Casey wiggled her red feet before rolling her stockings back up her legs and putting her walking boots on. Her hands shook slightly as she walked over and placed the worn slippers into the bin. In about thirty minutes, the cobbler would be there to fit them all with new shoes. And then tonight, she would fall asleep all over again, and find herself with sore feet and ruined slippers in the morning. No matter how hard she tried, she could not stay awake to find out what happened; none of them were able to. It was as if they were cursed to dance or something.
Yet, who would do such a thing to them? And why?
CHAPTER THREE
“YOU FOOL BOY! ARE you mad?” Mr. Smoot, the head gardener, asked Aleck after supper that evening. He had pulled Aleck back and pinned him against the wall when Aleck was on his way up to his room above the stables. The gardener’s large hand clutched a fistful of Aleck’s shirt. “You will get us all dismissed with your actions, and yet you continue to smile in your smug way.”
There was no doubt in Aleck’s mind of what he was speaking. It was obvious he still remembered the exchange with Princess Cascadia that morning. “She approached me. What would you have me do, ignore her?”
“You should not have been walking with her upon your arm like that, as you well know! What would the king say?”
Aleck had no desire to find out. “She was distraught and asking for my help.”
“Sounds to me like she needs to be asking for aid from her own kind and leaving my workers alone!”
“Leave off the lad, Smoot. Or I will turn you in for disorderly conduct,” said the stable manager, Hallen, as he rounded the corner.
“M—me?” sputtered Mr. Smoot, releasing Aleck’s shirt. “You would turn me in when clearly this boy’s flirtations could be the ruin of us all?”
Hallen shrugged. “What does it signify if the girl is sweet on him? We have all seen the way she looks at him. There is nothing any of us can do about it if she continues to pursue him like this. It is the way of the world. The lad can no more ignore her than you could, lest he be removed from his station.” Hallen looked Aleck over from head to toe. “A fine specimen of a man he is, and all. Why, any young lady would turn sweet on the lad.”
Aleck nodded his head as a thank-you gesture, but wanted to be anywhere than where he was right then. He stepped back and said, “I have spoken with her. She knows that I felt it was improper to be walking with her. But …” He suddenly trailed off, not willing to say the rest.
“But you like her?” guessed Hallen.
“Of course, the fool boy likes her!” Smoot threw his hands in the air. “To have a princess flaunting about him would turn any young man’s head.”
“She does not flaunt about me.”
Hallen laughed.
“She does not. Besides, she had a specific request of me to fulfill, and I will attempt to do so.”
“And what is this?” asked Smoot. “Will it interfere with your gardening duties?”
He had not thought of that. “If it does, I will work doubly hard and make them up.”
“You see that you do, or you will be sent packing.”
“Smoot.” Hallen folded his arms. “I know you will not do anything without just cause, now, would you?”
Aleck tried to hide the dread he felt building up within him at the thought of losing his place as a gardener. How would his mother cope without his wages? He cleared his throat, trying to dispel the tightness that had come up. “May I go to my room now? Or was there more you wished to say?” he asked Smoot.
Hallen dismissed him. “You may go, lad. Smoot and I need to discuss some other matters anyhow.”
“He is still under my charge!” Smoot snarled. “I would kindly like you to remember that fact.”
“Oh, I do. Often.” Hallen nodded his head at Aleck as if to tell him to leave.
Aleck did not need another incentive. He quickly turned on his heel and rushed up the stairs. Once in his small, sparse room, he paced the floor a few times and allowed his thoughts to mull over his mother and his five little brothers and sisters still at home. All had been well before Pa caught the influenza while working abroad two years before and eventually died.
Prior to his father’s death, Aleck’s meager earnings were not anything to concern himself over. They allowed him to purchase a few gifts for his family, a sweet every now and then, and possibly some new clothes or boots for himself every couple of months. Now that money could not be spent on such frivolous items as sweets or gifts; now it was a good chunk of his mother’s income to support his family.
Rebecca, the next eldest sister, was a lady’s maid from time to time for the wives of some of the wealthier landowners, and she even had some odd jobs doing cleaning. But her pay was not near as fine as the few coins a month Aleck was able to send home by working here at the castle.
Aleck looked at the small wooden bed. Its blue quilt had nearly faded to white. It was threadbare and worn, but served its purpose of keeping him warm at night. He had no use for another blanket when he knew there were nights when his siblings would huddle two or three together to share the heat under their blankets as they slept.
His eyes drifted toward the window, from which he could see the garden below his room, the same garden he and the princess were walking toward earlier. He sighed and sat down upon the bed. Placing his elbows upon his knees, he rubbed his face with his hands for a bit.
No matter how stunning the princess was, he simply could not risk his family’s livelihood chasing her mysteries for her. He was a fool even to believe it was a possibility. Especially with these young princes who would come and no doubt solve the matter in a heartbeat, allowing one of them to wed her.
How would he even be able to attempt such a thing? What did he know about castle life, or enchantments such as she was most likely under? Nothing. Smoot was right. It was not worth the risk. Princess Cascadia may have a pretty face, but he simply could not jeopardize the livelihood of all those he loved to come to her aid.
But when he was around her, his soul felt alive. And her eyes sparkled like none he had ever seen before. Was it true? Was he as handsome as Hallen believed him to be? Is that what drew her to him?
He shook his head. Did it matter? Did any of this matter?
No.
He stood up and began to pace again, going from the old trunk at the foot of his bed to the small window and back. He needed to find a gracious way to decline the princess’s quest for him. It was not wise at all. No matter how much Hallen may protest, the fact remained that Smoot was his superior, and he was angry. There was no guarantee he could solve anything for Casey. However, it was guaranteed he would lose his job. To be turned away from the castle for improper conduct or neglectful duties was the same as chiseling out your own tombstone. No one would dare hire a man who was not wanted by the palace.
He stopped at the window and looked out at the large castle across the way. He would find a way to tell her no on the morrow—a way that ensured she was not offended or put off.
If she truly cared for him, she would not wish anything ill to happen.
He turned away and sat back down upon the bed. Please, oh please, let her be reasonable and not upset. Let her see it simply cannot be done. And let her understand there are some things in this world that will never mix properly. Royalty and servants were one of them.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE NEXT MORNING, BEFORE the sun had risen, Aleck was up and rushing for an early cup of tea with his mother prior to his daily chores at the castle. He liked to visit her once a week and check in, making sure the family was well. He removed the small box from under his bed and dumped the few shillings he had earned the last sennight into his palm. He also pulled out a kerchief wrapped around pieces of fruit and some rolls he had saved from his meals, as well as some tarts for the children. It had been a long while since he had tasted his own tarts; he always tucked them into his pocket for his siblings.
He also had a few bulbs he had rescu
ed from the compost heap earlier that week. The daffodils had quite overgrown a section of the garden earlier that year, and so several had to be dug up and tossed. Since his mother had had a fondness for daffodils, he was eager to bring the bulbs to her so she could begin her own flower garden.
With his treasures held securely in his knapsack, Aleck made his way a few miles down the lane to the small cottage. He knocked twice upon the door and then ducked his head as he walked into the tiny front room.
The fire was busily crackling while the kettle set upon the hearth heated up nicely.
“Hello, Aleck, dear!” His mother rushed from around the table and brushed her flour-covered hands upon her apron before crushing him to her chest.
“Good morning.” He chuckled and pulled back to place a kiss upon her cheek. “And how are you?”
“I am well.”
Her eyes had lost so much of their youth and sparkle these past months that he worried he would never see her again as she once was. Today, however, those gray eyes seemed to be perked up a bit—not wholly, but enough to make him wonder. “I can tell already that you have news. So out with it.”
“No.” She swatted at him. “I cannot yet. And you will not get it out of me, either.”
“What? Now I am very intrigued. What is this that you are hiding from me?”
“It is nothing that she is hiding,” Rebecca said as she came into the room and kissed his cheek. “It is my news to tell, and so Mother has promised to allow me the right to speak about it first.”
Just then, the kettle began to hiss.
“Let us sit and have tea, and then we can talk,” his mother said as she removed the kettle from the hearth.
Rebecca laced her arm through his and led him to the table. “Yes, let us do so before the little ones wake up and demand whatever treats you have brought them this time.”
“Fair enough,” Aleck said as he removed the knapsack and set it upon a wooden chair at the table. “Though, I have not only brought gifts for the children, but I have some daffodil bulbs from the castle for you, Mother.”
“Do you?” She looked up from pouring the water into the teapot and smiled. “However did you manage it?”
“They were getting rid of a bunch of them, so I saved some. I will be sure to plant them in the ground before I leave today. Then you do not have to worry over your hands getting dirty, as mine rarely are clean anyway.”
“Ha!” She rolled her eyes at Rebecca as he pulled out a chair and sat. “Spoken like a true man. For only a man would believe us womenfolk never get our hands dirty.”
“I dare you to live one of our days, Aleck, just one.” Rebecca sat down next to him.
He grinned. It was an old joke of theirs. He pretended to treat them as royalty, and they were quick to remind him how foolish he was. His gaze settled upon Rebecca’s golden hair, tied back in a bun. Her lively green eyes and quick smile reminded him so much of their mother—they looked nearly identical at times, or at least they had before Pa died. They were too brave, both of them, shouldering so much of the world on their own. How could he not think of them as royalty? Indeed, he had never known such fine examples of women in his life.
“And what has you staring at me with such a look upon your face?” Rebecca asked.
“You. I am curious about your news, of course. Are you going to tell me, or keep me cooling my heels all morning in anticipation?”
Mother laughed and passed a cup of tea to him. “Hush, you. As if you know how to wait for anything.”
“’Tis true. I do not. Which reminds me.” He looked over at his sister. “Begin at once, or I will not let you see what I brought for you.”
Rebecca chuckled as she took the offered cup from her mother. “Oh, good heavens! Now he is reduced to bribery.”
“I simply do not like to be kept in suspense.”
“Oh, very well.” She took a sip of tea and then leaned forward a bit. “Do you remember Hattie?”
“Hattie?” he asked, confused. “Oh. Is she the old herb woman who used to chase us out of her mint garden when we were young?”
“Yes! The very one.”
“Wait. What is this?” Mother asked. “What mischief did you two get into with poor Hattie?”
“’Tis nothing, Mother.” Rebecca waved her hand. “Besides, it was ages ago.”
His mother raised her eyebrows and looked at them both.
“We used to eat the peppermint herbs she grew, nothing more.” Aleck took another sip.
“Aleck! Rebecca!”
“And the strawberries, too.” He winked at his sister.
“What? Her prized strawberries?”
“And the peaches and raspberries and blackberries and—”
“Aleck, just tell Mother everything!”
“Enough!” Mother sat down upon the chair in a huff. “It is a wonder Rebecca has any news at all to share, with such scapegrace children as it would seem I have raised.”
Aleck chuckled. “It was all Rebecca’s fault. I am sure of it.”
“My fault!” She glared at him over the rim of her cup. “As if I had anything to do with it. You led me into more escapades than out of them!”
“Please, stop. Just stop. I cannot bear to hear another word. I fear at this rate I will be apologizing to the whole village soon.”
“Fine. I will behave,” Aleck said, though he was quite proud of himself nonetheless. “What is this news you have to share? Were you going to tell, or were you just teasing me? That is, if there is any news at all. I am not convinced that you have anything to tell me.”
Rebecca laughed. “You are incorrigible.”
“I know.” He waggled his brows at her over his cup as he took another sip. “Now, begin.”
She shook her head and took a sip herself before saying, “I was offered to be Hattie’s assistant. A full-time assistant, since she is too old to do a lot of the potion-grinding and the like. So I shall be learning her healing arts, as well as a bit of magic, methinks.” Rebecca sat back with a smug smile upon her face.
“My! That is news.” He was exceedingly impressed. He knew many a person who would love that opportunity. “Is she to train you in everything, then?”
“Everything.” Rebecca giggled. “And the best part is, all remedies for myself and the family will be free with my training.”
He could not help it. He stood up and pulled her into a tight hug. “This is fantastic! This is wonderful.”
“I know.” She squeezed tighter.
“I am quite eager to see you turn into a hobbling old herb woman one day. This may be the best form of yourself yet!”
“Aleck!” his mother gasped.
CHAPTER FIVE
“WHAT?” ALECK BLINKED AT his mother across the table.
“You are a monster,” she said as she took a sip of tea.
“I know.” He grinned and pulled away from his sister. “You will do well. Hattie is wise to have chosen you,” he said to her.
“Thank you,” Rebecca said as she sat back down. “So what news do you have from the castle? Anything exciting happening with the princesses?”
“It is always the same,” he muttered without thinking as he lowered himself to the chair again. And then all at once, the day before came flooding back into his memory. “No. There is something new. I had nearly forgotten about it.”
“There is?” Rebecca raised an eyebrow, her interest clearly piqued.
His mother looked up expectantly.
He took a swallow of his tea as he allowed his thoughts to form. Should he tell them of what Princess Cascadia had revealed yesterday? Glancing from one eager face to the other, he shrugged. It would all be common knowledge soon enough, what with the proclamation going out in a week or so—shortly the whole kingdom would be abuzz with it. However, it would be best to keep it under wraps for as long as possible. He leaned in. “What I am about to tell you, you can speak of to no one else.”
“Oh, goodness!” exclaimed his mother.
“Perhaps you better not say anything, then.”
“What? And miss out on this bit of gossip?” Rebecca waved her hand. “Nonsense. We promise not to utter a word to anyone. Now, out with it.”
Mother did not look happy, but remained silent. She, too, must have been intrigued not to protest again. “Princess Cascadia revealed this to me yesterday.” He quickly lifted a hand to ward off the questions he could see brewing within his sister. “And before you ask how I came to be talking to her, keep silent. She likes to wander in the garden, and she and I have spoken from time to time.”
“Very well.” Rebecca sighed.
“Yesterday, she said that soon a proclamation would go out to all the lands roundabout.”
“Oh! Are they hosting a ball?” Rebecca asked.
“No. Though it does have something to do with dancing, ironically.”
Mother quickly stood up and began to busy herself with preparing another pot of tea. He paused to wait for her. “Go on,” she commanded a bit gruffly.
Something in her actions did not sit well with him. “What is it, Mother?”
“Nothing. Go. Continue. I am listening.”
He glanced at Rebecca, who nodded to carry on. “Well, the princess mentioned there is a mystery taking place every night. Though they have no recollection of it, she believes she and her sisters are under some sort of enchantment, which has them dancing while they sleep.”
Rebecca gasped.
“They dance so much their shoes are worn clean through, many times leaving blisters upon their feet.”
“Blisters, did you say?” Mother asked from the counter.
“Yes. And each morning, the king must purchase a whole new set of slippers.”
“How long has this been going on?” Rebecca’s eyes were huge.
“I am not certain.”
“And they do not know anything? They have no memory at all of dancing until their feet are worn and their slippers ruined?” Rebecca leaned back and shook her head. “No. Sounds like rubbish to me. If their feet were hurting every morning, they must be allowing it to happen. Sounds more like a group of sisters who want to go dancing every night, and then pretend to be enchanted so the king does not become angry.”