Page 56 of Cinder's Trial
I blushed because, oops, I’d done it. I said what had been in my heart since that realization in the Nixie’s cave.
“You love me?” Said softly, with a stunned expression.
I nodded. “Very much.”
The smile he bestowed almost melted me. “I love you, too, princess.”
“So you see, you have nothing to worry about.” I cupped his cheek. “There is no magic in this world that could change what’s in my heart.”
Poof.
Godmother’s sudden appearance startled us both, especially since we’d been about to kiss.
“Children, we don’t have time for hanky-panky. It’s time to prepare for the ball.” Godmother waved her wand in excitement.
“The mice already have my things ready.” Indeed, my dress of pale pink hung on the curtain rod. My shoes, sensible ballerina flats, sat below it. I’d opted to not wear a flamboyant gown with a wide skirt because I didn’t want to be the belle of the ball.
“Oh that won’t do at all,” muttered Godmother. “Much too plain.”
Before I could protest, she waved her wand and my simple attire turned into a thing of intricate beauty. Still pale pink, but with silver threading creating a fine filigree atop it. The shoes turned silver and glittery. A tiara sat on the table beside Izzy, along with a necklace and earrings with matching diamonds.
“That’s much too elaborate,” I protested.
“Nonsense. Let’s see how it looks on you.”
Again, I could do nothing, as my clothes suddenly got replaced by the fancy gown that fit perfectly. My hair went from hanging around my shoulders to pinned atop my head, with the tiara perched atop. My nails gleamed with a lovely French pedicure. My face wore a subtle layer of makeup. A glance in the mirror showed the princess Levi claimed me to be.
“Wow.” Levi whistled. “You are stunning.”
The mice agreed and cheered.
I scowled. “I’m going to draw way too much attention.”
“As you should. Tonight is special.” Godmother clasped her hands.
“I just want it to be over with.” I already couldn’t wait to strip out of the finery and slip into bed with my lover.
“It’s not too late to back out. Say the word and I will whisk you away,” Levi offered.
I sighed. “I want to, more than you know, but I can’t abandon Killian.”
“Speaking of whom, we should probably head down in case he’s getting cold feet,” Levi drawled.
“Not so quick, Sir Knight. As her companion, you, too, need something a little more than your usual attire.”
Levi barely had time to say, “Like fuck.” His protest did not stop the magic from changing his clothes. He ended up in a black uniform, form-fitting with silver highlights, topped with shiny black boots. His hair received a magical trim, his five o’clock shadow shaved, and rather than a tiara, he wore a ring.
A ring that made him frown. “Where did you find this?” he asked Godmother. “I thought I lost this years ago diving in a wreck.”
“The Nixie gave it to me when she popped in this afternoon for a visit via my goldfish pond. She thought you might have a use for it.” Godmother beamed. “Don’t you both look marvelous. Now off I must go. You’re not the only people who need my attention tonight. So many Cinderellas looking for a miracle.”
Off she poofed, almost maniacal in her excitement. So much for Godmother wanting to break the fairytale curse. It appeared instead she’d been swept into the story full steam.
“You look very handsome,” I stated as Levi frowned and fidgeted.
“It’s too fancy.”
“Well, it is a ball.”