Cinderella: A Fractured Fairytale

Twenty

Ella's POV

Chapter 20

***

The three of us talked for awhile longer, but soon Anastasia quieted. Her breathing became slow and rhythmic, and her eyes closed as she nestled back against Eric, falling asleep in his arms. He watched her with a soft smile coming to his lips.

Eric and Anastasia seemed to be made for each other. It was as if he brought her to life, made her not-so-timid and helped her to stop caring what others thought of her.

To be honest, I was slightly jealous. Why couldn't I have a man like Eric in my life?

But no, all I had was a

handsome... kind.... crown prince

HERE'S THE CATCH

who didn't even know my name.

Life was so complicated.

A rap at the bedroom door sounded, and Jovette burst in without waiting for an answer. "There's a proclamation-" she began breathlessly. Then she saw Eric with Anastasia sleeping in his arms. Her expression soured and she folded her arms. "What are you doing here?"

I tried not to laugh. Did Jovette fancy Eric?

Apparently so.

Eric shot her a grin. "Hello to you, too. Please don't speak too loudly. I don't want you to wake Ana."

Jovette glared at him. Yep, she definitely liked him. "I came to tell Cinderrrrella and Anastasia that a proclamation was just sent out."

I winced at the sound of the nickname she'd given me when I'd fallen into the dirty fireplace at eleven years old.

Well, actually, she'd pushed me. She'd always believed she could boss me around because she was a year my senior.

"Ahem." Jovette cleared her throat importantly. "The prince declares that he has found the girl he wishes to marry."

I couldn't help it. A gasp escaped me.

Don't be surprised, Ella. You knew he'd probably move on to someone prettier after you left. Don't be disappointed.

"He apparently has no clue what her name is, but he has her slipper and has been traveling throughout the kingdom since early this morning, trying to find her. Whichever maiden fits the slipper gets to be his bride or whatever."

For a moment, I actually believed it. My face turned stark pale, then bright red, then pale again. I almost passed out.

Then I remembered how infamous Jovette was for her cruel jokes.

"Very funny," I muttered, turning away. "You actually had me for a sec there."

She was silent for a moment. "No, I'm actually serious."

At that moment, Lady Tremaine stepped into the doorway behind Jovette. "She's telling the truth."

I dropped the pillow I'd been holding.