Side chapter: Cinderella part 3

Alyndra darted down the marble hallways of the palace, her boots clicking against the floor with every hurried step. The soft glow of the chandeliers lining the corridor did little to calm the storm raging inside her chest.

She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss, about the way Thalindra had looked at her like she was something rare and dangerous, something worth chasing. But the sound of the twelfth chime from the clock tower echoed in her ears, a sharp reminder that her time was up.

The guards hadn't noticed her leaving the ballroom, too busy managing the throng of guests still vying for a moment of the princess's attention.

Alyndra tugged at the hem of her gown, the stolen fabric threatening to trip her with every hurried stride.

She grumbled under her breath, wishing she had brought something more practical. But then again, what thief sneaks into a royal ball with an escape plan involving combat boots and a midnight-blue dress?