Hello, this is my first story for Midnight Cinderella. I know the game came out in 2016 (I think), but I only recently downloaded it and began playing it religiously. I decided to make a story out of it because I just haven't been all that satisfied with the way things are going in-game, and I need more drama/suspense. There are going to be some instances in this story where you might recognize it from the game, but the rest I've made up. I do not own rights to the in-game characters or setting, those belong to Cybird. I only own the OCs I've made up for the story. I have written other fanfics for other groups on this website, so I'm not really new to .


The morning sun shone brightly upon the quiet kingdom of Wysteria. In the town square, shops were bustling with customers as the day was about to officially begin. Men and women bartered, sold, and offered goods to one another. Homes smelled of fresh muffins and eggs, and children were lining up for their daily classes. Birds chirped brightly from their trees, singing to one another their love. There were clouds in the sky, but they were only every so often; Wysteria was known for is clear, spring days. There were a few children trying to hide away from school; not many were successful in their endeavor. It was just another beautiful, bright, and sunny day in Wysteria.

The beauty of the moment only lasted for a short time. Dress hiked up, shoes worn out, and hair askew, a young girl zig-zagged her way through the thickening crowd. She flew out apologizes from her mouth as quickly as she could before disappearing behind someone, "Hey, watch out! "she heard people shout at her, but the words jumbled together and she only replied with: "My apologies! "every time, not even listening to what they had to say. She looked up at the clock tower in the square. Oh no, I'm late! She thought, cursing herself. In her right hand was a slip of paper, an invitation.

This young girl was heading to the Wysterian palace, because on this day, they would be choosing the highly sought out position of the Princess Elect.

In Wysteria, they had a different, unconventional way of picking their royalty. While the followed the traditional lineage route, where Kings and Queens had children, and their oldest son would take the throne, sometimes that just didn't happen. Sometimes, Kings and Queens didn't produce heirs. That's what happened in this case. The current King of Wysteria has no children, and never really sought to have any. The solution provided by the government? The Royal Adviser would help in selecting a Princess Elect; a young girl who would hopefully becoming a strong monarch with a selected husband.

This unconventional way was sneered upon by other neighboring kingdoms, but it had been working in Wysteria for generations.

While this girl had been invited to the palace for this reason, she had her own agenda. As she neared the palace, she began to slow down to a fast walk—she didn't want to look like she'd been running, even though she really had from her schoolhouse to the palace, and it was not just a hop, skip, and jump away. Nervously, she fixed the ruffles that had appeared on her sky blue dress. She looked down and noticed that the hem was slightly stained from mud. Cursing at herself, she knew it was too late to try and clean it off. She fixed her light brown hair, trying to flatten it out to make it appear less tousled and odd looking. Finally, she approached the large, iron gates that led to the palace.

However, upon arrival, she realized they were shut and locked.

She grew slightly pale, oh god, am I really that late? She approached the gate and tried to pull it open herself, but to no avail. She pressed her forehead against the smooth metal of the gate and closed her eyes.

The day before, she had been approached by one of her favorite students, who had asked her to find a mythical flower from a storybook. At first, she was going to gently tell the young student that the flower was not real, but after seeing the look on her student's face, so hopeful and pleading, she had given in and had agreed to search for it. However, the student told her that the only place to find it would be at the palace. She had been wary about how she'd be able to get in, but when the invitation came to her later that same day, she knew it was a sign.

Now, though, all hope seemed lost as she stood outside the palace, the gates locked firmly shut. She groaned inwardly.

"Hey, you! What are you doing? "a voice called out.

She heard the question and immediately snapped her head up to turn around. Approaching her was a tall young man, no older than herself. He had brown hair, darker than her own, and almost red-looking eyes. He wore the Wysterian guard armor, and carried a sword at his side. His expression was that of annoyance, but as he neared, she could see the curiosity in his eyes.

"Well? Are you going to answer my question? "the guard asked. The girl straightened her posture to not appear intimidated, even though she very much was, "I'm here for the…election ceremony, "she lied, it was the only thing she could think of. The guard looked her up and down, "Really? "he asked, but it was more of a confused statement.

The girl crossed her arms, "Yes, I am, sir, "she replied, trying to sound polite. The guard chuckled under his breath, "Fine, I'll let you in. "he then gave her an award-winning smile, "But, who are you? "

The girl gave him a smile, feeling more at ease, "My name is Elina, "she told him. The man nodded, "It's a beautiful name, "he said. Elina smiled again, slightly blushing, "Thank you. Might I ask what your name is? "

The guard banged on the gate, and two more approached from the other side to unlock it and open it up, "My name's Captain Alyn Crawford, "he stated proudly, turning to look at her as the gates opened. Elina felt embarrassed now; she had been acting like a fool in front of the Captain of the Wysterian guard.

"Forgive me, I did not know I was this late, "she said, curtsying as best as she could. Alyn nodded, "Well, I can't escort you to the ceremony, but it's just past the garden. Can't really miss it, "he pointed her towards the direction of the garden, which was just around the corner. Elina curtsied again, "Thank you, "

"No problem, "Alyn flashed another heart throbbing grin before escorting her inside. He stopped just as they passed the gates, "Don't be anymore late than you are already, "he said. Elina smiled at him, "I won't, "she promised, but it was another lie.

Elina walked through the palace grounds in search of the garden. She remembered the words her student had told her, "It's a pretty white flower! "she had said, "You'll know it when you see it, Miss Elina! "

The smile that her student had given her brought a smile to her own face as she reached the palace garden, "It has to be here somewhere, "she said, sifting through the array of flowers. There were lilacs and roses, daisies and peonies, but none were like the flower her student had described. She knew that the ceremony was well underway now; there was no point to go and try to sneak in. Besides, she wasn't interested in becoming Queen.

"What are you doing? "

A voice cut through her thought process and she jumped up, startled. She had been leaning over a bush full of flowers when she was interrupted. She turned around quickly to see who had spoken to her.

A tall, elegant looking man stood before her. He practically glowed under the sunlight. He had platinum blonde hair, and the clearest, bluest eyes she'd ever seen. He wore a blue toned coat over a dark purple vest and black pants with a white scarf around his neck, and his hands were covered by black gloves. However, he was not smiling, and his eyes were piercing right through her in annoyance. He was completely different from the first man she'd met.

"I-I'm sorry if I disturbed you, sir, or anyone, "Elina tried to sound as calm as she could, "but I'm merely looking for something. "

"…and it's in the flowers? "he asked, but his cold demeanor never changed. Elina felt awkward under his stare, "Y-yes, "she replied, trying not to stutter. Still, his expression remained cold, "What is it you're looking for? "he took a step forward, but stopped himself from walking any farther.

Suddenly, Elina felt incredibly childish. But, she couldn't tell him that she was there for the ceremony, not now. She inhaled sharply, "I'm here to look for a particular flower…from a book. "

"What kind of book? "he inquired, "A storybook, "she replied.

This time, Elina saw a slight change in his expression; his eyebrow quirked up slightly. However, as soon as she'd blinked, his face had returned to a bleak, icy expression, "You're looking for a flower from a made up story, "he stated slowly, as if he was processing it. Elina nodded, "Yes, for my student, "she went on, trying to explain herself, "she asked me to look for this flower, and I couldn't say no. "

"I see, "the man looked her up and down. She could just feel him judging her, "What is your name, might I ask? "he then said. Elina released a breath she had no idea that she'd been holding, "Elina, "she replied, trying to stand straighter, "Elina Aldaine, "

She saw his eyebrow quirk up again slightly, but then he was back to a stone face, "Interesting, "He said softly, almost as if he didn't want her to hear him. Elina crossed her arms behind her back, "Sir, might I know your name? "she asked.

The question seemed to take him by surprise, as his eyes widened slightly before dimming again, "Why? You don't need to know it, "he stated bluntly, coldly, but then he shrugged, "Very well, if you truly want to know. My name is Duke Louis Howard, "he said it so regally that Elina felt overpowered. However, once she heard it, she immediately dropped into an awkward curtsey, "Oh, my lord, I-I had no idea I—, "

"There's nothing wrong, "he said, waving her off. She stood back up slowly. After an awkward silence, he looked back at her with a stone-cold gaze, "You should leave soon, "he then said abruptly. Elina bit her lip to keep from laughing at him, "But, I haven't found what I came for, your grace, "she replied. Louis sighed, "Fine, continue looking for your flower. But afterwards, leave, as soon as you can, Miss Elina, "he said it almost pleadingly, as if he was trying to beg her to leave without sounding like it at all.

"I will, sir, thank you, "Elina curtsied again, and Louis bowed slightly her way. He turned around and walked off, taking long strides. For a moment, he seemed to hesitate in walking away, but he continued on. Elina finally felt like she could breathe.

She was just about to go back to looking through the flowers when she felt a hand grab her shoulder. Startled, she whirled around to attack, but found instead a young boy. He was taller than she, with bright pink hair and brown eyes. He must've been around her age at least, as he looked younger than Louis. Elina sighed, "I'm sorry, I'm going to be leaving soon, "she began to apologize quickly.

The boy gave her a confused look, "What? "he then asked, "Oh! Yes, I've come to get you, "he said, extending his hand, "Get me? For what? "Elina inquired. She hesitated, but his smile made her feel more at ease, "Well, can you tell me who you are first? "she asked.

The boy laughed in embarrassment, "Oh, of course! You must be curious, my name's Nico, Nico Meier. I work here at the palace, "he explained, "now, if you would please come with me. "

Elina wanted to question more, but he grabbed her hand and began dragging her along, "Where are we going? "she asked. Nico smiled at her brightly, "To see my boss, "he replied simply. A wave of panic washed over Elina. Was she getting in trouble for staying in the garden too long? Elina prayed that wasn't the case as Nico lead her through the palace. They went through winding hallways and twisting stairs before finally stopping in front of a door. Elina had never been more tired in her life.

"A-are we…finally…here? "she asked, panting slightly. Nico nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, just right through here. "he knocked on the door, and it opened.

Elina was now face-to-face with another tall man. This one was much older than Nico as well, with dark purple hair that fell to his shoulders and large brown eyes. He wore a dark suit, almost like a butler. "Ah, thank you, Nico, "he said, his voice thick and soothing. Nico smiled at him and scurried away.

The man opened the door for Elina, "Please, miss, come in, "he said, smiling at her warmly. Elina stood at the door, frozen, "Um…forgive me for asking, but what's going on? "she knew what she was doing was rude, but she needed to have her questions answered, "Is there something going on? Am I getting in trouble for being in the garden, because if I am, sir, I am so sorry—, "Elina was cut off by a swift of his hand.

"No need, for apologizing, miss…, "his voice trailed off.

"Oh! Yes, my name is Elina. Elina Aldaine, "she curtsied, "And whom am I speaking to? "

"I am Giles Christophe, the Royal Adviser to the King, "the man replied, bowing. Elina's eyes grew wide, "Oh! Forgive me, I had no idea that I was talking to the Royal Adviser. I wouldn't have asked so many questions…, "she now trailed off, unsure as what to do.

"Is there a reason I'm here? "she then asked. Giles smiled at her, "I noticed you in the garden, Miss Elina. Your dress is awfully dirty. "

Elina felt her cheeks get red as she looked down at herself. While her hem had been dirty before her arrival, her blue dress was now stained with mud, and she hadn't even noticed. Is this what Louis was looking at?! Did I really look like this all the way here?! She was certain she and Nico had passed a few other people before arriving here, and she mentally slapped herself for her stupidity.

"Oh, yes, I was looking through the flowers, "Elina chuckled nervously, rubbing her arm with her hand. Giles only smiled kindly at her, "Well, we can't have you walking around like that now, can we? "he shot her a playful smirk as he turned around, "I took the liberty of acquiring this dress for you, "he said, turning back to face her with a gorgeous, blue dress. Elina's eyes grew wide, "W-what? Oh, no, sir, I couldn't accept this, "she tried to turn it down gracefully, but Giles only handed it to her.

"No, please, accept it, "he smiled, "It will go beautifully with your eyes, "Elina bushed slightly at the compliment, "Well, thank you, "she said, admiring the dress. She had been complimented on her eyes numerous times; her eyes were almost the color of amethysts.

Giles exited the room giving Elina privacy. She was able to slip of her mud-stained dress and pull on the new one. Giles was right, it did go with her eyes. The color of the dress fit will with her eyes, and the grey accents also went in nicely. Elina was glad the dress was long enough to cover her soiled shoes.

She opened the door to find Giles waiting. He smiled, "Beautiful, "he said. Elina blushed slightly, "Thank you, sir, but I still don't understand why you've given me a nice dress, "she went on. Giles merely extended his hand, and she took it. Be began escorting her back down, and she inwardly groaned at the thought of descending the stairs.

"Well, you have to look presentable once we make the announcement, "Giles began as they descended. Elina turned her head to look at him, "Announcement of what? "she arched a brow, pushing away her bangs with her free hand. Within no time, they were able to make it back down. It seemed a lot shorter to Elina than when she'd gone up the stairs.

"Why, we must announce to the ladies' waiting so patiently, "he said, leading her to a door. "Ladies? "Elina watched Giles open a door, and suddenly she was standing in front of a crowd of women. They were all nobility; they were fine dresses and furs and jewels, all of them had their hair done up and perfectly curled, braided, and twisted into beautiful hairstyles. They fanned themselves with delicate, sleek fans, and none of them sat down.

"Ladies, please, may I introduce you to Miss Elina Aldaine, the chosen Princess Elect, "Elina whipped her head in bewilderment to look at him as there was a collective gasp of disbelief in the room.

"What!? "


And this is the first chapter to my fanfic! I hope I'll be able to continue writing, my life is very hectic and it can be hard for me to write continuously at a time. R&R

xoxo, Queen.