Adrienne ran about, helping her stepsisters and stepmother prepare. When she was done with that, she ran to the attic and slipped her mother's dress on and braided her hair. She kept her simple shoes on, and went back down.

"What in the world are you wearing, Sooty?" Mary asked, circling the other girl like a lion circling its prey.

"It looks like a dress! She looks very pretty!" Jane piped up, getting a smack from her sister.

"Why are you dressed up, Sooty?" Justine asked.

Adrienne looked down. "To go to the ball," she answered softly.

"The ball? But my dear, you have nothing to wear," Justine said, smirking. Adrienne tilted her head, confused. Then Mary and Jane started ripping the dress, causing Adrienne to cry.

The woman and her daughters left for the ball, leaving Adrienne all alone. That's what she thought, at least. She was sobbing in the kitchen when she heard footsteps approach. She turned to see a familiar looking man holding a sack. It was the notorious bandit, Robin Hood. Very few had seen his face. Adrienne was one of them. Another was the King's advisor, who helped make the wanted posters.

Robin Hood gave Adrienne the sack, nodded to her, then left as quickly and quietly as he came. She opened the sack and gasped. Inside was a beautiful dress that had belonged to her mother. But how did he...? She chose not to question it and put it on. Stepping outside, she gasping at a carriage there. It wasn't her family's, so--

"God bless Robin Hood," she whispered, choking back a sob. She wiped her and was about to climb up to drive it, when she noticed a shadowy figure there. The figure nodded to her, so she climbed into the carriage.

꧁___꧂

Gilbert sighed, pacing his room. Alexander was sprawled on the floor, laughing.

"What's so funny?" Gilbert demanded.

"Oh nothing, just how freaked out you are," Alexander responded.

"Shut up."

"Fine."

"Have you seen Rosalie?"

"Your little blonde servant? Is she the one you want to marry?"

"You're disgusting. No, she's just small and I worry about her."

"I haven't seen her, sorry."

Gilbert sat on his bed, head in his hands. Why couldn't his father just let him marry who he wanted? Why couldn't he marry the girl in the woods?

A young woman who worked in the kitchens scurried into the room. "Sire, the ball will begin soon. You're needed in the ballroom."

He stood, then left, heading to said room. With a startling realization, he saw he was late. Face flushed, he joined his family, ignoring the snickers and giggling from the crowd.

The ball went on as if nothing happened, though Gilbert did get told a few jokes about being late. This all changed, however, when a certain blonde walked in. It was the girl from the woods.

He practically ran to her. "Hello," he said kindly. "Would you like to dance?"

She nodded softly. His hands found her waist, and they began to waltz around the spacious room. Everyone stopped in their tracks, watching the couple. Every move they made was in harmony. Gilbert noticed a woman and her daughters, Justine, Mary, and Jane, if he remembered correctly, regarding them jealously. He smiled, knowing Justine would want him to marry one of her daughters. But the girl in the woods was his. They were meant to be.

By midnight, his wonderful girl hadn't shared her name. She hadn't even said a word. But at that time, she kissed his cheek and ran, a look of pure panic on her face. Gilbert watched her go, but noticed one of her shoes had fallen off. "Wait!" he yelled after, but she only ran faster. He picked up the shoe, holding it delicately. "You left your..."