Opens the door

Ella whimpered as she reluctantly opened the door again and curtsied for the prince. “I’m sorry I caught you by surprise,” the prince said kindly. “I can come back another time if you want, sweetie.”

Ella blushed and then took a moment and realized that the prince thought she was a little girl. “N-no. I am sorry. And I... I’m much older than I look. Please, come in, your highness.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assume,” the prince said as he stepped inside.

“Charming, I’m glad you could come here,” Lady Tremaine said. “I apologize for my daughter, she’s being punished. Ella, come over here. You need to be punished for disobeying my orders.”

Ella’s eyes widened as she looked at the prince and back at Lady Tremaine who had a soft smile on her face. “P-please, my lady. I’m sorry. Don’t punish me. I didn’t mean to disobey you.”

Lady Tremaine shook her head. “I was very clear with my instructions, Ella. Come here and don’t make it worse for yourself.”