Chapter 2

Chapter 2

“You filthy brat! You actually dared to sneak off to the ball behind our backs? If you’re that desperate for a man, I’ll marry you off to a groom tomorrow!”

My Stepmother grabbed me by the hair and slapped me hard across the face several times.

My eldest sister clutched the Crystal Slipper to her chest and kicked me violently in the stomach. The door to the Cellar swung open, and I tumbled down inside.

She let out a shrill, mocking giggle.

“Thinking of becoming the Princess Consort? Why don’t you take a look in the mirror first?

“Stay down there. If you dare make a sound, you’re dead.”

With a loud clatter, the Cellar door was locked. I pounded on the wood above my head, my face etched with despair.

This is a disaster. Once that shoe is presented, the Prince will definitely know I’m here, and he’ll kill me!

Before long, my Stepmother’s fawning voice drifted down from above.

“Oh, heavens, Lord Rode! To think you would come in person-

“There’s no need for a fitting. This shoe belongs to our Anna. Anna, show Lord Rode the other one.”

Rod remained stone-faced as he held out a fine velvet cushion, upon which sat a glittering Crystal Slipper.

“Everyone must try it on. Oh-they really do make a pair. Noble lady, please come back to the palace with me. Let the Prince see for himself.”

The other Maids and guards chimed in with their congratulations. Anna excitedly grabbed my Second Sister and spun her around in circles.

Soon, the sound of noisy footsteps gradually receded, and silence returned to the space above me.

I slumped to the ground, utterly hopeless.

My sister’s feet are larger than mine. Once she reaches the palace and the Prince realizes she can’t actually wear the shoe, he’ll be at my house in no time. I have to escape before then.

But the Cellar door is locked, and there isn’t a single window around. There’s no way out.

There were many tools in the Cellar. I found a hammer and spent a while hacking at the wall, but after an hour, I had only managed to scrape off a thin layer of plaster.

Drenched in sweat and consumed by futile rage, I slammed the hammer against the wall twice before throwing it to the floor.

A rat in the corner was startled, squeaking as it scurried to the other side.

Watching the rat, my eyes lit up. A plan suddenly formed in my mind.