Cinderella, Zombie Queen by Tom H. Richardson

Author:Tom H. Richardson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, horror, action, magic, zombies, young adult, fairy tale, alternate universe, female protagonist, cinderella
Publisher: Hypo To Helio Books

Chapter 23

Pinecone The Dressmaker

Two days later (Tuesday, October 10)

2-1/2 hours before the start of the first Ball

Riverstone Meadow manor house, Burbury

The doves Jacoba (with Pinecone lying on her back) and Wilhelmina flew in through the open window.

Ella exclaimed, “Oh, Pinecone, I’m so glad you came! I was worried that you had forgotten about the Ball. But now, won’t I be late—?”

The doves landed on the back of a chair. Pinecone replied, “Don’t worry, Ella. Wilhelmina and I can get you to the Royal Palace with time to spare. Now, let’s get you dressed up suitable for a prince!”

Pinecone reached into her sparkly white sleeve and pulled out her magic wand.

****

Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace, Kingscourt

Cabolus was in his palace apartment with his tailor, getting his first fitting of Saturday’s waistcoat, breeches, and frock coat, when someone knocked at his door.

Cabolus’s butler went off to answer the door. Seconds later, the butler returned with King Mitchell.

“Give Us privacy,” King Mitchell ordered Cabolus’s servants. “Shut the door and then wait in the hallway.”

When the servants were gone, King Mitchell told Cabolus, “Queen-Dowager Milikki has asked for Our permission to attend the Balls. We have given that permission.”

Cabolus sighed. “Fine. But unless you override my rules, she’ll have to win the lottery for one of the Balls, or she’ll have to wangle a courtier’s invitation to the first Ball.”

“She assures Us that she’s already arranged this.”

“That still leaves the second and third Balls. I will not hand her an invitation to either Ball.”

King Mitchell waved that aside. “We presume that one of the nine lords will invite her back.” Then the father looked at the son and added, “What do you hope to accomplish by hosting these Balls?”

“I want a certain woman to come to a Ball. Ella is beautiful and brave—”

“The squire’s daughter? Your friend Edward is concerned about your interest in her.”

Cabolus wanted to swear. Aloud, he replied, “I feel more than ‘interest’ in Ella. Your Majesty—Father—I feel interest for no woman at court; but with me hosting the Balls, I will find a woman I will be happy to spend my life with.”

“ ‘No woman at court’—this includes Milikki? You know she would be devoted to you.”

“I want a wife to whom I am devoted right back.”

“And if your Ella doesn’t come? You would really marry a commoner woman? Many commoner women are slow of wit.”

“Your Majesty, many women at court are slow of wit. Haven’t you noticed?”

King Mitchell shook his head, then turned to leave.

****

At the manor house

Pinecone waved her wand. A ball of sparkles flew from the wand, then flew to a place in midair that was three feet to Ella’s right. The ball of sparkles spread apart, both up and down; then the sparkles turned into a full-length mirror.

Now Pinecone was grinning. “Which would you prefer for your first gown—sky-blue silk or sky-blue velvet? Or perhaps something darker like Yadalind blue, to set off your hair—”

Ella made a push-away gesture. “No blue! I won’t be the only blue-eyed woman there—and those other women, they will wear blue.

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