"Dearest John,
I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am that I had to leave like this… in the middle of the night… without even saying a goodbye. But it couldn't be helped. There simply wasn't time.
They are sending Cinderella away… far away… so that poor Edward will be forced into an alliance. And, oh, John! The terrible, terrible cruelty, the injustice of it! I can't help but think of the proclamation… that whosoever fit the glass slipper should be Edward's bride. And my poor uncle has broken his word.
But I couldn't let her go alone. She was so sad, so frightened, so heartbroken, and yet… so strong. The thought of her being sent into such an exile, without a single friend with her, was more than I could bear. You see, I understand. And I know you do as well. It made me think of that dreadful night when the queen threatened to send you away… just as they are doing to Cinderella… if ever again I spoke with you.
I promise I will return, Dearest, you know that I cannot live without you. But I promised Cinderella I would stay as long as she needed me. It may be weeks, it may be months, and the separation will be cruel. But think, dear John, think how she and Edward must feel! For they cannot return to each other as we can someday.
She asked the chamberlain to tell Edward that she did not love him. The poor little thing, she is trying to keep him from pain. But… in this case, I do not think it is wise. Please do tell him, for me, that she loves him dearly, more than anyone else on earth. That her heart is forever his. I know it is. I can see it in her eyes. If he must be forced into a cruel alliance, I hope it will comfort him to know that, somewhere out there, she still does love him.
And never forget, Dearest, how much I love you. I'm leaving my heart with you. Never will a moment go by that I do not think of you, never will a day go by that I do not pray for you. It will be hard, I know, but I must do this. For Cinderella. For Edward. May the days fly quickly until I am with you again.
With all my love,
Your Lady Caroline
John stood still in his room, staring at the letter in his hand. It had been slipped under his door and he had found it first thing that morning. It was still early.
As he read those words, his heart sank. How could they do this? How could they separate two people who loved each other so much… no matter how important an alliance was? And now his Lady Caroline was gone also…
He stood there, wondering what on earth to do next. His first impulse was to run wildly out the door and ride like the wind down the road that led from Euphrania… perhaps he could stop them before they left the country. But that was ridiculous… that was…
The door flew open with a bang and Edward stood there, in the doorway, such a horrible look in his eyes that it frightened John. In his hand he clutched the two little glass slippers.
"She's gone!" he gasped out. "John, she's gone! They've taken her… she's gone!"
"I know…" John began, but stopped. What could he possibly say?
"Well? What are you waiting for? I can't lose her again! I've got to go after her!"
Before he even realized what was happening, John found himself galloping down the road towards the border after all. It was a wild ride. Edward rode in front, followed by John, Willoughby, and a few sympathetic guards. He did not stick to the road, but plunged wildly through the ditch, across the fields, and through the woods.
The border was closed that day and heavily guarded. Edward pulled his horse to an abrupt halt and dismounted. Frantically he lunged towards the border, thought better of it, then turned and moved quickly to the side. He stopped there, for beyond lay the lake. He stood there, staring numbly out over the water. John dismounted and went to his friend. He could find no words to say, so he simply laid a hand on his shoulder.
"She's gone," Edward whispered brokenly. "They've sent her away." He was silent a long time.
"What should I do, John?"
"I'm sorry, sir." John wished there was something more he could say but words were so… empty. At long last, Edward shook his head, then turned back toward the palace, dejectedly, his head bowed.