The Step-Sister

The Ball

     Ella marveled at all of the sights and smells in the town. She hadn't been outside the estate for many years because, as a scullery maid, nobody would want to get the coach out just so she could go to the town, and the cook didn't trust anyone but herself to run errands.

     The road twisted and turned, it looked as if there was nothing for miles, but when they turned one last time, a magnificent castle came into view. The spires reached far into the sky and the flags that waved in the air made it seem as if the whole castle was dancing.

     "I love it, Harold, even if they don't let us into the ball, you've done so much and I can't imagine being happier."

     Harold smiled, "I'm sure they'll let you in. Every eligible young lady was commanded to attend. It does present a problem of how I will get in, I was not invited."

     "We can say that you are my escort because my mother and father were unable to come with me due to a tragic sickness and they didn't want me to come alone." Ella replied. "It's not really a lie, just bending the truth a tiny bit."

     "You can be very conniving when you want to be," Harold confessed with a grin.

     "Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't use it against my best friend, but using it against someone who might get between us is a totally different story." Ella grinned at Harold, almost disbelieving her luck. Who would have guessed that even a cripple could find their true love?

     The two good friends got out once the carriage came to a stop in front of the towering front doors. As it turned out, they did not need to use their clever plan because the guards were told to let any young lady in, along with any entourage that accompanied them. Ella and Harold danced all evening, much as Cinderella danced with the Prince. At midnight there was a huge commotion, and Ella and Harold rushed to see what was happening. Flying down the stairs was a beautiful woman in red with glass slippers. 

     Chasing after her was the Prince. Cinderella stumbled a bit and one of her glass slippers fell off. She looked back, but the Prince was gaining on her, so she left her shoe behind and jumped in the rented golden carriage.

     The Prince, clearly distraught, picked up the glass slipper and declared for all to hear, "I will find the owner of this glass slipper, and when I do, she shall be my queen."

     "What was her name?" Someone shouted.

     The Prince looked confused before he admitted, "I don't know."

     "Where is she from?" Another shouted.

     "I don't know."

     "What do you know about her?"

     "I know that she is lovely, clever, beautiful, and the love of my life." Harold and Ella almost burst out laughing, how could anyone love such a beast? Instead of giggling, they joined in the crowd's whispering

     "We should tell him who she is." Ella said.

     "No, I wouldn't wish her company upon my worst enemy." Harold argued.

     "You're right, for His Highness' sake, we mustn't tell him how to find her."

     The knights must have gotten some cue from the Prince because they started ushering guests towards the door and before long they had cleared everyone out. Ella and Harold were one of the last to leave, and they walked right past the Prince, after a bow and a curtsy. 

     Before they were five steps away from the Prince a huge man with a gleaming sword came charging at the Prince. 

     Harold pushed Ella out of the way, grabbed a decorative sword off of the wall and took a stance in front of the Prince.