Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,54
prepare.”
Robert finished drinking his brandy. “Have we given them enough time?”
The three women sat in the parlor, their dark dresses contrasting with the soft fall tones of the setae and chaise lounge. Cinderella sipped her sherry as she looked at Marissa. “The king is a delightful man.”
“Mother chose well. I couldn’t imagine a more caring stepfather.” Marissa glanced at her mother.
Lady DeGanne shrugged. “We made a choice for the good of our children. You needed a father in your life.”
Cinderella sat up. “Soon he will be my father as well.”
Instead of the intense dislike she’d experienced earlier, Marissa’s feelings toward Cinderella warmed. She watched the young woman pluck at the fabric across her lap, as though she pulled a long, very thin piece of thread. She tilted her head. “How did you end up at the king’s ball?”
“You wouldn’t believe me. I don’t believe me, except I’m here. It had to have happened.” Her eyes widened, inviting them into her confidence. Marissa couldn’t keep herself from leaning forward.
“I have a godmother. Someone I never knew about. She argued for days with my stepmother before agreeing to pay her. I don’t know how much, but it must have been a great deal.”
“You left in such a hurry.” Marissa interrupted. “If you were under the protection of a benefactor, why?”
“I had four hours. Four glorious hours dressed as a princess, dancing in a ballroom. I never intended to meet Robert. But I did, and oh, how time flew. Before I understood what had happened, I had to leave.”
“What woman would limit you to four hours at such an event? Tell me her name.”
Marissa startled at her mother’s harsh voice.
“No, do not be upset.” Cinderella hurried to lay a hand on Lady DeGanne’s arm. “I agreed. When the night was over, I had to return home. The enchantment was gone, but I had hope. Hope that Robert would find me. Imagine my surprise when word of the glass slipper spread. I had no idea where I lost it. It is a sign that Robert found it.”
“A miracle.” Marissa agreed.
A knock at the door marked the arrival of the king and Robert. Robert all but ran to Cinderella’s side when the door opened. Marissa turned her head rather than watch him pull Cinderella close. Cinderella hid a yawn behind her hand.
Marissa agreed, the night had gone on quite long enough. She caught her stepbrother’s attention. “Robert, our guest tires. I will show her to her chamber.”
The gentlemen stood first, and then Cinderella looped her arm with Marissa’s.
“A peaceful evening to you all,” Marissa offered her farewell and stumbled as the two of them exited the parlor. She walked in silence as Cinderella chatted.
Cinderella pointed at a painting. “Odd dresses to wear. They do not appear at all comfortable. We would need a barrage of maids to prepare us for the day. Have you explored the keep? Robert showed me from the lower hall. Do you think it is dangerous? Would there be ghosts?”
Marissa was grateful to see the corridor turn ahead, leading into the guest wing.
“I cannot believe I shall one day be queen of Monmoore.” Cinderella whispered as they moved through fixed stares of ancestral portraits.
Marissa glanced at the image of Robert’s mother and found courage to talk with Cinderella. “What manner of legacy would you wish to leave your people?”
“Legacy? Me? I would whisper words of peace in the king’s ear.”
“There are a great many things a queen can do for the betterment of her people.”
Cinderella’s eyes narrowed. “Is peace not a worthy cause?”
“Peace saves lives but for what? What do we do with those who no longer need to fight wars? What do we do with those who no longer make weapons? We have to give life that will survive in peace, not just war.”
Cinderella stopped and focused on Marissa. “You would make a fine queen. Why not take Robert for yourself?”
Marissa shook her head, ignoring the thump of her heart. “Robert and I are friends. He has been my older brother and my confidant. I adore him, but my feelings are nothing compared to the bond between you.”
Cinderella offered a pretty smile. “Your honesty is refreshing.”
They stopped at the doorway with the knocker of intertwined leaves. Cinderella traced the swirl of leaves with her finger. “I really am here.”
Marissa backed away, a fresh breath of air sweeping across her pale cheeks. “Rest well, tomorrow will bring its own circumstances.” Marissa walked away.
The dim hallway crept with shadows. She felt them