Mistic Pets

Welcome to Issue 50
Created by The Mistic Pets Team

A Kelpie Cinderella: Part 2
Written By gemajgall

Once more the night had fallen. Although the prince had been able to buy his dinner with the Mistic Cash he had earned playing, he had no idea where to go to sleep. With his lyre in hand, he swam through the dark, empty streets—his wandering was aimless; in his mind he vaguely planned to travel to the next town and then the next, to see what had been forbidden to him as royalty, but the plan lacked substance.

His thoughts drifted together as he swam with the current; therefore, when someone collided with him, he was completely unaware.

“I'm...I'm sorry,” he gasped before he could see the face of the other kelpie. He helped right her and then found himself looking into the eyes of Ella. However, her bright smile had vanished—the ocean water licked the salty tears from her face.

The prince felt a jolt of alarm. “I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?”

“I'm fine,” she said, her tone wavering. But the prince wasn't convinced; he looked her over and saw that she was wearing an elegant gown—that had been ripped to shreds.

“What happened?” he gently asked.

Ella hesitated, but the kindness in his eyes encouraged her to continue. “My...my step sisters...They didn't want me going to the ball. So...so they...” She trailed off, gesturing to the ragged remains of her dress.

The prince frowned sharply at the word 'ball.' “You're not missing anything,” he muttered.

“It's just...I wanted to go...to go anywhere,” she replied. “I've always wanted to see the oceans of Mistica. But I always have to stay home and take care of my step mother and step sisters. And now...I just ran...I think I really blew it.”

The prince smiled faintly. “I always wanted to see the oceans as well. But all my parents cared about was pushing me to marry. I don't think they even cared who I married—just as long as I saw through the Festival of Blessings for them. I couldn't go anywhere...nothing I wanted to do mattered.” He noticed her watching him, and his smiled broadened. “That's why I left. I...don't really know what to do now. But I've never felt so free.”

“That...that sounds so wonderful,” replied Ella. “I'm...I'm a bit jealous. I wish I could just leave everyone and see the anglers' grotto and the magma pillars of the Forlorn Isle and...” Her bright smile returned as she talked dreamily.

The prince stood and smiled at her. “Who says you have to go back?” He held out a hand. “Come with me—we'll see all the beauty the seas possess.”

Ella paused only a moment. Then she returned her smile and intertwined her fingers with his.

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