Prologue

"Cordelia, how many times have I told you to clean your room? It's so easily messy and I don't want to have to see it when I come to get you," Duvessa, Cordelia's mother, said. "Ceira and Drusella are heading to school and you need to finish your work." "Why do I have to work? Ceira and Drusella don't," Cordelia said. "I am your mother and I want you too. You have little responsibilities and it's my job to make sure you do. I'm in charge of making all of my children to have duties. Ceira and Drusella have school and you  have to take care of the house. I'm going out, make sure your duties are done," Duvessa flipped her raven black hair and went off. Cordelia cleaned her room with quick ease, and then went off to the kitchen to work on the floor. Her mother ran a restaurant in the town of Astraya, and it was all Cordelia ever did was work. Cordelia's mother wasn't like many other mother's in any town. She had dark raven hair and brown eyes so dark they were close to black. She had a dangerous, glittering beauty and seemed to manage to take charge with her splendid dark impression. She seemed nice and controlled in front of other people, and she had a firm, 'what do you want dear daughters' when Ceira and Drusella were around.

But with Cordelia, she had a "Go do what I say this instant, daughter. I am in charge!" In a calm, commanding way. Cordelia was almost like Cinderella, though her mother was not her stepmother. After Cordelia's father died when Cordelia was 2, Duvessa took charge of everything and acted as if she was the boss of everyone in a not motherly like way. She was cold towards Cordelia, and Cordelia hadn't the faintest idea why. Duvessa acted as if she owned Cordelia, as if Cordelia were a servant that Duvessa wasn't fond of. Cordelia swept the kitchen and hung up the laundry. She then, as she started to make a meal for when her mother returned, pondered the fact her mother favored Ceira and Drusella. Cordelia wondered if anything other then cleaning and working lay ahead of her. 

Chapter 1: An upcoming event

Cordelia awoke to an excited scream. Ceira was in the hallway, her smooth brown hair in a frenzy and her gray eyes wide. "Drusella! Mother! ANYONE in the house come see this!" Cordelia pushed out of bed. Mother and Drusella came over to Ceira as well. Cordelia peeked over Ceira's shoulder to see two letters in Ciara's hands. Mother and Drusella were already starting to read them. They said:

Dear Shadelle family, me, Evander Marees, has invited you to a party. When? Four moons. Time: 7:00. Where? 'The Marees mansion.' I hope my letter has given you enough aquaintence. I hope you will consider attending. -The Marees family.  "I heard the Marees family was one of the richest families nearby. They live two towns away from here," Drusella said. Her voice usually sounding as if she were stating something, even when she was asking a question. "I did hear they were very rich," Duvessa said, cocking her head to one said. She frowned and stared into space for a moment, and then said, "come on Drusella. Come to my room. I have something to discuss with you." She pulled Drusella into her room across the hall. Cordelia looked at Ceira. She shrugged. "Mother! We're going to be late for school if we don't leave!" Ceira protested.  Mother didn't come out for another few minutes.  

When she did, she gazed sternly at Cordelia. "Cordelia, you must start with the chores. Drusella, Ceira, grab your bags and head out for school." Duvessa then whispered something in Drusella's ear, and Drusella looked at the floor and nodded.  "See you later, girls! Cordelia, go get the kitchen ready. Customers will soon be arriving." Duvessa walked off. Cordelia sighed. After she cleaned the kitchen, got some main dishes cooked, hung out the laundry and swept the 2 hallways, she begged Duvessa to let her go hang out with one of her only friends, Aaron. After some deep inspections and clear, firm warnings, Duvessa agreed. Cordelia rushed out of the restaurant and down a dirt road, hurrying past lots of different houses. She soon reached a stout blue house. She knocked on the door. A boy with brown hair and blue eyes answered the door. "Oh, hi Cordelia," Aaron said. He leaned in close, and then whispered "for a minute I thought you were my great grandma." He shuddered, and Cordelia laughed. "Don't go out on the poor old woman. She's not comfortable in that tiny town, and small house she has. Idoubt she even has any visitors," she said. "I guess," Aaron shrugged. "Anyways, what do you want to do?" Cordelia smiled, knowing exactly what she wanted to do with Aaron. "Let's go to the willow tree!" She said. "Yeah, okay." Aaron agreed. They ran down a large meadow, and briefly into some woods.

They then found a large willow tree, it's branches a nice shade of green and in full bloom. Cordelia and Aaron swung and laughed and relaxed on the willow tree's sturdy branches. This was their favorite spot to play, climb, and lay after Aaron had been working and Cordelia cleaning. But, then, Cordelia realized, that, if she didn't start for home that moment she would be late! Mother did not like when Cordelia was late. "Aaron! I just remembered that I really have to go now. See you tomorrow, maybe?" "Yep, see ya' tomorrow, after dinner," Aaron said. Cordelia waved as she sped as fast as she could back to the village, she turned a sharp corner and was at her mother's restaurant. She went inside. Mother glared at Cordelia. "Your late, Cordelia. You know how I always want you to be on time." "I'm sorry, mother. I left a little late and from where I was I wasn't able to get back very quickly," Cordelia said. "Hm. Then maybe the next time I allow you to play with your friend you won't be able to go beyond the town." Cordelia sagged. She opened her mouth to defend herself but mother shushed her. "That is my decision and you know nothing you say will make me change that. And you know your not supposed to say or do anything against my rules. Also-" mother added, "an extra chore. Go and clean the bathrooms." 

Cordelia hated bathroom duty.  

Not long after Cordelia finished cleaning the bathrooms, She saw that their was some extra mail Ceira must of missed. It was a small letter, and had the words Home approval for the Shadelle family, on it. "Mother!" Cordelia called. "What is it?" Duvessa called back. "The home approval letter has come." A month ago, Duvessa had sent the King and Queen a long letter, asking them for the permission to live in a different kingdom. Duvessa came into the room. "Splendid! I've been waiting for this." Her long nails tore upon the the letter, and, a few moments later,  she smiled. "We are able to move to the kingdom of Estroina! Your sisters are going to be home soon! I am sure they will be very happy we are moving to such a commanding kingdom." Cordelia's heart broke. If they moved, she would probably never see Aaron again. And, what if they got a bigger place for Cordelia to clean all day? She didn't want to move. The town and kingdom they lived in now was fine. Cordelia realized that Duvessa had gone quiet, something that didn't happen often when Cordelia was around. "Mother?" Cordelia said. "Cordelia, go and do something. I  have something that I will have to think over slightly. I  am going to my room. Do not disturb me until I come out and make sure all of the customers are happy. And don't forget to help Drusella and Ceira when they get home. Duvessa left to her bedroom. 

Chapter 2: A cruel surprise

Cordelia was forced to pack almost everything for her family and soon, customers came less and less due to the Shadelle family moving. On the day before the moving, the second Cordelia was done with the last packing and chores, she went to the willow tree with Aaron and they talked. Cordelia only just managed not to cry. Aaron was just as sad and he could sense Cordelia's disappointment. "It's okay, Cordelia, I'm sure we'll see each other again. Plus," he winked. "I have a little present for you." Cordelia gasped. The most beautiful red and pink rose ring was in his palm. It fit Cordelia perfectly when she slipped it on. "It's beautiful," she said as she admired the gift. It was instantly Cordelia's new and most treasured prize, since she was going away from Aaron's special and comforting friendship. She glanced down, and then said, "I actually have something for you too." She brought out from her pocket, a deep blue bracelet that had a four leaf clover charm, a sign of good luck. There was also a star charm, what she thinks stands for a wish. "I have another, and it's matching," Cordelia said, and brought a bracelet almost exactly like Aaron's, except it was purple instead of blue. "Wow!" Aaron said. "They're great.

Did you make them yourself?" Cordelia nodded. "Uh huh. Took almost a month, but I finished them. Also, this ring, it must of cost you most of your spare money, if not all of it." "Yep, it did," Aaron said, smiling warmly at the ring on Cordelia's finger. "But, hey, if my best friend was moving and we won't see each other for a long time, what was some spare money?" Cordelia kind of liked how Aaron refused to say they would never see each other again. "Thank you!" She said, and hugged him. He hugged her back. Then, there was a loud call. "Cordelia! Cordelia Shadelle!" "That's mother. I have to go! Bye, Aaron!" Aaron waved to her until she was out of sight. There were two carriages waiting in the front of the restaurant. One was for the family, and the other was for all their belongings and furniture. Mother opened the door for her two other daughters as Cordelia approached. "Hurry, girls," she was saying. Cordelia was about to step into the carriage, when mother shut the door in her face. Cordelia reached for the handle to open it again, but mother shut it. "Not you, Cordelia. I forgot to tell you. You have a ride to a different town." Cordelia was shocked. "Your grandmother Satinka is coming to pick you up and take to Blomville, so you can help her and look after her house. Don't worry, you'll get some free time," Duvessa grinned her pretty grin and stepped into the carriage with Ceira and Drusella.  

Then, an old, creaky carriage road up next to the restaurant. An old woman with dark gray hair and ice blue eyes approached Cordelia. "Have fun," came Duvessa's muted voice. Then the carriage left, leaving Cordelia and her Grandmother. "Now, young one, get into my car. Come on now." Grandmother Satinka said. Cordelia sighed and stepped into the old carriage.