My Cinderella

Part One

Claire was a beautiful maiden, her golden hair falling to her shoulders, florescent brown eyes so kind and loving. She showed compassion to everyone, even the people she hated. She was the second child of four, nothing special. Her father was a duke, so naturally she went to many balls. Nope. Claire hasn't been to a ball since her youngest sister was born. Of course Claire was only a child then, but she's wanted to go to a ball and find her true love ever since.

"I hear there will be a ball at the royal palace." Claire said, sitting next to her mother in the parlour.

Her mother nodded, "And you won't be going, dear,"

"Mother, just this once!" Claire pleaded.

"No."

"I'll be back before midnight-"

"I said no." Her mother said sternly, looking quite annoyed.

The blonde exited quietly, "Sorry, mother."
-
"I'm going to that ball." Claire announced to her older sister.

"Mother did tell you not to..."

"If you help me, I won't tell mother. However..." Claire smirked and leaned against the wall, "if you don't help me, I'll tell mother you did in fact help me."

"That's ridiculous, Claire!" Her older sister exclaimed.

"Help me get to the ball and cover for me. If you fail, I'll tell mother. If you succeed and I still end up getting caught later, I'll take all the blame." Claire offered her hand to shake and seal their contract.

Her sister took it nervously, "I don't see the harm in helping..."
-
So off the girls went, finding a suitable dress and backup plans.

It all should work, if Claire gets back home by bed check. Yes, there's a bed check in the household. The duchess and duke don't trust their children, so they make sure all four of them are in their beds by midnight.

"This is just like a fairy tail!" Claire exclaimed, thinking of the ball.

"Be quiet, you!" Her sister hissed.

So they continued sewing a new dress with old materials, everything going perfectly. Claire checked the invite again, too excited.

"You could go too," Claire said, nudging her sister.

"The little ones won't cover for us. Besides, Sir Nathaniel is coming to call on me tonight. I cannot be missing,"

"Oh. That's alright." The blonde sighed.