Prologue

"Would you like that?" Tadashi asked me, smiling. He bent down on one knee, being only a little bit taller than me. I was on my knees, tears streaming down my face. Silently, I nodded. I have even forgotten the sound of my own voice; I had not spoken in years. Tadashi looked down at me, smiling. He took my hand gently and pulled me to my feet.

I stared into his eyes. He was the prince. I had no idea what he was the prince of, but he was the prince. But even he acted like a peasant. Same feelings, same actions, he might as well just be a commoner dressed as royalty. That look in his eyes, though, it doesn't lie. He's the prince.

"Alright!" he flashed a grin at me, then grabbed my hand, pulling me across the glimmering sand. As I ran after him, struggling to keep up, I looked to the ocean, and the moon was reflecting off of the water, casting a beautiful, yet eerie glow. Suddenly, Tadashi stopped. I did, as well. As my gaze slowly shifted, I saw a beautiful green valley below. My eyes were glassy and stinging from tears of joy. It was amazing. Dazzling. Unbelievable.

"Prince," I whispered. I gasped at the sound of my own voice. It felt like someone else was talking through me. I smiled wide, hugging Tadashi out of nowhere. He staggered backwards, smiling as well. He hugged me back, and for once, I felt like I belonged somewhere. I felt like I really belonged somewhere.

"Alice, may I ask you a question?" Tadashi asked me, bending on one knee.

"Yes?" I was eager to know what he wanted. Anything. I would give him anything after what he gave me. "What is it?"

"Would you do me the honor of...?" Tadashitook a small dagger out of his pocket. My eyes widened and my jaw slightly dropped in shock. "I just ask, please..."

"P-Prince?" I stuttered.

"Call me Tadashi... And... May you stab me?" the prince flashed a familiar grin. I gently took the dagger from his hand. Once again, I felt small tear streaks dripping down my cheeks. Both of my hands were barely touching, one holding the dagger. They met in the middle of my chest.

"Tadashi..." I knew he wouldn't stop until someone killed him.

"Don't cry, Alice. Smile, okay? Then we can both be smiling. It could be a happy death," Tadashi had pity in his eyes. I had a feeling he knew what I felt. A small, joyful smile appeared on my face.

"Goodbye..." I was shaking. I'm going to do this, I told myself. For him.

"This isn't goodbye, Alice," Tadashi smiled back. I stared into his eyes, realizing they were exactly like mine. The same color, shape, everything.

My tiny grin turned into a full-out smile, and I caught myself laughing slightly. Tadashi had a surprised expression, mixed with fear.

"Ali-" he began to call my name, but his voice was interrupted by a dagger in his throat. He dropped forward onto the sand, staining it red with blood. In a matter of minutes, guards surrounded me. I felt as if I sensed Tadashi's last wish- for me to be safe. I burst into tears, dropping on my knees in front of the guards.

"H-He grabbed the knife, and... And stabbed himself!" I looked down, watching drops of water hit the sand. I grasped the locket on my necklace, my short, silky, golden hair swaying with my movements. One of the guards put their hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him with sadness and despair in my eyes.

"My lady... You are to be crowned queen. We are skeptical of your explanation, but we need a new ruler. The current king has died, and the queen is near death because of a horrible illness," the guard explained.

"N-No! I could never replace the prince!" I exclaimed with pain in my voice, making my act all the more believable.

"Will you please stand up, your highness?" the guard asked me. I did as told, still sobbing like a child. Two other guards supported me and brought me back to the prince's castle. They dumped me in a large, beautiful bedroom. I glanced at myself in the mirror, seeing my eyes red from tears. My straight lips curved into a smile, and I let myself fall backwards onto the bed, laughing.

"Once upon a time," I breathed, opening the locket on my necklace. It was a gift from the prince, and I had never opened it before. It contained a picture of Tadashi, but... What's that? A speck of blood in the right corner? Ha! "The story's only begun!"

Heyyy! I had an awesome story idea, so I'll be updating both "Cinderella" and "The Game of Life" at the same time! Sorry I haven't been updating, too. If anybody wants something to happen, then put it in the reviews! I might write about it if I feel like it fits my writing. ;))) Goodbye, my pretties!
Alois: But I'm pretty!

Me: GAAAY. I love you.