The Wrong Foot

By Stephanie Burgis

A frothy, witty and romantic short story starring a heroine who may happen to fit Cinderella's glass slipper...but has no interest in being chosen by anyone for her shoe-size!

From the author of Snowspelled, Spellswept, and Courting Magic.

First published in Daily Science Fiction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Burgis
• Release date: Dec 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463557709

Stephanie Burgis

Stephanie Burgis grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, but now she lives in Wales with her husband (fellow writer and ebook cover designer Patrick Samphire), their two sons, and their very vocal tabby cat, Pebbles (who basically owns Steph's Instagram account). She writes wildly romantic historical fantasy for adults (most recently, Scales and Sensibility, Good Neighbors, and the Harwood Spellbook series) and fun, funny MG fantasy adventures for kids (most recently, The Raven Heir and the Dragon with a Chocolate Heart trilogy).

Book preview

The Wrong Foot

THE WRONG FOOT

STEPHANIE BURGIS

Five Fathoms Press

CONTENTS

The Wrong Foot

A Note From Steph

An Excerpt from Snowspelled

THE WRONG FOOT

Needless to say, I didn’t want to try on the slipper in the first place.

Why should I? I asked Mama when she came to drag me away from my books that morning. We both know I’m not the girl they’re looking for. I was standing by your side last night, remember, when she first arrived. We both commented on how taken the prince was by her. You made a rude comment about the size of her collarbone, if you recall.

I haven’t the slightest recollection, Mama said, with a typically airy disregard for the facts. She was already sweeping through my closet, tossing fresh undergarments onto my bed. Mama may look dainty, particularly next to me, but she is capable of creating an entire whirlwind of activity when inspired. Her head was buried in my closet, my finest silk stockings flying over her shoulder as she called back: And neither have you, from this instant onward. The prince has sworn that whoever fits that shoe will be his bride!

A deeply impractical way to find his missing dance partner. I shook my head, setting one finger in my book to mark my place. It certainly fits his appalling reputation, though. Has anyone suggested that he simply look at maidens’ faces as a better way to recognize the girl he loves? Or was her face not actually what he was looking at last night?

Luckily, said Mama, "your bosom is entirely satisfactory, so he won’t be disappointed. And your collarbone is much finer than hers anyway! Now—as she emerged triumphantly from my closet—put this on."

I blinked at the gown she was holding out to me. It’s an evening gown.

She tapped her foot imperiously. We are in a hurry, Sophia.

"It’s also

Reviews for The Wrong Foot

[Dovie Crofutt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced and engaging, would love to see this as full length book. Burgis creates great characters and snappy dialogue.