Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,65

second location beyond the mountains.”

“You do have a good head on your shoulders.” Mrs. Boyde grinned. “Wasn’t always certain during your years of lessons.”

“Father said I’d have a head for business.”

Mrs. Boyde gave her a look. “Or for a queen?”

Marissa sat on the edge of her bed. “Not one of my choices.”

“Not at present, but free Robert from the enchantment …”

Marissa remained silent for a moment, focusing on the dark beyond the window. “What will happen to the man?”

“There are dungeons for such as he.”

“Give him what he needs and let him return home.”

“Now that would not be so wise. He broke the law. Let it go unpunished and reward his arrogance … havoc will follow.”

“Then tell them not to hold him too long once we’ve gone. If he is otherwise an honest man, his family will need him.”

“If he is not?”

“He will get what he deserves in the end.”

Mrs. Boyde nodded. “That is true. No matter how strong Cinderella is now, she will fail.”

“But will it be soon enough to save Robert?”

36

“Do you know what you will wear tonight?” Lady DeGanne asked as she scooped from her soft-boiled egg.

“Mrs. Billings delivered an apricot gown with a blue sash. Should that please the king’s friends?” Cinderella tilted her head. Not that it matters, I could wear black and you would be pleased.

“Perfect choice. I will send Attilee to set your hair. The king will order up a tray of sapphires.” She turned to Robert. “Will you wear blue as well?”

He smiled at Cinderella. “I have been assured our clothes will compliment. Fitting for our first engagement gathering.”

“I am beside myself with excitement.” Cinderella dabbed her fingers in lemon water and motioned for a footman to pull back her chair. “I will rest and look through the cards again. I do hope I remember their correct names.”

Lady DeGanne patted her hand. “You will be fine. We haven’t had this much excitement in so long. I am glad Robert found you. Have your rest. Would you like tea brought before you bathe?”

Cinderella stood. “Lovely thought.” Instead of leaving, she stood beside the door of the morning room and watched the trio pick at the remains of their breakfast.

Lady DeGanne sighed. “Like the daughter I never had.”

Robert frowned.

Cinderella could see a thought trying to form, a contradiction to what she wanted him to think. “Crow.” Though her voice was a whisper, the demand that could not be ignored coursed through the palace. When Cinderella arrived at her suite, Crow waited for her. Despair and desire etched lines in his face. She opened the door. “The time has come to finish her.”

“She is all but forgotten.” Crow moved into the room.

“Robert does not think so. I will not have him distracted from my purpose. Find the girl and kill her.”

“You have the mirror. Can it not do your bidding?”

“We are able to see where she has been, not where she presently is. Someone with her is protecting her. Follow their trail and wait until she is alone.”

Crow paled. “You will send me through the mirror?”

“Oh, yes.” Memory of the servant’s pain made her heart flutter. Would Crow suffer such a transport? Cinderella caressed the frame of the mirror. Glass dripped and spread until the mirror was large enough for someone to step through. “Where is Marissa?” Cinderella spoke, and the reflection of her and Crow in the rose bedroom faded into a cloudy shroud. She had a sense of the image shifting backward until it settled on a town with an inn on Front Street butted up against a row of shops.

Cinderella kissed Crow. “Go, my dear. Complete your task and bring me a token.”

Crow touched the mirror, his black skin contrasting the silvery light of the mirror. His hand dipped through. Cinderella held her breath as the rest of him was drawn. In a moment, he was through, no terrifying pain to be witnessed. She rubbed her fingers upward on the mirror’s frame, and the mirror returned to its previous size.

Cinderella glanced around her chamber. Alluring as it was, she didn’t desire to remain within its walls for hours until preparations for the engagement gathering would begin. Traveling through the back halls, she crossed paths with a familiar servant. The large man blanched when he turned and saw her. Cinderella narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

His chest moved up and down. “Minding my post.”

“As a guard? That is not the job I set for you.”

He frowned. “I don’t know what you