Once upon a mattress, p.11
Once Upon a Mattress,
p.11
A ripple of laughter slid through the crowd as Queen Verona’s skin turned a mottled red. It grew when Prince Ruprecht chuckled, seeming well-pleased by the turn of events. Only those closest heard him lean over to Princess Penelope and prattle something about longing to set off to find a bridge of gold and a parade of rainbows.
And then, as legend tells, the graceful, gracious young princess turned and nodded to the court. Every person dropped in a bow or a curtsey, watching while she strode toward the exit, looking every inch the royal being she was.
She paused only once. There, with a whisper, she took the arm of a dark, handsome man whose eyes blazed with devotion. He was a stranger, recognized by only a few at court, but obviously very well known by their princess.
The unquestionably beautiful couple smiled at one another. Exchanged an intimate glance. A brief touch.
Then the two of them walked out of the castle into the bright sun dawning over another glorious Elatyria day.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4262-7
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INTO THE WOODS
Copyright © 2009 by Julie Leto
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Leslie Kelly, Once Upon a Mattress
