cinders-and-glass-princess

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

Cinderella (1950) dir. Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

If Richard believed in fairytales, he would have assumed Ella was like some fairy princess who was trapped under some spell. But no such things existed for anyone. All there was, was cruel, harsh reality.

Richard could smell the stew and his stomach turned with hunger. It had been a very long time since he had a decent meal. The man reached for the bowl, but stopped mid air when Ella inquired about his most fascinating feature.

His mask.

Slowly drawing his hand back, all appetite lost, Richard looked at her and knew it was a fair question, just one he was tired of answering. Exhaling deeply, his lips twitched before he answered.

“In the war…mmmm… a land bomb. Went off a few mmm… feet in front of me.” He explained, recalling that terrifying moment with clarity. “This-“ Richard tapped the tin metal. “Keeps what’s… under mmm. Hidden.”

Ella had heard of war - though none had reached the borders of Foix de Lille for some time. The good king and his son had kept good relations with all surrounding kingdoms - all except the strange Kingdom of Tranen. 

Had a bayonet pierced his eye? Gunpowder? 

Ella only nodded and scooted the bowl of stew closer to him. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “You. . . are very brave.” 

As she turned towards the hearth, she asked, “Is there anything else I can get you.” 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

“America.” Richard replied, coming in to sit on a chair close to the fire. His hands were sore looking but held small scars from his time in the war. They were much more faded, but Richard could account for every one.

“Ella…mmm… why do you… serve them?” He asked, once the warm water for washing had been brought over. He dipped his hands into the warm water and made a pleading sound, washing his hands, arms, neck and half of his face.

Throwing back his locks, Richard looked at her, “You…don’t strike me….mmmm as a maid.”

“Don’t I?” Ella smiled at that and shook her head. “I could say the same about you. . . as someone who has only fixed fences.” 

When she found he didn’t smile at her teasing, she cleared her throat and went on. “I. . . my parents used to live in this house. They loved this house. I want to tend to it. . . When my father died, he left my stepmother alone here with her two daughters and myself.  I was. . . more or less forgotten and told to work among the other servants, until I became the only servant left.” 

She pulled the stew from the fire and placed it on the table beside him. “I suppose I can say I . . . I was raised to be a Baron’s daughter. But now my path is different.”

Ella glanced at his mask and paused. 

“W-Why do you wear a mask?”  

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard stood outside for a moment longer after Ella had taken off back to the kitchen. His hands clenched into fists and then unfurled again, releasing the tension and anxiety he felt at that moment. He wasn’t good at making friends and he had become quite used to the solitude.

Now, here was someone going out of their way to make him feel comfortable and welcomed. Richard didn’t know how to respond. Pity. Always pity…

Finally getting his legs to move, Richard came into the kitchens and stood there awkwardly by the door, keeping his larger figure away. “Mmmm… no trouble.” He assured her, flexing his hand once more out of habit. “I used to… fix fences all the time.”

Ella smiled as she checked the temperature of his stew. 

“Then we must be quite lucky here at the Chateau, monsieur.” Ella caught herself too late and quickly darted a wide-eyed gaze at him. She hadn’t meant to insult him. 

 “I mean, . . I apologize... Richard.”  

Turning her gaze back to the fire, she was glad the warmth of the fire could be the reason her cheeks were so pink. Turning her eyes back to him shyly, she asked, “Where . . . where are you from?” 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard was beyond tired. He had finished the fence but still hours later had not had any water. The man was running on fumes alone and desired to wash his hands and fall into the large stack of hay in the corner of the barn. Richard could not recall being this tired in a very long time.

It was then he noticed a little pixie coming towards him in haste, only to realize it was Ella with a determined look on her face. And a cold bowl of stew in her hands. His one good eye glanced down at the cold stew… he wouldn’t be able to eat this while his mask was on.

“Thank you.” Richard said, holding out his hands for the bowl. “Cold is… mmm fine.” Assured the older man, glancing at her for a moment longer. “Mmmm… sorry I’m so late. Mmm… boards. Needed more work.”

“I can’t give you cold stew...” she said, shaking her head. “Come, I’ll warm up some water for you wash with. I’m sure cleaning up will feel nice.” Ella could recall her own time out in the sun and enjoy a tub full of hot water afterward. 

She turned before he could take the bowl from her hands and moved back into the kitchen where she placed the bowl on the coals of the hearth. At least the heat would warm the stew quickly. 

Pumping water into a pot, she placed the pot over the coals as well - wishing to warm up water for the man. As he entered the room, she gestured for him to sit. 

“Thank you for your help today out there...” 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard stopped and glanced over his shoulder, but found he had to turn all the way around, otherwise he couldn’t see her. He had no desire to be rude.

The attic? God in heaven, she was no better than a slave! Richard had seen some unjust things, but this was uncalled for. Cruelty came in many forms, even ones dressed in glamorous dresses. Richard took what Ella said to heart, but wasn’t sure what he could possibly do. Maybe take some of the work load off her shoulders…

“Mmm… the barn, will be fine.” Richard said, shaking his head, while some black locks fell over his good eye. “You’re very kind.” He notes but glanced away, “People look at me. And see… mmm…” But he knew she already saw him as a disgusting piece of flesh kept together by a mask.

An unfeeling scrap of tin.

“Thank you.” He gruffly replied, before making his leave to work on the fence. The man worked until eight without stopping once for dinner.

Ella felt a strange sort of anger each time she glanced at the plate of food, awaiting the man called Richard Harrow. She had told him dinner would be at six. It was two hours later and the house was beginning to settle into silence. As she finally finished the last pot, she turned on her heel and grabbed the plate of stew. 

She pushed through the kitchen door, leading out to the yard - and only paused when she saw him. He was walking towards her - his sleeves rolled up around his elbows. He looked rather tired. 

“D-Dinner...” She called out hesitantly. “I’ll warm it up for you. C-Come to the kitchen.” 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

He took the spoon thankfully, but still couldn’t drink with her there. It wasn’t a deep enough base to collect a lot of water and Richard would be damned to ask. This was her home. And yet it wasn’t from what it sounded like.

The disfigured man had meant no offence and yet had done so all the same. Richard backed up slightly, “Ella.” He repeated. “Cinderella.. mmmm.. I think, is just as.. beautiful.” Richard hoped that would make amends for his mistake.

Though the idea of her sleeping in front of the fire made him a little upset. He was used to that lifestyle after leaving America, but a lady like Ella shouldn’t have to endure that kind of torture. It wasn’t right.

His voice grumbled in his throat. He wa supposed to stay in the kitchen, but Richard In good conscience couldn’t stay in the same place as Ella. The barn would do. “I should.. get to work.” He said, still holding the unused spoon, before picking up his bag and headed to work on the fence.

Ella was curious as to where he was taking the spoon, but decided again, not to ask. It would seem rude. At the compliment towards their cruel name, Ella found her cheeks warming. It was the first time she had never been ashamed of the name. . . her name. 

“Dinner is at six,” she said before he could leave. “. . . and I imagine Madame told you to sleep here. I’ll have a bed made for you here in the kitchen. I only sleep here when I’m working late into the night or when the weather outside is truly bitter cold. My room is up in the attic...” she explained. She hardly knew why she was explaining such details to him. 

“. . . I want you to feel welcome,” she added softly, blushing. 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard slowly turned with a grace most men did not have, looking at the young woman. A grumbling sound was heard at the back of his throat, before he managed to form a deep, but strained voice. “I was mmm… looking for a soup spoon.”

It sounded pathetic out loud, but he couldn’t drink properly on account have his mouth was missing. Straws were hard to come by in Europe and he refused to take off his mask in front of anyone.

“Mmm.. I’m not a sir.” He hadn’t been called that since he was fighting here in the war… Richard didn’t deserve that title.

“Richard. Harrow.” His name was broken up, a little more emphasis on the ‘har’ part of his name.

“You’re Cinderella.”

His stark disagreement on her formality took her by surprise, but Ella nodded in agreement. Richard Harrow. A strange name, but a good name none-the-less. There was something about his voice that seemed different too. He certainly was not from France - but where? 

Ella crossed the room to a small drawer and pulled a spoon out for him. 

“Here you go,” she said softly. As she slid the spoon into his hand, she boldly explored his face with her eyes. The way his eye gazed at her and then quickly around the room; the strength of his shoulders, the slight contour of his cheekbone. . . 

“I’m Ella...” she corrected. After all, if he didn’t want to be addressed as Monsieur, she would stop him from calling her “Cinderella.” 

“My stepfamily call me Cinderella because I sleep by the fire at night to keep warm. My cheeks. . . well, the cinders. . .” Her cheeks warmed as she struggled to continue. “But . . . my true name is Ella.” 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Cinderella. It was a beautiful name, but so was the young woman. Richard gave a small nod of his head, but turned his gaze away. What right did he have to look at her? “Thank you.” Came his gruff reply and went into the drawing room, where an elder, but still lovely woman sat.

Needless to say, it was an awkward conversation and one Richard kept short. He spoke of the war and his injury but not of his talent in marksmanship; no one ever needed to know how much blood coated his hands. Losing his face had been his penance.

The kitchen was to be his room and to always remain out of sight while guests were over; a modest request. He would be paid a new francs a week for good work, otherwise he would get nothing.

Seemed fair.

Richard placed his bag down on a chair out of the way, finding himself suddenly parched. He looked for a cup, or spoon to cradle the water from the basin, but was out of luck.

After attending her stepsisters, Ella raced down the steps to the kitchen - trying her best to uphold the demands of tea and biscuits before there were any more complaints. As she slid into the kitchen, she saw the man again - standing near one of the cupboards. He looked as though he were looking for something. 

Pausing just as the door closed behind her, she shoved her hands behind her back. 

“Are you looking for something?” She asked softly. As she stepped into the room, she eyed him carefully. 

“I . . . I didn’t catch your name Monsieur.” 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard stilled and was used to taking orders from the war and James, so he simply placed the board back down and nodded. Perhaps it would be wiser to be acquainted with the family before starting anything- he did not expect to stay long.

Picking up his bag, he looked at the young woman and waited for her to go in front of him, before following behind. The manor was beautiful, if not in need for a little touch up here and there. It reminded him of his farm back home. How the man missed his animals and the peacefulness a secluded place had to offer.

But Home was very far away and one which he would never go back to.

Ella escorted him through the forest and back up to the manor. As she opened the door for him, she watched the way he moved - the way he walked headstrong; determined. She could tell he carried a story on his shoulders. There was something about him that Ella couldn’t quite place. 

“Madame should be -” But before she could finish her sentence, she could hear her step-sisters screetching out her name.

Ella grimaced and darted her blue gaze to the stranger, hoping he’d ignore the name they called her. “Cinderella!” 

“Madame should be in the drawing room,” she said, gesturing to the opposite doors on the far end of the hallway. 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard had made of point of getting away from Atlanta and never returning. His last job had ended in tragedy- he killed the wrong target and what made matters worse… it had been a young girl.

He vowed to put the bloodshed behind.

He found modest working helping where he could in another country, wanting to be as far away from America as he could. Word traveled of his talents… and his face.

Upon reaching the house, well, manor, Richard noticed a young woman struggling with the fence he was commissioned to fix. Coming over slowly as to not intimidate, Richard gruffly nodded, “I am.” He knew his face scared her… you couldn’t miss it.

“Here-“ he began, putting down his worn sack and grabbed the board, “I’ll take over.”

Ella noticed there was something strange about his face. Half of it moved, while the rest seemed to remain stationary. . . like a mask. Ella knew it was unkind to ask someone she didn’t know . . . let alone stare. 

“No, please...” She said, touching his arm for a moment before realizing what she had done. “I... I mean, let me take you to the Chateau first. I’m sure Madame would like to speak to you before you begin? And I can take you to your lodgings?” 

She slid her hands over her dirty apron and gazed at him curiously. 

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

“I want to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. 

Have courage, and be kind.”

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

The Chateau de Foix de Lille

Ella let out a puff of air as she tried to hoist the broken fence back into place. A strand of her blonde hair fell across her eyes, and with her dirty hand, she swept it back into place. The sun was bright and while the day was warm, Ella enjoyed being free of the confides of the house - at least for the time being. Pieces of the long fence belonging to the farm had fallen the night before in the storm, and Madame had made it a point to demand that Ella fix it. 

Truth be told - it was a little much for her. Her hands were roughed by the wood, and she was sure she had splinters. 

As she tied her white handkerchief around her hair, she thought she saw someone in the distance coming towards the Chateau. As she squinted, she tried to make out the figure. She had never seen him before. Was he a villager? Had Madame sent for someone to help with the fence? Ella knew not to expect so much. . . 

As the figure came closer, Ella lifted her hand to shield the sun from her eyes. 

“Bonjour,” she said, “are you here to help with the fence?” 

@wouldyoupay-adime

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

Help us celebrate Jen Castleberry's latest New Adult Fantasy book release, A Wild and Unremarkable Thing! thndr.me/FvTcu5 http://thndr.me/FvTcu5

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

Forever my favorite disney princess!

(and this has been another episode of ‘Corinna finds another picture that’s 30 min away from being finished in her files’)

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

Richard could see she was annoyed and he cursed their slight miscommunication. Maybe it would be best to just have some time to clear their heads and for him to sleep.

“If you desire..”

Ella gave a hesitant nod and turned on her heel, leaving the room. She crawled into her own bed Emma had adjusted for her, and tried to sleep. It was later in the evening, as Ella tossed and turned, she felt the need to check up  on him. 

With a quivering candle, Ella snuck back to his room and peered into his room. She came to sit beside him and watched . . . her poor Richard. Her poor, beautiful, wonderful . . . brave, Richard. 

A Little Too Late?

[cinders-and-glass-princess]

wouldyoupay-adime:

She was so good at jumping to conclusions. Richard sighed and shoved his pants off the bed. “I didn’t mean now.” Her heart was in the right place and she was only trying to help… it perhaps he himself had not explained well enough.

“Ella… you’re so eager to please. Mmm… and your worried. Once were mmm home, things will be better.” His green eye regarded her. “Two days and we mmm… will go.” Ella had longed for home since they got there.

She watched as he shoved the pants off the floor. Despite his followed comment, Ella found herself slightly irritated. She leaned over and picked them up, folding them silently as she listened. Two days. Two days until she would have to help him to the boat. . . and pray he didn’t die on the way back to Foix de Lille. Didn’t he understand she would wait? 

But Ella found herself unable to respond to him. It was all a bit too much for one day. “Yes,” she murmured softly, bobbing her head in silent agreement. She moved to his closet and placed the folded trousers there. 

“I’ll let you sleep,” she added, unwilling to bring her gaze to his. 

A Little Too Late?