Once upon a Shoe: Once upon a Story, #1

By A.R. Summers

Magic shoes, family problems, and a midnight deadline… How much do you really know about Cinderella's fairytale?

Ella always knew she'd marry for love or not at all. She wanted nothing less in a marriage than the obvious affection she witnessed between her father and her stepmother, Iris. But when her father disappears and Iris sinks into depression, Ella cuts herself off from the rest of the world as she struggles with her own emotions, a disgruntled stepsister, and an overwhelming workload. Armed with a fragile hope, she must go to the royal ball to find her father. But a reunion with her childhood best friend threatens to shatter the walls she's built around her heart.

Crown Prince Aeden always hated his status. He felt like social engagements and propriety were a waste of his time and energy, especially with girls who were just interested in a crown. One such confrontation with Ella led to the start of an unlikely friendship. Over time, Aeden realizes that his feelings for Ella have evolved into something more. But before he can tell her, tragedy strikes and Ella pushes him away. When he finally sees her, Aeden is determined to do whatever it takes to not lose her again. He must convince Ella that they are meant to be together before his time runs out.

Stepmothers aren't always villains and princes aren't always charming. With so much uncertainty, do they have what it takes to create a happy ending?

The Once upon a Story series consists of interconnected standalones that can be read in any order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.R. Summers
• Release date: May 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224813384

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful and peaceful land called Athysia. King Gabriel and Queen Mari ruled it fairly as equals. Though their world wasn’t perfect, they did their best to provide prosperity for their people. But in their attempt to be the best rulers possible, they didn’t realize the immense pressure they put on their eldest son, Aeden.

Aeden knew his duties all too well, but he hated the fame and responsibilities that came with his title. Even though he knew from a young age that being the crown prince meant he would be the next king, every moment felt like time was running out. Aeden would need to pick a bride before he came of age and took his place as king, but every girl who threw herself at him only wanted him for his position. All he desired was to live his life freely and make his own choices—but he knew such notions were impossible for royalty.

Within this land lived a merchant father and his daughter. Jonathan and Ella traveled the world together, and every time they returned to Athysia, Ella would tell her friends about her adventures across the continent. Little did she know that these adventures would soon come to an end.

One day, Jonathan decided to marry his childhood sweetheart, Iris. She was recently widowed—a turn of good fortune for herself and her two daughters, Anna and Brie. Her recently deceased husband had been a wicked man who relished the pain he inflicted upon all under his power. Of the sisters, Anna suffered the most as she always tried to protect her younger sister.

All three girls would struggle in their own ways with the new family dynamics to come. Iris’ noble title would throw Ella into an unfamiliar world of nobility and extravagance, leading to changes that nobody could have predicted. It is on the cusp of this change that our story begins…

CHAPTER ONE

Iris

Iris knew what all the gossips were saying. But it didn’t matter, not really. It’s true, she should still be in mourning over her late husband. But nobody who really knew the man mourned his passing. Besides, she had never wanted to marry that monster, even before she knew his true character. His untimely death was a blessing from the Goddess, one that she would not squander.

She could have been the one who died. It nearly had been her death instead of his. While she could not entirely regret her first marriage, because she loved her daughters, they were the only good that came from that experience.

Although she had not outright mentioned her intentions to her daughters or anyone else within her social circle, she had not exactly been discrete either. They planned to hold a small wedding with only family and friends in attendance—such a drastic difference from her first wedding. The best part, the most important detail, was that this time she would marry the man who had always held her heart.

Iris needed to break the news to her daughters, though they may have already heard something through the gossip vine. Soon, Jonathan would return from his latest business trip, bringing his own daughter with him. After introductions and a little more planning, they would all be a happy family.

Her heart nearly burst with a feeling of joy that could not be contained even if she tried. Iris only wished she could erase the status that came like baggage with her first marriage. She worried about Ella’s ability to adapt to the imminent changes. Iris was determined to ease Ella’s transition as much as possible. Despite not having met the girl yet, Iris already loved her. Jonathan frequently spoke of her with pride. Even without his praise, Iris knew it was impossible not to love someone who was part of her Jonathan.

Her first marriage had been a heavy burden she never wanted, chaining her in many ways. With her upcoming marriage in sight, Iris felt so free that she soared. Iris vowed she would help Ella adapt to the status that Iris’ happiness would unfortunately impose upon her. Iris would do everything in her power to prevent, or at least minimize, any chances of Ella experiencing the same trapped feeling that she had suffered. She was also slightly worried about how her own daughters would react to their new family members, but she brushed it off as prewedding jitters. With her happy ending in sight, she knew nothing could possibly go wrong.

Arabella

Ella barely made it upstairs to her room when she heard the knock at the front door. Curious and hopeful, she quickly descended, beating the servants to the door.

Jenna! Ella smiled as she warmly greeted her friend. She opened the door wide to let her in and immediately enveloped her in a quick embrace. How did you know I was back? We just arrived moments ago.

Jenna grinned, running her fingers through her long ebony hair as Ella shut the door. I saw your cart pass from the mill’s window. Your visits home are always so short, and I never know when you’ll leave Athysia. I wanted to make the most of it.

Ella bit her lip, debating internally how much of her news to share with her friend. Jenna caught the gesture and her smile transformed to a look of concern. What’s wrong?

It’s nothing. Ella was indecisive as she started back up toward her room with Jenna on her heels. She didn’t want to burden her friend with her own petty worries.

I know you better than that, Ella. What’s bothering you? Jenna pressed as worry shined in her eyes.

Ella kept quiet until they were both inside her room with the door closed. She sighed and sank into her bed. You’ll see much more of me. Ella stated with a forced smile, avoiding the issue.

But that isn’t the problem. Jenna stated, leaving the obvious question hanging in the air and making herself at home on Ella’s bed.

No. She bit her lip, still uncertain, and fidgeted with her hair. Finally, she sighed and blurted, Father’s getting married and I won’t be traveling with him anymore. I’ll have a stranger as a stepmother, and he will leave me in her care when he travels. Have you ever heard of a stepmother who wasn’t cruel? Ella stared into Jenna’s deep brown eyes, searching for the answers to all her questions, spoken and unspoken. She’d agonized over this ever since her father had told her—not that she said anything to him. She couldn’t bring herself to spoil his excitement.

No, but all I’ve heard are stories. I’ve never met anyone with a stepmother before. I’d love to have a mother, even a stepmother. Jenna responded calmly and with a hint of envy, grasping Ella’s hand. But you can always come to my house if you need to get away. They both knew this was an empty offer. Jenna’s father was not the kind of person anyone wanted to be around.

Thanks. Ella allowed her good cheer to renew as she squeezed Jenna’s hand. Perhaps it won’t be so bad after all. I’ll gain two sisters as well.

Of course it’ll be fine. Jenna said matter-of-factly before she quickly changed the topic. Now, you simply must tell me everything about your latest trip.

Ella spent most of the solar catching up with her oldest friend. By the time Jenna left, Ella felt much better. Not quite hopeful, but at least a little less intimidated by the upcoming changes.

The next solar, Ella woke to her father knocking on her door. Ella, time to get up. They’re here. His voice oozed with excitement, but Ella couldn’t summon the same emotion. Instead, she felt a bit nauseous. Her fears rose to the forefront of her mind once again.

Ella dressed swiftly, yet carefully, as she donned her best dress. She knew it wouldn’t compare to the clothes worn by those she was meeting, but it would have to do. She brushed out her hair and left it flowing loosely down her back before she went downstairs.

Ella found them sitting in the family room. She quietly observed them for a moment before they noticed her. She saw her father beaming, deep in conversation with a woman who looked too beautiful to be nice. Ella knew this must be the woman who would become her stepmother. The woman’s olive-toned skin matched perfectly with the dark brown tresses in an ornately braided crown on her head. Ella guessed her hair reached at least the mid-back when it wasn’t styled. Her dress was just as fancy as Ella would expect for her high station. Why her father would want to marry into nobility was beyond Ella. Although her father’s face was turned in Ella’s direction, he was so absorbed in this woman that he hadn’t noticed Ella yet. But she ignored the small pang his lack of notice made her feel. She knew it was petty and uncalled for. Her father deserved happiness and Ella couldn’t remain his whole world.

This change in Ella's father baffled her. He seemed much happier ever since he began courting Iris than she’d ever seen him before, not that Ella had ever known him to be truly unhappy. While she had no memories of her birth mother, she would hazard to guess that he was happier with Iris than he’d been with his first wife. Yet, that notion was absurd. Based on the stories, he’d loved her mother too. But his evident joy clearly suggested that he was in love with his betrothed. Ella knew that kind of emotion never comes from the first meeting; it must be built upon throughout the annuals. So she wondered, but never asked, if her father and Iris had known each other previously.

Ella redirected her attention toward the two girls in the room who sat primly as they held their own hushed conversation. They were both just as elaborately dressed as their mother. The older one had a skin tone that matched their mother’s and the younger girl’s skin was closer to how Ella’s skin would look if she stayed out of the sun. Both girls had identical golden locks in an intricate half-up, half-down hairdo with waves flowing a few inches past their shoulders. They were both much prettier than Ella could ever hope to be. Not that she was vain enough to care. The girl who most resembled their mother kept casting hostile glances toward the unaware adults. Ella imagined blue fire burning within the girl’s eyes. The other girl seemed to be attempting to soothe the older girl’s frustrations. The cozy furnishings seemed quaint compared to the finery worn by the newcomers, suggesting Ella’s home was nothing compared to what they must be used to.

Beyond the girls, Ella could see a tree in the yard. Most of the leaves were already red, an indication of the early autumn season. A carriage passed on the lazy cobblestone road, its passengers oblivious to Ella’s inner turmoil. Ella felt her life was now like the change in season, progressing toward a darker, colder time.

Ella summoned her courage and entered the room. All sound ceased as her presence became known. Her father rose, beaming at her. There you are, Ella! He gestured for her to come over. Turning toward the others, he sounded giddy as he continued. May I present my daughter, Arabella. Turning back toward her, he continued the introductions, gesturing and beaming as he went. Ella, this is Iris and her daughters, Eireanna and Gabriella. I believe Eireanna is two annuals your senior and Gabriella is a mere annual behind you in age.

Pleased to meet you. Ella managed with a half-hearted smile. The glare from the hostile girl, the one her father had pointed out as Eireanna, was even more unnerving now that it was directed at her.

Iris gave Ella a bright smile that made her eyes sparkle as she greeted Ella warmly. Arabella, your father has told me so much about you. I’m so glad to finally meet you.

Please, call me Ella. Ella smiled wider now. She could not help but respond in kind to Iris. Her soon-to-be stepmother already seemed much different than Ella had expected. She was like a breath of fresh air, and her kindness and affection were readily apparent. Ella already felt that her fears of a stepmother were completely unfounded.

Ella noticed Gabriella casting nervous glances between Eireanna and Ella. Eireanna just kept a hostile stare on Ella, apparently unaware of her sister’s indecision. Ella could not tell if Iris noticed the tension or not. When Iris turned towards her girls, they responded the way Ella imagined they acted in court.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Arabella. They echoed, rising gracefully and dipping into elegant curtsies. Eireanna’s glare smoothed over into a frosty smile.

Just Ella, she insisted, smiling.

Ella, I prefer Brie, Gabriella stated shyly. Eireanna didn’t speak as her chilly smile twitched with what Ella thought was irritation, her eyes holding no welcome. This caused Ella’s already weak smile to falter.

Ella, how about you show Gabriella and Eireanna their new rooms? I’m sure the three of you would enjoy the privacy to become better acquainted, her father asked, seemingly ignorant of the hostility.

Of course, Father, Ella responded dutifully as she turned toward the stairs without checking to see if the other girls followed. Ella opened the first of their two rooms before she turned back to see that, yes, they were indeed trailing gracefully behind her. She wondered if they had a magic charm that gave them that skill. Surely it would be impossible for her to imitate their flawless posture and gait. Not that she wanted to put in the necessary effort to try.

Brie seemed happy enough with her sister’s room. It was decorated specifically for the eldest sister in various yellows and oranges. Like all the bedrooms, it had what Ella considered a large bed with a sturdy wood frame and a matching dresser and armoire set. This room even had a gilded full-length mirror and a vanity. Frilly curtains lined the windows and decorations adorned the walls. Eireanna simply scowled before she eventually commented in a scathing tone. I suppose it will have to do. Though it is quite the downgrade from our usual accommodations.

But Anna, you hated— Brie cut herself off abruptly as Anna turned her scowl upon her sister. Ella was curious about the exchange but chose to refrain from commenting. It wasn’t her business, and she didn’t need any more animosity than she already received. Instead, she wordlessly began walking, leading them to the second room.

Father directed the servants to decorate based upon what he knew of you both, but you may always switch rooms or redecorate if you wish, Ella explained as she opened the second door without looking at the two girls. Instead, she stared at the walls decorated in lush greens. Aside from the color schemes, this room was nearly identical to the first.

It’s lovely. I am sure Anna will be happy with her room once she gets used to it. It truly does suit her much better than her previous room, Brie said in barely more than a whisper. Ella turned toward her and realized that Anna hadn’t followed. Brie continued to talk shyly. I am sure she will warm up to you too, Ella. Eventually. Anna is just protective, and her life has not been easy.

But I’m no threat to anyone. Ella felt confused.

Brie laughed softly. I know that, but Anna has spent her life protecting me. That I no longer need protection doesn’t seem to matter at this point. Brie turned away in embarrassment. Ella assumed Brie had probably said more than she’d meant to.

Awkwardly, Ella tried to find a way out. Well…I could show you the rest of the house. Or if you prefer, I could go while you get better acquainted with your room.

I am rather tired. Perhaps I will take you up on your offer another time, Brie stated softly, barely audible. That was all Ella needed to make a hasty retreat to her