Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,53
family now. You will never be alone again.” Robert pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head.
The dinner bell rang, and they walked to the dining table. Marissa sat beside Cinderella. Robert sat across from them next to Marissa’s mother. King William stood at the head of the table until all were seated.
Marissa hinted at the proper utensil to be used with each course. The first course, roasted hare with rosemary glaze, filled the room with its pungent smell. Sugar plums and boiled potatoes dotted the edge of the plate. Marissa tapped the outside fork before she cut into a plum and lifted the silver utensil to her mouth. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the rich burst of flavor from the blanched fruit. She turned the fork upside down and left it overhanging the plate. She smiled as Cinderella mimicked her actions.
A page dressed in white presented the second course, eliciting a round of applause from the diners. Upon a large oblong platter sat a huge turkey. Its feet had been dipped in gold. The tips of feathers remaining on its wings had been painted blue and yellow. A lawn had been created beneath the bird, using wild greens from the garden. Radishes cut into roses, carrots carved into leaves, and a fanciful bird fashioned from melon decorated the greenery.
Cinderella placed her hand on Marissa’s shoulder as she leaned forward for a better view. Marissa shivered. She stopped herself from rubbing the spot once Cinderella released her. A queasy sensation burned her stomach, and she picked at the delectable selection of food from the platter. A sorbet dish replaced the platter, and Marissa fiddled with the spoon. She moved her hands to grip her fingers in her lap when she noticed her mother’s frown.
“You are so kind to me,” Cinderella leaned to whisper to her.
“We are soon to be sisters.” Marissa stared at the uneaten scoop of sorbet decorated with fish-shaped jellies. “I have never had a sister before.”
“You must have met all manner of interesting people growing up.”
Marissa shook her head. “Quite the contrary.”
“But you live in a palace. There must have been nobles and princes visiting from other countries.” Cinderella stared.
Marissa laughed. “Little girls weren’t allowed to attend royal functions.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’d rather spend my time fencing or galloping through fields and woods on Soliloquy.”
“Not I,” Cinderella shook her head. “I want to wear beautiful gowns and dance with royalty.” Her nose wrinkled with self-derision. “Foolish daydreams.”
Lady DeGanne stood, disturbing their conversation. “Shall we retire to the drawing room?”
Two servants held open the doors on the far side of the room. Lady DeGanne led the way, and Marissa allowed Cinderella to take her place behind her mother.
“She is enchanting, my boy, as you described.” King William held a crystal tumbler with brandy toward Robert.
Robert dragged his attention from the sway of Cinderella’s gown. “What?” He shook his head, fighting against the cloud now residing in his mind. He had little memory of the dinner except images of Cinderella. His desire to go with her drew him to his feet.
The king pressed a hand against his shoulder with a laugh. “You’ve enough time to follow, son. Allow the ladies time to talk. She has no knowledge of castle life. Lady DeGanne and Marissa will help her adjust.”
Robert felt a semblance of calm at his father’s touch. “I am a stranger to myself.”
The king nodded. “Love can do that. I remember when I first met your mother. I came alive the moment we touched.”
“Did you feel bound to her?”
“Bound?” He shook his head. “Free is a better way to describe… her love loosed everything that kept me from who I was meant to be.”
Robert frowned. Free? He felt bound to her… to Cinderella. Marissa’s the only one who’s ever made me feel free to be myself. A faint touch brushed against his forehead. The wayward thought flew into the dark, and his focus remained with Cinderella. Desire for her pulsed, and he gripped his glass. “What of the engagement period? Was it hard to bear?”
“I struggled, I will not lie. But I also understood the expectations and obligations I had to my people.” He met Robert’s gaze. “Our people.”
“I understand,” Robert said with a sigh. “I wish I could marry her tonight.”
“She is a beauty, no doubt, but no passion is worth jeopardizing the power you hold, nor your place of honor as Prince Regent. Our people deserve time to adjust and