So This is Love

I used to pretend quite a bit during the years with my stepmother. . . .” Her voice trailed off. “I pretended I was happy, but I wasn’t. I was miserable.” She swallowed. “I don’t want to pretend anymore

It was my parents’ promise to each other. And now, mine to you. If you’ll have me.”

Cinderella,” he said, smiling. “ ‘Equal in step, equal in heart. For always.’ ”

“That’s beautiful.”

“I don’t feel that way with you. I feel like I’ve been looking for you my entire life.”

You once told me miracles take a little time

Because, my dear nephew, even if this girl is as wonderful and kind and beautiful as you say, I want you to be sure you’re in love with her and not a pretty face

My father and I should be looking to improving this country for our people, not enlarging our territory

Meeting the prince had made her happy, but that happiness had been fleeting. She needed something real for herself. A purpose

been happy, not in a long time

Who was she now? She was still a servant, albeit one for the royal family—and she received wages for her work. It was a respectable job, one many would dream of, one she was proud of, and yet . . .

“I’m not happy,” she whispered. She said it again, louder this time. “I haven’t