All clear.
Now, if she only knew where to find the deserted wing. She contemplated the baton in her hand for a moment then wrapped both hands tightly about the base. She closed her eyes and held it out.
Nothing happened for a moment-then her slippered feet set out on a path of their own volition. A strange sensation, indeed, when one's mind was not in sync with one's feet. She breathed deeply and maintained a vigil watch.
The little baton guided her through winding turns of cold dark passageways lit only by the glow emanating from the magical little stick. Short, oblong windows as perfectly spaced apart as the candled sconces in her own hallway had no coverings to protect the dank walls from the weather. A cool breeze passed through creating an eerie whistle effect that sent chills up her spine. Cobwebs danced like eerie ghosts in the dimness.
Cinderella's feet showed no signs of slowing as the stick guided her on. Dust kicked up from her swishing skirts teasing her nostrils with a sneeze. Several long moments later dancing shadows of a flickering taper sent relief surging through her.
But the sound of deep voices froze her in her tracks.
*****
"I must protest this avenue of your investigation," Arnald complained.
"If you are frightened, by all means, I will meet up with you later." Prince was vastly amused by Arnald's discomfort, and he took great delight in letting him see so.
"I am not afraid," he growled.
But Arnald hesitated at the door of the chamber where Prince heard his mother conspiring with the mysterious Faustine. Prince sauntered in, using the taper he held to light two of the four sconces on the wall. "Much better," he said, glancing around.
The chamber was not large by any means. A chair with worn fabric in one corner and beside it a heavy square table. There were no candles or other objects to identify the recent occupants but for the unsettled grime. Only the damning evidence of Maman's voice in his head from the prior day.
Waves crashing below sounded through a window that was much too high to peer from.
"What are you looking for, Cousin?" Arnald's barely concealed sarcasm rebounded.
"Ah, I see you recovered from your weak constitution" Prince said, dryly.
"Weak constitution." Arnald's indignation had Prince unable to hold back a burst of laughter. Arnald's eyes focused on something behind Prince, standing the hair at his nape on end. "Bonjour, Madame," Arnald smiled.
Prince spun quickly shocked to see his mother.
"Oh, dear," she muttered softly.
"Maman?"
She cleared her throat with a delicate cough. "It appears your maman failed to mention a twin, I see."