Chapter 5

E lla made her way to the top of the palace steps and entered. With wide-eyed wonder, she followed the line of guards to the grand ballroom. As she passed through one hallway, she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of a tall mirror and stopped. She gawked at the unfamiliar image, then stepped a little closer.

Not only was her dark hair coiled on top of her head, but it sparkled. Velvet red ribbon weaved through the locks ending at the nape of her neck in a lovely little bow. Coiled strands framed her face that no longer looked as though she was tired. The dark circles under her eyes were even gone. And the gown…

She giggled as she spun, letting the layers of the skirt fly around her. It was the most beautiful gown she had ever seen with the applique roses around the bodice, the waist, and down the skirt. She pressed her fingers against her lips. She felt like a fairy princess.

The sound of music spurred her into action. She hurried away from the mirror. Noella was right—she didn’t want to miss another minute.

The guards opened the doors for her as she approached. She gave them both a smile and a nod as she passed through and headed down the stairs, taking them slowly one at a time, her feet silent on the plush garnet rug. Both sides of the banisters were covered in lighted green garland. Flanking the bottom of the stairs were two enormous green trees decorated with red and gold Christmas balls and white twinkle lights.

Lighted swags of garland hung from the rafters of the ceiling. On one end of the massive ballroom, a giant tree decorated with lights. Next to the tree, the king sat in an opulent chair on a raised dais overseeing the events. Standing next to him was the prince wearing a white double-breasted jacket, white trousers and knee-high black boots polished to a high shine. On the other end, the orchestra played a lovely waltz. The dance floor was crowded with couples in their finery while other spectators stood at the edge of the dance floor.

Everything about it was magical and it made her smile as she took the last step off the stairs and entered the room. Heads turned as she made her way through the ballroom, her eyes alight with wonder at everything and everyone.

The waltz ended. The couples on the dance floor stopped moving, clapped, and then moved to the edge of the room. It was the prince, then, who walked from the king’s side to the center of the ballroom. Ella paused, observing his seamless movements with graceful finesse, his attention sweeping across all the ladies in the room. Her heart leapt to her throat as he lingered on her for a long moment, his focus intense. Then he stepped toward her, his intensity growing as he halted and then lifted his hand…to the woman standing next to her.

He bowed his head to her. “My lady, will you do me the honor?”

Ella’s heart sank as the woman dressed in a stunning sapphire gown took his hand. Together, the stepped into the center of the ballroom. The music started and they began to dance.

She thought for sure he was going to ask her to dance. She turned away, deciding that being here, at the Christmas ball was enough for her. Especially when she thought she wouldn’t be able to attend at all.

Across the ballroom, she spied her stepmother standing behind Lucinda and Daniella. She gave them both a nudge to dance with other suitors. They were hard to miss in their vibrant colored dresses. She spun away to avoid them, hoping they hadn’t seen her. As she did, she crashed right into the chest of a tall man. He gripped her upper arms to keep her from losing her balance in the glass slippers.

“Whoa there, my lady. Are you all right?”

She tipped her head up to look into the most dazzling blue eyes she had ever seen. He was handsome with thick, wavy chestnut hair that was long enough to touch his collar. There was an inherent, rugged strength about his face with a strong jaw, high cheekbones, a firm mouth. Touches of humor were around his mouth and at the corners of his eyes. He wore a deep blue double-breasted jacket with gold buttons and a spray of holly in the lapel. The long sleeves had turned back cuffs, also with gold buttons, and an elaborate gold trim around the top of the cuff. His white trousers were pristine, a stark contrast to his tall black boots. His cravat was the same color as his trousers, giving him an elegant and distinguished appearance.

“I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to—” She clamped her mouth closed with a snap.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, looking her over with concern.

She shook her head as he released her arms. Then she did a quick curtsy.

“My apologies, my lord.”

He laughed. “I am no lord.” He held his white-gloved hand out to her. “Care to dance?”

“I…” She cut a glance through the crowd, but didn’t see her stepsisters anywhere. She turned back to him, looking up into those incredible, mesmerizing eyes. What harm would one dance do? “Yes, I would.”

She placed her hand in his and he led her to the dance floor. He placed his free hand on her waist. She put her hand on his shoulder as he spun her to the music, falling into place with the other couples in a seamless fashion that felt completely right.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

She focused on his perfect cravat, the way it knotted at his throat with the tiny gold pin. “Ella,” she said.

“Pleased to meet you, Ella. I’m Nicholas.”

He twirled her about the dance floor with ease and sure-footed expertise. She was exhilarated to be in his arms, to sway along with the intoxicating music. She continued to fix her attention on the pin at his throat and realized it was a tiny gold star with what appeared to be a diamond in the center.

“Nicholas not a lord?” She tipped her head up and gave him a playful smile.

He laughed, a deep rumble in his throat. “Indeed, no.”

“Well, I’m no lady.”

“Are you not? That’s rather refreshing to hear,” he said.

“Is it? Why is that?”

He twirled her, then brought her close, his hand firmly planted on her waist. “I grow tired of pompous ladies who think they are better than anyone.”

As he said it, he glanced around the room, his eyes landing on one particular lady. As they turned, Ella followed his gaze to a striking young woman who was tall, with pale features, red lips, high cheekbones, black hair hanging in waves about her face, which was not the fashion of the court. She wore a lovely navy satin gown overlaid with delicate gold lace. She held a fan to her face, hiding behind it as her eyes tracked Nicholas’s every move. Ella didn’t miss the penetrating stare she gave her as they twirled.

“You dance beautifully,” he said, trying to make small talk.

“Thank you. My father taught me.”

She glanced up at him through her lashes. He was smiling down at her, sending a warmth through her she had never experienced before.

“I should like to meet your father someday.” He winked.

She flinched.

His smile and smirk faded. “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

“My father is no longer with me,” she said, returning her attention to the star pin.

“My apologies, my lady.”

“He’s been gone for several years,” she said. “I miss him a lot. I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”

Her spun her one last time as the music ended. His hand remained on her waist. Her hand on his shoulder as she glanced up at him, reluctant to release him. Though, she thought, he seemed reluctant to release her as well. Another waltz started.

His attention briefly flickered to someone behind her.

Without asking, he whisked her back onto the dance floor. Ella had the distinct feeling he was trying to dodge the young woman in the navy and gold gown.

“Are you avoiding someone?” she asked, one brow raised high as she looked up at him.

He swallowed so hard, his throat worked up and down. “Would you think ill of me if I was?”

“I should say not. I hardly know you,” she said.

He pulled her into a tighter embrace, his voice dangerously low as he spoke. “Yes, I am avoiding someone. She’s been trying to dance with me all night. The lovely and mysterious Lady Eloise Winterbourne.”

“Why are you avoiding her?” Ella asked, genuinely curious.

“I’m afraid I don’t fancy her as much as she fancies me,” he said.

“And so, you picked me to dance with instead?”

“No, my dear, you ran into me and gave me no choice.”

He gave her a sly wink that sent a warm shiver through her down to her toes.

“I hope you don’t mind if I take all the dances on your dance card,” he said.

“I have no dance card,” she replied.

“Then it’s settled! You’ll be my partner for the rest of the evening.”

“Much to the dismay of the Lady Eloise,” Ella said, flashing a wicked grin.

The beginning of smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Indeed.”

She had to admit, she quite liked the thought of being his distraction for the evening. As they spun through the dance floor, she caught a glimpse of Lucinda. Her stepsister peered at her with a long curious look before recognition came into her eyes. Ella pressed her head against Nicholas’s chest, then tipped it upward to meet his astonished face.

“I, too, am trying to avoid someone,” she whispered.

Mirth danced in his eyes. “Do tell, my dear.”

She took the lead and danced them toward the edge of the ballroom as far from Lucinda as possible.

“The woman in the bright yellow gown,” she said.

“Ah, yes. The one who looks like a giant yellow bird?” he said.

The laugh burst through her without a thought.

“I see I am correct,” he replied, gripping her waist even tighter.

“She’s my stepsister.”

“I see. And you wish to escape her nasty glare?”

Ella chewed on her lower lip, unsure how to explain. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “I’m not supposed to be here. I wasn’t allowed to come.”

“Not allowed?” Shock registered on his handsome face. “I believe it was by royal decree that all eligible maidens in the land were invited and expected to attend.” He paused then, tipping his head to the side, a curious and mischievous glint coming into his eyes. “You are an eligible maiden, aren’t you?”

“Funny,” she replied. “Of course, I am. It’s just that I—” She snapped her mouth closed. She’d already said too much.

“Fear not, lady. Your secret is safe with me. Is Ella your real name or is it your secret identity?”

She knew he teased her and it made her giggle. “Ella is my real name,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind a secret identity.”

“Then perhaps we’ll come up with one for you.”

The music ended once again, leaving them standing at the edge of the ballroom amidst other dancers. Lady Eloise pushed her way through the crowd toward them on one side. On the other, Lucinda followed by Daniella and their mother. Ella sucked in a sharp breath. Nicholas gripped her hand tight. He pulled her so close, their noses touched.

“Come with me,” he whispered against her mouth.

Taking her by the hand, they fled the ballroom, leaving them all behind.