Page 73 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

Now it was her turn to blush, the heat rushing to her cheeks. She looked away, turning her eyes forward and keeping her expression as neutral as possible. Her emotions were a jumbled mess, making it hard for her to think clearly. She didn’t want to say something she would ultimately regret.

Like asking him if she could stay here in Rovenheim.

And so, she said nothing because she didn’t know what to say.

As the day waned, the rest of the trip was uneventful. The only chatter came from Ingrid who was full of questions for Gustav. By the time they reached the castle stable, his face was lined with exhaustion from all the questions. Nicholas, however, was entertained by it all.

“This is where I tell you good night,” Gustav said.

“You’re leaving?” Ingrid looked as though she were losing her best friend.

“I have duties to attend.” He gave her a deep bow. “Safe travels, my lady.” Then he turned his attention to Ella. “And to you, too, my lady.”

“Thank you, Gustav. Good night.”

As he left them, Nicholas ushered them from the stable. “Let’s get you settled, Ingrid.”

She skipped ahead of him, her braids bouncing. It was the oddest thing to watch her. As if she had never experienced the trauma of being Malvina’s prisoner. But then, Nicholas did say his mother had something to do with her renewed state of mind.

Alice was waiting for them when they arrived. Nicholas handed Ingrid off to her.

“Ingrid, this is Miss Alice. She has a nice cozy room for you.”

As they walked away, Ingrid launched into a string of questions for Alice about the castle.

“How many people live here, Miss Alice? Is this really the home of the king and queen? Will I get to meet the king?”

Every time Alice tried to answer, Ingrid asked another question. Her eyes were bright and round and full of wonder, taking in everything and everyone as Alice escorted her up the winding staircase.

Ella was unable to contain the chuckle that erupted.

“And now, Miss Ella.” Nicholas turned to her, grasping her hand in his. “Let’s get you settled in for the night.”

He led her back to the same bedchamber she had before they left. That lovely, spacious royal suite with the huge fireplace and the comfy bed. He pushed open the door and paused there, still holding her hand.

“Tomorrow we’ll take Ingrid back to the village to her parents,” he said.

“And repair the Christmas Star?” she asked.

He nodded. He searched her face, his eyes brimming with gentle contemplation. He glanced down at her lips before moving up again. “Then return you to your own realm.”

It was to be tomorrow then, when she would return to her dismal life. She had only a few hours left to spend with him and most of that would be sleeping. Sadness crept through her. She tried her best to keep it at bay.

“Yes, I should return,” she said. “Good night, Nicholas.”

She took a step into the room, but he refused to release her hand. Turning back, she gave him a questioning look.

“Ella…” He paused as he chose his next words. His lips parted as he started to say something else, but then changed his mind.

“Yes?” she asked. Hope rose in her breast as she waited for him to continue.

He hesitated, started to say something and then gave her a weak smile. Instead, he said, “I hope you sleep well.”

Then he released her hand and was gone.

Chapter 26

Ellacurledinherbed, staring through the darkness unable to shake the disappointment that had flooded her when Nicholas left her. She was certain he was going to ask her to stay, but then changed his mind. Perhaps he thought she would refuse because she wanted to return to her previous life.

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