Hello, my lovely readers. Well, it has happened, can you believe it? Cinderella is finally finished! This has been such a fun story to write and I'm so proud of it. Thank you, everyone, who reviewed, favorited, followed and read. I truly hope you enjoyed this story.

I apologize for the long wait, but I wanted to end the story in a way that made logical sense for both characters. I have many more stories planned. Loss of Trust will be finished this month, and a new Historical Story will be published later on. I have another Fairy Tale AU in mind, The Little Mermaid, if you think that would be interesting.

Thank you so much for honoring me by reading, and please enjoy the Final Chapter of Cinderella.

Cantering distracted Toris from the fight. He and Alfred cantered several yards before Alfred helped Toris pull Sovereignty to a stop.

"What do you think? Do you like it?"

Toris was clinging to Sovereignty's neck. His eyes were blown wide, but his gaze was bright.

"I, I loved it!" He was breathless from exertion. "I felt like I was flying!"

"I know! You up for a little more?"

"Definitely."

The two made their way home, alternating between cantering and walking. Alfred was more than happy to give Toris pointers, and Toris was more than happy to receive them. It was dark by the time they arrived home.

"Do you think everyone's asleep?" Toris asked as they put away their horses. Sovereignty nickered when Toris stepped away to grab her brushes. He was back in a moment, and she gently butted his chest with her head. Toris stroked her ears, but his attention was all on Alfred.

"Peter's probably asleep, but Arthur's definitely waiting up for us."

"Oh," Toris said in a tiny voice.

"I guess I could go in before you, tell him to leave off questions."

"Yes, sir, please? Toris took Alfred's tack. "I'll finish up in here, Alfred."

"Alrighty then. I'll see you in a moment?" Are you okay? was the unspoken question.

"I'll see you in a moment." I'll be fine.

Alfred left, and Toris was alone. He put the tack away and brushed the horses, giving them fresh hay and water. He checked on his two friends in the corner of the barn. Raivis was curled under the straw in his pen, Eduard beside him.

"Eduard!" Toris whispered. The bird pulled his head from his wing and cheeped at Toris.

"I haven't seen you in a while. I wanted to say hi. Come here."

Eduard flew over to Toris, landing on his hand. Toris petted his little head with one finger. "How are you? Are you enjoying your new life?"

Eduard chirped, hopping around Toris' palm.

Though Toris' smile was real, it was a bit strained. "That's good. Hey, I'll ask Alfred if maybe we can build you a little bird-house soon. Would you like that? Then you have somewhere safe to go at night."

The bird chirped in agreement, and then flew back to the hay. Eduard blinked sleepily, his little beak opening for a yawn.

Toris fidgeted, and then tapped Raivis on the shoulder. "Raivis?"

The bunny tried to burrow farther under the straw. "Raivis?" Toris whispered again.

Eduard chirped at Toris and flew over to his hand again. "Hi, again, Eddy. Um, I was thinking, I might stay out here a little long—ow!" Eduard had bit Toris finger. The message was clear; Go. You're disturbing our sleep.

Toris flicked the bird's tail, feeling betrayed. "Fine, I'll just talk to the horses." Eduard squawked as if to say You do that.

Sovereignty looked at Toris, eyes sleepy as he made his way over to her. "Hi girl," he said softly. She snorted and bumped her head against his hand. Toris let himself into her stall and hugged her neck. He stroked her soft face, burying his face against her neck. "What have I done?" She responded with a swish of her tail and didn't seem perturbed that Toris was keeping her from sleep.

"I need to go," he said after a few minutes. "You're a good girl." He gave her a final pat. Eduard was awake to watch him go, giving him a soft tweet of encouragement. "I love you too, Eddy. I'll come to see you and Raivis tomorrow."

Toris dragged his feet as he walked to the house. He was alone, with nothing to keep the last few hours from playing in his head over and over. Felicja's cold voice, the hurt in her eyes, and how angry she was, that was all he could think about. He didn't have his best friend anymore, and that upset him more than anything. Toris missed her, he loved her, and now she was gone.

XXX

True to his word, Alfred had convinced Arthur not to ask Toris any questions. However, from the way Arthur watched him, Toris knew Alfred had fully explained what had occurred with the Princess. But Arthur only asked how he found riding, and Toris mumbled out his answers.

Toris' already damaged self-worth had suffered a significant blow. He had stated his opinion, tried to do what he was convinced was the right thing, and was met with rejection and anger from the one person he trusted the most. Stupid, stupid Toris, he berated himself, how arrogant do you have to be to disagree with your friends, and when one of them was a princess! He couldn't bring himself to raise his gaze higher than Alfred or Arthur's shoes.

It was an awkward few minutes as they sat, with only an occasional comment from either Arthur or Alfred and a one-worded response from Toris. If he was asked a question, Toris floundered badly terrified of saying the wrong thing and losing them too. Eventually, Arthur got up and patted Toris' shoulder. "Off to bed with you now. You'll feel better in the morning."

Toris stuttered apologies over and over, until Alfred gently lead him from the parlor.

"Night buddy," Alfred said at the door to Toris' room. "Sleep tight. If you need anything, come get me, okay."

"Good night Alfred. Sleep well too. I will be okay. Thank you. I'm sorry."

Alfred ruffled Toris' hair and left. Toris stood motionless in the doorway. Then, moving on auto, he walked into the bedroom, crawled under the quilt, and feel asleep.

XXX

A scream woke Alfred. He jolted up in his cot, eyes scanning the room, hand at his hip, reaching for a sword that was not there. In the moonlight, he could see Arthur doing the same thing.

"Toris," they said together.

"On it," Alfred said, hurrying into the hallway.

Arthur sighed. "I'll go comfort Peter and then bring Toris some milk."

"Thanks," Alfred called, already dashing to Toris' room.

Toris was curled in a little ball, trembling violently. He seemed more inclined to whimper this time than scream as he had the previous nights. Small victories, Alfred thought.

"Toris," he said gently, brushing sweaty hair from Toris' brow. "Come on, buddy, you need to wake up."

Toris flinched at the hand and whimpered louder. "Toris," Alfred gave him a little shake, "wake up, buddy."

His eyes opened, and he stared at Alfred, alarmed. "No, no, no," he repeated, still not completely in reality.

Alfred smiled. "Easy now. Do you recognize me?" He rubbed Toris' shoulder. "Do you know where you are?"

Toris shut his eyes and shuddered. "A-Alfred?" he questioned fearfully.

Alfred breathed a sigh of relief. "Yep, it's me, buddy." A sound at the doorway got Alfred's attention. "And Arty. He's brought you a glass of milk."

Toris opened his eyes. "S-sorry for waking you."

"It's fine, my boy." Arthur handed him the glass. "Drink this. It helps Peter when he can't sleep."

"Thank you, Mr. Arthur. I'm really, really sorry."

"Say no more. Do you need anything else?"

Toris shook his head, muttering, "I'm sorry," to himself.

If you need any help, Alfred, come get me."

"Thanks, Arty."

Arthur left, and Toris took tiny sips of milk, watching Alfred.

"You feeling better, at all?"

Alfred's question was met with frantic nodding. He snorted, not believing Toris. "No, you're not. You're pale as a ghost and shivering."

"I, I just don't, don't, w-want to keep you up."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"N-no!" Toris gasped, and then, more shyly, "P-please stay?"

"Of course, buddy."

When the milk was gone, Toris put it on the nightstand, and then wrapped his arms around Alfred, resting his head against the man's chest. "Thank you for coming. You're so kind to me."

"You're my friend, my little brother, I love you, buddy."

Toris blushed and hid his face in Alfred's chest. "Y-you, you can't know that. You just met me."

"Yeah, well, I got a good feeling about you, and I always follow my instincts." He bobbed Toris' nose.

Toris laughed. "You're so kind," he whispered again.

Alfred yawned. "Yeah, well, I'm also beat." He shifted, pushing Toris away, getting ready to slip under the covers. "Let's go to bed, -hey, you're not in your pajamas!"

"Oh, yeah. I forgot earlier. I'll get changed really fast…if that's okay? If you want to sleep now, I can stay in my clothes, I don't mind."

Alfred raised an eyebrow, looking at Toris disapprovingly.

"R-right, um, I'll get changed then."

While Toris scurried around looking for his nightshirt, Alfred made himself comfortable, climbing under the coverers.

"So, Toris, what do you want to do tomorrow?"

Toris turned to Alfred. "W-what?"

"I'm just trying to make conversation," Alfred replied with a grin.

"Oh, well, in that case," Toris pulled his shirt over his head. "Maybe we could build Eddy a birdhouse- A-Alfred? What's w-wrong?"

The color had gone from his face, and he was staring at Toris in horror.

"Toris, w-what's that?"

He followed Alfred's glance; the man was staring at Toris' stomach.

Toris flushed, stammering.

"Who did this to you?" Alfred growled.

The stammering increased, and Toris started wringing his hands.

"Was it those damn Braginskys?" His voice was rising in pitch. "It was! Don't lie. I can tell."

Toris lowered his head and slipped on his nightshirt. He stood trembling the middle of the room, staring at the floor. He could feel bile creeping up his throat, burning hot. The shame was almost more than he could bear, and to have kind, good Alfred see Dirty Toris' scars…

Alfred stared at the ceiling, a few tears slipping down his cheeks.

"M-Mr. Alfred? I'm sorry. I'm very, very, sorry. It's okay, don't be upset." Toris crept over to the bed and pulled the covers over Alfred. "Don't cry," he said. Even still, he wouldn't look at Alfred's face, instead, looking at the knight's calloused hands. "Shhhh, go to sleep. I-I-I will sleep on the floor."

Alfred started. "Toris, what did you say?"

"I'll sleep on the floor, sir. Don't worry, I don't mind. It's not much harder than my real bed."

"Wait, your real bed?"

Toris realized his mistake. "I—" He stammered.

"Toris, this bed is your real bed. This is a bed that people are supposed to sleep on. What, did they Braginskys give you just a few wooden planks to sleep on?"

"No sir, the Braginskys, they didn't make me sleep on planks. They gave me a straw mattress, but it was never very comfortable, and for the last few years, it was awfully thin. Sometimes, I could feel the boards through it -n-not that I'm complaining Sir, I'm very grateful for having at least that. It could have been much worse." Toris' eyes glazed a bit, lost in thought.

"I like the bed you and Mr. Arthur let me sleep in. It's so very soft. And warm. I love how warm it is. I love how soft it is." His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Then get in. Toris, you're exhausted, and your scar-I mean, your eyes! They look so sleepy."

"My scar…don't you want me to sleep on the floor?"

"Toris," Alfred was growing exasperated, more because he was panicked than from actual annoyance. "Why would you think I want you on the floor? How could you think that about me?"

Toris started to tremble. "I'm, I'm, I'm sorry. I thought –I'm…. I'm disgusting. My scars, their disgusting. I, I thought maybe you would sleep better, if I was on the floor? I'm sorry. I don't care where I sleep, just don't leave me, Alfred.

"You're not disgusting, Toris! It's those damned Braginskys. God, how could they do that do you? Come here."

Toris crept over. He wasn't crying, though he looked on the verge of tears. Alfred pulled him into a hug. Toris buried his head in Alfred's shirt, fingers clinging to the fabric. "Believe me Toris," he whispered into Toris hair. "I'm not going to leave you. Ever. You are kind. You are smart. You have the softest hair and the brightest eyes. Your smile lights up the room You're not worthless, no matter what someone carved on you. And you're not disgusting just because of the scars on your back."

"S-sorry you s-saw."

Alfred hugged him tightly. "Hush, it's okay." He kissed Toris' head. "Go to sleep Toris."

Toris rested his head on Alfred's arm, closed his eyes, and prayed for sleep.

XXX

Toris woke to find Alfred staring at him.

"Good morning!" Toris yawned and stretched, but then nestled himself farther under the warm covers. "Did you sleep well?"

Alfred only continued to stare, his face pensive, and eyes unblinking.

Toris shifted in the bed. He fingered the quilt, suddenly interested in the tiny squares.

"Mr. A-Alfred...are you m-m-m-mad at m-me? About last night? I'm sorry, very sorry!"

Toris' squeak drew Alfred from his strange stillness. "Morning, buddy! Did you say something –oh." Alfred took in Toris' fearful appearance. "You okay, buddy? Did you have another nightmare?"

"Y-you're n-not mad?"

"About what?"

"I woke you all up last night. And the night before, and the night before that… I'm very sorry.

"Toris, it's fine, you can wake me up anytime. No one minds. We know it's not your fault."

The boy didn't look convinced.

"Hey," Alfred said, "When Arthur was younger, he'd get the most horrific nightmares too."

"R-really?"

"Oh yeah, he'd wake up the whole house screaming bloody murder. As a tiny tot, when my mom would go to visit her sister, that's Arthur's mom, I would practically wet myself I was so scared to sleep in the same room as him. But, like Arthur's, your nightmares will be gone in no time."

"O-okay. I am sorry. Y-y-you didn't seem yourself this morning."

Alfred bit his lip. "No, buddy," he began hesitantly, "I'm not mad. Sorry to scare you, though. Just thinking." He wrung his hands. Alfred's uncertainty worried Toris, Alfred was always bright and confident.

"Toris, I couldn't get the image of your belly out of my mind."

"Oh." Toris pulled the quilt closer to him; it hid him well. This couldn't be happening. No one was ever supposed to see. Not Alfred, not Arthur, not even Felicja.

"How could someone do that to you?"

"Because!" Toris screeched. "Because they hated me! They could do whatever they wanted, and I couldn't stop them! I was their slave, and no-one cared! No one!" He flung off the blanket, emotion driving him. "People knew what was happening to me. They had to. Master would drag me to the market and humiliate me, but no one ever said anything. He beat me…in front of his friends. And they wouldn't stop him. They would laugh! No one cared Alfred. So, don't you pretend to either."

Alfred's eyes widened at Toris' outburst. Panting and trembling, with tears and snot dripping down his face, Toris bowed his head, waiting for the familiar punishment.

Instead, really Toris supposed he should have suspected it, Alfred hugged him. "Feel better?"

"No."

Alfred laughed. "At least you're honest. Hey Toris, look at me. No, no, look at me."

It was hard, but Toris forced his eyes to meet Alfred's. They were full of compassion. Toris had seen disinterest, and a wicked glim in the eyes of those he had dared to look at in the past, occasionally he'd see pity. But never had anyone looked at him like Alfred did.

"I'm sorry no one cared while you were abused in that home. That's inexcusable. People are cowards, and you should hate them all."

Toris wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "I don't hate you. Or Mr. Arthur and Peter. Or the Princess."

"Then you're better off than most. And even though no-one helped you, maybe you could help others. You could be the voice that saves others like you."

"I'd like that."

"Good. Now, about today…"

"May we build a birdhouse for Eddy? Please? He'd really like that."

"Of course. That can be our morning project, we'll have great fun. But Toris?"

Toris tensed at the tone. "Yes, Alfred?"

"After seeing…what I saw, we are going to have to get a doctor take a look at you."

Toris paled. "No, no, no –please, Alfred no. I'm okay, honest. Please don't take me to a doctor. Please."

"The doctor, Doctor Karpusi, is really nice, buddy. And you need to be checked over. Did the Braginskys ever take you to one?"

"They got an animal doctor to see me when I had a really bad toothache one time." Toris shivered and said in a tiny voice, "He looked at it, and then had Master hold me down while he pulled it out."

Alfred pinched the bridge of his nose and took deep breaths. "Dr. Karpusi isn't like that at all. He is one of the best in his field. You'll like him."

"Alfred," Toris pleaded.

Alfred jumped out of bed, back to Toris. "It's non-negotiable, Toris," he said quickly. Before Toris could beg again, Alfred threw the covers over Toris' head with a tight laugh. "Hurry up, slowpoke! Get dressed, and let's go see what Arthur made for breakfast."

Toris watched forlornly as Alfred left, feeling hurt. Alfred always listened to him, but now, despite the protests, Alfred was going to bring a doctor. Toris was scared.

XXX

After breakfast, Arthur sent Peter to fetch Dr. Karpusi. Peter whined terribly; he had wanted to play with Toris. Peter had taken quickly to Toris and often pestered him to play. Toris gladly gave in. The two enjoyed playing with Peter's little knight figurines, and even played hide and sneak after lunch one time. Arthur, however, was not swayed by his nephew's complaints. "You've had several days off. Continue this behavior, and I will not be so inclined to allow another holiday. And I will forbid Toris from ever playing with you again." It was an empty threat, and both knew it. Peter pouted but didn't complain again. By the time he was dressed and his horse saddled, he was once again in a good mood.

"Bye, Toris!" He called, waving goodbye from the saddle. "I'm off on a grand quest; to find the magical wizard and force him to come and lift your curse."

Toris laughed and begged Peter to hurry, claiming the curse was moving faster and that this morning he had woken up with a tail. Arthur merely rolled his eyes and told Peter not to get distracted.

"Come on, Toris," Alfred said, pulling him to a work shed, tucked near the stable. "Let's go build that birdhouse."

Toris didn't speak much, mind lost to his fears about the doctor. "Tonight, is Wednesday," Alfred said suddenly. He was met with a blink.

"Every Wednesday, Josie, and Carlos come over for dinner. You are gonna love, Josie. Back home, she and her brother used to own a ranch. Do you know what a ranch is?"

Toris shook his head.

"Didn't think so. Josi had to tell me all about it too. So, her ranch was this huge space of land, where they would keep cattle and horses."

"What's a cattle?"

"Cow. But like, cows specifically breed to eat. She and her family, and a couple of others guys…let's see, she always calls them 'rancheros' except the way Josie says it is so much prettier. She rolls her 'r's. Can you?"

Toris demonstrated that he could. "Shot," Alfred said, "Arty and I are the only ones who can't do it." He stuck out his bottom lip and hammered a nail into the bored forcefully. He looked up and grinned at Toris. "You'll have to show off to her, she'll like that. Josie worked all her life on this ranch. She's great with horses and cows and can do a lot of 'guy' stuff like mending fences and such. And she is a great cook. She makes these things called 'tortillas,' which, the best way I can describe it, is really thin bread that's in a circle. It is soooo good, and you can put meat or vegetables or cheese in them. My favorite is to put all of it in"

"That sounds really good."

"Maybe you and he could have a cooking day or something. That would be fun, don't you think? You two can be the cooks, and I'll be the taste-tester."

Toris laughed and swiped the hair out of his eyes. Under Alfred's instructions, he was sawing off different size boards for the roof and walls of the birdhouse.

"I don't know Alfred. I've heard that cooks are often pretty good taste-testers themselves." He snuck a glance at Alfred, who still seemed happy, and took a deep breath. "We just might not need you."

Alfred's eyebrows shot up. "What! Not need me? Ridiculous."

"We'll see."

Alfred was delighted with the banter, though those small teasing comments were all Toris felt brave enough for. They talked for a while, Alfred telling him all about Josephina and Carlos. They had finished the birdhouse and were planning to paint it a lovely red when they heard the sound of horses.

Toris froze. He looked at Alfred in alarm.

"That would be Peter and Dr. Karpusi."

For a second, Toris thought about bolting. He couldn't help it. Even though it had always made Ivan punish him worse, and would upset Alfred and Arthur, Toris wanted to. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a place to hide, just until the doctor left.

Alfred's hand, his shoulder prevented him from running. "It will be okay, Toris. I promise."

Toris stared up into Alfred's eyes. "No," he whispered, "Please, Alfred, please, please don't make me."

"Hey, have I ever lied to you?"

We've only known each other for three days! Toris wanted to say. Instead, he shook his head.

"Then I won't lie to you now. Trust me, Toris, it's going to be okay."

He took Toris by the hand. "Come on, buddy. You can do this."

Memories of Ivan, his step-brothers, Winter, the rich businessmen Ivan brought to the house who would laugh and tease Toris, the animal doctor who didn't say one word to Toris but only spoke to Ivan, as though Toris were some lesser being, swam in Toris' mind. Toris didn't want to see this man. He wasn't trustworthy like Alfred, Arthur, and Peter. He wouldn't be kind like Felicja.

Toris blinked in the bright sunlight because without realizing it, Alfred had pulled him outside. Ahead of them, a man followed Peter into the house.

Relax Toris, he told himself. Alfred likes him. Alfred trusts him. If Alfred says he's good, then he's good. But Alfred, and everyone in Alfred's family, were a special breed of man. They weren't like the rest of the world; cold and mean; heatless. Alfred probably thought everyone was good. He didn't know what Toris knew.

"Hey buddy, don't cry. I promise it's going to be okay. You can do this." The confidence in Alfred's eyes warmed Toris. He couldn't bear to let Alfred down. Even though Toris was right, and Alfred was wrong, Toris decided he would brave anything so as not to disappoint Alfred.

"Okay." He said. He took his hand out of Alfred's and forced himself to stand up straight. His hands shook terribly, but Alfred's look of pride was worth it.

XXX

Arthur was getting Dr. Karpusi settled and had sent Peter upstairs. "But I wanna watch!"

"Toris is very nervous, and you would only make him more upset. Besides, this is grownup business."

"But, we're friends."

"Yes, and sometimes the best thing a friend can do is give the other one space in his doctor's appointment. Go upstairs and polish your sword or something."

"Jerk," Peter muttered under his breath as he stomped up the stairs. "Just wanted to be there with my best friend. Jerk grownups."

Alfred was on the verge of laughing, and not even Arthur's glare sobered him.

"Toris," Arthur said, still glaring at Alfred. "This is Dr. Karpusi."

The doctor was tall and well built. There was a statue in their town center, and Toris couldn't help but think the doctor looked like he too had been chiseled from stone. His skin was a dark golden, and his shaggy hair was almost the same color brown as Toris'. This made him a little happier. His step-brothers, both blond, always tormented Toris for his darker locks, as it was uncommon in that part of the kingdom. The doctor also had very sleepy eyes.

"Ah! You must be Toris!" The doctor smiled widely. "Peter told me a lot about you. I am Dr. Hercules Hippocrates Karpusi."

Toris nodded and stepped closer to Alfred.

"I see what you mean." Dr. Karpusi said to Arthur. He gestured for Toris to sit on the kitchen chair. Toris did, keeping his eyes on Alfred, who gave him a thumbs-up, and leaned against the counter.

"Your name is Toris, yes?" Dr. Karpusi said, rummaging around in his bag, pulling out medical supplies that made Toris' stomach do summersaults.

"Yes, sir," he squeaked.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty."

The doctor raised an eyebrow.

"It's true!" Alfred said hastily. "He really is twenty."

"You don't look twenty."

"He gets that a lot."

"I see. What are your opinions on cats?"

"S-sir?" Toris said, confused.

Alfred snorted.

"Yes, cats." The doctor said. "Do you like cats?"

"I…well…I don't think they like m-me very m-m-m….a lot, s-sir."

Dr. Karpusi looked at him. "Hmm." To Alfred and Arthur, he said, "I just got a new cat. She's white as snow and fluffy as a cloud. Well fed, but obviously abandoned by her owners."

Toris stilled; he knew that cat!

"That's nice," Alfred told him. Karpusi smiled. "It is. I have taken her home, introduced her to my other cats. I have eleven," he said to Toris.

"Elven, sir?"

"Well, with my new, little goddess, I have twelve. I've named her Aphrodite. Ares and Hephaestus, two of my male cats, really like her. She's a good cat. We already get along splendidly." He scratched his nose, where there was a small red line. A scratch that could easily have been made by a cat's claw.

So, Natalya has a new home…and a new name. I hope she's happy.

"Now then, Toris…" The doctor pulled up a chair across from Toris, sat down and stared at Toris. He didn't say a word, only stared. Toris' stomach soured, and he resisted the urge to fidget. As he grew more and more uncomfortable, Alfred took pity on him.

"Don't worry, buddy. It's just a little thing he does. He's getting to know what kind of person you are."

"It is better to know what kind of person has a disease than what kind of disease a person has," Dr. Karpusi said. Evidently, he now knew what kind of person Toris was, because he stood up and clapped his hands. "Now, let us begin. Peter said I was called here to do an examination?"

"Yep!" Alfred supplied. "Toris has just gotten out of a rough situation, so we wanted to get him all looked over to make sure he is A-Okay."

"Very good." He moved to touch Toris, and unconsciously, Toris flinched. "Hmmm," Dr. Karpusi hummed again. "Arthur told me about your situation. Don't be afraid I'm very nice." He laughed to himself. "Now, let's begin your examination.

'I'm going to need you to take off your shirt and trousers. You may keep your underpants on."

Toris bowed his head and obeyed. It was common back at the Braginsky's to change in front of them; they'd do anything to humiliate or mock him.

Arthur, and even Alfred, who had already seen, sucked in their breath. Dr. Karpusi, ever the medical professional, remained impassive. He looked Toris up and down and scribbled something on a notepad. "Thank you, Toris. I'm going to put my hand on your leg now; that way, I can see if you have any broken bones or sprains. Is that okay?"

"Yes sir."

Dr. Karpusi was thorough in his examination. He messaged the muscles, had Toris bend or twist ligaments, the entire time asking Toris if something hurt. Periodically he would stop and write something down. Toris flushed bright red when the doctor placed his ear against his chest and asked him to breathe. He shivered as the doctor ran a finger down his spine. However, he did enjoy it when the doctor checked his eyes. Dr. Karpusi had little cards with letters on them and would back away asking Toris to try and read the letters. Toris found it very fun.

It felt strange to have his ears checked, and he didn't like with Dr. Karpusi twisted his nose, but it didn't hurt, so Toris didn't say anything.

He did gasp when cold fingers touched his ribs, and he couldn't contain a whimper of shame when Dr. Karpusi examined Toris' scar on his belly.

"Alright, Toris, put your clothes back on. You've done an excellent job; I think you deserve a fruit gummy."

Dr. Karpusi rummaged in his bag and pulled out a little red fruit gummy. "As Alfred and Peter's doctor, I relieved that no matter how old a patient is, they always require a sweet."

Toris fully dressed now, took the candy with a small thank you. Since the examination was over, he was back at Alfred's side, under the protection of the man's arm slung around his shoulders.

"What are your thoughts, Hercules?" Arthur asked.

Hercules chewed his pen. "Well, he's very small, abnormally so for a man of twenty." He looked at Toris to speak to him directly. "But, if you eat more and start with some light exercises, in just a few months, you should be the right size for your frame.

You have some severe scarring all over. Your feet were scared too, it looked like you were burned. Where you?"

"Yes sir, with an iron, sir." Alfred's grip tightened.

Hercules nodded. "I'm afraid there is not much we can do for scaring. However, you can try putting some aloe vera on it, or lemon juice and honey. That will lighten them considerably."

Toris brightened, wiggling happily. "It will? I'll do that, thank you!"

"Is there anything else we should do?" Arthur asked.

"His ribs are very bruised, as is his jaw. I'll wrap his ribs, and before bed Toris, you might try icing your jaw. You mentioned it hurts, when did the pain start?"

"I, I don't know sure. I'm sorry."

"Did your guardian often hit you in the mouth?"

Toris nodded, moving much closer to Alfred's side.

"I thought so. I don't think it is broken, but I imagine it hasn't had time to fully heal. Give it a week or two of the ice treatments, and if it's not better by then, I'll come again and try something different."

"Yes sir."

"Now, your eyes are great, your muscles very strong for a person in your condition, but the inside of your ears are a little swollen." He looked at Arthur and Alfred. "The swelling isn't bad, but so long as you don't let anyone box him about the ears, they will heal fine.

'And now for the harder parts. Your left leg, it was once broken, correct?"

Toris nodded.

"There was abnormal healing, your previous doctor didn't set it right. I'm sorry, Toris, but short of breaking it and resetting it again, there is not much I can do."

"Would you recommend that?" Alfred asked. Toris looked at him with wide eyes. That was not something he wanted.

"He doesn't have much of a limp when he walks, and though it's a little stiff to move, he didn't express serious pain. As of right now, I would leave it alone and let other things heal. And about that scar down your stomach. It's infected, however, if you apply this poultice, wash it twice a day and bandage it after, with clean bandages, it will be just fine."

"We can do that," Alfred said enthusiastically.

"Good. Treat him well, give him good food and rest, and practice good hygiene, and Toris should be healthy no time."

As they said goodbye, the doctor promised to return again in a few months to check on Toris' progress.

"See," Alfred chirped, "that wasn't too bad, was it, buddy?"

"No," Toris agreed, "but I really don't want to do it again."

"You'll be safe for several months, buddy," Alfred said, ruffling Toris' hair.

XXX

Two months past and Toris slowly healed, mentally, and physically. He had started selling treats around the village and was saving up to buy a place of his own. Alfred had taken it upon himself to give Toris sword lessons. In addition, when he wasn't working or studying, he helped Peter with squire duties. It wasn't like he had dreamed, but Toris was learning knightly responsibilities, though he knew he would never become a real knight. However, Toris was completely and utterly happy in his new life. He had a job, friends, all the food he could possibly eat, and a bed that he still got excited about the softness of.

One day, he received a summons to the castle.

"W-what what would they want with me?" He asked Alfred. Alfred and Arthur agreed to accompany him to the castle. "H-have I done something wrong?"

"No buddy, of course not. All the letter said was that they wanted to talk to you."

"B-but why, why, me?"

"Maybe they heard how good your cooking has been and wanted to try some."

Toris glared at Alfred. "I don't think that's it," he said mournfully.

"Just remember, buddy. Everything is going to be okay."

Toris whimpered and twisted his hands against the horse's mane. "O-okay.

The castle was much closer to Alfred and Arthur's home than it had been to the Braginsky's. In the moonlight and excitement of the ball, it had looked romantic. Now, in the light of days, colored by Toris' mounting fear, the pale blue roof and climbing steeples seemed cold and foreboding.

A young man took their horses, and the three were ushered inside. They stood waiting in the throne room.

"I don't know what to act!" Toris blurted out.

"Pardon?" Arthur asked.

"The proper way…. I don't know what to do…," he looked at his friends in alarm. "I've never…oh god, the Queen and King."

Toris looked on the edge of fainting.

"Hey, Toris, breath. Breath, buddy." Alfred soothed. "It's simple. Alfred and I attend audiences all the time. When they enter, bow, and when they ask you a question, answer."

"You idiot, you've told the poor boy nothing," Arthur hissed. He shoved Alfred out of the way. "Allow me, my boy. We will stand here, in the middle of the room, the entire time. When they enter, we will bow from the waist down. Take your arm and put it here—good boy, and bend your leg like this-perfect. Once they are seated, we will rise. Naturally, they will speak first. All you have to do is wait for them to address you, and then answer as honestly and politely as possible."

"Where should I look?"

"Come again, my boy?"

"When they are talking, or, when someone else is talking, or, or, or, or, -"

"Calm yourself. You merely look at the speaker. It would be no different than how you look at Alfred or me when we are talking."

"But how you do it now," Alfred added. "Not at the floor like you use to, but in the eye. Or face, if you don't feel comfortable. Honestly, Toris, it's no big deal, they're no different than you or me."

"No different than you or me!" Arthur shrieked. "They are the head of our kingdom. They are our kingdom. They represent centuries-old lineage and tradition, and they deserve the proper respect! Your cavalier attitude towards the royalty will not be tolerated, boy. Not while I am around."

"Oh!" Toris moaned, clutching his stomach feeling sick.

Alfred rolled his eyes at his cousin, while Toris whispered in a nervous frenzy, centuries-old and are the kingdom.

It was at that moment that the two heralds flung open the doors. "His Majesty King Gilbert, King of Erebus, and Her Majesty Queen Erzsébet."

The three men bowed, and Toris shook like he did when living with Ivan.

"Alfred, Arthur, it's good to see you again," the king said. "Will either of you be participating in the tournament next month?"

"You betcha!" Alfred said, at the same time, Arthur responded with a polite, "Certainly, your majesty."

"Wonderful! They are always so much more fun when you two participate. I love watching Alfred slice into the competition."

The queen frowned. "Alfred is much to war-crazed. He almost killed Knight Honda last time."

"I know! It was awesome. Honda was asking for it. You got to do what you must to make the enemy surrender."

"Honda was one of our knights. Participating in a game. He was out of commission for three weeks."

"Of course, dear."

The queen glared at her husband.

"Moving on," she directed her gaze to Toris. "You must be Mr. Toris Laurentius."

"Yes ma'am, Mrs. Your Royal Majesty?" He trailed off in embarrassment.

Gilbert's smile faded. "Ah yes, Toris," he growled.

Toris cowered.

"You have been running around with my daughter. Behind my back. Without my permission. When I do not even know you."

Toris' breath caught in his throat. Gilbert rose from his chair, but Erzsébet put her hand on her husband's arm.

The panic started to set in. Toris felt very hot, and he couldn't breathe. He knew he was going to get in trouble; he knew coming here was a mistake.

"Did you have sex with her?"

"N-no, sir!" Toris' cheeks burned.

"Gilbert—"

"Several months ago, after some altercation with you, boy, she was depressed for weeks. You tell me what you did to her, and then I shall decide how long you shall be in the dungeon. I might have you whipped too."

Toris started to cry, trembling in fear.

"Answer me, boy!"

The situation was too familiar. Gilbert even looked like Ivan, tall with pale blond hair and a furious expression.

Toris flopped to his knees, bowing his head to the floor. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry."

"Hey," Alfred shouted. He went to rush forward, whether to help Toris or assault the king, but Arthur held him back.

"Don't be an idiot!" Arthur whispered to Alfred. "Don't get arrested." Alfred struggled, but Arthur was stronger.

"Gilbert!" The queen hissed, "what is the matter with you?"

"I will not allow some little twerp to hurt my daughter and get away with it. This boy messed with the wrong father. I am king and protector, and my daughter's pain shall be avenged."

Toris sobbed. "I didn't do anything," he whimpered. "I, didn't, didn't, didn't," he hic-coughed. "I didn't do anything. And you're yelling at me." He looked up at the king, face red and splotchy. "Y-your daughter was my friend. My dearest friend. And, and, I only treated her with the utmost respect. You don't even know me. W-why, why would you accuse me? Did, did, didn't Her Highness tell you anything a-about me?"

"Bravo Toris," Alfred whispered. Arthur slapped a hand over Alfred's mouth.

The king raised an eyebrow. "You dare to contradict me, little boy?"

Toris was paperwhite. "Don't you want to h-hear my side?" He asked, voice pitifully small.

"I know your side," the king said, standing up.

"And it is exactly as our daughter said, which is that she and Toris were close, but their friendship ended due to desires for different futures." the queen finished. Her husband glared, that was not what he was going to say.

"Stand, Mr. Laurentius," the queen said, extending her hand. Toris did and scrambled to bow over and kiss the hand of his protector. She expertly positioned Toris behind her, acting as a barrier between the boy and the king.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he breathed, the pain in his chest lessening.

"You are a loyal subject. Of course, you should be treated fairly. As for you, husband." She and Gilbert locked eyes, having a silent battle. Erzsébet won, Gilbert looking haughtily away, with a small 'sorry.'

"Her highness always spoke highly of you, Mr. Laurentius."

"She's very kind."

"It was obvious you two were very close. How sad that the friendship had to end."

"Not totally sad," Gilbert cut in. "What?" he said with a look at his wife, "Felicja's too young to marry, and don't give me that 'friend' nonsense. Boys only want one thing from a girl."

"Is that what you wanted, husband?"

"No, I was a man when we met. Besides, times were different then." He looked at Toris. "I'm sure you're a very nice boy and whatever, but stay away from my daughter."

The embarrassed flush was back. "Yes sir, Your Majesty."

"Gilbert enough! I will make you wait in the hall." Erzsébet pinched the bridge of her nose. "Overprotective fathers," she snarled to herself.

"Mr. Laurentius, is there any way I may help fix the rift between you and my daughter? She needs friends her own age, especially with her Cousin Ludwig, and Feliciana getting married. When she finally told us about you, you seemed to be a good fit for her; kind, considerate, compassionate."

Toris blushed at the queen's words. "I-I, really?"

"Yes. You are good for her, and I want my daughter to have a friend."

"I would gladly be her friend, Your Royal Majesty. Felicja, I mean, the Princess is the most amazing person I've ever met. But…I don't think she'd want to be friends with me."

"And why not? Is it because the silly girl asked if you wanted to marry her? Honestly, the girl is impulsive, but not vindictive."

"Yes, ma'am," Toris said softly. She would feel embarrassed, and I don't want to expose her to that. And I made her cry, and she was very hurt. I don't deserve a friend after I so stupidly hurt them.

"She had feelings for you, but you did not return them, correct?"

Toris looked confused. "I, I was happy she was my friend, and I thought she was glad to be mine?"

"Let me rephrase. She had a romantic interest in you, but you didn't have one for her, correct?"

"Oh no," Toris blurted out. "I loved her too. But a person like me could never be worthy of the Princess."

The queen raised her eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"I'm just a poor orphan. I only recently got a job, and I don't have a house of my own. She wouldn't like living as a commoner. I don't think folks treated her equally. And, I have no training to be a king or anything like that, and I don't want to rely on charity. I, I like making my own money, and, and, and being able to buy my own things. It's a wonderful feeling. I, I never got to do that before," he said softly.

"So, you do love her?"

"More than anything."

The queen thought about this for a moment.

"But, you also love your independence?"

"Yes, ma'am, Your Majesty." He bowed his head, ashamed. Will she think I love independence more than her daughter?

"Mr. Laurentius, why don't you resume courtship of my daughter?"

"Ma'am?" Toris stuttered the same time Gilbert screeched 'what!'

"Hush Gilbert, and yes. This is my idea. You two would court for perhaps a year or so, and then, if you both were certain, marry. Giving your previous circumstances, the Crown would happily allow you to marry her, and continue your work. Felicja has always been a leader, and though she would need you to rule by your side, she would be happy, I am sure, to do most of the ruling herself. Would you like that?

"Yes! He would! Toris say yes!" Alfred shouted. Arthur wrestled him back into a sort of calm.

Toris' mouth gaped. "I, I could really do that? Work and marry Felicja? And she could keep her life as she is used to?"

The queen nodded. "If you both decided to be married, my husband can give you lessons on how to run a country."

Both Toris and Gilbert looked horrified at the prospect of working together. Toris recovered first.

"I…. this…this is better than I ever dreamed! Oh, could we really do that, Your Majesty?"

"I never say things I do not mean. So, what do you say, Mr. Laurentius?

~~~EPILOGE~~~

Toris asked Felicja to marry him two years later. It was a grand wedding that the entire town came to watch. Alfred, Arthur, and Peter had the most privileged position. In the castle, Toris divided his time between lessons in the castle and his restaurant out in the town. At first, he was petrified of his father-in-law, which delighted the man. However, his wife and daughter coached Toris, and eventually, he grew brave enough to defend himself. Once the couple became queen and king, many years later, new laws were enacted to protect the rights of orphans and servants. All agreed their king related well to the people, and they adored him.

Toris and Felicja had three children, whom Toris spoiled, giving them everything he had been denied. Toris; scares never faded completely, his stutter would come back when he was nervous, and it took him years to truly shake off the shackles of the Braginskys. But he had everything he had ever wanted and been denied during those ten long years of abuse: a family, friends, and love. His life was utterly changed, and he never forgot where he came from. Though his courage grew, because of his past, he always stayed humble and king. And so, ends the story of the poor mistreated orphan, and the Princess.

And they lived happily ever after.

THE END

Written in memory of Ivanushka, my little bird who died while this chapter was being written. Thank you Ivanushka for being as good a friend to me, as Eduard is to Toris.