Hi! This is my first multi-chaptered fic for the YOI fandom, I hope that you enjoy and will join me for the journey that this fic will take!

I was prompted by Shiranai Atsune with Prince/Princess relationship. Cinderella was the first thing that popped into my head after seeing this prompt, so I started writing a plot outline along a Cinderella kind of theme but then ideas sprouted forth and it turned into what it is now. I really hope that I've done this some justice you know? It's actually quite fun to write. So, if you squint, you may see connections to Cinderella as it very much inspired this fic. I currently have absolutely no idea how long this fic will be, so I'm just going to go with it. Also, I have no clue as to how often I will update at this moment in time, as I'm just about to head back to university in about a week. But I will update when ever I can.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 1: First Meetings (Part 1)

Viktor had a secret A very big secret.

One that could get him in big trouble. It could even cost him his life if he wasn't careful. He could not tell his uncle, Yakov. Not if he wanted to be exiled or imprisoned indefinitely. He also had to maintain his false persona for all the land – he was the prince after all. People looked up to him as an example and if they found out, who knew what the reaction would be.

You might have guessed.

I'm gay.

No question about it. Viktor started to come to terms with his sexuality when he started crushing on his only friend Christophe back when he was a teen. Soon after acknowledging this, he knew that it was not good. As a member of the royal family, he was expected to marry a woman and have children with her to continue the royal bloodline. Only children of his 'wife' would be legitimate heirs to the throne according to the laws of the land that were set years in the past.

But what if he didn't want that? A wife that is.

Viktor was growing up in an age where the perspective of people on certain issues were starting to change. Women were protesting everywhere, wanting an equal place in the world alongside men. So, why should the law state who you can and cannot love? If you fall in love, it's meant to be right? Well, that's what all the romantic fairy-tale's say where the princess and prince fall in love. Or are we supposed to hide who we really are just to follow social norms? Fairy-tales are about heterosexual couples after all.

Viktor didn't want to hide his true self.

He wanted to fall in love with a man. He wanted to able to openly love whoever he wanted and share his treasured relationship with the world. Even if it came with consequence. But being the prince stopped him though.

How would his people feel as he 'rebels' against the laws by openly expressing who he truly is? He didn't even have any clue on Yakov's position on any sexuality that wasn't the 'norm'. And Viktor felt a duty to make Yakov proud of him. The man didn't have to take him in after his parents died, but he did.

So far, he had managed to hide his sexuality from the world for twelve years. Surely, he could survive a few more… Right? It had been easy enough. He just avoided any relationships that went any deeper than a friendship.

Unfortunately, Viktor didn't realise how difficult this was about to become.


Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Enter." Said a gruff voice.

Viktor hesitated in opening the door. He knew exactly what was about to be discussed.

"Ah, Vitya. I was wondering when you would get here."

"Hello uncle." Viktor sat in the chair that Yakov gestured too. "What did you want to discuss?"

"You're turning twenty-eight this year. I think it is time that you get married." Viktor's eyes widened. "You should have been married a few years ago, but I let it go in the hopes that you would find a desirable lady yourself. But alas, I think it is time that I should coordinate an arranged marriage for you."

It took all of Viktor's self-control not to scream out in frustration. "But Yakov..."

"No Vitya. It is time. I need to make sure that our line will carry on, which means you need a wife, and an heir."

How could he buy himself more time? "Uncle, I... I may have my eye on someone." Why did I say that?!

Yakov raised an eyebrow. "Is this lady a noble?"

"I'm not sure uncle. I didn't really know hi- her that well." Viktor's insides flipped. He prayed that Yakov would not pick up on his almost slip up.

"Well, Vitya, you should get to know her. But, if she isn't a perspective wife for you, I will contact some other families and arrange something for you. You have until the end of the month." Yakov observed Viktor carefully. He wondered what he was thinking – he didn't look particularly thrilled about this at all. But surely Viktor knew that he would have to marry eventually?

Three weeks. To find a wife. "What... what if she isn't a noble?"

"Well Vitya, if you fall in love, I think I can make an exception, depending on who they are of course. We can't have criminals in the royal line. But if she comes from a respected family of any status, then you may be able to marry her."

What about it if was a man? "Yes, uncle."

"You are dismissed."

Viktor didn't hesitate in getting up and moving towards the door. He had no idea what he was going to do now.

Yakov knew something was up with Viktor. He just didn't know what it was. Just before Viktor disappeared out the door, he called out to him. "Viktor."

Viktor didn't turn around. "Yes uncle?"

"You can come and talk to me about anything that is on your mind. You know that right?" Viktor turned his head. "I may be the king, but I am also family. And family always comes first."

"Of course." He left.

Yakov sighed. If only he knew what Viktor was thinking...


Viktor sat in his chambers that evening thinking over what he had to do. Somehow in the next three weeks, he had to find a wife or he would be paired off with some distant cousin probably. He shivered at the thought.

He didn't exactly lie when he said he had his eye on someone. It's just that it was a man. And maybe tonight will finally be the night that he actually talked to him. Yakov did technically say to get to know them first, right?

You see, Viktor had been sneaking out during the night. He really hated being confined to the palace all day every day, unless he was out on patrol or something. So, after enlisting the help of his only friend and now bodyguard, Christophe, he leaves the palace for a few hours after dinner almost every day.

"Don't be too long this time Viktor," Christophe said, handing the prince his coat, "and be careful."

Viktor rolled his eyes. "I know the drill."

What he'd usually do was make his way around town, speaking to wandering citizens and maybe enjoying an evening snack with them before heading down to the ice rink run by Takeshi Nishigori and his wife. They had offered him after hours practice on their outdoor rink because he was the prince after all. And they had kindly agreed not to mention his whereabouts to anyone.

But recently, the prince had taken to watching this man dance on the ice before him. He looked absolutely stunning on the ice with his jumps and step sequences. Tonight, was no exception. Viktor had even showed up earlier than normal to watch. He had it in his mind that he was finally going to say something.

The man skated around with someone who must have been his dear friend. Both were pretty good on the ice - their jumps were getting better and better every day. Laughter rang out when the slightly darker skinned man fell on the ice. Viktor couldn't help but smile.

"Your turn!"

The man that Viktor couldn't take his eyes off lined up for a jump. He started off, spun around and around, and fell awkwardly on his hip. Viktor's jaw dropped. Wow.

"OH MY GOD!" The man's friend shouted. "YOU NAILED THAT!" The pair embraced and Viktor cheered silently. The man got back up, laughing and seemingly ready to try again. Viktor watched as he took off.

One. Two. Three. Four. Slight wobble.

Viktor's jaw dropped. The man he was slowly and surely falling in love with had just landed his favourite jump - the quad flip. The prince knew that he just HAD to say something now. He stood up with determination and headed over to the skate hiring area. He smiled to himself as he heard the two boys cheering on the ice.

"Good evening Mr Viktor," Takeshi greeted. He handed the prince his personal pair of skates. Viktor heard the two men heading off the ice behind him.

"Good evening and thank you." Viktor smiled warmly.

The prince finally saw his opportunity. As casually as possible, he approached the pair who were now taking off their skates.

He cleared his throat. The pair turned to stare at him.

"Uh- hi, I... I just wanted to say what an amazing jump that was. I just caught it on my way in." Probably not the best idea to mention I've been watching him for a little while...

The man in from of him blinked. "Oh-" he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck as his cheeks turned red. "Thank you. Uh, I'm Yuuri." He held out his hand.

"Viktor." They shook hands and stared into each other's eyes. When Yuuri's friend started snickering, they both came out of their day dreams.

"Oh, and this is my friend Phichit." Viktor also shook hands with Phichit, but kept glancing back at Yuuri.

"We'd better get going Yuuri, our parents will be getting worried." Phichit said, grinning to himself as he watched Viktor and Yuuri casually glance at each other.

"It was lovely to meet you both. I hope we see each other again sometime." Viktor said smiling.

"Definitely." Yuuri replied. Viktor watched as Yuuri and Phichit walked away.

Yuuri.

What a beautiful name.

And his eyes. Viktor fell right into the depths of them.

Viktor was honestly quite surprised neither of them seemed to recognise him. Well, he didn't really care about that. Shaking himself out of his daydream, he finally got onto the ice, jumping quad flips more than he would usually.

He was definitely in love.