The courtyard outside the arena was filled with spectators hoping to congratulate the contestants, and Cinderella wished she were taller to improve her chances of finding Ty, if he were here. Sadness crept over her like a dark, heavy blanket. Not only had she lost, she’d lost her surest way to see Ty again.
Trying to think positively, she turned her face to the sun. It would likely be the last time she’d feel sunlight on her face for a while. Gauging by the sun’s angle, she realized she had at least five hours before she needed to be home to save Max from a future as a rodent. This should be plenty of time to find Ty.
Her heart filled with excitement at this thought and she wondered whether she should risk telling him about her stepmother’s entrapment spells. He seemed to know a few wizards, and one of them might be able to keep them from turning into stone when she spilled the beans. But the consequences of being wrong on that bet were too high, and she decided against it.
She couldn’t take that chance, especially not with Ty.
Even if she never saw him again, even if she remained trapped for the rest of her life, she’d be happier knowing he was out in the world, happy and free. And Ty was both of those things. Ty’s smile, his eyes, his posture—everything about him radiated joy and confidence.
She heard her stepmother’s voice and her head snapped toward it out of habit. She ducked behind a group of people congratulating one of her fellow contestants.
“I’m telling you,” her stepmother said, “if you don’t immediately direct me to someone in charge, I’ll turn you into a toad.”
Cinderella shivered and ducked behind a large man. Maybe she didn’t have five hours to get home, after all.
“Madam,” one of the wizards who’d organized the event said, “I am certain your threat was merely a figure of speech. Threatening another wizard is an offense punishable by a minimum of three years in the castle dungeon.”
Cinderella peeked out from behind the man shielding her.
“Well . . .” Her stepmother took a couple of steps back and her lips pursed. “Of course, of course. I apologize for my rudeness. But my daughters were robbed of their crowns in the beauty competition, and since a boy won the magic competition, I think it’s only right that one of my lovely daughters gets the dance she surely would have won if she’d entered the magic competition instead.” She glanced around and Cinderella ducked. “I’d also like to meet the young man who won. I’m always interested in young magic talent and I’d love to take the boy under my wing and—shall we say—mold his innate talents.”
The wizard gestured behind him, a look of clear irritation on his face. “Feel free to look around, Madam. The contestants were invited here for a feast after the awards ceremony, but many have already gone on to the palace dressing rooms to prepare for the ball.”
Cinderella reached behind her to remove the number from her back. Keeping her eyes on her stepmother, she dashed between groups of people so she could remain hidden from the evil wizard she’d lived with all these years.
A hand landed on her shoulder and Cinderella’s heart froze. She’d been watching her stepmother, but had no idea where her stepsisters were. If one of them had found her, they’d reveal her location in an instant. She couldn’t bare to look to see who it was.
“Excuse me,” an unfamiliar female voice said. Cinderella slowly turned to find the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen directly in front of her. Gold and silver ringlets of hair danced around her fair skin, and her cheeks were tinged with roses. Her bright green eyes were like the grass after a rain. The woman’s gown was spectacular too, intricately constructed with pleats and delicate overstitching and elegantly sewn from a pale blue fabric that reflected the sunlight as she extended a graceful hand toward Cinderella.
Hoping her stepmother was looking in the other direction, she curtsied to the woman.
“Oh, no need for such formalities,” the woman said, and then laughed with a warmth that pushed aside Cinderella’s fear and some of her awe. “I’m Jenna.”
“Cinderella,” she replied without thinking. Why would such an elegant woman even care what her name was?
“That’s an unusual name,” she said, taking Cinderella’s hand.
“It’s a nickname.” Cinderella felt herself blush.“It’s been my nickname for so long, I think I’ve forgotten what my father called me.” Well, she remembered her father calling her Sweetie, Pumpkin, and My Tiny Love. But nothing else, and she’d been called Cinderella every day since he’d died. She couldn’t imagine another name now.
“I think it’s lovely.” The woman’s smile was so warm, so perfect, and her bright green eyes flashed something that could only be kindness. “You did very well out there today.”
Cinderella shook her head and said, “No, I didn’t.” She tapped her wand, now tucked securely back in her pocket. “It was my first time using a wand, and I fear I’m not very talented.”
“Nonsense,” said Jenna.
Over Jenna’s shoulder, Cinderella caught a glimpse of her stepmother walking in their direction, and her eyes widened in horror.
Jenna tipped her head slightly and, as if sensing something was wrong, pulled Cinderella to the side of the courtyard and turned so that Cinderella was hidden behind her. “I have a message for you,” she said, and Cinderella’s heart immediately lifted. From Ty? No, that was crazy. More likely that Ty would be delivering messages for this elegant woman than the other way around.
“I’m one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting,” Jenna said. “Are you attending the ball this evening?”
Cinderella raised her fingers to her lips to stifle her gasp.“Oh, no,” she answered, looking down over the pumpkin-splattered outfit Max had made her. “I would love to, but I’m afraid I don’t have anything suitable to wear.”
“Don’t let that hold you back.” Jenna reached her hand up and tucked a strand of hair behind Cinderella’s ear. “The prince was impressed by your performance and would very much like the pleasure of a dance with you this evening.”
“Oh, I couldn’t. Not . . .” She gripped the fabric of her trousers, unsure what to say.
On second thought, maybe if she went to the ball, she’d have another chance to find Ty.
“Don’t worry about your clothing,” Jenna said. “It might take some hemming and a few nips and tucks, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find something to your liking in either my dressing room or that of one of the other ladies-in-waiting.”
“Really?” Her heart soared and then she stopped herself. “Oh, that’s too kind of you, but I couldn’t. I mean, what if I tore something? And I’d look silly in such fine garments.”
“Nonsense,” Jenna said. “I’m sure you’re very pretty under those pumpkin seeds and the smudges of soot on your face.” She rubbed Cinderella’s cheek with her thumb. “Please say yes.”
If you were Cinderella, what would you do?
OPTION A: Cinderella should take the lady-in-waiting up on her offer. She’s got nearly five hours before Max turns into a mouse, and if she’s really lucky, she might run into Ty at the ball. He said he’d be working there. If you think she should say yes, go to section 7: If the Shoe Fits (page 211).
OPTION B: Cinderella should tell the lady-in-waiting thanks, but no thanks. She’s barely got five hours before Max turns into a mouse, and there’s no way she’s going to take any chances. It’s much better to get through those woods before dark, anyway. She’d rather use what little time she has to find Ty and tell him how much she appreciated his help and support. If you think she should turn down the lady-in-waiting, go to section 8: Fall from Grace (page 245).