Chance

I chewed carefully as I listened to the king. The food was divine, making it slightly harder to concentrate on what he was saying.

"Were you possibly in town a few days ago, when the Royal Court rode through?" He asked.

"Um, yes your grace, I was." I swallowed quickly.

"Did you notice how indifferent the people were towards me?" He sighed.

Uh oh. Was this a trick question? How was I suppose to answer? Should I lie? Yes. I would lie.

"There were no cheers," He continued before I could speak. "When I waved, they did not wave back, but turned their heads! In years past, people would cry out my name in triumphant praise! Where did respect for their king go?"

I had no answer for him that he would be pleased with. My mind wasn't working fast enough for me to think of a good lie. He noticed my hesitation and I was sure he was about to throw me into the dungeon. But instead he sighed again and pounded his fist on the table.

"So it's true. I have lost their respect." He hung his head.

"I'm sorry, but what have you done to earn respect?" My hand flew to my mouth after I spoke.

Did I really just say that? Why? I was surely going to get whipped for that.

"Excuse me?" The queen chimed in.

"I'm so sorry!" I started pleading with him.

"No no, do not be sorry, you are right." The king nodded.

"I will go if you wish." I offered.

"No, you have not even heard why I brought you here!" His face lit up again. "I have come up with a plan that will help me find…….let's call it, common ground, with the people of this country. Some way to show them that I want to help them, govern them, so we can build this city back up to the thriving metropolis it once was."

"And you wish me to help you?" I inquired.

"You will be doing much more than just helping my dear."

"What is it you ask of me your highness?"

"Tell me Cinderella, how is your family?" He asked.

"Fine my lord, thank you." I replied.

"I have heard that you are not doing well financially. What has happened?"

"Oh, well, my father passed away about 4 years ago, he became sick with the fever. I have no brothers so I was left in charge. Um, I have usually made our way by growing and selling crops and sunflower seeds, but this year I was robbed the evening that I had purchased the seeds." I didn't understand why I was telling him all this, but I continued. "I decided to get a job. I am currently working for the blacksmith. It doesn't pay much, but it's all I can do. Then just yesterday, a wolf killed all of our chickens. So all we have left, your highness, is a milk cow."

I took in a deep breath and shrugged my shoulders when I finished telling my story. I found it strange that I had told him so much. The king looked at me with an odd expression. It looked like a cross of pity and satisfaction.

"I believe, young lady, that we are in a perfect position to help one another." He smiled.

I pulled my eyebrows together and waited for an explanation.

"I would like you to marry my son." He stated.

I nearly choked on the potato that I had just put into my mouth. I clasped my hand around my throat and looked up with wide eyes.

"Come again?" I coughed.

"I want you to marry Prince Charming. In return, not only will you get the expected luxuries of royalty, but I will also help your family in their time of need. I can give them whatever they want. I will supply them with food and shelter and warmth for the rest of their days." He nodded.

"I'm sorry, but are you serious?" My mouth dropped open.

"Of course I'm serious!" He chuckled. "Having someone of your station in the castle will give me wonderful insight on how to help the public. It will help keep things peaceable."

"Sire, I couldn't possibly…"

"Oh now don't answer just yet. I am planning a ball for next week. You have until then to decide. Just remember we are offering you unimaginable wealth and comfort. Not only for you, but your family. Plus you will be helping the country!" He cheered.

"And what of the Prince?" I asked. "Was he not arranging marriage with the Princess of the West Country?"

"Oh, that has been taken care of and the Prince is in total concurrence. He's delighted with the idea."

As the king said this I noticed the queen choked a little on her food. Lord Brandon's eyes shifted slightly.

"Why is the Prince not here?" I wondered. "Wouldn't he want to attend this meeting?"

"He is off on some business, but sends his apologies and warm wishes." The king said. "So what say you?"

"I will think about it." Was all I could manage to respond.

"Good. But while you think, remember you will be doing your family a great service, and also the people of this country. You understand them more than I. We can really make a difference."

I nodded and we continued to eat. As we did, the king talked about the ball. All those above a certain age would be invited. I wondered what I could possibly wear to a ball. I then began to wonder why in the world they wanted me to marry the prince.

"Um, may I ask why you chose me for….this……um…task?" I questioned.

"Well, I believe you remember Lieutenant Korton?" I nodded as he spoke. "Well he spent a few days wondering town, looking for just the right girl. We needed someone with good looks, intelligence, and compassion. Lt. Korton returned after finding out much information about you and reported his findings to me. You seemed the perfect candidate. And now that I've met you, I believe you still are."

I smiled and blushed at his compliments. I truly couldn't grasp the situation. After I finished eating he called someone over to escort me to the carraige. As I stood I bowed and thanked them for the meal.

"Um Cinderella?" The king called after me.

I turned and waited.

"I would appreciate very much if you kept this conversation to yourself." He winked.

"Of course." I nodded wearily.