Page 65 of Slippers and Thorns
“Jacob and Charles?” Mike said sharply. “What about them?”
Ella licked her lips. “It happened again during my ride earlier. Nothing happened when I touched them; they didn’t regain awareness like you always have. They actually rode away from me, back towards the castle.”
“Theyleftyou?” Mike exclaimed disbelievingly.
Nodding, Ella added, “They acted like they couldn’t hear me, even when I shouted after them. They didn’t respond until I screamed, and then they were surprised to discover I wasn’t with them.”
He abruptly stood, snapping the book shut and dropping it on the chair as he began to pace. “Jacob and Charles,” he clarified, his face agitated. She nodded. “You’re saying that Jacob, your most duty-focused guard, and Charles, your most personally-loyal guard, would haveabandonedyou in the forest?”
“Yes,” she replied simply, then scrambled to add, “I am certain they couldn’t help it. But yes.”
Mike ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t like this,” he mumbled. “But what do I do?”
“Should we leave?” Ella suggested sadly. “Go home early?”
He shook his head distractedly. “Father was rather insistent about the length of time. It’s only a few more days…”
“But is it safe?”
Instead of answering, he thrust a hand into his hair and left it there as he continued to pace, muttering under his breath. He paused once to sneeze, but he resumed his motion immediately after. Ella stood and watched him, wringing her hands. Mike’s clear discomfort only increased her own nervousness.
“Maybe we can take it slow,” he finally said, still moving, his eyes still out of focus. “Do like we did on our way here, but have the wagons follow us after a few days. We could travel fewer miles each day or spend more than one day at an inn. We wouldn’t be home before we’re expected, and the mode of travel should satisfy Father’s goals.”
“Wouldn’t he be more concerned about the possible risks of staying?” Ella ventured. “Is that kind of planning really necessary?”
Mike shrugged. “Father can be weird about things sometimes. And I don’t know if he would believe claims of magic without seeing it himself.”
“Even if you told him?”
Once again, Mike shrugged. “Technically, I haven’t seen it myself, either. I have no memory of these times when you say I’ve been under its influence.”
“You do believe me, don’t you?” Ella asked uncertainly.
“I have no reason to believe you are being dishonest. Besides, it would be simple to verify with your guards; I don’t think they would lie to get out of trouble,” he replied. “And I see no reason for you to make it up. At least—” He hesitated and looked endearingly uncertain as he finally stood still. “I mean, I don’tthinkyou are so desperate to go home that you would make up a wild story to cut a few days off our trip.”
She smiled shyly at him. “No. I would wish to stay longer if I thought we could.”
Stepping forward, he picked up her hand. “That’s good to know.”
They stood that way for a minute, staring into each other’s eyes, before Mike cleared his throat – hacked, really; the poor thing needed more tea – and said, “So, shall I speak with Oliver and Mrs. Nickelby about leaving in the morning?”
“I suppose that sounds like a plan,” Ella agreed. She looked down. “Thank you, Mike.”
“For what?” he asked.
“For listening to me,” she quietly told him. Then before she could talk herself out of it, she placed one hand on his chest, leaned forward, and kissed him quickly on the cheek.
Before his look of shocked surprise was fully across his face, she was already out the door.
CHAPTER 28
Ella
O
f course, the snow that Ella had previously been hoping might delay them perversely fell the next morning and delayed them after all, now that she didn’t want it.
Not that traveling would have been better than staying after her impulsive action the night before. But at least a day of riding would be less fraught with potential and might give her more time to settle herself before the arrival of another night.
