Cillian is trapped in his small village by his step-uncle, who has usurped Cillian’s inheritance and squandered it on his own two sons. Cillian earns his own living, and does all the family's chores, whlie his step-cousins do nothing. Then Queen Beyta arrives, looking to have Cillian repair Princess Itha's broken glass slipper. A party celebrating the king’s arrival is in two days, and Cillian gets to work. But, the afternoon before the party, Cillian's family overpowers him and locks him in the dungeon so that they might receive the king--and any blessings he might bestow. The queen comes to his rescue, and introduces him at court to the King Malo, Princess Itha, and Prince Pari. The princess wants to show Cillian her "gratitude," but the prince intervenes and claims Cillian for himself. The prince's gratitude, however, isn't anything Cillian is interested in. King Malo intervenes and Cillian fears more punishment, so it comes as a pleasant surprise when he's led to the king's bed. Soon, though, Malo must return to the castle, and Cillian to his village. He once again finds himself at the mercy of his step-uncle and cousins again. Will he ever see Malo again? Was their interlude just a game to the king or something more?

The Glass Slipper

He polished the new gifts for the princess and closed them in a small chest under his table, hoping she would love her present. From the news and gossip, the Princess Itha was materialistic and frivolous in spending, buying all manners of clothing, shoes and accessories.


Cillian returned to the slippers and wiped them off for the hundredth time. The sun was approaching mid-day and the queen mother would be here soon to retrieve them.


Should he give them the slippers to her then? Maybe he should only mention them and ask permission to hand them to the princess himself?


“Cillian!” Dodd snapped from the doorway. “Time to start lunch. We’re getting hungry.”


“I have to wait for Queen Mother Beyta,” he protested. “She should be here soon.”


“We’ll keep an eye out for her, so don’t worry. Get started on our food now!” Dodd retreated.


Chapter 7