Page 11 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

Everything spun out of control. A cool breeze went through her hair as it lifted from her neck. Her tattered servant’s dress morphed and changed into something else. She didn’t quite understand what was happening or why.

Then the world came to a halt and she found herself standing outside the gates of the palace.

She took a step back, shocked and wondering how she ended up there when she didn’t take one step outside of the house.

As she looked down at her gown, she realized she was dressed in the most beautiful red ball gown. She swished the full skirt from side to side, watching as it sparkled in the half light. Roses the same color as the gown dotted the skirt and around the waist. The long sheer sleeves came to a point on her hands. The bodice was covered in sparkles and more roses. She stuck out a foot from under the miles of petticoats to see the glass slippers still on her feet. She patted her hair to find it was coiled on top of her head in the fashion of the day.

All of this was so strange. And wonderful.

“There you are!”

The exclamation made her jump. Noella Fairchild bustled from the shadows and took her by the arm, leading her through the gates of the palace.

“My dear, you are radiant.”

“I don’t understand. How—”

“Nothing to understand,” she said with an encouraging, infectious smile. “We must get you to the ball quickly.”

“But, madam—”

“Youmustcall me Noella.” She flashed a grin.

Ella pulled her to a stop. “I don’t understand any of this. Whoareyou?”

“Why, I’m your fairy godmother, dear. Now come, come, come. You don’t want to miss another minute.” She took her by the arm and hurried toward the stairs at the palace entrance once again.

“My fairy godmother?”

“Yes, of course. Now, remember, youmustremove the shoes before the last stroke of midnight,” she said.

“What happens then?”

“Why, the spell will be broken, of course. Ah, here we are!”

They arrived at the palace doors and halted.

“Here’s where I leave you, my dear.” She stepped back, her face winsome. “You’re positively stunning. You’re sure to turn the head of my s—er, the prince.” She shooed her toward the steps. “Go on!”

Ella hesitated a moment before beginning the ascent to the palace entrance. Then she turned back and hugged Noella.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

The woman was so taken aback by the gesture, she didn’t immediately return the hug. When she did, it was warm and wonderful and reminded Ella of her mother who she had lost when she was a little girl. Noella patted her back, then gave her one last squeeze before releasing her and stepping back. She gave her an encouraging nod.

Taking a deep breath, Ella picked up her skirts and ascended the steps.

Chapter 5

Ellamadeherwayto the top of the palace steps and entered. With wide-eyed wonder, she followed the line of guards to the grand ballroom. As she passed through one hallway, she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of a tall mirror and stopped. She gawked at the unfamiliar image, then stepped a little closer.

Not only was her dark hair coiled on top of her head, but it sparkled. Velvet red ribbon weaved through the locks ending at the nape of her neck in a lovely little bow. Coiled strands framed her face that no longer looked as though she was tired. The dark circles under her eyes were even gone. And the gown…

She giggled as she spun, letting the layers of the skirt fly around her. It was the most beautiful gown she had ever seen with the applique roses around the bodice, the waist, and down the skirt. She pressed her fingers against her lips. She felt like a fairy princess.

The sound of music spurred her into action. She hurried away from the mirror. Noella was right—she didn’t want to miss another minute.

The guards opened the doors for her as she approached. She gave them both a smile and a nod as she passed through and headed down the stairs, taking them slowly one at a time, her feet silent on the plush garnet rug. Both sides of the banisters were covered in lighted green garland. Flanking the bottom of the stairs were two enormous green trees decorated with red and gold Christmas balls and white twinkle lights.

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