Justin was allowed to stay in the butler annex. Barely. Fortunately a little conniving on my end was more effective than his attempt at puppy dog eyes.

Septemera and Jacques finally got married a month after I returned. It wasn't a large wedding, but it was beautiful. It was held in our backyard, next to the swing we had played on every day when we were younger. She was beautiful and happy, eyes sparkling and smile dazzling. From that day on I had our room to myself. It was quiet.

A few days after the wedding fairy-god-mother came to visit. I found her in the parlor, happily conjuring tea and cakes as she waited.

"It's a pleasure to see you again." I said, sweeping a small curtsy.

She laughed and waved me over, wand moving as if she were conducting and orchestra instead of pouring tea. "Now, now, dear. No need to be formal with me. I'm glad to see that that spell of yours has been broken, my grandson was of some help I hope?"

I sat next to her, laughing lightly. "Yes. More than that even."

"Oh, that is good then dearie. I was a bit worried about him to be honest. Now then, everything's as good as happily ever after."

I glanced down, biting my lip at little. "Oh, I suppose that's right."

Fairy-god-mother raised her eyebrows, taking a sip of tea. "You 'suppose' dear? Is there something holding you back?"

I sighed, smiling gently. "I have everything I could ever need or want right now, Ms. Fair-god-mother-"

"Please," she interrupted, "I've done nothing for you. Call me grandmother instead."

I looked at her and nodded gratefully, smile widening. "Grandmother. I want for nothing. But it's quickly becoming clear to me, I can't stay here."

"Why ever not?"

"Well, Justin for one thing. I know he's happy to stay with me wherever I go or stay, but his soul is a freer sprit then this. He's not a being who can be truly satisfied staying in once place, let alone a place like this. He doesn't say anything, but I can tell. He longs to move, to do as he pleases once more. I don't want to stop him."

"I see." Grandmother Fatalore said simply, nodding along. "I suppose he is still quite young after all, but I have a feeling that's not your only qualm."

"No." I chuckled a little, clutching the teacup in front of me, feeling the warmth sink into my skin. "That's really only part of it. The truth is, I feel as though I've outgrown this place. Just a little. Like a shoe that I can still wear but it pinches my toes. This is a place I can always come back to, that I can always call home, but it's not where I'm meant to be. Not anymore."

"Well it sounds like you've got it all figured out," she said, using her wand to float a couple cubes of sugar into her tea, "so what's got you so worried?"

"I, I don't know how to tell papa – father – or my sisters. I just left last time, I let them think I was dead. How could I leave them again? How could I let them worry or grieve like that again?"

"My, that is a predicament." She said sounding completely unconcerned. "But you know dear, I think you already know what you need to do."

I stilled, eyeing her curiously. "What?"

"Goodness dear, do I have to spell it out?" She clucked softly, shaking her head as if lightly scolding a child. "Oh, very well. Now then, whenever I do a large spell I have to say some magic words. Now then, what were they again? Oh yes, I remember now." She raised her wand delicately and brought it down in one large sweeping motion, a glittering whirl of magic swirling its way over to me. "Bibbity-boppity-boo!"

As it swept over me I felt the same tingling sensation I had gotten when Justin had changed my travelling dress all that time ago. I looked down and the magic faded, my dress a decidedly finer cloth and turned a delicate shade of pink.

"My, that is better dear." She said putting her wand down and picking up her cup. "Yellow suits you too, but you really look yourself in pink. Now don't thank me," She said quickly as I opened my mouth, "I've received so many wonderful souvenirs from you and Justin. Just think of this as a thank you gift."

"It's lovely." I said softly, petting the fabric.

"Yes dear," Grandmother Fatalore said, satisfied. "It's wonderful on you. Now then, what you need to do is say the magic words."

"Bippity-boppity-boo?"

She laughed. "Goodness no dear, words of your own. You must go to your father, to your family, and tell them how you feel."

I chuckled. "I see, I suppose I can't just keep hiding it in me forever."

She stood and walked over to me, patting me softly on the cheek. "See dear, you already had the answer. Now then, don't forget to send me an invite to your wedding. It's not everyday a Fatalore is married."

I blushed, standing up to see her off. "He's not asked me yet grandmother, but I'll remember every one of you if he does."

She snorted. "If. Please. That boy needs to buck up a little, why his grandfather- but never mind. I suppose he takes after his father instead." She stepped out on to the front porch. "Well then my dear, adieu!"

She raised her wand and in a swirl of soft light she disappeared.

As I turned to go back in Justin rounded the corner of the mansion, catching up to me.

"Was gran here just now?" He asked. "I could've sworn I just felt her magic."

I laughed, taking his arm. "She was over for tea. You just missed her."

He smiled down at me, golden hair slipping a little over his shoulder. "You seem in a good mood. And is that dress new? I don't think I've seen it before."

I tugged him down, pecking him on the lips. "It was a gift. And yes, I am in a good mood. I've finally made a decision."

He raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?"

"First I need you to ask for my hand."

"I haven't yet?" He picked me up so I had to hold his shoulders in order not to fall. Now my head was slightly above his. He cupped my face with his free hand, guiding my head down to his. "My dearest Augustina Du Bois, would you do me the honor of being my bride?"

We kissed again, softer, longer. He set me down as we parted.

"Yes."

He kissed me again, pulling me in. This kiss was faster. I ended it reluctantly, pushing him softly away.

"Perfect." I said. I took his hand and pulled him into the mansion with me. "Now we tell my father when he get's home from the palace, and tell him our plans for afterwards."

"Afterwards?"

I released his hand, spinning around to face him, excitement overtaking my features. "My good Sorcerer Fatalore, it's time for us to step out into the world- where our happiness lies."

My family managed to delay our leaving for half a year more. They all came to the front step to say goodbye.

Marchina was starting to show signs of her first child growing within her swelling belly. She hugged me gently, studying my face as she let go. Her strength, her pride, poured into me as we said our goodbyes.

April was becoming unsure if she and her husband would ever be able to have children, but she was always surrounded by people and took heart in their cheers. She whispered me a short poem as we said our farewells, tears in her eyes. The heart in her gift lingered long after my family faded from view.

May was well, strengthening her body as well as she could. Her goodbye was quiet, but firm. She was sure we would meet again. She promised to make sure that we would meet again. She kissed my cheek softly, her vitality filling me as she did.

Junis was a single step away from being knighted, but first she was tasked with helping settle some skirmishes in the west. She was going away a little after me, and to a much rougher place. I felt that she would crack my ribs she squeezed me so hard when we hugged goodbye. When she released me my body tingled, untouchable by those who wished me harm.

Julianna had gotten engaged herself, a philosophical young man finally successful in winning her over with his privet collection of books. What's more her efforts had finally been recognized, earning her an apprenticeship under the capital's governor. Her hug was awkward but firm, her self-assuredness sticking to me even after I was released.

Septemera and Jacques were the center of the city, out done, perhaps, only by the prince and princess themselves. My little sister had devoted herself to the people around her, whisking them away into adventures of their own. She first shook my hand and then pulled me into a hug, crying. I fell her tears fall into me, her love for the world seeping into my life.

I stood silently before my father and he before me.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yes papa."

He pulled me into an encompassing hug that nearly covered me completely. "Come to visit soon." He murmured, just low enough that only I could hear it.

"I will." I said into his chest.

I went to Justin and he took my hand. He turned and bowed to my family, for once silent and respectful.

He then pulled his wand from thin air, circling it above our heads, the soft glittering light of his magic falling around us. And we took our first step together. And we started our journey again. And we started living once more.

And we lived Happily Ever After.

AUTHORS NOTE: Woo! Got to the last chapter! Originally this story was only supposed to be ten to twenty chapters longs but, as per usual, I got a little carried away. I originally wrote this to test out a few story ideas I have for a book with a similar (kinda) plot but incredibly different characters. Then I got attached to these characters. I did always wonder how the other girls introduced at the ball felt about the whole Cinderella situation, so this was a good chance to explore that as well. (To be honest the only reason I chose Augustina was because her introduction was the only one I could hear clearly in that particular scene. Originally I was going to use Adora but I could not, for the life of me, make out her last name). In the end Augustina made naming her sisters easy so I'm glad I made that choice.

Anyway, thank you all so much for reading! It really means a lot. And extra thanks to those of you who have left reviews, I know this story isn't perfect but you all have been so sweet with your comments. It might be awhile till I post a new story because I am working on my own personal projects (actually working on trying to get a completely unrelated to this Cinderella retelling to the publishing stage. Go figure. I promise I do more than Cinderella!) but I will post again. Probably a completely different story and fandom, but whatever. I'm a bit of a hopper.

Okay. I've rambled a bit too long now. This was supposed to be short. Anyways. Once again, Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading this far! Have a lovely summer and stay safe!