Princess of Glass - Jessica Day George [31]
Goose bumps broke out all over Ellen, and she felt sweat starting on her temples. She gritted her teeth, not wanting the powder on her face to run. But here was magic, magic beyond walking through a fireplace into a palace.
And it was going to be practiced on her.
She looked down at her gown, at the rubies on her wrist and finger, and straightened her spine. It would be worth it, to dance in this gown, these jewels. To win a prince’s love and leave drudgery far behind.
And besides, her godmother would never hurt her.
Honored Guest
welcome, all, to the first night of our royal gala!”
King Rupert stood atop a dais that had been erected in the Tuckington Palace gardens. The dais was cleverly positioned at the edge of a large pond, and the water helped carry his voice to the assembled crowd, who cheered.
“We hope you will all enjoy yourselves while you get to know our most honored guest, Prince Christian of the Danelaw!”
Another huge cheer and Christian sheepishly took his place beside the king. He gave the crowd a small wave, feeling self-conscious, and looked for a friendly face. Thank heavens tonight wasn’t the masked ball: he was still preparing himself for that. In his experience, masked balls were rife with opportunities for people to do and say things they wouldn’t normally, and for good reason.
A gown of white and red at the front of the crowd caught his eye. White and red, worn by a young woman with black hair and milky white skin. It was Poppy, naturally. No other young lady would be so daringly dressed. Beside her was Marianne, looking demure but lovely in green. He couldn’t quite tell, but it seemed that Poppy was either smirking, or at the least smiling, at his discomfort. He decided to use his “guest of honor” prerogative to steal a dance with her.
“Let the gala begin!” King Rupert raised his hands grandly, and fireworks erupted from each side of the dais.
There was more cheering, and then Christian could make his escape. Or so he thought. The king at once handed him off to the queen, and Christian found himself leading Her Majesty into the palace ballroom to open the dancing. As he moved in stately circles around the room, Queen Edith twittered in his ear about this lady and that lady, making sure that he knew exactly whom his hosts expected him to dance with. He wondered if he would even have time to eat something, let alone persuade Poppy to dance just this once.
And he wanted to squire Marianne as well. She was not only a delightful dancer, but he enjoyed teasing her. He knew that there were some rumors about his fondness for the Seadowns’ daughter, but he thought of her as one of his own sisters, and was hoping to be invited to her wedding before the year was out.
At last his dance with the queen ended, and as he bowed he caught a glimpse of scarlet and white in the doorway of the ballroom. He gave another flourish, and turned toward the flash of color, saying, “My next partner, I think.”
But when he faced the young lady who had just entered, it was not Poppy at all.
He had thought that only one person would possibly wear such a dramatic gown, or have that gleaming black hair, but it seemed there were two. This young lady was beautiful and her coloring was similar to Poppy’s, but her hair wasn’t as black and her eyes were more blue than violet. Close up, he never would have mistaken the two girls.
But now here he was, facing this lady who looked slightly familiar and was smiling at him in an expectant way. The entire room had paused, staring, and he gallantly held out his hand.
“Would