Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,9

sort of silhouette. “Will you be in the carriage with us?”

She shook her head. “I have this mess to clean up.”

Marissa noticed a shadow cross Mrs. Boyde’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Wrong?” Their eyes met in the mirror and held a moment. “You see things you should not.”

“What do you mean?”

But Mrs. Boyde finished tying a wide ribbon and stood back, admiring her work. “There. I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

“It isn’t me.” The fine material made her hands sweat.

“Oh, Mars.” The nickname reflected love as she took her young charge by the hands. “It isn’t the dress that makes you beautiful, it’s you who makes the dress. You are no longer a child and we must do a better job of grooming you to be the young woman you are destined to become.” Mrs. Boyde turned away, leading her charge downstairs.

Marissa followed, but she couldn’t forget the shadowed look. Memory of it caused an unsettled feeling in her stomach.

Grand did not begin to describe the procession awaiting in the lower yard of the palace. The king’s horse stood proud and tall, its black coat gleaming in the sun. With its head high, Marissa imagined he commanded awe of all the others moving around the green lawn. The palomino standing nearby had hazel ribbons plaided with its white mane and tail. Both horses were draped with royal blankets in hazel and blue. An open carriage pulled by twin champagne roans with white manes stood further to the left.

Archers, pikemen, and bannermen lined the promenade. Nearby, knights in light armor controlled their horses with soft words. Beneath the chapel arch at the far side of the palace stood the bishop who had overseen the small wedding that had taken place the previous week. Two monks, two nuns, and four young friars carrying trumpets displaying banners in the same fabric as the king’s horse stood with the bishop. On the other side of the yard, a man with captain’s bars on his uniform paced. The red tuft of his helmet fell like a braid down his back. Marissa edged closer to Mrs. Boyde at the cacophony of color and pomp that met her. Her heart thudded in her chest, and an unfamiliar fear made her want to throw up.

“Not as bad as it seems.” Robert nudged her arm.

She gulped. “I don’t know what to do.”

“What to do?” He looked at her and the twinkle in his eye caused her insides to unwind. “We sit in a carriage, wave a few times.” He smiled. “Chat. Argue over whether the bird in the old woman’s hat is alive.”

The blast of a trumpet caused Marissa to jump. Excitement buzzed through the air as the king and her mother arrived. Rows of people dropped down in a bow. Marissa copied their movements. She peaked at her mother and widened her eyes. The long rose-pink cape contrasted with her thick dark hair. The dress beneath seemed to shimmer with silver, as did the stars in her hair. The king appeared splendid as well. His silver coat with puffed sleeves added breadth to his shoulders. His trimmed beard also twinkled with silver. His lips widened when he saw his son. He left the line to shake his hand. With a laugh, he lifted Marissa in his arms.

“How do you like our little parade thus far?” He pointed at the horses pulling a carriage toward them. “Picked them just for you.” His voice lowered. “I hear they are unicorns in disguise.”

Marissa settled against her new father, even though she thought she was too old to be carried. The merry glint in his eyes made her believe he cared. She offered a kiss to his cheek as he deposited her in the silk-lined carriage. The eruption of applause caused her to blush, and she plopped in her seat as Robert jumped beside her.

The collection of clergy started the procession. The king and Mother followed. Marissa hadn’t noticed them mount their horses. Mother looked like a queen, sitting side-saddled while somehow managing to appear straight and tall. Her cape draped over the horse’s rump. Even though the animal pranced, she remained in place. Marissa straightened her back, trying to figure out a way to arrange her dress.

Robert leaned in. “Stand up and give a wave. Before you sit, pull your skirt.”

Marissa followed his advice, pleased to see her mother nod with a gentle smile. The trick worked, and she settled more comfortably as the carriage rolled forward.

“Once we cross into the market,