Chapter 17

17

The rest of that day and the next, Levi didn’t let me out of his sight. If he went to check on the prince, I went too. When I had to talk to the ball organizer about the stage setup, he sat in, arms crossed, glowering in a corner. On the outside, he seemed grumpier than usual, but that changed the moment we were alone.

Every few hours we’d head to our room, and the moment that door closed he’d kiss me. Touch me. Make my toes curl with pleasure. But there was a franticness to the lovemaking, as if he feared every time would be our last.

His dread proved contagious. It didn’t help that the crush of Cinderellas outside had grown yet again, to the point actual guests cancelled. I couldn’t blame them. No one wanted to be there when the prince had to face and ultimately disappoint them.

I didn’t want to go to the ball either. The fact that I kept being taunted by nursery rhymes didn’t help. I’d seen the banjo-playing cat again, singing the same song and, for some reason, kept finding wedding dress brochures every time I turned around.

What did it all mean?

Things came to a head late in the afternoon of the ball. Everyone walked around on eggshells, partially because Levi kept snapping but also because we kept having random Cinderellas somehow making it past security. The times they managed to make it into Killian’s presence, we averted disaster by playing the part of a happily engaged couple, which sent them fleeing, oftentimes mumbling about how they didn’t know what came over them.

Seeing as how it kept working, at least on an individual basis, I shouldn’t have been surprised when, during our last planning session, Hannah brought up her idea again.

“You know, we might be able to avert catastrophe if Killian and Cinder make a public announcement.”

The suggestion fell into a dead silence, broken by Levi’s firm, “No.”

Hannah glanced at her boss. “We have to do something. Many of those women outside are determined to snag the prince, by any means necessary. And before you even say it, no, we can’t mow them down to solve the problem.”

Better her saying it than me. I did worry about Levi’s state of mind. This situation wouldn’t be solved with violence even if it might devolve into it.

“Your ill-advised idea will paint a target on Cinder, or do you think they’ll all just go ‘Okay, the prince is engaged. Let’s just leave,’” Levi offered, his tone mocking.

“It’s been working so far,” Hannah insisted.

“It has, but you forget that’s been one-on-one,” Levi pointed out. “This ball will have hundreds of potentials. Hundreds of threats. The moment Killian declares Cinder as his intended, chaos will break loose.”

“Chaos is already here,” Killian muttered.

Levi wasn’t done though. “Ever stop to think that this plan might play into the curse’s hands? After all, you’ve got a prince, and a true Cinderella, pledging themselves in front of hundreds. We can’t predict what the magic will do to manipulate it so they get married for real.”

“I would never go that far,” I interjected, which swung his gaze my way.

“You agree with this plan?”

I shrugged. “It’s not ideal, However, Hannah is right. As it currently stands, my mere presence appears to be triggering. There’s going to be trouble no matter what. And it’s not just me who’s got to be careful. Killian’s going to keep having to deal with this, not to mention all those poor women, caught in the grips of the curse, thinking they have to marry the prince. It must be horrible to not be in charge of their own thoughts and emotions.”

Levi’s brow rose. “So you admit they’re being controlled.”

“Well, yes. I’d say that’s obvious.”

“And what makes you think you’re stronger than the magic? If you pretend on such a large scale, who’s to say the magic won’t sweep in and make you truly believe Killian is your one true love?”

I opened my mouth to deny that would ever happen, only to remain quiet, because he raised a valid point. Could I prevail against the Grimm Effect if it truly concentrated on me? At the same time, could I really not do anything at all?

Torn, I didn’t reply, so I was surprised when Levi offered a gruff, “Sorry. I don’t mean to shit on the idea. I just want to be sure you’ve thought through the possible ramifications.”

If we’d been alone, I might have said something about my love for him being stronger than any curse, but at the same time, that might be wishful thinking. Plenty of happily married couples had been split by the Grimm Effect.

“Levi is right.” Killian stood. “The temptation of us playing along might be more than any of us could resist.”

“So what’s the plan?” Hannah asked. “What are we supposed to do if all those Cinderellas start throwing their shoes at you?”

Killian offered a lopsided smile. “Duck? I used to be quite good at dodgeball.”

With that, the meeting broke up as we went to our rooms to dress.

Levi remained quiet even when the door closed.

I put a hand on his arm. “Are you okay?”

“No,” he sighed. “Why do I get this awful feeling everything changes after today?”

“Because it will. Once the ball is over, Killian will leave, and we’ll move on to our next job for the bureau.”

He glanced at me. “I wish that I believed that.”

“You’re really worried about the curse.”

“Aren’t you?”

“I told you before I’ll only marry for love.”

“But what if the Grimm Effect makes you believe you love the prince?”

I didn’t make light of his concern. He was being honest with me. Sharing his fear.

I clasped his hand. “There is no curse in this world that will make me forget I love you.”

He blinked.

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.”

He grimaced. “I’m a warrior, not a prince.”

“Suck it up, buttercup,” I quipped, using an expression I’d heard Blanche say more than once.

His jaw dropped.

My lips curved. “In a few hours, this ball will be over, and I can’t wait to strip you out of it.”

“Here’s to hoping nothing goes sideways.” At least he’d not lost his sense of doom and gloom.

“Shall we?” I asked, placing my hand on his bicep.

“After you, princess.”

He didn’t say much as we headed down to the ballroom. Even this deep in the hotel, we could hear the potential Cinderellas getting rowdy outside as the time for the ball neared.

Killian awaited on the dais erected at the far end of the room, looking every inch the prince with his white uniform trimmed in gold braid. It shouldn’t have surprised to see some of the bureau agents in attendance. Hood and her wolf, Aidan, dressed in red and black. Hilda in a gown of sequined green. But I gasped at the sight of Belle decked in a gown of shimmering gold, her hair crowned in roses.

When I greeted Belle and stated, “You’re looking prettier than a princess,” she grimaced.

“Some old woman showed up and changed my outfit, and I don’t have time to run home to change.” It had to be Godmother. How odd.

Hannah and Gerome wore matching black uniforms of the non-magical variety, same as the other Knights roaming the outskirts of the room. More than I’d actually met.

At my glance, Levi murmured, “We called in reinforcements.”

Good idea.

Levi walked me to the dais, where Killian fidgeted.

“Is it too late to cancel?” he murmured.

“I’m surprised you agreed to this ball in the first place if you hate the idea so much.”

“Did I not mention this was my mother’s idea?” Killian sighed. “Sometimes I think it would be easier to just get married. At least it would get her off my back.”

“Maybe you’ll meet the right person tonight!” I chirped.

“Maybe…” Killian muttered, looking to his left where Belle had her face buried in a book. Only she would think to bring a novel to a party.

Levi sidled close to murmur, “It’s almost time. I won’t be far if you need me.” He squeezed my hand before striding off and didn’t notice his ring falling from his hand. I scooped it, but before I could return it to him, Hannah bellowed, “Heads up! The Cinderellas broke through the security line and are coming.”

I could hear them. Like a stampede of wild beasts in heels and taffeta, they came charging for the ballroom, sweeping in and heading for the dais, pausing before it to stare dreamily at Killian. A few hundred hopeful faces of all ages and backgrounds.

To Killian’s credit, he didn’t run away.

I, on the other hand, really wished I’d chosen to follow Levi, as my spot on the stage made me a focus of attention. AKA glares. I could handle being stared at, but the mutters worried me.

“Look at that slut, thinking she’s better than us.”

“I’m way hotter than her.”

“She wouldn’t be so pretty with a broken nose.”

But the comment that chilled me most? “If she’s dead, the prince can’t choose her.”

I wanted to run for Levi, my shield in the coming storm. A storm we should have avoided. The moment the first Ash potential appeared, we should have cancelled the ball regardless of Killian’s mother’s wishes. Who ever thought going through with this was a good idea?

The Grimm Effect of course. It must have manipulated us to get us here. It wanted something to happen. How else to explain the chaos spreading in the room? It didn’t help that the Cinderellas fed on each other’s urgency.

At least they quieted when Killian grabbed the microphone to say, “Good evening, ladies.”

A cacophony of screams erupted, and a few women fainted.

“I love you!” hollered someone in bright purple.

“Screw her, I’m your true love,” yelled another.

“Pick me!”

Killian shifted, uncomfortable and hesitating. I neared him and murmured, “You’ve got this. Just a few hours and it will be over.”

Killian nodded and took a deep breath. “Thank you for coming. I am pleased to announce that my meeting?—”

“Get to the point!” A woman in royal blue from head to toe, which included heavy eyeshadow, interrupted from the front. “You need to choose your bride.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be happening.” Killian tried to be honest, and the wave of boos just about knocked us over.

I glanced at Levi and saw him murmuring with Hannah, who then sidled to my side as Killian tried to explain that, while he appreciated the effort they’d made, he wasn’t here to get married.

Not what the crowd wanted to hear, and they began pushing for the dais, ignoring the ring of Knights that formed a wall to hold them back.

Hannah murmured in my ear, “I think it’s time for plan B.” Plan B being a fake engagement.

“But Levi?—”

“Says do what you have to. This is going to get ugly otherwise.”

I glanced at Levi, and he met my gaze, blank and stoic, but he did give me a slight nod.

With that permission, I moved to Killian’s side. He held the microphone with a deer-in-headlights expression.

I whispered in his ear, “Time to get engaged.”

He gave me a startled look before his eyes cleared with understanding. His shoulders went back, and he spoke once more. “I’m sorry, ladies. I must say that you look resplendent. Absolutely ravishing, however, my heart has already been captured.” He grabbed my hand and held it aloft. “I’ve found my Cinderella, and she’s agreed to be my wife.”