The Slipper and the Rose

A mistreated stepdaughter with memories of happier times, Cinderella carries resilience and a secret hope for being seen and loved. Her kindness and purity attract a transformative magical intervention that offers her a chance at the ball and true connection with the prince. She forgives abuse and remains steadfast, ultimately meeting a fate where love can trump royal decree.

A royal heir who resents arranged marriages and longs to marry for love. He navigates court politics, ballroom spectacle, and his own conflict between personal happiness and his country's needs. His journey centers on choosing a partner who genuinely loves him and on rethinking dynastic expectations.

A benevolent magical helper who senses pure hearts and grants Cinderella the means to attend the ball. She represents mercy and possibility, guiding the protagonist toward her destiny. Her interventions enable the romance to unfold, though she warns that magic cannot last forever.

The prince’s loyal bodyguard who harbors his own forbidden love and must balance duty with personal desires. He acts as confidant and ally to the prince, ultimately assisting the romance and paying attention to class constraints that complicate his own path.

A princess from Carolsveld who represents the political marriage Edward initially confronts. Her role is to illustrate the pressure of alliance through marriage, and to set the stakes for the star-crossed romance that unfolds between Edward and Cinderella.

The king’s advisor who explains the political realities to Cinderella and clarifies why royal marriages must serve the realm. He embodies the court’s bureaucratic voice, balancing compassion with duty and ultimately shaping the fate of relationships.