The Wronged Princess - Book I Read Online Free PDF Page A

occasion when Cinderella found herself lucky enough allowed to her own devices , did she not steal into Esmeralda’s closet to try on her shoes ? Both Esmeralda and Pricilla had lovely slippers. Esmeralda’s fit Cinderella perfectly .  Her gaze swept the darkness in a terrifying panic .  Who was she to turn to for help ? It was not possible to confront them now .  Her shoe fit Esmeralda . Deflated, she realized, there was no one.
    Frustrated tears spilled forth in defeat .  Should e ven Fairy Godmother be willing to help, why should she ? Cinderella berated herself .  She was the ninny that slipped out of the blasted shoe in the first place .  She paced the dingy basement floor unable to stem the flowing river of tears .  It was all so hopeless.
    She spun from the bottom of the stairway to retrace her steps dashing a hand across her face .  Her little friend in the corner squeaked in sympathy . 
    “What am I to do?” she beseeched of him.
    He only shook his head in forlorn compassion.
    She gave him a watery smile .  “ Merci beaucoup ,” she sniffed .  “I suppose I deserve my lot in life .  My deceit has caught me cold. ”
    Seconds later a tingling whisper wafted through the shadows, bits of glitter giving off a candlelight glow .  Suddenly, the dark basement shimmered in a shower of sparkles that swirled upward in agonizing slow moving motion . 
    A gown of the softest pastel pink chiffon shifted into focus like an artist drawing from a blank page .  Soon, the gentle face of an angel appeared before her, tapping one foot in all of impatience .  She snapped a shiny stick toward an old black kettle in the corner, whipping it into a high-backed padded chair fit for…well, a Fairy Godmother, of course . 
    “Hello, dear. ”
    Her voice held little sympathy, Cinderella could not help but note .
    Fairy Godmother swung round , and all but plunked into the chair like a sullen child .  Her silver stick clattered to the floor .  With an irritated huff, she snatched it up .  She brushed small elegant hands over her skirts before meeting Cinderella ’s gaze .  She shook her head with a sad smile and soft sigh.
    The dejected sound filled Cinderella with so much frustration and despair; she sagged to the floor in self-acknowledged failure .  “I vow , I know not how this happened .  I …I suppose when the tower clock struck twelve I tempted fate on e step too far .  I was overly enthralled, you see. ” Then defended quickly, “ But I ran as fast as I could . ” All was lost .  S he could see it in Fairy Godmother’s un sympathetic eyes .  Cinderella dropped her head, and confessed , “I lost my shoe.”
    “ Oui, I know, dear,” Fairy Godmother said , h er voice much more gentle than Cinderella knew she deserved .  Th at gentle tone proved her undoing , and she burst into uncontrollable tears .
    “It ne’er occurred to me Esmeralda’s foot sh ould fit my slipper . ” S he hiccupped .  “He never saw her face .  I’m his mysterious princess .  What am I to do?” she wailed .  U nable to hold back any longer, a nguish ed tears poured rivulets down her cheeks . 
    It was all somewhat dramatic but she was past the effort of constraint .
    “Cinderella, my sweeting, this is more than just about you. ” Fairy Godmother said this kindly.
    Cinderella blinked , puzzled .  “ Pardonnez-moi, what do you mean?”
    “Hmm .  How shall I say this? ”
    Cinderella flinched under her piercing gaze , one that sent tingles racing up her spine. “Well, dear .  I have been chatting with the queen. ”
    Confusion wrapped Cinderella in a thick cocoon while Fairy Godmother continued a matter-of-fact…tirade .  “Frankly, my dear, she is thoroughly appalled by her son’s lack of imagination in pursuit of his…ahem…mysterious princess.”
    “But…but, he does not have to be,” Cinderella assured her quickly, rising on her knees , poking her self in the chest with her thumb .  “I am her .