Free The Story Traveller by Judy Stubley Page A

good idea.’ Twinkle said.
    â€˜Invitation change the name
    Though the owner is the same.’
    With a flurry of little helpers and tiny stars the invitation omitted all trace of Cinderella’s real name and confirmed her place as belle of the ball.
    â€˜Now Cinders dear,’ Twinkle told her as she helped the excited girl into the coach, ‘have a wonderful time, but my magic only works until midnight, so be sure you leave the ball before the last chime of the clock, or you’ll find yourself in your old dress.’
    â€˜Oh thank you, Fairy Godmother!’ Cinderella leaned out and kissed Twinkle. ‘Can Lucy come too?’ Lucy could hardly believe her luck.
    â€˜Of course, but only if she stays invisible. Lucy, remember you’ve already met the Prince twice, so be careful. It would be better if you just watch the ball from the grand staircase and like Cinders you must leave before midnight.’
    â€˜Of course I will. Thank you, Twinkle.’
    â€˜Now, do up your cloak before you get in the coach. It must appear Cinderella is on her own.’
    The two girls were so excited they hardly spoke all the way there. The white horses were very fast and the journey seemed to be over before it had begun.
    One of the footmen helped Cinderella out of the coach, while the other straightened the folds of her dress. Lucy followed close behind, as Cinderella walked daintily up the great sweeping staircase, towards the important looking footman at the top.
    Lucy ran to the top of the stairs and looked down at the glittering ball; it was a wonderful sight. Ladies dressed in every colour of the rainbow, swirled and danced with handsome men, many in smart uniforms and others in rich velvets. The footman, with great admiration in his eyes, waited for the music to stop and then called out in a resounding voice:
    â€˜The Honourable Belle de le Bal.’
    Hundreds of pairs of eyes turned to look up at the late newcomer, as she floated down the stairs. Gasps of admiration escaped the lips of most of the gentlemen. The Prince, bored by the whole evening, had his back to Cinderella and was in a lively conversation with Lucien, but both men stopped and turned as they heard the response from the men on the dance floor.
    The Prince took one look at Cinderella as she came down the last few steps, and hurriedly crossed the ballroom to reach her, just as the next dance began. Without a word they took to the floor, oblivious to the rumble of voices that surrounded them. While everyone wanted to know who the beautiful and mysterious guest was, the Prince and Cinderella only had eyes for each other, and danced as if they had always belonged together.
    Lucy had to admit they did make a perfect couple. Cinderella, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, held close by the dark-haired Prince; Cinderella, in a gown of gossamer silver coloured silk, the Prince, dressed in black velvet, with the finest of white lace. They matched each other perfectly in grace and beauty.
    Lucy looked round for the Countess and her two spoilt daughters. They weren’t difficult to find, being the most overdressed women in the room. She was pleased to note they obviously had no idea the beautiful young girl was Cinderella.
    Lucy kept her eye on the clock. She, of course, knew what was about to happen to Cinderella, but had no idea what would happen to her if she disobeyed Twinkle, so at five minutes to twelve she left the Palace to find Twinkle and Speed waiting for her.
    â€˜Well done, Lucy! You’ve done as I asked,’ Twinkle said. ‘Speed will take you home shortly, but I just have something to tell you.’
    Lucy went over to Speed and patted his neck. ‘Hallo, old friend. I’ll do as I’m told this time!’
    Speed pawed the ground and said: ‘Thank goodness for that.’
    â€˜Now Lucy,’ Twinkle began. ‘The FGMU have met to talk about your first days as a story traveller.’ Lucy looked at