A Bonanza Cinderella story based upon The Slipper and the Rose from 1976.
Regina Darien a simple girl from the Kingdom of the Ponderosa longs for a life away from her horrid stepfamily. Meanwhile Prince Adam, longs to marry a woman for love despite the fact his family and advisors want him to marry for alliance purposes.
Cast of characters
The Lawrence-Darien Household
Regina Darien- a servant girl enslaved by her stepfamily.
Linda Lawrence: The Countess of Chadwick - Regina's horrid stepmother. Mother of Laura and Isabella
Isabella: Regina's horrid stepsister (featuring Isabella De La Cuesta from the Spanish Grant)
Laura: Regina's other horrid stepsister ( featuring none other than Laura Dayton from the series.)
The Kingdom of the Ponderosa Palace
The Cartwright Dynasty
Prince Adam: A prince longing to marry for love.
King Benjamin: Prince Adam's father
Queen Elizabeth: Prince Adam"s mother
Duke William Cartwright: King Benjamin's nephew.
Duchess Clarissa Cartwright: King Benjamin's cousin
Advisors to the King
Candy Canady - King Benjamin's Lord Chamberlain
Sir Griff King: Advisor
Sir Joseph DeMarigny: Advisor
Sir Eric Borgstrom - Advisor
Others
Ann - Regina's Fairy Godmother (featuring Ann from The Search)
Lady Abigail Jones: Duchess Clarissa's lady-in-waiting
Hank Myers: Prince Adam's loyal companion
Special Appearance by Walter the Dog
Disclaimer I own nothing
The Hopeful Slipper
Chapter 1
Find a mate dear boy
The Kingdom of the Ponderosa
Early Winter of 1759
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of the Ponderosa it was a cold winter day. A procession of riders made their way through the snow covered Kingdom on their way home from a long journey. The leader of the procession was a handsome man with dark wavy hair and hazel eyes. His name was Prince Adam, oldest son of King Benjamin of the Ponderosa. Beside him was his fateful companion Hank Myers.
After traveling quite a distance they had finally reached the Courtyard of the royal palace where the trumpets went off to signal the return of Prince Adam. Prince Adam had an expression of disgust as the went off. He dismounted his horse and went into the castle with Hank following close behind him.
Prince Adam and Hank entered the great hall and stood in front of the fireplace. Prince Adam through his hat across the room and dropped his cloak onto the ground.
"Why do they always sound so many trumpets. I'm not some greek god that they need to honor. Why can't a Prince or any other royal for that matter come home without a fuss made about?" Prince Adam questioned as he paced in front of the fireplace.
Hank gave his companion a little smile. "Presumably because he is a prince, sir."
Prince Adam scoffed. "Other people can sneak in the back unannounced, which is how it should be done. What are you smiling at?"
"Oh was I smiling, sir?" The sudden warmth was cracking the cold in my face." Hank explained.
A footman approached them with goblets of wine which both men took. Prince Adam took a drink before staring across the room. "Let me tell you something Hank. A prince's lot is nothing more than a bore. Your face does seem to crack rather easily, doesn't it?"
Hank just laughed and Prince Adam continued on. "Now you mark my words. Before you can count to ten, through that door with the revolting punctuality of our neighbors to the north much wanted recently invented, atrocious cuckoo clock will come our dear and loyal subject, the ever humble Candy Canady the Lord High Chamberlain."
Hank started counting, when he got to six the guard started pounding his staff to the floor. "Seven!"
"He's improving. One of these days he's going to accomplish the elusive ten-minute mile" Prince Adam said sarcastically placing his hand on Hank's shoulder. Hank just laughed at his comment.
Candy Canady the Lord High Chamberlain then swiftly walked into the room. "Your Royal Highness. Welcome home." He bowed swiftly in front of the Prince.
"My Lord High Chamberlain. What an unexpected pleasure." Prince Adam said with a fake smile.
"I am commanded by His Majesty the King, your father, and her majesty, the Queen..." Lord Candy explained until Prince Adam put his hand up to signal him to stop talking.
"Yes, don't tire yourself before the day is out. I am well acquainted with them. How are my dear parents?" Prince Adam asked.
"Their majesties are most eager to hear such good news, I feel sure you bear concerning your recent absence from the court. Mostly, the matter of your acceptance and betrothal to the Princess Helen of Sacramento, It is indeed an anticipation of such wonderful news, His majesty the king has decided to make you a Knight of the Order of Saint David." Lord Candy explained his hand waving around with enthusiasm.
Prince Adam rolled his eyes and handed his goblet to Hank "As usual, he ordered it posthumously. A suitable honor no doubt. As the matter of my betrothal is very status quo. I did not find the lady of your choosing to be my choice.
Lord Candy's eyes widened. "Oh but sir.."
Prince Adam interrupted him mid sentence and walked up to him. "We are returned... as we departed. The King, I'm sure and indeed my dearest mother will share your noticeable grief.
"Indeed your highness the whole court will be grieved!" Lord Candy exclaimed.
Hank just smiled at the Lord Chamberlain's dramatics.
"Well so be it. Let me tell you something Lord Chamberlain. Any peasant is afforded the ability to fall in love. While I of the Nobility am robbed of the ability to choose." Prince Adam explained.
"He does have a point." Hank pointed out.
"Thank you Hank." Prince Adam then walked up to Candy to jab him in the shoulder with his finger. "Everyone follow me since I get no privacy as a prince."
Everyone followed Prince Adam out into the corridor which would lead to the throne room which was likely where his parents were at.
"You know there are times I wish I was two people. The first person could handle all the tiring duties that come with my role as a prince while the other me could be a free and happy soul.I mean as royalty we always refer to us as well. So in my opinion there should be at least two or three of me. Don't you agree?" Prince Adam asked as his heels tapped the stone floor as he walked. Lord Candy was walking right next to him.
Lord Candy was confused. "It's not up to me to say your royal highness."
Prince Adam continued on. "Perhaps not. However, I will let you know that if I was two people life would not pass me by. Perhaps one of us would have a chance to live before we die." Prince Adam explained as he opened the doors to the throne room.
"Died? Who died?" asked Duchess Clarissa the cousin of King Benjamin. She had been focused on her card game with King Benjamin and Queen Elizabeth that she had barely heard the door open.
King Benjamin looked up from the cards with a smile on his face. "Ah, at last. Our dear son we are delighted to see you have returned. I have something for you." He then got up and walked towards Prince Adam.
Both Lord Candy and Prince Adam tried to speak out about the upcoming conflict but it was no use. "Kneel before me." King Benjamin told his son.
"Father, I do not wish- It would be most inappropraite-" Prince Adam tried to explain but it was no use.
"Your majesty, His royal highness has returned." Lord Candy explained.
"Of course he's returned." I swear your brain is getting smaller with each passing day." King Benjamin laughed.
"I have returned, father.." Prince Adam trying to explain the situation again.
King Benjamin just looked at his son. "Now your catching it." He laughed and Prince Adam said the words empty handed but they were ignored.
"Father, this is most embarassing. I don't deserve this honor I haven't really earned it." Prince Adam explained as he kneeled before his father on one knee.
King Benjamin just shook his head at his son. "Nobody earns this. It's given because I am the King and I enjoy doing it. Sir Eric give me my sword." King Benjamin asked the nearby lord for his sword. Sir Eric then handed him the objected that was needed for the task.
"Oh I do enjoy these ceremonies. Especially when there's an entire regiment because I get to give them a kiss on each cheek." Queen Elizabeth whispered to her blushing Lady-in-waiting.
King Benjamin then started to the ritual for the ceremony. "Alright everyone let it be known by our royal command his royal highness, Prince Adam Benjamin Abel Cartwright has received our most gracious favor from this day forward he will be entitled as Knight of the Order of Saint David." He tapped the sword on both shoulders of Prince Adam and gave it back to Sir Eric. He then put the medal around the neck of Prince Adam.
"Ah what a very touching ceremony. Now onto business." King Benjamin then put on his serious face.
However, before he could ask his question the doors to the throne room opened and a man with dark hair and a small mustache came rushing in.
"Congratulations dear cousin." said the voice of Duke William Cartwright as he sprinted across the room to shake Prince Adam's hand.
"Oh, Lord. Who let him in?" King Benjamin asked and he rolled his eyes.
"I heard all the trumpets so it must be good news I hope?" Duke William asked.
"Now don't you start." Prince Adam growled.
"Oh am I too early? Have I broken the code of social etiquette. I mean I was being sincere. As sincere as I am." Duke William explained as he fingered Prince Adam's medal.
Prince Adam having enough decided to approach his father with what was on his mind. "Father, ever since I have entered this room, I've been trying to tell you that what have expected of me did not take place."
"Benjamin I think we should continue our card came some other time. Our son is trying to tell us something." Queen Elizabeth explained.
"But I was winning." King Benjamin explained.
"More like cheating." Duchess Clarissa muttered.
"King's never cheat. They adapt to circumstances but they never cheat." King Benjamin explained.
"Father this is more serious than any card came. The match that you set me up with was of your making and not of mine. However, I did my duty as your son and traveled to the Kingdom of Sacramento to pay my respects to the Princess Helen." Prince Adam explained.
"And was she everything that we had heard of my boy? King Benjamin asked.
"She was nothing of what we had heard. When I got there I was greeted by a woman who was nothing but a compulsive gambler and drinker. She was also prone to swooning" Prince Adam explained.
"So all women drink, gamble, and swoon. They know it's expected of them." King Benjamin shrugged.
"Let me tell you some women swoon more than others but swooning to excess is not a quality I greatly admire." Prince Adam added.
"Oh are you saying that she refused you?" King Benjamin asked slightly confused.
"No father. She could not refuse me because I did not offer. Let me tell you father she was nothing like the portrait I saw. Her face was riddled with wrinkles and she was old." Prince Adam explained disgusted with bringing up the memory.
"Interesting." King Benjamin said slightly uninterested.
"Father it's a small thing and doubtless and mostly out of your interest to you. But when I marry as it's expected of me one day, it will be for the convenience of love, rather than the convenience of convenience." Prince Adam explained bodly.
"Love?" Prince Benjamin asked slightly confused
"Did he say love? How absurd." Cousin Clarissa laughed.
"Let me tell you something son what has love got to do with getting married. If you ask I think love is just a distraction for the matters at state." King Benjamin just laughed.
"While I don't agree with your father I do think love can come at a later time once your duty has been fulfilled. The important thing is to find a mate. There's Princess Sue Ellen, Princess Regan, and Princess Rebecca to choose from. Love can always wait." Queen Elizabeth explained trying to be a little sympathetic.
"I disagree" Prince Adam interjected.
"While your mother and I have always respected each other. We did not let our feelings get ahead. I mean no one wants their bed elevated to the throne." King Benjamin scoffed.
Duchess Clarissa decided to take her spot on the matter. "If you ask me, pick the proper princess to prime to propagate. Love can just wait."
"Afterall there are so many maidens with grand positions that have the best armies to help our throne." King Benjamin added in.
"Oh uncle I do agree with you but I will add in my opinion. What has marriage got to do with being happy? Being married doesn't compare with being royal.. With being royal you can have every luxury. While a marriage can spoil. Find a mate dear cousin set the date. Why procrastinate and change the hand of fate. Find a mate and set the date. Happiness can always wait." Duke William put in despite the fact that King Benjamin was glaring at him."
"Guards get him out of here please." King Benjamin told him.
"Oh did I make a little faux pas I was enjoying myself." Duke William said as was escorted out.
King Benjamin's dark eyes grew serious and he put his hand on Prince Adam's shoulder. "There you see. That's the price we will have to pay unless you name the day. I say again what has love got to do with getting married?" He then sat down on his throne
"Your father and I are tired of you defiance. Pick someone, do your duty and everything is perfect from there." Queen Elizabeth explained taking a seat next to her husband.
"It's you duty to the state not to stay a celibate. King Benjamin explained.
"Find a mate." Queen Elizabeth called out.
"Find a mate." Duke William poked his head back in.
"Find a mate." Cousin Clarissa added.
"What has love got to do with getting married?" All three said to Prince Adam in unison.
The Lawrence-Darien Household
Several miles away a group of four ladies were making their way home from the graveyard. Three of the members were walking close together while the fourth strayed ten steps behind them. They entered the home and the leader of the group finally spoke.
"What a relief. That is over and done with. Help me my darlings, my fingers are numb from the cold" said the voice of Lady Linda Lawernece, The Countess of Chadwick complained as they walked into the parlor.
"Don't step on my dress Laura you little idiot." said the shrill voice of Isabella. The brunettes dark eyes with fury.
"Don't call me an idiot, you trollop." Laura spat back.
"Girl please, Can you never do anything without squabbling." Lady Linda interjected.
The fourth member of the group was a young lady with dark eyes and strawberry blonde hair that was peeking out from under her black cloak. After the day she had all she wanted to do was just go up to her room and cry.
"Black was never my color." Lady Linda explained as she took off her cloak to reveal a bright purple dress.
"So very unbecoming. If I ever become a widow I will never wear black. I'll just tell my child her father is on a long trip." Laura explained as she took off her cloak to reveal a bright blue dress which matched her eyes.
"Especially when one's so young and pretty." Isabella added in dropping her cloak to reveal a bright yellow dress.
"And where do you think you are going child?" Lady Linda asked as she saw Regina going towards the stairs.
Regina paused and turned around to look at Lady Linda. "To my room stepmother."
"Your Room?" Lady Linda asked in a sinister voice. Isabella and Laura just laughed.
"All the rooms in this house are mine now. Your father, my late husband, sadly missed by us all, is dead, girl. Dead and buried under the snow in the same grave as your dear mother. That is a double misfortune for you. Now it's time to start a new life. Your father, as a token for his great love for me, saw fit to produce a will placing you in my care and protection." Lady Linda explained.
"My father never loved you. You tricked him." Regina said calmly.
"How dare you madam assume such things!" Lady Linda spat out.
Regina's eyes burned with fury and she came down the stairs to face her stepmother. "You tricked him."
Lady Linda's composure softened. "Well, if I did... He did not live to rue the day, did he? And now you can curb your tongue, learn humility, and realize your present place."
Regina continued down the stairs. "I despise you. I despise you all"
Lady Linda grabbed Regina's wrist and pushed her onto a chair. "Now, hear me out girl and hear me well. Blood is thicker than a widow's tears and god knows I have shed enough of those. I have my own two daughters to think about. This situation has forced me to make certain changes regarding in the household. Is that not so girl?"
Isabella spoke up first. "Oh yes mama, certain financial economies."
"Exactly, but being a woman of principle, I will at least honor your father last wishes and provide a home for you. Below the stairs and do not think you will find sympathy with the staff. The staff has been dismissed. You are now the help around here." Lady Linda explained as she pushed Regina near the downstairs door.
"To take orders instead of giving them out." Laura said as she approached her mother.
"Mostly from us." Isabella laughed.
"Never." Regina said keeping her composure.
"Oh, yes. Your will cook and carry. You will fetch and father's will allows and the law allows it. You can take you pick accept my offer or go to the orphanage." Lady Linda continued.
"You know Regina, one can be very happy there." Laura said with a teasing voice.
Isabella stepped in to add a comment. "And very warm. They sleep eight to a bed. Not counting that rats."
Lady Linda interupted. "Do not tease my darlings. It will spoil you beauty. Now your first task will be to make us some soup. Burying a husband is a cold affair, and sadly for me I have now buried two.
"Poor mother." Laura and Isabella said together.
"Give me your cloak girl. You will not be needing it down there." Lady Linda ordered.
Regina unfasted the ribbons of her cloak and slipped it off.
Lady Linda snatched it from her and handed it to Laura who gave it to Isabella and from there Isabella dropped it to the floor. "You can wear this to cover your hair." She handed Regina a white bonnet. "And do not keep us waiting for the soup. Come along my darlings we must rearrange the rooms"
"Oh mother may I have Regina's room." Laura asked as they walked away.
"No mother you promised me." Isabella complained wanting to pull out Laura's hair.
"My darlings. Everything will be fairly divided." Lady Linda explained as they walked up the stairs.
Regina then made her way down the stairs to the kitchen and she placed the white bonnet over her hair. When she got down she was greeted by the sight on mice eating the leftover food food on the table. She just looked and then sat down in a chair by the fireplace and covered her face with her hands.
So I will admit this might be the silliest ideas I have ever had. Hopefully it will get better from here. Please read and review. The next chapter will be up soon.