Page 263 of Naughty Nelle

“Well, I guess the party’s over,” says Hook. He gathers the orphans. “Ahoy, my mateys. It’s time to sail.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” respond the orphans with a salute.

They form two straight lines. To Hook’s credit, they’re all exceptionally well behaved and respectful. Curly included. Perhaps, Hook, too, has found his meant-to-be calling.

“Children, don’t forget your party favors,” says Winnie.

She hands them each a woven gold name bracelet. They’re almost identical to the one Rump made for me. The children’s faces brighten. And for a fleeting moment so does mine. Rump must be back in Lalaland.

“Hook, I’ll go back with you,” says Winnie. She takes Hansel and Gretel by their hands.

I’m sad to see them go.

Before departing, Hook strides up to Gallant. “By the way, matey, sorry about the other night.”

The duel! My heart leaps to my throat.

Gallant glares at Hook. “Sir, I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Phew! He still doesn’t remember anything about the other night.

“She’s a great woman,” continues Hook. “Definitely, worth fighting over.”

“Why, thank you!” says Marcella. The stupid cow has no clue Hook’s referring to me.

Hook struts off and catches up to Winnie. They lead the children off the grounds of the castle. Calla’s birthday party has ended disastrously. My blood is churning. It’s time for me to give Gallant a piece of my mind. Prince or no prince.

“You can’t keep Calla in a bubble forever,” I bark. “She needs to be with children her own age. She needs friends.”

The Prince furrows his brows. “And Jane, how do you know all this?”

“Because I didn’t when I was her age,” I say hotly.

Gallant is taken aback. I’m not done with him.

“And on your little shopping trip with Marcella, I can only hope you remembered to buy your ‘Little Princess’ a present. In case you don’t know, she wanted a puppy.”

The glimmer in his blue eyes vanishes. He lowers his head. He can’t hide his guilt and shame. At least not from me. Let him sulk. He deserves to feel bad.

“I am going inside to pour myself a drink,” he says finally and marches off. So he thinks he can drown his sorrows. Ha!

Pleased with myself, I clean up the mess the children have left behind. Marcella saunters up to me, stuffing her face with a gigantic piece of cake. So much for her diet. In fact, she may be over it. She’s silently crooning la-di-da-da.

“Jane, look what I got!” The PIW thrusts her left fist under my nose. On her fourth finger is a sparkling diamond, the size of rock.

My heart sinks to my stomach. I’m numb all over. But not for long. The numbness gives way to madness. I want to tear the ring off her finger and shove it down her throat. And watch her choke on it.

“Congratulations” is all I say.

Back inside the castle, The Prince is slumped at his desk, nursing a drink. Sensing my presence, he gazes up at me with forlorn eyes.

“Calla is inconsolable. She refuses to see me.”

“What do you expect? You blew it.”

“I was somehow unable to break away from Marcella.”

There’s regret in his voice, but the mention of her name makes bile bubble in my throat.

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