Page 43 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“It is said they can only be worn by the person they’re meant for, they make the wearer dance with beauty and grace, and can lead the wearer to her true love!”

Her heart did a tumble in her chest. Is that why her fairy godmother had gifted them to her? Because she knew they would, ultimately, lead her to Nicholas?

The woman leaned closer, dropping her voice to a whisper. “It’s also said they’re connected to the emotions of the wearer.”

She blinked, staring at the woman in shocked silence. Was that why Malvina wanted them so desperately? To use them to manipulate others?

“It is true?” Ella asked, her voice a whisper.

“Legends rarely are, dear.” The woman waved away the tale as if it were nothing but a silly myth. “Listen to me going on and on when we need to get you dressed. Your prince is waiting.”

A hot blush crawled up her neck. “Oh, he’s not my prince.”

“Oh?” She lifted one gray brow. “Seems to me he’s taking a liking to you, my dear.”

“How do you mean?” Ella clutched the slipper so tight, her hand cramped.

“He gave you one of the royal suites.” She waved a hand to encompass their surroundings.

Theroyalsuite. Her heart did a wild dance as she tried to make sense of that.

“Come on, now. Let’s get you dressed.”

She reached for the slipper to take it out of Ella’s hand but she held it closer to her chest and shook her head. The woman pulled her hand back with a bemused look on her face.

“Just where did you get those slippers?”

“They were a gift from someone.” She almost said her fairy godmother but then she thought better of it. She placed the one she held inside the sack, then reached for the other one.

“It seems to me you need something better to carry them in,” the woman said as she eyed her.

“I don’t have anything else.”

A thoughtful look crossed her face. “Let’s get you dressed and then I’ll see what I can find.”

A few minutes later, the woman—who’s name she learned was Alice—had her dressed in layers that would surely keep her warm. Stockings, an underdress, a wool overdress and her boots. She’d add the final layer—the cloak Agnes gave her—when they left.

Alice had bustled out of her room and returned moments later with a small red velvet bag with a long drawstring. Ella transferred the slippers to the new bag. They were a perfect fit. Alice took the old flour sack with her tattered servant’s gown still in it.

“Will you be needing this anymore?” she asked as she held it up.

Ella thought about that for a moment as she considered whether or not she would ever wear that gown again. At last, she shook her head. “I won’t.”

“I’ll take care of it for you.”

And by that, Ella assumed she would dispose of it along with the gown.

“Now, let’s get you to the prince.”

She motioned for Ella to follow her. At the door, Ella paused to grab her cloak. They headed out of the royal suite—she was still stunned by that—and down the long hallway where Nicholas waited. He wore traveling clothes that were much like hers. Thick pants, boots, a thick long-sleeved tunic under a leather vest. A sword was strapped to one side, a dagger to the other. His cloak was over one arm. He gave her a warm smile when he saw her. It was clear he was happy to see her.

“Good morning!” He eyed the velvet bag. “What’s that?”

“The slippers,” she said, still clutching the bag to her.

“You could leave them here for safe keeping.”

Elle shook her head. “I’ll carry them.”

---