So This is Love (Disney Twisted Tales) - Elizabeth Lim Page 0,104
until the guards dragged the Grand Duke out of sight. Then King George sniffled, blowing his nose into a handkerchief. “I thought of him as a friend, you know. He wasn’t always so terrible.”
“People change,” said Genevieve, patting her brother’s shoulder. “Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.”
“He wanted to protect the kingdom,” added Cinderella gently. She picked up the vial along with the parchment that had slipped out of the duke’s pocket, and handed them both to the king. “Sometimes even the wickedest deeds begin with good intentions.”
Could the same be said about her stepmother? Cinderella realized she no longer needed to find out, and that was probably for the best.
Still clenching the antidote tight in his fists, the king drank it all in one gulp and made a face.
Cinderella wasn’t the only one holding her breath as she watched the king. Slowly but surely, the pallor in his skin faded, and a slight flush returned to his cheeks.
He let out a deep breath. “And you, young lady—” He gestured to Cinderella. “It’s high time we were properly introduced.”
“Meeting your future daughter-in-law while still in your sleeping clothes, George?” said Genevieve. “And in the presence of a traitor? How unceremonious.”
“Better here than risk her running away again. No glass slippers on you this time, eh?”
Cinderella couldn’t help laughing. “No, Your Majesty, I won’t run away. Not ever again.”
“Glad to hear it. It’s an unbecoming trait in anyone, let alone a princess, having the entire kingdom search for you with nothing other than a glass shoe.” The king chuckled. “That will be a story for the ages.”
At the mention of magic, Cinderella’s laughter faded. “The Grand Duke was right about me using magic, sire. I’m not a sorceress, but my fairy godmother gave me the dress and the glass slippers to attend the ball. She’s the kindest person, and it would mean the world to her—and to me—if you would allow magic in Aurelais again.”
Bewilderment came over the king’s face. “Allow magic? I already cleared this up with Ferdinand. . . .”
His voice drifted as he unfurled the crumpled paper. “My proclamation! I . . . I gave this to Ferdinand this morning to present to the council.”
“It looks like he never intended to share it,” said Genevieve.
“Remind me to add another twenty years to the duke’s time in prison,” mumbled King George. He cleared his throat, turning to Charles. “I believe I left Aurelais in your charge. It’s up to you, my boy.”
Charles took Cinderella’s hand. “It’s up to us,” he said. “By royal decree, all persons of magical talent are hereby welcomed once more in Aurelais.”
As soon as the words left his lips, a halo of glittering lights appeared in the hall. All present watched in amazement as Lenore materialized before them, her hands clasped at her chest and her dark eyes glittering with tears.
She wasn’t the only one. The duchess’s eyes were misty, too, and it took Cinderella a moment to realize why.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, Charles”—Cinderella gestured—“allow me to introduce you to my fairy godmother.”
“It is our good fortune to finally meet you.” The duchess spoke first. Her words came out thick and hoarse, and she sniffed before clearing her throat. “My husband would have been happy to see this day.”
Lenore clasped the duchess’s hands. “I remember your husband well, Genevieve. I wish I could have thanked him for his many kindnesses to my friends. And for the sacrifices he made so this day could finally come.”
“I wish we could have done more. For too long, Aurelais cast your people away. Magic has nearly been forgotten, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
“Now, that isn’t true,” soothed the fairy godmother, letting go of Genevieve’s hands to circle the small crowd. “What is magic if not a little miracle? Those come in all shapes and sizes every day, with or without my help. In the form of love and joy, most often, but in other forms, too. Magic only makes the miracles come faster.”
Lenore placed her hand on Cinderella’s arm. “And what a miracle you’ve fashioned for us all, my dear child. I wanted to help you find your happily ever after, but it is you who has helped me.”
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done for me,” replied Cinderella. “Magic is welcome again in Aurelais, and it always will be.”
Wiping away her tears with her sleeve, the fairy godmother bounced back onto her heels, then gave Prince Charles a stern look.