Page 41 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

She had to admit that sounded lovely. She returned to the small seating area and picked up the bag with the slippers as he took her cloak from the peg by the door.

He extended an elbow to her, a warm smile lighting up his face as he offered to escort her. His eyes sparkled with affection and happiness, filling her heart with warmth and joy. She took his arm.

He pulled open the door and led her out into the hallway. The guards were still stationed every few feet and still did not give her a second glance. They walked down the length of the hallway to the last door where he paused.

“Here we are.”

“This is the west wing,” she said, recalling the earlier conversation with Magnus.

“It is.”

“And my room in next to yours?” Her voice quivered a little at the thought of being so close to him.

“I hope that’s all right with you,” he said. “It seemed the best choice. The guest chambers are in the east wing. But I know you’re in a strange place and I didn’t want you to feel as though I abandoned you.”

Her throat tightened as warmth expanded through her chest. It had been so long since anyone had thought of her needs, she wasn’t quite sure how to react.

“That was so thoughtful of you.” Her voice only trembled a little when she spoke.

He handed her the cloak, then pushed open the door, remaining in the hallway as she moved to step inside. He placed a hand on her arm and she paused, turning to him.

“Pleasant dreams, Ella.” He kissed her on the cheek.

And then he was gone. Heading back down the hallway to his own room.

Ella stood rooted in place as she watched him go, lifting her hand to her cheek where he kissed her. It was merely a peck. Certainly nothing to feel gushy about, but he had kissed her nonetheless. Her heart thudded hard in her chest as she stepped inside the room and pushed the door closed.

Her chamber was as big as his and almost identical in layout. She, too, had a small seating area by an enormous fireplace that hosted a lovely warming blaze. She, too, had a table and chairs in an adjacent dining area. She didn’t have the bookshelves he had, though. It was also decorated as his was with the small tree in the corner, the greenery on the mantle, and the centerpiece on the dining table.

She wandered into the sitting area, dropping her cloak on one of the chairs as she stood before the fire, letting the warmth of it cascade through her. What a wonderous and beautiful place the castle was and how lucky Nicholas was to live here. To never have to worry about his next meal or if he were going to be ordered around by a hateful shrew and her two spoiled daughters. She was rather envious of that life, but then, he was a prince, after all. He was used to this kind of life, just as she was used to the one she had.

One she would, eventually, have to return to. Her gut twisted into a knot at the thought of returning to her stepmother and stepsisters.

A swift knock on her door startled her. “Yes?”

The door pushed open and an older woman popped her head in. “Ah, here you are, my lady. We’ve brought up a copper tub for your bath.”

“Oh!” she said on a breath.

Before she could wave them off, the woman pushed the door open to allow the men inside carrying the tub. They passed through the living area and through a door that she assumed was her private bed chamber. Several maids followed with steaming kettles. None of them gave her so much as a glance as they headed into the room. Moments later, the men exited and the maids came out with empty kettles.

The woman waved her toward the room. “Come and I’ll help you.”

“Oh, I appreciate that but I think I can manage on my own.”

She tipped her head to one side but didn’t argue. “As you wish, my lady.”

They all filed out, closing the door behind them.

Ella took a tentative step toward the bedroom and halted in the doorway. There were several candelabras lit and blazing, a fireplace across from the giant four-poster bed. In front of the fireplace, the copper tub they delivered full of steaming water.

Grinning broadly, Ella placed the bag with the slippers on the bed. She noticed, then, there was a stack of plush towels and next to it a thick nightgown. She stripped and stepped into the warm water, allowing it to seep into her tired muscles.

After she bathed, toweled off and dressed, she climbed into the bed with the thick quilts, soft sheets, and plush pillows. She had never experienced such luxury.

The sack with the slippers were still on the bed. She pulled it over to her and took out the shoes one at a time. Then she placed them on the night table next to the bed, watching as the firelight flickered and danced over the facets of glass, giving them a rainbow iridescence. They were so beautiful, so delicate, so perfect.

She dropped the sack on the floor next to the bed and burrowed down under the covers, pulling them up to her chin. Her eyes were heavy as she watched the fire flickering orange, red, and yellow flames upward.

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