Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,84

cut a bit of your hair, once. When you were sleeping.”

She twirled around. “You did not.”

“Did. I wanted to see if it was the same color as the cocoa made by the monks.”

“Cinderella’s hair is prettier.”

He shook his head. “Pretty, yes.” He twisted a lock of Marissa’s hair around his finger. “You are beautiful.” He kissed her. Not a chance meeting of lips, this. He wove his fingers through her hair and pulled her close. His lips covered hers. She leaned against him, moving her lips as he moved. He wanted to pull closer, this gentle exploring more than he had dared.

Breathless, they both took a step back, her forehead resting against his. He could feel the brush of her breath on his face. “I love you, Mars. It has nothing to do with growing up together, and everything to do with spending my life with you. Cinderella’s spell buried it, but she could never erase my love for you.”

“Oh, Robert. I love you, I do. That’s why we need to return to Monmoore.”

He shook his head. “I will be dragged into the spell once more.”

“Don’t you see, as long as the spell exists, we will never be free of it. Free of Cinderella. Our love is stronger than it’s ever been. We can break the spell.”

“You almost fell from the tower of the keep. I will be lost forever if something happens to you.”

He wrapped his arms around her. Never had he allowed himself the feel of holding her. Now, with her soft body pressed against his, his blood heated.

“It appears things have taken a turn for good.” Mrs. Boyde’s laugh rolled through the hallway.

Robert realized they remained in the doorway, and Marissa didn’t seem to want to release him.

“Come now, dears. We need rest. Ten days’ journey by coach to return to the palace.” Mrs. Boyde stopped beside him, patted his cheek. Marissa pulled away with a sigh.

“We will join you and Captain Standish at the carriage in the morning. Have a safe, peaceful night. We can plan more as we travel.” Marissa kissed his cheek, and then Mrs. Boyde pulled her away, closing the door between them.

47

Seven days they journeyed, and Marissa basked in his attention. They were never alone, yet he found opportunity to touch her arm, her hand, to brush against her as the carriage rocked. They watched the kingdom fly past, arguing the riches of land and people.

But the eighth day his demeanor changed. He slid further away, passed hours in silence as he stared at the corner. On the tenth, he stretched his torso through the window. “Are we near?” He cried to Captain Standish riding on the front bench of the carriage. “My Cinderella awaits, and I am eager to see her.”

Marissa pressed her nails into the palms of her hands. She knew the spell wove its will over him. She knew in his heart he loved her, not Cinderella. But to see such eagerness in him for another—her eyes burned with unshed tears. Mrs. Boyde brushed her hand through her hair. Marissa leaned against her.

The sound of the wheels changed as they crossed the moat, and then they were halting, standing still in Monmoore. The familiar castle did not feel as it should. She leaned close to whisper with Mrs. Boyde. “Are you sure this is the right choice for us?”

Mrs. Boyde kissed her forehead. “Have faith, child.”

Robert burst out of the carriage as a woman’s cries disrupted the courtyard.

“I thought you lost,” Cinderella flew into his arms.

Though he did not twirl her with lighthearted joy, he held her close. Too close, Marissa thought, judging by the lump in her throat. Cinderella looked as she ever had. Long blonde curls, sweet innocent face. Her cheeks were damp as she pressed her lips against Robert’s face. Marissa rolled her eyes.

“So few days remain,” Cinderella whimpered. “We’ve heard nothing. I thought for sure an ill fate had befallen you.”

“Yet he is safely returned.” Marissa spoke as she climbed from the carriage. “We all are.”

Cinderella turned, keeping herself in Robert’s arms. “You?”

“When Robert found me, he insisted we return.”

“Did he? I am glad to see you.”

Of course, she was. Marissa noticed the gleam in Cinderella’s eyes. It was like seeing double. The innocent young woman, beautiful and in love, and the strong-willed woman with jealous eyes and covetous hold on the prince.

“I’m exhausted,” Marissa held Mrs. Boyde’s arm, “as is my companion. Robert moved us at a trying pace; he was eager to return.”

“As