Page 285 of Naughty Nelle

“Get over it child,” snaps Marcella before shooting a wicked smile my way. “Servants do not attend wed—I mean, balls.”

Her words slice me like blades. I turn my head so neither Gallant nor Calla can see the tears forming in my eyes.

“We’re late!” shrieks Marcella. She yanks The Prince away from me and shoves Calla to the front door where their coach awaits them. Calla glances back at me, unable to mask her disappointment.

I long for Gallant to turn his head.

He doesn’t. He doesn’t. He does!

I hold his gaze in mine as if I’ll never see him again. Then he’s gone.

“These shoes are killing me,” I hear Marcella moan outside. So much for “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” I hope you suffer all night!

Clickety clack. Clickety clack.The sound of the coach fades into the distance. I bury my head in Snow White’s lifeless cloak and cry.

---