on the window, and she let it into the small space.

“That fool boy let the glass slipper from his sight. I will not lose my hold on him.” She grabbed the bird. “You must return to Monmoore.”

The bird squawked with pain, but Cinderella felt no compassion as the crow changed into a carrier pigeon. It writhed on its side. She scooped it up in her hands and set it on its feet.

“Go to him. Strengthen the spell until my arrival.”

The bird fluttered through the open window. Cinderella lifted her bag and walked through the door.

23

Robert raced to the parapet housing the elevated loft for carrier pigeons. Energy brought on by the fencing matches simmered as he dashed up the twisting stairs. Fresh air dried the sweat on his face. He picked a piece of meat from the pouch provided each day by the trainers and reached for the pigeon. Everything slowed when he touched the bird. He tried to release it immediately, but his hand refused to move. Something in him fought the connection, but the image of Cinderella grew. Her eyes begged him to love her. For a moment, it was as though he held her. His heart swelled with emotion. Love overwhelmed him, rising like waves to consume him. Any thought of resistance extinguished itself. He removed the note, even though he knew what it would say.

“She is found.” Robert let the note slip to the ground. “She is not a dream, nor the nightmare that plagues my sleep. She is coming.”

He realized Marissa had joined him. Joy enthralled him, wiping away thoughts of fencing with his stepsister. “Mrs. Rowley