Breathless and acutely aware that young ladies did not go dashing about the countryside in such an unladylike manner, Cinderella pulled up at Esmeralda's tug on her arm, slowing the two to a fast walk.
"I believe the prince may have a tendre for you, Cinderella," Esmeralda blurted.
"W-what?" Cinderella waited for her stepsister to pinch her arm, berate her in fury, or gouge her eyes out.
"Was that not a kiss he touched upon your lips?" She asked, softly.
Cinderella stopped and faced her, determined to brave the consequences of her unladylike comportment. "Oui," she confessed, closing her eyes bracing for the sting upon her cheek.
"Was it so very nice?"
Cinderella blinked surprised, and met Esmeralda's gaze. She was stunned by what she saw: genuine curiosity. Cinderella nodded. "Oui," she whispered.
"I'm somewhat terrified of the circumstance in which I find myself." Esmeralda's admission surprised her.
Guilt clogged Cinderella's throat. "Je suis désolée, Esmeralda. I took liberties-"
A lengthy silence ensued before Esmeralda professed, "You took no liberties that I witnessed. He kissed you." Esmeralda grabbed her hand. "Come. We must make haste." They slipped into the castle by way of Cinderella's previous escape route.
The door closed as quietly. Just as they lifted their skirts for a quick dash to Cinderella's chamber, she froze.
Stepmama barged into the hallway, clearly having just alighted from Cinderella's bedchamber, followed by her miniature replica. Pricilla.
The same scowls marred their mouths. Lips pressed, brows drawn, and eyes flashing. It was quite remarkable. Comical, in fact. Had Cinderella not been at the mercy of their wrath for so many years, she would have laughed at the picture. She wanted to draw herself up in bold defiance. She'd almost told Prince who she was, but for Esmeralda's interruption.
And she dare not take the chance now, Stepmama was quite cruel. Her cruelty mostly consisted of words. But early on, Cinderella quickly learned Stepmama never hesitated in driving her point home with physical action. Warranted or not.
Fear rooted her into place.
Esmeralda's shrewd glance fed Cinderella courage. She took a deep breath and stepped forward with determined resolve. "Stepmama, you were looking for me?" She fought against her trembles but was unable to mask all of her fear. A stir in the air indicated Esmeralda's nervousness. Her eyes fluttered.
Tension emanated throughout the wide corridor.
"Oui, oui, ma chère," Stepmama said.
Cinderella was taken aback by her pleasant tone, but had already identified the malice in her expression. Stepmama advanced like a large cat preparing for attack. She was here to thrash Cinderella, but good. The 'why' would not matter.