Snow Dust by Joanna G Holden

Author:Joanna G Holden [Holden, Joanna G]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781734718713
Published: 2020-03-20T04:00:00+00:00

chapter ten

When Gerda woke up, she couldn’t remember where she was. A maid was leaning over her. “I’m sorry to wake you, miss. But Her Highness has requested that you prepare for you journey. She and His Highness, the prince, want to give you a proper farewell.”

That was right. She was at the castle. Moaning, Gerda dragged herself out of bed, cringing as her feet hit the icy floor. Shivering, she grabbed the pile of clothes on the chair beside her bed.

There were so many. New undergarments, a cotton chemise, thick woolen stockings, a beautiful print dress with a full skirt that reached her ankles, a sweetly embroidered vest, and a thick, soft coat. Beneath these sat a pair of little white gloves, a hat, and a pair of wool-lined winter boots. Gerda giggled. It’s like Christmas!

She slipped out of the too-big nightgown and into the new clothes. The softness of the new fabric was like being wrapped in a cloud. The maid came back in with a tray of hot porridge and tea. “Their Highnesses are having their breakfasts as we speak. Can you be ready to leave in half an hour?”

“Yes ma’am,” replied Gerda. “And thank you.”

In minutes, the porridge was gone. Gerda grabbed her coat, hat, and gloves and headed down the kitchen stairs. It was even colder than it had been yesterday. She walked through the kitchen, slipping on her new outerwear, and entered the courtyard. Gustaff and Skyla sat chatting politely in raven.

Smiling coyly, Gerda approached them. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” replied Skyla.

“And did we enjoy sleeping in a royal bed?” Gustaff asked.

“Oh, I could have slept all day in that bed.”

“So, you have a liking for the expensive life, eh?” Gustaff waddled closer. “I’ve decided to come with you after all.”

Gerda gasped. “What?”

“I’ve thought it over, and a mission as important as this really shouldn’t be left to the humans. Incompetent creatures, you know.” He smiled sheepishly. “Except you, of course.”

“I . . . I don’t know what to say. What about the snowy north not being a good place for birds?”

“It’s time I took on a new challenge. Snow might not be my first choice. But I won’t let it be said that I was a coward.”

Laughing, Gerda stroked the bird’s shining wings. “Thank you, Gustaff.”

Skyla stepped forward. “It may not be my place to say, Fraulein Gerda, but I overheard the princess and her betrothed speaking about you this morning. They spoke of how much they liked you and wished they might have a child just like you. I don’t suppose . . .” She hesitated. “Is there any chance you might choose to stay here? Instead of going home, that is. I know they would never ask it of you. But I have never seen the princess connect to someone as quickly as she did with you, not even with the prince himself. They could give you all the things you never had at home. You would never be lonely again. And I’m sure they would be more than happy to bring your family here for visits on occasion.

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