Part 1

Summary: The ball was a dream come true. The prince was the kindest person you’ve ever met, even if he was reluctant to tell you about his true identity. Now, though, you’re back to scrubbing floors and sweeping fireplaces, clinging to your memories of that wonderful night. You wish that you could somehow go back to the castle, and see the prince again…but it turns out he’s on his way to you.

CW: mention of forced servitude and manipulation/abuse by family members

Usage:

• OK to record & monetize, as long as you give me credit in the video/audio description as the scriptwriter! I would also love to listen to the recording when it’s done–please send me the link on Reddit! Paywalling is okay; however, if you paywall, you must make it possible for me to listen to the finished product.
• Gender-flipping and small tweaks are okay (e.g., changing pronouns, leaving out/changing curse words), but no large edits are permitted.
• Feel free to use music or insert sound effects if you’d like. Any sound effects given are suggestions–use at your discretion. *Sound effects in bold, set apart by asterisks\*
• Any dialogue or reactions given by the Listener are purely for the benefit of the VA, to help them feel like they have something to respond to while they’re acting. Listener/other characters' reactions in italics.
• Please let me know if you have any questions!

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(weary) You’re sure this is the last house?

[...]

Thank the Great Fairy. My feet hurt so badly, it feel like I’m the one who was wearing glass shoes.

[...]

Huh? No; why would I try it on? I’m literally the one person in the kingdom that we can be sure it won’t fit. Besides, with the number of feet that have been touching it? \disgusted noise** For once, I’m actually kind of glad that gloves are part of the royal uniform. You sanitized the shoe after the last place, right?

[...]

Oh, good. Okay—here goes.

\Knocking/doorbell; door opening\**

(bored, droning; he’s given this speech a million times today) Good evening, my lady. Please pardon the interruption. I am Prince ____________, here on a rather unusual errand. I’m looking for the owner of this particular glass shoe, whose name I don’t know. Unfortunately, my only hope of finding them is to try the shoe on every potential—

\realizes who he’s looking at; gasps**

—Wait! It’s you!

[...]

Of course I recognize you! How could I forget the face of the one who snuck me all those canapes behind the curtain? But—wait. Why are you dressed like—? (realizes this might be a rude question; treads carefully) I mean—not that you don’t look great; you’d look wonderful, no matter what, but—are these your old clothes, or something? They look pretty worn out. Everyone can wear whatever they want, of course; I don’t mean to judge, but—I guess I just wouldn’t have expected to see you dressed like a servant.

The prince is suddenly cut off as they hear a shout from inside. The Listener’s stepmother is calling to them.

Hmm? Whoa—who’s yelling?

They look back with a fearful expression.

That voice—is that your Stepmother?

The Listener nods, before they step back, saying the prince had better come inside.

Hmm? Oh, uh, yeah; sure, I’ll come in.

\door closing\**

The Listener asks the prince to follow them.

They're all in the parlor? Okay. Lead the way.

Pause. The Listener leads the Prince to the parlor, where the Listener’s stepfamily is waiting.

Ah. So, this is your stepfamily?

The Listener nods.

“You must be the prince!” Their Stepmother rises, curtsying. “An honor, Your Highness.”

Uh, yes. Good evening, ma’am. Prince _____________, at your service.

“And surely you remember my lovely daughters?” The Stepsisters also rise, curtsying and giggling.

Your daughters? (awkward) Oh—uh, yes; of course. How could anyone forget such…lovely young ladies? \clears throat** Anyway, um—sorry, I know this sounds kind of weird, but I’m here to try and find the owner of this glass shoe. I met them at the ball the other night, and…well, I used to not believe in love at first sight, but the moment I saw them, I knew there was something special about them. And after we talked, and danced, and ate half the kingdom’s supply of canapés between the two of us…I knew I had to find them. I’ve been running around the kingdom all day, trying this shoe on anyone I can find who resembles them, but—

“Oh, yes; yes, of course. I know.”

Huh? You know?

“Of course! Who hasn’t heard of your noble quest? The noble prince, galloping endlessly through the towns and countryside, in search of his one true love.”

Wow. I guess word gets around. That was fast.

“Well, never fear, Your Highness. I’m happy to say that your journey ends here!”

Yes; I think it does. I think the one I’m looking for is here, in this very room. So, with your permission, I’d like to try this shoe on them.

“Of course. Well then, Arabella, Gertrude. Have a seat! Make it easy for His Highness. The poor man is all worn out!”

Huh? Oh, no, sorry—I wasn’t talking about your daughters. I meant them, over there.

“What? Them!? You don’t mean Cinders?”

Cinders? (to the Listener) Wait—that’s your name!? Finally! I can’t believe it took me this long. Oh well. At last, I get to know your name...Cinders.

The Listener says it’s not their real name—just a nickname.

Oh, it’s just a nickname? What’s your real name, then?

[...]

(wonder) That’s beautiful. It's like a song...it suits you perfectly.

“That’s enough, Cinders,” says the Stepmother. “His Highness doesn’t want you badgering him.”

What? Oh, no, ma’am, they’re not badgering me!

“You’re too kind, Your Highness. Still, it couldn’t possibly be them. They’re only a servant.”

A servant? Wait—really? (to the Listener; suspicious) Hang on—something’s not right here. What’s going on?

The stepmother starts explaining.

I'm sorry, ma’am—I wasn’t talking to you. I’d like to hear Cinders explain. (to the Listener; encouraging) Go on; I’m listening.

The Listener explains how they’ve been treated as a servant by their stepfamily.

(horrified) No…you’re not serious!? They forced you to become their servant!?

[...]

What??? Working day and night, without pay, sleeping by the fireplace? How long has it been like this!?

[...]

Ever since your father died? By the Great Fairy…I don’t even know what to say. Wait—is this what you meant when you said your stepmother preferred your sisters over you? No wonder you had to sneak out in order to come to the ball! I can’t believe this!

He turns to the Stepmother, enraged.

How dare you!? Turning a member of your own family into a scullery maid? Their father entrusted them to you, and you turn around and treat them like dirt!? Our palace dogs have better lives than this!

“Your Highness, please—I’m sure there’s just a misunderstanding!”

I don’t think so. Just look at their ragged clothes, the soot on their face, the fear in their eyes. I fail to see how there could be any sort of a misunderstanding here. No one would choose to live like this. (to the Listener; comforting) Hey, it’s okay. It’s okay. It’s over. I’ve found you. You’ll never have to go back to that cellar ever again, I promise. They’ll never mistreat you again. I swear on my crown.

“Your Highness, don’t be fooled! It’s a trick! They’re just trying to ensnare you! One of my daughters is the real one! I swear it!”

And you, ma’am—shut up. I may be a dork whose best plan is to run around trying shoes on random people, but I’m not blind. It’s obvious that neither of your daughters is the one I met at the ball.

“But how do you know that without trying the shoe on them!? You haven’t tried it on Cinders, either! How can you be sure it’ll fit?”

\frustrated noise** Fine! If you want proof, then I’ll give it to you. You’ll see—the moment this shoe is on Cinders’ foot, we’ll know for sure that they’re my one and only.

“Oh, please. You think they’re the only one in the kingdom who wears that size!?”

Nice try. Luckily, I was right about its magic. I’ve seen plenty of people today who wear their same size, but still, the shoe wouldn’t fit any of them. It will fit my beloved, and them alone, no matter who they are, or who they’ve been forced to be. (to Cinders; gentle) Are you ready? Okay. Just take your slipper off for me, and then, I can—

“Enough!” The Stepmother grabs the shoe.

—Hey! What the—!? NO!

\Smashing glass, followed by a pause\**

(disbelief; rage) You…! How dare you!? You dare to destroy royal property!? I’ll have you thrown in the dungeon for this!

The Stepmother tries to claim it was an accident.

An accident!? You actually expect me to believe that? Pathetic! Are you really that desperate to keep control over them!? Why can’t you just let them live their life!? Aaargh—well, this doesn’t change anything. Glass shoe or not, I’m taking them with me, no matter what. There’s no way I’m letting them stay here with a monster like you!

The Listener suddenly speaks up.

—Hmm? What was that, dear?

[...]

Wait—really? You have proof!? But, if they broke the shoe, how can you—?

The Listener brings out the other shoe.

(wonder) The other one! I—I can’t believe it! Wait, hang on—what’s that? Those other things that just fell out of your pocket?

The Listener hands him one.

…Spinach puffs? \laughs** No way! Is this is how you managed to clear out almost that whole platter? I thought you ate them all, but you were saving some for later. \laughs again** Well, if I wasn’t sure before, I am now! I mean, I was already pretty sure that it was you, but this settles it. Oh, man. Have I told you lately that you’re absolutely amazing?

[...]

Oh, right; the shoe. May I?...

The Listener nods. The Prince kneels, slipping the shoe on their foot.

Just as I thought—a perfect fit.

[...]

Hmm? Forget them. They can fuss and scream all they like. I couldn’t care less. Right now, I’m just happy that I finally found you. Oh, man—my cheeks hurt; I can’t stop smiling. I can’t wait to introduce you to Mum and Dad. They’ll love you!

[...]

What? No—why would that matter? You’re not really a servant. And even if you were, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re the kindest, bravest, funniest, most genuine person I’ve ever met. You’re the one I’ve been waiting for. I…I don’t know; I hope this doesn’t sound weird, but, even if it does, I just want you to know...I love you. I love you with all my heart.

[...]

(soft) By the Great Fairy…you have beautiful eyes. Their color is so lovely…as bright and deep as the sun on the sea. Um…uh…oh man, I totally forgot what I was going to say.

[...]

\soft laugh** I guess that makes two of us. May…may I kiss you?

The Listener nods.

\Kissing\**

[...]

Hmm? Can we have some canapés to celebrate? \laughs** Is that even a question? I’ll have Humphrey prepare us a whole platter, as soon as we get back to the palace. What flavor would you like?

[...]

Perfect. \kiss\** Now, my love, what do you say we get out of here? I think it’s time we started a new chapter, don't you? And this time, we'll write it together.