Page 32 of Slippers and Thorns
A short time later, Ella found herself settled on a threadbare couch with a steaming mug in her hands. Edna, her rescuer and now hostess, lowered herself into an ancient armchair with a groan.
They sat quietly while Ella blew on her tea to cool it. She expected Edna to say something, but the woman simply leaned back and gazed out the window, leaving Ella in peace.
Peace. How could she be at peace? She was finally free of the castle, but the change in location had not distanced her from her troubles. They crowded through her mind, colliding with the new stressors she had found in her flight before they bounced back again. Now, not only was she upset by Michael’s cold shoulder and his fascination with Lady Charlotte, she also felt guilt for sending royal guards out into the city to search for her while her personal guards worried and for the betrayal they surely felt over her deceit. She worried how Michael might react to the news of her flight and whether it would worsen their relationship. She shuddered in horror at the plight from which Edna had rescued her.
A few tears leaked out of her eyes. She quietly sniffled.
“Now, dearie, what seems to be the trouble?” Edna asked gently.
That little bit of kindness from a complete stranger was too much. It all began tumbling out – how unloved she felt, how she no longer felt the love she once had for Michael, how distance had grown between her and her husband. How they had fought. How she had tried and only made things worse. How he had angered her. How meaningless her days felt. The mistakes she had made just that day.
Through it all, Edna simply listened. She steepled her fingers, fixed her intense gaze on Ella, and said nothing while the words poured from her lips.
“I don’t know what I should have done instead, though,” Ella sniffled. “I doubt Michael cares that I’m gone. Oh, he might care about the harm it could do to the royal family’s image, but that’s it. He doesn’t love me anymore. And I—when I watch him with Lady Charlotte, I—I hate him!” she bit out, then sobbed, “I just don’t care anymore!”
She lapsed into silence. Edna waited, then finally said softly, “Well. That was quite a lot.” Another moment passed. “Have you talked to anyone else about how you feel?”
Ella snorted. “Who would I tell? Katy lives in Himmelsburg, the servants and guards at the palace all treat me like I’m a delicate thing to be handled with care, and I can’t talk to Michael’s family because one, they’re his family, and two, they’re royal and wouldn’t understand.”
“And I’m a more appropriate confidante?” Edna inquired, amused. “I’m just a poor old woman living in a run-down section of town.”
“I suppose, but you…listened,” Ella said, staring into her mug. “You didn’t cut me off and tell me I shouldn’t tell you such things or that I should stop whining or try to fix it or anything. You just listened.”
Edna smiled at her. “By the time you’re as old as I am, you learn a few things. Like sometimes, an open ear is the best gift you can give someone.”
Ella sighed and sipped her tea. “Thank you.”
“Would you like help?” Edna asked her.
“What could you do?”
Edna grinned. “Not much, I’m afraid, but offer some of the wisdom I’ve gathered over the years. If you want it. I don’t want to ruin my open ear by forcing advice on you now,” she winked. Ella gave her a small smile in return. “I know you say you don’t care, but I think you still do. Else you wouldn’t be so upset.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Ella admitted. She took a slow sip of her tea. “Maybe it would be more accurate to say that I’m tired of caring.”
Edna nodded in understanding. “Of course you are. Struggling through all of that, especially without anyone to lean on? It’s no wonder you’re drained.” She shifted in her chair. “Princess—”
“Please, call me Ella,” Ella interrupted.
Edna smiled. “Ella, then. You feel useless because the king won’t let you help the servants. Is there no activity among the nobles that you could join? Or that you could initiate? You did say he allowed you to learn archery.”
“Yes, but I’m afraid that was only to help Michael and me, not because he truly thought I should learn it,” Ella cringed.
“That makes no difference.” Edna shook her head. “It means he is open to suggestion…with the right justification.”
“I suppose,” Ella replied, unconvinced. “I guess I can try to come up with something.”
“Good,” Edna said. “It’s a small thing, but every little bit helps. If we can free up some of your stress, perhaps the rest will be more bearable.”
Edna set her mug down and folded her hands in her lap. “And now,” she said more gently, “for your husband.”
Ella took another sip of tea and tried not to squirm. “What about him?”
The old woman gave her a wry smile. “He may be a prince, dearie, but he is still a man. As such, he is as human as the rest of us. He feels emotional pain, jealousy, and anger. He may lash out when hurt. He will make mistakes. And sometimes, he will hurt you. Just as you have hurt him.” Ella ducked her head. “Oh, I’m not trying to shame you, dearie. It’s simple truth. We all hurt each other from time to time, whether we mean to or not. What matters is how we respond to it – that is what makes the difference between mending the tear or making it worse.”
When Ella didn’t say anything, Edna continued. “Let’s look at it from another angle. After he saw you with the guard, what did Michael do?”
“He started spending time with Lady Charlotte,” Ella stated quietly after a few moments.
