The queen, Penelope, had said to have a festival for 3 nights. The said festival was for her son, the prince, Telemachus, to find a wife. Though, the queen had her own suitors. She was just trying to get Telemachus married so he could be king before any of the suitors could.

Your mother and father had died, so you were taken care of by your step mother. Though, you seemed to be taking care of her and her two little brats of sisters. You were seen as a maid to them, not family.

You had been wanting to go to the festival for months- ever since you heard it was happening. You begged your step mother, but her and her daughters just commented on your appearance.

"You wish to go to the festival? The festival! The queens festival! Look at your nails, look at that dress! You'll make a fool out of us!"

That's what they would say. But, determined to go to the ball at least, you went to your mother's grave. There, you had planted a willow trees years ago and wept so much that it grew into a beautiful sight, only yours to see.

You wished to your mother, and she granted. You stood in a beautiful gold ball gown, as well as gold slippers and your hair put up and a clean face.

You quickly ran to the ball, and there, you met the prince. His eyes lit up when he saw you, his breath catching in his throat. He quickly approached and bowed before handing his hand to you with a charming smile.

You danced together, enjoying each other's company. Though, you had to watch the clock, as you would be turned to your normal, dirty maid outfit. He never caught your name before you ran. He chased you down the steps with guards on horses. You ran, as fast as possible, as he called out to you.

"My lady! Why do you run? Come back, please!"