Edward was standing in his room, staring miserably into space. He could no longer take this dreadful suspense. And there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. Now the slipper was gone… perhaps that would bring relief in some strange sort of way. At least he wouldn't have to look at it every day… to be reminded of his tragic loss.
All at once, John burst into the room, breathless, Caroline close behind him. He whirled to look at them in surprise. Caroline was smiling joyfully although she looked about ready to faint with exertion, and John was leaning against the wall, gasping for breath.
"We've found her… sir… She's… she's in the… meadow… Hurry!"
"You've what?!" Edward refused to believe his own ears. He wouldn't dare to get his hopes up…
"We've found her!" John repeated, loudly. "Well? Come on!" he grabbed Edward's arm and pulled him out the door. Edward had no choice but to follow, his heart pounding frantically. Could it possibly be?
They had reached the stables. John practically pushed Edward onto his horse, then pointed in the direction of the meadow.
"She's there… really, she is… Princess Incognita! Go, hurry, before she disappears again!"
Somehow recovering his wits, Edward spurred his horse frantically on, galloping through the gates and on toward the meadow. If he got there too late...! John stood still by the stables, watching his friend ride off. Caroline came up behind him and slipped her hand in his.
"I understand now," she smiled. "I believe that we made another's dream come true."
"God be praised," John answered, feeling mightily relieved. "I'm so glad… so glad. In just one day… all has finally been made right."
oOo
She had been surprised to find her glass slipper laying there on the ground. How had it gotten there? Perhaps she hadn't dropped it at the foot of the palace steps, as she thought she had, but here in the meadow. As she picked it up and held it, glittering, in the sunlight, she smiled at the memory of when he danced with her. The melody echoed through her mind as she clutched the slipper and whirled through the meadow, dreaming of that beautiful night.
Though that lovely night was only a fantasy,
Though I know that night was all there will ever be,
Dancing in his arms forever,
My heart will never be free...
Dreaming of the night he danced with me.
The sound of hoofbeats caused her to turn, startled. A single rider was galloping towards her and, instinctively, she realized who it was. A flurry of emotion whirled through her heart... fear, hope, joy, dismay... Her first instinct was to turn and run. But instead she stood still, waiting, her heart beating to match the beat of the horse's hooves. In a moment, he had reached her side. For one moment they looked at each other and each realized what the other had been suffering for those dreadful three months. She tried to think of something... anything to say but all at once he took her in his arms, and she realized that her distant dream had suddenly, magically come true.