Prince Henry's heart had been broken and he felt betrayed. His parents had been right and that he had to strengthen his kingdom and marry the depressed Princess from Spain. Love was not possible, and his adventure with Danielle had been a disaster. It had taught him to guard his heart. He checked his clothing before walking to the chapel to marry the Princess. The elaborate ceremony completed and the wedding bells rang. The alliances of two Kingdoms had been secured.
Danielle our 'Cinderella' had bravely fought the Evil Earl and was free. She walked out of his castle and felt the sunlight on her face.
'I am free!' was the thought that crossed her mind as she felt the fresh air on her face.
She knew her captor would recover, and she needed to run. She couldn't go back home or see the Prince … she had to save herself. That is what she had learned in the last month…. her prince at the most critical moment had rejected her. She would not let anyone put her in such a position again and she had to make her own future.
In her arms she had her clothing and the pieces of silver the Earl had given her. She could no longer stay in her beloved country. At least one thing was in her favour... she knew the land and could hide in the forest, but she knew she couldn't do it forever. The Earl would be looking for his property and she couldn't be captured by him.
As Danielle started walking quickly towards the entrance she felt someone touch her arm. She turned quickly and was relieved to see it was one of the servants.
"My lady! I can help you! please follow me" Susan implored while directing her towards a cart full of rubbish. Susan had worked for Danielle's family until she had been sold to the Earl. Danielle had only a few moments too decided and she had to trust Susan. She quickly tucked herself in the cart and Susan covered it with a tattered blanket.
"Where is that girl? I paid good money for her and I will make her pay for striking me!" sneered the Earl of Westings. He wanted to reek revenge on Danielle and once he found her she would pay for her disobedience. Susan had overheard what he was going to do and didn't want her to be raped. She directed him in the opposite direction and quickly told her brother to go quickly before the Earl inspected the cart.
Danielle remained hidden in the cart and it felt like hours before it stopped. The cover was pulled away and she had to get out. She gave the boy some money and was told there was an Inn. She really was alone and it was starting to get dark. She prayed for a miracle and that someone would help her.
"Danielle? Is that you child? What are you doing here?" spoke a familiar voice. She turned and saw the friendly face of Leonardo. He had left the wedding early and was stopping for the night. Danielle explaining what had happened to her and asked for his help.
"Oh course child… you will travel with me. I am always wanting more help and you have already shown me you are bright" he smiled and asked the Inn keeper to prepare a room for his daughter. Danielle sighing in relief and took her small bundle of clothing to her bedroom. She lay on the bed and for the first time in years felt safe. Since the death of her father, she had been subjected to abuse by her stepmother and treated as a servant. She had seen her beloved family home being pulled apart and finally being sold as a servant to one of worst men in the Kingdom.
She had fallen in love with a man who had been a Prince but he had rejected her. She was sick and tired of being told she was not good enough. She was no longer going to let people put her down. She was going to create her own destiny and happiness.
And so begins a journey… a new adventure…. A new destiny for our Cinderella.