Weekly News from the Wacky World of Fairy Tales. The Once Upon A Times keeps you up to date with all the goings-on in the fairy tale lands, from the Pleasant Kingdoms to the Seven Seas of Despair.
High Society Flounders After Famous 'Cinder' Ella goes AWOL
Dansemeister Palace, Pleasant Kingdoms - Ella Ashlynn, also known as 'Cinder' Ella, who rose to fame last summer after winning Prince Dansemeister's heart, is missing. Prince Dansemeister confirmed the disappearance in a press conference this morning: "Yes, Ella went out shopping about a month ago and hasn't come back. She must still be out there buying something--the enchanted treasurer says gold keeps vanishing from the account. She'll be back soon. Hopefully."
Those assurances are not enough for high society. Ever since she stole the show at the prince's inaugural Golden Ball, Princess Ashlynn has set the latest fashion standards. Without her, nobles are uncertain how to dress. "Look, I'm still wearing my glass slippers. Most of the ladies in town are--but they're not the best for ice!" despairs Lady Millie Puff. "If only the Princess were here to show me what winter styles are best suited to the season!"
Lord Vestment, long-time royal clothier, is equally concerned. "Since her disappearance, the prince has not hosted a single ball. They have completely abandoned their responsibilities as trendsetters-in-chief. How are we supposed to know what to wear without their example? It's a new year and I'm still in last year's fashion. Oh! Swooning--I'm swooning!"
Dr. Emma Thot of Dansemeister University predicts this will have dire consequences on the psychological character of high society. "The upper crust are feeling lost, with no sense of direction. It will be fascinating to see if this downward spiral continues, triggering the collapse of our political institutions, or--and this would be quite a breakthrough--if the nobles start choosing their own clothes and generally, thinking for themselves."
The prince has confirmed that until Princess Ashlynn's return, the palace will not host any further social events.
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