Page 75 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“How?”

“Like he cares about you.”

Hearing that gave her the heart squeeze and her knees threatened to buckle. She made her way to the bed and sat on the edge.

“He didn’t care about the others?” Ella asked, her voice a rough whisper.

Alice took a seat next to Ella, reaching for her hand and squeezing it. “Not like he does about you.”

Silence descended between them as Ella considered her words. If she was right, then perhaps there was a chance for her to stay with Nicholas. But if she asked and he refused…she would be crushed.

“By the way, where are the glass slippers? I don’t see them anywhere.”

And just like that, her hopes were dashed, replaced by her horrifying guilt. If she could go back in time and fix her mistake, she would. Her chest tightened and she flushed again, this time not because of her amorous feelings for the prince, but because she was embarrassed to admit the truth. Even to Alice.

“I…don’t have them anymore.”

“You don’t?” The woman sounded perplexed.

Ella turned to her, reaching for her hands and grasping them hard in hers. “I made a terrible mistake. I’m terrified to admit it but even more terrified for Nicholas or his mother to find out.”

The woman’s brows drew together. “Now, now, dear. It can’t be all that bad. What is it?”

“We sailed back from Malvina’s fortress and, well, I left the slippers behind on the ship. I forgot them.” She released one of the woman’s hands and pressed cold fingertips against her forehead. “I can’t believe I forgot them.”

Alice patted her shoulder. “It’s not the end of the world. I’m sure Noella can get them back.”

“But she trusted me with them and I let her down.” Her voice wavered. Tears threatened, burning the back of her throat.

Alice scooted closer to her on the bed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so, but thank you for letting me tell you.” She looked up through her lashes at the woman. “You won’t tell anyone?”

A small smile crossed her lips. “It will be our secret.” Then she squeezed her tight. “Come now. Let’s get you dressed.”

Alice kept her promise and didn’t breathe a word to anyone about Ella’s confession. After she helped her dress, Ella headed out of the royal suite to meet the others in the grand foyer. Nicholas and Noella were in a deep conversation. Next to them, Ingrid swirled her skirts and took in all her surroundings. The young girl was dressed in a fresh gown, her hair washed and combed and re-braided, and her face bright and shining and smiling. As soon as she saw Ella, she bounded to her and flung herself into her arms with a giant hug. It was as if the girl hadn’t seen her in ages when in truth it had only been a few hours.

Ella hugged her back. “Are you happy to be going home?”

Ingrid nodded. “Yes. Ella, did you know I had a room all to myself? At home, I have to share with my sister.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I can’t wait to tell Freya all about it!”

“There you are, dear.”

Noella bustled up, as if noticing her for the first time. Her silver hair hung loose about her shoulders in waves. She wore a green velvet gown with a gold and silver belt. The sleeves came to a point on the top of her hands. Silver earbobs in the shape of snowflakes dangled from each ear. Every time Ella saw her, she looked elegant and refined.

“You look tired. Did you sleep well?”

“Not so much,” Ella admitted.

“Was your bed uncomfortable? Did my son give you less than adequate chambers?” She spun to face him, her tone sounding motherly. “Nicholas—”

“She was in the royal suite next to me, Mother,” he said, sounding weary.

Noella turned back to her. “Is that true?”

“Yes. I just had a hard time sleeping. Noella, there’s something I need to tell you—”

“The horses are saddled and ready,” Gustav announced as he made his entrance.

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