But, by the grace of God, and miracle of all miracles, a commotion commenced just beyond Stepmama's broad shoulders. Relief assaulted Cinderella almost felling her to her knees. Both Stepmama and her clone whipped about sharply.

They dropped into deep curtsies as Queen Thomasine made her way toward their small entourage. Cinderella and Esmeralda quickly followed suit.

With a wave of her hand, Queen Thomasine said, "Rise, rise, s'il vous plait." To Stepmama, "My dear, Lady Roche, it has occurred to me you and your daughters might enjoy an informal tour of the Royal Portrait Gallery. It has been some time since I myself have toured that wing of the castle, and would very much enjoy conducting you through the gallery, as you will become family soon enough."

Cinderella tried to hold back her gasp. The queen was offering a tour to Stepmama and her stepsisters, personally. The sight of Esmeralda's open mouth had Cinderella snapping hers shut. She shrank back. This would not include her, of course. The candlelight in the sconces flickered wildly.

Stepmama drew herself up to an unprecedented height, the skin beneath her chin wriggling like a small animal. "That…that would be lovely, Your Majesty. Pricilla? Esmeralda?" Stepmama's gaze swept to each.

They both nodded assents, eyes wide, no words spilling forth. Stepmama's gaze raked over Cinderella in acute displeasure. An expression Cinderella knew the queen could not see from her vantage point. Cinderella flinched at the silent assault.

The awkwardness became palpable. An infraction she would pay for later. An infraction inferred only by her presence. Because, although Stepmama had never actually admitted that Cinderella was her stepdaughter, 'twould be nothing but social ruin were the queen to learn Stepmama had blatantly slighted one under her own care. Cinderella had a feeling Queen Thomasine's vehement approval would be for naught. An unforgiveable faux pas. However, one never knew where Royalty stood on these smaller domestic matters.

Then Esmeralda rose to her graceful height and stepped forward. Her chin tilted slightly in a most…defiant manner. An intense charge simmered. Cinderella felt lightheaded as a twirl of stars begam to swim above her head.

"This is our oth…other sister, Cinderella," Esmeralda stuttered to the queen.

Oh non. Non. non. non. Cinderella shook her head back and forth in denial, taking short quick steps away. She would not be invisible with that statement and neither would Esmeralda. It was brave, but not so brilliant stance. Stepmama would kill her. If not Esmeralda, then most certainly Cinderella.

"Our st-st-stepsister," Esmeralda corrected, when Stepmama's direct gaze seared her.

"Ah, excellent," Queen Thomasine responded without surprise. Her genial smile on graced Esmeralda.




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