The rest of the morning was easier. I read the note from Greg four times before I left my bed chamber, and each time I pressed it to my lips. The tray of food went unnoticed as I headed to my first princess class of the day: throne room etiquette. The throne room was situated next to the ball room. It was lined with pictures of Greg, from age to age. The room was long, and at one end stood a raised platform with two elegant chairs splitting center. There were chairs and benches scattered unorganized on both sides, as if someone was setting up for something or other. My lesson took place on platform. I sat in the less ornate throne with my tutor pacing in front of me in a most arrogant manner.

"As the queen, you observe without speech. You have to learn to sit in your throne with an impassive face and listen to every word with absolutely no reaction…"

Mr. Fletchem was really hard to listen to. My mind wondered as soon as he got into his speech, and found itself on the subject of Greg. I didn't want to be rude, but I couldn't help thinking of my husband with all of his pictures hanging from the walls. I imagined him walking through the door. He would gently excuse my tutor…

"You are dismissed, Mr. Flechem."

"But sire! This is an important lesson!"

Greg puts his hand up to stop the man and lifts me out of my seat gallantly, laughing at the tutor's flustered face. He carries me out of the throne room calling, "I must save this damsel, for she is in distress!"

He carries me to the ball room and we dance. He holds me tightly, guiding me through the steps. Our cheeks brush, our hearts touch. He says, "Did you see what I left for you?"

I smile and say, "I have the letter right here," pointing to my pocket.

He says, "But did you get the flowers?"

"Yes."

"Did you notice the-"

"Your Highness! Have you heard a word I have said?"

I looked at my red-faced, plump tutor with his crooked wig. "There was something else!" I said excitedly.

He inhaled quickly, as if to speak, and then stopped. "Begging your pardon, Your Highness, but I don't understand. Can we please get back to the lesson?"

"Sorry, Mr. Flechem," I said sweetly. "Please continue. I didn't mean to daydream like that."

But I still couldn't pay attention. My mind was recalling the glittering something I had seen in the bottom of the crystal vase that carried the four pink roses. In order to be respectful, I forced myself to focus on my lesson, but as soon as Mr. Flechem had finished drilling me on proper posture for political presentations, it was all I could do not to run back to my room.

The chamber maid had left the roses on the bedside table. I closed the door, leaning against it, before launching myself at the flowers. I gently pulled the pink beauties out of the vase and looked in. There was definitely something in there. I carried the empty vase out to the balcony and squatted in the center. I tipped the edge of the vase so that the water came out in a slow stream. Something hit the edge of the glass. Because of the fancy design of the crystal, I still was unable to tell what was held within the vase. After all the water was drained out of it, I put my hand underneath it and turned it all upside down.

What landed in my hand was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It was a thin golden chain with a small golden shoe attached to the end. The slipper was about the size of my thumbnail. On the toe of the slipper was a tiny blue diamond. It was beautiful. I fastened it around my neck, where it hung just below my collarbone. It was still a little wet, but I didn't care. It was gorgeous.

Ignoring the nagging voice of Mr. Flechem in my head, telling me I would be late for luncheon, I ran to the library to find some parchment and a quill. I needed to write my prince a letter. The words flowed out of my pen like a river.

Greg,

You've been gone mere hours, and I already miss you, more than words can express. I found the letter and the gift that you left me. The necklace is perfect. I'm wearing it right now.

During lessons today, I noticed that there were several pictures of you hanging around the throne room. They all looked so interesting, and I would love to hear the stories behind them. Would you tell me? I found myself daydreaming about each one instead of paying attention to my tutor. He was teaching me about the rolls of a queen in a court procedure.

Our wedding picture is being enlarged for the frame in our bedroom. The painter is almost finished with it. He's also working on miniatures. I can't wait to see what it looks like. He won't allow anyone to see, but your father refuses to pay him unless it is perfect.

I realize that, even though we are married, you know little about me. Let me tell you a little about myself. Both of my parents are dead. My mother died before I could remember her, but Father always said she was beautiful. Do you remember your mother? I bet she was beautiful.

I've lived in the same house all of my life and I know every inch of it. Are there any secret passages in the palace? I've wondered that since I was a little girl and my father told me there were. He liked to tease me by seeing how much he could fool me, though, so I don't know if it's true.

Since you have only been away one day, I don't know what else to tell you, besides that I am hungry. I was so excited about your letter that I forgot to eat breakfast! I suppose I should go to luncheon now.

I hope the journey is enjoyable thus far.

Come back to me safely, Greg. I will never forgive you if….

I love you.

Your adoring wife,

Cinderella

P.S. I'm making a list of possible names. I need to figure out this name situation.

I found a maid and instructed her to fetch Williams, who turned out to be a pleasant gentleman. Williams took the letter from me with a bow. He left immediately.

And I hurried to luncheon.