A Different Cinderella

It seemed as if it had been taken an eternity to finally get through all of the presentations. Caelen had promised Thea that he would try to enjoy himself, but it had become increasingly difficult to do so when every young person who had stood before them had looked him and his sister up and down as if they were pieces of meat. It was a good thing that he’d had years of practice being silent when the time called for it or he was sure more than a few guests would have run from the room in tears. He honestly didn’t know how Thea could sit there and look so genuinely pleased to see everyone.

He looked over at his sister, who was watching a few of the guests glide across the dance floor. Though he had been skeptical about Miss Gail’s design, Thea did look quite lovely. It slimmed her without making her appear too skinny and the emphasis on her curves only enhanced her figure, just as Miss Gail had said it would. He would have to swallow his pride and tell the seamstress that she had been right. She was going to just love that.

His gaze traveled the ballroom and its occupants until it landed on his sister. By the amused smile, she had been trying to get his attention for a while. He focused and saw her eyes dart to the dance floor. He stood, placed a hand on his sword so it wouldn’t swing, rounded his mother’s throne, and extended a hand out to his sister. She smiled and allowed him to lead her down to the floor, the train of her dress following her with an easy grace. Her hand went to his shoulder as he led her through a soft waltz with the other dancers.

“What has you so lost in thought?” she asked.

“Your dress.” Caelen turned her away from a passing couple. “I was just dreading the fact that I’ll have to praise Miss Gail’s work the next time I see her.”

Thea chuckled. “I bet you’ll love that.”

“I know she will.”

“A bit. But I think she’ll be pleased that you are willing to swallow your pride enough to give the praise she’s due. Especially after how you’ve been treating her the past few weeks.”

“I’ve been nothing but cordial every time we’ve run into one another.” Caelen had taken his sister’s talk to heart and, though he wasn’t exactly going out of his way to be nice to Miss Gail after their first meeting, he hadn’t been brutish or harsh to her. A simple nod of the head and they both moved on with their day. Granted, he had been intrigued by the quick peaks of the dress when she was carrying it and his curiosity had tempted him to stop and chat once or twice, but he’d been nothing but a perfect gentleman.

“She’s mentioned your gaze staying with her after your encounters. Maybe she saw something there that she considered an extension of your earlier remarks on her work.”

“I moved past that by the next day. I wasn’t completely supportive of her idea until now, but I certainly wasn’t trying to make her feel uncomfortable.” A sigh slid past his lips and he shook his head slightly. “It seems I have a lot of things to apologize for.”

Thea smiled. “It’s a good thing Miss Gail is a forgiving person.”

All too soon, the waltz ended and Thea was asked to dance by a dignitary from Leopei. Caelen relinquish her with a bow and decided to make his way toward the refreshment table. It was hard to miss the hungry eyes that followed him. He ignored them the best he could without appearing rude. He simply sipped his drink while scanning the others around the table.

A young woman in blue was animatedly talking about embroidery thread and patterns with a merchant Caelen believed was from Lendon while a young man stood next to her, watching with a slight smile. Caelen was sure that the woman had an identical twin around here that had been wearing a very tight and suggestive red dress. The young man was her brother or something. The merchant asked the young woman to dance. She shot a glance to her brother, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. She turned back to the merchant with more confidence and joined him on the dance floor. The brother watched her for a few moments with a proud smile before he turned back to the table, picking up a glass of punch. He brought it to his lips but paused when he looked toward the entrance. His eyes widened, a slight smile pulling at the corner of his lips. He set the glass down and strode away from the table. Caelen followed his progress and stared at the beauty by the ballroom’s entrance, suddenly at a loss for words.

She was stunning. Midnight waves tumbled over her smooth shoulders with a few braided curls at her temple pinned away from her soft face. She was adorned in a dark blue strapless gown with silver thread swirling around the hem and up toward her waist where her bodice reflected the summer night sky. She wore a dark blue mask that framed her eyes, adding to her air of mystery.

The young man stopped by her side and they exchanged smiles. Who was she? Was she with that man? They looked like they knew each other.

§∞§

“I bet you didn’t expect to see me,” Freda said, slipping her hand into the crook of Elliot’s offered arm.

“I most certainly did not. I’m glad you’re here, though.” Elliot raised an eyebrow at her dress. “Where did you find the gown?”

“Mrs. Webber said it was a canceled order. She and Mary made a few adjustments for me.”

Elliot looked her over as he pulled her into a dance. “Was the order for a masked ball or something?”

She laughed as he twirled her under his arm. “The mask was Mrs. Webber’s idea. She thought a woman of mystery would liven things up a bit.”

“You definitely accomplished that.” Elliot turned her in a tight circle, leading her in a different direction. He lowered his voice as they continued to dance. “The prince has been watching you since I approached you.”

Freda’s gaze darted over his shoulder as they passed the refreshment table before moving back to her partner. “So?”

“I’ve noticed that he doesn’t care for this ball and I’m almost certain that he’s ignored almost every introduction made tonight.” Elliot was taking a bit of pleasure at knowing Marigold’s flirting strategies were wasted on the prince. “Since he saw you, though, he hasn’t looked anywhere else.”

A soft blush appeared around the edge of Freda’s mask. “He’s most likely staring at the dress. He probably thinks it’s inappropriate or something.”

“Maybe, but have you seen Marigold?” Elliot spun her out slightly so she could see the stepsister flirting with a baron, running a hand up his arm as she leaned over to give him a good view down her dress. Elliot pulled Freda back and steered her away. “That dress is inappropriate. Yours is beautiful and unique, just like you. Anyone would be lucky to be your partner, though I doubt they are worthy of you.”

Freda squeezed his shoulder and smiled up at him. “You know things like that are why the entire village thinks we’re a couple, don’t you?”

“I’m just a friend complimenting another friend.” He turned her and softly added, “I’m also giving you some encouragement.”

Her brows furrowed. “What for?”

“May I cut in?” The two dancers turned, coming face to face with the royal heirs. Prince Caelen had spoken, his gaze momentarily meeting Elliot’s before drifting to Freda. “If I am not imposing, of course.”

“Not at all, Your Highness,” Elliot said. He bowed slightly over Freda’s hand. “It was an honor, my lady.” Freda squeezed his hand, holding on for as long as she could before Elliot pulled his hand free and turned to Princess Thea. “Your Highness, might I partner you for the next dance?”

Her perfectly painted lips turned up as she took her hand away from her brother’s arm and slid it into Elliot’s. He paused as her touch and couldn’t help but notice how different their hands were. Hers were so soft and elegant, the hands of a lady used to a gentle touch. He was only a simple country man whose hands were rough from hard work and whose courtly manners were sorely out of practice. He couldn’t possibly be a proper dance partner for the princess; he wasn’t near as elegant as the court men.

“Do you prefer a different dance, sir?”

Elliot drew his eyes away from the princess’ hand and up to her curious gaze. Her deep bewitching eyes pierced something inside him, causing his cheeks to warm and shifting something inside his chest. He quickly cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I was just…” He swallowed away the tightness if his throat. “I’m not a good dancer outside of the waltz. I apologize and understand if you would like a different partner.”

Princess Thea nodded in understanding, the smile still in place. “There’s no need,” she said then lowered her voice as if sharing a secret. “I was accompanying my brother over so I could talk to you, actually.”

“R-really?” Elliot mentally cursed himself for stuttering. But how could he not? Whatever she had done to him with her simple presence had left his tongue and heart in knots. He wasn’t prepared for this.

She tilted her head toward a set of large open doors. “Would you join me for a walk in the gardens?” Elliot could only nod. He barely gave Freda and the prince another look as he guiding the princess out of the ballroom and into the cool night.

Freda may not have shown her nerves as openly as Elliot, but that didn’t mean her insides weren’t fluttering like crazy as the prince took her hands for the next dance. Had that many people been staring at her when she’d been Elliot’s partner? Would the prince laugh at her because of her mask? It had been a fun idea when Mrs. Webber had suggested it, but maybe it was too cliché?

“I don’t believe we have been properly introduced,” Prince Caelen said as he bowed to her.

Freda curtsied and straightened, pressing her palm to the prince’s as they circled one another. “We were not, Your Highness.” Her nervousness faded slightly as she realized that he didn’t know who she was behind the mask.

They turned away from one another and then back in time with the music. “Might I know the name of such a beautiful woman?” Had his voice always purred in such a way? It sent shivers along her spine like the ones she’d experienced the first time they’d met.

Freda stepped close, tilting her head back a bit. “And what would you do with my name if you had it?”

He shared a smile that took her breath away for a moment. She’d seen him riled up and flustered from their first encounter and she’d seen him politely cordial from their other meetings, but flirty and mischievous were new. She liked the twinkle in his eye and if he wanted to put it out there, she’d take the opportunity to see more of his new side.

Freda’s fingers rested on his shoulder as he placed his hand on her hip and they circled one another again. His touch was warm against her side, seeping through the fabric when he gently guided her into the next few steps.

“What shall I call you, then, if you will not share your name?”

She gave a slight laugh as she stepped away and then turned to face him again. “Whatever you wish. I cannot stop you from naming things.” She passed under his arm and he turned to follow her. “Of course, I might not respond to it.”

“Then I hope what I choose will please you.”

Freda shook her head. “What pleases me is irrelevant. It is your lips that must speak the name, so it is them you must please.”

Prince Caelen pulled her close, his hands a little lower on her waist than was probably proper, but she found she didn’t mind. “A poet.” He lifted her in the air and turned, slowly setting her back on her feet.

“Not really,” Freda admitted as he gripped her hand to continue the dance. “I am usually a more direct speaker, but I have heard some royals prefer more flowery words and phrases. I suppose it is because they like shiny things and want to have it reflected in almost everything.” She recalled what Thea had told her on one of their walks how other kingdoms’ royals had loved ceremony in everything that happened in their own courts.

The prince laughed, shocking Freda once more. How could someone have such a clear and bright laugh? Why was she only noticing this now? Was she only thinking this way because she was getting caught up in the gayety of the ball? The prince turned her away from another dancing couple. Was that Lottie? Freda couldn’t remember the last time the girl had looked so happy outside of her embroidery. She was brought out of her thoughts as the prince twirled her and brought her back to his chest. She stumbled slightly but caught herself against him, her fingers curling around the muscles in his arm. Their eyes met and held one another’s gaze.

The prince’s eyes softened and his hand pressed against the small of her back. “I would rather have you speak as you would with others. Flowery words are only good for boring courtiers and those who wish to deceive others for their own gain.” He raised his eyebrow slightly. “Are you either?”

Freda gently laughed, her body relaxing against his. “I can honestly say I am not, Your Highness.”

“Caelen.”

She shook her head slowly. “I couldn’t possibly-”

“Please. I would like to hear you say it.”

Freda bit her lip, his eyes dropping down to watch the motion. Her cheeks warmed at the attention. “Do you usually allow strange women to be so casual with your first name?”

“Only those who refuse to give me theirs.”

“That must be quite a lot.”

The prince shook his head. “Too many give their names and titles in the hope that I might pick them. They see the crown and wish for their own.” His gaze left her lips to return to her eyes. A level of seriousness had pushed away a small bit of his cheerful mood. “You do not strike me as the kind of woman who would try and use someone for what they could do for her.”

“How can you know that? You’ve only just met me.”

He smiled softly. “Your eyes. They are too kind.”

This was a different prince than Freda knew; an intelligent prince who observed much in such a short time. What would he think if he knew who she really was? “Kind eyes do not always mean a kind woman.”

The prince smiled with an amused gleam in his eye. “I thought you said you were not a poet.”

She smiled back, happy to hear his laughter after such a serious moment. “It seemed appropriate.” The music changed into a livelier beat and she tilted her head back with a slightly challenging aimed at the prince. “Care for another dance or does His Highness need a break.”

Prince Caelen laughed, pulling her closer so their chests brushed against one another. “You will find, my Lady Mystery, that we royals have excellent stamina.”

“Prove it, Your Highness.”

“Gladly.” They shared another bright smile and were off with the other dancers.

§∞§

It had been highly improper for her to suggest a walk through the gardens at night with no chaperone, but despite what her brother might tease, Thea could step outside the normal dictation of society, especially if it was for a good reason.

She’d focused on Mr. Elliot McKinley before he’d approached the thrones. She’d spotted him in the waiting line, noticing the care he took with his obviously nervous stepsister. Thea knew how nervous someone could be when meeting new people; she’d had the same reaction until she’d grown used to the interaction. Miss Lottie Platt was clearly someone who was used to less crowded surroundings. While Miss Marigold Platt was completely comfortable freely casting her wiles about, Miss Lottie had been almost on the verge of freezing up completely. Mr. McKinley’s calm had helped her to relax enough to get through the presentation. Thea had rarely seen that amount of kindness in the line of her duties or in the light of social engagements, but it was clear that he cared about his stepsister. Well, that one, at least. Thea hadn’t missed the subtle change in his body language when the other stepsister turned to him. She couldn’t blame him; Miss Marigold was a prime example of someone who Thea tried to avoid when possible. There were quite enough courtiers trying to curry favor and catch her brother’s eye, thank you very much. Another one did not have to join their ranks.

Thea had also been attracted to Mr. McKinley’s looks. Beyond the brown locks that barely brushed his shoulders and the firm angles of his face that she found quite appealing, she could tell that he worked with his hands even before she had felt the roughness of them when she’d slipped her hand into his. His jacket couldn’t hide the lean build of his body. There was no need for padding like other men who had tried to impress and court her. Then again, Mr. McKinley hadn’t paid any attention to her past the quick sweep of his brown eyes at the presentation of his family. Intelligent, deep, and curious but respectful, that gaze had only pushed her to want to find him later. Was he truly like that or had he been playing a strategy? Her curiosity could be a powerful driving factor in her actions at times.

“Do you like the gardens, Your Highness?”

She turned her head to look up at him as they strolled past a collection of begonias. Mr. McKinley had his hands clasped behind his back and he stood tall, but his fleeting glances her way and subtle flex of his fingers betrayed his mask of composure. She smiled at his nervousness but nodded. “I enjoy them very much but I do not have much time to walk them anymore. I’m afraid my responsibilities keep me away.”

“That is a shame. These are very beautiful.” He looked at a rose bush as they strolled past.

“Do you garden, Mr. McKinley?”

He startled slightly and shook his head as he turned back to her. “No, Your Highness. I’m afraid any plant I try to take care of does not survive beyond a few days.” He gave a short breathless laugh. “Freda says that I’ve got the worst black thumb she’s ever seen.”

The princess chuckled. “That sounds like something Freda would say.”

Mr. McKinley paused for a moment. “I knew Freda was making your dress but I didn’t realize you two were so close. But, then again, the two of us haven’t talked since she started your dress.”

“I’m sorry to take your friend away.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine.” His smile softened and took on an openness Thea found enchanting. “Freda loves a challenge. I’m glad she could immerse herself in a project. She does some of her best work that way.”

Thea fingered an embroidered rose at her side. “Freda is very talented. She’s been a very appreciated comfort the past few weeks.” She looked up from the skirt. “We’re very lucky to have her as a friend, aren’t we?”

“We are. She has been there for me through the years and it sounds as if she’s been looking after you, as well. Her dedication to those who earn her trust is what makes her such a wonderful friend and person.”

His tone wasn’t lost on her. Freda sounded the same whenever she’d talked about him. There was a deep connection between the two but was it as friends like they claimed or were they lovers?

“Mr. McKinley,” Thea said suddenly, looking him directly in the eye, “may I ask a very personal and blunt question?” He hesitated and Thea suddenly wished she could take it back. She’d obviously made him uncomfortable. “If you would rather not answer, I understand. It was impolite and very presumptuous of me-”

“I don’t mind,” he said, cutting her off. The lanterns in the garden barely illuminated the flush of his cheeks, but he was staring at her with all seriousness. “I appreciate someone who’s straightforward. I…just don’t know if you’ll like the answers.”

Thea relaxed slightly, glad that she hadn’t offended or driven him off. “I understand.” She straightened her shoulders. “Mr. McKinley, are you currently seeking the attention of another lady or perhaps already spoken for?”

His shoulders, previously tensed under his jacket, dropped at the same time as his mouth. As questions go, he probably hadn’t been expecting that one. Had he been bracing himself for something darker or more personal? It was a personal question, honestly, but Thea needed to know if she was crossing any boundaries she didn’t know about. She didn’t want to pursue a more personal relationship if there was someone else in his life.

Slowly, Mr. McKinley drew in a breath and shook his head. “I am not, Your Highness.”

Thea smiled. “Then would you-”

“Your Highness,” he interrupted, “as you were straightforward with me, I must be the same with you. I should warn you that my stepmother would use any connection I have with you to advance my stepsister Marigold. I’m sure you’re used to that, and I do not condone it in any way, but I think it’s only fair to warn you before you continue.”

Thea nodded. “Many have tried to befriend my brother or me for that very reason over the years. We are not unaware of such tactics. It is a part of life for us, but I’m willing to bare it if you would accept my offer of courtship.”

Mr. McKinley’s mouth dropped open once again. Thea remained perfectly still, hoping she was giving nothing away that would scare him off. The silence stretched on. Finally, he said, “You don’t even know me, Your Highness.”

“True. But I would like to change that.”

“But courtship? Isn’t that a bit too serious for two people who have only just met?”

“Yes, it is, but I feel…” she wrung her hands before clasping her fingers together. “I feel something when I’m with you, Mr. McKinley. Something so deep inside that I don’t know how to describe it, let along explain it, but it is something that I must act upon.” She sighed and looked away, her gaze landing on a rose bush. “I know it sounds silly and naïve. I don’t normally act this way. I’m level headed and realistic, sometimes more logical than anything else, but I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t serious about courting you.” Thea twisted her fingers in the fabric of her skirt. “I will understand completely if you refuse and there will be no consequences on you or your family. Anyway, you don’t really know me, either, and if you agreed, you would have the whole of the kingdom focused on you, as well. But…but would you at least consider it?” She looked back to him, hope in her eyes as she waited for some kind of response. There seemed to be a thousand thoughts running through his mind and he finally blinked slowly.

“Your Highness,” he said and she braced herself for rejection. “Would you allow me to think about your offer and tell you my answer in the morning?”

A breath of relief escaped her lips and she grinned. “Yes. Thank you.”

§∞§

She was even more breath taking in the moonlight than when she’d approached him in the ballroom. Elliot still couldn’t believe that she- Princess Thea of Ster- wanted to court him simply because of a feeling. He’d felt the same when she’d taken his hand, but what would she do when she realized that he wasn’t good enough for her? He wasn’t wise to trade agreements or strategies in running affairs of the kingdom. He was just an everyday ordinary man who could hardly handle his stepfamily. What could he possible offer her that a duke or other royal couldn’t?

He looked down the garden path then back to the princess. “Would you care to finish our walk or return to the ballroom?”

The princess took his arm. “I would rather walk, if you don’t mind. I don’t wish to return just yet.”

He blushed at her attention and touch. It was more than what he deserved, but he was happy to be by her. He hadn’t felt this light and happy in a long time. They continued down the path, leaving the noise of the ball behind them until only crickets were privy to their continued conversation.

§∞§

Freda took the glass of punch Prince Caelen offered her, laughing as he finished a mischievous story of his youthful antics. She could remember doing similar things with Elliot before she’d become Mrs. Webber’s apprentice. The past few hours had shown her a new fun loving and easy going side of the prince. He was like a new person when he opened up like he had with her and she found herself wishing he would show that side more.

They’d danced most of the night away, stopping for refreshments and to catch their breath when needed, but Freda preferred the dance floor more than standing still. At least while they danced, they could be hidden a bit by the crowd. When they stopped, it was easier for people to observe them. Elliot’s stepmother and Marigold were constantly following her and the prince when they weren’t trying to weasel their way into another nobleman’s graces. She thought they might have figured out who she was a few times, but then the women would move on to the next man that caught their attention. Not once did they try to approach, though Freda wasn’t sure if that was because they didn’t see an opening or if they were waiting for the right time to strike. The constant watching was suppressing a bit of her enjoyment, but not enough to scare her off. She wasn’t going to let some jealous observers ruin her night.

The city’s clock chimed and Freda paused to count. Midnight. She should start heading back to town. Mrs. Webber would be waiting up for her to hear how the evening went. Freda set the glass down and rested her hand on the prince’s arm. He turned that dazzling smile her way and, for a moment, she didn’t want to leave. But it was time.

“No,” he said when she told him. “How will I find you again? I still don’t know your name.”

She smiled softly. “One day you’ll know, Your Highness. But we’ll meet again. Of that I have no doubt.” She turned and gathered her skirt, making her way to the entrance. She turned back when she reached the doors. The prince had tried to follow her, but had been waylaid by a group of eager young women taking their chances of approaching him when they saw that he was free of his companion. He was stared after her, helpless to pass through the growing crowd. She raised her hand and blew him a kiss before she left. She’d be long gone before he could free himself to go after her. Freda couldn’t wait until she got home and told Mrs. Webber about her evening.

§∞§

The ride home had been peaceful, allowing Elliot to remember his time with the princess in the gardens. The night had been more enjoyable than he thought it would be. But the pleasant warmth in his chest faded when Stepmother started to scold him in their foyer, his stepsisters watching the whole thing.

“Who was that woman you were dancing with? Do you know her?”

Elliot shook his head as his stepmother glared at him. “I thought she was pretty and asked her to dance.”

“And then you just let the prince step in and he spent the whole night with her,” Marigold complained, throwing her arms in the air. “I didn’t have a single chance to charm him because of that woman.” Never mind the fact that she had been draping herself over any nobleman who would stand still long enough.

“What did you want me to do? Tell the prince that I can’t let him dance with someone?” He’d been having a very nice night but the constant complaining about something he couldn’t control was souring his mood.

“Don’t yell at her because you don’t know how to handle simple problems,” Stepmother snapped. She huffed and straightened her back. “The only redeeming factor of tonight was your time spent with the princess. If, by some miracle, she expresses an interest in you, encourage her. Then use your position to praise Marigold when you are with the prince.” Her eyes narrowed expectantly. “Are we clear?”

Elliot frowned, his fists curling until his nails dug into his palms, but he nodded. He wanted to defend Freda, but it was safer for her if Stepmother didn’t know the Mystery Woman’s identity. He wouldn’t put it past her to do something terrible to his friend just so Marigold could snare the prince. The worst part was that he knew this was going to happen, had even told Princess Thea that Stepmother would try to manipulate him in such a way and would continue do so if he accepted the princess’ proposal. And he found that he really did want to say yes. Princess Thea made him feel things he never knew he could feel and it reminded him of how his father spoke about his mother. Had Father felt like this; like everything would be all right forever as long as he had the princess in his arms? He wished he’d asked more questions about love when Father had been alive. Then he might be able to tell if what he was feeling was genuine and worth pursuing in spite of what trouble it could bring.

That night, in the solitude of his room, Elliot dared to dream of a time when he could say ‘yes’ without fear of any other motive from his family. Princess Thea, slowly combing her hair in her vanity mirror, replayed every moment of her garden walk with a warm heart. Prince Caelen sketched his mystery woman, mind racing for a way to find her once more. Freda curled up in her bed with a wide smile upon her lips as she drifted into sleep with the images of the new prince in her mind’s eye.