Page 14 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“I see I am correct,” he replied, gripping her waist even tighter.

“She’s my stepsister.”

“I see. And you wish to escape her nasty glare?”

Ella chewed on her lower lip, unsure how to explain. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “I’m not supposed to be here. I wasn’t allowed to come.”

“Not allowed?” Shock registered on his handsome face. “I believe it was by royal decree that all eligible maidens in the land were invited and expected to attend.” He paused then, tipping his head to the side, a curious and mischievous glint coming into his eyes. “Youarean eligible maiden, aren’t you?”

“Funny,” she replied. “Of course, I am. It’s just that I—” She snapped her mouth closed. She’d already said too much.

“Fear not, lady. Your secret is safe with me. Is Ella your real name or is it your secret identity?”

She knew he teased her and it made her giggle. “Ella is my real name,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind a secret identity.”

“Then perhaps we’ll come up with one for you.”

The music ended once again, leaving them standing at the edge of the ballroom amidst other dancers. Lady Eloise pushed her way through the crowd toward them on one side. On the other, Lucinda followed by Daniella and their mother. Ella sucked in a sharp breath. Nicholas gripped her hand tight. He pulled her so close, their noses touched.

“Come with me,” he whispered against her mouth.

Taking her by the hand, they fled the ballroom, leaving them all behind.

Chapter 6

Theydashedtowardoneof the exits in the ballroom that led to the balcony. He didn’t stop as he headed down the length of the balcony to a set of stairs that took them into the palace gardens. She followed him, breathless, as they descended the stairs. Her shoe slipped off her right foot.

“Oh, wait, please.” She halted in the middle of the steps and turned back to grab it.

Nicholas was faster. He stepped around her and picked up the shoe from the stone step. He held it in his hands, gazing at it in wonder.

“It’s made of glass,” he said.

“Yes.” The breathy whisper plumed white in the air.

“May I?” He held up the shoe.

Her heart pounded hard. She nodded, taking a step back to lean against the balustrade. She pulled back the voluminous skirts to expose her stocking foot. He knelt, slipping the shoe back on. A perfect fit. When he rose, he held his hand out to her again.

“I’ll go slower this time,” he said.

She took his hand, shivering as they descended to the ground.

“You’re cold,” he said.

“I’m fine.”

She refused to give up this moment due to a little chill in the air. Snowflakes danced in the inky black sky as they fell in a dreamy circle to the ground. It wasn’t snowing hard yet, but Ella knew the winter storms would come.

“Here.” He pulled off his white gloves and handed them to her. “I don’t have my cloak or I’d give that to you, too.”

Uncertainty pounded through her.

“I insist,” he said.

She took the gloves and slipped them on her hands. They were still warm from his body heat. It sent a thrill through her right to the tips of her toes.

They walked at a much slower pace through the moonlit rose gardens. Even during winter, the roses were fragrant and blooming. Deep blue roses lined the pathway as they wound their way through the hedges and bushes. Ahead, a greenhouse was at the end of the path.

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