The Other Tales

Long, long ago in a place far, far away, there lived a twenty-year-old girl named Ella Goodall. Ella was known greatly as a poor girl who was radiantly beautiful both on the outside and inside. She had warm, chocolate-brown eyes and glossy, golden hair with bouncy curls at the tips; unfortunately, they were often overlooked due to her social status. In her rather large home, she lived with her drunkard father, her sickly stepmother, and her clever little fifteen-year-old sister.

Ella lived in very unfortunate circumstances, though. Her father, Aaron, was as good as dead for he was always rambling around drunk, wasting Ella’s hard-earned money to gamble and get even more drunk. Her stepmother, Tanya, used to be a wealthy baroness, but had lost all her money and was forced to sell her title after paying her husband’s debts. Now she hadn’t a single penny to her name. In addition to that, she was weak and ill almost all the time and was in constant need of medicine; her medicine only added to their new, steadily increasing debt. Ella’s step-sister, Krystal, was something of a genius and could learn and do things very quickly. Krystal was so sweet and she got along very well with Ella. She wished to help Ella with paying their debts, but she was still a little girl in society’s eyes, so she wasn’t able to get a paying job. Instead, she helped Ella do the housework and did all she could to make Ella’s life a bit easier. She even created houses in their backyard for little critters, such as mice and birds, so that she and Ella could spend time together watching them and naming them. Two mice in particular came several times and had grown familiar with Ella and Krystal, so Ella and Krystal often played with them. They named the cheese-loving, chubby mouse Gus and the chittering, cheery mouse Jack.

Ella and her family’s (excluding their useless, money-spending father) only luxury was their house. They had a rather large house for such a poor family; it was due to Ella’s birth mother. It was originally her house before she had died in childbirth. She had willed the house to Ella before Ella was even born. And now, Ella did everything she could to pay off her family’s debts without losing the only thing connecting her to her mother. The house’s pride and reputation allowed Ella and her family to stand just above poor beggars and servants.

However, her house did not save Ella from servitude. Every day, she had to scrub and dust nobles’ houses and serve them in order to just scrape on by. She was constantly working; when she wasn’t cleaning, she was baking, cooking, babysitting, sewing, and doing about everything that could get her an extra penny. She only had dusk and dawn and Sunday afternoons to herself. And to make things worse, she always had traces of cinders or dust on her, earning her the name “Cinderella.” Her employers no longer called her “Ella.” They raised their haughty noses and sniggered as they called her by her derogatory nickname. The children of such nobles often followed suit and taunted Ella by sneering “Oh, it’s dirty Cinderella!” Albeit her nickname was quite clearly an insult to her, Ella simply accepted it with a smile. She was too kind and too gentle and her will was too strong; she wouldn’t let herself get fazed by it.

One Sunday afternoon, she was spending time with her childhood friend, Benjamin.

He was a son of a noble that Ella served. He was a rather tall and handsome fellow with silky brown curls for bangs that made girls swoon and stunning green eyes that drew people in. He was two years older than Ella, but they were the best of friends. And unlike his older siblings and parents, he was caring and friendly to everyone, even people who were lesser in terms of status.

As Ella and Benjamin walked through the marketplace, a young man bumped into Ella. The fruits she held in her hands tumbled to the ground.

“Get out of my way, Cinderella! You will leave dirt on my clothes!”

“I’m so sorry, sir!” Ella replied immediately.

She looked up to see it was Benjamin’s eldest brother.

“Oh, Sir Owens! I am terribly sorry for not being more careful!”

“As you should be! I should have you fired for being so rude!”

“Brother! It was not her fault! You ran into her!” Benjamin interjected.

“Benji, calm down,” Ella whispered.

“How dare you, a servant girl, call my brother by a nickname?! He stands way above you, Cinderella! Apologize!”

“Brother! Please have some respect for Ella!”

“I’m sorry, Sir Owens,” Ella apologized as she bowed to Benjamin.

“Good for you Cinderella. See, Benjamin? This wench knows her position. It’s time you realize it, too.”

With that, Benjamin’s brother walked away. Ben began to angrily march after him, but Ella held him back.

“Ben, stop it. You’ll get nowhere talking to him about me.”

“You deserve respect, Ella! It’s not fair to you! It’s not fair that you labor away all day and all people do is call you names!”

“It’s okay! That’s how the world works,” Ella sighed as she bent down to pick up her dropped fruit. “Besides, there are still people like you who don’t call me names and such.”

“Well why would I? Why would anyone call you Cinderella when Ella is such a beautiful name as is? One way or another, I am going to get you the respect you deserve. One day everyone will call you by your given name and sigh, just wishing they had a name such as yours. You deserve so much more,” Ben sighed while assisting Ella.

“Well, you truly are a gentleman, Benji. But he’s right, you know. A serving girl like me shouldn’t have any relations with a noble like you. I am truly lucky to have a friend like you because you’re a noble and because of how wonderful your company is to me. People like me don’t even get to to talk to nobles. I love how open-minded and considerate you are, but you cannot endanger yourself in order to change the fact that we don’t belong together in society. Promise me, okay? I know that you are someone who’d want to protect everyone, whether they have money or not, but you mustn’t get hurt trying to do so.”

“Don’t you get tired, Ella? Of being told your position? Of having to apologize when you have done nothing?”

“Maybe. Sometimes it hurts. But if I refuse to apologize or I tell people to stop being so rude, it won’t do me any good. I’ll just be fired or punished or the insults will grow to be even nastier. I don’t mind being called Cinderella. It’s not so bad. Almost everybody calls me so.

“Ella, you should mind. Your heart is too pure; you never get mad at anything. You are too kind and people will advantage of that. That’s why I’m going to protect you and make people realize how valuable you are! One day, you will stand above everybody and serve no one.”

Ella chuckled, rising as she had finally gotten all her fruit.

“What a nice dream that it is, Benji. But… I doubt I could ever rise from being a commoner.”

“Oh don’t say that. I’ll make it true. I promise!” he pledged.

Benjamin brushed away the loose hair from Ella’s face.

She smiled at him with a smile that was sweeter than sugar on top of sugar as she brushed his bangs aside, as well.

“Ella, I-”

But Benjamin was abruptly interrupted (I’ll leave what Ben was going to say to your imagination ;]) by a series of horns decorated with the royal flag. A snooty looking man came out from behind them.

“For those lucky enough to live in a house, you have been invited by His Royal Highness, the Prince of our kingdom. He is having a grand ball a week from today. And out of the kindness of his generous heart, he will give the most exquisite woman there one million gold coins. You must have an invitation and a suitable outfit. In other words, we do not want beggars nor really poor people attending. Okay? I’m looking at you, girl,” he sneered, glaring at a little girl wearing patched and worn clothes.

Ella hid behind Ben, avoiding being seen in her worn clothes. She was determined to go to the party.

With that, the man left.

“Oh, Ben! This is great!” Ella declared excitedly. She was ecstatic! “With one million gold coins, our debt will be fully repaid! My family will finally be able to live in luxury! Although, I don’t know if I’m pretty enough to contest all the girls in our kingdom…”

“Oh, nonsense, Ella! You would definitely win! There’s not anyone more lovelier than- I mean you’re a very pretty girl. But I’m a little worried. The Prince is not one to be generous. He cares not for anyone without a fancy title. It’s seems a little suspicious.”

“It’s because he’s not generous that this is such a rare opportunity! Perhaps something has happened to him and he’s in a good mood. This is an opportunity that may never arise again! I have to go.”

“If you must, I will go with you. I can provide us a carriage. Do you have a dress? If it’s next week, I do not know if we can get one in time. I’m sure every other rich girl in the kingdom is having a dress made. Even if we go to a tailor shop now, we won’t be able to get a dress until next month.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll think of something. Oh, I’m so happy, Benji! Not to mention, I get to meet Prince Charming! I know people say he’s self-righteous, but what an honor it is for a girl of my standing to meet a prince!”

“I’m sure he’ll be the one honored to meet you after seeing how charming you are, Ella.”

When Ella returned home, Krystal was waiting for her.

“Let me guess: you’re planning to go the ball. Are you sure this is a good idea, Ella?” Krystal asked, reading the invitation.

“Oh, Krys, this is our chance! We can finally pay off our debt! We can get more seed for the birds and peanut butter for Gus and Jack!”

“I know, but I’m concerned that there may be hidden intentions…”

“Then I’ll run away from the ball. Benji is going to be there. He’ll make sure I’m safe.”

“Hmm…”

“Krys, I need a dress. Do you know where I can find one? Do you think Stepmother has something I could wear?”

“Well, she does have a few party gowns,” Krystal admitted begrudgingly. “But they are pretty old. Knowing our wonderful Prince, he won’t let anyone in if they’re not wearing something absolutely glowing.”

“What shall I do? I can’t go to any tailor shops… I don’t think I have any other option other than Stepmother’s gowns.”

“Okay, fine,” Krystal sighed. “I doubt I’d be able to stop your determined self anyway. I’ll help you. I can sew a new dress together from the old gowns Mother has. If you can, ask Ben for a light blue sash.”

“Oh, thank you, Krys! You saved me! You’re like a fairy godmother!”

The week flew by and Sunday evening began to approach as Krystal put the finishing touches to Ella’s outfit.

“El! I finished! Come and put it on!”

Ella ran to Krystal’s room, her eyes wide.

“Oh, Krys, it’s perfect!”

And it truly was. It was a soft, sky blue gown that sparkled in the light. It was fit for a princess.

“And the blue diamond earrings and necklace is from Mom. She wishes you the best of luck, and she knows you are going to win.”

Ella embraced Krystal with a hug.

“You are one of the biggest blessings in my life, Krys. Thank you so much.”

“Stay safe, El. I’ll be looking out for you.”

A few hours later, Ben and the carriage arrived. Ella was escorted into the carriage by Benjamin, who was at first taken back by Ella’s beauty. Little did he know, Ella was also captivated by how handsome he looked.

When they arrived, at the ball, both he and Ella drew a lot of attention, and they were separated by people asking for a dance.

A few hours went by before everything became quiet. The Prince was announced as he entered the ballroom.

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I am Prince Charming. I’m delighted that all of you could make it. The winner of my beauty pageant will be chosen at midnight!”

His eyes searched the room and fell on Ella. He strided towards her and people moved away until it was simply Ella and the Prince in the middle of the room.

“What is your name?”

“My name is Ella Goodall. It is an honor to meet you, Prince,” Ella replied as she curtsied.

“Well perhaps I won’t need until midnight to decide the winner, Ella. Will you dance with me?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

The music began again, and everyone joined Ella and the Prince in dancing.

“And what is your title, Miss Ella?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have one, Your Highness.”

“Did you come alone?”

“No, I came with a gentleman I know.”

“Ah, your husband?”

“Oh, no, he’s a close friend.”

“Another no-title person?”

“Actually he’s a noble from the Owens family.”

“Ah, I see. A noble and a commoner. What an odd pair. I didn’t know nobles and commoners were close friends. I shall have to investigate exactly how noble the Owens family is.”

“Well, actually, he brought me here out of pity!”

“Oh?”

“Yes, we’re acquaintances at best. I work for his family. I just thought you might find it odd, you see.”

“Where did you acquire that dress? Did he buy it for you?”

“No, it was handmade by my sister.”

“Fascinating. So you do have enough money to live in a house and afford the materials necessary, right?”

“Um, yes, I guess I do.”

“Good, good.”

Other than that awkward conversation, Ella had a good time talking to the Prince. He was nice enough and seemed like a good person.

Before she knew it, it was nearly twelve. The ball was coming to its end.

Ella quickly separated from the Prince and found Benjamin. The Prince made his way to the second floor to speak from the balcony.

“Hello, guests! The party is about to end, so I’d like to announce who the most exquisite girl in all the kingdom is. But before that, I would like to inform you of the truth of the reason why I invited you here today and why I had a sort of beauty pageant. It was all so I could choose a wife.”

A wave of murmurs washed over the great crowd. Benjamin held Ella’s hand, slowly pulling her back to the entrance.

“So without further ado, I proclaim the next queen of our kingdom: Ella Goodall!”

There were some gasps and cries and sighs from the guests, but Ella froze, looking up at Ben.

“Ben, I don’t want to get married to him. I’ve only just met him; I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love!”

“Shh! Luckily they opened the gates early. We’ll run off when the time is right.”

“Ella? Ella, where are you?” the Prince asked, scanning the room.

The clock struck twelve and the bells began to chime. It was a small distraction, but a distraction, nonetheless. The two ran out before anyone could see or catch them.

“Well it seems my future wife has left early!” the Prince laughed after a few minutes. “No matter; I will find her tomorrow. Please expect a wedding invitation in a few months.”

Ella was rushed home and Ben left immediately; he did not want anyone to realize that the carriage that whisked Ella away was just standing there in front of her house.

Ella ran inside as fast as she could.

“Krys! Krystal!”

“Ella?! Ella, are you okay?!” Krystal demanded as she flew down the stairs.

“I never should have gone! The Prince… He wants to marry me, Krys!”

“What?! That’s ridiculous! How dare he just pick his wife out of a crowd on whim, like an apple from a tree?!”

“He knows my name and what I look like. He knows so much about me! We danced and conversed for almost an hour! I don’t know what to do! I’m sure he will come looking for me as if I was a pet running away from home. Oh, sister, what do I do?”

“Where is the best place to hide in this house? Somewhere where there is a lock and the least noticed place here?”

“The attic, I’d say.”

“We’ll hide you in the attic. If he does come here, we’ll deny anything about you. We’ll lock the door and say that it’s been locked for years. Don’t make a sound if you hear them barging in. I’ll tell Mother of our plan.”

“Where’s Father?”

“He’s out, presumably drinking. I’m sure he won’t come back for another week; do not worry.”

The next day, the Prince did indeed come to their house in search of Ella.

There was a loud banging on the door as someone declared, “Open this door immediately! The Prince is executing a mandatory search!”

Krystal opened the door and bowed.

“Is this the house of Goodall?” the Prince questioned.

“Yes, indeed it is.”

“Where is Ella?”

“Who?”

“Don’t play games with me. This is the home of Ella Goodall, is it not?”

“I’m ever so sorry; I don’t know who you are referring to. You see, I am the stepdaughter of the man that resides here. I just moved in yesterday. But I don’t seem to recall anyone going by the name Ella.”

“Who are you to enter my house like a group of thugs?!” Tanya exclaimed with rage as she slammed her bedroom door. “I am the wife of the house’s owner. If you have a problem, talk with me!”

“Ma’am, where is your husband?” the Prince replied calmly.

“He’s… Out. Today is a business day, is it not? I hope you didn’t come here to ask stupid questions.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I am afraid I’ll have to search this house.”

“I must protest-”

“You protest?” the Prince scoffed, cutting Krystal off. “I am your Prince. If you don’t like it, leave this kingdom. I was playing nice because you are my fiance’s sister, but I don’t have the patience for your disobedience!”

The Prince and his soldiers pushed Krystal to the side and march right in, axes and swords at the ready. They were prepared to knock down doors and rip up floorboards if they had to. Just as Krystal thought things couldn’t get worse, things got much, much worse. Ella’s father stumbled in.

“What is happening? Why are strange men intruding on my property?”

“Um, Stepfather, please calm down. Wait. Are you drunk?”

“Is none of yer business!” he slurred.

“Stepfather, let me get you upstairs-”

“No! I don’t wanna see Ella… I lost our money again! I just wanna get some more… Don’t worry… I’ll get everything we lost… Promise!”

“Oh… I see why Ella had come to the ball. She needed the money!” the Prince laughed. “Well, good sir, I am here because I want to give you one million gold coins!”

“O-one million?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’ll give you one million gold coins if you tell me where Ella is.”

“Mmmm… I don’t know where my lovely daughter is… Take a look around... “

“Your Majesty, there is a locked door here!” a soldier reported from the second floor.

“Good sir, where does that door lead to?”

“That-”

“That leads to our dusty, old attic!” Krystal interjected. “It’s been locked for years. We couldn’t pry it open no matter how hard we tried!”

“Huh? What’re you talking about, Krys? We’ve used that attic for years! Ooh! I bet Ella’s there! She used ter hide there when she was a teeny tiny girl!”

“Thank you very much! Soldier! Smash the door down!”

“Wait, so when do I get a million gold coins?”

“As soon as the wedding vows have taken place.”

“Hm? Wedding?”

“When you sober up, you’ll understand.”

Krystal suddenly screamed. In the hands of the soldier coming down from the attic was Ella’s unconscious body.

“What have you done to her?! You monsters!”

“Oh, she’s fine.”

“Fine?! Fine?! She’s unconscious!”

“She’s just been gently knocked out; I would never hurt my fiance.”

“She’s NOT your FIANCE! As long as I live, she will NEVER marry you!”

“Oh, is that a threat, little girl?”

“Oh, you bet your royal ass that it’s a FACT!”

He slapped her. A bright red handprint formed on Krystal’s cheek.

“Watch your tongue, peasant.”

Before Krystal could rebuke, Tanya pulled her back.

“Dear, why don’t you say goodbye?” Tanya suggested. Then she leaned close to Krystal and whispered, “We won’t be able to get Ella back right now. Things could get more out of hand if we don’t give up Ella.”

Krystal blinked back her tears, walked up to Ella, and quietly mumbled something into her ear. Then she turned to the Prince and scowled, growling “Watch your back, Your Royal Highness. If you take advantage of my sister’s kind-heartedness, even I don’t know what I might do. And I would pick out a new wife, too. Ella’s not going to be in your care for long.”

“Oh, we’ll see about that. Just as a warning, in-law to in-law, don’t push it. We may be related soon by law, but I am still a prince and you are nothing but a little girl who’ll grow up just like Cinderella here and spend your life working for others everyday just to get a few crumbs on the table.”

Krystal gasped.

“Yeah that’s right, little girl. I did my thorough research on Ella. Also, I hope your farewell to your sister was a good one; you’re never going to be able to talk to her again.”

“If you think that I was surprised by your intel, you’re dead wrong. I simply felt so sorry for my sister to have to live with such a crude old man than can only speak of petty nicknames created by our village idiots when trying to scare me. I’m not stupid. I know that snakes like you will do anything to be in power. I know how you think. I know that you did a bunch of research to make sure you can get Ella to stay with you. Also, I’d die of shock if you could actually prevent us from talking again. If you seriously think you’re smarter than me or Ella, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“Okay, yeah, sure,” the Prince smirked. “If you think so, little girl. Well, I better be off! I have peasants to execute- whoops, I mean criminals,” he laughed as he began walking towards the door with his goons of soldiers following him.

“Ella, wait for me. Don’t get married to him. Don’t let him trick you. I love you.”

“Don’t let who trick me?” Ella wondered out loud as her eyes fluttered open.

“What did you say, love?”

Ella blinked. She realized that the ceiling decorated with golden swirls did not belong to her house. She abruptly got up, looking around in surprise.

“Hello, Princess! How are you feeling?” the Prince asked, smiling as if everything was completely normal. He sat up in his chair, leaning forward.

“W-where am I? Whose bed is this? What am I doing here, Your Highness?!”

“Slow down with the question, Ella! This is your home now. You’ll be here for a long time; we have plenty of time to go through anything you’re confused about. This is your room now. I have decided to give you your own private chambers while we’re not yet married. You’re here so that you can get used to the idea of our marriage.”

“I don’t wish to offend you, Your Majesty, but I don’t wish to be married to you. Please, please let me leave.”

“I see. I should have guessed. I never should have forced you to leave your home, Ella,” the Prince sighed. “But I truly do love you. Won’t you give me a chance to win your heart?”

“My greatest apologies, Prince. I have to go back home. I need to get back to my family. They need me there. Besides, my employers are probably furious with my absence even now.”

“No, wait a minute. If you promise to stay in this castle for three months and even give the slightest consideration to my proposal, I will provide your family with their living expenses and more. Your sister will have a proper education with professional tutors. Your mother will be given access to any medicine she requires for free. You father will be given a proper job, as well. Your sister told me more about your friend, Benjamin Owens. Apparently you two are more than just acquaintances.”

“I apologize, Your Highness! I never should have lied! I was just thinking about our positions! As you said, a commoner and noble should not be so close! I was reflecting on it, I promise!”

Don’t worry about it. I understand; I should apologize for scaring you into thinking I was disapproving of such relationship! Anyway, I’ll allow him to rise in his position, giving him more wealth beyond his wildest dreams. He’ll be able to do anything he wants with it. His family will be even more prosperous and famed. I’ll provide help for your employers, so you’ll still have your position when you return. And if you choose not to, I’ll help them find more permanent help. If you choose to marry me, these gifts and funds will run forever. So please, just stay with me for a few months. I will do all of this as proof of my undying love for you.”

“This… This is so much! I can’t possibly burden you with so much…”

“It’s no trouble at all! And I’ll even permit you to send and accept letters to your family.”

“What? I can’t see them?”

“Of course not! It’d be dangerous. You are technically a princess now. You wouldn’t want to endanger your family, would you?”

“Oh… I see…”

“Yeah, so you will only be able to see them face to face if there’s a life on the line. That’s the kind of emergency that there needs to be for you to see them. Otherwise, you would be putting them in grave danger. Okay?”

“Y-yes, I understand…”

“Well, in that case, I have an engagement present for you!”

With the clap of his hands, the Prince brought forth a soldier holding a box. The soldier knelt by Ella’s side.

“Go on, Ella. Open it.”

Ella carefully undid the wrapping and opened the box. Inside were a pair of glass slippers and satin dresses.

“I ordered for the most beautiful shoes and gowns in the world for the most beautiful girl in the world,” the Prince beamed. “I, of course, got the measurements from your parents.”

“My parents? I didn’t realize my parents knew my sizes…”

“Oh, did I say your parents? I meant, umm, your sister.”

“I see. If my sister thinks my being here is fine, I am partial to the idea as well.”

“Well, actually your sister gave quite a fight. She seemed very concerned about you. But in the end, she relented, knowing you were in safe and reliable hands.”

“Yes, my sister is rather protective. She is always there for me. It truly crushes my heart to hear that I can no longer speak to her in person. But she loves to learn; this is all I can do for her, for her happiness.”

“Indeed. You’ve made the right choice, my darling. If you wish, I will leave so that you can try on your new outfits.”

“No, thank you. If you don’t mind, I think I shall hold off on doing so for now. I am not quite comfortable with such luxurious arrangement, and I do not wish to impose on you any further in case I don’t change my mind about the marriage. These gowns and glass slippers must have cost a fortune.”

“Of course! Take as much time as you need to settle in. But the moment you decide to wed me, they are yours to keep forever. Your sister will probably become a famed scholar, your mother will a medical miracle, your father will be a new, changed man, and Benjamin Owens will be regarded as one of the most powerful men in the kingdom, with the exception of the Royal Family. Oh, the joy and happiness there will be if the wedding bells chime.”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Ella chuckled nervously.

And as the days went by, Ella and the Prince got along quite well, spending several meals and noons together and getting to know one another. She continued to wear her worn flats and patched dresses that were brought from her home. And after a two weeks, a letter arrived from her sister.

Dear Ella,

Stepfather is now working and is gradually getting rid of his alcoholism. Mother has been working around the kitchen now and she is no longer bedridden for days on end. Ben has received respect from his family and now outranks even his own father. He’s opening up a new orphanage and a cheaper apothecary for the poor and homeless. And just yesterday, I saw his brother apologizing for bumping into a beggar! I truly believed that I was dreaming! As for me, I am learning so much information. Oh, there are so many books in the world, Ella, and I am one of the lucky few that has the chance to read as many as I can.

I have heard from the Price of the conditions you have agreed to. I understand you will be gone for three months and at that time, you’ll get to decide if that’s what you wish to continue to do. It pains me to know that I will not be able to see you for so long. I know it’s only been two weeks but that in itself is far too long. I miss you terribly.

I wish you to know that the moment you want to get out, I will get you out, no matter what. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that you have chosen to be in this ordeal of your own free will once you were told of the benefits for our family. We don’t need those benefits. We haven’t spent a single cent given to us. You mustn’t think only of others but of yourself as well. I wish I could tell you more but I fear that my letters might be examined and revealed to someone else’s eyes other than your own. But I shall not slander and accuse any further; I do not wish for our correspondence to come to an end.

Know that we are happy but we would be even happier if you were here instead.

Love,

Krys

After reading Krys’s letter, Ella smiled sadly as she decided what would be best. She smoothed out a piece of parchment and wrote a reply.

My Dearest Krys,

I am delighted to hear from you. Indeed, two weeks is too long to go without seeing you. I am extremely pleased to hear about our family and Benji. I am so glad that Father has decided to take care of you and Stepmother and especially that Stepmother is feeling much better. Knowledge is the greatest tool you can have, Krystal. Do not hesitate to learn and read as many books as you can grab. Tell Benji that I am relieved that he can get the recognition he deserves for being so kind and strong and true to his heart. Even though he has overwhelming power and money, he doesn’t waver and uses the money to help others. He is so true to himself. You two are so alike in that way.

I have considered the Prince’s proposal and I am quite sure I want to accept it now. I may not have wanted to marry the Prince before, but he is such a great man, and I don’t think I would mind spending the rest of my life with him. Thank you, sister, for considering my feelings and protecting me so. However I think it is best for both you and everyone else if I just stay here. Our precious time together will be cherished for a lifetime. Perhaps if I am Queen, I will have the authority to invite you to the palace to live with me. I do not know yet.

Please do not think of this as a sacrifice, Krys. Furthermore, as your older sister, to be able to give you knowledge and know that you are content, is pleasure enough. I will always smile knowing that you, Stepmother, Father, and Benji are doing well. And always know that I love you so, so much.”

Give everyone my love,

Ella

With that, Ella sealed the letter with bright red wax and gave it to a soldier to send to her house.

As she returned to her room, she glanced at the engagement present the Prince had presented her with. She carried it from the corner of her room to her bed. She put one of the several dresses given to her. They were ever so heavy compared to her old clothes. They were so extravagant, she could hardly recognize herself. And for some reason, there seemed to be a slight pain in her chest. She took a deep breath and tried to take her mind off of it. Then she placed on her feet the glass slippers.

Later in the day, Ella entered the Prince’s throne room.

“Ella, you’ve changed into the gowns I’ve given you! You look absolutely fabulous. And your shoes are just perfect your magnificence!” the Prince exclaimed as he sat up from his throne.

“I am thrilled to hear such praise, Your Majesty.”

“Oh, nonsense! If you have worn my gift, that means you have decided to stay and marry me, yes? No need to be so informal! You can just call me Prince or Charming or Prince Charming!”

“Thank you for the honor, Prince.”

“You’re welcome! Then I suppose I should give you a wedding gift a bit earlier!” the Prince decided as he took her hand and led her out to the courtyard.

In the courtyard was filled with all kinds of animals. There were snow-white doves, night-black mice, jumpy dogs, snoozing cats, proud-looking horses, hopping bunnies, exotic fish, slinky snakes, cute hedgehogs, and turtles lazing around.

“These are our new pets! We, of course, have servants to take care of them for us, but you can play with them all the time!”

“Wow, thank you, Prince! What adorable animals they are! This is such a thoughtful gift! I-I don’t know how to thank you! I have nothing to give you…”

“All I ask for is your love, dear.”

When Ella wasn’t eating or chatting with the Prince, she was playing with her new pets or riding her horse somewhere. The slight pain in her chest decreased.

When the letter from Ella finally reached Krystal after week, she immediately grabbed it out of the knight’s hands and ripped open.

Fury ran through her as she realized the Prince had indeed succeeded in tempting Ella. She immediately regretted writing good news. She simply wished to rid Ella of worry but instead made Ella think that everything was better

She stormed inside, angrily brushing her tears away and clenching her teeth.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Tanya asked as Krystal passed her.

Krystal spun around and threw the letter into her mother’s arms before she turned around again and looked around for parchment. After a minute, Tanya gasped. She, too, knew why Ella had chosen to stay with the Prince.

Krystal grabbed her parchment and pen and ran out the door as she yelled to her mother, “I’m going to go see Ben for a moment, Mother! I may be gone for longer than just a day, so don’t worry about me. Love you!”

A week later, Ella received a letter from Krystal.

My Dear Sister,

Even if you say to not see it as a sacrifice, even if you beg me to believe you, I cannot bring myself to do so. I know you too well. I miss you. Mother and Stepfather miss you. Ben misses you. If we can’t even see each other, how are we to perfectly maintain our relationship as sisters? You say the word, Ella. I can get you out. Please. I love you.

Sincerely,

Your Fairy Godmother

A tear ran down Ella’s cheek and the pain in her chest amplified. It became harder to breath; even as she inhaled and exhaled, she felt as if she was suffocating.

There was a sudden knock on her door.

“Ella, my love, can I talk to you?” the Prince requested.

Ella brushed her tears away and made herself look suitable before replying, “Yes, of course! Come in!”

“Do you have any evening plans?” the Prince inquired as he stepped inside.

“No, I believe not…”

“Excellent! There is an amazing performance this evening and I thought you might like a carefree evening away from the castle. I hate to coop you up in here.”

“Oh, how thoughtful of you! Of course I will attend the event. Will you be going with me?”

“I’m afraid not, love. I have a lot of work, but do have fun!”

That evening, as soon as Ella left, the Prince ordered his soldiers to bring Krystal to the castle. But as soon as the soldiers left, a figure stepped out of shadows and grabbed the Prince’s cloak before he went back inside.

“Hello, Charming,” Krystal laughed, amused by the Prince’s surprised expression.

“I should have known you were already here,” he sneered. “Why don’t we step inside the castle?”

“No, thanks. That’s a tad too risky for me, simply entering my enemy’s fort like that.”

“If you don’t, someone else in your family will pay for it in the future. The medicine your mother requires may simply just run out of stock… Or maybe Ella will be involved in a tragic accident? Who knows what may happen if you’re unlucky? Understand? Do not push your luck, little girl. Or should I say Fairy Godmother?”

“You-” Krystal growled, but she stopped herself, forcing herself to be composed. “I knew that you would read my and Ella’s letters. Which is why I also knew that you would hide Ella away and bring me to the castle. Don’t underestimate me.”

The two walked into the castle and up to the Prince’s private room.

“Okay, we’re here. What do you want with me?”

He picked up a parchment from his desk, skimming through it.

“Hm, Krystal Goodall, codename Fairy Godmother. Aren’t you a busy girl?”

“Oof, all that research and surveillance and you only now realized I was the Fairy Godmother?” Krystal chuckled. “Tsk, tsk. And I thought you weren’t as stupid as you appeared.”

“I didn’t think that a fifteen-year-old girl was gutsy enough to oppose the Royal Family. It’s nice to put a face on the person who went to other kingdoms to beg for help. We almost got into a war because of you. I can’t believe that the King in the West would listen to a peasant’s pleas. It just goes to show that he is he weak. I was so relieved when he retracted his threat to go to war. The last thing I need right now is more riots about taxes. Speaking of riots, all those small riots and spies you sent didn’t even work, either. Did you seriously think we weren’t going to do a background check on all of our potential staff? Or that small riots can be quelled with a simple stab to the heart?”

“You’re the one that’s weak! Why do you want my sister so badly?! Why are you so willing to kill people to keep her? What is she to you?!”

“Isn’t it obvious? Think about it. Some people marry for political purposes or for a business partner or for money or for power or for love. But the reason I want to marry Ella is for her extraordinary beauty and kindness. She’s like a prize to have; no man wouldn’t be jealous of me. And because she’s so nice, she’s easy to control. What more could I ask for in a wife?”

“You, bastard! How could you!? The real reason why I came here was to see if my sister was safe and to see if she was truly content but I know see what lies ahead. I will protect her! Those minor riots? They’ll become mass protests! A war? Pft, I’ll make it so that you’ll be losing so much in preventing it that you’ll lose everything! I have plenty of time to get Ella out!”

“Oh, do you? Are you sure? Because last I checked, I was the Prince of the kingdom. Last I checked, I could kill hundreds of commoners without batting an eye. What makes you think I can’t kill you?”

“Nothing. I have every reason to expect an early death. But you know what? I’ll be fighting everyday for my sister until she is free!”

“Mm, I don’t think so. I don’t think you’ll live to see tomorrow.”

“What?”

Before she could move, the Prince pushed her down on the bed and grabbed her wrists with one hand. He pulled a small, thin pouch from his pocket.

“HELP!” she screamed, although knowing no one could save her now.

She desperately clawed at the hand restraining her wrists, but it was no use. Her heart raced as she faced her all-too-soon death.

“You know what? I’m feeling a little merciful today. If you give up on your sister and prostrate yourself before me, I may find it in my heart to forgive you. Of course, you will never be able to contact dear Ella again. What do you say?”

Krystal shook in fear for her life, but she grit her teeth and screamed “NEVER, YOU BASTARD!!! LET ME GO, RIGHT NOW!!! I’D RATHER DIE THAN GIVE HER TO YOU!”

“Ah, that’s too bad. Sorry it has to come down to this, sister-in-law, he sighed. “Did you know that this powdered poison is the only poison in our entire kingdom? But on the plus side, it is the most deadliest poison known to mankind. A whiff of it give instant death. That’s why I’m going to stuff it in your mouth so that you can die without pain. You’re welcome.”

“I-”

Before she could finish the Prince silenced her. In a matter of seconds, her heart became still.

The next day, the Prince broke the news of Krystal’s death to Ella.

“I’m sorry; what? I think I heard you wrong.”

“Your sister, Ella… She… She passed away in an incident. She got caught up in some riot on the way home from the riot and… She was killed, Ella.”

“No. No no no no no. It wasn’t her. She’s very careful. She would never be caught up in some riot. It’s not possible!”

“Ella, I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.”

“No! NO! IT CAN’T BE! NO! NOT MY KRYS! NO! PLEASE! I NEVER EVEN GOT THE CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE TO HER BEFORE I CAME HERE! PLEASE, DON’T TAKE AWAY KRYSTAL!” she wailed, falling to her knees.

The Prince stroke her hair, calmly repeating, “It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”

He knelt down and hugged her but not as consolation. He wanted to hide his face for he just couldn’t help smirking.

Three days had passed since the day Krystal’s death was announced. As expected, Ella was severely depressed and she hadn’t managed to smile since. She cried herself to sleep everyday, silently screaming for her chest began to hurt a bit more everyday. She began to spend more and more time with the animals over the Prince. This started to annoy him very much.

One day, he approached her in the courtyard as she was sighing and holding one of the mice in her cupped hands.

“Dear, it’s been absolutely forever since we’ve had a meal together. You can’t keep skipping meals and eating it at irregular times; your health with deteriorate.”

“I just don’t want to eat or drink or do anything now… I’m just so tired…”

“I know you’re sad about Krystal, but I don’t understand why you’re moping around for an entire week now!”

“Why? Why? It’s because the brightest light in my life has gone out! I’m- I don’t know! I just… I’m so depressed. Oh, how I miss her so!”

“Oh, you’re being silly. You’re not depressed! Don’t be so childish, Ella! You weren’t ever going to see her again anyway. I have replaced her in protecting and loving you so you can get over your gloom. Okay?”

“No, it’s not okay! I was a terrible sister! How could I have just let her be? I should have been there to protect her! I’m such a useless person!”

“No, you’re not! You’re the future Queen! You are one of the most significant people in this entire kingdom!”

“What use am I as Queen? How will I serve and protect the kingdom if I can’t even properly take care of my sister?!”

Then he lost it.

“Silence! Enough about your sister! Good lord, she isn’t some angel or goddess! People die, Ella! If you can’t handle that, I will kill hundreds of people until you can!”

“What?!” she gasped. “How could you even suggest such a terrible thing as massacring your own people!”

“It’s your fault! You have done nothing but sob and sulk and brood! You should think about my position! Do you know how hard it is for me to see someone I love be upset?! No, you don’t! Have some consideration for me!” the Prince demanded. “I give you everything and yet you refuse to be happy ! I can’t ever please you anymore! And why aren’t you wearing your glass slippers?! I bought them especially for you and you don’t even care enough to wear them! Those are signs of my love yet you discard them like trash! You are the least caring and most cruel person I have ever met! Ha, at least you aren’t wearing your dirty and pitiful rags! In fact, I shall have it burned! Those things you call clothes only remind me of the ugly, stinking people of the streets! You will be moving to another room; I have to clean out any trace of peasant in your current room! Grab your glass slippers and have the maid lead you to a spare room. Now!!!”

“W-what…” she stuttered. “Yes… Your Majesty.”

As time went by, there was only a month left until Ella’s official engagement and wedding were to take place. Their relationship instantly turned stale after the Prince’s tyrannical rant. Their conversations were minimal and Ella only spoke to him when she had to be polite. Even though they were to be wed, he was still a prince and she was still one of his subjects. Ella feared she would be punished if she kept mourning her sister in his presence, but she could not stop thinking about her sister. So, she kept their time together to a minimum. The Prince, although seeming kind again, frightened her after she saw his true personality. Unfortunately, what she saw was only a portion of his ruthlessness. There was more to come.

“Where is Ella?” the Prince questioned to the maid cleaning her room.

“She is in the courtyard, Your Highness.”

“Again!? She’s there every time I look for her!” he muttered as he marched towards the courtyard. “ELLA! COME HERE!”

Ella came rushing in from the large shed, where the horses were kept.

“Is there something the matter?”

“Yes!You! You are spending too much time here! All you do is play with the animals! If you so wish, why don’t you marry them instead of me?! It seems like you favor them more anyway!”

“Of course not, my Prince! Nothing takes priority over you in this entire kingdom!”

“Well- ugh, what is that stink?”

“Well, I didn’t get a chance to wash up before talking to you and I was just brushing the horses-”

“What?! You brushed the horses?!”

“Well, yes, I have been doing so for awhile now… I also groom the cats and dogs and feed the all the animals…”

“Oh, is that so? Well why don’t I just hire you to take the animals and fire the person who’s apparently not doing their job!”

“I mean I only do that in the morning and at lunchtime. Most of the time it’s Alice who’s doing it!”

“Alice? Are you friends with this servant?! You are an embarrassment to the Royal Family! I forbid you to come here more than once a week, and you can only stay for half an hour when Alice is on her lunch break.”

“What? Please don’t make me do so! I love the animals! I love Alice! Please don’t try to take them away from me!”

“Everything in this castle is mine and that includes the animals and my servants! I shall do whatever I please with them!”

“No! I love working with Alice and the animals! I refuse to follow your orders!”

“KNOW YOUR PLACE, CINDERELLA!”

Ella gasped.

“How… How could you? I-I… How do you even know that name?!”

“Oh, don’t be so shocked! It fits you perfectly! It’s a fitting name for a wench like you!”

Ella was stupefied. Her chest pains worsened every breath. Her breaths became uneven. She had gotten so used to being called Cinderella and yet when the Prince did so, it was painful to hear.

Was it because he’s someone that’s important to me? Is it because I am marrying this man that it matters so? Ella wondered. Then, a memory flashed in her head.

“It’s okay! That’s how the world works. Besides, there are still people like you who don’t call me names and such.”

“Well why would I? Why would anyone call you Cinderella when Ella is such a beautiful name as is?

“Benji...”

With that, she blacked out and collapsed onto the floor.

When Ella came to, she was lying in her bed and the Prince was sitting next to her, clutching her hand.

“Are you okay, love?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“As I said, no need to be so formal with your fiance,” he laughed.

Ella sat up, sighing.

“Sir, I don’t think I can marry you.”

“What do you mean? Of course you can marry me!”

“I thought… I thought I could learn to love you as time passed; instead it’s become harder to be with you. I don’t know how to say it, but… I feel so tired all the time living here.”

“You do? Well, that’s no issue! I can have a doctor come examine you-”

“No. I need to go back home. I want to be back with my family. I don’t want to stay here!” Ella cried weakly; her voice was feeble and strained.

“What of your mother and father? What about Benjamin Owens? Will you go home and rot with them? The moment you leave, I will cut off all connection with Benjamin. He will lose all his power! The moment you walk out the castle doors, your father will be fired and your mother will die. Without her medication, she’ll be bedridden until her death. Is that what you want?”

“Ben can take care of himself. I will provide support for my family; you don’t have to worry about my parents.”

“You are being so difficult, Ella! You will marry me!”

A few minutes of silence ticked by.

“No,” Ella decided after a few minutes. “I will never marry you. Ever.”

“Oh hoho! Wow! Feisty! Just like your dead sister! It doesn’t matter what you want. You will stay in this castle for a lifetime and you shall be obedient. Even if you had said no to my proposal two months ago, you would have still ended up here, even if I had to get rid of everything you cared about. And I am still willing to do so. The moment you leave, I will burn down everything you miss about your home. And with it, your friends and family. Do you understand what the consequences are for your rebellious actions?”

“Y-yes…”

“Well since the facade is up, feel free to call me whatever you want, my fiance. So… What do you choose to do?”

“I… I will marry you when the time comes.”

“Wonderful. At the end of our three-month pact, I shall host a grand ball as our engagement party, and the week after, we will have our wedding. I expect you to be much more jovial by then. And if you aren’t… Well, we’ll see what happens.”

The Prince left with the clear threat echoing in the prodigious yet lonesome room.

“I’m so tired… I’m tired of living…” Ella moaned faintly.

With only three weeks left until their engagement party, a letter from Ella’s stepmother arrived.

My Dearest Daughter,

I’m afraid I do not have much time left in this world. After Krystal’s departure, my condition has become critical. Please… Let me see you one last time before I have to go.

Your Loving Mother,

Tanya

Ella rushed to the Prince’s room, knocking on his door furiously.

“Your Highness! Please, we need to talk!”

“Come in.”

As Ella closed the door behind her, she handed the letter to the Prince. He pretended to examine it, as Ella did not yet know that he had already read all of her letters.

“So what did you wish to talk about?”

“I need to see her.”

“Who? Your Stepmother? I don’t think so.”

“Why not?! She is dying!”

“Think of it as punishment. Furthermore, I specially said that you cannot go and see your family members when you first came here.”

“You also said that on a life on the line, I could go see them?”

“Well she’ll die whether you go or not, so I suppose it doesn’t really matter.”

“Oh, yes? If she is to die there is nothing stopping me from rejecting our marriage. My father basically sold me away. Benji can hold his own. But, if you let me see her one last time, I promise I will do anything you say from now. I’ll marry you and even love you. Just let me send my Stepmother off to heaven.”

The Prince thought the deal over for a few minutes before finally saying, “Fine. I give you permission to leave the castle for one day to see you Stepmother. One of my soldiers will escort you to and from there.”

Ella left as early as she could the next day. When she finally arrived, she dashed upstairs as fast as she could with the soldiers just barely catching up.

“Stepmother! What happened?!”

“Oh, my dearest Ella… Daughter… Who are these men behind you?”

Ella turned around, enraged.

“I’m not going to run away! Just let me have some alone time with my Stepmother!”

The soldiers hesitated, but Ella was going to become Queen. They listened to her and went downstairs.

“Ella… It’s been so long… How are you?” she asked feebly.

“I’m fine! What about you? Krystal said you were up and about, yet you say you are dying? What happened!”

“I was… Thanks to Krystal… But now that she is gone… Well, I haven’t been able to get medicine…”

“What?! What of the medicine that the Prince has promised!?”

“Ella… Did you really think we would accept anything the Prince gave us after he took you by force? We sent away any tutor that the Prince dispatched. Krystal studied on her own from the library and public school that you friend Benjamin made. Benjamin had no choice in accepting his new authority and power because his father willingly gave it to him after he was talked to by the Prince. But he never once used the Prince’s name when building what needed to be built. Your father… Oh, you must forgive him, Ella. He’s changed. He regrets everything he did to you. He reflects on it every day. He never accepted the job made for him by the Prince; he went out and found a job on his own. And with Benjamin and Krystal, I was able to obtain precious medicine that even the Prince does not know how to brew. Benjamin wished he could help me more and sent medicine to me, but I… If I was to live… no longer would I be a mother. When you have children of your own, you’ll understand, love. After Krystal was poisoned… If I kept being healthy… I would never have seen you again. You would be living a miserable life. And I would live a life with no daughters chasing after each other in the house… The echoes of chatter would become cold silence. I would lose both of my daughters to the Prince and still live in his kingdom. Such thought sickens me…”

“Wait… Krystal was poisoned? I was told she died in a riot!”

“I was, too… But, before we buried her, we sent to a coroner, per her request. Benjamin knew of one that could be trusted. The stake that was buried in her heart was done post mortem. The truth of her death was found through Pixie Dust, the rarest and most deadliest poison in the world. And in Krystal’s letter that was left for me in her room… the evening she was killed… She stated that she was going to the Prince’s castle… It seems that she has been fighting on your behalf from the very beginning. She knew that death was inevitable. She probably didn’t expect the Prince to kill her then… But she didn’t doubt it completely, either…”

“The Prince… I was going to go down quietly… I was going to marry that bastard… How DARE he?!” Ella snarled.

She clenched her left hand into a fist. When she unclenched them, there were four streaks of blood on the palm of her hand.

“Where’s Father? I don’t want him to be a bargaining chip for the Prince.”

“Don’t worry about your father. Before Krystal died, she wrote instructions for Benjamin and the Prince. And for you as well,” she whispered as she pulled an envelope out of her sleeve and hastily pressed it into Ella’s right hand. She’s arranged for your freedom. Even after her death, she’s looking out for you, Ella. She cares for you to such extent. I am so proud of you and Krystal and your agape, your pure sibling love.”

“Thank you, Stepmother. Thank you for everything. You were so gentle and patient to the me that rejected you as my new mother. I love you.”

“Oh, sweetie, I love you, too. Do not let the Prince see the letter. In message isn’t censored; if he reads it, you won’t be able to escape from him.”

“I’ll be careful,” Ella promised. “Good bye, Mother.

“Farewell, my daughter,” she sighed contently.

A few hours after Ella had gone back to the castle, Tanya let out her last breath as Aaron quietly sobbed by her side. In the morning, the house was deserted as Aaron and Benjamin prepared themselves for the ball.

The Prince was waiting at the castle gates when Ella’s carriage returned.

“Hello, Ella. How was your little trip?”

“It was excellent, dear,” she replied. “I no longer have ties to my old life. I can now dedicate my life to you and the kingdom.

She extended her hand to the Prince. He took it and kissed it before leading her back inside.

After dinner with the Prince, she excused herself and went back to her room to rest. Alone at last, she took took out the letter that was concealed in her corset.

Dear Ella,

This is my final message to you. My final, honest message. Whether you know it or not, Charming has been reading the messages I’ve sent you. So, I couldn’t be as honest as I wanted to. First, an apology. You will only read this when I am dead, so first, I apologize for dying and being unable to tell you that I love you in person. I was probably killed in some way by the order of the Prince. Mother probably sent me to the coroner and knows that I’ve died. Ella, you must know that I did not die for you. Don’t ever let my death burden you because you were not the one to cause it. I was simply a citizen who was tired of our corrupt leader and decided to speak up. Don’t punish yourself because you blame yourself. It would break my heart if I saw you up from heaven doing so, okay?

Before I lay down the gruesome facts and instructions I just want to tell you something, sister-to-sister. You’re so precious to me, Ella. When I first met you, I was a mere baby, confused about where my father was. It was obvious to me that you were wondering the same thing about your father. I had decided to keep my distance away you. No, that’s wrong. I decided to keep my distance away from everyone, even Mother. I was scared to be in a world where Papa’s hands could no longer hug me and fly me away from any trouble. I rejected a world where I couldn’t be spoiled. But you… You were there for me, protecting me from whatever the village nobles had to say about me, a fallen noble. You were only ten but you still cooked and cleaned our house everyday. At first I thought it was because you wanted to keep the house solely to connect yourself with your late mother, but then I heard you and Stepfather talking about how you couldn’t sell the house anymore even though there was a string of buyers. I know you tried to hide it from me, but I already knew that you kept the house so that a formerly rich kid like me could live in some form of comfort. I knew that you tried to make the food extravagant as possible with what you could afford, just for my and mother’s sake. You had lost one of your parents, just like me, but instead of whining about it, you decided to grow up for me. That truly changed me as a person. You are my role model, my angel, mys sister. Now that we have such a close relationship, I know that you’ll react to my death with grief and an unimaginable amount of sorrow, because that’s what my reaction would be if our situation was reversed. But you must remain strong again. Become stronger. Channel your feelings. Don’t become weaker. The Prince has probably depended on the fact that you have become more meek after my murder. Prove him wrong, Ella. Which brings us to the plan.

I have made some connections inside the castle. Before the clock strikes twelve, you must meet up with Ben. On the twelfth chime of the bell in the clock tower, there will be people putting out all the lights on the first floor. It will be almost completely dark. At that time, run out of the castle with Ben. Someone will be there to block the Prince and his thugs from chasing you. We have prepared a safe house in the next kingdom over. The King in the West was kind enough to go along with my plan. He threatened war, and when the Prince tried to diffuse the situation, I knew that he wouldn’t mess with the King. A few miles out, you’ll reach a quaint little farm with a safe distance from the border. It’s not much, but I think you’ll like it. Especially with your company. Yes, Ella, I do mean Ben. You like him and he likes you. I hope you two have a very nice wedding. If he ever makes you upset, make sure he knows that I will haunt him for all eternity! Otherwise, I think you two will be very happy together, so don’t doubt your feelings for him, Ella. Oh, you two may be older than me, but you are so innocent when it comes to love!

Anyway, it’s time I leave you. It’s time we both move on. I’ll be watching you from the heavens, always. I love you so much, Ella. You are the best sister in the world. Think of those as my final words because what I am about to suggest is not as pretty. This isn’t something you have to do, Ella, but it is an option. I have prepared this option while thinking about you because we both know that there is only one way for you to be completely free from the Prince. There is only one way for everybody, including me, to be completely free from the Prince. You don’t have to do this, okay? But if you do want to, keep reading. If you don’t, remember that I always miss you, that there is nothing for you to be forgiven for, and that I love you more than anything else in the entire world.

Good luck,

Krystal Goodall, honored sister of Ella Goodall

Ella read the entire letter. And she was prepared to do it all.

After three weeks of buttering up the Prince, it was finally the night of the ball.

The Prince wrapped his hand around Ella, sighing, “It’s finally happening. Soon, you will be the luckiest girl in the kingdom.”

“Indeed, my love. How foolish I was to even consider rejecting such an idea. And for what? A family that was going to leave me anyway? I hope you haven’t invited my no-good father.”

“Of course not, dear. But I do believe Benjamin Owens is coming to represent his family.”

“Is that so? Well I suppose I shall have a dance with him and gloat about how I have succeeded much more than him after much less effort!”

“Ha ha! What a splendid person you’ve become, Ella! You were once an ungrateful brat but now… Well, what an improvement! Now look at you! You’re wearing the blue gown and glass slippers that I gave you to our engagement ball. You have really accepted your new life.”

“Aww, thank you.”

“It’s a shame your sister couldn’t make it.”

Ella’s excellently performed fake smile froze for a second before replying, “Quite so. She died far too young.”

“Mhm. I really loved her… Spunk, let’s call it. If there was anything I could have done for her, anything at all, I would have done it to save her. Such a tragic way to go, being stuck between commoners. She didn’t deserve to die. I hope she is doing well in heaven.”

“Truly. Please excuse me, sweetie. I have to go powder my nose before all the people crowd in.”

She briskly walked into the nearest washroom, dabbing at the tears she couldn’t stop from flowing. She wasn’t sad. She was outraged. He was the one that killed Krystal but had the guts to say that “she didn’t deserve to die” and that he hope “she is doing well.”

“How dare he?! Just you wait, Charming. You’ll get what’s coming to you,” she muttered under her breath.

As guests started to pour in at eight and the Prince began greeting his guests. Ella went to prepare for her escape and her plan to bring justice to the Prince.

When she was finally done and the preparations had been put in place, she looked for Benjamin.

He was easy to find. In her three months of isolation, she had kept her memory of him every day. To her, the only person that mattered in the room was Benji. The moment she saw him, all the pain in her chest disappeared. Krystal was right. She loved him with all her heart. He was her charming prince, not Prince Charming.

When they made eye contact, it took Ella and Benjamin their all to not desperately run to each other. Doing so would arouse suspicion and waste weeks of convincing the Prince that she was devoted to the Prince and only the Prince.

They made their way to each other slowly by walking towards their directions and greeting other guests as if they were simply socializing and coincidentally going towards each other.

They were only a few feet from each other before the Prince grabbed Ella’s wrist.

“Sweetheart, do you want to dance?” he inquired.

“Of course, dearest,” Ella said, smiling sweetly.

As the Prince led her to the dance floor, she glanced at Ben, mouthing “Be careful. See you soon.”

She finally escaped the Prince, just ten minutes from midnight. She once again made her way toward Benjamin but not discreetly. There wasn’t much time before the plan began, so she could simply invite him to a dance and stay with him for the remainder of the time and not capture the attention of her fiance.

“Sir Benjamin Owens, would you care to dance?”

“I would be honored, Princess Ella.”

The moment they got on the dance floor, they broke the distant talk.

“Ella, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Benji. How are you?”

“No, seriously. Are you okay?”

“Of course I am. You’re here.”

“That means the world to me, Ella, but I’m talking about your sister and your mother.”

“Oh, Benji… It’s been so long since I could be so honest… For now, know that I’m okay. If I tell you differently, I don’t think I could stop myself from bursting into tears.”

“I’m so sorry that I couldn’t protect you, Ella.”

“No, Benji, you don’t need to apologize for everything. I’m grateful that you took care of my mother and sister.”

“You know that your father is here, too.”

“Father?”

“Krystal didn’t mention it?”

“No…”

“He is going to make sure it takes as long as possible for the Prince and his soldiers to reach us.”

“Wait, if he does that, he’ll die! The Prince won’t have any mercy!”

“Your father is ready for that risk. If you leave, he would still be heavily punished by the Prince for treason. This is his wish, Ella. With you mother, Tanya, and Krystal gone, he has nobody in his life but you. And he will do anything to help you escape.”

“But… I wanted to tell him that I love him… That I forgive him…”

“He is your father. He knows. And he wanted you to know that he loves you more than anything else and that he regrets everything. He’s so sorry for everything.”

“Benji?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m okay.”

“I’m sorry, Ella.”

The clock struck twelve.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.

They walked towards the entrance.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.

The lights went out. There was mass panic and the sound of a hundred gasps.

“MOVE!” the Prince demanded as he pushed through the crowd and waved a candelabra, trying to find Ella. “Where’s Ella?! You! Soldier at the door! Did anyone go out before you closed them?!”

“Yes, Your Highness. Two people. A boy with stunning green eyes and a girl with glass slippers.”

“How could you let them get out?! Open the doors immediately!”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

“Why not?!-”

Before he continued, he looked closer at the soldier. He realized it wasn’t a soldier at all.

“Why, if it isn’t Father-in-law? Oh, this should be easy. Fine, I’ll give you a promotion at work. I’ll give you a thousand gold coins. I’ll make you a noble again! Just open the door and you’ll have more riches than anyone, excluding me.”

“No.”

“Excuse me?!”

“You took advantage of a drunken man and let me sell my daughter to you. Everyone I’ve cared about is gone. You did that!”

“OPEN THE DOORS. NOW!”

“Over. My. Dead. Body.”

“Sure.”

The Prince unsheathed his sword and stabbed him in the chest.

As he was pushed aside, he managed to mutter out, “Ella left a message for you in your room… I love my daughter… She mattered more to me than money… I was just too… Stupid to realize that earlier…”

“Oh, boo-hoo; cry me a river. You’re bleeding profusely so just shut up and die,” he growled as he pried open the doors.

But it was too late. Ben and Ella was already on horseback to their new lives. All that remained was a shattered glass slipper on the stairs to the castle. Ella was free. Even the Prince knew that they would be long gone by the time the soldiers were able to chase after them.

As the frustrated Prince retired to him room a few hours later, he saw an envelope lying on his bed. It was from Ella, just as Aaron had promised. He sighed and opened it.

You don’t have much time, so I’ll make this quick. I know you killed my sister with Pixie Dust. And now you’ll know what it was like to die from it, as well. This letter and envelope is covered with it. How tragic it that you had to die so young. If only I could do something. See you in hell, Charming.

Ella

The Prince was dead before he could even start panicking.

By morning, Ella and Benjamin arrived to their new house.

“Benji, before we go inside. I need to tell you something. The truth is, Krystal gave me a choice to kill Charming… And I took it. You’ll be living with a murderer, now. A penniless, girl with no reputation. You’re still a noble. You could still become something if you leave now. Are you sure you want to stay?”

“Oh, Ella, I knew what opportunity Krystal gave you. It was my idea. You have suffered so much and we both know that we would never be able to live peacefully with the Prince wanting our heads. And as for the penniless thing, it never mattered to me. I don’t care about money. I care about you. Long before you became one, you were my Princess. And you’ll forever be my Queen. I love you, Ella.”

“Oh, Benji… I love you, too.”

And together, they lived happily ever after.