Chapter 26
E lla curled in her bed, staring through the darkness unable to shake the disappointment that had flooded her when Nicholas left her. She was certain he was going to ask her to stay, but then changed his mind. Perhaps he thought she would refuse because she wanted to return to her previous life.
She’d kept most of the details to herself, because she didn’t want to admit to him she was a servant in her own home. That her stepmother was a terrible person who squandered away all their money on frivolous things for herself and her daughters, never leaving enough for even the grocer. That her stepsisters were spoiled, selfish, and unkind.
She didn’t want to tell him any of that because she didn’t want his pity.
In hindsight, though, she wished she had told him everything. She wished she’d told him about her life back in Whitebridge.
If he’d asked her to stay, she would have said yes. She would have stayed. For him and Noella and all of them. It was as though she belonged here in this wintery world. Though she didn’t know Nicholas that well, she felt as though she belonged with him. He was her prince. Her true love. The one the slippers—
With a gasp, she sat straight up. Her heart palpitated with the sudden memory pounding into her. She’d left the glass slippers on the ship in Captain Bart’s quarters.
How could she be so forgetful? She smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand.
And how was she going to get them back? Worse, how was she going to confess to Noella she’d left them behind?
Dread shifted through her, making her stomach clench into a tight knot. She flung off the bedcovers and padded to the window, shoving aside the curtains. It was still dark outside. There was no sense in sounding the alarm and waking everyone in the castle. Even so, that awful feeling would not go away.
Knowing she wouldn’t sleep she plopped down in the wing-backed chair and curled her legs to the side to watch the dying embers of the fire. Her feet were cold, but it wasn’t enough to spur her into action and find stockings. She clutched her elbows as she shivered. It was cold in her room, but she deserved to be cold as penance for leaving behind the glass slippers.
She must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing she knew, Alice was shaking her awake.
“My lady, are you well?”
Ella lifted her head, her neck aching from the awkward position. She rubbed the back of it and glanced around, confused. Then she recalled her terrible mistake and how, shaking from fear and the cold, she climbed into the chair to wait out the night.
“What time is it?” she muttered.
“It’s morning. Did you sleep in that chair all night?”
“Not all night.” Ella uncurled her numb legs and managed to stand. “I…I couldn’t sleep.”
“It’s freezing in here.” Alice added logs to the fire, stoked it, and got it going again.
Ella shivered, clutching her elbows. Morning light slashed through the uncovered window. The curtain was still shoved aside where Ella had left it. It had snowed overnight, leaving the ground covered in a thick, white blanket. Dust motes danced in the bright light.
“Let’s get you dressed. You don’t want to keep your prince waiting.” Alice bustled about the room, gathering her warm clothes.
“I really don’t think he’s my prince,” Ella said, still clutching her elbows.
“Why is that?” Alice bent to retrieve her boots from the side of the bed.
“Well…we don’t know each other very well and—”
“Poppycock. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.” She snatched up a pair of woolen stockings and handed them to Ella.
“How does he look at me?” A glimmer of hope trickled through her, but she refused to allow it to consume her.
Alice dropped her boots onto the floor at her feet, then picked up her wool dress. “He gives you adoring looks.”
Her cheeks flushed hot. She turned away so Alice wouldn’t see. Their one kiss suddenly popped into her mind, unbidden, which made her press her fingertips against her lips. His mouth was solid, sweet, tender. Thinking of it made her heart turn over and her stomach flutter.
“You don’t agree?” Alice asked, when she didn’t answer.
“I’m not sure.”
“I’ve seen him with other girls,” she said. “He’s looked at none of them the way he looks at you.”
Ella turned to face her finally, still holding the woolen stockings. Her brows drew together in question but she wasn’t sure what she wanted to ask.
“It’s true he’s a bit of a rogue, but he’s different around you,” Alice continued.
“How?”
“Like he cares about you.”
Hearing that gave her the heart squeeze and her knees threatened to buckle. She made her way to the bed and sat on the edge.
“He didn’t care about the others?” Ella asked, her voice a rough whisper.
Alice took a seat next to Ella, reaching for her hand and squeezing it. “Not like he does about you.”
Silence descended between them as Ella considered her words. If she was right, then perhaps there was a chance for her to stay with Nicholas. But if she asked and he refused…she would be crushed.
“By the way, where are the glass slippers? I don’t see them anywhere.”
And just like that, her hopes were dashed, replaced by her horrifying guilt. If she could go back in time and fix her mistake, she would. Her chest tightened and she flushed again, this time not because of her amorous feelings for the prince, but because she was embarrassed to admit the truth. Even to Alice.
“I…don’t have them anymore.”
“You don’t?” The woman sounded perplexed.
Ella turned to her, reaching for her hands and grasping them hard in hers. “I made a terrible mistake. I’m terrified to admit it but even more terrified for Nicholas or his mother to find out.”
The woman’s brows drew together. “Now, now, dear. It can’t be all that bad. What is it?”
“We sailed back from Malvina’s fortress and, well, I left the slippers behind on the ship. I forgot them.” She released one of the woman’s hands and pressed cold fingertips against her forehead. “I can’t believe I forgot them.”
Alice patted her shoulder. “It’s not the end of the world. I’m sure Noella can get them back.”
“But she trusted me with them and I let her down.” Her voice wavered. Tears threatened, burning the back of her throat.
Alice scooted closer to her on the bed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so, but thank you for letting me tell you.” She looked up through her lashes at the woman. “You won’t tell anyone?”
A small smile crossed her lips. “It will be our secret.” Then she squeezed her tight. “Come now. Let’s get you dressed.”
Alice kept her promise and didn’t breathe a word to anyone about Ella’s confession. After she helped her dress, Ella headed out of the royal suite to meet the others in the grand foyer. Nicholas and Noella were in a deep conversation. Next to them, Ingrid swirled her skirts and took in all her surroundings. The young girl was dressed in a fresh gown, her hair washed and combed and re-braided, and her face bright and shining and smiling. As soon as she saw Ella, she bounded to her and flung herself into her arms with a giant hug. It was as if the girl hadn’t seen her in ages when in truth it had only been a few hours.
Ella hugged her back. “Are you happy to be going home?”
Ingrid nodded. “Yes. Ella, did you know I had a room all to myself? At home, I have to share with my sister.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I can’t wait to tell Freya all about it!”
“There you are, dear.”
Noella bustled up, as if noticing her for the first time. Her silver hair hung loose about her shoulders in waves. She wore a green velvet gown with a gold and silver belt. The sleeves came to a point on the top of her hands. Silver earbobs in the shape of snowflakes dangled from each ear. Every time Ella saw her, she looked elegant and refined.
“You look tired. Did you sleep well?”
“Not so much,” Ella admitted.
“Was your bed uncomfortable? Did my son give you less than adequate chambers?” She spun to face him, her tone sounding motherly. “Nicholas—”
“She was in the royal suite next to me, Mother,” he said, sounding weary.
Noella turned back to her. “Is that true?”
“Yes. I just had a hard time sleeping. Noella, there’s something I need to tell you—”
“The horses are saddled and ready,” Gustav announced as he made his entrance.
When Ingrid saw him, she bounced away from Ella and headed right for him. She fluttered her lashes at him as she looked up at him with rapt adoration. “Hi, Gustav.”
He dropped to her level, smiling, and spoke to her, telling her all about the horse she would ride into town. Ingrid listened, attentive to his every word.
Noella blinked surprise. “It appears our dashing Captain of the Guard has an admirer.”
“He does,” Ella said with a nod. “Noella—”
“You should be going.” Noella bustled away from her and back to her son. “There’s a storm brewing. We’re due for a lot of snow this evening. If you don’t make it back before nightfall, you may have to spend the night in the village.”
“We’ll be on our way, then,” Nicholas said.
“Are you coming, too, Gustav?” Ingrid asked.
“Not this time.”
Her face fell in disappointment.
“But…” he added, “perhaps I’ll see you in the village sometime.”
“You’ll come visit me?” She blinked up at him, a hopeful look on her cherub face.
“If I can.” He gave her a knee-melting smile.
“Safe travels, dear.” Noella kissed Nicholas on the cheek, then turned to Ingrid. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box. “And this is for you.”
“For me?” She took the box and opened it. Nestled inside the box, was a necklace with a tiny snowflake that looked much like Noella’s earbobs. Ingrid gave a little gasp.
“To remember us,” Noella said with a smile. Her blue eyes twinkled.
“Thank you,” Ingrid breathed. “I will wear it always.” She paused, then looked back up at the queen of Rovenheim, her face splitting into a broad smile. “And Freya will be so jealous!”
“Now, now,” Noella said. “That’s not nice.” She reached into her other pocket and brought out two more little boxes, one square and one long and narrow. “This one is for her.” She handed her the square box. “And this is for your brother.” Then gave her the long narrow box.
“They will be so surprised!” Ingrid amended.
They all laughed as Ingrid pocketed the gifts.
When all the final farewells were made, Noella was gone in a puff of magic once again. She never stayed in one place any length of time.
And Ella still did not have a chance to confess. She glanced at Nicholas who was leading Ingrid away toward the stables. Gustav stepped up next to her and held out his arm.
“Shall I escort you, my lady?”
Ella eyed it and then gave him a slight grin. “Won’t Ingrid be jealous?”
“I don’t think she’ll mind.” He nodded in her direction.
Nicholas held the girl’s hand as they walked and she chattered nonstop. He made the appropriate responses when she paused to take a breath. Ella giggled.
“In that case, you shall.”
She took his arm and together they walked to the stables.