Lovely Night


Whispers and reticent chatter were spoken among the many guests in curiosity of the graceful girl who effortlessly captivated the prince. Noblemen were baffled in the crowd as they were unable to put a name to her sweet face, constantly moving in a blur as the pair waltzed.

Majority of the women were transfixed on her winsome gown and unfamiliarity while others instantly grew emulous of her chemistry with the prince. Hera scanned the crowd hoping to catch her ear on a clue as to who the nameless woman was.

"Surely, she must be a princess from a faraway land, or at least an heiress."

"She is quite beautiful."

"They look as if they were made for each other."

Hera winced at the last comment, boiling with rage as she shoved past several people in the crowd to confront the valet. Unable to reconcile with the fact that her plans have been ruined, she tapped him on his shoulder.

"My daughters have yet to greet His Highness." she pouted "Can you alert him to step over this way?"

Lionel glanced at the two young women behind her. "Your daughters have indeed met him. How could I forget?"

"Listen, we have traveled very far to attend and we would like a fair chance. I heard the rule was only a minute with each maiden."

"Tis true, but as you can see...the rules do not apply in her case. Excuse me."

Hera frowned as she watched him walk away. She couldn't believe her eyes as she watched them dance merrily around the ballroom. Who was this girl and how did she slip in so coolly and capture the prince so easily? Hera needed answers and fast.

"Where on earth did she come from?" shouted Minerva

"I've never seen her before!" added Calliope

"There's something vaguely familiar about that girl..." Hera said in frustration

"Well, at least we tried." said Calliope "We should head towards home."

"No, we are not giving up! There is still a chance."

"How? He's obviously under her spell." Minerva claimed

"Just give me a moment…"

Christopher and Cinderella were waltzing around the ballroom hypnotized under each other's eyes not wanting to let go. It was as if they were in their own little world. As he guided her around on the dance floor, he felt as if he were soaring high above the clouds. She seemed to be created from air and she hadn't missed a beat as she followed his lead. Gently spinning her around, he was in awe of her elegance. His eyes marveled in the sight of her, in disbelief to have her so close in his arms. She fit perfectly in his arms.

"You know I have the funniest feeling, that I've met you somewhere before." said Christopher looking into her eyes smiling as his mind attempted to place her face to a moment in time.

"Well I'm sure I would remember." Cinderella bantered. He indeed appeared familiar to her as well, surely it had to be a while ago as she would never forget a face as handsome as he.

"Was it last summer at the lake?" there had been many people he'd met there over the years.

"No, I can't swim." she grinned

"Then it must've been this winter, at the lodge?" he inquired

"Up in the mountains?" she exclaimed

"You go to the mountains too?"

"No..." she responded shyly "I just love looking at them. They're very beautiful."

Christopher couldn't do anything but smile at that answer. He could hear his heart thumping at what he was about to reveal to her.

"You're very beautiful." the phrase simply rolled off his tongue. As nervous as he was to say it, boy did it feel good!

Cinderella was flattered by his honesty as she smiled sweetly at the compliment. He noticed and found it to be quite cute.

"Everyone is staring at us." her eyes made contact with the crowd as she peeped over his broad shoulders, examining their every move. She grew nervous as she wasn't used to so much attention.

"Really? I had forgotten there was anyone else here." he replied truthfully

The King and Queen were sitting on their gilded thrones looking on in amazement as they watched their son dance endlessly in the crowd with the young woman. They could both see him wearing a smile that no one could wipe off his face.

"Who is that charming girl?" Maximilian enjoined

"No one seems to know..." she replied as she analyzed the young woman "She is stunning isn't she?" Constantina agreed

"Like a vision..." "Why if I were a young man I'd-

"Yes dear?"

"Well I'd be younger wouldn't I?" the king deflected

"Yes dear." she nodded

"Do you think he's found the one?" asked Maximilian

"I should hope so." she responded "He hasn't looked up once!"

Christopher began to feel like a fish in a glass bowl and decided to guide the way out of the ballroom into the gardens for more privacy. Still waltzing around he whispered "Follow me."

Cinderella simply obeyed his command as he twirled them outside to the colorful and fragrant gardens. She gasped in admiration of the well-manicured plants and other exotic flora. Christopher noticed and held her hand as he navigated her through the patio, showing her the various flowers and greenery.

"You like to garden?" he asked

"Very much so." she smiled "However, mine isn't as well mapped out as yours."

"It's my mother's hobby. From the beginning she would oversee its growth day and night to make sure that everything was growing properly." he laughed "It's her second child of you will."

"How delightful." she responded coyly as he picked a rose and handed it to her. She held it to her nose to inhale its balmy aroma.

Christopher explored her soft features. Her brown eyes extended with long lashes, her adorable button nose, her full lips, her bright smile, her dainty shoulders. She was perfection in his eyes. He wanted to whisk her away the moment he saw her.

"I have found her." he thought happily

"Would you care to dance, again?" he held his hand out hoping she'd agree.

"Of course."

They danced whimsically around the porcelain swan fountain to their own tune as the melodic orchestra music slowly began to fade out from earshot. Cinderella couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

"Only ten minutes have passed since we've first spoken, but it feels as if I've known you my entire life." he revealed "and when you came through the door...my head started reeling uncontrollably. It felt as if the room had no ceiling or floor."

Cinderella was again moved by his honest heart as she looked into his cheerful eyes. His dark hair, strong arms, and smooth voice put her mind at ease. She felt safe in his presence. He was truly sublime.

"I have found him." she mused

Cinderella blushed at his words. "I've felt the exact same way, from the very moment we murmured our 'how-do-you-dos'...I wanted to ring out the bells...as my father would say."

"You're an angel." he said with love in his eyes

"Won't the guests desire you to host the ball?" she asked

"Probably" he sighed "But there are others to step in my place." he reassured

"I wouldn't want to keep you away from your duties tonight..."

Christopher stopped in his tracks and held the small of her waist looking deeply into her eyes "My only desire, is to be with you and only you on this pleasant night."

"It is a privilege to be in your company, Your Highness." she put her hand over his. Causing them both to feel giddy inside.

"Enough with the titles" he chuckled "Please call me Christopher."

"Well Christopher, you most definitely know how to entertain. This ball is magnificent."

"You can once again thank my mother for that, she loves to accommodate..."

Cinderella heard a sound rustling behind the tall bushes. She was confused to see a familiar metallic rose colored dress sticking out as well as teal feathers poking out. She tried to hide her surprise as she quickly realized her step sisters were spying on her.

"Shall we enter the ballroom once more?" she asked nervously attempting to keep her face hidden in front of him "The orchestra is playing quite beautifully..."

"I don't see why not." he held her hand as he walked through the opening past the guards to the ballroom floor.

"Oh, they've returned!" said Constantina "I would like to have a word with the young lady. Wouldn't you?"

"Sure, I must know more about her." he agreed as he assisted her down from the throne.

They whirled about happily for a short time before the King and Queen walked near their son tapping him on the shoulder knowingly. Christopher ignored them both, simply wanting her all to himself for a while. Cinderella couldn't hide her gasp as she saw Hera standing on the wall trying to get a closer look. She looked up at the prince with a worried expression, hoping step mother wouldn't ruin the night.

"Are you alright?" he asked concerned

"Yes I'm fine."

The prince glanced at his parents in the distance, still standing with speculative expressions. He mentally sighed.

"Do you mind dancing with my father for a brief moment? I feel that they're both eager to speak with you." he smiled

"Not at all." she replied as he twirled her over to the King, with the Queen taking her place.

"I do hope that son of mine is behaving himself." said the King

"Oh yes, Your Majesty he's been a perfect gentleman."

"A chip off the ole block is he?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." she giggled

"Clearly he's smitten with you, I must say it is as if you've appeared here by magic..."

Cinderella held a surprised expression wondering if he'd knew about her fantastical way of arriving tonight.

"I see that you are enjoying yourself." Constantina said wittingly "Is there anything that your father and I should know?"

Christopher heard the young woman laugh with his father. "What is he saying to her?"

"What difference does it make? You said you weren't going to find the woman of your dreams tonight!" she rebutted smiling at her son

The prince smirked at her remark as he spun her around to dance with his father, but Constantina had other plans. The Queen gently took Cinderella's arm and led them away from the men.

Christopher attempted to go after them, but Max halted him. "Let them divulge amongst themselves, you know how your mother is."

"Yes I know, perpetually in my affairs..." he huffed

"Now Chris, she only wants what's best for you."

The prince's heart dropped when he watched Cinderella float out of the ballroom towards the garden. He instantly went over to the Queen before running after her "What did you say to her?"

Christopher ran out onto the patio, flooding in absolute relief to see her standing in the middle of the garden. "You're still here!"

"Yes I was just..." she trailed off

"Look, I don't know what my parents said to you...but I apologize. My mother can come off very strong."

"Oh no, they were wonderful compared to my family." she said honestly "They seem like loving parents."

"I want to meet your family." he blurted out. He wanted to know everything single detail of her existence.

"No you don't." she grew nervous at the suggestion.

"Everyone in your life." he insisted.

"No, no really you don't."

"That bad huh?" he laughed

"Well they didn't want me to come here tonight." she replied shamefully

"Well I'm glad you did." he answered

Cinderella couldn't believe her ears. Someone actually admired her presence outside of doing chores and favors. A person of royalty loved having her around. It was inexplicable.

"To tell you the truth, I almost didn't come myself." he said leading her through the garden.

"Well how can the prince not show up to his own ball?" she quizzed

"Don't you think it's a little medieval?" they both stopped in the archway, arms locked together viewing the many guests waltzing "Everyone's circling around as if I'm some prized bull they were trying to rope in."

She giggled softly. "Go ahead laugh but this is serious." he grabbed her hands looking into her eyes, "If I'm going to spend the rest of my life with someone, well she's got to be..."

"Well she's got to be exciting." she twirled dramatically

"I guess." he laughed

"But sweet." she continued playfully fanning her face

"Not that sweet."

"And your devoted servant forever and ever." she said seriously sitting on a stone bench. Christopher sat with her listening to her every word.

"Servants I've got. What I need is someone I can talk to. A confidant." he explained "As prince, it's difficult to find normalcy in this role."

Cinderella listened on, understanding how he felt to be surrounded by people everyday and to still feel absolutely alone. It is a depressing life to say the least.

"You know what I wish? I wish..."

"You know what the trouble with most people is?" she began remembering Fairy Godmother's wise words "They sit around wishing for something to happen instead of just doing something about it."

"You're right..." he replied before kneeling before her, focusing on what to say next.

Cinderella could feel her heart racing as she watched him on his knees. What was he about to do?

"May I ask you a question?"

"Yes, of course." she cautiously replied

"Do you think it's possible to meet someone and know in an instant that she's the one?"

Cinderella thought back to Fairy Godmother, she once thought that going to this very ball one day was impossible. This night changed her way of thinking forever, no longer was she pessimistic about anything, but instead optimistic about everything.

"It's very possible." she smiled

"It's so strange..." he began "With you I feel complete and carefree. As if I'm flying over dozens of mountains, meadows, and glens...I like it so well that for all I can honestly tell, I may never come down to earth again. So long as I'm with you." he caressed her face in the moonlight as she closed her eyes at his gentle touch. He set her soul on fire.

Cinderella was captivated by his words as she stood and turned away from him "That's what makes it so scary...because I feel so strongly about you as well. I've never felt so secure before in my entire life. What if...we're in a dream and I'm making believe I see you? A man too perfect to be really true?"

"Then I wish to never awake from my slumber." he placed his hands on her exposed shoulders in awe as he kissed her cheek embracing her in his arms "Are you the sweet invention of a lover's dream or are you really as wonderful as you seem?"

Christopher kissed her gloved hands with care before placing a kiss in the center of her forehead. The gesture filled Cinderella with warm feelings and butterflies. She was in absolute adoration of this beautiful man.

"I've always dreamed it would happen like this. Now it really has! I don't want this night to end..."

"Neither do I." she breathed

They stared into each other's eyes for quite some time both wondering if the love they shared for each other was tangible, or if it was simply infatuation. The pair decided it was indeed the former as they shared a passionate kiss tangled in each other's arms under the starry sky.

The clock stroked twelve, chiming a loud bell sound for all to hear causing Cinderella to gasp as her eyes darted to the giant tower clock glowing in the dark.

"I can't stay!" she tore from their warm embrace running back inside the palace without explanation

"What do you mean?" he walked in confusion before running after her down the candlelit corridor.

"I have to go!"

"Wait! Come back, I don't even know your name!" he ran into his valet causing concern

"What is it?" asked Lionel as he watched the prince hasten after the young woman up the grand staircase past several of the crowded guests. The faster it approached her the farther she fled from him.

"Chris don't let her get away..." encouraged the King as he stood helplessly watching his son chase after his love.

Hera saw the entire episode and stepped out in front of the prince hoping to latch onto him to get his attention. However Christopher diverted from her advance causing her to fall on the cold marble floor. "Your Highness, you simply must-

Cinderella scampered down the stairs of the front entrance in disbelief as she watched her glamorous gown fade into homely rags. She stopped at the hem of the palace, as she looked towards her glass slipper shining in the moonlight. She felt tempted to retrieve it, but decided against it as there was a chance she would be caught. The young woman zoomed through the front gates and cut through the twisted wood to the village hoping she would make it back home in time.

Christopher finally reached the top of the stair, frozen like a statue hoping to lay his eye on a glimpse of her blue dress in the distance, his heart sunk at the realization that she was gone.

"Is she the sweet invention of a lover's dream?"

He looked down below to find glimmering glass shoe on the steps and instantly went down to retrieve it. Simple but well-crafted footwear, he instantly knew who it belonged to. Filled with confusion, he climbed the steps cradling the slipper in both hands as if were the finest jewel on earth. The prince wandered down the palace corridors in a dolor daze, his hands still clutching the glass slipper.

"Chris?"

He turned to see his parents briskly walking towards him in bewilderment "What on earth was that spectacle about?" exclaimed the Queen

Christopher didn't know how to respond as he glanced down at the slipper "She...left."

"Glass shoes?" questioned Maximilian "Do you think they pertain to her?"

"Yes, I know so."

The King alerted several staff to enter the corridor where they stood "Guards! Search the entire kingdom for the young maiden, many of you have seen her tonight...spare no effort." he commanded as the armed guards spread in formation out of the entryway.

"They will find her son, I have no doubt in my mind." he placed a hand in his shoulder as the prince glanced back towards the door where she fled.

"I hope so."

Cinderella trampled tiredly along the cobblestone street alone in the quiet village, breathlessly stopping to catch air as she moved her head towards the palace on the hill. It was lit from tower to cellar as if she never abruptly left.

"Is he really as wonderful as he seems?"

She stood there for quite some time before continuing her escape.


Within an hour she arrived home walking straight into the kitchen to place her apron over her dress and prepared water for tea. She had just placed the kettle over the fire when she heard the bells chime over the front door.

"What a night! What a magnificent affair!" exclaimed Hera shoving her purse in her step daughter's arms.

"Perfect!" said an over enthused Minerva

"Like a dream!" agreed Calliope

"Did any if you get to dance with the prince?"

"I danced about an hour with him." lied Minerva

"An hour?" side eyed Calliope

"Didn't you?"

"Of course..." she smiled "If you did I did as well."

"I wouldn't be surprised if the prince chose one of you for his bride!" said Hera smiling at her girls

"That sounds too good to be true." began Cinderella as she gathered a towel and bucket "Did you know anyone at the ball?"

"Everyone whose anyone" Hera mentioned "Except princess-something-or-other I never did quite catch her name..."

"A princess? Did she dance with the prince?" the young woman inquired

"I didn't notice." she watched her step daughter ring the towel in the bucket of water "And what have you been doing all night Cinderella?"

"Dreaming mostly..." she sighed "Wondering what it might've been like to be at the ball."

"She couldn't possibly know what it was like unless she was there."

"You simply can't imagine!" sang Calliope

"Well, I imagine that there's a grand staircase, candles everywhere, and an orchestra playing...and you enter the ballroom and curtsy to the prince." she held her head down as she fell into a deep curtsy in front of them. Hera quickly realized who the mysterious maiden was at the ball. No! It couldn't be!

"Stop this!" Hera shouted as the girls looked in her direction confused "Worse nonsense I've ever heard, rubbish and dribble..."

"But mother!" Minerva pleaded

"And you listening to her, hanging on her every word! I've taught you better!"

"But mother!" whined Calliope

"Enough! Go to your rooms it's late..." Cinderella watched her saddened step sisters trudge up the stairs unwillingly. Hera quickly followed.

"And you! The thought of you dancing with the prince...why it's preposterous!" she continued as she brushed past Cinderella.

"Why? Why is it so hard for you to imagine?" she narrowed her eyes at the wretched woman.

"BECAUSE!" Hera turned to face her "Because you're common, Cinderella. Your mother was common, and so are you." she hissed "Oh, you can wash your face and put on a clean dress but underneath, you'll still be common." she eyed her from head to toe in disgust "That a prince would even consider taking you for his bride, why...it's laughable!" she chuckled

"My father-

"Your father was weak. He spoiled you rotten, and filled your head with silly ideas and dreams that will never come true. Never."

Cinderella was speechless as she stared up at her, she had finally spoken her truth. For the first time in her life she saw Hera for who she truly was. An evil, miserable woman. What she said about her parents was unforgivable.

"Now clean this place up! It's a sty." she glanced around the room at the mess of clothing and fabrics "I want to wake up to a spotless house in the morning..." she yawned loudly as she dragged her dress up the maple stairs.

Cinderella turned away from the staircase, walking into the kitchen and stared at the heap of clutter the plagued the parlor room. Her emotions got the best of her as she felt herself growing angry, resentful, and unhinged she went out the back door to her garden, immediately falling on her knees in despair.

Tears trailed down her face like a river as she listened to the frogs croak nearby. Tonight was unlike any she's experienced before, it was exhilarating and most memorable...but it also was the worst, because at this moment she knew that she had to leave her childhood home. Hera had brutally shown her that she was unwanted and Cinderella no longer wanted to be around people that didn't enjoy her company. Prince Christopher had shown her what it was like to be desired and loved, and she couldn't go backwards.

"Father, I know I promised I would never leave here but after tonight I don't see how I could stay. If you only knew how she's changed, you would understand." she beseeched to the stars above "I deserve better father. I deserve to be loved and that's what I found out tonight. That's all that really matters." she cried aloud

"Cinderella, if you really love him why don't you let him know?" Fairy Godmother appeared

"How can I? Look at me." she gestured at her appearance, wiping away her tears

"Do you really think he fell in love with your fancy gown or pretty braids?"

"I don't know anymore" she honestly spoke "and if you hadn't helped me..."

"You didn't need my help. You just thought you did. Believe in yourself Cinderella, and trust him to love you as you really are." she said before disappearing. Cinderella decided that if she couldn't have him, then she would have no one else in this life.


Christopher sat on the steps of the palace, still in his formal attire hoping to catch a word from the guards on the status of their search. He watched as the various coaches and carriages rolled away in the distance to their many homes sorrowful that they'd missed their chance to woo the prince. Gossip and chatter spread among the palace staff like wildfire that he had chosen his bride, but uncertain why she had abandoned him.

Christopher sat on the steps of the palace, still in his formal attire hoping to catch a word from the guards on the status of their search. It had only been an hour since she propelled away from his sight but it felt as if he'd been waiting forever. He held the shoe close to him and glanced at it for the hundredth time hoping to catch a clue to where he might find her. Tonight he was shown what it was like to care for someone other than himself. No longer did he want to live this life alone, if he couldn't have her, he wanted to no one else.

"I shall find you." he whispered as he walked into the palace


Disclaimer: I do not own the song lyrics, scripts, or rights to Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella or Disney's Cinderella.

Author's Note: Thank you all for reading! The next chapter will be the last familiar chapter as I will soon have creative control over this classic fairytale. Shoutout to everyone who has followed, favorited, and reviewed so far, it means a lot!