A small kingdom named Asden, situated in the north of France surrounded by various Kingdoms, under the rule of King Maximilian, there lived the smart-witted daughter of the Duke Sir Francis Tremaine, Cinderella, talks about her boldness always the hot topic of the town.
Her Step-mother, Lady Tremaine always after her to make her understand to behave like the nobility she is. Her step-sisters equally beautiful and posed as a clear example how aristocrats should be. Elegant with their behaviour, voice soft and like nightingale when singing. Spending days in festivities, tea parties and getting to know eligible men, talking about jewelleries and expensive things, outdoing the ladies belonging to the same status, so-called friends. All together they were following their mother’s footsteps wisely as groomed.
But the Lady of the Estate was tired of Cinderella’s ill behaviour, Who was no less than her step-sisters, only that she was putting her studies into use, which was not appreciated by the elders. A girl, woman should have their boundaries where the house accounts end.
“A young lady shouldn’t meddle with the court matters and show constant involvement with the business! This is absurd!” Lady Tremaine raised her voice at the dining table pointing at Cinderella.
Everyone kept quiet. Except, Sir Francis lifted his eyes to meet his little girl’s, who only focused on her food.
The step mother continued, looking down glumly at her plate, “Our Daughters have come of age now. I don’t want nothing less than perfect for them. Next month we’re attending the banquet and I don’t want her to spout nonsense in front of the learnt men.”
Father looked at her daughter with concern, “My dear, do you wish to get married?” The question was directed to his only daughter because the other two have been dying to get acquainted with new men.
Cinderella nodded to her father, “Since maa wishes it, why not? Papa. Whenever Father likes. I’ll get married.” The Lady didn’t like her being extra close to the Duke, but Cinderella assists her father and helps him draft new policies and strategies to make the pillars of the family business stronger. He is bound to dote on her.
“Splendid! With His Majesty’s Blessings we’ll proceed with the functions day after tomorrow.” And with that her father excused himself and left with the daughter following his back. The three were left alone and continued to chit chat planning for the upcoming ball.
A month later, the family set off to the palace. Lady Tremaine kept instructing her daughters in the carriage how to stay neutral and well-mannered all the time. Especially Cinderella, “Listen carefully, my dear. Talking about laws or taxes is what commoners do. Take this as a grand event where you have to be ladylike. Don't say that’ll disgrace your family. Rumours spread, others will look down upon us.” Sometimes the lady doubted how she could be of royal blood.
“I know that.” Cinderella mumbled in a small voice. How can she not know? She knew the world more than her mother did. She has her ears in the Royal Palace, she pulls the strings in the senate whenever her father wants her to. She monitors the course of His Majesty’s mood and playboy crown prince’s doings and affairs. Just to remind them, who they work for.
She met Tremaine's gaze, and chose to audibly comply with her oblivious step-mother. “I’ll keep that in mind. Mother.” Now everyone seemed contented
They reached the grand decorated palace in a short while. Every two months it’s the same. The nobilities can’t keep themselves from spending in luxuries and organising social events, Cinderella thoughts wonder. Though, Cinderella was above those. She had tasted power, and that enticed her more than luxury in materialistic things.
Her father had greeted his majesty already since he had to attend to some work in the palace itself, So it was obvious she was going to be greeting him alone. And she had already predicted if she went alone, King Maximilian would set her up for the night with his dear son, she decided against it and planned to get herself a man first, and then approach the King.
“If this isn’t our Cindy!” Cinderella dumbfounded, coughing on her drink turned around in reaction to the unknown voice of a man. “Forgotten me already, Beautiful?”
“Charles! Oh my god!” she gasped cheering in excitement. Her childhood friend who went to an academy far away for his studies. Whom she gave up on meeting again had shown up becoming hulk of a built man. “You were this small when I last saw you. Look how tall you’ve grown.” He complimented though she only reached his shoulder, she felt accomplished. “look at yourself, youngman.” She replied and he took her hand gently lifting to only kiss the back of it as he bent leaving tingles and their eyes met again, anticipating something more. “So Where is the lucky man accompanying you tonight?” She noticed his rough callous hands he acquired from all the field work.
“Oh, This poor lady couldn’t entice a single soul yet. What about you Prince Charming?”
She hadn’t met him or heard from him in years. But hears about him all the time. He visits the palace once in years for his mother resides here, but then he’s ever seen again.
“I guess, you have already allured me.” He took her hand once again. “Will you spare me a dance tonight, my Lady?”
“Yes. Sure. My pleasure.”
And off to the dance floor they were.
After a dance session, she puts up the question to greet the king next. He agreed.
Prince Charles, The Archduke. His mother, a Courtesan. There’s always a tension between the two princes. Charles never get entangled with the court matters but serves the country battling at the borders of the Country and provides for the needy or trapped. Basically, Loved by the People. On the other hand the crown prince has earned himself the title of a playboy.
Cinderella wondered to ask if he plans to fight for the throne. But decided to keep shut, remembering Tremaine’s words.
Charles doesn’t only belong to the kingdom. He serves for the Country, he commands the troops and various other kingdoms bow to him to earn his loyalty. Because if he turns against anyone. The nation will fall apart. Military can take over. A Power shift will cause downfall of huge businesses. A man like him cannot be intrigued.
Meanwhile, they were both planning to overthrow the current monarch.
Both had their personal reasons.
Hers Revenge.
His Disgust.
The greetings went fine. The king called his good for nothing son, Lucifer over and made him acquainted with the couple.
Cinderella couldn’t hold herself back seeing him again, in this life. The Life her Fairy Godmother had bestowed upon her to complete her revenge, and upon doing so, she will be called back to the heavens again.
“Greetings, your highness.” She bowed, lifting her gown a bit, gracefully. Her insides were boiling though. The blonde frail man of a price stepped forward to touch her hand but she stepped back, so he left it at that and appreciating her beauty he tugged his partner close. The lady with Lucifer also introduced herself as Perla, with pride. Cinderella recalled, the Daughter of the Marquees.
“Haven’t seen you since your last visit here.” Lucifer tried to initiate the talk when all eyes didn’t waver from him.
“Oh, but I saw you entering a motel escorting some gorgeous woman, in the back of the lone end of the city.. but I can’t seem to remember her name.” Perla's eyes widened accusingly at him, Charles had a hint of amused smile playing on his lips, Lucifer opened his mouth to target Cinderella but she started before he could. “.. While I was at Mandy’s jewellery shop. A gem she carved caught my eye, and who Better than his majesty knows,” her eyes briefly met Maximilian’s “..when I set my eye on something, I get it. That instant.”
Lucifer now gulped and set his pleading eyes on his father. The king, helpless. Can’t afford to punish the Tremaine Family. The Tremaines have their business scattered across the country, gold to coal mines, lands to shops, from assisting the collapsing ones to sponsoring rising businesses, They had set foot marking their Territory in every possible domain. Infact, all surrounding Kingdoms including Asden have to pay taxes in bulks alone to this Influential family. If Francis wants, this palace can be theirs in a flick of his fingers. Men Cinderella doesn’t like can disappear if she says so. Everyone knew of their holdings and all were aware who held the true power here.
The King convulsed into fits of Laughter. Trying to lighten the situation. “O Cinderella! Let the guy off. Must be your imagination.” She smiled back to the prince, “We’ll be hanging out in the pavilion, if the king needs us. Greetings, Your Highness.” and took her leave linking her arm with Charles, who was trying to hold his laughter back. After they disappeared into the dark, Perla left Lucifer after a heated conversation and Maximilian left for his room for a heavy drink. His head hurt witnessing such a defaming fight. Just as he was retiring to his room, his butler showed up.
“Your highness! Sir Francis's Chancellor drop by today, he handed over documents regarding his Cinderella’s marriage and need them sanctioned by tomorrow.” At this, his ears perked up. ‘Marriage? He loves his daughter more than anything. How can he accept a marriage proposal so soon? Until..’ his thoughts wander off. “With whom?”
“The Archduke, Prince Charles.” As soon as the words reached Maximilian's ears, he felt the ground slip under his feet. “This can’t be possible!” he started mumbling in anxiety. He recalled The Duke did bring up the topic of marriage when they were talking earlier this afternoon. But the king thought he must be going on about his Other two daughters, because bringing up any topic about betrothing Cinderella has always got on his nerves, it’s like getting on his bad side.
Meanwhile, Lady Tremaine’s eyes were bulging out seeing the pair from a distance. Prince Charles, who is always too busy to heed a Young woman’s cry, entertaining was far from possible. Unbelieving this abnormal child of hers could get an untouchable man like him.
Cinderella and Charles were dancing in the night, on the grass, near the pool, talking endless about worldly things and then as the clouds started veiling the moon, they started going on about themselves, future and dreams. She was having the night of her life. Somewhere between the talks he realised she didn’t know that they were to be engaged. He didn’t break it to her instead went with the flow getting to know her without any constraints.
On the other hand, The king had called an emergency meeting with trusted Knights and the Commander. “She is very strategic.” The king started slowly. “She schemes.. there’s no way even Frances as father would love someone as much as he do his Cinderella.. I know him. He’s twice as calculative as his daughter.” She has potential, won his affection over because of her capability. Have you ever seen him caring about Anastasia or Drizella like he does for Cinderella? Lucifer just entered, dejected. The King continued without acknowledging his presence. “It’s because she has equal hand in acquiring provinces like her father. They work together.”
By this time of the midnight many had left. The Banquet had nearly ended. The Couple had decided to bid goodbyes to head back for their Chateaus. But coming back to reality she found out, her family had already left for home and left a message for her in the hands of their Steward, ‘Apologies for leaving uninformed, but you appeared so cheerful with your Prince Charming, it wasn’t in our heart to disturb you, now that he has stolen you from us, enjoy every bit of it.’ Cinderella’s neck grew pink and so did the apple of her cheeks when he said aloud in front of the prince himself. Charles didn’t suppress his grin either, she was too Embarrassed to show her face now. Her Steward disappeared the moment his job was over. And now she was left alone with him, “Would you mind a ride with me, Princess?” he proposed and though her Embarrassment remained, without hesitation she rested her hand on his. And they turned to her way leading home.
Behind the locked doors of the secret meeting room of the royal palace, the meeting continued. “If he can give his daughter’s hand to a son of a courtesan, leaving the fact he has my blood running in his veins too. A huge conspiracy must be going on behind our back.” Now everyone gulped, all eyes focused on Maximilian. “They could be planning to overthrow the current monarch.” He banged the table as his voice rose in panic. “I can see my Throne Slipping away from my hands!” he stood up gesturing fisting his rising hand, hot blood pumping, the Soldiers faces going crimson with agony, their grip tighten on their swords.
The soldiers were dispatched. The official order was passed, on confidential credentials. To, 'Exterminate Lady Cinderella and Sir Charles Charming. None shall be able to see the rising sun. The matter shall also die in the night of the grave soil.’
Suddenly the carriage held to a breaking stop, losing its balance. Charles peeked out the window to find blood dripping from the coachman's neck. “Hurry out the carriage and into the woods!” His tone turn to that of a Commander and Cinderella curtly nodded, getting the seriousness of the situation she landed on the ground, Another bow went through her gown and struck the wheel, two more followed but that only made the carriage to fall. Charles had already jumped out from the other side to the front taking control of the horse, Cinderella tore her already ruined dress and turned it into a frock. The other shots couldn’t hit her, She ran into the forest, tactfully dodging the attacks and stayed behind the thickest tree which was secured with other thin ones surrounding the backwoods, it was dense and dark, not a shriek escapes the woods if trapped inside. But she was calming her heart down, aligning her thoughts and realising this might be her last chance. She didn’t harm him when she met him close within the palace walls, She quietly said into the dark. “Gus. I want Lucifer. Right now. Alive.” In response she received the rustling of the leaves and a few leaves fell as the branch bobbed. But was aware, her call was heard.
Charles on the other hand blew the emergency whistle and liberated the emergency smoke firing the cracker. In no time, his allied force had appeared out from the woods and the collision between the two teams started as a war.
Charles was fully aware his princess was safe and sound, because if she isn’t, today. She wouldn’t have been yesterday either. Her father wouldn’t have left her alone with him without making sure of the against of it. Constant attacks happen everyday but the shadow guards are always on stand finishing off the assassinators without letting their masters get the gist of it. It’s only natural she is alive today and walks through all kinds of battlefields with utter confidence, everyday, without getting a scratch.
It had only caught her breath and the bruised boy landed on her feet. “If this isn’t my old Fiancée..” she smiled cold, her eyes icy blue.
“Wh-what!?” she croaked out in between sobs. “Jaq. Drag him away from me. I don’t want to come in contact with filth.” She says to particularly no-one blowing her nails clean but with a thud a lean man covered in shield and weapons on him landed on the ground behind Cinderella and kicked the once to the side.
“No one can believe it. But you need to hear this anyways, just so you know why you’re dying at my hands today.” She said turning to Lucifer. “You got the wrong man! I am the Prince! The Crown Prince!” He cried shielding his face with his arms.
“Oh then! We have the right one indeed.” She tunes.
“So” she started, ignoring his plea. “I fell for you, a year ago around this time in my previous life and it happened the king got us married after the banquet and my dad was cool about it. You kept cheating on me, even when you were committed to me. Twice in front of me after our marriage. My heart was big enough to forgive you time and time again believing your fake promises, I even swallowed down your constant curses for I couldn’t curse my love. But then you planned to get me killed with your lover, because she craved the title and glory. I walked into your trap and you had someone set the shop I visited on fire. I was burnt alive begging for you to save me, but none came. Your hands were clean. What a tragedy.” She squatted down, taking off pins and bands from the nest of her hair. “In short, that moment had a great impact on my soul, enough to resent you the greatest I ever did someone.” Pity I can’t dirty my hands with your blood. I’m too pure and lazy.” Lucifer lied there Shocked, gaping as everything bounced off his head.
“You crazy woman! Wouldn’t you be dead then! You’re a Psycho! Taking my life for your fable! Where’s the logic in that!?” he struggled in his bounds.
“You cheated.” She uttered plainly.
“Gus. Cut off those fingers covered in filth that dared to touch my skin.” She picked up a fallen twig and started craving nonsensical drawings on the surface of the soil.
“Wait! You’re listening to her nonsense!??..No.. don’t!” without any delay the man knelt down and gripped his wrist tight “No!..please!!” and slid his dagger across his fingers. Lucifer cried loud and moist.
“Of both hands.” She clarified. Deaf to his plea, resounding in her ears was her own cries lulling in fire.
A prick more and The blood was now an endless pool of blood formed from both his hands.
“Now I want to hear the sound of his arms, Breaking. Thrice.”
Lucifer Gulped and cried tears of blood. His Throat clogged but Gus and Jaq were already onto twisting his elbows from both the sides. Then came dislocating his shoulder bones. Next they twisted his wrists. His throat was dry from constant begging and pleading.. chanting god’s name, calling for his father. But everything in vain.
There in the castle, the palace was under attack. The King was hiding in his own dungeon. Charles had long changed into his military attire and dispatched a searching squad to find Maximilian and Lucifer to bring them to him, And another team to escort Cinderella from the forest and send her safely back to her residence.
King got an idea that he could still have a chance if he begged Charles' mother to pity him and let him life, so he ran to her chamber which was undisturbed, she sat on the sofa near the fireplace away from all the chaos. “Oh my beloved! Have our kid mercy on me! He’s set to end his own father’s life. Help him get back on tracks, how will he face Jesus in heaven? I’m worried for our child alone, my love.” He knelt at her feet and she gracefully folded her book close. “Been a long time, haven’t seen you since long. How are you?” she blinked gently and slowly.
“Lost in my love’s thoughts alone.” He buttered some more. She seemed pleased.
“Charles visited me last time he came for a tour. He talked of the love of his life he’s going to marry.”
“Yes. He is.” The King rasped out. He was in hurry for his life and not up for talking nonsense but he had to keep up with her. Charles' engagement only happened today, the king could only understand he must have set his eyes on Cinderella from the very start. He was only waiting for the right time.
She smiled, Lost in her own beautiful past. “I realised it when I heard your footsteps.. approaching My chambers.” She said regarding the marriage, delighted in her heart.
“what!?” the king pardoned. Not understanding, she stays locked in here. How would she know about the marriage when he himself got to know about it right about now.
“I asked him to tell you, I am missing you. I want to see you, your majesty. Has been long. I’m rotting here.. Counting my days till death takes me away from you.. somewhere you won’t be able to reach me.” She was on edge brimming tears, emotional she grew, clenching her heart. Forgetting etiquettes, she fisted her chest feeling the pain.
“Yes. Ah, I remember. He did brought it up before leaving. Didn’t I also answered him to give you the message, 'I miss you too'?” a smile crept up his monstrous mask of a face.
A tear escaped her pool of grievances.
He heard more smashing and falling of decorations faraway in the gallery of his precious palace, doors being kicked broken in search of him. Urgency rose in him.
“Help me my bella! Your son is getting out of control.”
“Have you known the royal physician said I can get better and have efficiency to live a longer life. Only if I can live in the outskirts of the city, in the open, midst positivity. Away from the fire, the poisonous gas it emits, and the occasional drinks. Yet I chose to stay in this palace, so I can see you everyday, so that you can visit me without any barriers…can’t you see I sacrificed so much for you? From the start! I had been blind!” she rose knocking him away and turned her face away from him, her voice raising with her sadness mixed with anger.
But at this critical time, he had his issues to worry about, he couldn’t feel her. Making up talks and talking sweet to her was becoming hard with rising tension. “My darling, I promise. I’ll spend each of my left days with you. I-I wish to spend my old days with you, my heart. My life isn’t worth anything without you. But if I die early, I won’t be able to look at you down from the heavens, weeping for me, sorrow in your eyes..I can’t! I can't see you suffer in my loss.” He rest his creased forehead on his palm with his elbow on his knee.
“My son made a promise to me as well. He said, 'If he couldn’t come to you, as per his own wish. And is forced to bow to you under my pressure, that’ll be the last you’ll see of him.’ The last he made to you was his request. This, is what you get, proving my love. wrong.”
“But he’s destroying my palace!”
“He’d never pick a weapon unless it’s a battlefield. I’m sure You Provoked him that he came down to this.”
“Please! Stop him. No! I did not do anything.” He stood up too, Making hand gestures. She had her back at him though.
“Okay, I’ll plead him, for your life, but only, once.” She sighed giving in to her love.
“Thank you. Thanks a million I’m sure he’ll listen to you. Once this is over I’ll gift you a jewellery of your choice! I love you!” he nearly started hopping in pure joy.
After a long while her door was knocked lightly. There came voice of Charles. “Mother. If I am not disturbing you. Can I come in?”
“Yes. My Brave Son.” She beamed with pride at his arrival.
When he entered his eyes narrowed, looking at the man sitting across from his mother, resentment flared in his eyes. “You! Guards! Arrest him!”
Her mother hurried to Charles and caught his hand and pulled him close. “My Son, please leave your father alone. No sin can be too grave to pester your own Father!” she rested her hand on his cheek.
Maximilian tried to steal gazes looking in the other direction still trying to hide and sweating cold.
“Then You don’t know what he did. He didn’t have the guts to tell you. huh?” Charles piercing eyes fixated on Maximilian.
“Dear-“ she started again with a pleading expression and he cut her off.
“This man sent knights to kill me and my fiancé!” he fished out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and slapped it in her palm. She read again and yet again but the words couldn’t make any more sense. Her hand fell from his jaw to holding onto his chest. She could die of shame this moment, her knees weakened but her son held her up, his grip supporting her still. “Issuing a confidential order for our execution.” He seethed out and gestured the guards with his sword to take him into custody. The Royal Mistress didn’t make a sound. She couldn’t even look back at the man. Only when Charles touched her chin could she raise her head high, “Mother. I only kept my promise. Don’t go hard on yourself. I’m not punishing him as a failed father but as an incompetent Ruler.” He kissed her forehead and took his leave with her blessings.
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Cinderella heard her name being called from a distance. Jaq met her eyes and in a blink of an eye both disappeared into the darkness. The prince laid limp with his limbs broken, his head shaved and bloody knife carvings on his face. His ears torn off, his nose broken.
But her Breathings were already growing heavy. She could feel her death near. She hid behind the tree entering the more dense part of the forest, so no one could find her. She didn’t want anyone to witness her death, and knew once she falls her shadow guards will take her to the right place, but till the soul leaves her body no one should know.
She clenched her heart, a piercing pain jolting up and she threw up. Just then she heard a rustle of leaves, “No! Don’t come down. This is my Order!” she said into the darkness with remaining energy, she knew she cannot be saved, she signed up for this.
“Cinderella!” voices were nearing. She slid down behind the tree…and exhaled her life out.
..
Her eyes fluttered open to find Chandelier above and felt a soft mattress beneath. A window where climber potted plants emitted essence from it’s flowers as the air breezed in. Adjacent to her bed she found Charles sitting in the corner Sofa going through some papers. She jolted upright.. “Charles!” he instantly got up and was by her side the next second, “What happened my love? Bad dream?” he cooed her and silently ushered the butler to call the doctor.
“No! How …why..how am I here…and what are you doing here? Where is this place?” she gripped her head puzzled, her eyes searched the unknown room.
He hushed her, “Easy, princess. We’re at my residence. Don’t strain yourself. I’ll tell you everything after the Royal Physician checks you up.” She tried to scoot down the bed and he lifted her back in place, adding. “And allows you to move around, my dear Cinderella.” He chuckled.
“Where are my parents? Why am I not home?”
He tsked. “too many questions at a time, Princess.” But she was worried and when he looks at her she appeared as though near breaking into tears. “Okay.” He sighed. “I assured them I’ll take better care of you.” Her gaze scrutinized on him. “alright, I practically begged them to let you stay with me. I brought doctors with more expertise than the appointed ones. Your father comes here every now and then for court matters so I proposed to get to keep you. That took some convincing from your mother's side too, but he ultimately succumbed to my wish.” He ginned ear to ear.
She was certified to be very much fine after eating heavy dishes and she soon realised it was the palace, when she noticed the view from the window. “Wait.. Isn’t this the palace?” her eyebrows creased according to the law, being found out, she should have been in Prison.
He escorted her to the nearest balcony with beautiful view and rounded her, embracing her from behind, she gripped the railing and he gripped hers,
“Yes, Indeed. Now it’s one of my residences in this kingdom.” A man of his position probably owned Atleast one estate around the country in every kingdom. But the palace?
“Where’s the king? I didn’t greet him.” She realised she was in the palace and that would be disrespecting royalty.
“The king sweetheart, has been executed.” He said slowly. Blood drained from her face. “What!?” what the hell had happened when she was unconscious.
“He planned attack on us, hastily. He had to pay.” He said simply as a matter of fact.
“Though, it’s still bugging me how Lucifer was brutally murdered in the same place where you were found. How did he reach there. Last we saw him, had been at the banquet. Next his eyes bulged out with dry bloody tears trailing down.” Her eyes widened a fraction and she gulped back her lump of sin, he saw her aloof expression, not really into the scenery. “I’m sorry you just woke up. I shouldn’t have mentioned his death as casual to you. Forgive me, my princess.” she smiled though it didn’t reach her ear. She was still taking it all in. “No, it’s alright. Don’t let it bother you. Aren’t I safe?”
He studied her for a moment and chose to crack a smile.
He leaned in close, Breathing her Scent. Lost in his own thoughts.
“How is the Royal Mistress?” She changed the topic. Realising she just lost her loved one in a day’s time
He exhaled, mustering courage. “She is better now. When she found out you were dead and only my physician could confirm there’s still a weak pulse and you could be saved by god’s grace though he will try best of his methods. My maa took the blame on herself and decided to go to the countryside church to pray for your life. It’s a month and she constantly begged his mercy to give you back.” Cinderella’s eyes moisten, as if she found someone who could reach inside her heart, a mother in true sense who she confided in even when unconscious. Her heart clenched as if receiving a signal, how God has answered their prayers. “She,” her throat clogged “She didn’t had to take it on herself.” As if understanding her emotions Charles rest his chin on her and closed his arms around her, “You better give the good news yourself.” She bobbed her head wiping her tears. “You know, she’s actually happy, spends her day in the orphanage, with the kids and rest of her time devotes to God. She likes the air and loves Her Life now. I’m happy for her, more than I ever was.” He says to her and an involuntary smile spreads on both of their faces. “You know Life took a beautiful turn ever since you entered my life. I’m Really glad to have you my arms right now.” Like a confession he showered her love
“I feel safe here, with you.” She leaned on his shoulder, perishing in the feeling of completeness.
“This life is a gift to me, all because of you.” She let out her confession too. He wouldn’t understand the deep meaning behind her words, But she was experiencing it.
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