Page 44 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“I don’t think you’ll be getting her to part with them, your highness,” Alice said with a chuckle. Then she dipped a quick curtsy. “Safe travels and Godspeed to you both.”

With that, she was off down the hallway, leaving them alone.

“I only suggested it because of where we’re going,” he said.

She slipped the long drawstring over her shoulder and tucked the bag under her arm. “I would feel better keeping it on me.”

She was tempted to wear them, but then wearing glass slippers in the snow wasn’t practical.

“All right, then.” He held his arm out to her. “Shall we? Breakfast is waiting in the great hall.”

Her stomach rumbled at the thought. It had been a while since she’d had regular meals. The last time was before she was made to be a servant in her own home, when her father was still around and her stepmother wasn’t such a witch.

They walked down the curved staircase to the great hall where the fire was still blazing brightly in the oversized hearth, keeping the room warm. They feasted on thick porridge and oat cakes and washed it down with delicious hot tea.

As they finished, she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders. Magnus bustled in, wringing his hands. Worry lines creased his forehead.

“My prince, are you certain this is the best course of action?”

“Yes, Magnus. Have you the provisions I asked for?” He took Ella by the hand and led her out of the great hall, down a long corridor.

Magnus hurried to keep up, his breath labored with Nicholas’s quick steps. “Of course, they’re ready, but—”

“Are the horses saddled and packed?” Nicholas asked, cutting him off.

“Yes, your highness, but—”

“Good. Then we shall be on our way.”

“I really must protest,” Magnus said, trying again. “What if something should happen to you?”

Nicholas paused, still holding her hand, and turned to his steward. “I’ll be fine. We have a plan for getting into the fortress.”

Magnus’s eyes narrowed. “But do you have a plan for getting the girl and getting out?”

He pressed his lips together in a thin line. “Not exactly but I’m working on it.”

“Your highness, with the king and queen away, I simply must protest. My job is to make sure you are safe and this kingdom is safe. Seeing you run off to the Grimbrande Mountains seems like folly.”

Nicholas released her hand and took a step toward the steward. He put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Magnus. I promise you we’ll make it back in one pieceandwith the girl from the village.”

He said nothing for a long moment as he pressed his lips together. “And what shall I tell your mother should she return and ask after you?”

Nicholas cut a sheepish glance at Ella, then said, “Tell her not to worry.”

And with that, they were off.

He led her through the massive castle to the stables where two saddled horses waited for them along with one of the stable hands. Another man stood in front of the horses with his hands clasped in front of him, a fur-lined cloak around his shoulders to ward off the cold wintry air. He was tall, with a bearded face, crinkles at the corner of his eyes, and piercing dark brown eyes.

“Hello, Gustav,” Nicholas said as they approached. “Have you come to see us off?”

He scowled. “No, your highness. I intend to accompany you.”

Nicholas halted, his hand squeezing hers as Gustav cut a glance at her and gave her a good once-over, question deep in his eyes.

“You’re not coming with us.” Nicholas released her hand and headed for his horse.

She took a tentative step toward the other horse, watching to see what was going to happen next. Gustav moved to stand in front of Nicholas, blocking his path to the horse.

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