by Ellie Hall
“Grotty, no good…when I was a boy…” She couldn’t understand the rest of what the man said.
“Um, thanks.” She passed him the cookies she had left and walked in the opposite direction—he probably needed them more than she did.
In the distance, police sirens wailed.
She turned down the street and followed the address. Despite the cloudy sky, at least it was still daylight. She didn’t want to be out there after dark. When she got to the building three blocks later, it was boarded up. Her stomach twisted. “This was not what I expected.”
Her heart sank and she stood there for a few minutes, trying to figure out what to do. Feeling eyes on her, she turned. A man in an alleyway leered in her direction. She tucked her phone in her pocket and rushed back to the Underground, thankful she didn’t have to tow her suitcase behind her.
Back on the train, she consulted her phone, seeking a café where she could regroup and figure out what to do. She also sent an angry email to the person who’d ripped her off. She’d only put a deposit on the rental but now she was out five-hundred dollars. She sighed as she got off the train and emerged from the High Street Burklingham Underground station and was met with houses in lovely colors that reminded her of macarons and a cobbled street and broad park with willows hanging over a pond. She took a deep breath. “This is more like it.”
At a nearby café, Penny ordered a tea and scone and sat at an empty table. “Okay, now what?” she asked. “I’m talking to myself. Great. Could this day get any worse?” She needed a game plan, a place to stay, and her sister.
Last she knew Emma was traveling with her billionaire boyfriend but maybe they were back in London. She hadn’t told her sister about the apprenticeship because she wanted it to be a surprise on her doorstep. She had an elaborate plan of showing up on their doorstep with a plate of her favorite cookies baked at the palace.
She pressed call on her phone. Emma didn’t answer but moments later her phone beeped with a text.
I have terrible phone service here. I answered your call but then the connection went dead.
Where are you?
In the Caribbean.
With mom? No way would Emma willingly travel to visit their mother. She used to pester the girls, nonstop, about when they were going to get married. Penny imagined it would only get worse now that Emma was with a wealthy and well-known guy.
Goodness, no but I’ve been in contact with her. I’m with Will…on his private island. I wish you were here. Wait. Where are you?
I'm in London.
A slew of emojis came next. Then I just tried calling. The reception here is so spotty. Penny, what are you doing in London?
She explained about the apprenticeship and then the two went back and forth about why Penny didn’t tell her. Mostly she didn’t quite believe it herself and because she didn’t want to jinx it. Too late for that. Then she told her about how she was going to surprise her with homemade chocolate chippers.
My mouth is watering. Anyway, make sure you get an international phone plan. I didn’t and it cost me!
Penny had already thought of that; she’d obsessed over every detail in the months before her scheduled departure. However, she had to rent the flat sight unseen and should have gotten references or something.
Her tea had gotten cold. What was she going to do?
Where are you staying in London? Emma asked via their text thread.
Penny replied and asked for recommendations for where to stay after typing a long explanation of what had happened with the rental but she didn’t get an answer. She blamed it on the bad service. Figured, considering how her day was going.
Penny stayed in the café, hoping to hear from Emma again and searched for a place to stay. She found a few affordable options but they were far. After she consulted the map for which trains to take, she opened the car service app on her phone. “Three transfers or a twenty-minute ride for twenty pounds…”
She sighed again but stepped out onto the sidewalk. None of the classic London taxis passed and it was getting late in the day, nearly dark. The scent of baking bread met her nose, reminding her why she was there. She lifted her chin, squared her shoulders and navigated the Underground once again.
When she stepped onto the sidewalk a third time, it had started to rain. She dashed to the nearest, though decidedly sketchiest hotel on her list and booked a room.
“It’s only temporary,” she told herself.
When she got upstairs, the room smelled like cat pee, reminding her of chasing after Pumpkin early that morning. “Was that really today?” she whispered.
A fluorescent light flickered overhead and something green and jelly-like was on the bedspread. She lowered into a chair, told herself she’d figure out what to do the next day, and fell fast asleep.
Never mind that she woke with lines imprinted on her cheek from the scratchy chair, or that her back ached, also from said chair. Forget that she was without housing and her luggage. As Penny splashed cold water on her face, she smiled at her reflection in the mirror. “My apprenticeship at the palace starts today. I can do this.” She smoothed her hair and set out.
The letter of acceptance for the prestigious position was printed on thick, cream-colored cardstock. She followed the directions leading to a service entrance at the back of the palace. She figured she’d get to see the front, in all its splendor, at the end of the day. She had enough time then but it was blustery and she already looked like she’d just rolled out of bed—because she didn’t dare shower in the hotel—, no need to make things worse.
She waited in line at the security checkpoint. When it was her turn, the guard asked for her ID and followed up with several other questions.
Penny referred to her letter. “I’m here to meet Esther Newman, the coordinator for employment, positions, and stations at the palace. I’m the baker’s new apprentice.”
“Oh, shame about David. He’s been sick.” The guard shook his head.
Penny’s stomach sank. “That’s terrible news but I’m happy to pitch in.” Maybe she could pick up the slack and prove herself. She was a quick learner. She clung to this hope because she desperately didn’t want her opportunity to fall through.
Nonetheless, the guard directed her down a hall, giving a complicated set of instructions. “Left, right, right again, left, then continue down three steps. You’ll see three doors. Don’t enter any of them. Go back up the steps and go through the entrance on your left.”
Penny tried to follow the directions but soon found herself wandering aimlessly beneath the palace. She invented a scenario where she bumped into the prince and they quickly fell into a sweeping romance and she went on to live a fairytale life.
“Baking before boys,” she muttered, not that the fairytale would ever happen.
When she got to a set of three doors, she tried to remember which entrance to use. She closed her eyes, spun in a circle and then opened a door.
She stepped into an actual fairytale. Elegant gowns in every color, fabric, and style lined the wall. She’d stumbled upon the sewing room. She ran her hand down a silky, peach dress embroidered with little golden threads that reminded her of a sunrise.
Penny stopped in front of a full-length mirror, still wearing the outfit from the day before. She spotted a pretty floral day dress at the back of a rack. She held it in front of her. Whoever it belonged to must’ve been the same size as her because it looked like a perfect fit. She’d probably look more presentable wearing that than the rumbled outfit, complete with a jam stain from her scone.
But if she was going to play dress up, why be modest? She thought of her fantasies from when she was a girl, going to balls, dressing in gowns, meeting the prince. For all she knew, he could be there right now. A little thrill ran through her replacing the anxiety of the last twenty-four hours. Throwing caution, and reason, to the windy streets of the city, she changed into one of the grandest dresses in the room: the bodice was made of golden flowers that spar
kled in the morning light. They cascaded down to the full skirt dotted with more golden flowers. It was perfect for a princess.
As she twirled in the mirror, the door opened.
“Penelope?” a woman’s voice asked. “What are you doing in here? We’ve been looking all over for you.”
Penny froze.
The woman tsked. “Just like when you were a little girl. Playing dress up but when you were supposed to actually dress up, you’d refuse. I remember you’d wear the most outrageous…” The older woman, with gray hair, twinkling blue eyes, and an unmistakable regal bearing opened her arms. “My, have I missed you. Such a young woman now. Well, young compared to me. It’s been far too long.”
Penny opened and closed her mouth. As she realized the queen’s arms were wrapped around her in a warm hug, she returned the gesture.
“You look so much like your mother, but your hair is much longer. From what I remember, you always did do things your way. Just like my sister.”
“My mom—?” Penny cut herself off. Was she allowed to talk to the queen?
“I know, it doesn’t always get easier to talk about the loved ones we’ve lost. I imagine more so being back here with all the reminders. Not everyone understands your decision to remain away for so long, but I respect it, dear.” She picked up the floral dress off the table where Penny had set it down. “Now, put this back on. You have a grand return to make.”
Practically shaking with nerves—how could she explain to the queen she was mistaken and Penny was not the Penelope she remembered without embarrassing her? She couldn’t. She simply followed orders.
The queen seemed to float ahead of Penny as she led her through the hall, up a set of stairs, and onto the main floor of the palace. Polished wood met creamy paint. Gilded frames held exquisite portraits. There was gold and marble. Everything was polished and shiny and opulent.
Penny let out a breath of awe.
“It’s good to be back, isn’t it?” the queen said.
She led Penny along a wide hallway and they passed a man in uniform carrying a tea tray. He paused, bowed to the queen, and the plate of cookies reminded her of where she was supposed to be. She caught up to the queen, feeling the need to explain. “Ma’am—”
“Penelope, don’t ma’am me. I’m your Aunt Bea. Don’t you remember you used to call me Auntie Bee Bee?” the queen laughed.
They turned into a room with pillars on either side. Several sparkling chandeliers hung above. At the very end was a raised platform and upon it a throne. There were also several seats beside it and people arranged in a semi-circle. As they approached, Penny realized it must be the throne room, the special place for coronations, ceremonies, and accepting visitors like royalty and ambassadors. She did not belong there. Sweat beaded along Penny’s brow as her boots squeaked on the parquet floor.
She took a deep breath when she got close enough to spot him. She’d recognize his chiseled jawline, the wink in his eyes, and his kissable lips in her sleep. Maybe she was dreaming. She pinched herself then cringed at the sharp little pain.
Emma was not going to believe this. Maybe dreams did come true. It was a strange twist to her series of unfortunate turns in her trip.
As she got closer, the room turned fuzzy, unfocused. Her breath, shallow. She was hungry. Lightheaded. That would explain it. Surely, she was imagining things. Seeing things. The prince?! She feared she might actually swoon. Then the room went black.
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More Books by Ellie Hall
The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
All I Want for Christmas Novella (Book .5)
Only a Kiss with a Billionaire (Book 1)
Only a Night with a Billionaire (Book 2)
Only Forever with a Billionaire (Book 3)
Only Love with a Billionaire (Book 4)
Only a Date with a Billionaire (Bonus Book)
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The Rich & Rugged, the Hawkins Brothers Clean Romance Series
Second Chance with a Firefighter (Book 1)
Wedding Day with a Rancher (Book 2)
Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard (Book 3)
Falling in love with a Police Officer (Book 4)
Christmas with a Mountain Man (Book 5)
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The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series
Summer with a Marine (Book 1)
Summer with a Rock Star (Book 2)
Summer with a Billionaire (Book 3)
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Acknowledgments
At least a dozen warm cookies and thank yous to my family and friends, especially the writer gals, including Amy Sparling. They coach, cheerlead, and send chocolate when needed. Deepest gratitude to God for guiding me on my faith path.
Big hugs to you, readers!
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About the Author
Ellie Hall loves puppies, books, and the ocean. She writes sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels. Oh, and she loves tea in the morning and pizza for dinner. She believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God's grace.
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P.S. If you have a moment, and enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a starred and written review so other readers can find it too.
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