A/N: I technically do not own the fairytale that what you are about to read is based on. My grammar here is terrible because I was too lazy to figure out the proper phraseology. If you don't get who Celia and Charming are...shameful. Anyways, read and review!
Celia had been cleaning the fireplace all morning when she met him. Ashes had therefore spread all over her face, hands, and clothing. When the knock came on the door, her sisters yelled at her to get it. So, covered in ashes, Celia was obligated to answer. Standing there was a handsome man in the dress of one in the king's service.
"Are the ladies of the house here?" he asked directly.
"Yes my lord, but none of them are in proper receiving attire," she answered, as her face flushed. Celia inspected the man, his attire seemed too rich for any normal messenger and his facial hair was neatly trimmed. Gold cording trimmed his sleeves and his collar was soft velvet.
"Is there no one else to receive me than yourself?"
"I'm afraid that's true," the man shifted uncomfortably. "Be glad you're not getting one of the other servants. If you have a message for the ladies of the house, I'll make sure all four of them hear it."
The man's head jolted up, "I didn't know there were four ladies of the house. I thought that there were only three."
Celia chuckled at his bewildered expression, " Originally, my master had a daughter of his own in addition to his wife. After his first wife died, he married his current wife, who brought along daughters from her previous marriage. My master's daughter is quite frankly a bit of a recluse; she prefers the company of birds and the servants to her step-family."
"From what I know of the family, I would be a recluse too."
"Then why are you here?"
"In order to invite them to a ball in honor of the prince," here, the man reluctantly held out an invitation.
"If you want, three of the ladies of the house don't have to hear about this. I'll only give it to my master's daughter!" Celia smirked and shot the man a wink. He momentarily flushed before returning her a dopey smile.
"I could give you an invitation as well," he began, "I am allowed to invite one person of my own choosing and this is the last house on my list."
Celia gave a secret little smile, "Very well," she replied calmly, while dancing a jig on the inside, "but you should probably know my name first." The messenger nodded. "Most people call me Cinderella but you can call me Celia."
The messenger bowed and touched his lips to her grimy fingers, "You can call me Charming."
Celia giggled, "Till we meet again, Charming." Charming smiled and after handing her the two invitations, returned to his horse and rode out through the gate.