Cinderella & Dragons

AFTER CINDERELLA

"YOU'RE NOT TRYING HARD enough, you idiot! Let me do it!"

Gaia swatted the soldier's hand, reclaimed the glass slipper, and rammed her foot in. It was such a tight squeeze, her crushed toes had her warbling in agony.

My lady... the soldier reluctantly spoke up, Do you think... maybe... it's a bit too small for you?

"No! Gaia screamed. It's not! This is my slipper, I swear!" Nearly an inch of her ankle was hanging off the back.

But my lady, I—

"Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up! I don't want to hear it! As she wailed, Gaia punched the top of the slipper. By some miracle, the rest of her foot was crammed inside. It was painful, but necessary. Through gritted teeth, she gloated, See? I told you it was mine!"

"Well... you are the first young lady who's managed to get it on," the soldier reported as he studied Gaia's foot. Her flesh was flowing over the sides of the uncommonly small shoe.

"That's because it's mine! Gaia claimed. Tell the prince you've found his lady! I'm sure he'll recognize me when he sees me!"

Very well, the soldier acquiesced with a sigh. I'll report to His Highness and see what he thinks.

"He'll be thrilled! That's what he'll think! As soon as the soldier was out of the room, she whimpered to her sister, Oh my god, it hurts so bad!"

Then why don't you remove it? suggested Terra, who was busy with her needlepoint.

Because I'm trying to dupe the prince, you idiot! Isn't that obvious? Gaia snorted.

And you really think that'll work? Terra asked as her needle plunged through fabric. It isn't as if the prince is blind.

The ballroom was dark! He'll believe it! Gaia whimpered as she studied her aching foot. "You don't understand, Terra, I'm desperate! If I had to, I would have hacked off my toes to fit into the blasted thing!"

That's certainly very... determined, Terra said with a roll of her cerulean eyes. Her eyes were her best feature. The rest of her face was, as her mother put it, terribly plain.

In front of the cottage, the soldier reconvened with the prince. For the last twenty-four hours, Prince Sharman had been scouring every village for females of marriageable age—or rather, his soldiers were doing the work for him. He wasn't foolish enough to do the legwork himself.

When the carriage door popped open, Sharman lowered his looking glass with a roll of his eyes. Until his voluminous brown curls were perfect, he didn't want anyone to interrupt his preening session. What is it, Pyrell? For once, you better have good news! the prince grumbled.

W-well, sir... I believe I might have found her.

Seriously? Sharman knocked Pyrell aside as he scrambled from the carriage. "Where is she? Take me to her at once!"

"I should have put more emphasis on the might, sir, Pyrell muttered. If I were you, I would not get my hopes up."

"At once! the prince ignored the soldier's reservations and repeated his command. Let me see her! I'll be the judge!"

Pyrell escorted him to the cottage's interior, where they saw Gaia grimacing at the constricting slipper. As soon as her eyes landed on Sharman, her pained expression was replaced with a coquettish smile.

Your Highness! Gaia exclaimed as she raised her slippered foot. How wonderful to see you again! You remember me, yes?

Prince Sharman's face hardened as he studied the woman's beak-like nose. His nose puckered at her small, dull eyes. When his gaze dropped to the unusually large mole on her chin, his jaw twitched.

You remember me? she repeated the question. We danced all night! It was glorious!

Without a word, Sharman seized his soldier's elbow and dragged him into a distant corner of the room. "Pyrell! he hissed. Did you really think this was the right girl?"

Well, uh... Pyrell hesitated. I wasn't sure, sir. The slipper did fit, so—

"Barely! The frustrated prince dragged a hand through his fluffy brown curls. As the locks tumbled through his fingers, his voice dropped to a marginally audible whisper. Did you really think I would go to such lengths to find this woman? She's borderline hideous!"

Uh... Pyrell had no excuses for himself. Sorry?

There shouldn't have been a shred of doubt in your mind, Pyrell! Are you thick? Do you have eyes? When Sharman's gaze wandered back to Gaia, he forced himself to smile. You've put me in an extraordinarily uncomfortable position. Now I have to look her in the eye and tell her she's not the one.

Sorry, Pyrell murmured another apology as the prince drifted back to Gaia's side.

Madam, the prince began, I'm sorry, but you're mistaken. You are not the young woman I seek. Will you return the slipper, please?

"But I am! Gaia persisted with the lie. I am the girl you're looking for! We had such a wonderful time together, Your Highness! How could you forget me?"

My dear, we both know you're lying. Sharman held out his palm. "Now... if you would... give me the slipper."

With an irritated grunt, Gaia tore off the shoe and slapped it into the prince's hand. "Fine! she roared. But we could have been happy together, Your Highness! I would have been perfect for you!"

"Ahem. The prince cleared his throat as he turned to the second sister. Has this young lady been tested? I'm almost certain she isn't the right girl, but the slipper must be presented to everyone."

With all due respect, Your Highness... Terra pointed at the crutches near her chair, do you really think you and I could have danced the night away?

The prince raised an over-plucked eyebrow. Ah. You have crutches?

Indeed. Terra gave him a nod. That is precisely what I'm saying.

Very well. I accept that you're not the woman I seek.

As the prince turned away, Terra cried, "Wait!"

Hmm? He didn't bother to face her again. He kept his eyes on the door.

There's another young woman who lives here, Terra told him, which earned her a murderous glare from her sister. I believe she's outside with the laundry, if you'd like to speak to her?

"Terra! her sister squawked. Cinderella wasn't at the ball, silly! Mama wouldn't allow it! Remember?"

Perhaps. But... I thought the prince should know. With a shrug, Terra turned her attention to the needlepoint in her hands.

As Sharman wandered through the cottage's back door, his hopes were far from high. He had been led in the wrong direction too many times, and he didn't anticipate a change of luck.

And then he saw her. Her blond hair, recently freed from a bun, flowed around her shoulders as she fussed with the clothesline. White linens, whipped by wind, swirled around her. He was awed by the sight.

As soon as he saw her, Sharman knew he was looking at the right woman. The slipper wasn't necessary. He couldn't forget the most beautiful face he ever laid eyes on.

My lady...

When he spoke, she was so startled by the sound of his voice, he made her drop a handful of clothespins. As she crouched to collect them, she exclaimed, Your Highness! I... I didn't expect to see you again...

Prince Sharman dropped to his knees and presented the glass slipper. You're her, are you not? The girl from the ball?

Of course. She looked down at the lost shoe he cradled in his hands. What's this? You found my slipper?

I did, Sharman answered with a slightly devious smirk. And I would have scoured the world to find its owner. Put it on. Let me see how well it fits you.

When the woman easily slipped her foot into the glass slipper's confines, his eyelashes fluttered with relief.

What's your name, lovely girl? the prince asked. One of the sisters said it once, but he hadn't committed it to memory. "Tell me. I must know."

Cinderella.

"Cinderella... he dreamily repeated. When I met you, Cinderella, I knew my heart would be lost to you forever. I've never seen a more stunning woman. Your eyes are more radiant than a thousand glittering stars, your hair is like goldenest sunshine, and your skin is more luminous than a pearl. My innermost prayers were answered the moment I saw your face. Prince Sharman suddenly seized her hand and pulled it to his lips. Against her knuckles, he whispered, Marry me."

"W... what?"

Marry me! he passionately repeated. The purpose of my ball was to find a bride. You knew that, right?

I... believe so. Cinderella felt a slight dizziness in her head, so she flipped an empty bucket and used it as a seat.

Have I shocked you?

Cinderella chewed on her lip. A bit.

Do you need time to think?

Perhaps.

Did she need time to think, or was she being a fool? She could either accept his proposal and make herself a princess, or be stuck with her cruel stepmother for the rest of her days.

In the end, it was an easy decision to make.

When she gave her answer, her face was stoic. I would be honored to be your wife, Your Highness.

"Good. Excellent! Sharman leapt from the ground and knocked away the grass that clung to his breeches. I believe you've just made me the luckiest man in the world."

And I'm the luckiest woman.

The prince didn't try to deny it. With a wicked grin on his lips, he replied, Yes. You are. Sharman snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Would it be alright if I kissed you?

Cinderella's heart was so thunderous, she could hear it beating in her ears. Her throat was tight, so she answered with a nod.

Prince Sharman practically swooned when he had his first soul-melting brush with the rare beauty's lips. His future bride was the epitome of perfection—and she would be his for the rest of his life.

He wanted to believe they would live happily ever after.

But true happy endings were not so easily attained.

Two

CINDERELLA REREAD THE prince's letter out loud. She was reading to Terra, who was sitting at the end of her straw mattress. Her stepmother and stepsisters had silk blankets, soft beds and puffy pillows—while Cinderella was stuck with a bed of straw. It was her stepmother's fault. According to her, Cinderella didn't deserve to have fancy things.

Dearest Cinderella,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. Unfortunately, I had to rush back to the Winter Palace to see to an urgent matter. A curse has been placed upon my sister, and I must see to her health. I will explain more at a later date.

That small cottage is not an acceptable residence for a future princess and queen. I want to get you out of that terrible place with haste, so I'm sending a carriage to fetch you. Your transportation should arrive in the early hours of the evening. While I would have loved to travel with you, I couldn't waste the precious minutes to make the journey to your home. I deeply apologize, but I believe we shall be reunited soon.

It's quite a distance to the Winter Palace, but I'm sure you will love it there. It's much larger than the Summer Palace, where the ball was held. I cannot wait until its hallways are brightened by your gentle spirit.

I am entirely devoted to you. I would move mountains to see a smile on those lovely lips of yours. My heart aches because I cannot be with you at this very moment. I want to gaze into your sea blue eyes. I want to watch in awe as your honey blonde hair is caressed by fingers of the wind. I look forward to the day when I can hold you in my arms and we can watch every sunrise together. I've always dreamt of finding a woman as beautiful as you. Now that you're in my life, every day will undoubtedly be a joy.

Yours forever,

Prince Sharman

As soon as Cinderella reached the letter's end, Terra snatched the paper from her hand.

"I want to watch in awe as your honey blonde hair is caressed by fingers of the wind? Terra's nose wrinkled as she reread every word. That... is honestly one of the worst things I've ever read in my life."

Cinderella—or Cinda, as her stepsister called her—defended her beau. Awww! At least he's trying! I thought it was romantic.

It is. Maybe. Sort of... Terra struggled to accept that it was anything more than hogswallop. I don't know, Cinda. His entire courtship feels a bit... superficial to me.

Cinderella's fingers smoothed a wrinkle from her patch-covered gingham dress. Her lips dipped into a frown as she listened to her stepsister's scathing opinions of her future husband. What do you mean?

His interest in you is based solely on the fact that you're beautiful, Terra said. "And you are beautiful. Inside and out, you're the loveliest girl I've ever known. But he doesn't know that. He should take time to get to know you as a person, don't you think?"

W-well... we'll get to know each other at the Winter Palace, won't we?

I suppose.

You sound sad, Cinderella noted as she drifted around the room, collecting articles of clothing and keepsakes for her valise. Most of her dresses were frayed and holey. If she was going to be a palace guest, she needed better clothes. You don't think I should marry Sharman?

No. I'm not saying that, Terra corrected her. "I just want to see you happy, Cinda. You deserve a man who loves you for you."

And maybe Prince Sharman will be that... someday? Cinda hopefully suggested. "I couldn't turn down a prince's offer of marriage, Terra! I would have to be mad! Besides, look at my alternative! She ran to the corner of the room and picked up her broom. Either I can be my stepmother's slave, or I can live in a palace!" 

No, I think you made the right choice, her stepsister assured her. Maybe I'm just... sad. Because I'll miss you.

Cinda threw down the broom and rushed back to Terra's side. Then come with me! she exclaimed. I can help you pack your things. I'm sure the prince wouldn't mind another guest.

Terra's head somberly shook. You don't know that...

No. But he claims to care about me and my happiness... and nothing would make me happier than to have you with me.

But I'd be a burden to you. Terra sheepishly lifted one of her crutches.

"Are you serious? You're never a burden to me! How could you say such a thing? Cinderella slid an arm around her stepsister's shoulders, capturing her in a partial embrace. Please come with me, Terra. I want you there. I'd rather not be alone."

But... would Mama allow it?

Do you really care what that wicked woman thinks? Cinda sprang to her feet, went to the door, and waited for Terra to follow. We're both eighteen now. You're nearly nineteen. We can do as we please.

Terra used her crutches to lift off from the bed. As she followed Cinda from the room, she asked, You really think your prince will let me stay in the palace?

Yes. I'm sure of it! As soon as they entered Terra's room, Cinderella grabbed another bag and proceeded to stuff it with Terra's belongings. She hadn't actually agreed to come—but Cinda wasn't giving her a choice. She needed Terra at her side.

But how can you be sure? You barely know the man! Terra reminded her. For all you know, he could be a complete and total arse.

I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. When she found one of her stepsister's brassieres, Cinda plucked it from the drawer and let it dangle from her finger.

Why are you collecting my unmentionables? Terra asked. I'm quite capable of packing my own things, you know.

I'm trying to help. The carriage could arrive at any moment!

Cinderella was right to make haste. A few seconds later, Gaia bellowed from the adjacent room, "The prince's carriage is here... not that I care!"

Oh no! Cinda gasped as she hurried around the room. Why did her fiance give her no time to prepare? In her mind, she directed a few unladylike curses at him. What do we need? Tell me quickly!

They packed the barest essentials, and when they were finally ready, Cinderella popped her head into Gaia's room and asked, Will you help me carry one of our bags?

"Our bags? Gaia repeated with a disgusted click of her tongue. Is Terra going with you?"

Umm... yes. She is.

Gaia sprang to her feet and stomped to the door. "You invited her and not me?"

I'm sorry, Gaia. I didn't think you'd want to go. You were so upset about the prince's proposal, after all, and—

"Of course I'd want to go! Gaia screamed at the top of her lungs. Are you stupid? You don't invite me, and now you want me to carry your bags?"

Cinderella didn't know what to say, so she settled on a reluctant, I'm... sorry?

You and your bags can go to the devil, Cinda! Gaia slammed the door in Cinderella's face. A few seconds later, she reopened the door and slammed it a second time. "Get out of my sight! Out out out!"

Wincing slightly, Cinderella shuffled away from Gaia's door. When she passed her stepmother's room, she stopped to peer inside. The cantankerous woman was in the middle of her afternoon nap. Even though she was leaving—quite possibly forever—Cinderella decided not to wake her.

Well, that was awful, Terra said. How did Mama sleep through Gaia's shrieking?

Cinda hitched a shoulder. I have no idea.

Believe it or not, Gaia is utterly unaware of her shrewish tendencies. No matter how cruel she is, she always feels like the victim. I'm so glad she's not coming. As she watched Cinda struggle with the bags, Terra stuck out her lower lip. I would help you carry those... if I could.

I know. Cinderella's arms were occupied, so when they reached the cottage's front door, she kicked it open.

"I bet I could carry one! Terra exclaimed. Perhaps I could sling it over my shoulder? Or drag it behind me, or—"

"No, Cinderella stopped her. I'll carry both."

"But they're huge! I didn't realize we packed so much."

When they reached the carriage, Sharman's knights took the valises from Cinderella's hands and stowed them on the vehicle's roof. As one knight secured the luggage, a second knight helped the ladies into the carriage.

Terra's smile stretched across the entire length of her face. As she crashed into her seat, she asked, Are you excited?

When Cinderella shook her head, her stepsister was shocked.

No... Cinda corrected her. "I'm actually terrified."

Three

TERRA CLOSED HER BOOK with a snap and a sigh. Ugh! she complained, I cannot focus! All the bumps in the road are distracting me! Not to mention, the heat is stifling! She tried to use her book's pages as a fan, but it was a poor defense against the droplets of sweat that clung to her face.

It is rather hot, Cinderella agreed. "And I wouldn't even try to read. The carriage's swaying makes me ill." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she felt a timely tumble in her stomach. Her body was conspiring to prove her point.

"Why are we going to the Winter Palace when it's so bloody hot? Terra asked. Am I a fool to hope it might be cooler there?"

It's possible. It is several miles away, after all. Cinda's nose puckered at the thought. According to the two knights that accompanied them, they had another eight hours in the carriage—which meant another eight hours of illness for the prince's queasy fiance.

Terra's finger's twirled her dark tresses into a braid as she leaned toward the carriage window. She peeled back the curtain and checked their surroundings. Her eyes were treated to an expanse of lush green grass, as well as the occasional wildflower. There's nothing around, she quietly reported. I bet we're miles away from civilization... and I'm getting hungry.

I'm sorry. Her stepsister's apology was delivered with a pout.  We should have packed snacks.

"It's not your fault. We were in such a rush, after all. We barely... oh god."

"What? The sudden dread in Terra's voice ignited a tingle on Cinderella's spine. What is it, Terra? Do you see something?"

Y-yes... Terra lifted the curtain as high as she could. Have a look.

Cinderella heard the ominous flap of leather wings before she had her first glimpse of the beast.  A massive dragon was drifting through the scorching sunset sky.

"Oh god! Cinda repeated her stepsister's exclamation. A dragon? Really?"

It's not just any dragon. It's a Bronze Belcher. Terra shuddered as she identified it. "It's one of the worst."

Wh-what does that mean? Are we going to die? Cinda raised a blonde eyebrow. And how in the world can you identify types of dragons?

I read a lot. A Bronze Belcher has the toughest skin of any dragon. It's almost as hard as iron, which makes them one of the most difficult to slay. If it decided to attack us, we'd be doomed. There's no way two measly knights could take it on. Terra could feel her eyes swelling as she watched the drifting dragon. As it decreased its altitude, she held her breath. Was it coming after them?

We're never going to reach the Winter Palace... are we? Cinderella panicked. Her gurgling stomach was suddenly the least of her concerns. We'll be turned to bone and ash... won't we?

Please calm down. It's too early to panic! As soon as she spoke, the Bronze Belcher unleashed a ground-shaking roar. It was so loud, Terra swore she felt it rattling her spine. A-actually... she amended herself, panicking is a perfectly reasonable reaction.

"Hang on, ladies! the driving knight shouted as he urged his horses into a faster speed. We're going to try to outrun it!"

Outrun a dragon? Terra repeated with a roll of her eyes. "Does he think we're naive? There's no way to outrun a dragon! Aaaah!"

Terra had a good reason to scream. The Bronze Belcher spewed a ribbon of flame at their carriage. Their driver swerved, narrowly avoiding the shower of fire. The flames poured across the ground, incinerating the grass.

"This is awful! Cinderella gasped. I would almost rather be back at home, washing the dishes and folding laundry!"

Don't say that. We'll be fine, I'm sure. Though she tried to reassure her friend, Terra's palms were covered in slick, nervous sweat.

When the dragon's plated tail suddenly collided with the side of their carriage, both girls screamed. The Belcher pounded them a second time, nearly overturning the vehicle.

"Terra! Cinda leapt into Terra's seat. Both of her arms flew around her stepsister's slender shoulders. If we die... I want you to know I love you, and that you're my very best friend!"

The dragon's tail bashed the carriage yet again, eliciting more screams from its horrified riders.

As Cinda hugged her, Terra leaned toward the window. As she peered out, she saw the Belcher swoop down and scoop up one of their horses into its mouth. She watched through parted fingers as the horse was crushed by the dragon's absurdly powerful jaws.

My god... Terra whispered. It just ate one of our horses.

"What? Cinda's arms fell away from her sister's shoulders. Are you serious?"

I am. I watched the whole thing. Terra's eyes followed the dragon as it drifted past their carriage. When it turned away from them, some of the tension left her body. With its hunger satiated, the beast had no reason to linger. I think it might be retreating.

"Thank God! A relieved sigh poured through Cinderella's lips as she returned to her seat. That was... ever-so-slightly unnerving."

Ever-so-slightly? I nearly had a heart attack! Terra cried.

I was being sarcastic. Cinda used the sleeve of her tatty dress to dab the perspiration from her forehead. It was, of course, the absolute worst experience of my life!

When the dragon disappeared, the carriage halted. One of the knights popped open the carriage door and gave the girls an inappropriate smile.

I'm sorry about that, ladies, the knight apologized. I'm truly, terribly sorry. We thought we'd take a shortcut through dragon country, but, uh... we now realize what a terrible mistake that was.

"So it's your fault that we got attacked?" Terra shrieked.

N-no. Not entirely. You never know when and where a dragon might pop up, the knight answered with a nervous chuckle. "Honestly, it can happen anywhere! Although, to be fair, we are traveling through a stretch of land where dragon sightings are quite common. Hence, the apology."

The poor horse! Cinda cried.

Indeed. The loss of the horse is... regrettable, the knight said. Fortunately, we have three more horses, which is more than adequate for the rest of the journey. Derren and I will spend the next few minutes re-hitching them, and then we'll take another minute to answer nature's call. I suggest you do the same, since it will be at least two hours before we reach the next town.

"Lewis almost pissed himself!" the knight named Derren crudely reported as he hopped down from the driver's seat. His remark earned him disgusted glances from both girls.

As the knights fussed with the horses, Terra sat back and crossed her arms. This is ridiculous, she complained. "This has been the worst ride ever."

I'm so sorry, Cinda apologized. I convinced you to come with me... and then we almost died.

You don't have to apologize, silly. It's that stupid knight's fault. And the dragon's, I suppose. Terra smoothed her hands over her dress, wiping away wrinkles. At least we'll have an interesting story for the prince when we finally reach the palace.

And the story was far from over.

A moment later, the carriage door swung open again, and a strange man stuck his head in. His skin was deep olive, his hair was thick and wild, half of his face was painted white, and his grin was undeniably sinister.

Hello, ladies! the stranger greeted them with a wink. It's a fine night, innit? My name's Rank. It's lovely to meet you. I just thought I'd let you know... I'm taking the carriage.

Four

"Rank? Terra repeated. What sort of name is Rank?"

A bloody good one, I say! Rank replied as he tipped his bright red bowler hat. His appearance was unusual, to say the least. With his half-painted face, checkered coat, and menacing smile, he looked like a mad jester. I'll get your names later, ladies. For now, we're off to god-knows-where. Buh-bye!

Rank's face disappeared, and a few seconds later, the carriage was moving again. Cinderella heard a shout, so she turned her attention to the window. The prince's knights were trying to chase down the carriage. Lewis was so determined to reach them, he was running with his breeches around his ankles.

Oh dear... Terra whispered when she saw the half-naked