Chapters 25-27 Summary

At first, Ella is overjoyed to read the prince's words. It has never occurred to her that one way to get away from her stepfamily, and have people stop telling her what to do, is to marry Char and become queen someday. After she thinks about it some more, though, she realizes that it could have terrible consequences. If anyone should find out about her curse, and they would, she could be used as a tool by Char's enemies. She could betray the kingdom, or even be forced to kill Char! Ella weeps in the fireplace, and Mandy decides to give Lucinda a piece of her mind. She tells Ella to hide behind a curtain, and then summons Lucinda. She dares Lucinda to try out some of the gifts that she bestows on others, to see if they really are good...