Free Cinderella And Prince Dom by Sydney St.Claire

blood-red gown with a flowing, silk cape. “You look wonderful, Luc.”
    Lucy twirled in front of the mirror. “And you really look like a princess, Jaimie.” She sighed. “I can’t believe this weekend is almost over.”
    “Yeah, when the clock strikes twelve, it’s back to reality.” No more princes for her. She smiled at her reflection. She still had all night, and she planned to make the most of it.
    “Your shoes, miss.”
    Turning, she held out her hand, then gasped. “Glass?” The three-inch heels and soles felt like glass. The upper was a series of silver straps.
    “But of course, miss. If you’ll sit, I’ll help you.”
    Jaimie sat and let the maid fuss over her. When the sound of a gong sounded in the room, she glanced around. “What is that?”
    Lucy joined her. “That my friend, means the ball is starting. Ready to go find our men?”
    “You bet.” Jaimie donned her mask. She was more than ready to be reunited with her prince.
    Hand in hand, they followed one of the maids down to the main staircase. There was a line of guests, all women, all in elaborate gowns. She spotted Little Bo Peep in a white ball gown and assumed her men were downstairs.
    One at a time, each woman walked down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, they were announced. In front of her, Lucy picked up the hem of her gown and headed down. Hastings, in his deep, authoritative voice, called out, “Little Red Riding Hood.”
    Lucy’s wolf, handsome as sin in a black tux stepped forward, hand out. Together, the striking couple headed for the ballroom.
    Taking a deep breath, praying she wouldn’t trip, Jaimie picked up her skirts and headed down the wide, curving staircase. She nearly stumbled when she spotted her prince. He wore an elaborate tunic in a deep, royal blue. Both tunic and pants were trimmed with gold. A cloak, fastened around his neck, flowed behind him when he stepped forward. He truly looked like a prince. Her prince . His mask hid his beautiful eyes but not the pleased gleam in the teal depths. He held out his hand.
    Jaimie took it, then sighed when he kissed her fingers.
    “You are beautiful,” he breathed.
    Staring at his full, sensual lips and catching a glimpse of his twinkling eyes, Jaimie curtsied. “Thank you. May I say you are a very handsome prince?”
    “You may.” He turned and led her toward the music. “Ready to dance?”
    “All night,” she whispered as he led her into a room glittering with light.
    Stepping into the ballroom, Jaimie felt as though she’d stepped into another time and place. She blinked against the unexpected brightness. A glance up revealed four huge chandeliers. She gasped at the ornate, domed ceiling that reminded her of an old-world cathedral, complete with images of a life hundreds of years in the past when balls were a regular occurrence.
    Her prince guided her further inside. “Shall we dance?”
    Jaimie winced. “I’m not a very good dancer.” At least, not at this type of formal dancing. The music sounded like a waltz. Now, if the musicians broke out into a fast beat, she could move with the best.
    “Follow my lead.”
    Listening to his instructions, Jaimie found she could actually follow him without stepping on his toes too many times.
    “Relax.”
    Jaime found that wasn’t so hard to do. Held by her prince, she laughed in sheer delight when he swung her around the ballroom, past the orchestra that occupied one end and tables laden with refreshments at the other end. Columns framed doorways set along both sides, allowing easy entrance and exit, and chairs were set in small, cozy groupings. “Wow! This is incredible.”
    Beneath her heels, the wood floor gleamed, and around her, other couples swung past. The gowns the women wore were every bit as beautiful as hers, and the men in their tuxes were handsome indeed. No one wore leather or wielded their whips or wore skimpy, revealing skirts. Jaimie felt as though she’d been enchanted. Maybe the rich and