A snapshot from
Cinderelline (1951), just as Elaine "Cinderelline" Larousse prepares to go to a royal ball.
Elaine was a simple maiden, with a tragic backstory. Both her parents died during the Black Death in her childhood, leaving her an orphan. (This is revealed via backstory, and dialogue through the film.)
Over time, Elaine climbed through the social hierarchy of 14th-century France (as implied by the setting and later films), managing to become a houseworker for the Beauchamp household. She often spent her time starting the fires and cleaning the chimney, resulting in her being mockingly dubbed "Cinderelline" by her cruel stepsisters Adela and Bertha.
Managing to make it against the wishes of her abusive stepmother Theophania Beauchamp, as well as her stepsisters, prince Philippot is charmed by her humble beauty and they have a blast with each other. Philippot accidentally rips a piece of Elaine's gown.
Upon returning home, Elaine is distraught that she will be forced back into the same repetitive cycle of abuse. Even worse, Theophania finds the gown, burning it in jealousy (but not without a wrestle between her and Elaine for the gown).
Word reaches the household that the Prince is looking for a woman who approached him on that night. Luckily, he has the fabric... and she has a scrap piece she tore off from that fight.
Appreciating her modesty from that ball (compounded by her meekness when visited at the house), the Prince chooses to marry her over the others. Happily ever after.