1 The Ball

She'd been planning to go to the ball since the day it was made known to her existence. If she could win the prince's hand, she would finally be free of the shackles that bounded her to hell. If not, at least she'd experience what it was like to be in a castle.

Everything was absolutely as imagined, Creamy smooth stones that were smooth against her carriage, a beautiful majestic scenery that lead to the tall golden gate, that was legend to be made of the purest gold, huge silver pillars with threads of the world's finest silk dangling gracefully from them, ten stories is what the castle looked to be, a dining area so large you could feed thousands, marble floors so shiny it looks unrealistic, and a ballroom so magical and magnificent it felt like she was living a fairytale.

She's still quite in shock that she actually gets to attend this magnificent ball. At the last minute her fairy godmother came, and gave her what from the bottom of her big heart, all she's ever wanted. A chance. She gave her a chance. It still brings tears to her eyes just thinking about it.

She'd shown up an hour early hoping she could meet with the prince. If they didn't fall madly in love from just looking at each other, then maybe she could explain her situation and hope he helps her out.

Somehow, she ended up dancing with the prince. You'd think that because she showed up early there would be no one there, and it would be the perfect opportunity to talk to him. Much to her dismay, when she got there it was already packed with desperate women who were trying to win his hand. Though, she caught his eye, mostly likely by her rather daring choice of clothes. She showed up in a blood red gown, and Ruby and Safire glass slippers, by that I mean, one slipper was Safire and the other was Ruby, both bearing a bow at the front that was made of gold.

The prince was immediately mesmerized by her beauty, and asked for a dance. Who the hell was she to deny him when he is the root to solving all her problems? So she lets him whisk her away.

"God you're so beautiful." The prince says in a smooth husky voice .

The blush that erupts on her face is quiet evident, but to save her from more embarrassment the prince doesn't mention it. Had someone told her a week ago she'd be here dancing with the prince, she would've scrubbed the ashtray she'd been working on harder to stop the unladylike words that would've came out her mouth.

"Why thank you, your majesty." He has not yet told her how to address him, so she'll address him but his title to stay on the safe side. She needs to be in his good graces for her plan to work, plus it's rather improper to call someone you've known for two hours by their first name.

Or at least that's what she thinks.

"Love, there's no need to call me that, I intend to make you my wife." Putting much more restraint in then she usually doesn't, she's able to hold in an eye roll.

Now early, she might have entertained the though of the prince falling madly in love with her, but that was just a silly fantasy. What girl doesn't want a prince to fall madly in love with them? That though, doesn't mean it'll happen.

'Even if he wants to make her his wife, he doesn't know me well enough.' She thinks.

Who knows the type of wife she'll be. And, if it weren't for her in desperate need of saving, she would never consider marrying a prince. With power comes many barriers.

"The thing about being King means that you are allowed to do anything you please." Then scoffing she accidentally lets out, "Your Richness."

She doesn't know where the name came from, but it's very befitting of a person who uses their title and wealth to get the best of people.

Instead of getting offended, he chuckles"I think I like your majesty better." A small smile graces his godly face.

They stare at each other for a while, passionately gazing into each others eyes. As he moves closer to kiss her, the bell toward rings.

'If you're not back by twelve consequences may befall you.' She knew exactly what—or who her fairy godmother was talking about when she said that.

"Oh shoot!I must really get going." Not even embarrassed she used improper language in the presence of a man, she gets up. She knew it was improper to say, but it just happened to slip out.

"Wait is it something I did? Sor - wait if you must leave,at least tell me your name." He looks desperately trying to savage what's left of this unfavorable situation.

She doesn't though, just runs as her life depends on it, because truth be told it does. She knows if she doesn't make it home by midnight she's dead.

"I'll find you, I don't care how long it'll take." He runs after her, causing her to speed up. At the fast pace she's running, her Safire slipper falls off.

"Damn!" She mutters.

She liked the Safire slipper more than the ruby, but it's too late to go back now.

She somehow manages to get home before the twelfth bell rings, and thanks her lucky stars for protecting her.

She quickly undressed, and messily puts her gown and Ruby slipper in the chest her mother gave her shortly before her death. Then she jumping into the rags her family considers clothing, and turns to her back to the door with a fatally pounding heart.

She hears them creep up the stairs and open her door, with her heart pounding faster she prays the prince finds she soon.

Crying tears of joy, she can't believe she'll get her happily ever after.

//////////////

She woke up the next week in a good mood. 'The prince is coming to get me.' She sung in her head. He'd issued a find the matching forgot order a few days ago, and they'd be arriving in her village shortly. No one or nothing could kill her high. Picking up her broom and cloth she begun her daily chores.

"Why are you so happy?" She can tell by her sister's tone that she's disgusted by her presence.

"Don't get your hopes up, because the prince would never want someone as ugly as you." She laughs her ugly hyena laugh that she thinks is swoon worthy.

"Ugly. *ha ha* You. *snicker* A princess." She puts her hands on her knees and gags as if the thought is repulsive.

What would be repulsive is if she ever became I princess or queen. The thought along is enough to make anyone who knows her sick to their stomach.

'She can laugh for now, but there will by no laughing when I leave with the prince.' She thinks suppressing a smile.

I"You're right dear beautiful sister. I'm far too ugly, unladylike, and dirty, to ever be a princess. Someone like you would be far more equipped to handle such a difficult task."

The one thing her sister loves more than making other feel like trash, is praise, she'll give it to her one last time.

"Why thank you you peasant." She spat, as if she and her didn't live in the same conditions.

She's what gentleman refer to as a cold hearted bitch, in private of course.

Instead of saying something she'll regret, she smiles, remembering a time when her sister was different. A time when she was sweet, caring, loving, kind, and beautiful inside and out. Though it's a different time, she'll always remember the days, those days were the best.

A knock on the door causes everyone to momentarily freeze

"He's here!" Her sister squeals, then grabs her. "You will not be present when he comes in, You're a disgrace." She quickly pushes her into her room and locks the door, not leaving her any time to react.

'No! Noooo! This is supposed to be my day.' She thinks while frantically pacing around the tiny room.

She watches from the window, as the first two try it on, it doesn't fit. Then before her sister can try it on, it breaks.

She smiles triumphantly. She has the match, and even if she's not let out the room, that mean the search will be over and no one will get the prince.

"Haha." She lets out then loudly bangs on the door.

Her sister's face morphs into a small smile, and then she pulls out a glass slipper.

She lets her mouth fall wide in disbelief. She didn't wear a glass slipper to the ball.

Confusion crosses over the Prince's face, but when the royal Duke nods giving his approval, he puts the shoe on her.

It fits, can you believe it?

She begin to bang loudly, and throw stuff all across the room, hoping, praying someone will her the ruckus.

Much to her avail, it did no good.

She watches as the Prince pulls her sister into his arms and kisses the living daylights out of her.

She turns away, not wanting to see more. She's lost, just like she always does.

Tears stream done her eyes, as her watches the carriage move away until it is no more than a dot.

"It's always Ella, they never remember me, her twin Isabelle." She says deeply regretting not telling the prince her name.