I'm Not Cinderella (The Princess Chronicles)

by Montgomery, Tarrah

  “Dennan,” I gasped.

  He moved the jewelry closer for me to inspect. “This set belongs with the dress in your arms. The jewelry was made in the same hue.”

  My fingers reached out to touch the necklace.

  “You’ll look like a princess,” Dennan’s grandmother said.

  I’m not a princess, but I could pretend to be one for one night.

  “Thank you.” I said, looking straight at Dennan. I hoped he could see the sincerity in my eyes. There was no way he could know he was fulfilling my deepest wish: to attend Cinderella’s ball.

  My eyes burning with grateful tears, I walked over to his grandma and threw my arms around her. “Thank you so much.”

  She returned the hug and patted my back. “You’re welcome, my dear.”

  She was like my personal fairy godmother. She was grandmother to the most handsome highwayman ever, and she sewed dresses like a fairy. Definitely my kind of fairy godmother.

  “My grandson also said you needed two other dresses for the ball.” She released me and picked up the two other packages.

  “Yes, for two friends of mine.”

  She handed me the packages. “Then I hope the three of you have a delightful time at the ball.”

  “We will.”

  I am going to the ball! I am really going to the ball. Whoopee!

  “I like this girl.” She pressed her finger against Dennan’s chest. “You better not mess this up.”

  “I like her too, Grandma.” He rubbed his chest where her finger had jabbed.

  “It’s getting late,” she said. “I should be heading home.”

  “I’ll escort you home, Grandma.”

  Wait, no.

  “Honey, you don’t need to take me home,” she said.

  Right. You don’t need to take your old, defenseless grandma home through the cold, scary forest. Ha ha. I’m so kind.

  “Follow me to take Brinlee back, and then I can take you home. Sherwood Manor isn’t too far.”

  Fine, take your stinking grandma home. I’ll just die another night without your love.

  “You are always so good to me.” She lovingly patted his cheek.

  Yes, he’s good. I’ll admit it. He’s perfect.

  After Dennan helped her mount her horse, and he and I were seated on his, we rode back to the manor. His grandmother followed close behind. Thankfully the rain had stopped.

  “Thank you for finding me a dress for the ball, Dennan,” I said.

  “Am I not as good a man as the prince?”

  His question was completely unexpected, and I didn’t know how to respond. After several seconds of silence, he said, “I understand.”

  “No, Dennan.” I placed my hand on his shoulder. “You are the most amazing man I have ever met.”

  “I would ask for a chance to win your heart.”

  Done. “Nothing will change after tomorrow night.”

  Was it true? Did I really think nothing would change after the ball?

  Dennan halted his horse and spoke to his grandmother, who had stopped next to us. “Stay hidden behind these trees while I take Brinlee a little closer to her home. I’ll be right back.”

  “Thank you again.” I reached my hand out to the sweet lady. “It was so nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise, my dear.” She squeezed my hand.

  I waved goodbye and returned my hands to Dennan’s waist. In my last few minutes of savoring the feel of him next to me, I didn’t say half of the things I wanted to say. I didn’t know how to say many of them, or if I should even say them, so I simply held onto him as I held onto every wonderful memory of him.

  When we were near the entrance to the manor, he jumped off his horse and turned to help me down. As soon as my feet landed on the ground, he slid his hand behind my head. “Grant me one more kiss to win your heart before you find yourself in the arms of the prince tomorrow night and swept away from me forever.”

  I stood on my toes and pressed my lips to Dennan’s. He grinned mischievously just before our lips met in another blissful reunion. I sighed and reveled in the perfection of the moment. I wanted to remember every feeling and every sensation, to capture them inside my soul.

  “I need to take my grandmother home,” Dennan said breathlessly against my lips.

  Not wanting the night to end, I pressed my lips against his again. He met my passion with fervor only for a moment before resting his hands on my shoulders and pushing me an arm’s length away.

  “I really need to leave . . . now.” He exhaled. “Before the gentleman in me completely disappears.”

  My cheeks grew hot at his meaning.

  He ran his fingers through his hair, unconsciously making me want him to stay even more. “Brinlee, you are the most beautiful woman in the world.”

  “I’m sure I look lovely after riding through the rain.” I touched my damp, ruffled hair.

  Dennan stroked a curl behind my ear. “You look more beautiful than ever, if that’s even possible.”

  I shyly lowered my lashes.

  He kissed the top of my head. “Have fun at the ball tomorrow night.”

  It was unfair and cruel that I would meet the man of my dreams in a fantasy.

  Dennan walked back to his horse and retrieved the packages from his saddle. He placed them in my arms. “I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”

  I wanted to say “I love you,” but I was too afraid. I watched him climb onto his horse, but I still couldn’t say it. I had never told a boy I loved him.

  “Good night, Brinlee.”

  I still didn’t say anything, and he rode off into the darkness. I watched him until horse and rider blended into the black of night.

  I love you.

  Chapter 20

  Cinderella

  Germany, 1812

  Peck, peck, peck, peck, it went as fast as if twelve hands were at work. When they were finished, the pigeons said, “Cinderella, would you like to go dancing at the ball?”

  “Oh, my goodness,” she said, “how could I go in these dirty clothes?”

  “Just go to the little tree on your mother’s grave, shake it, and wish yourself some beautiful clothes. But come back before midnight.”

  So Cinderella went and shook the little tree, and said:

  Shake yourself, shake yourself, little tree.

  Throw some nice clothing down to me!

  She had scarcely spoken these words when a splendid silver dress fell down before her. With it were pearls, silk stockings with silver decorations, silver slippers, and everything else that she needed. Cinderella carried it all home. After she had washed herself and put on the beautiful clothing, she was as beautiful as a rose washed in dew. She went to the front door, and there was a carriage with six black horses all decorated with feathers, and servants dressed in blue and silver. They helped her into the carriage, and away they galloped to the king’s castle.

  Day 14—The Night of the Ball

  I was nervous as I sat in the carriage next to Amanda and Katie on our way to the castle.

  Lady Catherine rode in a separate carriage with her daughters. “I will not appear at the castle with those commoners,” Fanny had declared that morning.

  Thankfully, I was assigned to travel with the “commoners,” which I much preferred to sitting in Lady Catherine’s carriage with Fanny’s unbelievable arrogance.

  Henry, my date (eew . . . . I still couldn’t get used to the idea), drove Lady Catherine’s carriage, while Krys, who had finally gathered the nerves to ask Katie to the ball that morning, drove our carriage.

  “How does social rank work at the castle?” I asked Katie. With everyone invited to the ball, I was curious.

  “There is no dis
crimination at the castle. At some events in town, people are separated by status, but not at the castle. The royal family discourages division, which is part of the reason for the masquerade.”

  “Then why do they allow it to be done everywhere else?”

  “The high-born think it is necessary for servants to work for their place in society, where the wealthy class’s place in society is decided solely by their lineage and inheritance.”

  “That’s just wrong,” I said.

  “That’s how it is.”

  “Well, at least you can take a break from social ranking at the castle.”

  “Yes, but I’ve never dreamed of visiting the castle,” Katie replied. “This is the first time it hasn’t mattered who I am. I don’t know if I’ll be able to pretend I’m something I’m not.”

  I grabbed Katie’s hand. “Dreams and wishes gladden every heart—it is the infinite power of hope. It’s good to dream once in awhile.” Life lesson #101 from my grandmother.

  “At least we can dance in our dreams in beautiful gowns,” Amanda said, smoothing her hands over her emerald green dress.

  “Yes, this never would have been possible without you.” Katie looked at her own dress, which was a dazzling light yellow.

  “Don’t thank me,” I said. Thank the man I’ve fallen in love with.

  “We know you are as much to thank for thinking of us, Miss Brinlee.”

  I was humbled by their words. If being rich meant the absence of the kindness these two sisters showed, I didn’t want one penny.

  As we rode along, I looked down at my radiant dress. It was only because of Dennan and his grandmother that my friends and I were able to go to the ball. At the thought of him, my skin tingled as if he was touching me now. I could feel his hands circle my waist as the fabric of the dress snuggled close to my skin. His breath crawled against my neck right where the seam of the wide collar rested on my shoulders. Katie had arranged my loose curls on the top of my head, and I broke out in goosebumps with Dennan’s imaginary breath on my bare skin.

  I patted my warm cheeks, and then toyed with my necklace. It was tied with a simple black ribbon behind my neck, and the red pearl pendant hung at the hollow of my throat. Just as Dennan’s grandma had predicted, I felt like a princess.

  In a way, I felt disloyal to Dennan—and to myself. Didn’t he ask for a chance to win my heart? Why was I throwing it away for an encounter with Prince Charming, who, I had to keep in mind, was not even real?

  But Dennan was also an illusion, a figment of my dreams. Sitting in this gorgeous red dress in a creaking carriage, driving through the quaint town of Fenmore Falls to the picturesque castle—none of it was real.

  “Are you nervous?” Katie asked.

  “Yes.” Nervous and a little on edge. I’m officially going crazy.

  Amanda peered out the window. “We’re almost there.”

  I gazed out at the spires of the castle, shining like beacons on the hill. With its tall towers and windows, it reminded me of Rapunzel’s fortress. It was the embodiment of every storybook castle.

  When Krys pulled our carriage to a stop in front of the castle’s marble steps, we sat in awe at the majesty before us. The evening sky cradled the great rock walls, and the castle merged with the backdrop, preventing me from viewing the tops of the towers.

  Before Krys opened the door, Amanda, Katie and I put on our masks. He assisted each of us in descending from the carriage.

  “Miss Brinlee, are you ready?” Sir Henry stepped in front of me and held out his elbow.

  I looked to my side, where Krys was offering his elbow to Katie. I took a deep breath and accepted Sir Henry’s.

  “Thank you,” I said. This night would work out fine if it meant Katie got to be with Krys.

  We followed Lady Catherine, who was escorted by William, up the steps and into the castle. Two uniformed men met us at the doors and led us through the massive foyer and into the crowded ballroom. Apparently, everyone from town had shown up at the ball. The men, some in powdered wigs, appeared regal in their waistcoats, vests, and hats, while the women looked polished in their gowns and jewels.

  “There’s Princess Camilla, King Edwin’s daughter,” Rose said quietly. I hadn’t noticed her come up next to me until she spoke.

  I looked to where she indicated. There, near the stage, stood the most gorgeous blond-haired model I had ever seen. The young woman stood tall and regal, with her hair pulled back and wisps of curls delicately framing the porcelain skin not hidden by her mask. Her pleated dress was pink and adorned with lace. Most arresting was how composed and confident she seemed. She was beautiful, just like a real princess.

  There’s no contest. She’s beautiful.

  “Ladies and gentleman,” a loud voice suddenly announced.

  The orchestra ceased playing, and a hush fell over the crowd.

  “May I introduce Your Highness, the king and queen, and their son, Prince Channing.”

  I choked down the excitement that raced to my throat.

  This is it! I’m going to meet Prince Charming!

  Rose grabbed my elbow and nudged me closer to the stage. All of the eligible women in the room were crunched together like sardines in our hooped skirts.

  “King Nathaniel Channing of Fenmore Falls,” the voice announced from the sidelines.

  A tall man with broad shoulders and olive skin walked onto the platform while the crowd applauded. The king didn’t wear a wig, as I had pictured in my collection of Cinderella stories, and he didn’t wear a robe as an emblem of his power. Amazingly, he didn’t even wear a crown. He raised his mask to greet the crowd. With his rough whiskers and kind expression, the handsome King Channing looked like a normal man.

  “Queen Danielle Channing,” the voice announced.

  The queen entered and stood next to her husband. Her long blond hair hung freely over her shoulders, and her smile sparkled with exuberance. She held onto the king’s arm, while he looked at his beautiful, ageless wife.

  The boisterous voice made a third introduction. “Prince Patrick Channing.”

  At the mention of his name, my breath stopped. Here we go!

  I peered between the row of heads in front of me at the young man walking onto the platform to join his parents. Like them, he had raised his mask to greet the audience. I couldn’t get a good look at him because of all the other girls who stood on their tiptoes, but I could tell he had his father’s dark, rugged features. Suddenly, I knew something was familiar about the prince. When he looked straight at me, I realized in shock that I had seen him before.

  I had seen him many times before. I had kissed him many times before!

  It was Dennan.

  I felt dizzy and tried not to faint. He stepped off the stage and began to make his way through the crowd toward me. I didn’t move. I couldn’t move. My brain had stopped working.

  Before I knew it, he was standing before me, looking at me—watching me, obviously waiting for my reaction.

  Looking into this man’s face as I had many times before—not into the faceless prince of my childhood dreams but into the features of the man I had recently grown to love—my heart raced. This was the man I had met at the pond, the man who waltzed with me in the moonlight, the man who had stolen my heart. I was looking into the face of Dennan.

  Dennan is Prince Channing!

  The room closed in around me, and everything went foggy.

  Do not faint, Brinlee!

  Chapter 21

  No Story to Tell

  I’m not going to distract you from this story. Who wants to read about what happened in my life that led to this moment? Who wants to read about how my mother actually burned my copy of Jane Eyre because she felt I wasn’t living in reality? In fact, she felt compelled to demonstrate how fast a dre
am can be destroyed just like my book—just like her dream of love. No, I’m not going to tell you about that. It’s much more fun to talk about the story and to forget about reality.

  Moving On

  No, I didn’t faint. But I was close. I was in love with Prince Charming—well, technically, Prince Channing. Perhaps that’s what was supposed to happen. I was like an understudy. Gabriella, the star, had failed to show up, and I had to go on and do the show. The show must go on, right?

  Who am I kidding? Dennan is Prince Charming. Cinderella’s Prince Charming, not mine. I’m not supposed to be here! I need to get away from him. I need to go home.

  “Hello,” he said with a tentative smile.

  Whispers began to circle the room—I’m sure everyone wondered whom the prince was talking to. Nervously, I toyed with my necklace, avoiding Dennan’s questioning gaze. Looking anywhere but at him, I glanced at the beautiful queen and saw recognition in her eyes.

  That’s when it dawned on me. Dennan’s grandmother is the queen’s mother. I’m wearing the queen’s necklace!

  Didn’t she say this was her daughter’s dress, too? I’m wearing the queen’s necklace and her dress!

  I forced my trembling legs to take a step back, but Dennan reached out and grabbed my arm. “Where are you going?” His familiar, calloused thumb brushed against my arm. “Aren’t you going to say it’s an honor to meet me, or something like that?”

  I placed my hand over my mouth to cover my gasp. I was so embarrassed I thought my cheeks would burst into flames. I couldn’t believe I’d discussed probable pick-up lines for the prince—with the prince! Most of all, I couldn’t believe Dennan hadn’t told me who he really was.