Page 60 of Disenchanted

I reached for them when a brisk rap at the door startled me. I nearly dropped the shoes, but Mal caught them just in time.

“Careful,” he said. “The slippers are sturdier than you might think, but they are not unbreakable.”

“Ella?” my stepmother called out as she knocked again.

I held my finger to my lips, cautioning Mal to silence as I replied, “Yes?”

“I thought I heard Mr. Hawkridge’s voice. Did he finally arrive with your gown? Is he still here?”

“Er— no, he had to leave, but he did bring the gown.”

“Oh, let me see it!” The doorknob turned and then rattled. “Ella, why is your door locked? Please let me in, dear.”

I cast Mal a panicked look. He merely gave a fatalistic shrug. “I suppose you had better let her in.”

“Are you insane?” I hissed. “Do you ever want to be allowed across the threshold of this house again?”

“What do you expect me to do? Hide under the bed?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’d never fit.” I looked about frantically for another hiding spot, but there was none, even my wardrobe was too small.

The doorknob rattled again. “Ella?”

“Coming, Em,” I sang out as I propelled Mal across the room. I whispered to him, “You’ll have to climb out the window.”

Mal balked. “What? Do you want me to break my neck?”

“You used to manage well enough when you were a boy.”

“I was much lighter then. Do you think those vines will still hold me?”

“Yes! There are a lot more of them now.” I eased up the sash as quietly as I could and pointed outward. “Go.”

Mal gave me a disgruntled look, but he said, “Fine! I need to be going anyway.”

He handed me the glass slippers again and this time I clutched them to my bosom.

“Just don’t forget to test the shoes until you are certain you know how to work them.”

I nodded as Imelda’s voice sounded even more anxious. “Ella? Is someone in there with you?”

“No, just me, Em.”

“Then is everything all right? Why won’t you open the door?”

“I am just finishing… um… scrubbing my teeth. I will be right there,” I called.

Mal swung one leg over the sill and paused. “Now you do remember where and when you are supposed to meet me to give me the orb?”

“Yes, yes! Go through the back gate in the palace gardens and head toward the abandoned cottage at the edge of the woods.”

“Midnight. Do not forget. If you are not there at the rendezvous, I will assume something has gone wrong and come looking for you.”

“And walk straight into the arms of the palace guard? Don’t be ridiculous, Mal. Just be patient and wait for me. I will be there.”

Mal wriggled the rest of his body through the window. “And, Ella?”

“Yes?”