by Diana Flame
He tapped her on the forehead. “This is where thy brain is. Right here is the main function of it. If an arrow hits thee here, ‘tis over,” he said, snapping his fingers. “Just like that.”
Cinderella shook her head and came back to her present target. She pondered what her father had said. However, she’d also been told that if you want to kill a witch you should aim for the heart.
The sword, which had been hovering mid-air, was now moving, going quickly in Galien’s direction. Without another thought, Cinderella raised her hand and aimed. The arrow hit the sword, giving off a spark as it reached within a whisper of Galien. Both weapons fell to the ground with a clatter.
With a loud shriek, Marge waved her hand and the sword flew through the space. In lightning speed, Cinderella fixed another arrow and raised her aim, the arrow zinged through the air. Marge’s eyes widened in horror as the arrow lodged between her eyes.
The sword hung for a moment, then dropped heavily to the floor. Marge’s power seemed to have vanished as she also plunged to the floor with a thud. Silence fell over the crowd as everyone stood still.
Cinderella was the first to break the silence by dropping her weapon and running to Galien. The bear stood motionless, staring at the lifeless figure on the floor. His head quickly shrunk back to its usual size before the rest of him transformed back into a human.
“Galien,” Cinderella breathed, flinging her arms around his neck.
They embraced, hugging each other tightly. Cinderella tipped, plastering kisses over his face. Galien reached his hands up and cupped her face, sealing his lips with hers. Her lips parted, affording him entry of her tongue. A surge of current passed through her, leaving a tremor in its wake.
Chapter 7
“The King of Padian is in the palace, make way!” someone announced.
All the soldiers began clearing the great hall. A few of them lifted Marge’s lifeless body and carried it out. The others straightened their tunics and fixed their weapons in place. They cleared the floor of all clutter that may have fallen during the altercation.
Galien and Cinderella broke apart as a group of men carrying a palanquin entered. They moved back while the men set the transport down in the center of the room. A man in a blue tunic who did not appear to be a soldier moved away from the group and came to stand before Galien and Cinderella.
“Good greetings, our King wishes to have counsel with thee,” he said with a slight bow.
Galien smiled and stepped forward. The man blocked his path.
“My humble apologies, dear Prince Galien, ‘tis the Princess the king wishes to speak with,” the man said, directing his gaze at Cinderella.
“Princess?” she chortled. “Thee must be mistaken.”
Since she’d arrived at the palace, they’d mistaken her for someone else. Markus had been referring to her as Princess, and even introduced her as such. Now, this man from Padian was doing the same thing.
“Nay, Fair Cinderella, ‘tis thee that the king wishes to see.”
Amused and somewhat curious, Cinderella followed the man who was obviously a minister, evidenced by the epaulet on his tunic. Her mother was of Padian descent. A palace worker from what she recalled. Perhaps, therein lied the error?
The king was lying on a large cushion, much like a small bed, in the palanquin. His snow-white hair contrasted with his deep tone. The most striking thing of all when his eyes opened was his amber colored eyes, which reminded Cinderella of her mother’s.
One of the king’s attendants assisted him in sitting up, placing cushions at his back. His eyes twinkled as they perused her. A thin smile played on his lips. Cinderella thought that the king would have been a handsome man when he was young.
“My child, come closer.” The Padian King’s voice was a little croaky.
Cinderella stepped closer, all eyes set upon her. He reached his hand out and she was about to take it when a scuffle broke out across the room.
“King Hughoc is fleeing!” Markus shouted. “Stop the King, he must answer for his crimes!”
Hughoc had about a dozen soldiers surrounding him as he ran toward the front door. That was the only escape it seemed as the other exits were blocked. Cinderella absently reached for her quiver, but it wasn’t on her back nor was her bow in her hand.
The king’s loyal soldiers were making a path through the Padian guards while Hughoc seemed to be getting away. Another fight broke between the guards with some of the Padian soldiers joined the ones on Galien’s side. Cinderella noted that Galien was fighting his way to Hughoc but faced a blockade of guards.
Frustrated that the evil king would get away, Cinderella plucked the glass slipper from her left foot and slung it through the space. The heel hit the king smack on the temple. Hughoc slid to the floor.
The soldiers who had defended Hughoc now feared for their lives and started to retreat. When the Padian troops and Galien’s soldiers saw this, they rushed with a force upon the retreating men.
“Thou art truly a Padian Princess!” the old king laughed. “Thy mother was the same, a feisty maiden with a temper.”
“Thee kneweth my mother?”
“They mother was my daughter, born to a palace maid.”
Cinderella’s heart drummed a slow heavy beat. “Art thee certain of this?”
“I think so,” the King said. “My humble apologies for not coming sooner. I had to be sure thee was the one for whom I searched.”
“How can thee be certain I am she?”
The king inhaled a deep breath and furrowed his brow. He seemed to be in deep concentration for a few seconds, then his face broke into a wrinkled grin. “Only a Padian royal bears the birthmark,” he declared rolling up his sleeve.
On his right arm was a birthmark similar to the one she had on her inner thigh. She’d been trying for years to get rid of it, but the thing could not fade. The birthmark had a shape similar of that of an arrow’s head. She hated having it there. Cinderella stared at the mark on the right arm of the king as her mind went into a tailspin. Could this be true?
“From the look on thy visage, I assume thee possess the mark as well?” when she did not reply he added. “Thy mother had hers on the back of her neck. Pray tell where might thine be?”
He was correct. Her mother bore her birthmark on the nape. Not many people knew it existed because her hair often concealed it.
Cinderella lowered her eyes. “My mark is on my thigh, Thy Highness,” she spoke in a low tone.
The king beckoned to the one who had escorted her. The man moved closer to the king who whispered in his ear. The king then looked at Cinderella.
“This is my most trusted minister, Cronus,” he introduced.
Cronus bowed slightly. “My pleasure to make thy acquaintance, Princess.”
Cinderella felt strange, as though she was living in a dream. When she’d found herself in the Enchanted Kingdom, it had been a surreal moment. This was much the same, except now, she was thrust into another realm of which she knew nothing. A Princess? Her mind boggled at the idea.
She turned and settled her eyes on Galien. He was watching her and she could see the curiosity in his eyes. Her heart skipped a few beats as their eyes connected. What would happen now? The question crossed her thoughts.
Turning back to the king, she asked, “What wilt thou have me do now?”
The king’s answer was swift. “Return with me to Padian and take thy rightful place as crown Princess. As thee can see, I am not well. The time draweth close for my departure from this world.”
Cinderella took a sharp intake of breath at his words. Disappointment washed over her and a twinge of grief settled in her chest. Why did the king wait until he was dying to come fetch her? She was a little upset about that. In addition, how could she leave behind all that she’d ever known? This was her home.
“I-I-I,” she stuttered, unable to form the words to express what she was thinking or feeling.
The king and his minister stared at her, then looked at each o
ther. Cinderella knew they expected that she would have jumped at the chance to go with them to Padian.
“What is the hesitation? Thou art the Crown Princess of Padian. ‘Tis thy duty to return and fulfill this role.”
“Might I have a moment to think about this?” she requested.
“Very well. We will deal with this evil king while thee give it some thought,” the King stated. “Now Cronus, prepare the hearing for Hughoc.”
“Thy Highness, we have found the woman,” Cronus said in an undertone.
Cinderella was about to walk away when she heard the minister. She paused, wanting to know who the woman was. As far as she knew, there was to be a court where King Talebot was to be the judge. The king calling for a hearing meant that Hughoc had broken the laws of the land of Taucia and any king from the other six provinces could convict him.
This was her first time at a royal court hearing and she was excited to see what it was all about. She hastened over to Galien as the Padian king’s minister gathered to speak with the soldiers who wished to remain loyal to the Prince.
Everything had happened quickly that her head was spinning. Since Cinderella entered the palace that evening, she’d been in several sword fights, witnessed the falling away of the royal guard, conquered a witch, and witnessed the rise of a Prince. Thrown into the mix was the idea that she was a Padian Princess. This was all too much to take in.
“Galien,” she grasped his hand, pulling him away. He allowed her to lead him away from the crowd. “Let us depart this place at once.”
He braked, eyeing her curiously. “Cinderella, what has upset thee?”
“Can we not go to live in the Enchanted Forest, like we were that day?”
“Thou knowest the rules. We cannot enter the forest as humans,” he said. ”What is the matter?”
“The Padian king wishes for me to come away with him.”
Galien frowned, then burst into a fit of laughter. “King Talebot is but an old man. What would he want with a young maiden?”
“Nay, it is not like that Galien. I am his granddaughter. ‘Tis my duty, he says.”
Galien’s eyes bulged and he opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came. He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. Taking a deep breath, he bowed low.
“What art thee doing Galien?” Cinderella was embarrassed.
“My Princess,” he said, straightening. “Thou art the fairest Princess indeed.”
“Stop fooling around Galien, and help me decide what to do.”
“What doth thee wish to do?” he asked seriously.
It took no time for her to reply. “I am promised to thee remember? Unless thee has changed thy mind about me being thy bride.”
A somber look crossed Galien’s face. His face softened and he smiled. “That, my dear is a silly thought. How could I change my mind about such matter? I have loved thee since the moment I saw thee picking wild oferacs in the forest.”
That statement from Galien made her flush and caused her heart to gallop. It was settled in her mind at that moment. She could not leave the Izadel Kingdom. However, based on the laws of the land of Taucia, a Prince or Princess must follow their duty when called upon.
Pacing while her mind worked in overdrive to come up with a solution, she thought about both kingdoms. The king of Padian was dying and needed to crown her before his death. Of that she was certain. On the other hand, she very much wanted to remain at Galien’s side.
The story that Lenora told her when they were hiding in the mountains came back to her. Long ago, the land of Taucia was one kingdom. Some evil men thought to slay the king and take over. The battle for the kingship was harsh and long and in the end, the land divided into seven provinces.
An idea struck her that she gasped and placed her hands on her cheeks. It would be the beginning of restoring the land of Taucia. Was that why Lenora took them to the castle in the mountains… the castle that once belonged to the land of Taucia?
“I know what to do,” she screeched.
She didn’t mean to be loud about it, but she could not contain herself. She looked around her for her grandfather and his palanquin was on the royal dais. The soldiers made a circle around the room and Hughoc was at the center.
His queen was standing to the side with a bright smile on her face. At Cinderella’s shout, all eyes had turned to her. She smiled and beamed, then ran to the dais where her grandfather looked expectantly at her.
“Thou hast decided?” he queried.
“Aye, grandfather, I have,” she grinned. “The day that thou crownest me, Galien and I will be wedded.”
He looked at her confused. “I do not understand thee, my child.”
“We will begin the restoration of the land of Taucia,” she exclaimed. “One province and one king.”
“Oh, I see. We will merge Padian and Izadel….”
“Aye, and later we merge the other provinces.”
The King nodded. “There have been talks to make Taucia one again. The other kingdoms are in chaos and need a good king. I think this is the best idea yet.”
Cinderella beamed. “Thank thee Grandfather. Now, we shall see to the conviction of an evil king.”
Chapter 8
King Hughoc was sentenced to a beheading. However, Cinderella’s first decree as crown Princess of Padian was to outlaw the heinous law that Hughoc himself had instated. Therefore, he was doomed to spend his days in the lowest dungeon.
As it turned out, Queen Lisbeth was a spy for the Padian kingdom. She was instrumental in getting King Talebot to find his granddaughter. For that, she was rewarded a ministerial position.
Cinderella breathed a sigh of relief that the events had ended. Now was a good opportunity for her to return home to tell the good news to her household. However, that was delayed when they brought in ‘the woman’ who Cronus had mentioned earlier. She could not believe her eyes when the soldiers presented Isolde.
Cronus read from the court's scrolls. “Isolde shall be punished on the charge of murder of her husband and all the crimes she committed against the Princess of Padian.”
“I am innocent!” Isolde cried. “I beg of thee, spare me.”
“Silence!” Cronus shouted, then turned to Cinderella. “Princess, what punishment shall be meted to such a one.”
Cinderella grinned, as she knew the perfect punishment for her stepmother. A punishment that would make Isolde wished she were never born.
“Isolde shall be my personal maid. She shall cater to my every need. She shall be at my beck and call and answer to my every wish.”
Cronus tried to suppress his smile as he replied. “Very well, so shall it be.”
By the time the court ended, it was morning. The sun rose over the mountains and brightened the land. No one went to sleep as it was a new day, the dawning of a new era. Not only had the rightful Prince of Izadel returned, they now had a Princess. Both kingdoms were now preparing for the merging of their forces.
While the king ordered the preparation of the crowning of the Princess, Galien set about to gather his troops. The preparations for the wedding was also in high gear as well. Cinderella took this time to visit home after such a long time away.
Her servants were happy to see her and even happier to hear all about her adventures. They were most happy that Isolde got what she deserved but they were confused as to what would become of them now that their lady was the Princess. The servants had gathered in the living room as she told them everything. Now they look at her with sad faces.
“Gather everything. We are moving to the castle in the mountains after I am wedded to the Prince.”
“We are coming with thee?” one servant asked.
“Aye. Did thee bethink I was leaving thee behind?”
They all shouted with joy and immediately dispersed to start packing.
The kingdom was in a joyful spirit now that Hughoc was in prison. He was thrown in the lowest dungeon, which he himself had prepared for the people of Izadel.
Perhaps he and Isolde were the only two people in all the land who were not celebrating. Well, maybe there was someone else. One person went missing for a while. He’d gone into hiding when it appeared that things would not go his way.
Tobyn was hiding out in his own little prison behind the palace. They found him in the same tiny building where Cinderella had witnessed him abusing the old man. Markus brought him before the court where he begged for his life. For his crimes of cruelty to the people of Izadel, Cinderella ordered that he be whipped in the square by one of the men he’d previously beaten without cause.
In only two days, the preparations were complete and it was time to crown the Princess. The coronation ceremony and wedding were the same day. To show the people of Padian that she was ready to be their Princess and subsequent queen, the coronation was to take place there in the early morning. After the ceremony, Cinderella would return to Izadel in the late evening for her wedding. Fortunately, the travel time between the two provinces were only a few hours.
Chapter 9
King Talebot lifted the bejeweled crown and placed it on Cinderella’s head. Being that he was unable to move from his position on the bed in the great room, she had to kneel. After taking the royal oath of duty and service, she was ready to be presented to the people.
“Princess Cinderella, the Crown Princess of Padian!” Cronus announced.
A cheer went up in the Palace and Cinderella rose to her feet. This was a surreal moment for her, being crowned a Princess of her mother’s land.
After greeting the many ministers, allowing the soldiers to pledge their loyalty and meeting the people of Padian, it was time to depart for Izadel where she was to wed the Prince.
Her chariot awaited her outside the palace gates and her own contingent of personal guards escorted her. She was anxious to get to Izadel and was glad when the horses trotted away.
* * *
The entire kingdom was celebrating the defeat of Hughoc and the return of King Reginald’s’ son. As she returned from Padian, Cinderella could hear the music from afar. The carriage were close to the border of Izadel when one of the horses halted, causing the others to pull up short.
