Sinderella by Tara Brown, Sophie Starr Read Free Book Online

slave to that demented old man who has relations with his sister?”
    She started kneading the bread again. “Well, that's one rumor I can’t dispute. A woman in the market told me she had seen it. Worked there for years at the estate. Him and his sister were each other’s lovers their whole lives. It’s only recently that he decided to get married. Must be your father’s riches.”
    I paled. “What?”
    She looked at the bread and then at me. “What?”
    “My father’s riches?”
    “Aye, I have just heard it from a reputable source. Your father left very strict instructions with the barrister in town that you were to receive a large dowry—as far as I’ve heard whispered, a very large dowry. In fact, the barrister has the money, Drusilla can’t even get a piece of it. She has burned through your father’s riches that were left to her and is selling off the furnishings and even a piece of land at the back of the estate. I would bet she has sold you to Grey for a portion of the dowry.”
    My eyebrows were stuck in a frown. “You’re sure?”
    “Yes. I never knew it until yesterday. You can’t have it unless you marry, and she has already gone and given your hand away.”
    “That changes everything. I would have left here years ago, had I known.”
    She closed her eyes and shook her head. “When I discovered her deal with the duke, I knew all was lost. You would have to run from the wedding and the riches.”
    I slumped into a chair and put my hands on my head. “I need a dress. I need to find the barrister and the prince and tell him I might be an orphan, but I have a dowry. Maybe he will still take me as a wife.”
    She winced. “My dear girl, don't shoot so high up. You will lose your arrow. I dare say the king will not allow this marriage.”
    “The king?” Drusilla came rushing into the kitchen, laughing and rubbing her tired eyes. “The king? What does the king have to do with Cinder Ella?”
    My mouth opened, and just like the night before with the prince, words fell out. “You have lied to me and cheated me out of a true marriage, all for what? Riches? You could have had it if you’d just granted me my freedom or if you’d let me be one of you. How could you do that to me?” I shoved her but her hand moved faster than a viper, striking me in the face and knocking me back.
    I fell into the flour bins, seeing stars behind my eyes. She growled. “I did it because I can and I would do it again! You’ve been nothing but a thorn in my side and a burden since the moment your father died!” She grabbed my arm and dragged me along the floor. Her strength was savage. “You owe me! You fool of a child, this is my payment and I will not have you ruining it for me!” She dragged me to the base of the stairs and shouted. “GREGOR!”
    My blurry vision cleared, and I watched as he stopped in the doorway, scowling when he saw me.
    Drusilla pointed. “Take her to the tower and lock her in there.”
    Gregor stomped across the floor and scooped me up. Halfway up the stairs he whispered. “Why did you come back?”
    I shook my head. “I don't know. I didn’t know where else to go.” I curled into his neck and closed my eyes.
    He stroked my back. “I am so sorry, Ella.”
    I looked at him. “Could you try to get word to the prince that I am the girl in the mask with the crystal shoe?”
    He looked confused. “What?”
    I nodded. “Just find a way to tell him that, please.”
    He didn't look like he was convinced or understood what I was talking about. He carried me to the tower and placed me on my feet, on the cold stone. A solemn look crossed his brow. “I will bring up food and find a way to send word to the prince.”
    He turned and left, closing the door and locking it. I placed my hands against the rough wood of it and closed my eyes. “I am a fool.”
    I washed with the basin left for me, changed my clothes, and curled up on the straw bed in the corner. When I was comfortable, I let myself