A Message From the King

"Open in the name of the king!" Phoebe opened the door and saw a stubby little man holding a letter, "An urgent message from his Imperial majesty." Phoebe took a letter and another for Ella, "Thank you." Phoebe handed Ella the letter if it were from his Majesty it would be important. "What's it say Cinderelly?" Phoebe turned to a corner, mice. Phoebe turned to the door, "It seems time has flown by, until the next time we meet Ella!" Ella waved as she ran up the stairs to where horrible music had started to play.

Phoebe raced home and pushed open the grand doors, "Mother! Father! A letter has arrived from the palace!" Her mother and father walked out of the kitchen, "The palace? What does it say dearest?" Her father asked as she gave her mother a peck on the cheek.

Phoebe opened the letter and her face lit up with joy, "There's going to be a ball in honor of his highness, the Prince. By royal command, every eligible maiden is to attend!" Her mother looked sad, "Oh, pity. It seems I won't be able to go." Her father looked happy. "Thank goodness!"

The family let out a laugh, "Well, what do you say my dear? Should we let Phoebe attend?" Her father asked, "By royal decree she shall!" Her mother smiled. "Oh, thank you!" Phoebe ran and hugged her parents, "You're both the greatest parents in all the land!" Her mother gasped, "I've had a brilliant idea! Why not wear the dress I wore to my first ball?" Phoebe nodded repeatedly, "Oh, thank you! Thank you!" Her father smiled. "Just stay away from any strange people."

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Mrs. Moore lead Phoebe to the attic, in a dusty corner was a box labeled, 'Samantha'. Mrs. Moore- Samantha -opened the box and pulled out an enchanting dress, "It's absolutely alluring!" Phoebe exclaimed to Mrs. Moore. The dress was silver and white, it sparkled from the little light that the lonely attic window provided, its sleeves still poufy even after years of not being worn.

"It's perfect Maman!" (Is this the correct spelling?) Phoebe hugged her mother, "Oh my, look at the time dearest! Your father had called a carriage ahead of time, so you better get dressed if you don't want to miss that ball!" Mrs. Moore smiled at her daughter. Phoebe nodded and ran off towards her room to dress for the ball that could change her life.

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Phoebe exited her carriage and curtsied to the driver. As the man drove away, Phoebe noticed a familiar person walk into the castle. "Ella?" Phoebe mumbled as Ella walked up the grand staircase towards the ballroom. Ella seemed to be mesmerized by the grandness of it all, she did not hear Phoebe's many calls, nor did she notice a male walk over to him.

Phoebe watched as Ella started to dance with the stranger, she walked off towards the castle grounds. The night sky shone above everything as a gentle breeze started to tickle a willow tree's leaves, Phoebe walked around the garden, admiring its beauty. It looked as if man had touched it before, but now it was returning to its natural state, Phoebe was so lost in the wonders of the garden she barely heard the bell tower ring.

It was midnight.