Another Cinderella Story

16. Midnight ~ Lily~

Just when I felt like I had gotten the worst luck ever, it all changed. When the one song was over, Prince Liam had thanked Ella and let her go, walking over to me once more. Many people were dancing now, but even so I still felt like we were the only ones there. Something felt right— like a part of me had loosened and untied after a long time of taught stress and aggravation.

I don't know how many songs had passed, but they had been filled with short conversation and occasional laughs. He now knew my name, my likes and dislikes, and what had lead up to me being at this ball tonight. The clock read 11:50, but it seemed as if no time had passed. I felt relaxed and content for once, until I saw Ella standing in a corner.

Her eyes were red, which I thought was funny since whenever she fake-cried, she made sure her face stayed beautiful while a few tears fell. I was about to dismiss her —it was my night— but then she started waving frantically to me.

I took a sharp breath. "Liam, I'm so sorry, but my stepsister needs something. She seems very distressed," I said.

He nodded and I walked off, hoping to be back quickly.

"Lily! Lily! You must listen quickly! There is a plot to have you killed!" Ella cried.

"Ella are you alright?"

"No! The queen means to kill you when the clock strikes twelve!" she said.

"Explain. I have a dance to get back to," I replied.

"She was the one who stole the slippers because they can grant wishes! They made father and I rich, so when she gave them back, I wished that I could have a beautiful dress to go to the ball in. She wants me to be the queen and only me!" Ella said.

"How is that bad?" I asked. "Don't you want to be queen?"

"She is obsessed with me marrying the prince for reasons I don't know, but she means to. . . kill . . . for it," Ella said, her eyes flashing.

"Why? Why does she care that much?" I asked.

"I'm telling you, I don't know! We need to get out of here! She's sending people in to attack at exactly midnight, and she'll hold Prince Liam hostage until after the wedding where his fate will be decided," Ella said.

"Wait, how do you know all of this? And why do you want to help me?" I said, my voice becoming slightly frantic.

"She wants me to lead you into a trap, as not to cause distress at the ball. I am not doing this for you, Lily, I'm doing this for Liam! If he does not cooperate, then his fate might be like yours!"

My heart went cold as I finally understood. It was 11:59. We had to go.

I raced across the ballroom, but dread hit me as the clock chimed once.

Dong. Liam!" I called.

Dong. Ella raced after me.

Dong. "Run!" I cried.

Dong. Ella and I raced towards him, but her heels wouldn't allow her to run any faster.

Dong. We were almost to Liam.

Dong. My voice was getting hoarse from calling.

Dong. "Liam, we have to get out of here!" Ella said.

Dong. "What?" Liam said.

Dong. "We have to run!"

Dong. "What is the meaning of this?" Liam said.

Dong. "Your mother! She has plans!"

Dong. Recognition flashed through Liam's eyes, but it was too late as the last bell rang, and midnight had come.

Dong. We were too late.