An odd infusion of light lit the morn, dispelling the notion.
He studied Cinderella's large, dark eyes that could only be described as doe-like. How haunted they looked. The light laugh she'd been unable to hide held him transfixed. Her words spoke of an intellect, warmth and loyalty that radiated from her.
Something else he could not define unfurled through him, stirring the sudden ache to find his mysterious princess. He was desperate, indeed, if his emotions were swayed by the likes of a servant stirring him so. Which, of course, called to mind the looming disaster ahead.
Eyes narrowed, he considered Elvina, dressed this morn in a muslin day gown of muted green. Her full skirt, complete with petticoats, was fashionable by all accounts. He was too far away to determine the color of her eyes. That would no doubt forever remain a mystery due to the nervous flapping that seemed to possess her whenever he drew near.
He was male enough to admit surprise seeing her tresses of soft copper, natural curls that topped her head. She was quite attractive when her eyes were not stirring the soil as her mother so ungenerously pointed out-in an understated sort of way, of course. Nothing like his lost princess.
Prince edged as close as possible, trying to hear what they said, but his position from the trees made it impossible. That the two knew each other well was clear. Concern on Ester's face was telling and she conveyed herself with admirable animation. She dropped her arms to her sides and they stood staring at one another, seeming at a loss. Of what, Prince could not imagine. A second later the conspirators dashed toward the castle without so much as a fleeting glance his way. He grinned at their retreat. It was not often Prince Charming found himself forgotten.
He leaned one shoulder against the tree, ankles crossed, fingering a blade of grass. Cinderella certainly resembled the servant he thought her to be. But then why would Endina show Cinderella so much concern if that were the case?
He frowned and his thoughts centered on his future mother-in-law. A shudder touched his spine. What a beastly woman. She was enough to scare away any potential suitor. A sudden overwhelming sympathy to Eimear and her sister, Pricilla, touched him. Not to mention the poor servant.
The rising sun glinted off the glass door as it closed behind the two mysterious young women. He cast one last quick look toward the statue in the pond, dropped the blade of grass, and smiled.
Cinderella displayed an interesting base of knowledge regarding Eros. Did she know as much about Eros' mother Aphrodite, the goddess of love? Something odd filled him thinking of such a conversation. He looked forward to the possibility. His lips throbbed with the thought of a deeper, more satisfying kiss.