I'm curled up on the bed with a long goose necked lamp aimed over my book. I'm wearing my sweat pants beneath the comforter and I have a thermos of tea on my bedside table.

Sounds of the ball come distantly to my ears. I am happy for Dora and proud of Tori for holding a thin line against her sister's enthusiasm.

Mostly I'm grateful not to attend the ball. I had been re-reading Pride and Prejudice which I love like an old sweater and a careworn stuffed animal. I glance at the book I received today.

I know that King Cod meant this book as an insult, but I intend to love it. I'm going to show him by having a great time reading it all night long.

Cinderella.

* * *

Petros

An hour before the ball begins, I'm pacing my room in my costume. I can't stand the idea of Cyndi going to the ball and being fawned and flattered by the nobility. It irks me to think of all of those poppycocks twittering around her.

There is only one thing for me to do. I stride down to the Dowager's wing, taking care to listen at doorways and make sure that I'm not seen.

I stop outside Cyndi's door and insert a key and turn it. There, she's locked in. My problem is solved. I turn swiftly on my boot and return to my rooms.

* * *

Cyndi

I snuggle under my sheets. I put down Pride and Prejudice and stare at Cinderella. The King could not be more wrong in his misconceptions about my family and myself.

Can't they turn down the music at that stupid ball?

I plan to be up all night reading and I don't want any distractions.

* * *

Dowager Maggie

I have been watching the King with interest. He's been acting so out of sorts, I've decided to follow him.

He cuts a fine figure in his costume. But he doesn't look happy at all. He wears a scowl on his face. He crosses the royal quarters and cuts through the landing and then, with stealth, continues on to the Dowager's wing.

Now he really has my interest. I can't turn back now.

Hiding in an alcove, I watch him stop at Cyndi's room. He's locked her door.

I wait a good while and then go over to test if the door is really locked. It is. I pull out my own set of keys and silently insert one and give it a turn to the left. Just to be sure, I gently twist the doorknob. Yes, it's unlocked.

* * *

Cyndi

I misjudged this book. This is great. The more I read the better it gets.

Who needs a real ball when you can read about one?

* * *

Gwendolyn

Just before going downstairs, I make my way to Cyndi's room without making a sound.

I take out my set of keys. Being the mother of a future princess has certain advantages. Looking both ways down the long hall, I'm assured only the two of us remain upstairs in the Dowager's wing. I insert the key and turn it to the right. There is the faintest click. It's locked.

I turn and walk back to the landing. I don't want to be too far behind Dora and Tori. I can't wait to see how they are received.

I have done what any mother would do. Tori must have every advantage.

* * *

Cyndi

I can't believe Cinderella's step-mother locked her in her room to prevent her from going to the ball! I better keep reading to see what happens next.