Chapter 10:
The Quest of Prince Charming
Back at Cinderella's stepmother's home, Prince Charming was frantic. He had just come to bring her flowers when he was informed that she was missing. He had finally found one girl who liked him for who he was, not just for being a handsome prince, and now she was gone. He had to save her. She could be in trouble!
But there was just one problem with that. Despite popular belief, he was not brave, not at all. He knew he had to go find her, but struggled to bring himself to do it. He knew the love of his life could be in terrible danger, but that was exactly why he couldn't go.
He finally gritted his teeth and resolved to save her, whatever it took. He forced himself to trudge back to his palace and into the stables to tell the stable hand to prepare his valiant little Shetland pony, Thunder. Then he went into the castle to make preparations for the journey.
He gathered himself a proper royal entourage (A Knight, a manservant, a groom, a tailor, a footman, a coachman, a loyal companion, and a gourmet chef), then went to kiss his mother goodbye before boarding the deluxe carriage and embarking on his grueling journey.
And so he set off, lounging on the padded seat across from petite Thunder, who he chatted idly with, occasionally leaning out the coach window to ask the coachman if they were nearly there yet.
Finally the coachman responded with a yes, and the footman hopped down from the seat to assist his majesty out of the carriage. The prince stretched his legs, then, surrounded by his faithful entourage and clutching Thunder close, he timidly approached the imposing golden castle.
After a moment of standing in front of the door, his loyal companion asked him if he should perhaps enter the foul witch's domain.
"Not without a proper entrance," he stated dumbly, "Why didn't I bring a trumpeter with me?" he shouted angrily.
"Perhaps, Your Highness, you should simply sneak in. Then the witch would not know that you were here, and it may, in fact, assist you in your rescue. Perhaps." The manservant squeaked. Prince Charming pondered this with an impressive stroke of his chin.
"Good work, man," he finally said jovially, "That is an excellent plan! Onward, my good men, onward!" he cried, and, using a hanky to avoid any germs on the door handle, pulled open the heavy golden door and marched importantly inside the palace.