Cinderella's story has changed, the relation between Cinderella and step sisters has taken a good turn. Our mother is still the same but a little help from sisters makes everything easy for Cinderella.
Both of us started calling Cinderella by her given name 'Ella'. Except when our mother is there with us.
Our mother still got the upper hand after all, so we can't do much.
"Since my main task is over. Now I have to prepare for Cinderella's ball."
But... There is still a hurdle we have to overcome before that, which is Cinderella and Prince Charming's first meet.
According to the story, Cinderella met with Prince Charming once, in the forest when she ran away from home after getting sad but this is not going to happen for this Cinderella.
Even if she is sad, she will come to us rather than running away in to the forest.
"Should I have continued torturing her?" I sighed.
"I don't know anymore. Only thing I can do is create an opportunity for her to go to the forest. And rest is upto her luck."
Next day I was watering the plants while Cinderella was doing her usual chores.
'I'm sorry Cinderella, maybe I am not as cruel as the actual step sister but I'm definitely as lazy as her. I can't do heavy chores. My silent apology girl.'
I continued watering and thinking about a plan to execute when suddenly my eyes fell on horses in the stable. A light blinked in my head.
"Cinderella, just wait. You will meet your prince charming soon." I giggled.
"What? Did you said something?" She asked while spreading the clothes to dry.
"No!! You carry on."
Next morning, I was going through my plan in the head. What I need to do and how to do it.
My main plan is to pretend that a horse ran away into the forest, which is what me and Cinderella will go to the forest to find and that's when she will meet the prince.
"But that's only if the prince come to the forest, otherwise girl you will be staying single forever."
I ran down the stairs and went to the stable.
I know exactly at what time Cinderella comes to collect eggs. I took that chance. I selected a healthy looking horse from my perspective and leave it loose. I was about to took the horse when it suddenly kicked in the air and ran outside.
I fell on my back on a hip of hay stacked behind me. This wasn't my plan at all.
"FUCK! STUPID HORSE!!"
I somehow got back on my feet and brushed off the hay on my dress. Suddenly I remembered about the horse which ran outside. I rushed outside but the horse was nowhere to be seen.
I saw Cinderella running towards me,
"What happened Anne? I heard some noise! Are you okay?"
"I'm okay but one of your horse ran outside." I exaggerated with a worried face.
"Don't worry, must have went to the forest. He knows his way around here."
"Then we need to find it. Come on hurry up!"
I pushed Cinderella to lead the way. She was hesitating to bring me with her into the forest but somehow I persuaded her to let me tag along and help her to find that rascal of a horse.
"I definitely can't miss the scene in the whole world."
* * *
The forest echoed with frantic hoofbeats.
"STOP RUNNING, YOU OVERGROWN BREAD EATER!"
Anastasia burst through the trees, skirts hiked, dignity abandoned somewhere behind her. Behind her, Cinderella hurried along the path, breathless but calm.
"Anne," she called gently, "shouting won't help."
"It absolutely will," Anastasia snapped. "It needs to know I'm angry."
A horse galloped past them again, tail flying like a flag of rebellion.
Cinderella sighed. "He's frightened."
Suddenly that horse went out of their sight so they decided to search separately.
"Easy," he murmured. "We're hiding from destiny today."
The horse snorted skeptically. A sudden CRACK echoed from the bushes.
"WHO PUT A TREE HERE?!"
The Prince straightened.
Out burst Anastasia, skirts hitched up, hair wild, holding a broken branch like it had personally betrayed her.
"You!" she pointed at the Prince. "Are you responsible for this forest?"
"...No?"
"Shame. Someone should be."
"Did you see a horse flee this way with zero respect?"
"I did," the rider said calmly. "It appeared... motivated."
She squinted at him. "Why are you dressed like a noble but riding like you're lost?"
"I'm... exploring."
"Ah," she nodded. "So, rich and confused."
He coughed. "I wouldn't say rich."
She looked at the horse. "That horse disagrees."
The Prince instinctively pulled his hood lower.
Anastasia gasped. "WAIT-are you hiding your face because you're ugly or because you're important?"
"...Neither?"
She leaned closer. "Blink twice if you're the Prince."
The horse snorted twice. Anastasia froze.
"Oh."
The Prince glared at the horse. "Traitor."
She burst into laughter. "Relax! I'm not interested. Royal balls hurt my feet, and I hate dancing with strangers who expect feelings."
He stared. "...You're the first person who's ever said that to me."
"Happy to disappoint." She brushed leaves off her skirt. "Anyway, I'm late for absolutely nothing. Good luck with your secret identity."
She marched off, muttering, "Honestly. Princes in forests. Very unsanitary."
The Prince watched her go, deeply unsettled. "...I need new hiding places."
Anastasia was so done with this search parade,
"Never mind, my skin is far more important than watching my sister's romance. I'm already considered ugly and I don't want to worsen it further."
"She is the main character, I bet the horse and the prince will draw towards her by themselves."
Anastasia got irritated and left the forest, towards her home.
On the other hand....
The forest grew quieter. Cinderella stepped carefully between the trees, calling softly,
"Easy now... I won't chase you."
The runaway horse stood nearby, trembling. Another horse approached at a slow walk. The same rider dismounted this time, keeping his hood low.
"You've found him," he said gently.
Cinderella smiled. "He's frightened. He only needs time."
She moved slowly, speaking in a calm, steady voice. The horse relaxed, lowering its head. The Prince watched in awe.
"You didn't command him," he said. "You asked."
She slipped the reins into place and laughed softly. "Everyone listens better that way."
He hesitated, then lowered his hood slightly.
"I'm Kit."
"Ella."
They walked together for a short while, leading the horse.
"You don't seem afraid of strangers," he said.
She shook her head. "Only unkind ones."
When the forest was about to end the prince took his leave. Cinderella bid farewell and went back towards her home.
On the way she met with Anastasia who was waiting for her.
Anastasia leaned over and took two sniff then squinted at Cinderella. "You smell like a horse and destiny." Said teasingly.
Cinderella blinked. "What?"
"Nothing," Anastasia said. "Just... if you meet a mysterious man again-tell him I don't like him."
She paused.
"...But he was funny."
"Whatever...!"
'I hate him for hiding in the forest and not in a beautiful cafe. He made me do extra work.'
* * *
My mission was successful, I can tell by looking at her face that she met with the prince.
"Ohh I wish, I could have had a look at his face. He must be so handsome for being the prince of a beauty like Cinderella."
I was giggling inside. I felt like a Cupid for them.
"I will ask for a hefty amount of gifts for this hard work."
That night, I fell asleep while thinking about the prince and the upcoming ball.
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SIDE NOTE: I really enjoyed writing this chapter. I would like to give the credit to my friend who is studying English for helping me with making sentences in a literature and bookish way. Felt like professional.
I am loving the prince already, are you?? 😉
If you like my story then give it a star and share it with your friends, this will help me to keep motivated and write new stories.