Ella's Rise: A Fairy Tale Retelling (Fairy Tale Realm Series Book 1) by Leslie Crowne

Author:Leslie Crowne [Crowne, Leslie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Royal Turtle Media
Published: 2023-05-01T16:00:00+00:00

13

Chapter Thirteen

Thal

Camdan joined us for breakfast the next morning after seeing to the horses. I wanted to ride back to the palace as soon as possible. The thought of what might happen when we arrived there had my stomach in knots, but I ate the sausages and eggs the tavern cook had prepared. I would need the strength to face my father later—when I presented Ella to him.

Ella had an extra helping, which pleased me. “The food at the palace is even better. You’ll see.”

With a raised brow, she paused in between mouthfuls to answer. “This is the best I’ve had in a while. Mrs. Briggs is not the best cook in Sartoon.”

I glanced at Camdan. “When we arrive, let’s use the service entrance so I can get Ella into the palace without notice. We can let her use Baltair’s old room to change.”

Ella looked up from her plate, which was almost empty. “Change into what? I have no other clothes.”

I hadn’t pondered the problem of obtaining clothes for Ella quickly. Mother would be suspicious if any of her garments went missing, and I would rather present Ella to her and Father at the same time. I had only one other option—Valia. She was about Ella’s size. I was unsure she’d even be willing to help, but it was the best I could manage on short notice.

“I’ll ask my cousin, Valia, to loan you a gown. You can wash and prepare yourself for presentation to the King.”

Camdan interrupted, his tone one of concern. “You’re going to present her before telling him who she is?”

“If I tell him about her beforehand, he may reject any of my ideas outright as a matter of principal and refuse to meet her. But if he sees she is a living person, not some image he has in his head, then we may have a chance. And if Mother is there, she may hold some sway.”

Ella’s eyes had gone gray and were wide with fear. “My last encounter with the King was not a success. He yelled for his guards before I could explain what I was doing in the antechamber.”

“It likely would not have mattered what your reason was.” Then I cocked my head. She had never explained. “Why were you there, after I left?”

She sighed, slumping her shoulders. “I went back because I had a memory of being in that room with my father. I wanted to recall it in more detail since I hadn’t been able to picture him for years. I know it sounds foolish.”

“Not at all.”

Her face brightened, but her eyes had a faraway cast. “I remembered playing in that room, him chasing me, and I was barefoot. That was why I kicked off my shoes, but then you came in with the commander and Mr. Briggs.”

The events of that night were beginning to make sense now. “I’m sorry you had to hear that conversation, but I guess it worked out for the best.”

“Yes. I wouldn’t be here now. But I’m not convinced we are doing the right thing.

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