Hi! So, I am back with another TeniPuri fic based on a fairy tales. Anyways, better get this out of the way. I do not own Prince of Tennis in any way, shape, or form. I also do not own Cinderalla, just in case anyone gets picky over that. I wrote this fic purely for fun and earned no monetary profit whatsoever from it. So you can't sue me! XP This IS a boy/boy fic. If you don't like that, don't read it, and don't complain to me if you do read it and you don't like boy/boy. You have been warned! If you do like what you read, please comment. They are much appreciated, as is any HELPFUL criticism (not flames). I hope everyone enjoys this new fic, and I make no promises on updates. School life makes things a bit wacky when it comes to updating. But I will update, I swear! Enjoy!

Here is the summary I could not fit in the little space gives us!

Summary: Sanada is the son of the late Baron Tezuka Kunimistu, but you wouldn't know it by looking at how the head of household and Baron Regent Yukimura Seiichi treats Sanada. Made to be little better than a personl servant to Yukimura and his two sons, Sanada yearns to escape Yukimura's cluthces and claim his birth right. Unable to stand the treatment any longer, Sanada attempts to flee and runs into the most unlikely of people - the Royal Heir Apparant, Prince Atobe. The two strike up a frienship, and it soon becomes obvious that there is more to their friendship that just being friends. But Sanada discovers Yukimura has plans of his own for the Prince. Can Sanada come to terms with the death of his father and his own feelings in time to stop Yukimura's plot? Loosely based on Cinderella.

Enjoy, and remember to comment! Thanks!

The First Masque

Plink, plink, plink.

Sanada watched the smooth stone glide across the water, kissing its surface at regular, shortened intervals until it finally lost all momentum and sank beneath the large pond's black surface. Absently, he fingered another similar stone in the palm of his hand (though some people could only refer to the appendage as a paw), and tossed it across the pond after the first stone.

Plink, plink, plink.

This was one of the few quiet, solitary moments in his life that he found he could enjoy. There was nothing to bother him, the quiet sounds of the pond's water and his horse's snuffling soothing when set against the grind of a busy household. He tossed another stone out into the water, watching it sink beneath the dark waters, leaving only a few tiny ripples as testament to its passing. When the ripples disappeared, so did the rock's existence fade. It was saddening in a way, but Sanada found he mused on such depressing ideas lately.

He turned when he heard the rustling of bushes behind him, calmly regarding the flushed and obviously irate Horio. "There you are," he squawked.

"So it would seem," Sanada returned neutrally.

Horio brushed himself off and straightened, puffing out his chest in order to make himself look more intimidating, no doubt, but Sanada found that hard to imagine when he towered over the boy by at least a good two feet or so.

"Master is looking for you," Horio said when he had his breath back, his unibrow wiggling like an ugly caterpillar as his jaw worked.

Of course Master was. He had overstayed his welcome at the lake. He nodded, saying nothing, and went to the massive black Clydesdale munching on sweet pond grass. With only a slight grunt he hauled himself onto the beast's back, the only beast in the barn that could accept his sheer size and weight and either not be crushed or make him look ridiculous. He clicked his tongue and gathered the reins, turning the animal away from the pond and back into the woods, ignoring the bleating protests of Horio. He had gotten this far under his own power; he could get back in the same manner.

Sanada guided his mount easily through the lush forestland, surprisingly subtle and gentle in his gestures for his size. He was sure neither to move to quickly nor to slow. He wanted to savor his moments riding alone with nothing by horseflesh beneath him and the forest surrounding him. When he returned to the manor, all of that would slide away like a clown's make-up, revealing the reality beneath the illusion.

He knew he was getting close when his mount raised its massive head, ears perked forward. Sanada looked away from the sea of tree trunks he had been contemplating, and regarded his home as quietly as he did everything else.

Seigaku Manor loomed just beyond the trees. Built in the traditional style nearly a thousand years ago, it was only two stories tall and only in certain places, but covered a large amount of ground. The roofs were a dull red; the tiles fitted neatly and precisely, the edges curled up thanks to the ancient belief that curled roofs repelled evil spirits. The house itself gleamed in the pale spring sunlight, the cherry wood walls polished so that one could see their face reflected on the wood. The front of the manor was only single storied, but housed a majority of the Manor's valuables. Rugs, vases, lanterns, and other paraphernalia that spoke of wealth in a tasteful manner lined the halls and receiving rooms. It had taken many years to collect those treasures, so why not put them on display? Not only did they remind visitors of the Family's taste, they reminded one of the Family's long history and influential power. Towards the back was where the second stories came into play. Guests and Family claimed the rooms on the upper floor, while servants and visitors of no importance made their home on the lower floors. The upper floor looked down into the private courtyard, where delicate and priceless flowers were tirelessly cultivated and several sakura trees made the summer and fall quiet beautiful – if you had the time to enjoy them.

But the Clydesdale wasn't interested in the manor. It was interested in the large, low building at the back and a bit to the north of the Manor, which were the stables. Sanada let the animal have its head, but kept it to a slow walk as they neared the building. He dismounted at the doors and led the black brute into the cool shadows of the stables and into his box, untacking the beast and giving it fresh water before putting up his equipment, and decided the confrontation he knew was coming could not be put off any longer.

He walked up to the back servant's entrance, slid out of his shoes, and slid open the wooden door to the kitchens. He slid into the indoor sandals all servants wore when within the confines of the Manor, and wove his way through the complicated network of halls and doors that made up the servants' area, ignoring the pitying glances he received from the other servants.

He made his way up to the second level and down a broad hallway towards a large set of sliding doors at the end. He slid the door back and entered an antechamber, filled with small pieces of finery that made any servant who had to clean them jump at the mere thought of touching them they were so delicate. He ignored them and made his way to the second set of doors and knelt on both knees before wrapping his knuckles against the wood and paper door.

"Enter."

The voice was even, totally devoid of emotion, much like Sanada's.

Sanada knew he was in trouble.

Taking a breath, he slid the door aside, rose and came in, then knelt and closed it once more. He turned and kept his bowed position, perfectly aware of the three people in the room.

"Where have you been, Sanada?" the voice from earlier asked with false curiosity.

"Exercising," Sanada said, part truth and part lie.

There was no sound for a moment. "I see," the voice mused. "And Sanada, tell me, what time is it?"

"Shortly past noon."

"Correct," the voice said with mock approval. "And what happens around this time on this particular day?"

"Master Jackal arrives for his daily tutoring session with Sir Marui," Sanada replied evenly.

"Correct," the voice said, and Sanada heard the rustle of silks as the voice's owner rose. "So now, Sanada, my question is why our dear Master Jackal is not here?"

"Because, Sir Marui was to travel to his home this day because Master Jackal has broken his leg," Sanada replied.

"Exactly," the voice said, growing colder by the minute. "So, tell me why it is we are just finding out about this change of plans after Master Jackal has failed to arrive?"

"I took the message and passed it to Horio to deliver to you," Sanada explained. "You had assigned me other, more pressing duties at the time the message arrived."

"So this is Horio's fault then?" the voice said like smooth, cold ice.

Sanada bit his tongue before the accusation could come out. Yes, it was Horio's fault. He had given the boy the message to bring to the man he now stood before, but being the addle-brained fool he was, he'd probably forgotten, or simply not delivered the message on general, spiteful principles. It was no secret Horio harbored no love for Sanada, being from the Master's original household.

"No," Sanada said. "I should have checked to make sure the message was delivered."

"Yes, you should have," the voice said in a soft, malicious whisper. "Now, we still have time to rectify this mistake. You are to go to the stables and saddle mounts for yourself and Marui. You will escort him to Master Jackal's and escort him back here when his lessons are complete. After which, you are to report back to me. I have a special task for you as punishment."

Sanada nodded wordlessly.

"Rise," the voice commanded.

Sanada rose from his kneeling position, erecting himself to his full height. He lifted his eyes from the ground, looking out dispassionately from behind his lashes at the three people in the room.

Sitting in the corner were two boys, roughly thirteen years Sanada's juniors. Each sported magenta red hair, though one wore it in a neat angular cut and the other's looked as if he'd just woken up. These two were Marui and Gakuto, the Master's sons. Marui was regarding Sanada with a sort of malicious glint as he chewed on one of his ever-present gummy candies – a bad habit no one had ever bothered to break him of. They both stood roughly the same height, both equally thin and lithe, complete opposites to Sanada's Neanderthal bulk. Both of them shared the cruel streak of their father, eager to play pranks and exercise what power they had within the household. Neither was as subtle as their father, but that hardly mattered at this point in their education.

Standing before him was the more imposing and deadly of the three people. His name was Yukimura Seiichi, also known as the Master, and Baron Regent of Seigaku manor. He was incredibly young for such a role, or to have two five-year-old sons, as he was only twenty-two. Sanada himself was eighteen, but that clearly made no difference to the man standing before him. Many people initially mistook Yukimura for a female upon first seeing him, for he was that beautiful. A narrow face with elegant features was framed with wavy black hair, the envy of many women. Like his sons, he was thin, but lithe, as deadly with a sword as he was with pen and words. In public he dressed in deerskin trousers that accented his legs and doublets with intricate designs that highlighted these features, but in private he preferred loose yukata or kimonos, depending on his mood.

And as Sanada knew so well, that beauty was only skin deep.

Yukimura Seiichi had entered his life roughly two years ago. Sanada's father, the late Baron Tezuka, had just lost both his wife and his head of household. Incapable of running the household as a wife had, he sent word to neighboring Dukedoms and shires asking if they knew of anyone could take up the job. Barely two weeks later, Yukimura appeared at the door, all smooth smiles and glittering eyes.

Sanada was instantly entranced and fearful of this new man. If his father sensed the same, he said nothing. Yukimura moved in the day he appeared. He quickly established himself as a militaristic taskmaster, forcing order on the household with a delicate, yet iron fist. The changes were subtle, but they were there. Yukimura had a schedule and a way of doing things. Either you did them his way, or you were dismissed without warning. Tezuka, being of the same military mind set as his new head of household, applauded the changes. For sure they worked flawlessly – the house had never been so efficient. But Sanada still felt wary of the man. Why would a head of household have such a military mindset and way of doing things? His mother had been attentive, but not brutal. Yukimura was not either, but he certainly expected to be obeyed, and failure was not tolerated a second time.

Yukimura also had no problem putting Sanada to work when he could. After his studies (both historical, economical, and martial), Yukimura could usually find a chore for him, but one suited to his station as the Baron's son. Mostly, he put Sanada to work in the stables, explaining that Sanada needed an education in horseflesh, as all nobles should. His father did not argue it, and Yukimura never attempted to do more.

After nearly six months living under the Baron's roof, the inevitable happened. Sanada had woken up from a bad dream late at night and slipped out into the hall, but heard a strange noise from the direction of his father's rooms. Going to investigate, he heard the unmistakable sounds of sex – and the two voices issuing from the room where his father's and Yukimura's. Sanada never said anything about his knowledge of this, and his father never broadcasted it, nor did Yukimura ever hint of their new relationship. It didn't affect anything on the outside, so it didn't matter… at the time.

A year and half after Yukimura's arrival, he requested permission to move his family to the manor. Clearly the idea of a 'family' shocked his father, since it sent him into a cold, dark mood Sanada had only ever seen after the death of his wife, Fujima. Yukimura obviously said the right things and smoothed the problem out, since roughly two weeks later two little red headed boys appeared. Yukimura explained they were his sons off his own deceased wife from an arranged marriage, a pair of twins. He had waited to bring them since he feared his position might not be permanent (the fear obviously set aside when he was sure he was a permanent fixture in Tezuka's bed).

Tezuka did not immediately warm to the children, nor they to him, and Sanada kept his distance. Like his father, Sanada never had a knack for children. But it turned out that this hardly mattered. Roughly two years and three months after Yukimura's arrival, Tezuka fell ill – fatally so. Baron Tezuka Kunimitsu died in early spring, and his death brought more than just grief. It turned out he had made changes to his will no one had been privy to. For instance, Yukimura Seiichi was now appointed Regent Baron until Sanada reached his majority at twenty-one.

And soon after this revelation, Yukimura made changes to the house. He dismissed half of Tezuka's former household and brought in people from his old home (people like Horio, who knew Yukimura's wrath). Not only that, but Yukimura pushed Sanada into a position just above servant in the household, gave his room to the twins, and sent Sanada to the lower levels. If other Lords visited, he permitted Sanada to resume his role as Baronet, but otherwise kept him pegged as far down the hierarchal ladder as Yukimura could. No one knew why there was this sudden change in the dynamic. Before, no one, not even Sanada, had suspected such hatred from Yukimura towards himself.

Ever since, Sanada had served as Yukimura and the twins' personal servant, and today's treatment was just one more subtle cruelty Yukimura executed.

"Go," Yukimura murmured.

Sanada bowed and left the room, banking the rage of over half a year of servitude that flickered to life inside him.

"For the last time, I said no!"

"And, for the last time, every Prince and Princess in the history of our nation has had a Coming Out Ball on their eighteenth birthday!"

Prince Atobe glared at his father, his cheeks flushed in anger as he met the uncompromising gaze of King Shishido. As impulsive and possibly high strung as his son, the King would have his way or none at all, which made the Kingdom glad Shishido's lover Choutarou (sometimes referred to as 'the Queen') managed to cool his temper and direct him towards more thought out decisions. The Kingdom also sighed in relief as Atobe displayed more cool headedness than his father, but winced at his displays of vanity and ego. To alike to get along half the time now that Atobe was nearly eighteen, it usually resulted in fights – like now.

"You will have a Ball!" Shishido growled.

Atobe knew he was loosing this battle. Choutarou was usually neutral, but a quiet discussion warning him of the coming storm earlier that day made it clear that the Queen was on the side of his lover this time. And it seemed that arguing with his father was not going to get him anywhere either.

"Fine," he snarled, realizing arguing was no use. "But I get to determine everything about it, right down to what napkins the guests get on their plates!"

The King glared at his son, and Atobe stared back at his father with equal stubbornness. Finally, King Shishido nodded, and Atobe smirked. He'd won.

"Fine, but all your ideas go through me," Shishido grated.

"Fair enough," Atobe agreed, knowing he could twist Choutarou to make sure all his ideas got through. The Queen was eager to make sure Atobe liked him, since everyone knew Atobe always found ways to oust those from the castle and inner circles of society he found distasteful.

Shishido glared once more at Atobe, no doubt to try and drive home his point, then spun on his heel and left, his military boots clacking brazenly over the marble floor. Atobe watched him go, glaring daggers at his father's back. When he heard the door to his antechamber slam shut, he let out the scream of rage that had been building inside him since his father burst into his rooms and declared he was to have a 'Coming Out Ball'.

Atobe was not as stupid as his father sometimes seemed to think. Atobe knew he was vain and egotistical (he had right to be, thank you very much), but he wasn't a fool. The 'Coming Out Ball' was called a tradition – a special banquet/dance held for all Princes and Princesses of the kingdom on their eighteenth birthday. Officially it was thrown to represent that prince or princess's arrival into adult hood, and their ability to take over the role as King or Queen at a moment's notice. Unofficially, it was like slapping a big red sign on said prince or princess with big, bright red letters that said 'IT IS NOW APPROPIATE TO MAKE A BID FOR MARRIAGE'. The balls were usually filled with hundreds of upper rank nobles and their daughters, not to mention a few dignitaries from nearby kingdoms. As much as the banquet was a way to say Atobe was ready to become King, it was more a way to scout a potential wife, and in a few instances in the past had turned into a betrothal ball.

It was not that Atobe disliked the idea of women fawning over him, it was the idea of him being displayed as a piece of meat before others, and whoever made the best offer got him as the prize. It irked him to no end, and if he had anything to say about it, that was not how his ball would be run!

In years past, the Coming Out Balls had the reputation for being unbearably formal. Well, Atobe had plans to change that. For one, he planned to have his ball themed. A Masquerade! That would throw a wrench in the plans of those mothers and fathers trying to thrust their children into prominent positions in the kingdom, and kept Atobe from having to sit on dais all night. In fact, he planned to remove the royal dais from the enter set up! There would be two royal chairs – one for King Shishido, and one for his lover. Atobe would not have one. He planned to move among the crowd, masked, speaking, dancing, singing at his own will. He refused to be kept to a chair, and with masks he could more easily speak to potential wives and judge for himself who would be the best match. Having his father choose his bride for him seemed too informal, as much as he knew he probably wouldn't like the girl he was hitched to anyways.

And even better – he planned to move the whole affair outside. There would be grand tents and gardens, and if he had his way there would be a literal circus lining the walk to the royal tent. His Coming Out Ball would go down in history as either the most amazing display of royal taste ever, or the greatest scandal. Either way, Atobe would have his way.

But he needed to plan everything out, and he wouldn't get much planning done in the castle. Despite what a lot of people thought, the castle was actually quite noisy. It housed a host of dignitaries and visiting lords with their retinues. Servants scurried back and forth trying to please one or more lords, soldiers switched shifts or walked by on patrol, lords bellowed at each other or laughed amiably. Peace was a thing rarely found in the palace except in the dead of night.

So that meant going out. Perfect.

"Yuushi!" be bellowed as he went to his wardrobe and starting picking out his favorite riding clothes.

There was the soft clacking of boots and Atobe peered around the door of his wardrobe to watch as his best friend and personal bodyguard entered his room. Yuushi was a handsome fellow, with a masculine narrow face, a delicate nose upon which perched a pair of silver and glass spectacles you hardly noticed if you didn't know he actually wore them, pleasantly thin lips, and narrow eyes that sparkled with a semi-malicious intelligence Atobe admired. His blue hair was brushed to a sheen, and for all that was he was dressed as immaculately as one could be, Yuushi's hair feel to his chin in a spray of messy wisps that made him far more handsome than one thought possible.

Atobe never understood why Yuushi submitted himself to being Atobe's bodyguard. Even though he called his bodyguard Yuushi, his full name was Lord Oshitari Yuushi, second in line for the title Duke Oshitari, and to some degree in line for the throne (which he wouldn't see in his lifetime if Atobe remained hale and healthy and produced heirs). He had met the man at a young age at his 'Royal Ascendance Ball' – basically an overly pompous and overdone birthday party when he turned eight – or, when he looked back on it, it was more like Yuushi had been presented to him as a gift. It was not uncommon for the highest ranking lords to send second and third sons into the service of the royal family personally, and Duke Oshitari had enough influence to maneuver Yuushi into one of the most prominent of such positions – Atobe's personal bodyguard. Ten years later Yuushi was still here, and Atobe's truest friend and confidant.

"You called?" Yuushi asked, not even bothering to pretend to be the ever respectful and obedient bodyguard he technically was.

Atobe came out from behind the wardrobe's doors, lacing up the front of his riding britches. "We're going out," he informed Yuushi.

Yuushi's eyes raked Atobe up and down over the rim of his glasses, making Atobe wonder if Yuushi was undressing him or dressing him down in his mind. It was one of the few looks from his friend he had never quite been able to figure out.

"Very well," Yuushi agreed. "Shall I send the pages to get Hyotei ready?"

Hyotei was Atobe's state gelding – a great white beast that was identifiable from a mile away. He glared at Yuushi, and Yuushi simply smirked back. He so did love being a smart ass, no doubt reveling in the privilege of being able to get away with it in Atobe's presence.

"If I wanted to get caught, yes," Atobe snapped as he pulled out his favorite pair of knee high riding boots and slipped them on. "Tell them to ready Kabaji."

Kabaji was a large draft animal, gentle in nature and action, and usually used as a training animal for visit children of lords and ladies' that wished to learn to ride. Nondescript and certainly not the type of animal a prince usually rode, Kabaji was perfect for sneaking out on horseback and going unnoticed.

"As you say," Yuushi said, starting to turn on his heel.

"Oh, and Yuushi," Atobe called as he opened a trunk and pulled out a worn riding vest.

"Yes, Keigo?" Yuushi arched a perfect blue brow.

"Pack some snacks," Atobe smirked.

Yuushi's lips split in what amounted to a gentle smile for him. "As you wish." He completed his turn and headed out to the hall to flag down the nearest pageboy, leaving Atobe to finish dressing for his impromptu outing.