Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,48
broke her serious perusal a moment later with a happy grin. “I had the oddest feeling something horrible… but no, all is well.” She patted her cheek with affection. “Don’t worry, all is well.” Mrs. Boyde exited the room, leaving Marissa still gripping the pillow as her heart calmed.
A new noise captured her attention, that of hooves and carriages. Her stomach turned. She closed her eyes. “This is a good thing, Mars,” Marissa scolded herself. “Better to face a woman of flesh and blood rather than the illusive spirit haunting us all.” Her mind whispered foe, but she refused to acknowledge the possibility. She prayed, for Robert’s sake, that Cinderella would be who he hoped her to be.
The Rose Bedroom faced the back, but Marissa had no trouble imagining the greeting Cinderella would receive. Whatever luggage she had with her would be brought within minutes.
Her prediction proved correct as Derea led the small procession of a case and trunk. Marissa pointed at a far corner of the first wardrobe, indicating Derea to set the luggage there. “The modista can come this afternoon to fit the two gowns that have been hung. Cinderella must have proper apparel for dinner. As soon as you know how many helpers the mistress will have with her, make arrangements for them to stay upstairs. A workroom is already prepared in the third hall.”
Derea bowed. “Yes, Miss. Have you seen her? She’s a beauty, a perfect match for His Highness.”
Marissa raised her brow. It wasn’t the girl’s place to offer an opinion. “Clear the room as soon as you can. Cinderella will desire rest after her long journey.”
Marissa turned, ashamed with her sharp tone. The fault did not belong to Derea. Everyone was curious to meet the prince’s mysterious lover. The sick feeling did not ease, and Marissa knew the time had come to meet the woman.
Robert did not notice the hedge of rose bushes dotting the front lawn. Nor did he notice the sea of curious servants and household members gathering outside the massive double doors of the grand entrance to the palace. With her tiny hand in his, he cared for naught but drawing his fiancé from the carriage. Her cheeks deepened to a rosy hue as he caressed her skin with his thumb.
“It is breathtaking in the daylight.” Cinderella looked beyond his shoulder.
“Merely brick and stone, my dear. It is the ones we love living within the palace that matter.” Robert kept her at his side as they crossed the inner ward to the undercroft. The open-air hallway ran the length of the main building to the corner tower. The murmur of voices of those gathered along the arched columns rose and fell like waves as they passed.
The ancient keep could be seen through the lowest window in the tower.
Cinderella paused. Robert placed his arm across her shoulders.
“Is it safe?” Her soft voice caused him to lean closer, and he could smell the scent of flowers clinging to her hair. He breathed before turning his attention to her question.
“The foundation of the keep is solid. It was my great grandfather who built Monmoore against the outer wall. You have nothing to fear. Perhaps you would like to explore one day?”
“Walk within those decrepit walls?”
Robert laughed at her timid reply. “There are secrets buried within the keep that have yet to be discovered. Fascinating, to walk hallways where ancients ruled.”
“An adventure with you by my side?” She dipped her eyes to the scuffed stone floor, blushing. “I would like that.”
Robert kissed her hand. “As would I. Come. The king waits for us.” Robert led her into the main building. “This is the public area. Above us is the portrait gallery leading to the family wing and guest rooms.”
Light from the open doors lining the great hallway blazed on the gilded walls and marble floor. Cinderella’s golden hair sparkled when she removed the navy hood from her head. They traveled in silence with Robert mesmerized by the woman at his side. He led her into the royal meeting room. Side tables cascading with arranged blooms and greenery lined the plastered walls. A massive fireplace filled the far wall. Robert crossed the room and bowed to his father. “King William, may I present the Lady Cinderella.” He placed one hand on her back while holding her hand with his other. He lifted their hands toward the king.
“It is an honor, my lady, to meet the woman who has stolen the heart of my son. You are