Claus had forgotten all about his plan to leave early, and his smile faded away when he heard the bell of the clock ringing. Scurrying, he flew out the front door, leaving Prince Andy to chase him to the entryway of the castle. Claus had run so far and so fast, he dipped into the shadows and was gone, just another figure of the dark. Andy felt his heart sinking in the thought that he would never see that wonderful dancer in his life again, until he found a slipper left by the mysterious someone on the stairs to the castle. 

Upon closer inspection, the slipper was made of glass. Very shiny and smooth to the touch, and a tint of blue in color. Andy figured he would be able to find the person and return it to them if he could find who fit the slipper. Once found, he decided, he'd marry them. 

"Dutchess Baylee!" Prince Andy called out to his Grand Dutchess, "I order you to find the one who fits this slipper. My true love. Once you do, I need you to bring them here, and we shall get married." 

Dutchess Baylee stopped to think about it. "That's awful sudden of you, your highness. Are you sure? Didn't you just meet the guy?" 

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

"Neither have you been so sudden, but alright." The dutchess took the slipper and hopped onto a coach, heading straight into the kingdom. 

The next day, Claus felt his life becoming a daydream. The events of last night came back to him and he could feel everything like it was happening over and over. He could feel Andy's hand holding his, the music in the air, the gaze from Andy's glittering emerald eyes... everything. He assumed none of his family members were aware of the dance, since nothing was yet said, but was quickly proven wrong. 

"Claus," Peter had started, looming over him further than usual. "I never knew you were a man for dresses." 

Claus felt a bead of sweat roll down his face, worrying they had worked it out. "Oh...?" 

"You know, gowns. Especially not during an event like a ball. With the prince?" 

Claus felt his confidence drop down the drain as the doorbell rung. Peter knew what had happened, and Claus realized that he may never live a happy life ever again. Quickly, he apologized and pleaded for forgiveness, saying the old won't-do-it-again, but Peter wasn't having it. Claus knew what was coming and braced himself until Margaret ran up to them. 

"Father!" She yelled, "It's the grand dutchess! She's here!" 

"I wonder why," Peter snarled as he picked up Claus, forcing him up the stairs.

When there, he shoved him into his bedroom and clicked the lock shut with a key he stored in his pocket. Claus cried for help and banged at the door, but it was no use. Margaret and Melody were seated and waiting for the grand Dutchess Baylee and her proposal, and while they were, they sat and made faces at each other until Peter folded his arms and stopped them both. Hissing into their ears, he reminded them of just who was there and why it was important to behave themselves, as anything could be a chance. Both girls reluctantly agreed and sat still, as the dutchess finally started to address them. 

"Right, hello ladies. Prince Andy himself has made a royal declaration to find and marry whoever fits this slipper-" 

"Really?" Both girls gasped in surprise. "He wants to marry us?"

"...I know right? I told him it was far too soon to marry someone he doesn't even know the name of, but he's adamant." The dutchess pulled out the slipper from its display case. "I have to try this on you guys. Are you ready?"

Both girls had excitedly kicked off their shoes and prepared to try on the slipper, as Peter's face grew with fear. He knew exactly who would fit the slipper, and it wasn't one of the twins. Luckily for him, Claus was locked in his room where he couldn't be found. He decided that they wouldn't figure if he just denied having any more children in the house. Still, he crossed his fingers and hoped for the slipper to fit one of the girls. 

Claus, in his room and aware of what was happening, began to feel his tears again. This time they burned across his cheeks and he knew that they couldn't be stopped. His fantasy night began to feel less and less real the more his tears dripped down his face, but he knew what he felt last night. It had to be real. It couldn't be a dream, because he could never have felt anything as authentic in a dream. Before he could feel his thoughts overcrowd him, he heard the sound of something jiggling in the lock of his bedroom door. The door cracked open and he saw his fairy godfishy standing at the other side, smiling to him and holding up his wand. 

"Felix, it's you! You came back!" 

"Yeah, some weird mice were going to open this door but uh, that's creepy." Felix stated as he held one of them up. "That's why I'm here. This wand can't make the right outfit but I can still pick locks, man. Now go! Your stepsisters are trying on the shoe and if it fits, you won't see that princey boy ever again." 

Claus handed his gratitude to Felix for helping him and ran down to where everyone had met, praying it wasn't too late. The dutchess was getting ready to conclude her statement, right as she heard running footsteps from the other room approaching. 

"Oh look, someone appeared. Are you here for all of this, or...?" 

Claus stopped, huffed for breath, and finally muttered, "I'm here to try the shoe!" 

Peter and the girls both stood in shock as the dutchess shrugged, sitting Claus down on a nearby chair. He took off his shoe and offered his foot, shaking lightly with nerves. The dutchess slid on the slipper to find that it was a perfect fit, as Peter grumbled in annoyance. The dutchess helped Claus to his feet and smoothed out his clothes. 

"So, you fit the slipper..." Baylee stated. "And danced with the prince. You know, he thinks you're very special. He even said that he'd marry whoever fit the slipper." 

Claus gasped, smiling a little wildly as his face flushed red. He felt so very excited in that moment that it took him a second to regain his composure. "Did he really?" 

"Oh yes. Are you ready to go? Can't keep him waiting, I guess." 

Claus glanced past Baylee to see Felix holding up his wand and smiling to him, gesturing him to go. He refocuses his attention to Baylee and nods lightly. 

"I would be honored."