Last real chapter! Wohoo! I'm actually finishing a fic!!!

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I awoke the next morning to the sounds of excitement and panic. As I groggily pulled myself out of bed and started getting dressed, I heard snippets of what was happening from a few of the other servants; "...entranced the prince last night," "...vowed to find her.", "...all maidens must try it on." I shook my head, trying to make sense of all this confusion. Try what on? What about the prince. But soon Belinda came into the room to enlighten us. I tried to suppress a giggle as I saw her come in. She still had a deep purple stain on the hem of her apron. Belinda glared at me as I hiccuped, then addressed us all.

"As you all know, there was a ball last night at the royal palace." She began. "What you don't know is that a young maiden captured the prince's heart there." there was some wistful sighing and twittering among the scullery maids again. Belinda gave them a moment and then continued. "Unfortunately, she disappeared from the ball at around midnight. Leaving only..." the tyrant paused here for dramatic effect. "...a glass slipper." As a hush fell on the room, an unchecked gasp fell from my lips. Mortified, I tried to turn it into a yawn, but failed. I watched Belinda apprehensively, waiting to see if my suspicious behavior had caught her attention. Fortunately she continued as if nothing happened. "The love-stricken prince has made a vow to find this mysterious maiden, be she noble or servant." A small little glare was sent my way at this last statement. I felt my legs turn to water. "Today we are to help the ladies of this household get ready, and then I want you all in your best frocks, ready for when the prince's messenger arrives. It was decreed that all eligible maidens try the slipper on, and all eligible maidens shall." With that, she left the room with an air of shock and elation.

I bit my lip and allowed myself to be swept along with the tidal wave of servants that were all heading out to prepare the house and it's residents. Belinda gave me another glare as I walked past, but I managed to keep my head up high and act as innocent as I could. Inside my stomach was melting and my thoughts were spinning. Would Ethan be coming? Would Belinda excuse me from trying on the shoe? If she did, then I would be able to slip away and go meet Ethan. That is unless Belinda decided to keep a watchful eye on me and make me do some sort of chore. Or she would drag me away in chains. From the looks of her expression, I was guessing the chains.

As the procession of servants proceeded into the main hall, Ella came whisking down the stairs, scanning us with a frown. If she saw me, I'd surely die. I quickly ducked into the crowd. Edging and pushing my way through, I managed to end up as far away from her as possible, and conveniently, right in front of Ann. Curtsying low, I asked her if she would like assistance with anything. She scoffed and turned away, but Nina saved me by taking my offer instead. I thanked her silently from the bottom of my heart.

It turned out that Nina was just as tyrannical as her sisters, just in a quite way. I had just run up that stair for the 10th time, trimming the train on her dress, when the bell rang at the door. Pandemonium broke out. Nina rushed past me, have dressed, trying to be the first one to the door. I ducked and curled up into a ball as the herd of women in the house came screaming out. Finally someone ended up opening the door. There stood a very frightened and shocked grocer holding a sack. "you ordered?" he squeaked.

Everyone drew a breath of relief at the false alarm and went back to work. Nina nodded her approval of the train and set me to work sewing small white beads onto it. By the time I had finished that, Nina had no further use for me. I now was footsore, with aching fingers and free time. Slipping quietly into my quarters, I silently brushed through my hair and scrubbed at my face using tallow soap. I didn't dare take out my dress again, but I couldn't resist a small peak at it hiding beneath my bedroll. It's cheery red lifted my spirits and made me happy. Just as I had repositioned the cover on it though, the bell rang again, and my joy fizzled away.

As all of the servants crowded around the door anxiously, Madame and her daughters greeted members of the royal guard and the royal duke of royal affairs into their home. I peered hopefully over the heads of others, but Ethan didn't seem to be there. I sighed, disappointed, but caught myself as Belinda came towards me. I gave her my best smile, but she grabbed my arm before I even knew what was happening. "We're getting this matter settled once and for all." She hissed, dragging me towards the front. I twisted and tugged, but had enough sense not to struggle too much. She pulled me over to where the household girls were sitting, and stopped there, her iron grip beginning to hurt my arm.

The duke had just finished his gaudy little speech. "And therefore who ever shall fit this slipper shall be wedded to the prince in holy matrimony and live as the queen for the rest of her natural life." With that he rolled his parchment up with a snap and surveyed the throng around him. Nina, Anna and Ella were all seated in the center of the group, excited expressions on their face. Even Madame looked as if she would like to try it on, though obviously she wasn't permitted to. The duke motioned to one of the guards, who pulled out an ivory box. As he opened it, everyone leaned in with apprehension. Sitting inside the box was a glass slipper. As he delicately pulled it out, Ella paled, and a tiny, sharp intake of air was heard. I looked over to see what was the matter, and then I realized. The slipper was for the right foot. Ella's right foot was currently in a cast.

I bit my lip and cast her a sad glance as Nina and Anna each tried on the shoe silently. Nina's feet were too small, and Anna couldn't put her wide ones into the narrow slipper. Both shrugged, unconcerned, though I knew they must have been disappointed. The tension in that room was so thick that I found it hard to breathe. Ella stared at the shoe, perhaps willing it to change into the left one. I wondered where her other shoe was, but then I remembered that it was the one that had cracked on the stairs. Poor Ella must have thrown it into the street last night, naïve of what it could have done for her. I couldn't stay too sorry for her though, because just then Belinda stepped forward, me in tow.

"If it pleases his grace" she said formally, "I would like to let this wench try the shoe on next." The duke looked at Madame, who shrugged and nodded. Belinda shoved me roughly into a chair as the duke gently pulled the shoe off of Anna's foot. I could feel all eyes staring at me. My pulse quickened and I started to sweat. *Don't panic* I told my racing heart. *It probably won't even fit me. Thank goodness for callused feet for once.* The duke slipped the chilled glass over my foot, sliding it on. I felt my foot jam, and I closed my eyes in prayer. It must be too small, it probably got stuck on my toes. I heard no sound, which almost felt reassuring. I opened my eyes.

The shoe fit.

Perfectly.

Damn it.

How was I to know that my shoe size was the same as Ella's? I should have ripped the cursed thing off right then and there, and taken off running. I should have leapt up, confessing about Ella's fairy godmother. I did none of these things. I stared numbly at my foot, and then at the faces around me. Belinda's look was beyond rage. I started to sweat again, almost feeling the heat from her gaze. Madame's look was of surprise, as were Nina's and Anna's. Many of the servants looked shocked. Some looked jealous, and others were smiling at me. The duke looked down his nose at me and sighed softly.

The worst though was Ella. Her face was grief-stricken, like her true love and just died. I mouthed an "I didn't know" to her, and pleaded silently with her to think about it. Her expression then changed to rage. Suddenly she let out an ear-piercing wail and fell to the floor. As Madame and her daughter's rushed to help the fallen girl, I felt a rough hand on my shoulder. Fearing it was Belinda, I turned around apprehensively. To my surprise and relief, it was a palace guard. "Let's go" he said gruffly.

I don't remember the ride to the castle very well. I just know I was hauled into an expensive coach and forced to sit. As I watched the scenery, frozen, I remembered the shoe. Peeling it off, I handed it back to the duke. He looked at me scornfully and ripped it out of my hands. I withdrew into the seat, feeling more and more helpless as we neared the castle.

I expected to be the only one there. How stupid of me. Of course there were many girls who had the same shoe size. They were all being brought by coaches, all in their best finery. I self-consciously tugged at my rag dress and tried to smooth out my hair. Perhaps I should have worn my ball dress. No- Belinda would have me burned as a witch for sure. The carriage stopped with a jerk, and the same burly guard hauled me out and led me into the palace.

The palace was even more splendid in the daytime, but I was too nervous to notice much. My head swam, and my legs felt too weak to support any weight. Luckily for me, the guard practically carried me along. Finally we reached what looked like a waiting room. That's exactly what the girls there were doing; waiting. Every five minutes, a door connected to the room would open and another girl would be called in, only to be sent back out almost immediately, tears streaming down my face.

I sat on the edge of a hard stone bench, staring dumbly ahead. So the prince was looking for Ella. He would see right off that I wasn't her, and send me away. Where would I go? I had already been basically fired, and if Belinda went through my things, she would find my dress, and hound me down. What if the prince recognized me from that day he came to the manor? Would he lock me up, sentence me to death? So wrapped up was I in these questions that I didn't notice that the girls around me were looking at me. Finally a guard came over and shook me. "Your turn." He said cheerfully.

That walk to the door was the longest five seconds of my life. My heart skipped a beat with every step. Just as I was bout to die from stress, I noticed a flash of bright yellow flash of fabric from behind the door. Out popped, who would have guessed it, Diane, my personal fairy drunk. She looked a bit more sober, but I still didn't trust her. She gave me a small wink and a grin, raised her wand for a moment, and then disappeared. I glanced at the guards; they didn't seem to have noticed her. It wasn't until I walked through that door that I realized she was as insane sober as she was intoxicated.

The prince was seated at a table, head in his hands. The guard gave a soft cough and then left. The prince looked up hopelessly. His eyes fell onto me, and he gave a cry of delight. "Cinderella!' he gasped, tears streaming down his face. "You've come back!" I took a step backwards with a squawk, but he was already upon me, all hugs and affection. Then he kissed me; a deep long passionate kiss that would take one's breath away. I nearly died disgust. What was he doing? Was he mad?

Then it hit me. Diane. The idiot must have re-cursed me with that spell of hers. Well, it was keeping me alive for the moment. Uncertain of what to do next, I gently pulled the prince away and stared deep into his eyes. I was shocked to see that under all the lust, there seemed to be genuine affection in them. But the prince could feel that kind of emotion- could he?! The question defied all natural laws, so I decided not to find the answer. Instead I pretended to be Ella. "Oh dearest." I cooed, sickened by myself. "I thought I'd never return here. Now when I see you." I trailed off, helpless. The prince smiled at me sweetly and gave me a soft kiss. "I understand dearest." He whispered into my ear. I had to control my urge to squirm and push him away. Suddenly, a half backed, pathetic idea of escape came to my mind.

I let my knees go out from under me, which wasn't hard to do considering my shocked state. As I slowly crumpled, the prince pulled me away with alarm. 'Are you all right my sweet?" he asked urgently. I nodded weakly and closed my eyes. "Just tired. Worn out." I said weakly. "Is there anywhere that I might take a small rest? I would like to talk to you again when I'm in better condition." The prince smiled. "Of course." He said, kissing my head. Clapping his hands, he brought a guard running into the room. I remembered Diane's gift just in time. Quickly I turned and let my hair fall in my face as the guard entered. The prince, being the fool he was, didn't notice at all. "Stephen, I want you to take this young lady to my royal chambers for a rest. And you may dismiss all those waiting in there." The guard bowed, and turned to open the door that held all the anxious dames. As he made the announcement, there were wails and screams that seemed to rock and shake the entire castle. I clung to the guards arm and he escorted me out a side door and down another hallway.

As I walked down the hall, I kept my eyes open for anything that would help my escape plans. We passed an open door that led to a room filled with court officials and diplomats. They were all yelling bout talking excitedly. I caught the name "Ferdanine" and grinned to myself. Seems things were becoming very tense in the castle because of my masquerade. As the guard pulled me round a corner, I finally saw my chance. There, coming up on my right was a suit of armor, with a club positioned within reaching distance of me. This feat would take precision timing on my part. I chewed my lip and got ready.

Lagging a single step behind the guard, I quickly extended by right arm to grab the club. It came away easily. In fact the whole set of armor came way easily. The entire suit crashed to the floor, As the guard turned around, bewildered, I grabbed the club with both hands and heaved with all my might, eyes shut. I felt it contact with something hard. My arm muscles screamed in pain, but I held on. Suddenly there was a loud thud and all was quiet.

Hands still on the club, I opened one eye cautiously. There was the guard, sprawled out unconscious on the floor. I dropped the club in disbelief, A small shout of triumph escaped my lips, but was quickly suppressed by the sound of feet rushing down stairs. I looked around wildly. My escape plan was so flawed, I would be dead in a matter of seconds. Fortunately, I caught sight of a door that was open ajar, letting in fresh air. I flew through it and into a garden just as a group of servants entered the hall.

I stopped to catch my breath, ready to run again. Luckily the servants rushed off in another direction and didn't bother to check out the door. I waited until I couldn't hear them anymore. Then I started walking cautiously along the beaten path, the tall hedges to my left shielding me from the view of anyone else who happened to be in the garden. As my pulse slowed down, I tried to decipher my situation. It was too dangerous to find Ethan now. As much as it broke my heart, I would have to leave him forever. I would leave the kingdom. Once again though, my plan lacked detail and planning. But one thing was certain; I had to get off the castle grounds. Just as I had made up my mind however, my plans were altered drastically by the cold feeling of a knife at my throat.

As I tensed up, feeling the silver at my neck, I heard a familiar voice from behind me. "You little ungrateful bitch." hissed my attacker. I suppressed a gasp, feeling the grip on the knife tighten. "Ella?" I whispered. How could she have gotten here on her leg? Did Tina help her? "Listen to me. I didn't know my foot was your size. I don't want the prince- I don't even like him." I stammered, trying to reason with her. Ella gave a low growl and pressed the dagger closer to my flesh, drawing blood. "You don't deserve to live." She said dangerously.

Nothing I said seemed to change her mind. I closed my eyes, waiting for the metal to slice through my neck, ending my life. Suddenly, Ella was pulled off me so forcefully, I was thrown to the ground. Whirling around, I looked up and saw Ella, struggling in Ethan's arms. She bit and clawed, but my man held on tight. Finally he managed to wrestle the knife away from her and throw her to the ground. Looking at the crumbled heap of human, sobbing on the ground, he raised the knife. I acted quickly, jumping up and grabbing his arm. He turned his wild eyes to me. 'Don't stop my Mabel." He said angrily. "She deserves it." I didn't know what to do, so I did what came naturally. I leaned forward and kissed him. He seemed to melt, knife lowered. Letting him go, I looked into his watering eyes. "You don't deserve to be a murderer." I said softly.

I would like to say that we had a sweet romantic moment at being united, but Ella decided to start screaming at that moment. Ethan, alarmed, raised the knife again. I stopped him, and walked over to the blond on the ground. As she struggled to get up, I let my punch fly, knocked her square in the cheek and jaw. She staggered backwards and I flew at her again, this time for the temple. She staggered, then slumped back to the ground, unconscious. As guards were heard running down the hall, Ethan and I fled.

As soon as we were safely on the outside of the palace walls, I turned to Ethan. "How did you know where to find me?" I gasped. Ethan gave a small smile. "I heard that the prince had found his true love. It nearly made my heart break to hear it, but I was assigned to escort the women out of the waiting room. In there I heard one of them talking about a 'brunette bitch.' who was dressed like a servant that had one the prince's heart over. I didn't want to believe it, but I had to see for myself. Then there was the crash in the hall, so I just followed the obvious signs." He looked at me, waiting for an explanation. I cracked a grin. "Diane." I said grimly. Ethan nodded, obviously relieved that I didn't love the prince. Then he swept me up in his arms and gave me a long sweet kiss. I took that as reassurance that we were now ok.