Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,90
ruse to beguile them yet again?
“Careful.” Robert held her as they inched closer to the edge. They stepped around the pile of glass debris. Darkness hid most of the scene from view, but blonde hair splayed across the lawn could not be hid. Marissa buried her face in Robert’s shoulder. He moved them toward safety.
“It’s over.” His voice rattled. “I’m free. We,” he lifted her, “are free.”
Marissa laughed as he spun. Free to live. Free to love. It did not matter if they were royalty or common, as long as they remained together.
51
Elizabeth and Nicholas remained in the shadows as the broken form on the ground changed. The black man’s unseeing eyes dimmed. Skin pulled taut across his face and his hand that could be seen. Cinderella’s blonde curls darkened, her features aging even as her chest rose and fell with breath. She reached a hand upward, but neither Elizabeth nor Nicholas could tell what she reached for.
Cinderella’s breath rattled. Whatever she had hoped for did not materialize. She struggled, but eventually, her chest lay still. Long fingers dug into the ground, then stilled.
Elizabeth felt something brush against her side. They were no longer alone. Other silent Guardians kept witness beside them. As the glimmer of life faded from Cinderella, they set fire to the bodies. Flames of blue and orange whipped across the ground, consuming the corpses. Charred earth remained once the fires dwindled.
Nicholas took Elizabeth’s hand. “Her rooms remain to be purged.”
Elizabeth felt joy ease the knot settled beside her heart. “The palace can be purged.”
A Guardian with golden hair tapped her shoulder. “Your charges are coming. We will clear the palace and remove what remains in the witch’s quarters. See to them.”
Elizabeth didn’t mind the directive.
Marissa refused to release Robert’s hand as they walked down from the tower side by side.
“I should see to the bodies,” Robert sighed as he squeezed her hand.
“No need.” Mrs. Boyde greeted from the bottom of the stairs. Nicholas joined her.
“But is she dead?” Marissa tried to see past them.
“We no longer need to fear Cinderella or her purpose here.”
“Tomorrow will be busy turning away wedding guests.” Nicholas suggested they retire for the remainder of night.
Robert looked at Marissa. The glow of his eyes made her stomach swirl. “The wedding need not be cancelled.” He pulled her closer, taking hold of both her hands. “I have no doubt you will bring trouble, but there is no other woman I want by my side.”
“Me? Trouble?” Marissa’s heart bubbled. “You brought a witch into the palace and nearly ruined everything.”
He grinned. “Can’t help if I’m irresistible.”
Marissa tilted her head. “Perhaps I should resist. At least long enough to make you realize the value of what you are getting.”
“I am aware of your value, dear heart.”
The warm tone of his voice made Marissa blush.
“Adorable, both of you.” Nicholas interjected, nodding as Mrs. Boyde pulled Marissa from Robert.
“Before your banter turns into an argument, are you willing to wed on the morrow?”
“Yes.” Marissa jumped at the offer.
“Good, that’s settled.” Mrs. Boyde linked arms with Marissa. “We will see you in the morning.”
Marissa took a few steps with her then turned back. “But not that room in the keep.”
“The real chapel is in the palace.” Robert nodded. “Where my parents wed.”
Marissa could have stayed with him, but Mrs. Boyde had her walking across the dark path leading to the palace. Tiredness following in the wake of emotional upheaval muted the excitement of marrying Robert. Mrs. Boyde wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked, and Marissa leaned her head against her. “Will Mother and King William return to themselves? They looked ill when we saw them yesterday.”
“The evil of Cinderella is being cleared from Monmoore and the keep. Memories of what transpired will fade.”
“I hope so.”
“We serve a good Master.”
Marissa yawned.
Dawn brought light into the palace. Surfaces that had been covered in gray ash now gleamed. Air, sweet with morning, moved in the hallways. Marissa closed her eyes and breathed. Darkness had passed. The white gown swished against her bare toes. Her wedding gown. She wanted to pinch herself. Could it be real?
“Beautiful, daughter.”
Marissa turned toward her mother.
The older woman blinked moisture from her eyes. “Your father would be so proud.”
“Because I marry a prince?” Was it the right choice?
Her mother placed her hand on her cheek. “Because you marry for love. As I shared with your father. As the king shared with his wife.”
“I never thought … Mrs. Boyde was right, I allowed a child to control my feelings.”
“No longer. You best get shoes on your feet. You and Robert insist on a morning wedding.”
The midnight hour to now had been long enough to wait. Marissa ran for her slippers. Woven slippers not quite as pristine as her gown.
It took all her energy to not sprint from her mother’s side. They walked at a sedate pace through the gallery then down to the lower court where the chapel stood. Its ornate oak doors stood open. White and yellow flowers with bits of greenery decorated the small space. Beside the round alter stood Robert. Marissa thought her heart would burst. Dear man.
The king drew close, holding his hands to her. His arms about her brought tears to her eyes. He cleared his throat. “This is what I had hoped with the engagement ball. All those women of the realm, Robert would realize none were more precious than you.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I am the hardheaded one. It took losing him for me to realize the depth of my love.”
“That is all I ask. Love my son. Be his helpmate. Stay by his side no matter what.”
“I will.” She glimpsed the man waiting for her. “I do.”
Lady DeGanne patted her shoulder. “Those are words to say before the priest.” She kissed her cheek, and then her mother and the king walked hand in hand into the chapel. Marissa turned her attention to Robert. Her dearest friend faced her, the smile on his face welcoming, the gleam in his eyes causing her stomach to tumble with excitement. Love shone through him. She didn’t count the steps to his side. It was the feel of her hand in his that mattered most. He didn’t wait for the priest’s permission. He kissed her. Marissa kissed him back.
***
They lived happily ever after, Marissa and her true love, Prince Robert of Camden. The kingdom had never known such joy and prosperity. When their time to rule came, King Robert and Queen Marissa faced every peril together, loving each other to the end of their days, which were many.
It was their children’s children who faced the peril of the mirror once again. But that is another tale altogether.
Laurie Lee is taking her first steps into fantasy with a twisted fairy tale. Her inspiration comes from the likes of the Brothers Grimm, Tolkien and Lewis. Learn more about Laurie Lee at her website: www.laurieleefairyland.com.
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