A Night at the Ball

In a world where dreams seem distant, Cinderella, oppressed by her stepmother's cruelty, finds herself at the royal ball, a spectacle of grandeur and elegance. Despite her late arrival and lack of invitation, she is drawn into the magic of the evening. Prince Charles, a charming figure, invites her to dance, and their connection is immediate and profound. Under the palace chandeliers, Cinderella experiences a sense of freedom and joy she hasn't felt in years. However, as the clock strikes midnight, she is reminded of her fairy godmother's warning that the magic will end. In her haste to leave, she inadvertently leaves behind a glass slipper, a token of her enchanting night.

A Mysterious Dance Partner

The kingdom is abuzz with tales of the mysterious girl who captured the prince's heart. Prince Charles is determined to find her, but Cinderella, back in her rags, is locked away by her stepmother, Lady Tremaine, who suspects her of being the girl from the ball. The Grand Duke is tasked with finding the girl who fits the glass slipper, but Lady Tremaine ensures Cinderella remains hidden. Meanwhile, Cinderella dreams of the prince and the life she could have had, but her reality is a stark contrast to her dreams.

Midnight's Unraveling Magic

After narrowly escaping being sold by her stepmother, Cinderella finds herself on the streets with her loyal dog, Bruno. Determined to forge a new life free from her stepmother's tyranny, she finds refuge with a kind seamstress named Louisa. With Louisa's help, Cinderella secures a position in the palace as an attendant to Duchess Genevieve. Despite the challenges, Cinderella is hopeful and begins to carve out a new path, all while keeping her identity a secret.

The Prince's Search Begins

Restless and determined, Prince Charles embarks on a quest to find the girl who left the glass slipper. Despite The Grand Duke's insistence on a more traditional match, Charles is captivated by the memory of the mysterious maiden. He is torn between his duty to the kingdom and his desire to follow his heart. Meanwhile, The Grand Duke, suspicious of the duchess and her influence, enlists Cinderella to spy on her, threatening her newfound stability.

Cinderella's New Palace Life

As Cinderella settles into her role in the palace, she learns more about the royal family and the political tensions within. Duchess Genevieve, a sharp and insightful woman, becomes a surprising ally. Cinderella is caught between her loyalty to the duchess and The Grand Duke's manipulations. She must tread carefully to protect herself and those she cares about, all while keeping her past a secret.

The Grand Duke's Schemes

The king announces another ball, a masquerade in honor of Duchess Genevieve, giving Cinderella hope of seeing the prince again. However, The Grand Duke's machinations threaten to unravel everything. He pressures Cinderella for information, using her friend Louisa as leverage. As the ball approaches, Cinderella must decide whether to reveal her true identity or continue to hide in the shadows, all while navigating the dangerous politics of the court.

A Secretive Royal Decree

The kingdom of Aurelais is abuzz with preparations for another ball, but beneath the surface, political machinations are at play. King George, weakened by illness, is manipulated by The Grand Duke Ferdinand, who seeks to control the kingdom. The king's sister, Duchess Genevieve, suspects foul play and is determined to protect her nephew, Prince Charles, and his love, Cinderella. As the ball approaches, Cinderella is caught in a web of deceit, unaware of The Grand Duke's schemes to prevent her from marrying the prince.

Cinderella's Imprisonment and Escape

Cinderella is imprisoned by The Grand Duke, accused of using magic to enchant Prince Charles. Despite the dire situation, she remains hopeful and resourceful. With the help of her loyal dog Bruno and her friend Louisa, she escapes through secret passageways in the palace. Her determination to reunite with Charles and expose The Grand Duke's treachery fuels her resolve, as she races against time to stop the duke's plans and save the kingdom.

The Grand Duke's Treachery

The Grand Duke's plot to seize power is revealed as Cinderella discovers evidence of his treachery. He has been poisoning the king to weaken him and gain control of the kingdom. Cinderella bravely confronts the duke, exposing his crimes to Prince Charles and the court. The duke's downfall is swift, as his deceit is laid bare, and he is banished from Aurelais. The kingdom is saved from his grasp, and justice is served.

A Kingdom's Magical Restoration

With The Grand Duke's defeat, the ban on magic is lifted, allowing fairies to return to Aurelais. Cinderella's fairy godmother, Lenore, is welcomed back, and the kingdom rejoices in the restoration of magic. The return of magic symbolizes hope and renewal, as the people of Aurelais embrace a future where miracles are possible. The kingdom is united under the leadership of Prince Charles and Cinderella, who are determined to create a better world for all.

Love Triumphs Over Tradition

Despite the challenges they faced, Cinderella and Prince Charles's love prevails. They marry in a grand ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of love over tradition and societal expectations. Their union marks a new era for Aurelais, where love and equality are celebrated. As they begin their life together, Cinderella and Charles are committed to ruling with compassion and understanding, ensuring that the kingdom thrives under their care.

Characters

Cinderella

Cinderella's journey from a servant to a princess is marked by her unwavering hope and courage. Despite the obstacles she faces, she remains true to herself and her values. Her love for Prince Charles and her desire to help others drive her actions, leading to the restoration of magic in Aurelais. Cinderella's character embodies the power of love and the importance of staying true to one's dreams.

Prince Charles

Prince Charles is torn between his duty to the kingdom and his love for Cinderella. His determination to find her and his willingness to challenge tradition highlight his growth as a leader. Charles's love for Cinderella inspires him to create a more just and inclusive kingdom, where magic and love are celebrated. His character represents the transformative power of love and the courage to defy societal norms.

Lady Tremaine

Lady Tremaine is Cinderella's stepmother, who treats her as a servant and seeks to control her life. She is cunning and ruthless, willing to go to great lengths to maintain her power and status. Her actions set the stage for Cinderella's struggles and eventual escape.

The Grand Duke

The Grand Duke's ambition drives him to betray the king and attempt to seize control of Aurelais. His cunning and deceit are ultimately his downfall, as Cinderella exposes his treachery. Ferdinand's character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of integrity in leadership.

Duchess Genevieve

Duchess Genevieve plays a crucial role in uncovering The Grand Duke's schemes and supporting Cinderella and Charles. Her intelligence and insight make her a formidable opponent to Ferdinand's machinations. Genevieve's character highlights the importance of family and loyalty in overcoming adversity.

Louisa

Louisa is a seamstress who befriends Cinderella and helps her secure a position in the palace. She is compassionate and supportive, providing Cinderella with the friendship and encouragement she needs to pursue her dreams.

Lenore (Fairy Godmother)

Lenore's return to Aurelais marks the restoration of magic and the beginning of a new era for the kingdom. Her guidance and support for Cinderella underscore the theme of hope and the belief in miracles. Lenore's character embodies the transformative power of magic and the importance of believing in one's dreams.

Plot Devices

The Glass Slipper

The glass slipper represents Cinderella's true identity and her connection to Prince Charles. It serves as a key plot device in the story, leading to the revelation of her identity and the eventual union with Charles. The slipper symbolizes the power of love to overcome obstacles and societal expectations.

The Masquerade Ball

The masquerade ball serves as a pivotal plot device, offering a chance for characters to reveal their true selves while hidden behind masks. It symbolizes the duality of appearance and reality, and the potential for transformation and new beginnings.

Forbidden Magic

The theme of forbidden magic weaves through the narrative, representing both the potential for change and the dangers of power. Cinderella's fairy godmother and the magical elements of her story highlight the tension between tradition and progress, and the risks of challenging the status quo.

Secret Passageways

The secret passageways in the palace serve as a crucial plot device, allowing Cinderella to escape imprisonment and uncover The Grand Duke's treachery. These hidden routes symbolize the idea that there is always a way out of difficult situations, reinforcing the theme of hope and resilience.

The Royal Decree

The royal decree lifting the ban on magic is a pivotal plot device that leads to the restoration of magic in Aurelais. It represents the triumph of justice and the power of love to bring about positive change. The decree serves as a turning point in the story, marking the beginning of a new era for the kingdom.

Analysis

"So This is Love" by Elizabeth Lim is a reimagining of the classic Cinderella story, focusing on themes of love, identity, and resilience. The narrative explores the transformative power of love and the courage to defy societal norms. Through Cinderella's journey, the story highlights the importance of staying true to one's dreams and the belief in miracles. The restoration of magic in Aurelais symbolizes hope and renewal, emphasizing the potential for change and the triumph of justice. The book serves as a reminder that love and integrity can overcome adversity, and that true happiness comes from being true to oneself.

Last updated: March 15, 2025