The music stopped and a smattering of applause ran round the room. Many of the girls were now turning their attention to the other noblemen in the room, realising that the prince’s eye had already been taken but there were plenty of other good matches to be made at this Royal Bride Ball. Cinderella looked down at her shoes. They twinkled reflected silver from her dress, like moonlight on water. She took a deep breath. This was magic. And Rose couldn’t fight magic.
The prince, after bowing politely to the girl who was no doubt already forgotten in his mind, but who would probably remember the feel of his hand on her back for the rest of her life, was heading back towards Rose.
Cinderella made her move. With her back to her step-sister, she crossed the room, cutting into the prince’s path. Her arm brushed his and she looked up at him, her eyes wide. ‘I’m so sorry, your highness.’ She dropped into a curtsey. ‘I should have looked where I was going.’
‘No, I should have looked . . .’ his eyes had been locked on Rose, but now he glanced down at Cinderella. It was enough. The end of the sentence drained away. He held his hand out to her. ‘I don’t believe we’ve danced this evening. I would have remembered.’
‘We haven’t.’
‘Then we should rectify that.’ Without taking his eyes from hers, he pulled her close, much closer than he’d danced with the last girl. His arm was strong around her waist, and every inch of her skin tingled at his touch. Her face was inches from his neck and she could smell his scented warmth. She looked up at him and their lips almost brushed.
‘Who are you?’ he whispered.
‘I’m . . .’ She thought of Rose and her step-mother somewhere close by and she thought of her father, the secretary, and in the end she said all she could think of to escape discovery. ‘Names can wait until later. Just dance with me.’
‘As you wish, mystery girl,’ he said and when he smiled she thought that all the beauty in the world was caught up in that expression. She melted into his embrace and let him whirl her around the floor, their feet in perfect harmony against the marble. She didn’t care if Rose or her step-mother saw her. She didn’t even look for them. As far as Cinderella was concerned no one else existed. It was just her, her handsome prince and the music. She had no concept of time passing; she was simply caught up in a moment she wanted to last forever. Eventually, the musicians paused for a rest, and the prince led Cinderella to a seat at the side of the room, the two of them sharing a velvet bench, his courtiers ensuring the rest of the guests allowed them some privacy. Cinderella still turned her head sideways and tilted her face down in case her step-mother or Rose should stare at her too hard.
‘I’ve dreamed of meeting you,’ she said, the words blurting out before she could stop them. She blushed slightly. ‘I know that sounds stupid.’
‘It’s uncanny,’ the prince murmured. ‘I feel as if I know you and I don’t even know your name. From the moment I saw you, my heart, well . . .’ He leaned forward and touched her hand. ‘Everyone else faded . . . I just knew.’
His hand was warm against hers and as he stroked the back of her hand gently with his thumb, she could feel her breath getting quicker. His face was thoughtful as his eyes searched hers.
‘I’d given up on love, you know. True love.’ He had leaned in closer to her and their lips were almost touching as they spoke. Cinderella longed to touch his face, to feel his hands on her. Her heart thumped in her chest. This was everything she’d dreamed of since she’d been a little girl. She’d never seen such a beautiful man, and here he was, and he wanted her.
‘So much isn’t as it seems, don’t you think?’ he said. ‘But this, it’s magical.’
‘Love at first sight,’ she said. She ignored the faintly unsettled feeling the mention of magic gave her.
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I do believe it is.’
‘Shall we dance again?’ she said. She wanted to feel his body against hers and wrap her arms around his neck and move freely. Break away from the formality of the set pieces. More than anything, she wanted to kiss him.
‘Your wish is my command,’ he said.
She felt as if she was floating when she got to her feet, and it was only when she glanced at the clock as they passed it, that she came crashing back to earth. It was quarter past eleven. It couldn’t be. Her heart raced. Leave by midnight or be home by midnight? What had the fairy godmother said? She couldn’t take the chance of being late. Of having the second night stolen from her. The night when the prince would choose.
‘Would you excuse me for a moment?’ she looked up at him, and let her eyes absorb the perfection of his face, storing it in memory. ‘I must . . .’ she wasn’t quite sure how to finish the sentence. Thankfully, he simply nodded.
‘Hurry back, my love.’
She tore herself away before she lost her determination, and then scurried through the revellers towards the stairs. She didn’t look back.
The carriage was waiting for her, the driver leaning against the door watching as she fled the castle.
‘Did you meet your handsome prince?’ he asked. Again, there was a tone in his gruff voice that hinted he was laughing at her. She glared at him, wanting him to move away from the door so she could climb in. Although broad, he wasn’t as tall as the prince, and where her love was blond and beautiful, this man had dark hair that hung slightly over his eyes and rough stubble peppered his chin and cheeks. His brown eyes made her nervous. She couldn’t read them.
‘Yes I did,’ she said. ‘Now get me back home before we’re both in trouble.’
He laughed a little, an earthy sound, and stepped back, pulling the door with him and giving a brief mock bow as she climbed in.
‘I was born in trouble it seems,’ he said. ‘But at least I’m no pansy prince who can’t take care of himself.’
‘What do you mean?’ Cinderella asked, leaning forward in her seat. He either didn’t hear her or just refused to answer because suddenly the wheels were turning and they were on their way. He was jealous, she decided. Who wouldn’t be? The prince had everything a woman could want. That much was obvious. And he was going to be hers. That thought made her smile and, as they raced back to the house, she lost herself in the memory of his touch on her hand and the way he’d held her close as they danced.
The magic vanished as soon as she’d stepped through the kitchen door, her hair tumbling free down her shoulders and her fine silver gown evaporating to leave her back in her house dress. Her feet cooled as her own shoes, clunky and uncomfortable in comparison, replaced the diamond slippers. She was still smiling though, and made sure the other two nuts were safely into her pocket before drinking a glass of her father’s wine and dancing with a broomstick across the kitchen floor and giggling to herself.
She’d barely crept upstairs in the dark and crawled into her cold bed by the time the front door slammed and lights went on throughout the house. She could hear her step-mother shouting. She was sure Rose was crying.
‘You stupid, stupid girl!’
‘It wasn’t my fault, I—’
‘You had him. In the palm of your hand! All my dreams – all your dreams – shattered!’
‘Look, mother, I did my best—’
‘Well it wasn’t good enough!’
Cinderella pulled her knees up under her chin. Her excitement and the glow of love still burned in the pit of her stomach, but hearing her step-mother screeching so hysterically was something new and it gave her a sickening twist. As did Rose’s sobbing.
‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry—’
‘Sorry isn’t good enough! You’re ruined everything! Everything!’
Cinderella pulled the covers over her head and pushed her fists into her ears. She wouldn’t let them spoil her happiness. She wouldn’t. And if she did win the prince’s hand the next night then she made a quiet promise to herself that she’d find an Earl for Rose to marry. A handsome one.
The next day passed interminably, and once her chores were done she hid in her room
avoiding her step-mother. She veered from berating Rose to encouraging her to make the best of the second night to come while Cinderella wished the hours away. Finally, night came round again and she watched from the window as Rose went off in Ivy’s carriage. This time, however, she felt no jealousy, just her own overwhelming excitement. Once her father had gone up to his study to work into the early hours, she ran down to the kitchen and cracked the second nut open.
This time, her dress shone like spun gold, reflecting every shade of red from her magnificent hair. Her feet tingled with the warmth from the slippers and her face glowed.
‘Very nice,’ the driver said, as he opened the door, ‘if you like that kind of thing.’
‘Are you being rude to me on purpose?’ Cinderella asked, frowning at him. ‘If you think I’m so ugly just keep your opinions to yourself.’
He smiled again, laughing at her she was sure. ‘What?’ she snapped, crossly.
‘It wasn’t the raw product I was commenting on, it was all the trimmings. You look like a proper little court lady, that’s for sure.’
‘What’s so wrong with that? That’s what I want to be.’
‘Nothing. It suits some. I just prefer a real woman, that’s all. The type who runs free through the forest. Now, let’s get you to your perfect prince, shall we?’
She didn’t say another word, but pressed her lips tightly together. She could quite happily not speak to the insufferable brute for the rest of her life.
Rose was trying to talk to the prince as Cinderella swept into the ballroom, and she was glad to see that he was showing no interest in her whatsoever. If anything, he looked distracted and irritated, his glance going this way and that, scanning the room. Her heart lifted at the sight of him and she took a glass of champagne and waited until he’d fully spurned her step-sister, sending her scurrying to the sides of the ballroom in shame, before she approached him.
‘Hello,’ she said, simply, as his mouth dropped open.
‘You! You’re here! You look . . .’ He stared at her and smiled. ‘Perfect.’
‘I’m sorry I left,’ she said, as he took her in his arms and swept her onto the dance floor. Around them, couples pulled back slightly and the partnerless young women drifted into the corners to console each other. It was clear the prince had eyes for no other. He had come back to life with her arrival, his listlessness suddenly shed like a second skin.
‘I thought you had left me,’ he said. ‘I couldn’t sleep. I’ve thought of nothing but you.’
‘I’ve been the same,’ she said and smiled. Could he have become more handsome overnight? It seemed that way. Once again, just like the previous night, they danced and talked and revelled in each other’s presence until he gave a signal and the music paused, and then the prince took her hand and led Cinderella out towards the balcony.
‘Let’s go somewhere more private,’ he whispered into her ear. His voice was like electricity running through her, and she simply nodded. She was breathless. Her skin was flushed. Two servants pulled the glass doors open for them and they stepped out into the night. The doors closed, sealing them off from the rest of the party. No one would join them out here, that was clear, and now that the dance had stopped Cinderella was glad to be away from the rest of the guests. Rose and her step-mother wouldn’t be expecting to see her here, and certainly not dressed so glamorously, but that still wouldn’t stop them recognising her if they looked for too long – and everyone’s eyes had been on her by the time the music finished. Everyone thought the prince had made his choice.
At some point while they’d danced soft snow flakes had started to fall, but the balcony was covered in a silk canopy and fires burned in ornate metal stands and the air was warm. Cinderella was sure that even if it was pouring with icy rain she wouldn’t notice. Ahead of them the city was spread out, an ocean of darkness with only occasional ships of light in the gloom. It was late, and while the castle was still filled with music and dancing, the ordinary people had long days ahead. As she stood at the low wall that ran around the balcony, looking out over it all, she felt a lifetime away from the grime and cold of the city’s winter.
She looked up at the handsome man beside her and smiled. The prince, saying nothing, pulled her close, one arm wrapping tight around her. He lifted his other hand and traced his fingers down her face and to her neck, his eyes lingering on her skin. Her breath came more rapidly as her stomach knotted with longing. Each controlled touch sent a thousand shivers through her. His hand finally reached the curve of her breasts, which pushed upwards as the dress was designed to have them do, and she arched her back against him slightly, unable to control herself. She moaned softly as he brushed over her skin and then he lifted his gaze and his eyes met hers. He leaned forward and finally they kissed. His mouth was warm and soft, and his lips were gentle, barely touching hers at first and then pressing harder as she responded, his hands exploring her body through the confines of her dress. She touched him back, her fingers running down his chest, and then resting one hand on his thigh, his leg strong beneath the material of his trousers. Unable to stop herself, she lifted the hand higher, enjoying the heat coming from him, and the urgency of his breath. He kissed her harder, his hand pulling at her skirts and she thought of Buttons’ fingers, slim and feminine and wondered how different the prince’s would feel.
She barely heard the clock chimes ringing out. She was lost in the moment, fireworks exploding in her mind and sending traces of intensity throughout her body. Even in her fantasies it had never been like this. She wanted to pull his clothes free and feel his skin next to hers. She couldn’t stand the longing, she was desperate for him. His hands were struggling with her underskirts and she wanted to tug them up and give him access. All childish thoughts fell away from her and she was suddenly all woman, eager to do all the things she had only heard about from Ivy and from the other, less well-behaved, girls in the town.
‘It’s only midnight,’ he said, as the first chime echoed across the city. ‘We have hours yet. We could go somewhere and—’
‘Midnight?’ Her head still a haze, Cinderella could barely focus, but the word cut through the heat that filled her. ‘It’s midnight?’
‘Yes, but—’
She broke free from him so suddenly it took him by surprise. His arms fell away, and by the time he reached for her again she was already at the doors. She had to leave by midnight, even though every inch of her wanted to stay in the prince’s arms and kiss him all night. The fairy godmother’s icy expression flashed behind her eyes. She had to do as she’d been told.
‘I have to leave!’ she called back as she yanked the door open, grasping the handle from the footman in order to get back in more quickly. ‘I’m sorry. I have to leave.’
She let her eyes drink in his handsome face one more time and then she turned and fled. As she pushed her way through the dancing couples, she knew he was coming after her. She kept ahead and finally broke clear of the ballroom, running down the sweeping red staircase to the exit. She could see the carriage, door open, waiting for her, the rough driver already sitting at the reins.
‘Hurry up!’ he called.
‘Wait!’ the prince shouted, chasing her down the stairs. ‘Wait! I don’t even know your name!’
Cinderella ran faster still and threw herself, all dignity forgotten, into the back of the carriage that was already beginning to move away. She dragged the door closed as the horses picked up speed, and then, recovering her breath, she peered back through the window. The prince was staring after her, one hand reaching out as if he could somehow pull the carriage back to him. The cold night air gripped one foot and she looked down and the last chime rang out. One of her enchanted shoes was missing. How could it have come off? And when? They fitted so perfectly. And what would her fairy godmother say?
As it turned out, the fairy godmother was waiting for them and as Cinderella climbed out of the coach in her dull house dress with her hair loose, she didn’t seem overly concer
ned about the diamond slipper. ‘It’ll find its way back, I’m sure,’ she said and smiled as if she understood something that Cinderella didn’t. That didn’t surprise Cinderella. She thought there were probably a lot of things the fairy godmother understood that were beyond her own reach.
The night was cold and she was suddenly tired, even though her heart was racing.
‘You’ve got your prince. Now remember your promise,’ the fairy godmother said. ‘Do what I asked of you or none of this will end well.’
Cinderella nodded. Not that she knew how she was ever going to get back into the castle again. The prince didn’t even know her name, and she’d been in too much of a panic to shout it to him.
‘And you,’ the fairy godmother glanced at the driver as a flurry of stardust swallowed up both her and the glittering coach, ‘Remember, it’ll be morning soon.’ By the time she’d finished the sentence, the echo of the words were all that was left of her. Cinderella shivered and glared at him. ‘You were going to drive away without me.’
‘I knew you’d make it.’ He leaned on the wall. ‘Did you get what you wanted? Is true love in the air?’
‘What would you know about it?’
‘I know a few things,’ he said, leaning in closer, one hand teasing a strand of her wild red hair. Cinderella pressed herself back against the kitchen door, but she could feel his musky heat and she still throbbed from her embrace with the prince. He touched her hair. She couldn’t help but shiver slightly and she couldn’t decide if it was revulsion or attraction.
‘I know your hair looks prettier free than trapped,’ he said. ‘Like most things. I also know princes are just men. Mainly not very good ones. And a castle can’t give a girl like you what the woman inside will want.’
Charm Page 5
