Cinderella was left in just her rags not far from the castle. The magic had worn off, and now she would have to get home on her own. The full moon helped her find her way in the dark, and she was able to make it back before her stepmother and stepsisters. She went right to sleep, exhausted, the key clutched tightly in her hand.
*************************
After three days of searching the kingdom, the princess was starting to doubt her dream. She had been to almost every house already, and was running out of places to search. The carriage pulled up to one last house, and she got out, ignoring the driver who wanted to help her. She went up to the door, knocked, and almost turned right around when she saw the women who answered the door. They seemed to be tripping over each other to greet her. She told them why she was there, but they seemed to know already. Town gossip had made sure that everyone knew the first day. They each tried to be the first to try the collar on, but none of them had the key to open the lock. She had locked it that night, because she knew that only the woman from that night could open it. She was about to leave when she noticed a plain young woman hiding in the hallway.
“What’s your name,” the princess asked. Continue reading →