Ella

In a few short hours her home would be open for the world to see. Citizens of Cinder had already begun arriving. It wasn't the only time they'd seen her, she'd been in the spotlight since her first cry outside the womb. She was Ella, daughter of the King. Their small country lay hidden in the far northern corner of the map, far enough to be hidden, but big enough that prince's from far and wide would line up for her hand.

Her honey blonde hair was half pulled back, allowing the rest to cascade over her sun kissed shoulders. Her dress was hand-crafted by Gus and Jaq, the kingdoms most sought out tailors. It was a rose colored gown with a lace train and a floral pattern sewn into it. Ella peeked over her shoulder into the mirror, her soft amber brown eyes stared back at her.

The glowing serene sun was setting over the horizon as darkness set over the kingdom. In Ella's heart she knew finding love at the hands of her father was not ideal.She wanted a man to want her for who she was, not because she was the princess. These guys only wanted two things - fame and the name.

"Ella." There was a soft knock at the door. It was Gus, not only was he her dress maker, but her godfather as well.

"Yes?"

"It's time."

She froze, unable to answer. Gus knocked again.

"Princess."

She glided across the olive marble floor and opened the door. She stumbled into Gus's arms. Jaq told her to break in the glass heels that made her feet ache, but she was too busy hiking the hills in the comfort of her sneakers to try.

Gus was a short round man with two large teeth that hung over his bottom lip. In the heels she was taller. He righted her and she stood up straight. She noticed something in his hands, a silk rose bag. He handed it to her, then straightened his black tuxedo. She snuck a glance inside and found two perfectly clean black and white sneakers. A smirk grazed her face.

"Don't tell Jaq or he might have my head."

Ella's grin widened. "Thank you, Gus."

He bowed and she tucked it under her arm. She fumbled once more before Gus took her arm to lead her down to the ballroom. First she'd greet the fellas, then wine and dine them. At the end of the night she would have to choose. One lucky guy would win her heart and her kingdom.

Her heart pounded against her rib cage in a painful thud. You can do this! She had to keep telling herself that. Her father wouldn't be around forever and the rule was she needed a man by her side.

The violins echoed from the main room two flights down. She took a deep breath as she and Gus took the first step towards what would be the rest of her life.