So This is Love (Disney Twisted Tales) - Elizabeth Lim Page 0,85
or two when he was actually old enough to understand what was going on.
But Ferdinand, again, wisely did not voice his thoughts. He crossed his hands behind his back. “I thought I should inform you, sire, your son is planning to hold a third ball this week, with the intent of proposing to the sorceress.”
The king’s eyelids drooped, and he began to snore.
“Did you hear me, sire?”
“What was that? Ah, yes. Another ball? Excellent.” George wagged a warning finger at the duke. “If you do anything to ruin his chances with the girl, well . . . you know what will happen.” He crossed his arms and tucked himself deeper into his sheets. “Now go away. It’s the middle of the night and I need my rest.”
The duke bowed, carefully maintaining his composure. “Then I take my leave, Your Majesty. Good night.”
The king was already snoring. Ferdinand closed his eyes, envisioning what would happen the next morning. Dr. Coste would arrive just before breakfast, and His Majesty would learn that his illness had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Ferdinand would be there to comfort him. His Majesty would reason that he should abdicate earlier than expected, and Ferdinand would smoothly convince him that he would aid the prince in ruling Aurelais. He’d even have the king put it down in writing. . . .
Such thoughts soothed his anxious mind as he exited the king’s apartments. If things did not go as planned it could end up disastrous. First, King George didn’t seem at all displeased that Charles was planning to wed a servant. And now he wanted to welcome magic back into Aurelais!
Indeed, something had to be done, and Ferdinand had an idea just where to begin. He crumpled the king’s decree into his pocket.
Then he turned toward the south wing, headed for the servants’ quarters.
Should there be any threat to the future of Aurelais, eliminate it immediately, his father had taught him. Before it grows.
He knew the root of his problem well enough, but eliminating it would be tricky.
Very tricky.
Ferdinand sniffed. Fortunately, he was up to the challenge.
He would find a way to get rid of Cinderella if it was the last thing he did.
It was barely dawn when someone rapped on Cinderella’s door, so loudly she shot up from her bed.
“Good morning, Madame Ir—”
“Get up and get dressed,” Irmina said, cutting her off. Stray curls dangled over her face; for the first time, the mistress of the household’s hair was not impeccably arranged.
“What’s—”
“There’s to be another ball tonight, and we need every pair of hands working. Don’t stand there gaping—that includes you, Cinderella!”
Another ball!
Charles had been true to his word. He would announce his intention to marry her—tonight!
Cinderella dressed, her fingers shaking with excitement as she loosened her braids, pinned on her wig, and wrapped her lavender sash around her waist. A twinge of nervousness made her stomach flutter. After that night’s ball, she would be . . . a princess.
I need to tell Louisa—before she hears it from someone else.
A distressed Madame Irmina surveyed the long line of young women under her supervision. Cinderella hurried to her place at the end, but not before waving to Louisa, who’d made it to the roll call just in time.
“Another party,” Irmina grumbled. “Why do we even bother to take down the decorations?” She spun to face the girls. “When you have received your assignments, get to work immediately.”
One by one, the girls received their duties. When it was Cinderella’s turn, Madame Irmina crossed her arms.
“Why the smile? Are you actually happy that we all have to scrub the palace floors again, or are you simpering like a fool because you think you won’t have to do your share of the cleaning?”
“N-n-no, ma’am,” Cinderella stuttered.
“Then?”
“Nothing.” Cinderella struggled to wipe the joy from her face. Failing miserably, her expression only brightened. “It’s just a beautiful day outside, isn’t it? A wonderful day for dancing.”
“All that perfumed air upstairs is addling your wits.” Irmina narrowed her eyes. “The duchess asked me to give you the morning off, but it seems you need to learn your place. Your duty isn’t only to the duchess—it’s to me, too. Report to the kitchens. The maids need help with the dishes.”
At the dismissal, Cinderella let out a great exhale, then hurried to change her uniform.
“Where were you last night?” Louisa asked, joining her by the cabinet. “I came by to pick up the gown, but you weren’t in your room.”