Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,47

man snarled and jerked from his comrade’s grip. Then he eyed his foe. Robert could see recognition and horror twist the soldier’s face before the man knelt before him. “My Lord, I did not recognize—" the man’s voice trembled.

Robert sheathed his sword and offered the terrified soldier his hand. “Far better to be prepared for an attack than to allow an enemy room to destroy.”

“Forgive me.”

“Forgotten. The cargo you carry is precious to me. You would give your life for her, and for that I am grateful. I must see her.” Robert ran to the side of the carriage, throwing open the door.

Peace settled upon him. The young woman, though lacking in finery, was the very one who had captured his heart at the ball. Blonde hair surrounded her face. Sweet blue eyes gazed at him with adoration. She lifted her hand, and he grasped it, pressing her warmth against his cheek. The scent of her skin was a balm soothing the angst that had filled him since their parting.

“Are you well?” she asked in her soft voice.

“My world has righted itself. Welcome, my Lady, to your new home.”

“We are there? We have arrived at the palace?”

“You are near the grounds. I rode to meet you.”

Cinderella graced him with a gentle smile. “You found me.”

“I promised I would.” Robert glanced at the soldiers. “My men think I have gone mad. Come, let us finish the journey together. You must be weary of travel.”

“The royal carriage is nothing compared to a market wagon,” Cinderella teased. She placed a swift kiss on his cheek. “Go. I have no experience with horses, and you cannot sit with me unchaperoned.”

“You won’t disappear?” Fear sobered his countenance, but she shook her head.

Cinderella found more pleasure in his pale face than the warmth of his hand. Had she wondered what it would be like to love such a pup? Her lips twitched as she gripped his hand. His eyes gazed upon her with adoration. She placed a hand against his chest, pleasure filling her at the sight of Robert’s devotion. “I will not disappear, I promise.”

“I remain within sight of the carriage.” He took both her hands, pressing kisses against her knuckles. “Nothing shall keep you from arriving at Monmoore Palace.”

“I am here to stay, my love.” She assured him, and then watched as he exited the carriage.

She settled on the padded bench, using the footstool to lift her feet from the floor. She leaned back with a sigh of contentment. Within the window, the sight of Prince Robert on his massive horse appeared. She waved, then said, “I am here to stay even after you are dead and gone.” Excitement crept along her skin as he rode beside the carriage.

27

Robert had gone. Marissa felt the palace turn stale. The dreary view beyond her bedroom window did nothing to improve her spirit. “Nothing for it, Mars. Check Cinderella’s rooms, make sure the best has been settled for her.” The sound of her voice helped, even though she was alone.

The guest wing was a different part of the palace. Marissa cut through the inside hidden hallway to save time. She opened the secret door into the portrait gallery. She’d studied every one of the figures hanging on the walls. Now, the feel of their eyes watching her cross to the archway leading to the guest wing scraped against her skin. She fought the urge to turn around when she reached the other hallway. Instead, she focused on the ivy wreath of Cinderella’s chamber. The bronze leaves shone. She opened the door.

The small fire in the grate took the chill from the air without making the room stuffy. Nothing caused the chimney to smoke. She twitched her lips. The scent of orange cheered the air. Woodwork gleamed, as Mrs. Rowley promised. A bowl of oranges from the hothouse sat on the desk arranged between two windows.

It was a beautiful room and the sight of it made her chest ache, making her want to cry. Marissa shivered as a chill crept across her bare skin. She pulled a pillow from the bed and hugged it against her chest.

“Are you well?”

Marissa screamed, swinging around to face the door as Mrs. Boyde burst into the room.

“You startled me.” Marissa pressed her hand to her heart. Her other arm kept a firm grip on the pillow. Mrs. Boyde walked close enough to put a hand on her shoulder. She stared, searching Marissa’s eyes. Marissa frowned. “What is wrong? What has happened?”

Mrs. Boyde