Page 286 of Naughty Nelle

CHAPTER 34

The cooks have the night off. Technically, I have the night off, too, since Marcella’s not here. I should enjoy my freedom, but instead, the great swimmer is drowning in a sea of sorrow. The thought of Gallant marrying that woman is suffocating me, pulling me under. But what does it really matter? Even if he doesn’t really love her. A colossal wave of hopelessness washes over me. The truth is, I can’t hide from my past forever. Eventually, Gallant will find out. The minute he learns that I’m The Evil Queen, the witch who tried to kill his beloved late wife, I will no longer be Jane. My life, as I know it now, will be over. I’ll be as dead to him as Snow White.

Tears pour down my face. I don’t know if it’s heartache or shame. There’s only one thing I can do. I cannot wait until Marcella fires me. Or until my past is revealed. I must leave this house at once. Before Gallant returns from the ball. Before I ever have to face him again.

With my eyes watering, I pack my bag. It doesn’t take long as I have few belongings. Where will I go from here? With my castle a forgotten dream, I’m not sure. All I know is that by morning, I will be far away, moving on to another chapter of my life. Putting this all behind me.

Just one last thing I have to do—write The Prince a note. He deserves to understand my actions. And maybe, just maybe, it will give me a sense of closure.

Slowly, I make my way to his desk, every step an effort. The sketch he was working on faces me. It’s a portrait of Calla. My beautiful, sweet girl. Carefully, I tear it out from his pad and place it in my bag next to my treasured “Best Friends Forever” card from Elz. I’ll cherish my memories of Calla forever.

Lowering myself to his desk chair, I gently tear out a clean sheet of parchment from the sketchpad and put a quill to it.

“Dear Gallant,” I begin. This is not easy. Tears flood my eyes and fall onto the words I’ve written. I watch as they dissolve into an illegible black blur, a fitting reminder of my miserable life.

I rip out another sheet and start over. Brushing my tears away, I write my farewell letter.

Dearest Gallant~

By the time you read this letter, I will be gone. I can no longer bring myself to stay in this house and be of service to you and your family.

I have a confession to make. Several years ago, I caused your late wife Snow White great harm. It’s too painful for me to go into the details, but rest assured, I am profoundly sorry for the grave damage I caused. I can only pray that you’ll find the strength in your heart to forgive me.

I will never forget my stay here and the kindness you have shown me. Most of all, I will miss Calla. She’s a very special little girl. Please give her my love and take good care of her. I hope you and Marcella live happily ever after.

Forever~Jane

I put down the quill and read over my letter. Tears blur my vision, but I’m careful not to let them spill onto my words. They’re perfect, but what made me write “Forever~Jane”? I could have signed it, “Sincerely,” or “Best Wishes,” or even “Good-bye.” Instead, I chose “Forever.” Whatever. It’s written. I fold the letter, seal it in an envelope with my tears, and place it in the top desk drawer. Some day, My Prince will find it.

My tears subside. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. The ball. I can picture it in my head. All eyes are on Marcella in her gorgeous scarlet gown. On the outside, she’s all smiles, but inside she’s dying in her three sizes too small shoes. Suddenly, her feet give out. She’s going down! Yes! And then, no! Just in time, Gallant comes to her rescue, scooping her up in his arms. He carries her up to the altar where The King pronounces them husband and….

I snap open my eyes, and the dam holding back my tears crumbles. An endless river rages down my face. I wish I were at the ball! I wish I could stop Gallant from marrying Marcella! I wish! I wish! Damn it, Jane. Just admit it. I wish it were me!

I can’t stop the tears. Searching for something to wipe them away, I find one of Gallant’s handkerchiefs tucked inside a drawer. I dab my face. Its heavenly scent reminds me of the time he tenderly bandaged my burnt hand and brings on more tears. Other memories swirl around in my head. Our first encounter…My “sea monster” adventure with Calla…That outrageous night of drunken folly…And then, that one unforgettable kiss.

Oh, God. How I ache to peer into his jewel-blue eyes, to feel the ripple of his muscles beneath his shirt, to caress his saffron hair. Most of all, I want to kiss him. One more time before I leave. One last time. I no longer need to fool myself. I know why I signed the letter “Forever~Jane.” Because simply, I will always love him. Forever, as in as long as I live.

My tears puddle on the floor. Heaving, I tell myself I must leave. I must. I take a deep breath, and finally, I head toward the front door for the very last time. Good-bye, My Prince. Good-bye!

“Dahling, do you need another hankie?”

Startled to hear a familiar voice behind me, I spin around before I have a foot out the door. Standing before me is Emperor Armando, in a long white sparkly robe and a matching cone-shaped hat. A hankie is one hand and a shopping bag in the other.

My teary eyes are as round as marbles. “What are you doing here?” I sniffle.

He gives me his signature double cheek kiss. “Fashion guru by day; Fairy godmother by night.”

He’s a fairy godmother?Okay. Whatever. So happy to see him, I throw my arms around his bear of a body and bury my face in his cushy chest.

“Careful, dahling, don’t ruin my new outfit with your tears. It took weeks to make!”

I take his hankie and blow my nose. After one giant honk, my tears subside.

The Emperor looks me over. “My little muse, we’re going to have to work quickly to get you to the ball on time!”

The ball? I’mgoing to the ball? Huh!?

“Dahling, I hope you like it.” Like what? What is he talking about?

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