This was supposed to be a one-shot fluffy fairytale, but My Hand Slipped™ and it became multi-chapter slow burn romance. And I'm totally okay with that.
The Cinderella of the story is specified by name only for the ease of writing and reading. I tried to keep from specifying her hair, eye or skin color and body type etc., so this story might as well be treated as Reader x King!Noctis in third person, if that makes any sense.
Just imagine yourself as the princess here~
By Royal Invitation
The honor of Your presence is requested in the annual celebration of the Dawn Break
at the Citadel of Insomnia on Friday, 14th, Saturday, 15th and Sunday, 16th July at 8.00 p.m.
Evelia watched in disgust as her stepsisters, Drisella and Anastasia, fought over whose turn it was to hold the royal invitation in her hand.
"Word is that the King is going to choose a bride in the ball!" Drisella chided in excitement and snatched the piece of thick, embossed paper from her sister's unnaturally long fingers.
"Really?" Anastasia chirped, "Well it has been over ten years since the Oracle kicked the bucket! Poor King, losing his fiancé in such a horrible manner…"
"Imagine if I was to become the queen of Lucis!" Drisella squeaked excitedly and feigned a swooning motion.
"Imagine if I was!" The two sisters giggled in delight.
Evelia took another glance at their rejoicing, before her eyes fell back on the mirror she was wiping clean. After the mirrors and windows in the house, she would still have to clean and organize the food cabinets. Then, she would be done for the day and would finally have some time for herself. The thought was uplifting. Maybe she could go for a walk or read a book in peace.
Drisella and Anastasia strutted past Evelia. The royal invitation was tightly pinched between Drisella's fingers.
"You missed a spot," Anastasia said and spat on the mirror. "Oops, looks like I missed!" They cackled manically as Evelia's shoulders slumped and the corners of her mouth dropped.
It had been a year since the Chosen King of Lucis had conquered the darkness and brought the dawn back. Insomnia was flourishing. Rebuilding the city was still in progress, but every day more and more former refugees moved back into the city. People were opening new practices and starting businesses, and the center of trade in Eos was slowly tipping from Lestallum to Insomnia.
Evelia and her father had been amongst the first ones to pack up their small belongings in Leide and move back into the wrecked city. Her father had been a doctor. It had been an honor for him to help the people of new Insomnia with his medical skills. He had run his own clinic in the city and business had bloomed, even though he had always charged below the average. Evelia's days had been blessed with studying without a care in the world.
Until a short time after their move, her father had announced his intentions of marriage with a noble woman he had met at the clinic. Evelia's new stepmother had two daughters, both ill-willing and malicious creatures. Evelia had quickly learned that they had nothing in common with her but their age. And to think that at first Evelia had been excited to gain new sisters.
Things had become as bad as they could; her father had suddenly passed away, leaving his new wife to manage his funds and the profitable clinic. His last wish had been for his family to stick together during these hard times and Evelia was left hanging by the goodwill of her stepmother to not throw her on the streets. Her mind was set on finishing her medical studies one day, and starting a practice of her own, but in the ruined city, finding a willing teacher was not just hard, it was also very costly. There was no real university yet and people leaned on each other for education.
Evelia rubbed the mirror furiously with frustrated tears welling up in her eyes. Every day she debated between leaving the city for good and just accepting the way her life was now; as a servant for her stepmother and sisters.
Despite her miserable circumstances at home, Evelia was sure that someday her dreams of happiness would come true. She was not going to let her siblings discourage her. She refused to give up, no matter how hard things were sometimes. She had already been through more difficult times during the ten years of darkness.
They could not stop her from dreaming.
Evelia's mind wandered into the royal ball invitation. She would be thrilled to go, to see the King of Light with her own eyes. She had only seen him occasionally in the news and from that she could very well understand why Drisella and Anastasia had been so excited. The King was absolutely handsome.
Evelia never really kept up with recent events, but from what she had heard, King Noctis Lucis Caelum was a good ruler and well loved by his people. He had been praised by his decisive and swift take on handling the matters of his kingdom, but he also listened to his people. When the new Council had been appointed some months ago, it was a real feat how the King had kept the political bickering to a bare minimum, urging his advisors to keep the people's best interests first. Things were really looking up for Insomnia.
A furry flash of grey dashed past Evelia, the motion making her turn.
"Oh, Lucifer, you're not after another mouse, are you? I might need to check the traps…"
The fat cat positioned himself behind the couch, chin on the floor, eyes fixated under the piece of furniture.
Evelia frowned and shooed the cat away from stalking any potential living beings hiding under the couch. If there would be any mice in the traps that she had set in the basement, she would have to make another walk to the park near the wall surrounding Insomnia to set them free. Her stepmother had given clear instructions that any rodents found in the house were to be killed on sight, and Lucifer had taken the instructions to heart.
Days passed and turned into weeks. Drisella and Anastasia were all about the ball. It was the only topic that was talked about in the house as the July 15th drew closer.
The day the celebration of the Dawn Break at the Citadel would finally begin, Evelia walked to work half an hour early. She just couldn't stand to stay at home, even though her half-sisters were still asleep like they would be most likely until midday.
Last few weeks had been ever more horrible than usually. Evelia had had to run all over the city to fetch things for her sisters for the ball and help them try on the most beautiful gowns and jewelry she had ever laid her eyes on. Evelia had not discussed her participation in the festivities with her stepmother. She knew she would not be allowed to join, but shook the thought away, reminding herself to stay positive.
Evelia went through and organized everything behind the counter; thought there wasn't much to do because she had done the same thing before leaving work the day before. It was five minutes until opening time, when her co-worker Caitlin barged through the front door. Evelia lifted her gaze when she heard the doorbell jingle.
"Hey Cait," she greeted her co-worker.
"Morning, Eve. Sorry I'm late again," Caitlin huffed taking off her coat and shoulder bag.
"It's okay, I was only just going to open up," Evelia calmed and smiled.
Until noon, the day was tediously normal. The café was half-full most of the time and lunchtime was as busy as ever. Evelia was just making a latte macchiato for a customer when the doorbell jingled again. A pair of men paced behind the line at the counter, looking at the large blackboard menu on the wall.
Evelia eyed them curiously. They were both wearing dark and modest clothing, but something made them stick out. The taller one with long hair on a ponytail was very muscular and had two long scars on his face, one on the forehead and another one along the cheek. The shorter man, who was still taller than Evelia, wore a hoodie and had his hood on, so she couldn't distinguish anything but the side profile of his nose and cheeks.
Evelia was serving the next customer in the line, when Caitlin bumped her ribs gently with her elbow.
"Are you seeing this? Two words: Wow. Hot," Caitlin whispered to Evelia and eyed hungrily the taller man.
Evelia glanced at them again as she placed the just finished coffee order on the counter.
He was definitely Caitlin's type as far as Evelia knew. This time she could see the face of the other man too. His eyes were the most amazing shade of sapphire blue and he looked somehow familiar. Evelia just quite couldn't put her finger on it.
"Remember to smile," Caitlin purred in Evelia's ear before returning to serve her customers.
Evelia plastered the most genuine smile she could muster on her face.
"Hello, what can I get for you?" she said, her gaze darting between the two men. She had to resist the urge to look away bashfully when her eyes locked with the pair of sapphire gems. How was it even possible for a man to have enchanting eyes like those?
"Hi, I'll have a double espresso to go, please," the taller man ordered, taking a glance at beaming Caitlin, who was hovering behind the counter and shooting thirsty looks at him. He flashed a smile at her, making her flush instantly.
"Uh, hey and I'd like a large cappuccino, please." The shorter man smiled hesitantly at Evelia.
Evelia bit the insides of her lips hearing the man's voice. He sounded so nice and pleasant.
"Will you have it to go too?" Evelia asked, taking the chance to study his features. He really looked familiar, but from where could she have known him? They must have never met, because he didn't seem to recognize her either.
"Yeah, please."
Evelia turned to make their coffees, poking at her brain, trying to figure out who the man behind the counter was.
"This is a nice place, ain't it, Noct?" Evelia heard the taller man say to his companion.
"Yeah and it's a convenient walk away from the Citadel."
Citadel? Evelia didn't know anyone working there. Unless…
She turned to look at the two men, suddenly realizing who they were.
"Is everything okay?" the King's Shield asked her, furrowing his brows lightly at the abrupt movement.
Evelia caught herself staring at the King of Lucis when she should have been making his coffee order.
"Uh, would you like soy milk or regular in the cappuccino?" she asked hastily. Usually customers, who ordered something with milk, would define the type they would like to have without asking separately.
"Regular is fine, thanks," the King said and his hesitant smile widened into a gentle one.
Evelia nodded dumbfound and turned back to the coffee machine.
When the King and his Shield left the through the glass door with their cups, Caitlin instantly jumped next to Evelia.
"Oh by the Gods, do men like that really exist?" she heaved squeezing Evelia's arm.
"Aren't you excited," Evelia smirked at her.
"Hello? Did you see them?" Caitlin jested.
Evelia sighed, amused at Caitlin's enthusiasm and went back to serve the next customer. Yes, of course she had seen the King and his Shield visiting their small café. For the rest of the day whenever Evelia was making coffee orders, her thoughts wandered into those sapphire blue eyes and a gentle smile.
The workday was over too soon and Evelia headed home. She knew that she wouldn't be let in would she try to come home late without asking for permission to stay out first.
"Evelia dear, please clean the ash from the fireplace," her stepmother said not even looking at her when she walked through the front door.
"Mother, can we talk?" Evelia began carefully.
"Evelia, the fireplace. You can't light a fire in there if it's already full."
"Yes, of course, mother. I will fetch the dustpan now," she said and bit her lip, frantically thinking about how to phrase her words. She took a deep breath as she came back to the living room, where her stepmother was sitting on the couch, reading a book. Evelia swept the ashes from the fireplace as swiftly as she could, spilling the grey dust on her clothing in her haste.
"Mother?" Evelia began confidently.
Her stepmother let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, Evelia? Spit it out."
"Can I go to the ball tonight?" she splurted out hastily. The book closed with a loud bang.
"You? To the ball? Don't be ridiculous. The invitation was obviously meant for the noble families of Lucis."
"But I am a part of this family, aren't I?" Evelia said, gripping the dustpan with both hands. Her heart was jumping in her throat, making speaking difficult.
Her stepmother eyed her for a moment. "Very well, you can go"–Evelia's heart made a flip–"if you can finish your duties for the weekend before"–and sank.
"But there's only hours before the ball, I–"
"Oh, my dear, you're breaking your mother's heart with that picketing! You have your terms, now I suggest you hurry up."
A catty fit of giggles wafted from the doorway. Drisella and Anastasia trundled into the room, still laughing at the absurd idea of their little sister going to a royal ball. Their mother flashed a derisive grin at Evelia.
"Poor Evelia. All covered in ash!" Drisella blew on the dustpan Evelia was holding. She had to close her eyes to shield them as the ash scattered all over her. Drisella and Anastasia burst out in wicked laughter.
"Cinder-Evelia! You should be named Cinderelia! That would suit you better!" Anastasia mocked making her sister laugh even harder.
"Poor, poor Cinderelia!" the sisters chirped maliciously in choir.
Their mother stood up from the couch, making unappreciative clicks with her tongue.
"Clean this mess up, Evelia. Girls, you should be getting ready for the royal ball. Why are you still standing there?" she said shooing her daughters away and turned to Evelia. "If there was any uncertainty on the matter; no, you can't come to the ball unless you finish your duties first."
Evelia did not know what to say. Silent tears were rolling down her cheeks as she stood still with the dustpan in her hands. Everything was so unfair. Why did they treat her like this? She had done absolutely nothing to deserve their mockery and ire. Evelia sank on her knees to the floor and while heaving heavily from the sobs of despair, she swiped the floor clean from the ash.
She went to her room to get cleaned up and rest, but was soon called to help Drisella and Anastasia get dressed.
Their evening dresses were way too exuberant for Evelia's tastes. She really didn't think that showing their decolletes so generously would catch the King's eye. He hadn't seemed like a man who would be interested in a woman based on the amount of skin she was showing.
As Evelia was putting hair spray on Anastasia's hairdo, she thought about the pair of blue eyes she had met with that day. Evelia would have happily become better acquainted with their owner. Of course, the thought was ridiculous. He was the king and she wasn't even allowed to go to the ball so she could gaze at him from afar. Still, the memory of that warm smile made her heart flutter in a way she had not ever felt before.
"Are you ready girls?" Evelia's stepmother asked appearing at the doorframe. "Oh, you look so lovely my daughters! I know one of you will make your mother very proud. And royal." The trio giggled and Evelia sneered at them in disdain.
"Bye bye, Cinderelia!" Drisella and Anastasia chirped in glee, "We'll tell you all about how handsome the King is when we get back!"
"I can't wait," Evelia muttered after they had left the room.
The otherwise empty house was silent as Evelia paced into her room. She flopped on the bed and hugged her moogle plushie. Well, there was no point in moping about the once-in-a-lifetime royal ball anymore. She wasn't going to go there and instead it would be better to just focus on the bright side – Like the fact that the house was for once, empty and peaceful.
"Looks like it's just us now, Mr. Moogle… and Lucifer somewhere, probably sleeping on mother's bed. Should we watch TV– What was that?"
A faint blue glow reflected on the window, pulsing curiously. Evelia jumped up from the bed and went to look. The garden seemed to be empty.
Evelia screamed in surprise when another blue glimpse suddenly appeared in the air. She squeezed the soft moogle toy tighter and went downstairs with careful steps. It had probably just been a light from a car or something, or maybe someone was messing with her. The kids in the neighborhood liked that sort of pranks and would howl in laughter when they saw her coming outside, all shaky.
However, when Evelia arrived in the garden, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Nearby street lights were casting their soft, yellow light on the orderly flowerbeds. The large maple tree was humming gently in the light wind.
"Hello?" Evelia hooted looking around her.
"Good evening," a soft voice called out from behind her. She stifled a scream and turned quickly.
A dark haired woman in a black dress with golden ribbons around her waist stood before Evelia, smiling gently as if nothing could please her more than being there in that moment.
"Who are you?" Evelia asked. A warm aura surrounded the mystery woman, making Evelia somehow feel safe. Her grip of the stuffed moogle loosened.
"Gentiana is my name. I am a messenger," she answered. Evelia noticed her eyes were closed as she spoke.
"Oh. Nice to meet you, Gentiana," Evelia said trying to figure out what was happening. What was a messenger of the Gods doing in their garden? Because that was the only thing that the mysterious woman could be. Evelia had heard stories of them, spirits bound to the Six gods. She could not even pretend to understand why one would be approaching her.
Gentiana paced around Evelia, as if taking in her form.
"I will help you," she said.
Evelia was confused. "I didn't realize I needed help," she said with a nervous chuckle. Good thing that Mr. Moogle was with her to make her feel more confident.
"You do not wish to attend the ball?" Gentiana asked stopping.
"Oh, I would, but my stepmother wouldn't let me. And I wouldn't even have anything to wear if did. All my clothes are so worn out," Evelia said and lowered her eyes on the ground. She had been almost over the sore disappointment.
"Do not worry, young maiden. Tonight is your turn to shine," Gentiana said, and without a further explanation she lifted her hands in the air and spun her wrists around, fingers following the motion elegantly. The same kind blue-hued shine as before began swirling around her like a mist.
Evelia was about to take a step back, but the blue glow spread from Gentiana's palm and surrounded her. It spun in the air and Evelia looked when the fabrics on her shifted in shape and color. Dark grey became light, icy blue. Worn out coarse threads weaved into the lightest silk. A detailed lace spread over Evelia's shoulders, shaping short sleeves.
The gown was stunningly beautiful – It's only details the lace and a wide ribbon around Evelia's upper waist. The hem descended subtly, just barely covering the matte nude-colored heels. The back of the gown was generously, but tastefully open, revealing the forms of Evelia's shoulder blades.
"This– this is too much", Evelia breathed spinning around in the dress. Her hair was tied up with braids, decorated with pearls travelling on both sides of her scalp, and forming into a neat bun.
"In the street, you shall find a vehicle to take you," Gentiana said pleased.
Evelia was still staring at her new clothes, hands gently feeling out the hairdo.
"You shall need this too," Gentiana said and gave Evelia an invitation to the ball. She took it with shaky hands. She was speechless.
"Go now, love lost in the tide of darkness, but remember, when the new day begins its first hour, the magic will disappear," Gentiana said.
"I will. Thank you," Evelia said and hurried to the car. No matter the time, midnight would come too soon for her.
"The king of kings deserves happiness, may you bestow it upon him," Gentiana said in the empty garden and disappeared.