Chapter Two

The Princess Of Cinders

Princess Eleanora

Prince Charming placed the slipper on my foot and flashed his adorable smile.

"You are the one for me." He said in his well-toned voice. My heart skipped a beat.

Everytime I remember that scene my heart gallops around my chest like a wild horse. I was going to be the queen of Cendera! And the handsome, perfect gentleman named Prince Charming will be my devoted husband! I could remember his blond hair, forget-me-not blue eyes, chiseled jaw and tall stature. I blushed in front the mirror. After being a servant to my stepfamily, namely Lucinda, Anastasia and Grizella, ordering others felt like a dream come true. But, I didn't wantto overdo it. The maids might feel bad. And I'm just too good.

Today was the morning of my wedding day to Prince Charming. His father and mother weren't present to our pompous wedding because they didn't know he will find his wife-to-be in Cendera. They were at Peanta. I was already wearing my beautiful white gown for the occasion. It was so white that it made snow gray. Small beads form intricate patterns on my chest. My strawberry blond hair was braided and made into an elegant knot. My cheeks and lips were stained crimson. I looked resplendently ravishing. I was worthy to be queen. My ladies in waiting were also my bridesmaids. Anastasia and Grizella, who I have forgiven, were my maids of honor. Lucinda, my stepmother, was to be beside me as I walk on the red carpet. I could imagine my wedding now: bright lights, beautiful white roses, preeminent decorations, and of course, the handsome face of my charming Prince Charming. I sighed happily.

"Lady Eleanora, the wedding is waiting." A lady popped in her head and said.

I smiled blissfully and took a deep breath. I will be a princess in a few more minutes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Are you sure you have to go?" I asked wearily to Charming. We were in front of the palace gates. I was bidding my husband goodbye. But I still don't want him to leave me.

He nodded sadly. My heart bled. It has already been two months and the both of us are expecting our baby. I couldn't bear to carry a child without a husband by my side. For the past few weeks, he had been back and forth, back and forth from Rapenz and Cendera. It tires him greatly. The court magician said I was pregnant because the stars have spoken. Because of that knowledge, Prince Charming couldn't leave me here. But now, very urgent business, much urgent than our baby, has come to my other kingdom, Rapenz. It was about the bandits that plagued the village every night. And someone was always killed. The people were terrified of course, from what I have heard from him.

"Yes, dear. I'm—" his voice broke; my eyes wanted to cry, "—sorry." He finished regretfully.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "It's alright. I knew you have devotion to your kingdom. I can't prevent you from that responsibility. I will pray for your safe return."

Suddenly his face grew from remorse and regret to utter joy. He kissed me on the lips and said, "Thank you! Thank you! My people there need me more than you!"

 I was convinced of his devotion to his kingdoms. I was touched. I spilled some tears and hugged him. " I will see you soon."

As I watched my love depart, tears fell like river.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

During the days Charming is absent, I tried to decide a name is suitable for my baby. The court magician who is also a seer told me that my baby is a girl. I have a long list already. If my baby's name is to be elegant, I wanted it to be Princess Genevieve Alexandra. But I also wanted my baby to as exquisite as a fairy so Fay was an alternative. But the name Ilona! It's meaning is radiantly beautiful!

I often heard humors from my other kingdoms. In Peanta, they say the queen is the most sensitive princess and the most beautiful. I was rather flattered. In Rapenz, they say that the princess has the loveliest golden hair in the world. It was true. My golden locks were something to be prized. No rumors came from Sowite. I was rather disappointed. Sowite was known for their judgment in beauty.

Everyday I wonder how my Charming is preventing the bandits. And everyday I  wonder when he will come back. Will he be here when my babe is born? Will he be present to name her? Will he come back here in a carriage or in a coffin? I am a bit afraid that my Charming will be attracted to some lady. I hope not. But then, Charming is an honorable prince. He wouldn't do that. And he loves me too much to even think about that disgraceful act.