The Story Traveller by Judy Stubley

is going to try to hurt you on this happy occasion.
    â€˜You can certainly show off your lovely new dress, but remember, everyone will only have eyes for the bride, so in a way you will be invisible. Now give it to me to look after and I’ll let you have it back after the wedding.’
    As Lucy handed over the cloak, she remembered her mobile phone was still in the pocket. She took it out and showed Twinkle.
    â€˜Have you ever used one of these, Twinkle?’
    The fairy godmother took it from her outstretched hand and studied it.
    â€˜No, I’ve never see one before. What is it Lucy?’
    â€˜It’s called a mobile ‘phone. I can put in a number and ring a friend and we can talk.’
    â€˜It’s magic then?’
    Lucy smiled.
    â€˜It does seem so, but it’s a scientific invention. We have rather a lot of them in our world. You can also text, I mean write, to a friend using the letters on the front.’
    â€˜Very impressive!’ Twinkle said. ‘But why have you brought it with you?’
    â€˜I thought if you saw it you could magic your own ‘phone, so we could talk to each other,’ the young girl said hopefully.
    â€˜Oh Lucy! I’m not sure, but I’ll give it some thought. Leave it with me for now and I’ll let you know later. I haven’t had a challenge like this for ages.’ The fairy godmother put the mobile back in Lucy’s cloak pocket, but already her mind was on how she could master the little pink piece of pure magic. It was then that Lucy became aware of the huge crowds that lined the streets to the palace. There must have been the whole of Storyland there. Flags and banners were waved, flowers thrown, as the people laughed and cheered. Suddenly, the cheers got louder and the beautiful golden coach that Cinderella had used to go to the ball appeared, once again driven by six white horses. Lucy felt sure she recognised the driver and the two footmen.
    But Cinderella wasn’t alone. Sitting beside her in the coach, as proud as any man could be, was her father. Cinderella looked radiant as she held on to his arm and smiled up at him. Lucy was so pleased for her.
    As Cinderella stepped out of the coach Lucy went up to her, to help her re-arrange her dress.
    â€˜Oh Ella, you look breathtaking!’ she told her friend.
    â€˜Lucy, I’m so glad you could make it. I’d have missed you. Let me introduce you to my father, Count Carnac. Father, this is Lucy, the friend I told you about.’
    The old gentleman gave a graceful bow and took Lucy’s hand to his lips.
    â€˜Thank you for all your kindness to my darling daughter,’ he said simply. Lucy just curtsied in reply.
    Cinderella, as with all true fairy tale brides, was dressed in a beautiful white gown with a long shimmering silver train, held on her head by a magnificent diamond tiara. Lucy and lots of little helpers set about straightening her dress and putting the train in place for her long walk up the sweeping staircase. When they were all satisfied that perfection had been reached, the bridal procession began.
    As they entered the Palace chapel, Lucy could see Prince Charming, all impatience, with Lucien at his side. The Prince too was dressed in brilliant white, with his black hair caught back in a magnificent velvet and diamond bow. He visibly relaxed as he saw his bride walk towards him and even found time to give Lucy a smile, as she moved down the aisle spreading a carpet of fairy rose petals for Cinderella to walk on in her beautiful crystal shoes: the shoes that had brought her and the Prince together.
    The rest of the wedding passed in a glow of excitement for Lucy. She was introduced to the King and Queen and lots of Lords and Ladies. She noticed the Countess and her two daughters were there, though relegated to a lower position in the pecking order and all three looked very subdued.
    Cinderella did manage to sit and talk to Lucy for a few moments, while