Page 30 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“Are they?” she asked.

“Well, yes. Not a scratch or crack on them.” Gently, he returned them to the bag.

She chewed her lower lip. “Nicholas, I think there is much we need to discuss.”

He moved to sit on the cushion. “There is?”

“Isn’t there? I have many questions,” she said.

Like, how did the slippers bring her here? How would she get home? Why did the queen want the slippers? And if he arrived by magic, could he then return to her world by the same magic? They had only just begun to discuss everything at the tavern when they were interrupted and Malvina arrived.

He took a deep breath, expelled it. He picked up the poker and nudged one of the logs to encourage it to continue to burn. “Yes, I know you do.”

She waited with her hands clasped in her lap and watched him. A pensive expression was creased on his handsome face as he searched for the words.

“Have you tried to use the slippers to return home?” he asked suddenly.

“How would I do that?” she wanted to know.

He rose, reached for the bag and brought it to her. “Try them on. I have an idea.”

Her brows drew together in suspicion, but she took the bag from him nonetheless. Placing it in front of her, she pulled off her boots and her thick socks. She slipped the shoes out of the bag. She put one on, then the other.

“Now what?” she asked.

He held a hand down to her. She grasped it as he pulled her to her feet. She pitched forward a little. He caught her in his arms. Heat fluttered to her face as he held her for that brief moment as he set her back on her feet. She straightened, smoothing her suddenly damp palms down the front of her cloak.

He took one of her hands in his. She hoped he didn’t notice the dampness.

“Close your eyes,” he said.

“Why?” Now she was suspicious.

“Humor me. Please.”

She did as he asked. Then he said, “Now think of your home. Picture it the way you remember it. Are you seeing it in your mind?”

She nodded.

“Tap your heels together.”

She cracked one eye to glare at him. He gave her an encouraging nod. She closed her eye again and tapped her heels together once.

Nothing happened.

The crackling fire was the only sound in the silence. Her eyes were still closed as he released her hand. She heard the swish of his clothes and then he gripped her by the upper arms. His touch was gentle but firm.

“Try again,” he said.

“This is ridiculous,” she said.

“Once more. For me?”

She sighed. She pictured the home she shared with her stepmother and stepsisters. Living in the drafty third-floor bedroom. Cooking and cleaning and doing all the things they made her do. The only happy memories she had was when her father was still alive and those were becoming more and more distant.

She clicked her heels together again.

Still nothing.

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