The Wronged Princess - Book I Read Free Page B

was listening, she was just as sure he had no possible idea of her importune .  His glazed, blank expression revealed just how very clueless he remained with every uttered word . 
    Thomasine had to shake off her irritation once more, knowing instinctively a daughter would have been much sharper on the uptake .  It was as if he were from a different celestial orbit . 
    She eyed him carefully . 
    Hope sparked within her as his gaze narrowed .  When his eyes seemed to focus on some divine light above her head she somehow resisted an urge to lift her head for a peek . 
    “Ah! ” His inspirational gasp startled her, excitement palpable , giving her cautious hope .  “I have her slipper .  I shall take it to every maiden in the Kingdom .  Whom it fits, is where I shall find my bride.”
    “Oh, my,” Thomasine murmured, fighting an impulse to enlighten him just how impractical his proposal was ; the consequences such an outcome could prompt .  She dropped into a chair considering him with a prudent gaze .  This was not quite the direction she and her sister had envisioned .  B ut mayhap ’t was something they could work with it.
    She let out a slow breath trying to focus on the positive aspects . 
    T here at least appeared to be some kind of idea brewing around in that round appenda ge sitting atop his shoulders. She had to struggle to mask her frustration .  Honestly, he needed to be married .  Then he could utilize his intended’s acumen .  Of course, were he ma rried there would be no use for …she tapped a finger on her chin .  She swallowed her sigh, disappointed .  It appeared she and her twin’s lesson would indeed be required .  M uch needed lesson .  If he were to someday lead their kingdom, however, small.
    She let a slow smile curve her lips .  “ ’Tis a wonderful idea, darling.”
    He blinked as if surprised.
    And sent him off—with her blessing.
    Word spread quickly throughout Chalmers Kingdom .  Prince Charming was on the hunt for his mysterious princess . 
    His future queen.
    She only hope d the young woman proved worthy of their efforts.

 
     
    Chapter 3
     
    News of Prince Charming’s outrageous plan reached the cottage within days .  Hours possibly , and Cinderella was outraged .  The competency of communication through word of mouth was quite amazing when one evaluated its efficiency to any minute degree . 
    The range of emotions roaring through her started with that of stunned horror to a morbid yet hidden amusement as Stepmamá and her stepsisters danced round their small abode with glee .  T he likely prospect that her glass slipper could ever fit one of her evil stepsisters was…laughable .  But she wasn’t laughing .  Well, i t was vile enough to make her want to cast up her accounts that somehow warred with an effort to hide an unexpected yet hysterical giggle .
    “Do you think he sha ll be here soon? ” Pricilla spouted, turning cool gray eyes on Stepmamá .  Her blond , almost white hair , bounced bobbing curls .  Ever t he ultimate image of Stepmamá , were it not for Stepmamá’s rotund figure .  With an inward sigh, Cinderella had to admit both Pricilla and Esmeralda had lovely hair.
    Stepmamá considered Pricilla with a glance of calculated amusement .  Cinderella fought to keep the shiver of trepidation from snaking up her spine .  It didn’t work .  W hat tactic Stepmamá was now hatching in her malevolent mind ? Cinderella made a show of dusting the buffet while waiting for some insight to surge forth with bated breath . 
    She forced herself to breathe .  Calming herself with the thought s he would have her chance with Prince , she just had to .  He was asking for all the maidens to try the slipper, non ? They could not stop her .  They could not, she vowed , pressing her lips together .
    “We shall be prepared,” Stepmamá announced .  “Both of you, follow Cinderella about this house .  Make sure that she has swept, scrubbed,