Cinderella Retold-With a Life or Death Twist

Chapter 1

“But why, Godmother?” Implored Ella as she and her godmother Ariulia stood in the garden, the bright, cold moon basking them in a blueish, silvery light. Ariulia grinned an evil, vial grin which sent shivers up Ella’s spine. 

“Do it!” Thundered Ariulia, no longer remotely fairy-ish or beautiful. Her eyes, once a kindly blue, had turned a vivid green, filled with a mad glinting look of murder. Cinderella stepped back. There was no way out. Ariulia softened slightly and took Cinderella’s slim, soft hand.

“This feat, Ella, will make me the most powerful fairy in the world. Ever since that Prince Casimir's godmother stole the hierarchy of power from me, I’ve vowed to take my revenge. The moment has come! You, Ella, will kill the Prince at the ball.” Ella’s heart pounded at the thought of the task before her. Ariulia turned and stared out over the small town. 

“This,” she said softly motioning to the town and farther, “will all be mine.” Her hands fell limp to her side. For a split second, Ella felt a new surge of emotion. What was it? Pity, she realized.Ariulia turned around, surveying her tattered gray dress. 

“Hold still,” she said as she directed her wand at Ella. She flinched. Instead, a wonderful feeling was flowing all over her body. It felt like warm water flowing over her, pleasant and soft. Ella glanced down. Gone were the cinders and ashes, the dirt and food, the dust and soot. She was sparkling clean for the first time in weeks. Ella smiled. Ariulia started to pace around her. Finally, she twirled her wand. I shower of light, then… 

Ella was adorned in a frilly pansy-purple gown which covered her feet. The gown set off her slender waist and flowed behind her as she walked. Ariulia smiled then flicked her wand again. A small, delicate tiara made of crystal flowers bedecked her long carefully curled blonde hair, and a thin necklace was clasped about her neck. Ella started to walk but suddenly stopped. She stuck her foot in front of her and gasped. A dainty, small glass slipper enclosed her slim foot. Ariulia nodded, obviously satisfied with her work. 

"Yes…yes…quite good,” she murmured to herself. Ella slowly spun around, admiring the effect of the swishing dress. Ariulia stepped forward. 

Your coach is waiting,” she said, gesturing to a tree. Ella looked incredulous. “No, not the tree!” Said Ariulia impatiently. She took Ella by the arm and led her to a different angle. A gleaming coach made of silver and what seemed like stars was waiting at the end of the path, along with two coachmen dressed in handsome suits and ties and a driver with a long, curly white mustache. Cinderella clapped her hand to her mouth. 

“It’s wonderful,” she breathed unbelievingly. She turned back to her godmother. 

“The coachmen, driver, horses, and carriage are derived from other existent things and will become their natural form when the clock strikes the last stroke of twelve.” Ella nodded. “Here,” said Ariulia shortly. She slipped something cold and sharp into Ella’s hands. Ella didn’t have to look to know what it was. She carefully slipped it into a hidden pocket in her dress as she gulped back fear. 

“Remember,” said Ariulia, “The magic will vanish at the last strike of midnight. You must do it before the clock strikes midnight on the last night of the ball. If you do not, fate will be changed and we’ll possibly never have the chance again.” Ella nodded.

One of the coachmen helped her into the waiting carriage as Ariulia waved goodbye. Ella leaned back into the seat, scared to death. After a short ride, the coach finally rolled forward through the palace gates. A dozen other carriages, though none were so gorgeous as Ella’s, were lined up in front of the sweeping palace steps. Women accompanied by men were strolling up the stairs. 

Ella’s coach finally arrived at the stairs. She stepped out into the dark, music-filled night, the moon shimmering on her dress. Heads turned and sighs of envy were heard as the elegant maiden ascended the marble steps to the brightly lit ballroom. Hundreds of women in exquisite gowns were milling around, some accompanied by men, others alone. A colossal chandelier lit the opulently furnished room. Suddenly, the orchestra in the corner struck up a Waltz. Ella let out a tiny, stifled gasp. Prince Casimir was approaching her. He reached her in what felt like no time at all. He bowed, and she curtsied, blushing. 

“May I have this dance?” He asked, not taking his strikingly blue eyes off her. He had perfectly straight, white teeth, dark hair, and was wearing a creamy white colored suit. 

“I accept,” she said, as was the custom in Norwaynia. He took her hand and put his hand on her waist. His touch was delightfully firm yet gentle. They began to sweep around the ballroom, perfectly in sync as the ballgoers stared at them enviously.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” he said softly, glancing down at her, “Who are you? I’ve never set eyes on someone so beautiful.”

She blushed. “My name is Ella. I hail from here in Baythorn. I’m honored to attend your ball, Your Majesty,”

“Please, call me Cas. I like you.”

Ella blushed an even deeper shade of pink as they continued to dance. 

“Do you enjoy balls?” asked the prince as they danced. 

“Do you?” Asked Ella with a smile. Cas chuckled a deep, gentle chuckle. 

“It depends on who I’m dancing with. If it’s you, yes. If it’s those wenches over there,” he nodded to none other than Ella’s stepsisters, Bertha and Helga, standing in a shadowed corner with looks of envy on their already ugly faces, “Then no,” Ella smiled at him, and beamed back. The clock struck ten. As the song ended, Casimir pulled away from her. 

“Ella, I must go now. I’ve neglected my guests,” He walked off to the gaggle of young women staring avidly at him, waiting for their turn. Ella stared after him for a second before strolling off to a refreshment table, feeling as if she could have danced with him the entire night. She seated herself in a chair as she watched Cas dance with one woman after another. Ella thought he looked politely bored. An hour later, Cas appeared behind her and tapped her lightly on the shoulder. She leaped up. 

“Oh, Cas, it’s you.” She breathed, “How was dancing ‘with those wenches over there’?” She asked with a laugh. The prince threw his head back and laughed. 

“Lovely,” he said sarcastically, and they began to dance. However, the burden on Ella’s back was growing heavier on her back each minute as she could feel the sharp dagger resting in her pocket. How could she murder this handsome, laughing prince who was holding her hands so gently and guiding her along as they swooped across the dance floor? 

Soon the clock struck 11:45. Ella pulled away from Cas as the dance ended. 

“I must leave,” she said. The prince caught up her hands in his. 

“Don’t leave, Ella,” he said, looking at her with eyes that made her heart skip a few beats. 

“I must,” she explained hastily. “I’m expected home by midnight.” The prince nodded sadly as Ella walked from the ball into the night and drove off. 

Chapter 2

The next day Ella’s step-sisters chattered endlessly about the ball as Ella tended the fires, scrubbed dishes, and mopped floors. 

“I could tell the prince the prince wanted to dance with me, but he was too polite,” said Helga importantly.

“Don’t be stupid,” argued Bertha, “The entire time he was dancing with that girl in the purple dress with the gorgeous hair. Why would he want to dance with you? Of course, the entire time he was staring at me, not you.” Ella had to bite her tongue to keep herself from bursting out laughing. 

“Ah, how you wish you had been there, don’t you?” said Bertha. Ella shrugged. 

“I guess,” she said absentmindedly. Her step-sisters stared at her. 

Ella’s evening was spent dressing hair, ironing dresses, and romanticizing and dreading the coming ball.

“Tighter,” demanded Bertha as Ella pulled her corset. “Tighter,” she whispered breathlessly again as Ella struggled to cinch it. Finally, Ella’s stepmother, Jezebel, and Helga and Bertha left, their flounced, puffy dresses hardly squeezing through the door. As their coach rattled down the lane Ariulia materialized in front of her, a frown creasing her face. 

“Ella, it must be soon,” she said. Ella nodded, her throat tight. Once again through some extraordinary magic, Ariulia produced a V-neck cherry blossom pink, butterfly sleeve lace dress which trailed after Ella as she walked. A crown of cherry blossoms was settled in her hair, which was braided and wrapped in an elaborate bun. Ella’s carriage rolled up and she drove off with a heavy heart.

Cas greeted her at the top of the steps and escorted her into the ball on his arm. However, Ella was determined to do the horrific deed that night. They danced several dances, drawing looks of jealousy from all the women. After a fast-paced foxtrot, Cas and Ella strolled off to the punch table. 

“Will you walk with me, Ella?” Asked Cas. She smiled at him, though her heart was beating furiously. She wondered if he could hear it.

“Sure,” she replied. They set off hand in hand to the outside gardens, a gesture that had surprised Ella. The bright moon silhouetted the exquisite gardens full of carefully pruned shrubs, flowers, and trees. 

“Follow me,” Cas said quietly, and they turned off the path to a smaller path lined by stepping stones. After several minutes of silent walking, they arrived at a gently flowing pond. 

“It’s beautiful!” Exclaimed Ella. 

“I come here often,” explained Cas. “It’s so peaceful. Sometimes I just have to get away from the court life.”

“You don’t like it?” Ella asked, surprised.

“Well, it gets a bit dull sometimes,” he said. Ella nodded. “Tell me more about your life Ella,” he said. “I want to know you.”

Ella hesitated. 

“I live with my stepmother’s mother,” she lied. Cas looked disappointed.

“Oh,” he said. That was all. Ella fingered the knife in her pocket. She had to do it right now while they were alone. She inched closer to him, hoping he wouldn’t notice. She was trembling all over, beads of sweat trickling down her forehead, but they only reminded Ella of the blood that would soon be trickling down Cas’ body. She grasped the hilt of the dagger, breathing faster and faster. Ella willed herself to raise the dagger. It was by her left side, but Cas was on her right, unable to see it. She raised it slightly higher. Suddenly.

“Your Majesty!” Came a shout. Ella quickly placed the knife back in her pocket not a second before a grey-haired servant came running around the corner, panting and his hands on his knees. She and Cas whirled around.

“Yes?” said Cas. 

“I,” puff. “Have orders from the king,” wheeze. “For you to,” cough. “Meet him right now.” Splutter. Cas nodded and turned to Ella.

“I’m sorry I have to leave. Will you be here tomorrow for the final night of the ball?”

Ella nodded. “Let me walk you back,” said the prince genially.

“I’m fine, go ahead,” said Ella. With one last backward glance, Cas set off towards the brightly lit castle as Ella stood staring into the rippling pond. She had been so close, but now her resolve was gone. She slowly set off through the winding garden paths back to the castle. Ella danced with two Lords later that night, but her mind was on Cas. Why had he been called away? Did he want to dance with her more? 

Ella left the dance at three-quarters past eleven and rode home in silence before quickly changing out of her gown. By twelve the gown had disappeared, but Ella’s glass slippers, being made from pure magic and not derived from anything, stayed. Ella hid them away beneath a floorboard in her room and climbed wearily into bed. She was asleep before her head touched the pillow. 

“Ella, wake up, you need to do the laundry,” Rap, rap, rap. Bang. Ella groaned and sat up, rubbing her eyes tiredly. 

“Cinders,” whined an obnoxious voice, “You need to scrub and dust my room.”

Bertha and Helga stood in the small doorway of Ella’s attic bedroom, arms crossed and glowering at their step-sister. Rolling out of bed, Ella pulled on a dress and clambered down the stairs to start another day of menial tasks and servitude. 

After an exhausting afternoon of mopping, serving dinner, cleaning all the fireplaces, and doing her family’s hair and toilets, she was free to do what she wanted as soon as they left in their carriage. She took a long, hot bath, helping herself to her step-sisters’ bath salts and soaps, then put on a dress she had been saving for tonight. It was the only thing she had left of her mother, a gorgeous, light blue, floor-length chiffon lace gown that gathered at the waist and had a short train. The A-line dress had slightly off-shoulder sleeves and a sweeping skirt. Ella clasped a thin chain around her neck and fastened her mother’s gold hoops on her ears, then waited outside for her godmother, and soon Ariulia appeared in front of her, frowning and eyes narrowed. 

“I see I don’t need to provide you with a dress,” commented Ariulia as she conjured Ella’s carriage. “You must do it tonight, Ella. This is my last chance.” She tapped Ella with her wand so her step-sisters wouldn’t recognize her.

Ella nodded, trembling at the thought of killing the charming prince she’d danced with the past two nights. The carriage was soon rattling down the streets of Baythorn and Cas once again met Ella. He bowed, solemn-faced, and Ella wondered if she’d done something. She swept into a curtsy, then he broke into a grin. He led her to the dance floor and she took his hand and shoulder and they began to dance. Despite the music, Cas, and the envious looks of Helga and Bertha, she couldn’t enjoy the night. This was her last night with Cas, then she would have to– She couldn't think about it. 

“Would you like to go to the pond again?” he asked, taking her hand. His hand was comforting and strong. Forcing a smile, she followed him outside to the pond from the night before. The moon was reflected on the dark, still water. Cas led her to the other side of the pond.

“Ella, will you write to me after tonight?” He asked quietly. Ella had to fight back tears to keep her voice from breaking. There would be no more Cas to write to after tonight.

“Of course,” she said. Silence settled over them. For the second time, Ella fingered the blade, her hands trembling violently. She grasped it and took it out of her pocket. Her breathing came faster and faster as she moved closer to Cas. She kept the dagger close by her side. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She couldn’t go through with this, she just couldn’t! Then the other side of her mind would tell her, remember your godmother. Fear her wrath. Ella closed her eyes and raised the knife higher. She was about to plunge the dagger into his heart. Sobs shook her body as she imagined Cas breathing his last. She raised the knife higher still. Suddenly, Cas pulled her close to him and kissed her. 

Chapter 3

Ella gasped, dropped the dagger to the ground, and embraced him.

“I love you,” whispered Cas. She beamed. She was no longer gripped by fear of her godmother’s wishes and wrath. She was no longer under the iron fist of her snobby stepmother and her despicable sisters. She felt…free. There was no other word for it. They stood there, hand in hand, staring over the pond’s glassy reflection. Abruptly, Ella started to sob. Cas turned to her with a horrified look on his face.

“Oh Ella, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that,” he said kindly, but he looked horror-struck. She looked at him through tear-filled eyes.

“Oh no, Cas, it’s not that it’s just–” She broke off suddenly, terrified. The clock was striking midnight. She glanced up at him again. 

“Oh! I must go. Goodbye! I hope to see you–Oh!” She started to dash back to the palace, tripping over her long dress. Dancing stopped as the distraught girl raced through the ballroom, down the steps, and stumbled. Her glass slipper clattered to the marble steps as she sprinted to her carriage; Ella turned around. The clock struck the tenth chime. She scrambled into her carriage with one shoe on and clattered down the road away from view. Prince Casimir burst from the palace as her coach rattled away. 

“Ella!” He shouted. The carriage only went faster. Ella was breathing hard. What would she do? Godmother Areulia would punish her until the end of the century. What’s more–she couldn’t think about it. She was in love with the man she was supposed to kill. 

As the carriage rolled down the street to her house, it slowly, then faster and faster, became an orange color. Then seeds began to form. Ella recognized what was happening and sprang from the carriage just as it turned into a pumpkin. Then, it quickly shrank back to its size and the only reminder of what had just happened was two lizards, a rat, and six plump mice scurrying away from the pumpkin with little shimmers of fairy dust still twinkling on them. 

Tears rolled down Ella’s cheeks as she stumbled home through the dark. What was she to do? Upon reaching home she hastily threw her few belongings into a bag and changed into a cinder-streaked, dirty gray dress just as two shapes hidden by smoke started to appear in her room. She gasped and dashed behind a changing screen. 

“Aurilia, I’ve won, admit it!” Came a voice a a fierce but kindly-looking fairy with caramel-colored hair materialized.

Ariulia appeared in front of Ella, but they couldn’t see her through the screen as she watched them arguing. Ella presumed the other fairy was Cas’ godmother. 

“I will defeat you yet, Aubrette,” yelled Ella’s godmother. 

“All right, Ella, come out,” said Aubrette kindly. Ella hesitated. Too late now. She stepped from behind the partition. Ariulia looked furious, her brows furrowed and a blazing look of hate in her eyes. Aubrette, on the other hand, was smiling at me gently. 

“Ella, you have almost done it,” she said. She must’ve looked confused. Aubrette was about to speak when suddenly we heard a banging on the door and the shouts of voices. Her family was home. Great. She turned around, but both fairies had disappeared. Then, a rap came at the door. She turned. Ella heard men’s voices and the syrupy, unctuous sound of her stepmother’s voice, and the shrill voices of her stepsisters. She crept down the stairs and gasped. Prince Cas was standing in the parlor holding the glass slipper she'd left on the stairs at the palace. 

“Whoever the slipper fits will be my bride,” announced the prince. Bertha was seated in a chair while her mother watched greedily, a courtier trying to maneuver her foot into the slipper. 

“I’m–sure–” grunt, “it will— fit,” she said as she twisted and turned her foot in a desperate effort to fit it. Her foot was turning a disgusting mixture of blue and purple. Helga pushed past her older sister and sat down on another stool.

“Obviously it will fit me,” she said confidently, gazing at the prince lovingly. “I’m younger.” Ella could imagine him trying not to smile. She struggled and pushed to fit her oversized foot into the tiny slipper. It wouldn’t. Her foot was larger than Bertha’s. The courtier cleared his throat. 

“And there are no other maidens here?” he asked. Ella took a deep breath and walked the last few steps down the stairs to appear in front of Cas and the courtier. Jezebel stepped forward hurriedly.

“That’s just Cinderella, the housemaid.” Cas was looking at me funny. 

“All maidens are eligible,” said the courtier. Jezebel glared at him while her daughters nervously bit their nails. She sat on a chair as the courtier stepped forward with the delicate glass slipper. He knelt down and slipped it onto her foot. It fit perfectly. Cas grinned and knelt before Ella. 

“Ella,” he said, for he knew it was her, “will you marry me?” She beamed. 

“Yes,” I said passionately. 

Instantly, a shower of fairy dust entered the room as Aubrette and another fairy appeared from nowhere. The second fairy seemed distantly familiar, but Ella couldn’t place it. Aubrette stepped forward and took Ella's hands in hers. Her eyes were filled with pearly tears.

“You’ve done it, Ella!” She exclaimed, “You broke the curse!” Tears were now rolling down her face. 

“When your godmother refused to serve Blanchefleur and do her evil bidding, she was cursed. She became as evil as Blanchefleur and the curse could only be broken by her goddaughter if she defied her orders by the last stroke of midnight. You did it.” Ella clapped a hand to my mouth. Jezebel and her daughters were staring on with looks of horror and fear on their faces. Ella dashed over to the unknown fairy, now realizing it was the real Aurilia. She smiled, tears streaming down her face. That was the best day of my life. 

Epilogue

Cas and Ella married six months later in a huge wedding in the palace. She wore my glass slippers beneath her wedding gown. Now they live in the palace with Ariulia dropping in every week to bless us with some gift or another. Ella's stepmother and stepsisters live in the same manor, but now they have to complete the chores she was forced to do, and they greatly envy her status. Ella would never forget the day she was forced to do something horrible and ended up being proposed to by the same man. 

THE END