Oh, Bruno, I'm sorry."Her dog looked at her as if he didn't understand why she was apologizing to him."You could be home with a hot meal and a warm bed right now." She stroked his ear playfully. "You could be drinking a nice warm bowl of milk, or chasing Lucifer out of the kitchen." She drew him close, burying her face in his warm fur. "But I'm glad you're here, loyal as always. Thank you, Bruno.

And why the name Bruno?""My papa picked it. He said it meant 'brown,' like his coat. But also 'protector.' We didn't mean to keep him at first. But he came to us looking so starved and sad that we took him in, and once he'd been fed, Papa and I couldn't part with him." Cinderella smiled at Bruno. "He's been my sweetest companion ever since. And my most loyal protector.""I like dogs more than people," said the duchess. "For that very reason- they don't let you down as much.

If I just have one dance... even if it's by myself, I'll be happy. I just want to remember what it's like to be free, to spin round and round under the moonlight.

I'm ready," she whispered, her stomach fluttering as soon as the words left her.Charles looked at her, the light in his eyes wavering. "Then-""Yes," she spoke over him. "I accept."He drew her close, holding both her hands and bringing them to his lips.Wishing this moment could last forever, she leaned against the prince's shoulder. At last, she knew.So this was love.

Even the small joys are worth cherishing, and they will lead you to greater ones.""I want to help you," said Cinderella. "I want magic to return to Aurelais."Lenore shook her head sadly. "That would take a miracle.""You once told me miracles take a little time.

There was something about her... the blueness of her eyes had arrested him in his place. A hint of sadness had touched them when he'd spoken, and he wondered why. Part of him wished he could go back to her and make her smile.A mad possibility entered his mind. It made no sense at all, yet he couldn't get it out of his head. She'd looked so familiar...No, it couldn't be her.

The sight of Cinderella descending the staircase made Lenore's heart swell. Gabrielle's daughter looked so much like her. The same golden hair, with hints of red like the first leaves of autumn when touched by the sun. The same blue eyes, like cornflowers in midsummer.

You've had days to observe the duchess. I told you I wanted to hear everything.""She takes her tea three times a day, steeped for four minutes-""I don't care about her tea-drinking habits!""Forgive me, Your Grace. You never told me exactly what you do care about.

When I had no hope left at all that things would get better, my fairy godmother came. I wonder now if hope is the most powerful magic of all.""Hope, and I'd add a thick skin," said Genevieve sensibly. She touched Cinderella's shoulder. "I should have guessed that you have a fairy godmother. The fairies come to those with the heart to change the world around them. You are certainly no exception, Cindergirl.