“If you count to three in your head it will be easier,â€? he paused and watched how she moved in line with his own feet. “Just like that, wonderful.”

His easy smile made her feel better and she danced as though she had done it all her life. After a while another man with soft brown eyes asked if he could cut in. Cinderella bade the other goodbye and took her new partner by the hand to a less crowded area. As they danced she admired how strong and able he seemed. She imagined how safe she would feel in his arms.

A quick glance to the side revealed Elizabeth, dancing with the Prince a short distance away; she looked like she might overflow with joy. Dancing with a few other men, the time passed quickly as did the envious looks of many a fair maiden. Olivia gave one of these jealous glances but did not seem to see though her beautiful disguise. A pathway cleared between the people in the overcrowded ballroom and the Prince himself stepped through.

“May I have this dance?â€? he asked Ella with a coy smile.