Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,60

and poured a cup of tea. “What do you mean?”

“They spoke about you, how your father died and stepmother treated you horribly. The young lady is certain your father must have family and wants to find them in time to attend the wedding here.”

“Indeed.” Cinderella curled a bit of blonde hair around her finger. Marissa wants to get away from the palace? For my benefit or because seeing Robert with me pains her? Cinderella smiled. Does it matter? “Did you hear much of her plan?”

“She went to find the king, or prince, and get their permission.”

“Where is Robert?”

“His servant said he’d be practicing arms this morning. In the fencing yard.”

“Very well. Continue your watch.” You did well, Crow. Let’s see how quick I can have her gone.

Abigail removed herself from the bedroom, and Cinderella stared at the mirror. “Once she has passed the lands of Monmoore, everyone here can forget her.” Marissa could disappear into the world and no one would care. “Robert will not want her to leave. I must be there to persuade him.” The new dress fluttered as she spun away.

32

Marissa’s simple silver gown swished as she walked the carpeted hallway. She sought Robert. His approval was integral to her plan. Besetting him alone would provide the opportunity to quell any refusals. The sound of metal upon metal rang through the skinny arched window as she walked the upper alley. Her hand brushed against familiar stone as she wound her way down the stairwell toward the weapons courtyard. The blade of the fencing master flashed toward Robert, and Marissa gasped as the prince parried with a clever twist. She continued to watch from the arch at the base of the stairs. Sweat drenched both men as they fought for an advantage over the other. Robert’s shirt clung to his muscles as he countered another move, his feet dancing across the cobbles.

Marissa felt her breath catch and she wished for her fan. Her mind cleared, becoming resolute. Taking the journey wasn’t just about finding Cinderella’s family. It was about truth. Analyzing her feelings for Robert would be part of that truth. She stepped into the morning sunlight as the fencing master called quits.

“You’ve been holding back for me.” Marissa smiled as she walked closer.

Robert stood in place, his chest heaving for air. “Your speed is a real challenge. It wouldn’t be right for a prince to best a whelp of a girl.”

Marissa moved closer, encouraged by his easy smile. “No fear of that.”

“Why did you come out here this morning? Did you want me for something?”

Marissa felt her cheeks warm at his innocent words. He must have noticed, for his smile faded and his eyes remained fixed on her.

But then a veil slid into place and his eyes turned cold and glassy. Fingers from a dainty hand spread across his arm. Cinderella came into view.

Marissa took a step back and fixed a smile on her face.

“Is it true?” The soft voice dripped with sweetness. “Oh, Robert,” Cinderella looked up at the prince. “Have you heard? Has she told you?”

“What?” Robert turned his head from Cinderella to Marissa. “Told me what?”

“She has promised to seek my father’s relatives. To reunite me with my family. It is wonderful.”

“No.” Robert’s firm protest surprised them both.

“Yes.”

The one word from Cinderella sounded harsh to Marissa, but Robert bent his chin to the earth, providing approval.

The exchange happened so fast, Marissa wasn’t certain what she had just witnessed.

“Cinderella is right, Marissa. It is a fine idea. I am eager to meet them. But you must have an escort.”

“Mrs. Boyde will be with me.”

“Not your companion, Mars. Soldiers. Men who know how to protect.”

Marissa shook her head. “Is our country a dangerous place?”

Robert waved at the fencing master as he replied. “There are always dangers, especially when you haven’t travelled beyond the orchards.”

“Sir?” The fencing master acquired Robert’s attention.

Cinderella turned toward Marissa with a sweet smile. “You never know what might befall you in the wilder regions of the world.”

Marissa felt an evil shiver. She faltered. “I…I’ll see you at breakfast.” She fled, certain she could hear Cinderella laughing at her retreat.

33

Marissa refused to give in to the threat of tears clogging her throat as the carriage rolled from Monmoore. Robert had wrapped his arms around her, allowed her a moment to rest her head against his chest. His heart beat against her cheek, but then Cinderella joined them, and he withdrew. As he had since Cinderella’s arrival at the ball. The cold emanating from