The next morning, Marmalade departed with Marmot in tow. Penelope had been sad to see her go, though the witch had offered reassurance before leaving.

“I have no doubt we will cross paths again, and soon, Penelope of Starwood. But for now I must go and tend to matters of urgency.” Marmalade had pressed her lips to Penelope’s cheek, lifted Marmot to do the same, and then had glided away into the snowy woods.

Penelope sighed and rubbed at the wet smear left by Marmot’s snout as she stepped back indoors.

She and Steph spent the afternoon seated by the front windows as she sketched designs for their ball gowns. Steph made occasional interjections that had her laughing, and was grateful for the distraction from her growing anxiety for the approaching Dark Moon.

“No! More tulle, more!”

“I’m not even using tulle.”

“You should! So elegant.”

Penelope snorted as Steph picked up a stick of charcoal and made a crude sketch of a pumpkin-shaped gown in the corner of her book.

“That’s too much tulle!” Penelope laughed loudly as Steph added more layers, clutching at the edges of her sketchbook when it threatened to fall.

“No such thing, love.”

Penelope’s giggles subsided as they heard muffled shouting from upstairs followed by a hissed shushing.

“I’ve never seen them fight quite like this. Not since the incident with the feathered willow... And never for so long.” Penelope sighed, hugging the book to her chest. Steph leaned back against the wall of the bay seat, setting the charcoal down with care.

Snow flurried against the paned glass that overlooked the front garden, new banks building to cover the winding crystal path leading from the forest. They watched the drifting eddies in silence for a long moment.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“They really care about you, you know.”

Penelope smiled, looking into Steph’s warm eyes.

“I know. And I really care about them. I’m afraid, Steph. I’m worried what will happen after the Ball. Everything... everything might change.” Penelope let the book fall against her knees and rubbed idly at a few smudges.

Steph nodded, brushing his fingers over his sketch, smearing the charcoal and grinning at Penelope’s indignation. He laughed when she retrieved the charcoal and began to fix it.

“It might all change,” Steph conceded as Penelope scribbled. “Though maybe... it might not be so bad a change as you expect? Maybe things will work out for the best.” Steph’s brow furrowed, before he smiled again. “Maybe you’ll fall desperately in love with a Grimwood Prince and make them see the error of their ways and everyone will live happily ever after.”

Penelope chuckled. “Is that what I sound like, when I talk about my impossible fairy tales?” she teased.

Steph winced and looked away.

“Hey,” she murmured, feeling immediately contrite. She nudged him with her toe until he looked back up at her, eyes shining with hurt. “I’m sorry,” she breathed, leaning forward to place a hand on his arm. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m being too pessimistic. I just... I don’t want to fall in love with a Grimwood Prince.”

Steph nodded, squeezing his eyes shut. Cautiously, Penelope reached up to brush her thumb across Steph’s cheek, brushing away a tear that had fallen.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, holding her hand against his cheek.

Steph sniffed and laughed wetly, grasping Penelope’s hand and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Penelope, there’s something I—”

“Hey there, you two— Oh!” Sister Heely stepped towards them, causing both Penelope and Steph to startle. “Sorry, am I interrupting..?”

Steph shook his head as he looked away and swiped a sleeve across his face. Penelope sighed and grimaced. “Just sketching our gowns. If I work quickly enough, they might even be ready in time.”

“Your Penelope here is exceptionally ambitious,” Steph said with a forced grin.

Penelope’s heart stung at his words. Your Penelope....

She didn’t belong to Steph. Nor him to her. She might not even get a choice in where or with whom she belonged. Before she could follow that line of thought all the way into panic, Penelope forced her own smile and stood to show Sister Heely her designs.

“Beautiful! Come, let’s have some tea and look them over.” Sister Heely strode down the hall towards the kitchen, allowing Penelope another moment alone with Steph.

“Coming?” Penelope murmured. Steph shook his head, offering a wan smile. “Thanks, but, I think I’ll sit here a bit.”

Penelope gave his hand a gentle squeeze before following after Sister Heely, leaving Steph to watch the snow.