A Different Cinderella

Freda smiled as she entered the princess’ personal rooms. She had been a little surprised to be summoned to the palace for another dress order, but it was interesting to watch Thea run her fingers over the fringe of the pillow in her lap. “I see you’re in a good mood today.”

Thea nodded with a soft smile. “The best.” Freda sank onto the edge of the bed and waited for more. A girl didn’t look as moon-eyed as Thea did unless it was because of a boy. Freda didn’t have to wait long for Thea to look up. “I’m in love.”

“Ah,” Freda said as she scooted higher on the bed. “Who is the lucky man?” Her smile paused as her eyes landed on the princess’ new accessory. “That locket.”

Thea touched it with a grin. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“I think it used to belong to Elliot’s mother.” Freda stared, the pieces slowly clicking into place. Her mouth fell open. “You’re courting Elliot?”

The princess nodded, her grin widening as she hugged the pillow tighter to her chest. “I asked him last night. He accepted this morning.”

“You just met him.”

“And I have never felt so sure about something as I do in this. Freda, I’m a reasonable person and am not given to flights of fancy, but Elliot makes me feel like a completely different person.” She threw her arms up in excitement. “I am in love with Elliot McKinley and he loves me, too!”

Freda smiled softly. There was nothing but truth and happiness in Thea’s glowing eyes. But it was that look combined with the locket resting around her neck- the same locket Elliot swore to only give to a woman he could completely love like his father had loved his mother- that convinced her of the seriousness of the relationship. In matters of love, Elliot was surprisingly in tune with his heart and feelings though he might not always realize it. If he looked or acted even a half of Thea’s levels, the couple would be very blessed with each other. Freda was still going to get the whole story from them both, however.

“What did you give him in return?”

Thea blushed slightly. “I actually forgot to get him a courting gift.”

“You forgot?”

“Well, I was just so caught up in the moment and everything, I didn’t even think about a gift until this morning when he presented me with his.” Thea hit Freda with the pillow. “Stop laughing, it’s not funny.”

“It’s hilarious.” Freda laughed for a few more minutes until she could finally calm herself enough to ask more questions. But before she could start, Thea turned to her with a knowing gleam in her eye.

“But I haven’t asked you how you enjoyed the evening. What did you think of the ball?”

Freda smiled as she remembered being swept up in the night with the prince. “It was wonderful. Amazing and wonderful.”

“And you looked lovely in that starry dress.”

“Thank you.” Freda paused and turned, her smile slipping away. “You knew it was me?”

“I think the mask was a nice touch.”

“Does the prince know?”

“Caelen’s oblivious. He was moping like a love struck fool at breakfast, waxing bad poetry about his mysterious dance partner. He even asked Mother to throw another ball in the hope that she might come again.”

“He did?” Freda grinned as the princess nodded. There was another chance to see his other side. It had stared in her dreams all last night and she wanted to see it again.

“And I believe I will need a new dress but there’s not really enough time to make a completely new one,” Thea said. “Could you possibly change a few things on an older dress to make it look new? It might require you to spend more time in the palace. Maybe near Caelen.”

Freda chuckled at the teasing. “I can make anything. I have to make you look absolutely perfect for Elliot, don’t I?” A soft blush spread across Thea’s cheeks, her fingers skimming the silver locket around her neck. Freda was relieved to see her friend so joyous and carefree. “I’m glad that he’s found another person who is worthy of his love.”

Thea nodded, turning the locket in her fingers. “I know I’m the one who asked him and I heard him accept, but I think it’s just now hitting me that we’re courting.” She giggled and pulled the once tossed aside pillow to her chest.

Freda laughed as the princess fell back onto the mattress. Thea was practically glowing with love. Elliot was indeed a lucky man and he deserved all the good coming his way. “What dress were you thinking about reusing?”

Thea sat up and walked over to her closet, opening the doors before going to the very back. Freda followed, staring at the gowns and other clothes filling a space that was larger than the top floor of Mrs. Webber’s shop. There was an outfit for any imaginable occasion and various styles hanging up around her. Freda had never seen such a splendid collection.

“I think this one will do nicely,” Thea said, pulling out a dark green gown with simple with black lace sleeves and trim. It had been in fashion years ago.

Freda pulled the skirt out a bit. “I think I can work with this. Maybe take the sleeves away, add some definition to the bottom, and fix up the bodice a bit.” She nodded to herself. “It should take me a day or two if I focus on just this.”

“Perfect. Because the ball’s in a week.”

“A week?” That was so soon. “Why the rush?”

“Caelen’s impatient to try and find his mystery woman again. If he could organize it all in a day, he’d do it in a heartbeat.” Thea let Freda take the dress and drape it over her arm. The princess’ smile became a bit more serious. “Freda, I hope you’re not playing with my brother’s heart. He’s a bit of an annoying handful at times, but he is my brother and I love him dearly. I don’t want him to get hurt on something that isn’t real.”

“I don’t play games,” Freda said. “I’ve seen what happens when people use others. Believe me when I say that I would never put your brother through something so unscrupulous.” Elliot’s stepmother had used her evil games to snag Mr. McKinley. He may not have lived long enough to see his new wife’s real side, but Elliot had been forced to deal with it every day for the past 12 years with no escape in sight. That was why Freda had been working so hard to save money so the two of them could leave. But with him courting the princess, she didn’t have to worry about his situation anymore. That was another point in favor of this courtship.

Freda shook herself free of her thoughts and smiled at her friend. “I should get started on this. And you, Your Highness, should start on Elliot’s courting gift.” She chuckled at the princess’ reddening cheeks. “As his best friend and yours, I would suggest something that comes from your heart. He’ll like that more than some flashy token.”

Thea nodded. “Thank you, Freda.”

She nodded and left, the dress draped over her arm. No one else walked the corridors, which left Freda to return to her previous thoughts. Elliot was in love. He would be getting married to the princess and Freda was happy for him, but she couldn’t deny that she felt slightly left out. It had been him and her for the longest time; confiding in one another about their hopes, dreams, and fears. Elliot had always loved her and she him. They were family, but she couldn’t help but think that he was leaving her behind. It was ridiculous, of course; there was no way he could get rid of her so easily and she whole-heartedly approved of the match. But still…

“Miss Gail.” She looked up from the carpet and into the curious eyes of Prince Caelen. How long had he been standing there? And when had she stopped walking? “Is everything all right?”

“Your Highness?”

“You seemed distant and deep in thought. Are you feeling well?”

Her heart sped up a beat at his gaze. “Yes. Of course, Your Highness. I was just lost in thought, is all.” Freda shifted the dress over her arm. His concern was touching but his sudden appearance when she wasn’t ready for it had thrown her off balance. Where was her usual self-confidence?

Prince Caelen nodded. His gaze dropped to the dress in her arms and his brow furrowed. “Is something wrong with Thea’s dress?”

“Oh, no. I’m just going to change a few things so she can wear it at the ball.” Freda smiled slightly, eager to change topics to something she could gain control of herself over. “I heard you were very eager to have another one, Your Highness.”

The look on the prince’s face made Freda suddenly breathless. His face relaxed and a warm smile easily graced his lips. “I am. There was a woman I danced with who… If I’m being honest, she made me feel as if there were not a care in the world and nothing else matter but the two of us. I hope she will come to this ball and I’ll see her again. Maybe even get her name this time.” He sighed and slowly shook his head. “But that is my own problem. Though I am glad I found you. I was hoping to congratulate you on the dress and I wish to extend my apologies for how I treated you when we first met. I was skeptical about how your dress would turn out but I was pleasantly surprised. Thea looked lovely and your idea was well executed.”

There didn’t seem to be any words she could find to express her surprise. She’d known he was different with her at the ball because he’d been with the Mystery Woman and he was trying to impress her. But now she was just plain Freda Gail. Had his time with the Mystery Woman changed him so much? From one night of dancing? She’d felt the same as he had when they had been together at the ball; like they were the only two that mattered. But she wasn’t so different from who she had been yesterday. Why had he changed so much?

“Thank you,” she finally managed. “For the compliment, I mean. And the apology. I’m sure you weren’t looking forward to that.”

Caelen chuckled. “Not when I first saw the dress, I’ll admit. I was thinking that I would have to compliment your idea and you would lord it over me for a while because of how I treated you. But things change and I’d like to change, as well.” He smiled wider. “You have a unique style, Miss Gail. I did not give it or you a chance. I am glad my sister did. I look forward to seeing what you do with your new project.” He gave her a small bow, leaving her to continue her journey out of the palace and back to town.

That was a different prince than who she’d come to know. How could there be such a change in one night? Maybe he was just in love with the idea of the Mystery Woman and was acting on that high of last night. If he found out who she really was, would he still feel the same or would he think it was a trick and completely reject her? She hadn’t started out with the intention of hiding who she was, but there didn’t seem to be a clear answer as to what she should do now. He held too much power over her as a prince, but, more importantly, she was starting to believe he would soon hold too much power over her heart. With that, he could do a truly impressive amount of damage.