My toes were aching, pressed together tightly within the glass slippers. I wished I could kick them off and run through the room barefoot.But I knew that wasn't possible. Many things were not possible. The witch did not waste time scolding me. Instead she wanted every detail of our conversation from the time before the Prince stormed off. Because that was what it had looked like to everyone else that I'd said something that angered him. Prince Phillip had left the room and not returned. At the toll of the clock, my heart lurched. It was past eleven. Normally, I would be leaving now. But not tonight. There was no escape from the witch's control, and she wanted me to remain until the prince claimed me as his bride and went to the gardens. She smiled while she spoke, If you are not withholding anything from me, then I am certain we can fix this, quickly. We must have you home by midnight. She fussed with a stray curl, putting it back in place. Listen carefully. The spell upon you makes other men covet you.
