"Ah, I see that you've been to the well." commented her father. Breakfast was ready, which was odd, she always made it. He noticed her confusion and said, "Since your coronation is in a week, we decided that you can stop serving and start being a princess."
"Oh, I would rather serve-" she said quickly. Mistake.
"Oh, really? Then serve for the rest of your life!" called her step mother. "You are dismissed!"
Crystal ran in tears with her music box to her room. She tried to stop, but couldn't. She turned the key. The song started from the beginning, and Crystal sang along:
There's such a sad love, deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel. Opened and closed, within your eyes. I'll place the sky within your eyes.
There's such a fooled heart, beating so fast, in search of new dreams. A love that will last within your heart. I'll place the moon within your heart.
She realized that she wasn't singing alone. A voice was pouring from the box. She continued singing and watched the music box as it transformed into a shimmering portal. The music kept coming and Crystal kept singing. But she was afraid, and took a step back.
She might as well take something from her room. Looking back, she grabbed her blanket and jewelry box. Then she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped through.