Chapter 23 - THE PALACE ON THE OTHER SIDE
Adrian cut his palm over the original slipper. Its glow became a doorway across the largest ballroom mirror.
He and Ella entered while Rowan, Mara, and Orren guarded the frame.
The reflected palace was beautiful and lifeless. Candles burned downward. Portraits whispered alternate histories in which Adrian had married obedient princesses and never questioned the crown.
At the throne sat Queen Aurelia, wearing seven crystal points above her golden wings.
Beside her stood Cinderella, awake but expressionless in the blue gown.
Adrian moved toward her. Ella stopped him.
“Her will is still inside me.”
Aurelia praised Ella for understanding. She explained that the Ash Godmother had never been a separate being. Aurelia herself granted the ball, using Ella as both servant and payment.
“Give me the will,” Aurelia said, “and Cinderella returns to your prince. You will remain here as my daughter.”
Ella recoiled from the word.
Aurelia claimed Ella had once belonged to the Hollow Court and betrayed it by protecting a mortal child. As punishment, her name, rank, and memory were stripped away. Cinderella’s friendship had given her a new identity the Court could not fully erase.
Adrian demanded the original name.
“Names must be given by those who love,” Aurelia replied. “And the girl who gave hers has forgotten it.”
Cinderella looked through Ella as if she were empty air.
May you like
Aurelia lifted one finger. The reflected palace began collapsing.
“Choose,” she told Adrian. “The woman you came to save—or the creature wearing her face.”
