Cursed Beauty (A Fairy Retelling #1) by Dorian Tsukioka Page A

there. However, if I had a friend who could blend in perfectly, and could use my invitation to the ball to get a message to the prince, and would let him know that I was waiting right outside the castle, that might solve everything.”
    Adelaide’s eyes gleamed with excitement, and not just a little bit of mischief. Merelyn did not seem convinced. “Do you really think that would work?” she asked.
    “Well, probably not,” Adelaide conceded. “But at least we can give it a try. The worst that can happen is that you spend a fabulous evening dancing with handsome men, wearing an extravagant gown and eating delicious food.”
    “Do you think the slippers’ magic will work for me, too?” Merelyn asked.
    Adelaide held the shoes out to her friend. “There’s only one way to find out.”
    Merelyn smiled hesitantly, stepped out of her work boots, paused briefly for a moment, and then placed her feet into the glass slippers.  Just as with Adelaide, the change began with a pulsating light, and ended with a bright flash as Merelyn’s appearance completely changed.
    Long, blond hair cascaded down Merelyn’s back in glossy waves.  Her work dress was gone and in its place was a long, red ball gown dotted with sparkling bits of glass.  She looked amazing, but still very much like herself.  Unlike Adelaide’s face, hers had no marks or scars to disappear.  Adelaide thought wistfully how nice it would be to know that it was possible to be beautiful without the help of the magical, glass slippers.
    Merelyn gasped.  “This is incredible.  I’ve never been dressed like this before.”  She turned her head to take in the full view of the dress.  “Do you think the Elder Prince will notice me?”
    “How could he not? You’re stunning. He’ll be asking you to dance the moment he sees you.”
    Merelyn’s face beamed. “I hope so. I’ve always dreamed of meeting Prince Leon. I can’t believe this is really happening. Adelaide, are you sure this is what you want to do?”
    “Yes,” Adelaide answered assuredly.  “I think this plan is best.”
    Footsteps clicked through the hallway, towards the kitchen.  “Quick, it won’t do to have you looking like that if someone comes in,” Adelaide warned.
    Merelyn slipped off the shoes, and was instantly restored to her normal self.  She handed the glass slippers to Adelaide just as Celeste, opened the kitchen door.  Celeste stopped still, one hand holding the door open, the other raised and pointing a long, trembling finger at the glass slippers in Adelaide’s hand.
    Bursting into the kitchen she towered over the two girls. “I thought I recognized those eyes, but I couldn’t let myself believe that it was truly you. Stupid, thoughtless girl! Do you know what happens to young girls who get mixed up in magic?”
    Adelaide, too startled to speak, shook her head.
    “Heartbreak! Ruin! That’s what happens for you, and for everyone you love. Stupid, careless imbecile!” Celeste snatched the shoes out of Adelaide’s hands.
    “Those were a gift!” Adelaide protested.
    Celeste raised a hand, and slapped Adelaide across her birthmarked face. “You have no idea what these are,” Celeste said. She turned and stormed out of the kitchen.
    “I’m so sorry,” Merelyn whispered, her hands shaking. “If you hadn’t shown them to me, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault.”
    “Nonsense,” Adelaide said, holding her hand to her cheek. “She likely would have found them anyway. I think Celeste is more interested in keeping me away from the ball than keeping me safe from magic.”
    Adelaide hoped her friend wouldn’t notice how her voice trembled when she said that. She didn’t want to admit how shaken she was by Celeste’s outburst. “Besides,” Adelaide said, “it doesn’t matter what she says. You’re going to that ball tonight. With the glass slippers.”
    “How?” Merelyn asked. “She’s probably hiding them away right now.”
    “I’m not