Sinderella (12 page)

She furrowed her brow. “Do not say that. You saved me from the dungeons.”

“You didn't belong there. You are kind, you always were.”

She lowered her gaze again. “I might have been kinder. I might have tried harder to defy Mother.”

I winced. “No. Your mother and sister are where they deserve to be. I am glad you were spared her wicked temper.”

I looked back at my reflection. “I have my demons to contend with because of her. I am glad you were spared. Have you been to see her or Angelique?”

Bethany shook her head. “I have no wish to. Mother is evil, through and through, and Angelique is her equal in all things.”

I nodded. I hadn’t been to see them either. Like my sister, I had no desire.

There was a knock at the door, interrupting us. “It is time, milady.”

I smiled and turned for the door.

Bethany and Abbi giggled like little girls as we left the room and made our way out to the cathedral. The town was gathered. People tossed flower petals at me as I walked, like I was under a shower of them. It was beautiful.

When I got inside of the cathedral, the king of my lands was there. He offered me his arm and a smile. “Though you will not be my daughter, you will be my cousin. Will you allow me to give you away?”

I leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I would be honored.” I glanced back at Bethany and whispered. “My sister is quite fond of Charmant. She is a good fit for a man such as him. She is steady and kind and loyal.”

His eyes twinkled. “I shall take that into consideration.” He led me down the aisle to where the most handsome man in the whole world was waiting. He looked stunning in his wedding clothes. When his eyes lifted and he saw me, there was something in his glance. It was like watching him witness a miracle. He clenched his
jaw,
like he was worried he would cry.

The king handed me to him, pressing my hands into his cousin’s. He bent forward and kissed my cheek and walked back to a seat at the front.

I turned and looked at my future husband. I smiled, feeling the tears floating in my eyes.

My jaw trembled where his was perfectly still to the point of fierceness. I smiled at him. “Stop trying to be so brave,” I whispered.

He shook his head subtly.

When the new cardinal (the old cardinal had been relieved of his position) spoke the hymns, I started to relax.

I started to stray in thought, captured by the passionate blue eyes staring down on me as though I had committed a crime. I knew that was his look of love—everyone else must have been terrified for me though.

When the final words were spoken, “You may now kiss your bride,” the king leaned in and lightly brushed my lips with his.

“What was that? I daresay you better have more for me later.”

He scowled. “Your rule, no putting objects inside of you in front of others. I assumed my tongue was an object.”

I laughed and kissed his cheek. “Wise choice, Your Grace.”

He turned, facing the people and holding my hand in the air. “I give you Queen Ellsinore Angleton Beaumont, my wife.” He leaned into me, whispering down on me but making it look like he was kissing my head. “I have some objects I definitely wish to put into you later.”

I smiled down on our people. “If you can catch me.”

He kissed again. “I do love you, with all my heart.”

I looked up at him. “And I you, Sire.”

He grinned like the fool he was going to be played for. I had found a better hiding place.

And they lived happily (naughtily) ever after.