HOME | DD

Description
~~~ Twice Upon a Time ~~~

(Part Two)

~~11~~

She made the kind of entrance any princess would dream about.

With her old carriage safely in the hands of a valet, Adele made her way up the steps and across the vast expanse of cobblestones that was the outer courtyard. In front of her, thrown open, was the grand castle gate leading to the large inner courtyard where everyone was gathered. She reached the threshold of the grand gate. Her eyes swept over the amassed crowd as she slowly, elegantly descended the stone steps to join them. The skirt of her lavender gown floated around her almost ethereally with each step she took. She’d managed to pile a portion of her hair into a bun on top of her head, from which cascaded warm brunette curls all the way down past her shoulders. Set delicately in front of the bun was a simple tiara; gentle spirals of silver wire intertwining and interspersed with tiny pearls and crystals. Matching earrings dangled prettily from each of her ears, and a necklace completed the set with three thin strands of silver wire; more small pearls and crystals suspended throughout each strand. She looked positively stunning.

Adele had reached the bottom of the staircase. She was now officially at the Royal Bal amongst foreign dignitaries, courtiers, and the Royal Family themselves. Not a single one of them noticed her arrive. That was just as well, as far as Adele was concerned. She was here for only one reason. She must find Philippe.

The courtyard was packed with all manner of people in all manner of extravagant dress. She noticed ladies with full skirts and puffed sleeves. Gentlemen with colorful sashes across their chests, some with military medals. Off to her left were tables full to bursting with every kind of exotic food one could think of. Meats and multi-colored breads and desserts she had never even seen before were piled almost too high to reach. Along the right wall was a long line of girls who looked to be her own age. They must all be waiting for their chance to dance with the Prince. Directly in front of her was the Royal Dais along the back wall. It overlooked the center of the courtyard where everyone was dancing. Adele wondered where the music was coming from, but then she looked up and saw the orchestra seated along the length of a narrow balcony that wrapped all the way around the courtyard. The result was the incredible feeling of being completely surrounded by music.

Adele began wandering through the crowd, taking in the magnificent array of sights, sounds, and smells. It occurred to her that she’d not eaten before leaving the house. Figuring that the food tables were just as good a place as any to begin looking for Philippe, she started weaving through the masses toward her left. She noticed, not without satisfaction, that more than one young man’s head turned in her direction as she passed.

Her search of the food area yielded no results in finding Philippe, but she did discover the joy that was strawberries. Strawberries were a luxury that she had never gotten to partake of before. But ever since she had seen a painting of them, Adele had longed to know what they were like. They were sweeter than anything she could have imagined.

The evening ambled on. The longer Adele was there, the more she was able to relax and enjoy herself. She had no less than three plates of strawberries, and she danced whenever a young man asked her. In a twist of fate that Adele rather enjoyed, the young boy, now a young man, whom she had once almost hit for making fun of her hair and build, asked if she would join him for a waltz. She replied that she would be delighted. The two of them chatted congenially during their dance; he even apologized for being cruel to her all those years ago. He blushed a bit when she thanked and forgave him, and, when the song had ended, he made a point to bow and kiss her hand. Adele watched and smiled as he sank back into the vast crowd. She couldn’t help but marvel at life’s little surprises.

It was getting late and there was still no sign of Philippe. All of her hopes and ideas about their eyes locking from across the room, making their way to each other, and falling into each other’s arms for a romantic dance seemed to be slipping away. Still, it had so far turned out to be a nice evening. She had even gone over and danced with the Prince once the line had thinned out. Why not? That was the whole reason for the Ball, after all, and how often did the young daughter of a merchant get to dance with royalty?

She’d expected a towering, pompous man with a detached air, uninterested in his subjects. Nothing could have been further from the truth; he had actually been quite charming. Smooth, black hair, dark eyes, almost exactly her height, and younger that she thought he would be. Perhaps only seventeen. He had bowed low and extended his arm to escort her onto the dance floor. They had talked about her father’s business and the general economics of the kingdom. Adele couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride when he complimented her on her extensive knowledge of such subjects. But the dance was soon over and he had to excuse himself in order to dance with the next damsel in line. In that moment, as he bid her goodnight, he looked extremely tired and older than his years. Adele felt sorry for him.

Adele spent a great deal of time there at the Ball, laughing, eating, and dancing until her feet hurt. But no matter how delicious the strawberries were, or how interesting the conversation was, her eyes were always moving. Always scanning the crowd for the one face in a thousand that she wanted to see. She also found herself slipping into her old habit of looking for his handiwork. She couldn’t find anyone in the entire courtyard wearing one of Philippe’s ensembles. That was strange. She had thought he would have been flooded with orders. Unless…..he had sacrificed all of those commissions in order to have time to make her gown. But why go to so much trouble for someone you aren’t speaking to? Unless you intend to patch things up, but then why not come to the Ball?

Adele sighed. It had been a fun night, and she was glad that she came, but her feet ached and her head was beginning to follow suit. She made her way to the base of the stairs, picked up her massive skirt, and began to climb.

~~12~~

She took one last look at the revelry before passing through the grand gate back into the large outer courtyard. Her footsteps echoed around her in the night air. It may have been the first night of autumn, but the warmth of late summer still lingered.

Adele had reached the wall of the outer courtyard; the boundary of the castle grounds. Here there was another flight of stone steps leading down to the dirt road which branched off toward the village and various estates. She had expected there to be a valet stationed there who would fetch her carriage, but everything was quiet. She was alone. It was because it was before midnight. They must have assumed that no one would wish to leave before the announcement of the Prince’s bride. The valets were probably indulging in their own celebration near wherever they had parked all the carriages.
She stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. Should she go looking for a valet? It wasn’t long until midnight. They would probably be back quite soon. Adele didn’t want to go wandering all over creation searching for a valet. She also didn’t want to go all the way back to the Ball. As she looked around her wondering what to do, her eyes fell to the left side of the steps. Flanking each side of the staircase were large, flat stone pedestals. She was particularly familiar with the left one. It was one of the many places where she and Philippe used to sit to observe the courtiers. With the vivid memory came a fresh pang of hurt as she recalled a spring morning two years prior. They had spread a blanket over the top of the pedestal and eaten a hearty picnic packed for them by Philippe’s mother. Adele wondered if they’d ever have the chance to do that again.

With a great deal more difficulty than usual, Adele hauled herself and her giant gown up onto the pedestal. It was just as good a place as any to sit and wait for a valet. She sighed and removed her shoes. Her feet thanked her. Dancing was marvelous, but she wasn’t used to it. With her legs out in front of her, buried under her mountain of skirt, and her arms propping her up as she leaned back, Adele gazed up at the clear sky. One of her many dance partners had told her that there was a grand fireworks display scheduled to take place after the announcement. Apparently the finest fireworks in the whole Orient had been imported just for the occasion. Perhaps staying later than she’d planned would be a good thing. She’d never seen fireworks before.

But the minutes dragged by at an almost intolerable pace. She was actually seconds away from giving up and hunting down her carriage when she heard two unmistakable sounds. The first was the tolling of a great clock. It was midnight. The second was of someone running as fast as they could over cobblestones. Adele turned just in time to see a girl run out of the outer courtyard and onto the staircase. Her moonlight blue dress whirled around her, and her golden hair streamed behind her like a banner. Then she was gone as quickly as she had come. She had bolted down the dirt road and vanished into the night. Adele was wondering who on earth the girl was and why she had been running, but her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed something glittering on one of the stairs. It was a shoe.

Adele was putting her own shoes back on and planning to go down to investigate the abandoned article when she once again heard the pounding of feet on the courtyard stones. This time, red-faced and out of breath, the Prince himself appeared. He stopped half way down the staircase, bent down to pick up the translucent slipper, and stared out hopelessly into the night. Like Adele scanning the crowd for Philippe, the Prince’s eyes strained but found nothing. Only darkness. His shoulders sagged as he slumped down in the center of the staircase.

Adele wasn’t sure what to do. If the Prince had noticed her, he’d made no indication. She could probably slip back inside the courtyard if she climbed down from the pedestal quietly enough. But she felt like she should talk to him. Would that be proper? He was royalty. Adele shouldn’t approach him unless invited. But she looked at his disheveled white jacket. She saw the strands of his no longer perfectly smooth, dark hair falling across the forehead of his young face. He wasn’t royalty anymore. Not right now. He was just a boy who’d run after a girl.

Not caring about being stealthy, Adele scrambled down off of the pedestal. She walked purposefully forward and sat down next to him. The Prince did not look up. He just sat, leaning forward and staring at the shoe he held in his hands.

“It’s glass,” Adele simply remarked. “It’s a wonder it didn’t shatter as she was running.”

“Hm.” The Prince sighed and finally turned his head to her, only a misty glaze of recognition coming to his eyes. “You’re Miss…Miss…..”

“Adele,” she replied. “My name’s Adele.”

“Of course, Miss Adele. I remember now. Your father is a local merchant. You’re learning his trade.”

“That’s right.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t remember right away. You see, I have…..other things on my mind.”

She chuckled. “Your highness, with as many girls as you’ve met tonight, I’m surprised you remembered as much as you did after just rehearing my name. That’s pretty impressive.”

“Well, when you meet as many courtiers and dignitaries as I do, you develop memory skills fairly quickly. If you don’t, you end up causing an international incident by forgetting the name of some ancient fellow you only met one time, a month ago.”

Adele smiled at that, and he smiled back, but she couldn’t help noticing the overlay of sadness to it.

“So, you’re good with names, huh? Then care to tell me who that blond girl was and why she came running out so fast?”

She knew she was being brazen. Maybe even insolent. But he had such a casual air about him, mixed in with his current melancholy. He didn’t intimidate her at all. And if he were anything like Philippe, then it was obvious that he wanted to talk.

“I am good with names,” he started, “but that’s exactly what’s so depressing. I don’t know hers. I met hundreds of women tonight and the one that I ask to marry me is the one who doesn’t give me her name. I thought everything was perfect; I thought she felt the way I do. But she looked up at the clock and yelled something about having to go. Then she just ran. ”

“No name, no valuable information of any kind?”

“No. now all I have of her is this shoe.”

Adele looked at the only clue the girl had left behind. “What will you do?”

“I don’t know,” the Prince shrugged. “Try to find her, I guess. I can’t just let her walk out of my life. Or run out, rather. There’s no other girl in the world that I’d rather be with.”

Adele nodded, but bit down on her lip. She wasn’t about to have the same argument with the Crown Prince of the kingdom that she’d had with Philippe.

“Tell me, Adele…..do you believe in love at first sight?”

Shoot. Perhaps she was about to have the very same argument with the Crown Prince of the kingdom. The last time she had answered a similar question, it had turned into a shouting match that had alienated her closest friend. But she couldn’t very well lie, and he was sitting there expecting an answer. There was nothing for it but the truth.

“I do not, your highness.”

“You don’t? You don’t think two people can meet and just know that they should be together for the rest of their lives?”

“No, sir. Not based on just one meeting alone. Marriage is a life-long commitment. There aren’t any do-overs; at least there shouldn’t be. You need to know a person very well before deciding that you’re going to go through the rest of your life as a team.”

The Prince, to Adele’s great relief, didn’t start shouting. In fact, he looked contemplative as he mulled over what she had said.

“So, do you think I’m crazy?” he asked her. “Do you think it’s a bad idea to try to find her?”

“Oh, no, I’m most certainly not saying that. You’re very drawn to this girl. That’s not a bad thing, and I think you should definitely pursue it. All I’m saying is, when you find her, take time to learn about her. Learn about her and let her learn about you before you go making any permanent commitments. Does that make sense?”

“It does, actually. We’ll see what my parents think of it. This whole Ball was their idea; they’ve been pressuring me to marry. But you’re right, this is a big decision. I don’t want to be tied to someone I end up hating for the rest of my life.”

“And, keep in mind,” Adele added, “she might not be awful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should marry her. There are countless wonderful people in this world...that doesn’t mean every one of them will be right for you, romantically.”

The Prince’s gaze had been locked onto the glass slipper for the entirety of their conversation. But now, he tore his eyes away and turned to grin at Adele.

“You know,” he said, “if you ever tire of the mercantile trade, I could always use another adviser.”

“I don’t know,” Adele grinned back, “I like being in charge of my own hours.”

The two of them laughed at that, and Adele was pleased to see that a little of the Prince’s depression was gone. His smile was more genuine. There was a bit of sparkle back in his eyes. Adele said a quick and silent prayer on his behalf, asking that he would find his golden-haired lady, and that they were, indeed, meant for each other.

They had stopped laughing, and now the Prince was giving her a rather searching look. He tilted his head. “You’ve thought a lot about the subject of love, haven’t you? Is there a young man you’re fond of? Someone you already know well enough to love, or someone you’re hoping to get to know that well?”

She shifted uncomfortably on the cold stone step, suddenly embarrassed. “There is someone. I thought I knew him as well as one can know another person, but now I’m not sure. We had a fight.”

“What about?”

“Well, we fought about love, actually. He seemed quite offended by my opinions. My guess is that he’s infatuated with a girl he barely knows and was upset by my disapproval. But then he…he made me something. Something wonderful. He left it on my front steps. I really don’t know what to think anymore. I’ve tried to talk to him, but he won’t answer the door. I was hoping he might be here tonight, but he wasn’t. There’s nothing else I can do except hope that he comes to me. It’s his move now.”

“If this guy willingly and knowingly abandons his friendship with you, then he’s a fool.”

Adele felt tears pricking at the backs of her eyes. She did her best to push them back. “Aw, you don’t have to say that.”

“Hey, I’m just being honest,” he replied.

They lapsed into a short and comfortable silence. Adele sighed and suddenly felt overwhelming exhaustion in every part of her body. She needed to go home. She needed to crawl out of her gown and under her covers. She needed the warm, calm familiarity of her own room.

“Do you know where the valets have parked all the carriages?” she asked him. “I think I should call it a night.”

“They were probably looking in on the courtyard to watch the big announcement when I ran out here after the young lady. They’re probably all still in there with everyone else gossiping about the whole situation. I’m sure they think I caught up with her and am, even now, wooing her and begging her to come back inside with me.”

“If only they knew,” Adele snickered. “Will they be terribly disappointed when you go back in without a fiancé?”

“Abysmally. But don’t worry, I’ll smooth it over somehow. First though, let’s find your carriage. It’s late. I’ve kept you too long.”

The Prince led Adele to the vast stable complex where, sure enough, all of the carriages had been taken. Adele found the stalls containing her horses, tacked them up, and led them out to the stable door. After assuring the Prince that she was quite all right and would not require an escort home, she managed to pile herself onto the long, leather seat.

“Thank you for talking to me tonight,” the Prince said earnestly as he looked up at her. “You helped me sort through a lot. I’m not sure I would have been able to think things through so clearly, what with my parents and everyone else pushing me so hard to find someone.”
“
You want to know something funny? I wasn’t sure if I should come up to you or not. I almost tried to sneak back inside.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

“So am I.”

With a final smile, Adele waved and tugged for her horses to turn. She clicked her tongue, flicked the reins, and began the trip back to her house. Her father was already snoring, just as he’d predicted, by the time she got there. She changed into her nightdress and marveled at how the evening had gone. It certainly hadn’t gone the way she had expected. And even though Philippe had not made an appearance, Adele couldn’t help but be happy about how the whole night had turned out.

For the first time in two weeks, Adele was asleep as soon as her head had hit the pillow.

~~13~~

Not only did Adele fall asleep quickly, she slept soundly and woke up early the next morning. It was beautiful outside. Summer had gone overnight leaving the fresh smell of autumn in the air. It was still warm, but the breeze had a refreshing edge to it. Even the trees knew the season had changed; the faintest border of yellow was beginning at the tips of the leaves.

Adele felt happy, but restless. She needed to move about and be productive. After getting dressed and brushing through her once again cloud-like hair, she decided that there would be no better way to enjoy the morning than going to the market.

Her trip was, on the whole, unexciting. The only detail of note was a rather amusing conversation she’d overheard two women having at the fruit stall. Apparently, according to the local Herald, the Crown Prince was in search of a girl he had met at the Ball the night before. He was, even now, combing through the kingdom with a group of attendants looking for her. She had left behind no name, but had accidentally left a shoe made of glass, and the Prince vowed that he would not stop its owner had been found. Rumor had it that he was trying the shoe on every young girl in the kingdom. Whoever the shoe fit would be his bride. Adele wondered how much of this was fact and how much was speculation; having women try on a shoe didn’t seem like a very exacting science. But however he was trying to find the girl in the blue dress, she hoped he succeeded.

The remainder of Adele’s time at the market was entirely uneventful. It was only when she was riding up the lane back to her house when her morning took a rather unexpected turn. There, sitting right in front of her house, was the most extravagantly decorated carriage she’d ever seen. First she was confused. Why on earth would anyone so rich be visiting her father? Was it a new client? He must be awfully well to do. Then the realization hit her and she almost doubled over laughing while still mounted on her horse. It was the Prince and his entourage. They were here to see if the glass slipper fit her foot. Her father must have answered the door and told them to wait for her. But had he not mentioned her name? If he had, the Prince would have recognized it and been on his way. But since the carriage was still there and the Prince was, evidentially still inside, he must have no idea that she was the maiden he was waiting to meet.

Oh, Adele was going to enjoy this.

She left her horse happily munching alfalfa in the stable. The front door of the house swung open just as she was reaching for the handle.

“Adele, thank goodness!” her father cried. “The Crown Prince is here. He wants to speak with you.”

“With me? Whatever for?” Adele said in her most innocent voice, feigning ignorance as her father ushered her through to the study.

“Perhaps you can tell me, if you’re the one he’s looking for.”

Adele had no time to reply as she was swept into the study and into the presence of the Prince and his attendants. The Prince’s eyebrows rose almost to his hairline.

“Why, Your Highness!” she said in an absurdly honeyed tone. “What a marvelous surprise! Do tell me, to what do I owe this incredible honor?”

Adele batted her eyelashes and plastered on a smile that would make even the most obnoxious courtier cringe. Before the Prince could recover, a beanpole of a man standing next to him unrolled a scroll and cleared his throat.

“Ahem! By order of the Crown Prince himself, all maidens between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one must hereby agree to be fitted with this glass slipper! The maiden who’s foot is a perfect match to the slipper shall accompany the Prince back to the palace! Every young lady of every class level must participate!”

Adele sat down in a large armchair and held a hand up to her mouth in mock surprise. “How exciting! Of course I’ll agree. After all, it does say “every young lady must participate,” does it not?”

The Prince, having recovered his wits by now, bowed much lower than was necessary and took her hand. After holding it to his lips longer than was socially expected, he straightened and replied, “So it does, my lady. Shall we?”

A dele stifled a giggle. Apparently two could play at this game. Many of the attendant’s faces were bright red as the Prince turned to one of them and opened a small chest that an attendant was holding. He withdrew the glass slipper and turned back to her. It was even more dazzling in the daylight. Kneeling down in front of her, he carefully removed her own, mud spattered shoe. Adele could feel the anticipation in the air as the Prince brought the magnificent slipper to meet her foot. She could hear her father behind her take in a deep breath and hold it. Everything else in the world seemed to stop, and, without even thinking, Adele found herself wishing that it was Philippe kneeling in front of her rather than the future ruler of her kingdom.

But her thoughts were quickly cut off but the collective gasp of every person in the room. The slipper fit as if it had been made for her.

The attendants shouted in triumph. Her father had tears brimming in his eyes. But the Prince was staring blankly at the shoe, all discernable color having drained from his face. Adele just rolled her eyes.

“Oh, take it back, you know it’s not me.”

“Yeah,” he said dryly, “Let me just put that back in the case there. Here you go, this one’s yours.”

“What the devil is all this?” her father demanded.

“It’s a long story, Papa, and I’ll tell you all about it after his Highness leaves. But right now, I can assure you that I’m not the girl he’s looking for.”

The Prince placed the glass slipper back in its case, much to the despair of his attendants. Meanwhile, Adele stuffed her foot back into the familiar cradle of her own old shoe. She shook her head.

“Try the shoe on every girl in the kingdom, huh? Brilliant. Did it ever occur to you that someone else might have the same shoe size?”

“It did! But I just thought that the benefits…outweighed…..okay, no. It didn’t. It just sounded like a remarkably romantic idea, and I thought it would be a perfect, memorable moment to begin a relationship with. I admit, logistically, it has its flaws.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m contractually obligated to come back to the castle with you now.”

“Oh, stop!” he laughed, not seeming very princely at all anymore.

“Are you kidding? Never. This is hysterical.”

“Adele!” her father boomed, obviously horrified, “You do not address the Crown Prince in such a manner! He’s royalty!”

“Pay it no mind, good sir,” the Prince assured him, slipping back seamlessly from boy to diplomat. “It does not offend me. Your daughter and I became acquainted at the ball last night. I’d say she’s on good enough terms with me to be a little less formal than most. It’s somewhat refreshing, actually.”

Adele noticed that her father looked unconvinced, but certainly unwilling to contradict the Crown Prince. “Don’t worry, Father. I’ll tell you everything, I promise. It’s quite a story, and I know you’ll enjoy it.”

“As for me, I should be going. I still have quite a bit of the kingdom to search, and I’ve imposed on your hospitality enough for one day.”

The Prince shook her father’s hand and bid him good day before turning toward the door. Adele led the way back out onto the gravel walk and up to the carriage.

“Well, that was fun,” she said. “But I’m sorry I ruined it by actually fitting the shoe.”

He shook his head. “You didn’t ruin anything. You’re right, I should have thought about shoe size. It was silly.”

“But you were right too, you know. It was a romantic idea.”

“I guess, if it did have to fit someone else, I should be grateful it was you. Can you imagine some other poor girl seeing it there on her foot, beside herself with excitement because she thinks I’ve come to whisk her away?”

“Ugh! That would be wretched! So, what are you going to do now? Keep searching, obviously, but are you still going to go around trying the shoe on people?”

“I don’t know yet. I’ll think of something though. I’ll find her.”

Adele didn’t doubt that he would. She smiled at him as he prepared to climb into his carriage. As she did, something over his shoulder caught her attention. There, coming up the lane heading for her house, was Philippe. Adele thought that, for the first time in her life, she might swoon. The Prince noticed.

“Are you all right?”

“Me? Oh yes, fine. Perfectly fine. But could you do me a favor before you go?”

“Yes, if I can.”

“Good. Could you possibly pretend to fancy me and make a big show of leaving? Something really flashy?”

She kept glancing over his shoulder, and the Prince couldn’t help turning to see what was there. Philippe had seen the Prince and was maintaining a respectful distance.

“Don’t look!” she hissed.

“That’s your young man isn’t it?” he whispered conspiratorially. “That’s the one who’s been sending you mixed signals.”

Adele nodded, unable to speak.

“Well, in that case…..”

The Prince gave almost a repeat performance of his display in the study. He bowed low with an elegant flourish and took her hand firmly in his. He pressed it to his lips tenderly, and much longer than a gentleman should. This time though, as he straightened, he reached forward and caressed her cheek lightly with his fingertips. Adele felt a bit of color rise in her cheeks. She had to admit, he was very convincing.

With another princely flourish, he climbed into his carriage. One of the attendants on the leather upholstered front bench flicked the reins and they were off, rattling down the lane and eventually out of sight.

Philippe finally rode forward and swung down from his saddle, just like he had two weeks ago. Anger, fear, and excitement all caught in Adele’s throat at once.

“Did I miss something?” he asked.

~~14~~

“Yes.” Adele replied curtly. “The Prince was here.”

“Okay, yes, I saw that bit. Did I miss anything before that?”

“…..I trust you’ve heard that he’s going around the kingdom to see whose foot fits the glass slipper?”

“I might’ve heard someone in town mention it.”

“Well, he came here to try it on me,” she shrugged.

“And?” he questioned.

“And what?”

“And did it fit?!”

Adele tried her best to slow her breathing and remain calm. “Yes, it fit.”

Philippe stared at her, unblinking. She noticed that his breathing wasn’t exactly even either.

“So you see,” she said, turning back toward the house, “I have quite a lot of preparations to make. If you’ll excuse me,”

But she was cut short as Philippe reached forward and spun her around by her arm.

“Do you love him?” he shouted.

“What?”

“You can’t! You can’t possibly be in love with him.”

“Oh? And how would you know?! Maybe I am! Maybe we’ll live happily ever after!”

“No, you don’t love him. You can’t. You told me yourself that you would never marry someone you barely knew. You said you’d only fall for someone you already trusted.”

“Well maybe I changed my mind. Congratulations, you convinced me. You were right, I was wrong, love at first sight is totally legitimate.”

Philippe looked at her as if she had two heads. “What? What on earth are you going on about? I never said that!”

“You may as well have!” Adele accused. “Why else would you have gotten so angry with me down at the lake?”

They were shouting at each other again. Why were they always shouting at each other recently? Adele watched as Philippe released his hand from her arm, with which he had still been gripping her rather tightly, and slowly raised it to his forehead. To Adele’s amazement, he started laughing. Confused, she was about to tell him to get off of her father’s property, but he walked toward the front steps and motioned for her to follow. Curiosity won out and she did.

“Ohhh,” he sighed as he sat down. “This is rich, really. You’re going to laugh when you hear it.”

“Am I?”

“Yes. At least I hope so. Let me see if I’ve got this, you thought I was mad at you because of your opinions about love?”

“Yeah, I figured you must like some girl in town and were coming to me for feedback, or something. But you got defensive when I didn’t agree with you.”

“No! No, no, no, no! Noooo! Oh, you really are going to get a kick out of this. No, I wasn’t mad at you. It was the opposite, actually. I asked you if you thought the Ball was a good idea because I was fishing for clues about what you might or might not find romantic. When you were talking about wanting to trust your heart to someone you already knew, I started to get the feeling that that someone…might be me. And then of course I got really excited because I WANTED you to be talking about me, but THEN I didn’t know what to say or what to do because it was all so sudden and I just kind of shut down.”

His brow furrowed as he paused for breath. “You WERE talking about me, right?”

“Yes!” Adele shouted. “Who else?”

“Okay, good! Wow, that would have been embarrassing if I’d been wrong.”

“Yes,” she drawled sarcastically as she rolled her eyes, “because the way it’s turned out so far hasn’t been embarrassing at all.”

Out of habit, he took a second to glare at her before continuing. “Anyway, I realized that we felt the same way about each other, but I just couldn’t get my mouth to form words. That’s why I left in a hurry; I was tongue tied. I thought maybe if I went to my workshop and collected my thoughts, I’d actually be able to form coherent sentences the next time I saw you.”

“All right, I can actually kind of get that. And I’ll admit that my internal freaking out was probably premature at that point. But why didn’t you open the door when I came to the workshop? That just made me keep thinking the worst!”

Philippe grimaced. “I know, I know! I wanted to let you in. But I’d come up with this great plan the night before. You’ve always wanted one of my pieces. I decided to make you the most stunning gown I could think of. By morning, sketches and fabrics were all over the workshop, I couldn’t let you in! That would have spoiled the surprise. And I couldn’t very well just come to the door. Not after what happened at the lake. You never would have left without a major discussion. I wanted the next time we saw each other to be there, at the Ball. You’d come floating down the staircase…..our eyes would meet…..I’d ask you to dance. Then we could have our talk and everything would be wonderful! It was a great plan.”

“Hm. Yes. Sure sounds like one,” Adele agreed as she nodded. “Even though it kept me in mental agony for two weeks that could have been entirely avoided if we’d just talked about it when it happened, but I’m actually willing to put that aside. This all really does sound pretty romantic. If things had happened that way, I can absolutely see myself forgiving you for all of it. There’s just one problem. YOU WEREN’T AT THE BALL.”

“Ah.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, you see, I thought I’d accounted for everything…..”

“Except…?” she prodded.

“Except for the results of overworking. I finished your dress in time, barely. I had to pull more than one all-nighter to get it done. By Friday morning, I had a fever. I kept willing it to go away before evening, but it didn’t. In the end I had to hire a boy from town come out here to deliver your gown. The most I could hope for was that you had a good time anyway. I promised myself that as soon as I could ride, I’d come over. By this morning, I was fine.”

Adele had, quite frankly, wanted to stay angry at him. But he’d pulled the got-sick-doing-something-really-nice-for-you-card, and how could she possibly withstand that?

“You’re still an idiot,” she said. But she only half meant it, and she knew he could tell.

“I know. I won’t deny that. But did you really think I liked some girl in town I didn’t even know? Gosh, Adele, how long have you known me?”

“I never said I wasn’t an idiot too, okay?”

Philippe laughed and shook his head. “What a pair we make, huh? And here I thought falling in love with a long-time friend was supposed to be less stressful. So much for that.” He stopped analyzing the part of his sleeve that he’d been staring at and turned to look at her. She met his eyes. “I really do love you Adele. And I’m sorry for everything these past two weeks. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course I can. I love you too, Philippe. I always will.”

He brought his hand up slowly and brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. That simple, faint touch was powerful enough to make her cheek tingle. Adele closed her eyes and tilted her head as Philippe leaned forward to close the gap between them. And then,

“WAIT A MINUTE.” He yelled as he jerked back. Adele’s eyes snapped open and Philippe shot to his feet. “What about the Prince? The Prince, and the slipper, and the really long hand kissing? What about all of that?!”

“Oh,” she said as she came to stand next to him. “I’d forgotten about all of that. We met last night and talked for a bit. Then he showed up here this morning because he’s searching for a particular girl he danced with. I tried the shoe on just for the fun of it, but I’m not the girl he’s after. It did fit, but I just have the same shoe size. I was saying goodbye and good luck to him, but then you showed up and I asked him to put on a bit of a show. I guess I wanted to see how you’d react.”

“What? You mean you did that on purpose? That’s so mean!” he was trying to sound angry, but he was laughing too hard.

“Hey, after what you put me through for the past two weeks? I think I was entitled!”

They were both laughing now, and, to Adele, it felt like the past two weeks hadn’t happened; like they had just been some bad dream. But the dream was finally over and she was awake. She was awake and happier than she could ever remember being. And she was no longer laughing because now Philippe was holding her and kissing her. Adele returned his kiss and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

As they broke apart and looked at each other, they both knew beyond any doubt that they were ready to go through life together, loving and trusting one another no matter what trials might come their way. They would be teammates and lovers. But they would be friends, first and forever.

~Epilogue~

Their wedding came not long afterward. It was a simple affair down by the lake in the woods. Long tables set with simple fare stood up on the hillock with smaller tables scattered around them; a small cluster of chairs looked out on the bank where Adele and Philippe exchanged their vows. Philippe had initially wanted to create a stunning white wedding dress for Adele, but she insisted instead upon wearing the lavender ball gown that’d he’d not had the chance to see her in at the ball.

It was an intimate gathering of very few people. There were various business associates of Adele’s father, a few long-time family friends from both sides, and a handful of schoolmates from town who Philippe and Adele had come to know over the years. But after the ceremony, well into the reception, two rather unexpected guests appeared through the trees near the edge of the lake. Adele saw them almost at once and began waving emphatically. By the time the Prince and the young girl beside him had made their way to the long tables, everyone else present was gathered together to greet them. They exchanged the typical welcomes and congratulations as the assembly collectively bowed. The Prince, for a perfectly reasonable amount of time, stooped to kiss Adele’s hand.

“I really am sorry we had to miss the ceremony. We only got your father’s letter last night, and we were already obligated to be elsewhere this morning. But I see we made it in time for at least some festivities.”

“Sorry about missing the ceremony?” Adele laughed, “We didn’t even know you were coming! Members of royalty don’t usually attend merchant weddings. Father said nothing of any letter.” She turned to see her father smiling sheepishly. She shook her head and smiled at him as he shooed the other guests away to leave the two couples alone to talk.

Philippe bowed slightly and extended his hand to the Prince. “We haven’t had the chance to be properly introduced yet. My name is Philippe. This fair maiden with you must be the one you were chasing across the kingdom, am I right?”

“That’s right,” affirmed the Prince as he beamed down at the girl beside him.

“It took him almost a week to find me,” she said in a delicate voice. “I used to live at the far end of the kingdom. He’s told me all about meeting you at the Ball, Miss Adele. I feel I shall never be able to thank you enough for encouraging him.”

“That goes doubly for me. And, in case you’re wondering, my royal advisor offer is still available.”

Adele could feel a deep blush in her cheeks as well as the pride emanating from Philippe. In an attempt to quell her embarrassment, she diverted the conversation and asked a question that had been plaguing her ever since she’d tried on the glass slipper. “Okay, I’ve just got to know… after you left my house to keep searching, how did you make sure you found the right young lady? You didn’t keep trying that glass shoe on people, did you?”

The Prince waved dismissively. “Oh, no. Of course not. You were right, there are loads of people in the kingdom with the same shoe size.”

“Well, what did you do instead?” Philippe asked.

“Something far more sensible,” the Prince’s companion chimed. “He just asked me to produce the other half of the pair.”

Adele threw up her hands in mock exasperation. “That’s so much easier and faster! Why didn’t you just do that to begin with?”

“Because he’s a boy. I’ll never understand how they think.”

“I know, right? Come on, let me tell you about the pre-Royal Ball antics of my newly wedded husband.”

Adele led the young damsel over to a small table clustered with chairs. Philippe and the Prince followed behind and exchanged amused glances as their significant others giggled over them. Once seated, the two couples sat and talked and told stories.

The reception had been winding down just as the Prince and his companion had arrived. The small gathering of guests had slowly been saying their goodbyes and trickling out, and, apart from the four of them, soon only Adele’s father and Philippe’s mother remained.

“I should help your parents clean up a bit,” said the fair-haired maiden.

They all stood as she got to her feet. Philippe shook his head. “You don’t have to go to any trouble. Adele and I can help. You two have done enough just by coming this afternoon.”

“It’s no trouble, really,” she assured him. “Besides, the Prince has something to discuss with you. And, to be honest, I actually kind of miss cleaning.”

She floated away toward the long tables. The Prince just chuckled at Adele and Philippe’s obvious confusion.

“You were right, you know? I really think getting to know each other first has made our relationship richer.”

“I’m glad. Something tells me Philippe and I won’t be the only newlyweds in the kingdom for very long.”

“Well, we’re still taking things slowly, so I’m not sure how soon it’ll be. But Yeah, I think the end result will be the same.”

Philippe squeezed Adele’s hand and smiled. He turned to the Prince. “So, what is it that you need to discuss with us, Sire?”

“Ah yes! I had a splendid idea last night as I read your father’s letter, Adele. Tell me, where are the two of you planning to spend your honeymoon?”

“We hadn’t planned on having one. Philippe makes a decent living, but not enough to travel. We were just going to move right into the rooms above his workshop.”

“Rubbish.” The Prince’s eyes were dancing, and Adele wasn’t sure if they should be worried or excited. “How do you two feel about Paris?”

“Paris?” Philippe echoed in disbelief. Adele couldn’t get her vocal chords to work.

“Yes. It’s all arranged. There’s a carriage waiting for you back up at the house. I sent a reply to Adele’s father as early as I could this morning; your parents have packed you each a bag. My attendants should have them all stowed away by now. You’ll be in Paris all this week staying in the royal apartments I myself utilize when there.”

“What? You…you don’t have to do this for us!” Adele finally managed.

“I know. Just like you didn’t have to come and talk to me at the Ball. You could have just slipped back inside. But you didn’t, and now I’m falling in love with an incredible young woman. We both wanted to thank you. So this is our wedding present to you and your love. Please, go have fun.”

Adele, breaking all protocols, rushed forward and threw her arms around the Crown Prince. “Thank you!” she whispered breathlessly. “Thank you so, so much!”

After she had released him, Philippe clasped one of the Prince’s hands in both of his own. “This really does mean the world to us, Your Highness. If there’s anything else we can ever do for you, just name it.”

“You two just go and have a wonderful time,” he said. “That’s all I ask.”

“So,” Philippe said slyly, now turning to Adele. “There’s a carriage up at the house right now.”

“Yup,” she said.

“It’s going to take us to Paris as soon as we get up there.”

“So I heard.”

“Bet I can beat you.”

“Bet you can’t.”

And without another word, Adele had gathered up her skirt and the two of them were tearing back between the trees, through the garden, and up around the corner of the house, running together toward the rest of their lives.

~~~ The End ~~~

Description
~~~ Twice Upon a Time ~~~

(Part Two)

~~11~~

She made the kind of entrance any princess would dream about.

With her old carriage safely in the hands of a valet, Adele made her way up the steps and across the vast expanse of cobblestones that was the outer courtyard. In front of her, thrown open, was the grand castle gate leading to the large inner courtyard where everyone was gathered. She reached the threshold of the grand gate. Her eyes swept over the amassed crowd as she slowly, elegantly descended the stone steps to join them. The skirt of her lavender gown floated around her almost ethereally with each step she took. She’d managed to pile a portion of her hair into a bun on top of her head, from which cascaded warm brunette curls all the way down past her shoulders. Set delicately in front of the bun was a simple tiara; gentle spirals of silver wire intertwining and interspersed with tiny pearls and crystals. Matching earrings dangled prettily from each of her ears, and a necklace completed the set with three thin strands of silver wire; more small pearls and crystals suspended throughout each strand. She looked positively stunning.

Adele had reached the bottom of the staircase. She was now officially at the Royal Bal amongst foreign dignitaries, courtiers, and the Royal Family themselves. Not a single one of them noticed her arrive. That was just as well, as far as Adele was concerned. She was here for only one reason. She must find Philippe.

The courtyard was packed with all manner of people in all manner of extravagant dress. She noticed ladies with full skirts and puffed sleeves. Gentlemen with colorful sashes across their chests, some with military medals. Off to her left were tables full to bursting with every kind of exotic food one could think of. Meats and multi-colored breads and desserts she had never even seen before were piled almost too high to reach. Along the right wall was a long line of girls who looked to be her own age. They must all be waiting for their chance to dance with the Prince. Directly in front of her was the Royal Dais along the back wall. It overlooked the center of the courtyard where everyone was dancing. Adele wondered where the music was coming from, but then she looked up and saw the orchestra seated along the length of a narrow balcony that wrapped all the way around the courtyard. The result was the incredible feeling of being completely surrounded by music.

Adele began wandering through the crowd, taking in the magnificent array of sights, sounds, and smells. It occurred to her that she’d not eaten before leaving the house. Figuring that the food tables were just as good a place as any to begin looking for Philippe, she started weaving through the masses toward her left. She noticed, not without satisfaction, that more than one young man’s head turned in her direction as she passed.

Her search of the food area yielded no results in finding Philippe, but she did discover the joy that was strawberries. Strawberries were a luxury that she had never gotten to partake of before. But ever since she had seen a painting of them, Adele had longed to know what they were like. They were sweeter than anything she could have imagined.

The evening ambled on. The longer Adele was there, the more she was able to relax and enjoy herself. She had no less than three plates of strawberries, and she danced whenever a young man asked her. In a twist of fate that Adele rather enjoyed, the young boy, now a young man, whom she had once almost hit for making fun of her hair and build, asked if she would join him for a waltz. She replied that she would be delighted. The two of them chatted congenially during their dance; he even apologized for being cruel to her all those years ago. He blushed a bit when she thanked and forgave him, and, when the song had ended, he made a point to bow and kiss her hand. Adele watched and smiled as he sank back into the vast crowd. She couldn’t help but marvel at life’s little surprises.

It was getting late and there was still no sign of Philippe. All of her hopes and ideas about their eyes locking from across the room, making their way to each other, and falling into each other’s arms for a romantic dance seemed to be slipping away. Still, it had so far turned out to be a nice evening. She had even gone over and danced with the Prince once the line had thinned out. Why not? That was the whole reason for the Ball, after all, and how often did the young daughter of a merchant get to dance with royalty?

She’d expected a towering, pompous man with a detached air, uninterested in his subjects. Nothing could have been further from the truth; he had actually been quite charming. Smooth, black hair, dark eyes, almost exactly her height, and younger that she thought he would be. Perhaps only seventeen. He had bowed low and extended his arm to escort her onto the dance floor. They had talked about her father’s business and the general economics of the kingdom. Adele couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride when he complimented her on her extensive knowledge of such subjects. But the dance was soon over and he had to excuse himself in order to dance with the next damsel in line. In that moment, as he bid her goodnight, he looked extremely tired and older than his years. Adele felt sorry for him.

Adele spent a great deal of time there at the Ball, laughing, eating, and dancing until her feet hurt. But no matter how delicious the strawberries were, or how interesting the conversation was, her eyes were always moving. Always scanning the crowd for the one face in a thousand that she wanted to see. She also found herself slipping into her old habit of looking for his handiwork. She couldn’t find anyone in the entire courtyard wearing one of Philippe’s ensembles. That was strange. She had thought he would have been flooded with orders. Unless…..he had sacrificed all of those commissions in order to have time to make her gown. But why go to so much trouble for someone you aren’t speaking to? Unless you intend to patch things up, but then why not come to the Ball?

Adele sighed. It had been a fun night, and she was glad that she came, but her feet ached and her head was beginning to follow suit. She made her way to the base of the stairs, picked up her massive skirt, and began to climb.

~~12~~

She took one last look at the revelry before passing through the grand gate back into the large outer courtyard. Her footsteps echoed around her in the night air. It may have been the first night of autumn, but the warmth of late summer still lingered.

Adele had reached the wall of the outer courtyard; the boundary of the castle grounds. Here there was another flight of stone steps leading down to the dirt road which branched off toward the village and various estates. She had expected there to be a valet stationed there who would fetch her carriage, but everything was quiet. She was alone. It was because it was before midnight. They must have assumed that no one would wish to leave before the announcement of the Prince’s bride. The valets were probably indulging in their own celebration near wherever they had parked all the carriages.
She stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. Should she go looking for a valet? It wasn’t long until midnight. They would probably be back quite soon. Adele didn’t want to go wandering all over creation searching for a valet. She also didn’t want to go all the way back to the Ball. As she looked around her wondering what to do, her eyes fell to the left side of the steps. Flanking each side of the staircase were large, flat stone pedestals. She was particularly familiar with the left one. It was one of the many places where she and Philippe used to sit to observe the courtiers. With the vivid memory came a fresh pang of hurt as she recalled a spring morning two years prior. They had spread a blanket over the top of the pedestal and eaten a hearty picnic packed for them by Philippe’s mother. Adele wondered if they’d ever have the chance to do that again.

With a great deal more difficulty than usual, Adele hauled herself and her giant gown up onto the pedestal. It was just as good a place as any to sit and wait for a valet. She sighed and removed her shoes. Her feet thanked her. Dancing was marvelous, but she wasn’t used to it. With her legs out in front of her, buried under her mountain of skirt, and her arms propping her up as she leaned back, Adele gazed up at the clear sky. One of her many dance partners had told her that there was a grand fireworks display scheduled to take place after the announcement. Apparently the finest fireworks in the whole Orient had been imported just for the occasion. Perhaps staying later than she’d planned would be a good thing. She’d never seen fireworks before.

But the minutes dragged by at an almost intolerable pace. She was actually seconds away from giving up and hunting down her carriage when she heard two unmistakable sounds. The first was the tolling of a great clock. It was midnight. The second was of someone running as fast as they could over cobblestones. Adele turned just in time to see a girl run out of the outer courtyard and onto the staircase. Her moonlight blue dress whirled around her, and her golden hair streamed behind her like a banner. Then she was gone as quickly as she had come. She had bolted down the dirt road and vanished into the night. Adele was wondering who on earth the girl was and why she had been running, but her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed something glittering on one of the stairs. It was a shoe.

Adele was putting her own shoes back on and planning to go down to investigate the abandoned article when she once again heard the pounding of feet on the courtyard stones. This time, red-faced and out of breath, the Prince himself appeared. He stopped half way down the staircase, bent down to pick up the translucent slipper, and stared out hopelessly into the night. Like Adele scanning the crowd for Philippe, the Prince’s eyes strained but found nothing. Only darkness. His shoulders sagged as he slumped down in the center of the staircase.

Adele wasn’t sure what to do. If the Prince had noticed her, he’d made no indication. She could probably slip back inside the courtyard if she climbed down from the pedestal quietly enough. But she felt like she should talk to him. Would that be proper? He was royalty. Adele shouldn’t approach him unless invited. But she looked at his disheveled white jacket. She saw the strands of his no longer perfectly smooth, dark hair falling across the forehead of his young face. He wasn’t royalty anymore. Not right now. He was just a boy who’d run after a girl.

Not caring about being stealthy, Adele scrambled down off of the pedestal. She walked purposefully forward and sat down next to him. The Prince did not look up. He just sat, leaning forward and staring at the shoe he held in his hands.

“It’s glass,” Adele simply remarked. “It’s a wonder it didn’t shatter as she was running.”

“Hm.” The Prince sighed and finally turned his head to her, only a misty glaze of recognition coming to his eyes. “You’re Miss…Miss…..”

“Adele,” she replied. “My name’s Adele.”

“Of course, Miss Adele. I remember now. Your father is a local merchant. You’re learning his trade.”

“That’s right.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t remember right away. You see, I have…..other things on my mind.”

She chuckled. “Your highness, with as many girls as you’ve met tonight, I’m surprised you remembered as much as you did after just rehearing my name. That’s pretty impressive.”

“Well, when you meet as many courtiers and dignitaries as I do, you develop memory skills fairly quickly. If you don’t, you end up causing an international incident by forgetting the name of some ancient fellow you only met one time, a month ago.”

Adele smiled at that, and he smiled back, but she couldn’t help noticing the overlay of sadness to it.

“So, you’re good with names, huh? Then care to tell me who that blond girl was and why she came running out so fast?”

She knew she was being brazen. Maybe even insolent. But he had such a casual air about him, mixed in with his current melancholy. He didn’t intimidate her at all. And if he were anything like Philippe, then it was obvious that he wanted to talk.

“I am good with names,” he started, “but that’s exactly what’s so depressing. I don’t know hers. I met hundreds of women tonight and the one that I ask to marry me is the one who doesn’t give me her name. I thought everything was perfect; I thought she felt the way I do. But she looked up at the clock and yelled something about having to go. Then she just ran. ”

“No name, no valuable information of any kind?”

“No. now all I have of her is this shoe.”

Adele looked at the only clue the girl had left behind. “What will you do?”

“I don’t know,” the Prince shrugged. “Try to find her, I guess. I can’t just let her walk out of my life. Or run out, rather. There’s no other girl in the world that I’d rather be with.”

Adele nodded, but bit down on her lip. She wasn’t about to have the same argument with the Crown Prince of the kingdom that she’d had with Philippe.

“Tell me, Adele…..do you believe in love at first sight?”

Shoot. Perhaps she was about to have the very same argument with the Crown Prince of the kingdom. The last time she had answered a similar question, it had turned into a shouting match that had alienated her closest friend. But she couldn’t very well lie, and he was sitting there expecting an answer. There was nothing for it but the truth.

“I do not, your highness.”

“You don’t? You don’t think two people can meet and just know that they should be together for the rest of their lives?”

“No, sir. Not based on just one meeting alone. Marriage is a life-long commitment. There aren’t any do-overs; at least there shouldn’t be. You need to know a person very well before deciding that you’re going to go through the rest of your life as a team.”

The Prince, to Adele’s great relief, didn’t start shouting. In fact, he looked contemplative as he mulled over what she had said.

“So, do you think I’m crazy?” he asked her. “Do you think it’s a bad idea to try to find her?”

“Oh, no, I’m most certainly not saying that. You’re very drawn to this girl. That’s not a bad thing, and I think you should definitely pursue it. All I’m saying is, when you find her, take time to learn about her. Learn about her and let her learn about you before you go making any permanent commitments. Does that make sense?”

“It does, actually. We’ll see what my parents think of it. This whole Ball was their idea; they’ve been pressuring me to marry. But you’re right, this is a big decision. I don’t want to be tied to someone I end up hating for the rest of my life.”

“And, keep in mind,” Adele added, “she might not be awful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should marry her. There are countless wonderful people in this world...that doesn’t mean every one of them will be right for you, romantically.”

The Prince’s gaze had been locked onto the glass slipper for the entirety of their conversation. But now, he tore his eyes away and turned to grin at Adele.

“You know,” he said, “if you ever tire of the mercantile trade, I could always use another adviser.”

“I don’t know,” Adele grinned back, “I like being in charge of my own hours.”

The two of them laughed at that, and Adele was pleased to see that a little of the Prince’s depression was gone. His smile was more genuine. There was a bit of sparkle back in his eyes. Adele said a quick and silent prayer on his behalf, asking that he would find his golden-haired lady, and that they were, indeed, meant for each other.

They had stopped laughing, and now the Prince was giving her a rather searching look. He tilted his head. “You’ve thought a lot about the subject of love, haven’t you? Is there a young man you’re fond of? Someone you already know well enough to love, or someone you’re hoping to get to know that well?”

She shifted uncomfortably on the cold stone step, suddenly embarrassed. “There is someone. I thought I knew him as well as one can know another person, but now I’m not sure. We had a fight.”

“What about?”

“Well, we fought about love, actually. He seemed quite offended by my opinions. My guess is that he’s infatuated with a girl he barely knows and was upset by my disapproval. But then he…he made me something. Something wonderful. He left it on my front steps. I really don’t know what to think anymore. I’ve tried to talk to him, but he won’t answer the door. I was hoping he might be here tonight, but he wasn’t. There’s nothing else I can do except hope that he comes to me. It’s his move now.”

“If this guy willingly and knowingly abandons his friendship with you, then he’s a fool.”

Adele felt tears pricking at the backs of her eyes. She did her best to push them back. “Aw, you don’t have to say that.”

“Hey, I’m just being honest,” he replied.

They lapsed into a short and comfortable silence. Adele sighed and suddenly felt overwhelming exhaustion in every part of her body. She needed to go home. She needed to crawl out of her gown and under her covers. She needed the warm, calm familiarity of her own room.

“Do you know where the valets have parked all the carriages?” she asked him. “I think I should call it a night.”

“They were probably looking in on the courtyard to watch the big announcement when I ran out here after the young lady. They’re probably all still in there with everyone else gossiping about the whole situation. I’m sure they think I caught up with her and am, even now, wooing her and begging her to come back inside with me.”

“If only they knew,” Adele snickered. “Will they be terribly disappointed when you go back in without a fiancé?”

“Abysmally. But don’t worry, I’ll smooth it over somehow. First though, let’s find your carriage. It’s late. I’ve kept you too long.”

The Prince led Adele to the vast stable complex where, sure enough, all of the carriages had been taken. Adele found the stalls containing her horses, tacked them up, and led them out to the stable door. After assuring the Prince that she was quite all right and would not require an escort home, she managed to pile herself onto the long, leather seat.

“Thank you for talking to me tonight,” the Prince said earnestly as he looked up at her. “You helped me sort through a lot. I’m not sure I would have been able to think things through so clearly, what with my parents and everyone else pushing me so hard to find someone.”
“
You want to know something funny? I wasn’t sure if I should come up to you or not. I almost tried to sneak back inside.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

“So am I.”

With a final smile, Adele waved and tugged for her horses to turn. She clicked her tongue, flicked the reins, and began the trip back to her house. Her father was already snoring, just as he’d predicted, by the time she got there. She changed into her nightdress and marveled at how the evening had gone. It certainly hadn’t gone the way she had expected. And even though Philippe had not made an appearance, Adele couldn’t help but be happy about how the whole night had turned out.

For the first time in two weeks, Adele was asleep as soon as her head had hit the pillow.

~~13~~

Not only did Adele fall asleep quickly, she slept soundly and woke up early the next morning. It was beautiful outside. Summer had gone overnight leaving the fresh smell of autumn in the air. It was still warm, but the breeze had a refreshing edge to it. Even the trees knew the season had changed; the faintest border of yellow was beginning at the tips of the leaves.

Adele felt happy, but restless. She needed to move about and be productive. After getting dressed and brushing through her once again cloud-like hair, she decided that there would be no better way to enjoy the morning than going to the market.

Her trip was, on the whole, unexciting. The only detail of note was a rather amusing conversation she’d overheard two women having at the fruit stall. Apparently, according to the local Herald, the Crown Prince was in search of a girl he had met at the Ball the night before. He was, even now, combing through the kingdom with a group of attendants looking for her. She had left behind no name, but had accidentally left a shoe made of glass, and the Prince vowed that he would not stop its owner had been found. Rumor had it that he was trying the shoe on every young girl in the kingdom. Whoever the shoe fit would be his bride. Adele wondered how much of this was fact and how much was speculation; having women try on a shoe didn’t seem like a very exacting science. But however he was trying to find the girl in the blue dress, she hoped he succeeded.

The remainder of Adele’s time at the market was entirely uneventful. It was only when she was riding up the lane back to her house when her morning took a rather unexpected turn. There, sitting right in front of her house, was the most extravagantly decorated carriage she’d ever seen. First she was confused. Why on earth would anyone so rich be visiting her father? Was it a new client? He must be awfully well to do. Then the realization hit her and she almost doubled over laughing while still mounted on her horse. It was the Prince and his entourage. They were here to see if the glass slipper fit her foot. Her father must have answered the door and told them to wait for her. But had he not mentioned her name? If he had, the Prince would have recognized it and been on his way. But since the carriage was still there and the Prince was, evidentially still inside, he must have no idea that she was the maiden he was waiting to meet.

Oh, Adele was going to enjoy this.

She left her horse happily munching alfalfa in the stable. The front door of the house swung open just as she was reaching for the handle.

“Adele, thank goodness!” her father cried. “The Crown Prince is here. He wants to speak with you.”

“With me? Whatever for?” Adele said in her most innocent voice, feigning ignorance as her father ushered her through to the study.

“Perhaps you can tell me, if you’re the one he’s looking for.”

Adele had no time to reply as she was swept into the study and into the presence of the Prince and his attendants. The Prince’s eyebrows rose almost to his hairline.

“Why, Your Highness!” she said in an absurdly honeyed tone. “What a marvelous surprise! Do tell me, to what do I owe this incredible honor?”

Adele batted her eyelashes and plastered on a smile that would make even the most obnoxious courtier cringe. Before the Prince could recover, a beanpole of a man standing next to him unrolled a scroll and cleared his throat.

“Ahem! By order of the Crown Prince himself, all maidens between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one must hereby agree to be fitted with this glass slipper! The maiden who’s foot is a perfect match to the slipper shall accompany the Prince back to the palace! Every young lady of every class level must participate!”

Adele sat down in a large armchair and held a hand up to her mouth in mock surprise. “How exciting! Of course I’ll agree. After all, it does say “every young lady must participate,” does it not?”

The Prince, having recovered his wits by now, bowed much lower than was necessary and took her hand. After holding it to his lips longer than was socially expected, he straightened and replied, “So it does, my lady. Shall we?”

A dele stifled a giggle. Apparently two could play at this game. Many of the attendant’s faces were bright red as the Prince turned to one of them and opened a small chest that an attendant was holding. He withdrew the glass slipper and turned back to her. It was even more dazzling in the daylight. Kneeling down in front of her, he carefully removed her own, mud spattered shoe. Adele could feel the anticipation in the air as the Prince brought the magnificent slipper to meet her foot. She could hear her father behind her take in a deep breath and hold it. Everything else in the world seemed to stop, and, without even thinking, Adele found herself wishing that it was Philippe kneeling in front of her rather than the future ruler of her kingdom.

But her thoughts were quickly cut off but the collective gasp of every person in the room. The slipper fit as if it had been made for her.

The attendants shouted in triumph. Her father had tears brimming in his eyes. But the Prince was staring blankly at the shoe, all discernable color having drained from his face. Adele just rolled her eyes.

“Oh, take it back, you know it’s not me.”

“Yeah,” he said dryly, “Let me just put that back in the case there. Here you go, this one’s yours.”

“What the devil is all this?” her father demanded.

“It’s a long story, Papa, and I’ll tell you all about it after his Highness leaves. But right now, I can assure you that I’m not the girl he’s looking for.”

The Prince placed the glass slipper back in its case, much to the despair of his attendants. Meanwhile, Adele stuffed her foot back into the familiar cradle of her own old shoe. She shook her head.

“Try the shoe on every girl in the kingdom, huh? Brilliant. Did it ever occur to you that someone else might have the same shoe size?”

“It did! But I just thought that the benefits…outweighed…..okay, no. It didn’t. It just sounded like a remarkably romantic idea, and I thought it would be a perfect, memorable moment to begin a relationship with. I admit, logistically, it has its flaws.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m contractually obligated to come back to the castle with you now.”

“Oh, stop!” he laughed, not seeming very princely at all anymore.

“Are you kidding? Never. This is hysterical.”

“Adele!” her father boomed, obviously horrified, “You do not address the Crown Prince in such a manner! He’s royalty!”

“Pay it no mind, good sir,” the Prince assured him, slipping back seamlessly from boy to diplomat. “It does not offend me. Your daughter and I became acquainted at the ball last night. I’d say she’s on good enough terms with me to be a little less formal than most. It’s somewhat refreshing, actually.”

Adele noticed that her father looked unconvinced, but certainly unwilling to contradict the Crown Prince. “Don’t worry, Father. I’ll tell you everything, I promise. It’s quite a story, and I know you’ll enjoy it.”

“As for me, I should be going. I still have quite a bit of the kingdom to search, and I’ve imposed on your hospitality enough for one day.”

The Prince shook her father’s hand and bid him good day before turning toward the door. Adele led the way back out onto the gravel walk and up to the carriage.

“Well, that was fun,” she said. “But I’m sorry I ruined it by actually fitting the shoe.”

He shook his head. “You didn’t ruin anything. You’re right, I should have thought about shoe size. It was silly.”

“But you were right too, you know. It was a romantic idea.”

“I guess, if it did have to fit someone else, I should be grateful it was you. Can you imagine some other poor girl seeing it there on her foot, beside herself with excitement because she thinks I’ve come to whisk her away?”

“Ugh! That would be wretched! So, what are you going to do now? Keep searching, obviously, but are you still going to go around trying the shoe on people?”

“I don’t know yet. I’ll think of something though. I’ll find her.”

Adele didn’t doubt that he would. She smiled at him as he prepared to climb into his carriage. As she did, something over his shoulder caught her attention. There, coming up the lane heading for her house, was Philippe. Adele thought that, for the first time in her life, she might swoon. The Prince noticed.

“Are you all right?”

“Me? Oh yes, fine. Perfectly fine. But could you do me a favor before you go?”

“Yes, if I can.”

“Good. Could you possibly pretend to fancy me and make a big show of leaving? Something really flashy?”

She kept glancing over his shoulder, and the Prince couldn’t help turning to see what was there. Philippe had seen the Prince and was maintaining a respectful distance.

“Don’t look!” she hissed.

“That’s your young man isn’t it?” he whispered conspiratorially. “That’s the one who’s been sending you mixed signals.”

Adele nodded, unable to speak.

“Well, in that case…..”

The Prince gave almost a repeat performance of his display in the study. He bowed low with an elegant flourish and took her hand firmly in his. He pressed it to his lips tenderly, and much longer than a gentleman should. This time though, as he straightened, he reached forward and caressed her cheek lightly with his fingertips. Adele felt a bit of color rise in her cheeks. She had to admit, he was very convincing.

With another princely flourish, he climbed into his carriage. One of the attendants on the leather upholstered front bench flicked the reins and they were off, rattling down the lane and eventually out of sight.

Philippe finally rode forward and swung down from his saddle, just like he had two weeks ago. Anger, fear, and excitement all caught in Adele’s throat at once.

“Did I miss something?” he asked.

~~14~~

“Yes.” Adele replied curtly. “The Prince was here.”

“Okay, yes, I saw that bit. Did I miss anything before that?”

“…..I trust you’ve heard that he’s going around the kingdom to see whose foot fits the glass slipper?”

“I might’ve heard someone in town mention it.”

“Well, he came here to try it on me,” she shrugged.

“And?” he questioned.

“And what?”

“And did it fit?!”

Adele tried her best to slow her breathing and remain calm. “Yes, it fit.”

Philippe stared at her, unblinking. She noticed that his breathing wasn’t exactly even either.

“So you see,” she said, turning back toward the house, “I have quite a lot of preparations to make. If you’ll excuse me,”

But she was cut short as Philippe reached forward and spun her around by her arm.

“Do you love him?” he shouted.

“What?”

“You can’t! You can’t possibly be in love with him.”

“Oh? And how would you know?! Maybe I am! Maybe we’ll live happily ever after!”

“No, you don’t love him. You can’t. You told me yourself that you would never marry someone you barely knew. You said you’d only fall for someone you already trusted.”

“Well maybe I changed my mind. Congratulations, you convinced me. You were right, I was wrong, love at first sight is totally legitimate.”

Philippe looked at her as if she had two heads. “What? What on earth are you going on about? I never said that!”

“You may as well have!” Adele accused. “Why else would you have gotten so angry with me down at the lake?”

They were shouting at each other again. Why were they always shouting at each other recently? Adele watched as Philippe released his hand from her arm, with which he had still been gripping her rather tightly, and slowly raised it to his forehead. To Adele’s amazement, he started laughing. Confused, she was about to tell him to get off of her father’s property, but he walked toward the front steps and motioned for her to follow. Curiosity won out and she did.

“Ohhh,” he sighed as he sat down. “This is rich, really. You’re going to laugh when you hear it.”

“Am I?”

“Yes. At least I hope so. Let me see if I’ve got this, you thought I was mad at you because of your opinions about love?”

“Yeah, I figured you must like some girl in town and were coming to me for feedback, or something. But you got defensive when I didn’t agree with you.”

“No! No, no, no, no! Noooo! Oh, you really are going to get a kick out of this. No, I wasn’t mad at you. It was the opposite, actually. I asked you if you thought the Ball was a good idea because I was fishing for clues about what you might or might not find romantic. When you were talking about wanting to trust your heart to someone you already knew, I started to get the feeling that that someone…might be me. And then of course I got really excited because I WANTED you to be talking about me, but THEN I didn’t know what to say or what to do because it was all so sudden and I just kind of shut down.”

His brow furrowed as he paused for breath. “You WERE talking about me, right?”

“Yes!” Adele shouted. “Who else?”

“Okay, good! Wow, that would have been embarrassing if I’d been wrong.”

“Yes,” she drawled sarcastically as she rolled her eyes, “because the way it’s turned out so far hasn’t been embarrassing at all.”

Out of habit, he took a second to glare at her before continuing. “Anyway, I realized that we felt the same way about each other, but I just couldn’t get my mouth to form words. That’s why I left in a hurry; I was tongue tied. I thought maybe if I went to my workshop and collected my thoughts, I’d actually be able to form coherent sentences the next time I saw you.”

“All right, I can actually kind of get that. And I’ll admit that my internal freaking out was probably premature at that point. But why didn’t you open the door when I came to the workshop? That just made me keep thinking the worst!”

Philippe grimaced. “I know, I know! I wanted to let you in. But I’d come up with this great plan the night before. You’ve always wanted one of my pieces. I decided to make you the most stunning gown I could think of. By morning, sketches and fabrics were all over the workshop, I couldn’t let you in! That would have spoiled the surprise. And I couldn’t very well just come to the door. Not after what happened at the lake. You never would have left without a major discussion. I wanted the next time we saw each other to be there, at the Ball. You’d come floating down the staircase…..our eyes would meet…..I’d ask you to dance. Then we could have our talk and everything would be wonderful! It was a great plan.”

“Hm. Yes. Sure sounds like one,” Adele agreed as she nodded. “Even though it kept me in mental agony for two weeks that could have been entirely avoided if we’d just talked about it when it happened, but I’m actually willing to put that aside. This all really does sound pretty romantic. If things had happened that way, I can absolutely see myself forgiving you for all of it. There’s just one problem. YOU WEREN’T AT THE BALL.”

“Ah.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, you see, I thought I’d accounted for everything…..”

“Except…?” she prodded.

“Except for the results of overworking. I finished your dress in time, barely. I had to pull more than one all-nighter to get it done. By Friday morning, I had a fever. I kept willing it to go away before evening, but it didn’t. In the end I had to hire a boy from town come out here to deliver your gown. The most I could hope for was that you had a good time anyway. I promised myself that as soon as I could ride, I’d come over. By this morning, I was fine.”

Adele had, quite frankly, wanted to stay angry at him. But he’d pulled the got-sick-doing-something-really-nice-for-you-card, and how could she possibly withstand that?

“You’re still an idiot,” she said. But she only half meant it, and she knew he could tell.

“I know. I won’t deny that. But did you really think I liked some girl in town I didn’t even know? Gosh, Adele, how long have you known me?”

“I never said I wasn’t an idiot too, okay?”

Philippe laughed and shook his head. “What a pair we make, huh? And here I thought falling in love with a long-time friend was supposed to be less stressful. So much for that.” He stopped analyzing the part of his sleeve that he’d been staring at and turned to look at her. She met his eyes. “I really do love you Adele. And I’m sorry for everything these past two weeks. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course I can. I love you too, Philippe. I always will.”

He brought his hand up slowly and brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. That simple, faint touch was powerful enough to make her cheek tingle. Adele closed her eyes and tilted her head as Philippe leaned forward to close the gap between them. And then,

“WAIT A MINUTE.” He yelled as he jerked back. Adele’s eyes snapped open and Philippe shot to his feet. “What about the Prince? The Prince, and the slipper, and the really long hand kissing? What about all of that?!”

“Oh,” she said as she came to stand next to him. “I’d forgotten about all of that. We met last night and talked for a bit. Then he showed up here this morning because he’s searching for a particular girl he danced with. I tried the shoe on just for the fun of it, but I’m not the girl he’s after. It did fit, but I just have the same shoe size. I was saying goodbye and good luck to him, but then you showed up and I asked him to put on a bit of a show. I guess I wanted to see how you’d react.”

“What? You mean you did that on purpose? That’s so mean!” he was trying to sound angry, but he was laughing too hard.

“Hey, after what you put me through for the past two weeks? I think I was entitled!”

They were both laughing now, and, to Adele, it felt like the past two weeks hadn’t happened; like they had just been some bad dream. But the dream was finally over and she was awake. She was awake and happier than she could ever remember being. And she was no longer laughing because now Philippe was holding her and kissing her. Adele returned his kiss and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

As they broke apart and looked at each other, they both knew beyond any doubt that they were ready to go through life together, loving and trusting one another no matter what trials might come their way. They would be teammates and lovers. But they would be friends, first and forever.

~Epilogue~

Their wedding came not long afterward. It was a simple affair down by the lake in the woods. Long tables set with simple fare stood up on the hillock with smaller tables scattered around them; a small cluster of chairs looked out on the bank where Adele and Philippe exchanged their vows. Philippe had initially wanted to create a stunning white wedding dress for Adele, but she insisted instead upon wearing the lavender ball gown that’d he’d not had the chance to see her in at the ball.

It was an intimate gathering of very few people. There were various business associates of Adele’s father, a few long-time family friends from both sides, and a handful of schoolmates from town who Philippe and Adele had come to know over the years. But after the ceremony, well into the reception, two rather unexpected guests appeared through the trees near the edge of the lake. Adele saw them almost at once and began waving emphatically. By the time the Prince and the young girl beside him had made their way to the long tables, everyone else present was gathered together to greet them. They exchanged the typical welcomes and congratulations as the assembly collectively bowed. The Prince, for a perfectly reasonable amount of time, stooped to kiss Adele’s hand.

“I really am sorry we had to miss the ceremony. We only got your father’s letter last night, and we were already obligated to be elsewhere this morning. But I see we made it in time for at least some festivities.”

“Sorry about missing the ceremony?” Adele laughed, “We didn’t even know you were coming! Members of royalty don’t usually attend merchant weddings. Father said nothing of any letter.” She turned to see her father smiling sheepishly. She shook her head and smiled at him as he shooed the other guests away to leave the two couples alone to talk.

Philippe bowed slightly and extended his hand to the Prince. “We haven’t had the chance to be properly introduced yet. My name is Philippe. This fair maiden with you must be the one you were chasing across the kingdom, am I right?”

“That’s right,” affirmed the Prince as he beamed down at the girl beside him.

“It took him almost a week to find me,” she said in a delicate voice. “I used to live at the far end of the kingdom. He’s told me all about meeting you at the Ball, Miss Adele. I feel I shall never be able to thank you enough for encouraging him.”

“That goes doubly for me. And, in case you’re wondering, my royal advisor offer is still available.”

Adele could feel a deep blush in her cheeks as well as the pride emanating from Philippe. In an attempt to quell her embarrassment, she diverted the conversation and asked a question that had been plaguing her ever since she’d tried on the glass slipper. “Okay, I’ve just got to know… after you left my house to keep searching, how did you make sure you found the right young lady? You didn’t keep trying that glass shoe on people, did you?”

The Prince waved dismissively. “Oh, no. Of course not. You were right, there are loads of people in the kingdom with the same shoe size.”

“Well, what did you do instead?” Philippe asked.

“Something far more sensible,” the Prince’s companion chimed. “He just asked me to produce the other half of the pair.”

Adele threw up her hands in mock exasperation. “That’s so much easier and faster! Why didn’t you just do that to begin with?”

“Because he’s a boy. I’ll never understand how they think.”

“I know, right? Come on, let me tell you about the pre-Royal Ball antics of my newly wedded husband.”

Adele led the young damsel over to a small table clustered with chairs. Philippe and the Prince followed behind and exchanged amused glances as their significant others giggled over them. Once seated, the two couples sat and talked and told stories.

The reception had been winding down just as the Prince and his companion had arrived. The small gathering of guests had slowly been saying their goodbyes and trickling out, and, apart from the four of them, soon only Adele’s father and Philippe’s mother remained.

“I should help your parents clean up a bit,” said the fair-haired maiden.

They all stood as she got to her feet. Philippe shook his head. “You don’t have to go to any trouble. Adele and I can help. You two have done enough just by coming this afternoon.”

“It’s no trouble, really,” she assured him. “Besides, the Prince has something to discuss with you. And, to be honest, I actually kind of miss cleaning.”

She floated away toward the long tables. The Prince just chuckled at Adele and Philippe’s obvious confusion.

“You were right, you know? I really think getting to know each other first has made our relationship richer.”

“I’m glad. Something tells me Philippe and I won’t be the only newlyweds in the kingdom for very long.”

“Well, we’re still taking things slowly, so I’m not sure how soon it’ll be. But Yeah, I think the end result will be the same.”

Philippe squeezed Adele’s hand and smiled. He turned to the Prince. “So, what is it that you need to discuss with us, Sire?”

“Ah yes! I had a splendid idea last night as I read your father’s letter, Adele. Tell me, where are the two of you planning to spend your honeymoon?”

“We hadn’t planned on having one. Philippe makes a decent living, but not enough to travel. We were just going to move right into the rooms above his workshop.”

“Rubbish.” The Prince’s eyes were dancing, and Adele wasn’t sure if they should be worried or excited. “How do you two feel about Paris?”

“Paris?” Philippe echoed in disbelief. Adele couldn’t get her vocal chords to work.

“Yes. It’s all arranged. There’s a carriage waiting for you back up at the house. I sent a reply to Adele’s father as early as I could this morning; your parents have packed you each a bag. My attendants should have them all stowed away by now. You’ll be in Paris all this week staying in the royal apartments I myself utilize when there.”

“What? You…you don’t have to do this for us!” Adele finally managed.

“I know. Just like you didn’t have to come and talk to me at the Ball. You could have just slipped back inside. But you didn’t, and now I’m falling in love with an incredible young woman. We both wanted to thank you. So this is our wedding present to you and your love. Please, go have fun.”

Adele, breaking all protocols, rushed forward and threw her arms around the Crown Prince. “Thank you!” she whispered breathlessly. “Thank you so, so much!”

After she had released him, Philippe clasped one of the Prince’s hands in both of his own. “This really does mean the world to us, Your Highness. If there’s anything else we can ever do for you, just name it.”

“You two just go and have a wonderful time,” he said. “That’s all I ask.”

“So,” Philippe said slyly, now turning to Adele. “There’s a carriage up at the house right now.”

“Yup,” she said.

“It’s going to take us to Paris as soon as we get up there.”

“So I heard.”

“Bet I can beat you.”

“Bet you can’t.”

And without another word, Adele had gathered up her skirt and the two of them were tearing back between the trees, through the garden, and up around the corner of the house, running together toward the rest of their lives.

~~~ The End ~~~