Page 71 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

Herhouse that was rightfully hers when her father passed. Not that she had any proof he was dead. Her gut, though, told her as much. He was never coming back. She doubted he would like to see her living in such a way. But what to do about it? She didn’t have the means to evict her stepmother and stepsisters. Nor did she have money to find a new place to live.

She was stuck.

A swift knock on the door sounded, breaking her out of her dismal thoughts.

“Come in,” she called.

Noella opened the door a crack and stuck in her head. “Ah, you’re still awake. Good.” She entered the room carrying a pair of boots. “Here you are, dear.”

Ella took them. She took her other foot out of the slipper. Placing them beside her on the bed, she pulled on the boots.

“Thank you,” she said.

“You’re welcome, dear. You’ll want those when we dock,” she said. “When you feel up to it, come up on the deck.”

Noella turned to leave.

“Noella,” she called. The woman paused, giving her a questioning glance. Ella took a deep breath, then asked, “What happens now?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…to me. What happens to me now?”

She seemed genuinely perplexed by the question, as though it had never crossed her mind. “What do you want to happen?”

Ella chewed her lower lip, unsure how to answer. “I suppose I should return home?” It was more of a question testing Noella’s reaction—to see if she would ask her to stay with them in Rovenheim.

A flash of disappointment went over her face before she managed to conceal it. “If that’s your wish then of course we’ll see to it. Whenever you’re ready, dear.”

Without waiting for a reply, she slipped out the door, closing it behind her. Though she had an answer, Ella frowned. What answer did she expect from Noella? That she would tell her to stay? Offer her a place in the castle?

Ella shrugged off the disappointment. There was no sense in wallowing in it. She would make the most of what time she had left with Nicholas and all the rest. She slid off the bed and headed to the deck, leaving the glass slippers behind.

Chapter 25

Aftertheydocked,CaptainBart and his crew saw them disembark. Gustav had already deboarded and was off securing their horses back to the castle. Ingrid bounced from one foot to the other, clearly having the time of her life.

As they said their farewells, the pirate took Ella’s hand in his calloused one and bent to kiss it. Ingrid emitted a sigh as if it was the most romantic thing in the world. Ella stifled a chuckle.

“Farewell, my lady,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes. “May your journey be swift and calm.”

“Thank you, captain. And for the use of your cabin.” Gently, she pulled her hand from his grasp, trying not to think about how rough his palm was against hers.

“It was my pleasure.” He bowed with a flourish and Ella couldn’t help but smile. “How’s the ankle?”

She twisted her foot to show him she was fine. “Much better, thank you.”

Nicholas handed over a purse heavy with gold. “Five hundred gold pieces, as per our agreement and a little extra for the heroics.”

The pirate took the purse, holding it in his hands. He gave a nod of thanks. “My crew and I thank you, your highness. This will see us through the harsh winter and keep us fed until spring.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Nicholas said.

Noella was next. “Captain Bart, thank you for your help. It was much appreciated.”

He reached for her hand to kiss it, but she drew it back and gave him a jaunty wave instead. Next was Ingrid who was more than happy to allow the pirate to bow to her.

“Miss Ingrid, have a safe trip home,” he said.

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