Cinderella: The Midnight Heist

Once upon a time, in a kingdom burdened by strict laws and rigid class distinctions, lived a young woman named Ella. Commonly known as Cinderella, she was made to serve her wicked stepmother and stepsisters day in and day out.

Cinderella’s life was hard, filled with chores and humiliation. She had but one friend, a street-smart mouse named Jerry. Jerry had always told her stories about Robin Hood and encouraged her to think beyond her situation.

One day, an announcement arrived. The King had decreed that a grand ball would be held to find a bride for Prince Ethan, a prince known for his wisdom and kindness. But the invitation stated explicitly that only those of noble birth could attend.

Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters cackled with delight. “Ah, Ella, can you imagine wearing a dress instead of rags? Too bad you’ll never know,” sneered Drizella, one of the stepsisters.

Cinderella sighed, her heart aching for a life she could only dream of. That night, as she sat by the cinders, Jerry scurried up to her.

“Enough’s enough, Ella. You’ve got the brains, and I’ve got the street smarts. Let’s crash that ball and take some of that royal gold for the poor in the kingdom.”

Cinderella looked at Jerry, shocked. “Steal? From the royal family? Are you mad?”

Jerry shook his head. “Not mad, just realistic. There’s more to you than scrubbing floors, and we both know it.”

Intrigued and motivated by Jerry’s belief in her, Cinderella agreed. For the next few days, they gathered materials. With Jerry’s help, Ella designed disguises and gadgets fit for a heist, like a glass utility belt filled with lock picks and smoke pellets. Most magical of all, Jerry found a pair of glass slippers designed with advanced grip technology for stealthy movement.

The night of the ball came. Cinderella, dressed in a beautiful gown and her special glass slippers, felt her heart pounding as they infiltrated the palace. She watched as her stepmother and stepsisters arrived, bedecked in their finery, snickering and unaware of her presence.

As Prince Ethan began the first dance, Cinderella moved silently towards the treasury, guided by Jerry, who scouted ahead for guards. Finally, they reached the door. Cinderella pulled out her glass utility belt and picked the lock.

As they entered, they were amazed at the wealth hoarded within. Gold bars, priceless gems, and royal artifacts. Jerry quickly filled a bag with gold coins. But as they were about to leave, Cinderella caught sight of a series of documents. They were royal decrees, set to further tax the poor and cut public services.

Torn, she made a choice. She swapped out the decrees with counter-proposals she had dreamt up in her years of servitude, plans that would help the poor and redistribute the kingdom’s wealth.

Just then, the clock began to strike midnight. “We’ve got to go, Ella!” hissed Jerry.

They dashed through the palace, but as they exited, one of Cinderella’s glass slippers slipped off. There was no time to retrieve it. They vanished into the night, mission accomplished.

In the days that followed, Cinderella heard news that baffled her stepfamily. Not only were new policies being enacted to help the poor, but Prince Ethan was said to be seeking the mysterious girl who had left behind a glass slipper during an unauthorized visit to the treasury.

Her stepsisters tried the slipper, but of course, it didn’t fit. When the Prince arrived at Cinderella’s home, he looked into her eyes and knew. “May I?” he asked, holding up the glass slipper.

Cinderella nodded, and as the slipper fit perfectly, Prince Ethan whispered, “You’re a hero to the people, and to me.”

Instead of a prosecution, Prince Ethan proposed an alliance. Cinderella became an advisor, using her intellect for the welfare of the kingdom. Together, they turned the kingdom into a place of justice and equality. And as for the gold stolen? It was distributed among the poor, just as planned.

So, Cinderella found herself living a life richer than she’d ever imagined. Not as a princess, but as a heroine fighting for justice.

As for Jerry, he was offered a top position as a cheese taster but turned it down for a role in the royal intelligence service.

And so, they all lived happily and justly ever after.

The End.