Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of Cinderella

by Brittany Candau

Have courage, and be kind. You have more kindness in your little finger than most people possess in their whole body. And it has power. More than you know.” “Kindness has power?” Ella asked, wiping the hot tears off her cheek. “And magic,” Ella’s mother responded. “Truly. Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is happiness.

did not come as a surprise to Ella. It had been clear for some time that the Tremaines did not see her as family. In fact, it renewed her sense of purpose. She would throw all her energy into caring for the house and the animals. And she would do so happily, kindly. For she had these wonderful things—the beautiful estate, the companionable creatures, in addition to scores of happy memories—all because of her parents. There were so many who did not have so much.

“Just because it’s what’s done, doesn’t mean it’s what should be done,” Cinderella countered.

The woman nodded demurely, and he held out his hand. As she took it, they both gasped, staring at each other. Did she feel that, too? Kit wondered. That spark?

“Surely you have a right to your own heart?”

Cinderella turned to go. Then, suddenly, she paused, looking back at the king. When else would she have this chance? “I just wanted to say, Your Highness,” Cinderella started, “your son, Kit, is the most lovely person I ever met. So good and brave. I hope you know how much he loves you.”

his father continued. “You must marry for love. Find that girl they are talking about.” He had a twinkle in his eye. “The forgetful one...” “Who loses her shoes,” Kit joined in, laughing again.

“There was a beautiful young girl who married for love. She had two loving daughters. All was well. But then her husband, the light of her life, died.” Cinderella’s stepmother leaned forward, her face half cast in shadow. “The next time she married for the sake of her children. But this man, too, was taken from her.” She smiled. “And I was doomed to look every day upon his beloved child.” Cinderella shifted, keeping her eyes on her stepmother. “I had hoped to marry off one of my beautiful, stupid daughters to the prince,” Lady Tremaine continued. “But his head was turned by a girl with glass slippers. And so I lived unhappily ever after.” She looked down, examining the sparkling shoe in her hands. “My story would appear to be ended. Now, tell me yours. Did you steal it?” Cinderella shook her head. “It was given to me.” “Given to you,” Lady Tremaine repeated, laughing. “Nothing is ever given. For everything, we must pay.” “That’s not true,” Cinderella said, taking a step toward her. “Kindness is free. Love is free.”

“I will not allow you to ruin the palace the way you ruined my home. I was not able to protect my father from you...but I will protect the prince and the kingdom. No matter what becomes of me.”

“Why? Why are you so cruel? I don’t understand it. I have tried to be kind.” “You—kind to me?” Lady Tremaine repeated, aghast. “Yes!” Cinderella replied emphatically. She could not stop now. Enough was enough. “Though you do not deserve it. And though no one deserves to be treated as you have treated me.” And then she repeated the question she’d wondered for a very long time. “Why do you do it? Why?” Lady Tremaine looked as though she’d been deflated. She squinted, seeming to search for words. “Why? Why? Because you are young, and innocent, and good, and I...I am not.”

now he was receiving random visits from nobodies in the kingdom. True, this was a very beautiful nobody. But still, these were not the types of duties a grand duke should be dealing with.

“The people need to know that the kingdom is secure. That the king has a queen, and the land may have an heir. They want to face the future with certainty.” Kit stepped toward the Duke. “Agreed. Then let us be certain.” He gestured at the throne behind him. His father’s last words about the Duke echoed in his head. The Grand Duke will never rule so long as you are not mastered by him. “Now I am king,” Kit continued sternly. “And I say we must seek out the mystery princess. Even if she does not want to be found. I have to see her again.” He locked eyes with the Duke once more, seeing the look of surprise on the man’s face. “It is my command.” The Grand Duke replaced his stunned expression with a more neutral one. “As you will, Your Majesty.

“Madam, there is no other maiden in your house?” “None,” the woman answered quickly. “Then has your cat learned to sing?” the Captain countered.

“Your Highness,” Cinderella began. “I am no princess. I have no carriage. I have no gown. No parents, and no dowry.” She glanced down at the sparkling shoe in his hands. “I do not even know if that beautiful slipper will fit.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “But if it does, will you take me as I am? An honest country girl who loves you?” Kit’s face broke into a broad smile at the words. He seemed to be relieved by her declaration. “I will.” He knelt in front of her, holding the slipper up. “Please,” he said softly. Cinderella sat herself down on the couch. It was just like the moment at the swing. Gingerly, Cinderella slid her foot into the shoe. It was a perfect fit.

Lady Tremaine was standing on the staircase, in the very spot where she’d torn Cinderella’s mother’s dress. She glowered at Cinderella and Kit, seemingly at a loss for words. Just as she and Kit were about to walk through the front door and head to their new life together, Cinderella paused. She couldn’t leave it like that. Turning around, she told her stepmother the kindest words she knew: “I forgive you.”

There was no question where Kit and Cinderella would spend their honeymoon. As their simple carriage pulled around the bend, Cinderella felt a surge of excitement. Kit’s one experience at the estate had been a bit distracted. She couldn’t wait to share with him the place that held so many memories for her. As Galahad slowed to a stop, Cinderella and Kit squeezed each other’s hands before letting go. Cinderella looked down to admire her mother’s ruby ring twinkling up at her before she followed Kit out of the carriage. There, in front of the fountain, stood the former captain of the guard, waiting to greet them. Kit’s friend had overseen the Tremaines’ move to a new home and the restoration of the estate to its former glory. The old staff, shepherds, and farmers who’d wanted to return were rehired. For this would be a full-fledged working household again, as well as a place where Kit and Cinderella could get away. “Much as I appreciate the new dukedom, My Liege, I wonder if I might ask you to do one more thing for me,” the new grand duke said. “Anything, Your Grace,” Kit replied. His friend’s face broke into a grin. “Live happily ever after.” Cinderella smiled as she and the king responded in unison. “We will.”