The Prince and Cinderella walked to the center of the dance floor hand in hand. At first, Cinderella was a bit intimidated by all the people watching them. But when the Prince put his hand on her hip and they stared deeply stared into each other’s eyes, all her worries disappeared. Cinderella had come the ball to meet the Prince, but as soon as she had looked deeply into the eyes of this handsome gentleman, she had been smitten. She did not realize that young man she was dancing with was the Prince!

The couple waltzed around the floor with a soft light shining down on them. The crowd of guests encircled them. All eyes were on the Prince and his mysterious dance partner, who danced as if no one were watching.

The most curious onlookers of all were Lady Tremaine and her daughters. Anastasia and Drizella tried to sneak a peek over heads and under legs of the other guests.

“But who is she, Mother?” asked Anastasia curiously.

“Do we know her?” asked Drizella.

“Well, the Prince certainly seems to,” replied Anastasia. “I know I’ve never seen her before.”

“Nor I,” replied Lady Tremaine as she peered over a gentleman’s head for a closer look. The Prince and Cinderella danced closer to where the Tremaine women were standing. Though the Prince’s body blocked Cinderella’s face, Lady Tremaine did catch a glimpse of her.

“Wait,” began Lady Tremaine, her eyes squinting. “There is something familiar about her.” She walked quickly to catch up with the couple as they danced away from her.

Cinderella and the Prince waltzed off the dance floor and onto the balcony. Lady Tremaine followed them. Just as her view of the girl became clearer, a large red curtain with golden tassels closed in front of her. Her chance to identify the girl was thwarted.

The Grand Duke had pulled the curtain closed. He was following the King’s orders. He wouldn’t let anyone interrupt the Prince. He looked at Lady Tremaine and cleared his throat. That was his subtle way of telling her that she would not be allowed to proceed any further.