Cinderella's step sisters were exceptionally awful to her the next morning. They found the messiest, most arduous chores for her to do. She was constantly running up and down the stairs, hastening to do and redo their bidding. And every time she passed them, a snide remark was made.

"We missed you at the ball last night!"

"Hercules says hi!"

"Look at her dress! Can't you just imagine her going to the ball in that state!"

Their malicious laughter chased Cinderella through the corridors, and their bickering could be heard from every corner of the house.

"Hercules was looking at me!"

"No, he was looking at ME! And he smiled at me!"

"That wasn't a smile, that was a grimace!"

"Why you-"

But Cinderella didn't mind. Indeed, she hardly noticed, she was so caught up in the wonder of last night. Who cared if the stepsisters had had two seconds face to face with Hercules? Cinderella had spent hours in the arms of a gentleman, one who was sweet and genuine. For all she knew, Hercules was a conceited, prideful….Well, he couldn't be that bad, Cinderella thought charitably. After all, he did throw that wonderful ball… oh how she wished she could see her kind stranger again! He must think her so rude, rushing away like that. She slipped a hand into her pocket, fingering her glass slipper, the only thing that remained after the clock struck twelve. At least she had something to remember last night by.

She returned upstairs to replace Anastasia's freshly laundered comforter, and paused when she overheard the sister's complaining. " – so rude, she hogged him the entire night"

"-wouldn't let him come back and finish talking to us, Hercules must have been so disappointed-"

"Who was she anyways? She looked familiar…"

"I don't think we've ever seen her, and I know I've never seen a dress like that before – it must have cost a fortune!"

"I don't think he should trust her – did you see how quickly she ran away? Very suspicious if you ask me, I bet she was a peasant who stole that gown!"

The pieces came together quite suddenly for Cinderella. "Hercules?" she breathed, clutching at the wall for support. Hadn't he been looking for a bride at that ball? Which meant…

"Girls, girls!" Lady Tremaine's voice echoed down the hall. "You may still have a chance to snare Hercules yet!"

"What, how?"

"He has sworn to marry the lady he danced with last night!"

"Well I don't see how – "

"Hush, I'm not through! He has no idea who she is, but she left a slipper behind. He's going to try it on every eligible maiden in Thebes, which means he will arrive here this afternoon!"

Shocked silence followed this proclamation, but was soon broken by unintelligible squeals. The girls ran from their room, nearly knocking Cinderella over. "Fetch me my gown!"

"Grab my pearls!"

"Help me dress!"

"Me first!"

Cinderella was deaf to their commands, paralyzed by the turn of events. Drizella marched across the room and yelled into her face "Wake up, stupid! We have to get ready!"

With a start, Cinderella noticed the stains on her dress, marred by breakfast, the stables, and chimneys. Her hands were smeared with soot. "Oh yes, it wouldn't do for Hercules to see us like this!" She waltzed down the hallway, skirting around her stepmother, to prepare for Hercules' arrival.