Pricilla gasped.
Cinderella winced.
"Essie -" Could Essie stop there? Non. She had to grab Cinderella's foot and lift it in the air. And without a single care for Cinderella's lack of acrobatic flexibility.
Essie pressed the toe of one shoe, indicating just how much space lay between her toe and the end of the shoe. Heat flooded her face when Essie's whole palm flattened it.
"Let her try mine, Cill," Essie said gently, dropping her hold. Cinderella's foot clapped to the floor. The emotions played across each of her sisters' faces, but she not daring to intrude. Something else was obviously at play here.
Pricilla finally nodded, sending Essie rushing to the wardrobe. Cinderella gave Pricilla a weak smile. Pricilla's unnerving focus remained on Cinderella. 'Twas as blatant as a comet searing across a clear night sky.
*****
"Buongiorno, Signorinas."
Never in the world of all saints would Prince have guessed he possessed the petty demeanor of…of jealousy. Yet, there was a fist at his side to keep from smashing it into Alessandro's regal and perfect nose. Cinderella's gloved hand was still in the bounders, even though she already sat the open conveyance. Even Estella's lips had twisted into a fierce scowl.
Prince eyed Estellarina. Did she suffered the same complaint as he? How curious. Pasting on a bland smile, he stepped forward. "Good morning, Lady Pricilla," he said, taking her arm. Rather than blushing as he'd expected, an air of something more insightful covered her expression. Something more sagacious.
"Sire," she murmured. Her tone was respectful enough, but her guarded perception unnerved him.
Frustrated, he struggled not to throw his arms up. Apparently, he'd lost all his ability to charm. He was Prince Charming, for the sake of heaven. Surely someone considered his charms still preeminent? His gift to enthrall? His capacity to captivate throughout this region? He wanted to growl.
A flurry of twinkling sparks radiated. He glanced up quickly. His gaze locked with Cinderella's. Time and voices faded. If he never found his mysterious princess…
Not an option. He shook his head breaking the odd connection. He had to find her. Emeranda's glance was fastened on Alessandro and Cinderella. Mayhap the sparks kindling the air were from her eyes?
Non. No waves of wind breezed the air. It was more a wave of heat, he decided. Most unseasonable.
A slow smile tilted his lips. Perhaps, Euthralla was the key.
*****
Though gray clouds threatened an outbreak, an unusual heat stream filled the fall as, Cinderella toured more of the gardens with her sisters. Their carriage ride took them northeast, not so far from their visit to the lake. The driver steered the carriage down a slightly rocky path where the grass was less manicured. The gravel road was sheltered by trees that did not seem fit to grow according to the majestic standards of uniform precision.