Happily Never After

Chapter 13: Midnight

“Elliot, we are going to the ball for the princess,” Diedre said from outside of the attic door.

“Yes, stepmother,” Elliot replied sadly. Elliot had been forbidden to attend any event with his stepfamily. As his stepsisters and stepmother left the estate in their gaudy dresses, Elliot remained sad and alone. Even if nobody was in the attic besides himself, Elliot wouldn’t be seen crying.

“Now what do we have here,” Rumplestiltskin inquired, standing over Elliot? “Another saddened soul in need of my assistance?” Elliot looked up at the figure of Rumplestiltskin.

“Who are you,” Elliot asked. “How did you get in here?”

“Never mind that, my dear,” Rumplestiltskin said. “Don’t you want to go to that ball at Midas’ castle? Maybe see your friend again? Meet eligible noblemen?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Elliot replied. “I’m forbidden to leave.”

“Not on my watch, my dear,” Rumplestiltskin said. “I’ll make sure your stepfamily doesn’t recognize you. But for a price, of course.”

“What do you want,” Elliot asked?

“Well, something of value, of course,” Rumplestiltskin answered. “That ring on that chain will do nicely.”

“This was my mother’s,” Elliot said.

“Oh, it was my mother’s,” Rumplestiltskin mocked. “I ate my mother, after I killed her of course. You don’t need a silly ring as a reminder of your late mother. Simply remember her. Or would you rather stay the night up here?”

“Fine,” Elliot agreed, giving the ring to Rumplestiltskin.

“Excellent choice, my dear,” Rumplestiltskin said. “Quite an excellent choice.” He pulled a shimmering stick from his sleeve, a wand. “Now this was my mother's, and all her magic has been ever so kindly preserved in this wand. Now, do you wish to go to the ball?”

“I do,” Elliot confirmed. Then, with a wave of the wand, gold and silver stars encircled Elliot. As the sparkling stars faded, Elliot was left in a shimmering silver suit with puffed shoulders and a matching mask. “A mask?”

“Yes, haven’t you heard,” Rumplestiltskin replied. “Tis a masquerade ball. But, I fear even all this fairy godmother magic won’t let you stay unrecognizable forever. The spell will only last until midnight. So you best be on your way.”

“But how will I get to the ball,” Elliot asked?

“How about you take a looksie outside, won’t you,” Rumplestiltskin said. Elliot looked outside the window and saw as a pumpkin became a carriage and the mice became horses. The lizards became footmen and the goose became a coachman. “Oh, and one last touch.” Elliot looked down at his shoes that sparkled until they were made of silver.

“Silver shoes,” Elliot gasped!

“Yes, well, I couldn’t give you glass, now, could I,” Rumplestiltskin replied. “Quite impractical to these if I say so myself.”

“Oh, thank you,” Elliot said.

“You’re quite welcome, my dear,” Rumplestiltskin said. “Just remember, midnight.” Elliot nodded and was off on his way to the ball. Elliot entered the ball, nervously surveying his surroundings for his stepfamily. As he walked through the large bustles of gowns, still keeping his eyes peeled for his stepfamily, Elliot tripped, landing in the arms of a finely dressed nobleman that looked not much older than Elliot.

“My apologies,” the nobleman said.

“No, the fault is mine,” Elliot said. The nobleman had sparkling blue eyes behind his golden stag mask.

“Nonsense, you’re far too graceful for such a fault,” the nobleman replied. “You are a swan after all. Oh, where are my manners? I am Prince Liam of Haggersgate. And you are?”

“I am simply Elliot,” Elliot responded.

“Well, Elliot, would you care for a dance,” Liam asked?

“I’d be honored, your highness,” Elliot said.

“Please, it is simply Liam,” Liam said. The two began to dance. “You are quite the dancer.”

“My mother taught me,” Elliot replied.

“Well, you had an excellent teacher,” Liam complimented. The pair had such a wonderful time in each other’s company, Elliot wasn’t bothering to look at the time.

“The princess has been taken,” Percival, the newest lord steward, shouted! The clock began to sound.

“Midnight,” Elliot said. “Liam, I am no nobleman; this is all an enchantment. Will you take me as I am when the magic is all worn out?” Liam cupped Elliot’s face.

“I will,” Liam said. As Liam went to pull Elliot closer, Elliot’s figure had disappeared. The fabric of the silver suit fell to the marble floor filled with the seeds and innards of pumpkins. The face that was cradled in Liam’s hand was now a pumpkin with a simple Jack-o-lantern carving that oozed out orange goop. “Elliot? Elliot!” Outside the palace stood Rumplestiltskin and Percival, both at ease as chaos unfolded inside.

“Nicely done, my pet,” Rumplestiltskin complimented. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

From that way forward, Prince Liam hated magic and vowed to exterminate all who wielded it: especially Rumplestiltskin.