Stealing Cinderella(11)
“They tore it to shreds. There’s no way I can go to the ball now.”
“Don’t worry.” She holds me at arm’s length and flashes me her most beautiful smile. “I came prepared.”
“What?” I call after her as she holds up a finger and slips out the door. When she returns a moment later, she’s carrying a dress bag.
“I thought I’d bring it just in case, and I’m glad I did. We can’t risk anything going wrong tonight.”
“Charlotte, you’ve done too much already—”
“No protests,” she says. “It’s from my closet. I haven’t worn it in years, but I think it will be perfect with your complexion.”
She unzips the bag, revealing the most stunning icy blue ball gown I’ve ever laid eyes on. The butterfly accents are hand stitched, and the beading is impeccable. I can tell just by looking at it that it must have cost a fortune.
“I can’t.” I shake my head. “What if I spill something on it? Or rip it? Or—”
“It’s yours,” she insists. “Don’t worry about any of that. For tonight, you are a princess, and I want you to act like one. And look, I even had my seamstress add lace sleeves, so you’ll feel comfortable.”
Her eyes inadvertently drift to the scars on my arms, the ones she knows I often try to hide.
“You deserve this, Ella. It’s time to stop punishing yourself. For one night, I just want you to enjoy the best of everything. And if you find that too difficult, remember what you’re doing it for.”
“The sanctuary,” I whisper.
“Yes, the sanctuary,” she repeats. “Now, where are these heels of yours?”
Retrieving the silver heels that belonged to my mother, I lay them on the bed next to the dress. I’ve always loved these shoes, but I’ve never had an occasion to wear them. It’s a miracle I’ve managed to keep them hidden from Narcissa all these years, and I can’t imagine wearing anything else tonight. Charlotte examines them, and I know right away she loves them too.
“They’re perfect!” she shrieks. “Okay, come along now. We need to do something with that hair of yours. I brought makeup too.”
An hour later, she’s applying the finishing touches to my face. She tells me it’s a frosty ice queen look, whatever that means. But when she turns me around so I can see my reflection in the mirror, I feel the opposite of frosty. In fact, I’m not convinced that I won’t melt all over the floor as I hold back my tears of gratitude.
My eyes are sparkling with a glittering silvery shadow and black mascara that makes my lashes look a mile long. And in place of the long, wild blonde hair I’m used to seeing is a sleek updo with tendrils escaping in just the right places.
“Charlotte, it’s beautiful.” My fingers dance over the braided bun. “You are an artist.”
“The canvas makes all the difference.” She winks, holding out the mask for me. “Now you can’t forget this. Oh, and my license.”
“Are you sure I’m going to pass for you?” I swallow nervously. “This seems like a big risk.”
“It will be fine.” She waves off my concerns. “We could be sisters.”
At least that much is true. We both have blonde hair and similar complexions. All I can do is hope she’s right and that the license and invitation will be enough to pass for her tonight.
“Okay. We’ve got the ID, your ticket, your phone.” She stuffs everything into the beaded clutch she’s loaning me for the evening. “I think that’s it. There’s just one more thing. You need to meet my driver outside the palace by midnight so he can get you back here before Narcissa discovers you were ever gone.”
“Got it.” I nod. “But what about you? Don’t you need Rupert this evening?”
“No.” She hands me the clutch. “Oliver has a business dinner at a fancy hotel. I’m going with him. He’s picking me up at the corner. In fact...” She checks her watch and hurries me out the door. “They should be there right now.”
Rupert navigates the streets of London with ease, making attempts at friendly conversation while I choke back my nerves. I’m still not convinced I can do this. But then I think of the animals at the sanctuary who depend on Olivia. She’s already scrambling to get enough food to last them the week. I can’t allow my nerves to get in the way of what’s right.
I have a mission tonight. Find Prince Aston and get in his line. Talk to him politely, but firmly. Inform him that Olivia and I have both made several requests for his patronage, and don’t take no for an answer.
It seemed a lot easier in my mind when I was rehearsing that speech, but when Rupert drops me off at the entrance, my legs feel like they’ve turned to mush.
“I’ll be waiting down the street for you at midnight.” He points ahead. “But if you have any trouble or wish to leave early, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“Thank you, Rupert. You’re very kind.”
He gives me a gracious nod and shuts the door behind me, leaving me to follow the herd into the security line. Even though I’m already technically an hour late to the event, there is still a long line waiting to get in. By the time my turn comes around, I’m a nervous wreck, and my fingers tremble when I fork over the license and invitation. I’m so convinced the security team is going to tackle me to the dirt and announce that I’m an imposter, I can scarcely catch my breath. But instead, they simply wave me on to the metal detectors.