Cinderella Junior Novelization by Melissa Arps

issued and posted outside the palace gates for all in the kingdom to see.
    Word spread throughout the kingdom, and all the eligible maidens frantically prepared for the chance to try on the glass slipper. No one was as frantic as Lady Tremaine. Her daughters had another opportunity to become royalty, and she needed them dressed and ready. She would do anything in her power to have one of her daughters marry the Prince.
    â€œCinderella, Cinderella!” she shouted as she started up the stairs to her daughters’ rooms. “Oh, where is that girl?”
    Cinderella opened a door in the downstairs hallway with a broom in her hand.
    â€œYes, here I am,” she responded politely.
    â€œMy daughters,” Lady Tremaine asked abruptly. “Where are they?”
    â€œI think they’re still in bed,” replied Cinderella.
    â€œWell, don’t just stand there!” yelled Lady Tremaine, glaring at Cinderella. “Bring up the breakfast trays at once—and hurry!” She feverishly picked up her skirt and continued up the stairs to Anastasia’s and Drizella’s rooms.
    Cinderella stood in the open doorway and curiously watched Lady Tremaine hurry off. She wondered why her stepmother was in such a rush. But she obeyed, as usual, and went to fetch breakfast.
    Gus and Jaq were standing in the doorway, too, and they were just as curious about Lady Tremaine’s urgency.
    â€œI wonder what’s the matter with-a her,” said Jaq, puzzled by all the excitement.
    â€œYes, what’s the matter with her?” asked Gus, pointing up the stairs.
    â€œI don’t know. Let’s find out!” said Jaq. He grabbed Gus’s hand. They ran into an opening in the wall and scurried up to the next floor.
    Lady Tremaine stormed into Drizella’s room, calling her daughter’s name. Drizella was still asleep in her bed, wearing a yellow nightgown and nightcap. Her bare feet stuck out from underneath the quilt. She was startled at the shrill sound of her mother’s voice.
    â€œWhat?” she said, stretching her arms and legs. “Get up, quick, this instant!” Lady Tremaine opened the curtains and bright sunlight poured in.
    â€œWe haven’t a moment to lose!” Drizella squinted and covered her head with her quilt despite her mother’s warning.
    Lady Tremaine left Drizella’s room and burst into Anastasia’s. Gus and Jaq had made their way to Anastasia’s room, too. They hid behind candles in the candelabra and listened to everything.
    â€œAnastasia!” Lady Tremaine yelled. Anastasia was sound asleep and covered from head to toe with her quilt. Lady Tremaine went over to the bed and shook Anastasia to wake her. “Get up, Anastasia!”
    Anastasia lifted her head from beneath her pillow and quilt. Her pink nightcap covered her eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked with a yawn. Light filled the bedroom as Lady Tremaine opened the curtains. “Oh, everyone’s talking about it…the whole kingdom,” she growled. “Oh, hurry, he’ll be here any minute!”
    â€œWho will?” asked Drizella, who was standing in the doorway yawning and scratching her leg. She had finally dragged herself out of bed. Like Anastasia, she was still exhausted and couldn’t understand her mother’s insistence.
    â€œThe Grand Duke!” replied Lady Tremaine. “He’s been hunting all night.” She went an armoire and sifted through clothes.
    â€œHunting?” asked Anastasia, more confused.
    â€œFor that girl!” snarled Lady Tremaine.
    Just then, Cinderella approached the door with a breakfast tray. She heard her stepmother ranting about the previous evening and her eyes widened with curiosity. She walked into the room so that she could hear more.
    â€œThe one who lost her slipper at the ball last night,” continued Lady Tremaine. “They say he’s madly in love with her.”
    Drizella