Page 64 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

The guard remained motionless.

She stole a glance to the hourglass to see about half the sand was gone from the top. Her heartbeat quickened. She had to get this guard to cooperate with her before the sand ran out and Malvina returned.

“My hands are tied, you see,” she continued, using her sweetest voice. “Do you suppose you could untie me?”

There was a flicker of movement as he flinched. She wasn’t sure, but she thought his head turned to her. He took a tentative step forward.

“I know your hands are tied,” he said, his voice gruff.

“Yes, well, if you untie me…” She paused, trying to think of some way to get him to cooperate. “I’ll reward you.”

He tipped his head to one side. “Reward me how?”

She flashed a bright smile. “I can’t tell you that until you untie me.” She scooted her feet forward. “Please?”

A wave of magic pulsed from the toes of the slippers. She watched the shimmering glow as it floated through the air and then settled around him. He was spurred into action.

“Of course, my lady.”

He moved behind her and tugged on the ropes. Moments later, she was free from the chair.

“There you are, my lady. Now, for my reward…?” He gave her a wicked grin and started to reach for her.

Ella’s heart was in her throat. Her hands shook as she spun and grasped the chair in both hands, picking it up. It was heavier than she expected and for a moment she faltered. She recovered quickly, swinging the heavy wooden chair and connected it with the side of his head. He stumbled backward, yanking off his helm. He spun, his face red with anger.

Sucking in a sharp breath, she swung the chair again. It smacked into him across his shoulder and the side of his head. He went down in a heap, landing on the floor with a muffled thump.

“Ella!” Nicholas gasped.

Ignoring him, she hurried over to first Ingrid. She pulled off the girl’s gag, then started working on her ropes.

“They’re too tight.”

“Get my dagger,” he said.

“They didn’t take it?”

“Worst guards ever,” he replied with a little laugh.

She grabbed the dagger out of his sheath and sawed through his bonds. It took precious long minutes but she finally managed to free him. He took the dagger from her and went to free Ingrid.

“Your wrists, Ella,” he said as he removed the girl’s ropes.

She glanced down to see her wrists were angry, raw, and bleeding. “I’ll be fine. Where are my boots?”

“I’ll get you more boots. Whatever you do,do nottake those slippers off,” he said. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

She started to protest but then decided he had a point. Keeping the slippers on would keep them out of Malvina’s hands. She’d worry about walking back to the ship in them later. As they hurried out of the chamber, she stole a backward glance at the hourglass as the last few grains of sand emptied.

Malvina appeared in her cloud of purple smoke. Fury immediately crossed her face. She emitted a howl of frustration and charged after them.

Ella stumbled in the slippers. Nicholas wrapped a hand around her upper arm to help her maintain her balance. The delay caused them precious seconds as Malvina charged up behind them. She sent a beam of magic, punching Nicholas in the back. He stumbled forward, falling and taking Ella with him. Ingrid jumped out of the way, pressing her back against the wall.

Malvina stood over them, her face lined with anger.

“I see how determined you are to escape me,” she said. “But you will not leave this place alive.” Her eyes, filled with a burning rage, bored into Nicholas like fiery daggers. “Unless, prince…”

He pulled himself back up to his feet, helping Ella do the same.

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