Chapter 23

Cinderella had adjusted to life at the castle. It took a little while to get used to being waited on instead of doing the waiting. She still cleaned up after herself as much as she could and did her own mending. She even snuck into the kitchen to help with the cooking every now and then.

When she wasn't helping the cleaning and cooking staff, she was usually with Charles. She began sitting in on his lessons. She did a lot of studying on her own as well, because many of his classes were well beyond her understanding. She spent time in the library reading, she went horseback riding with Charles and Alex, and even joined their fencing practice.

Of course, they also had a lot of wedding planning to do. She was working with the castle seamstress to design her wedding dress. She and Charles were planning a menu with the kitchen staff and looking at flowers with the gardeners. They hoped to see Papa any day. He had sent a letter ahead that he gave them his full permission and was wrapping up some business, but would be on his way in good time.

One morning, after a refreshing horseback ride, Cinderella returned to her room to find company. "Pierre," she said, surprised to see the old servant.

"Hello, milady," he said with a bow. She answered with a hug.

"How are you? How is Mother? And the girls?"

"They are well enough. The duchess has some regrets, I think, about her behavior towards you."

"Really?"

"Yes. We have a surprise for you at home. Your father has returned. I've come to take you home. He'd like to see you in private before he comes to the castle."

"Okay. I'll fetch Charles."

"I believe he wants to see you alone, milady."

"Then I'll just let the Prince know that I'm going. I'll return shortly."

"I shall ready the carriage out front."

"Thank you Pierre."

Cinderella found Charles in his chambers. He had just washed up from their ride and answered the door without a shirt on. She blushed.

"I thought you were Alex," he said, opening the door for her. As she walked in, he pulled his shirt on. "Are you ready for today's lessons? And then I believe we have dinner with Variel and her family tonight."

"Actually, I have to go. There's something I must take care of. I'll be back for dinner."

"Do you want me to come with you? What is it that you need to do?" She could hear the concern in his voice. She hadn't been outside the castle without him since the night of the ball.

"It's a surprise," she said with a smile, giving him a kiss. "I'll be fine." She didn't want him to worry and she knew if she told him where she was going, he would insist on coming with. She would go quickly. And just in case, she would tell Alex as well on her way out.

"Okay, I'll see you tonight."

"See you tonight."

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"I have some concerns about this marriage," Papa said, sitting next to Cinderella on the front steps. The rest of the family was in the house so they could have a private talk.

"What concerns, Papa?"

"Your stepmother has made a poor account of him. I hate to speak poorly of the Prince, but is it true that he has spent time alone with you in your bedroom?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"And has he seen you less than fully clothed?"

Cinderella remembered how Charles and Alex had cleaned the wound on her stomach after the bandits attacked. "I mean, yes, but-"

Papa cut her off again. "And he has lied to you?"

"Papa, stop!" She felt anger rising in her. "You don't know what's been happening here. I have been living as a servant in this house since the day you left."

He looked surprised. "A servant? In your own home?"

"Yes! And those things that Charles did, there were good reasons." She hurried ahead before he could interrupt. "When he came into my bedroom, I was very sick. He came to give me medicine that Mother refused to get me, and to make sure I was resting. Did she also mention that he, the Prince, cleaned our house and cooked dinner for the family so that I could rest?"

"The Prince? Cleaning and cooking?"

"We didn't know he was the Prince, that is true. He lied about it because he didn't want me to treat him differently. But I love him, Papa!"

"And why should he have seen my daughter without clothes?"

"I was covered. But bandits attacked the house. I was injured in a swordfight, a cut on my stomach. Charles and his friend cleaned and bound the wound. But he left while Mother and the girls changed me into a nightgown."

"You fought bandits?"

"Yes. Mother had Pierre and I keep watch. Charles taught me how to fight with your sword. And he and Alex came to our rescue and chased the bandits off."

"What else has your mother done to you in my absence?"

Grateful the subject had changed, Cinderella spoke openly of her treatment. She hadn't planned to tell Papa, but since the duchess had seen fit to try and throw blame on Charles, Cinderella felt she needed to make sure the truth was all in the open.

When she finished, Papa sat with his head in his hands. "I did not know, my dear. Why didn't you write to me?"

"I didn't want to force you to come home. I wasn't unhappy, Papa. Charles and my friends have helped me along the way. It hasn't all been bad. I've learned many new skills, too."

"Oh, my dear girl, you are so good and sweet. And it sounds like I owe the Prince quite a debt for taking care of you in my absence. My heart hurts, knowing that he has had to protect you from your own family, who should have been caring for you."

"It's in the past now, Papa. Will you come to the castle and meet Charles? I think you'll like him very much."

"Of course. I will be there tomorrow. For now, you'd better go. I need to have a talk with the duchess and her daughters. Pierre will take you back. Expect me in the morning. I love you, my little Princess."

"I love you too, Papa."

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When Cinderella told Charles of her conversation with her father, he was surprised. He was glad she had finally stopped letting the duchess get away with her abuse. It sounded like Duke Dalben would take care of things the way Charles had wished he could almost since he met Cinderella.

Their dinner with Nicolas, Variel, and Variel's family went well. Variel's father was surprised and impressed to see the good relationship his son-in-law had with the Prince.

The next morning, as promised, Duke Dalben arrived at the castle. Charles and Cinderella received him in the throne room where a second throne had been set next to Charles' for his Princess-to-be. They had a chair brought in for the Duke to sit in as well.

The visit went well. Charles found Cinderella's father to be wise, kind, and intelligent. He saw in the Duke many of Cinderella's talents and strengths.

The Duke likewise seemed happy with Charles. He thanked the Prince many times for taking care of his daughter in his absence. "You have treated her far better than her family," he said. "While I am sorry for the treatment she endured, I am grateful for the good friends who helped her. I believe you were a wonderful strength to her, and for that I owe you more than I can say."

"I was happy to be there for Cinderella. She is very dear to me."

"Indeed. I can see that you two make a wonderful couple. You have my wholehearted blessing for your marriage. Set the date as soon as you will."

Joyfully, they planned a date about a week away. Everything would be ready by then, and it was enough time for the invitations to go out if they were sent immediately. For Charles, the day couldn't come soon enough.

The week went by quickly, full of planning and preparing. Guests came from all over the kingdom as well as from many neighboring kingdoms.

At last, months after Charles realized he was in love with Cinderella, he finally got to look at her and promise to love her forever. She looked stunning in her white wedding gown and veil with the beautiful tiara his mother had given her. She finally looked the part of the Princess she had always been. Charles knew that this was the perfect beginning of many happy years.

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Cinderella and Charles had six children, all of whom had her blonde curls and his piercing blue eyes. They grew up with kind hearts and adventurous spirits.

Paulette visited the castle whenever she came through the kingdom. She loved seeing her goddaughter's children and they loved their mother's godmother.

Duke Dalben was also a frequent visitor at the castle when he wasn't away in foreign courts. The duchess and her daughters, though unpunished, suffered the consequences of their actions. Instead of the close relationship with the royal family they might have enjoyed, they were kept at a distance. Many other noble families broke off contact as rumors spread about their treatment of the kingdom's beloved Princess.

Eventually, Catherine and Jeanne made amends with Cinderella. They humbled themselves and, through their relationship with her, were able to find and marry wonderful noblemen.

Nicolas and Variel were regulars at the castle where Nicolas taught all the royal children to play instruments. Marcel and Yan were also regular visitors. Marcel kept them all laughing while Yan provided much helpful guidance over the years.

And they all lived as happily ever after as they deserved.