Hello! Back again with another chapter. So for those who are still confused, this story takes place in the 18th century, even though Cinderella most likely actually takes place in the 19th century. The third movie I'm about to reference in this chapter also probably takes place in the 19th century, but since certain Cinderella characters are present in the film, I couldn't resist putting them in here. (Hey, this is my story and I'll do as I please. LOL). Also, Candlegirl/Beth, wherever you are, I have something in here for you ;) Anyway, let's begin...
~Chapter Two~
"Hello Major," Cinderella said as she walked up to the horse in his stable.
The princess was recovering well from childbirth. Certainly better than both her mother and her late husband's mother had. It had only been two months since the birth of her son and here she was, taking him to the stables for the first time.
"Adam," she said softly to her baby as she held him up to Major, "This is Major. He's been with me for a very long time. Major, this is the new prince, Adam."
Major gently nudged the two month old infant, earning a small smile from him as he held one hand out to touch the horse's face.
"I have someone else for you to meet, darling," the princess said as she opened the stable door and walked in, "May I, Major?"
As if completely understanding his mistress' words, he nodded and moved aside, revealing a young foal who was almost an exact replica of Major himself.
"Major's mate had this foal shortly after you were born," Cinderella said, "His name is Magnifique and he's going to belong to you when you're older."
The young princess knelt down on the ground beside Magnifique and stroked his short mane while holding her son with her other arm against the curve of her hip. Charming had always wanted for his future children to each have a horse of their own just as he had as a child, so it was perfect that they had discovered Cinderella was pregnant at the same time Major's mate was three months along. They had both decided that the future foal would belong to their child. Cinderella considered it the only gift Adam's father was ever able to give him, but she would see to it that the boy never noticed his lack of a father figure. She would shower her son with all the love and affection he needed.
"Princess!" a small voice called out, "Princess!"
Cinderella looked up to see a little blonde girl of four years jumping up and down outside the stable, her pigtails bouncing with her. She got up and opened the door for the little girl.
"Good morning, Emily," she said, "What brings you here?"
"Mama said I could come see the foal, if it's alright with you that is."
"Of course it's alright with me," said the princess, "Come on in!"
"Hi Magnifique!" the little girl said as she walked up to the foal and scratched him between his ears.
"Have you picked out a dress to wear to the ball tonight?" Cinderella asked.
"Uh-huh!" she said, nodding excitedly, "I'm gonna wear a yellow dress with blue lace."
"Oh you'll look lovely!" said the princess.
"Will there be anyone my age there?" the youngest Potts child asked.
"I'm sure there will be."
"Maybe I'll meet my true love there," Emily said, "Just like you did!"
"Maybe you will."
Cinderella took amusement from the child's excitement, recalling a similar feeling when she went to her first ball, many years ago.
Flashback:
Cinderella could hardly sit still as her mother, Paquette, styled her hair for the ball. Lord Pierre Claude Tremaine was quite popular among the upper class and he and his wife had been invited to many balls throughout the years. But this was the first time since his daughter's birth that Paquette would join him and the first time his daughter went to a ball at all.
"Cinderella," Paquette gently scolded, "Hold still, ma petit."
"I'm sorry Maman," she said, "I'm just so excited. I'm a real grown up now!"
"Ah yes, you're a big girl now! Now stay still and I'll give you a big girl's hair do."
Sighing, the five year old sat still as Paquette continued to weave the pearls into her hair.
"There we are," her mother said at last, "All done! Shall we go show your Papa?"
Cinderella nodded and they went downstairs where her father was waiting for them at the door.
"Ah there they are," he said as Cinderella ran down the stairs in her puffy red dress, Paquette gracefully following behind, "My little princess and my jewel of a queen!"
"And isn't my king looking quite dashing tonight," Paquette said as she claimed her husband for a kiss.
"Do you like my dress Papa?"
"It's wonderful, darling!" Pierre said as he lifted Cinderella into his arms, "I just know all eyes will be on you tonight."
"You'll be the belle of the ball," Paquette said.
"Come now ladies," Pierre said as he used one hand to open the door, "Let's not keep them waiting."
End Flashback
Cinderella remembered very little about that ball. But she would attend other balls with her father before his untimely death, often standing on his feet to try and match his height. She made a mental note to do the same with Adam.
"Princess?" Emily asked, distracting the new mother from her thoughts.
"Yes Emily?"
"I'm bored. Peter doesn't want to play with me and Mama and Papa are too busy to play," the little girl complained, batting her eyelashes pleadingly.
Cinderella smiled. "Alright. I'll play with you. Just let me put Adam to sleep first."
The two made their way to the princess' bedchamber to put the baby prince to sleep and on their way they ran into one of the decorating maids.
"Hiya, Angelique!" Emily said, recognizing the young woman.
"Bonjour, Emily," she said before curtsying before the princess, "Your Highness."
"How is the decorating coming along Angelique?" Cinderella asked.
"Very well," Angelique answered, "Much faster than I expected it would, seeing as we're full of amateurs."
"It's worth it though for the final result, isn't it?" the princess asked.
"Ah oui it is," the maid answered as her gaze shifted to the baby, "And how is the little one?"
"He's doing well. I just brought him to the stables to see Major and Magnifique."
"And?"
"And they love him. Who wouldn't?" the princess said, smiling fondly at her son.
"Indeed," the young maid agreed, "Now if you'll excuse me, I must find my swine of a suitor."
"Oh I saw Lumiére!" Emily spoke up, "He was in the dining room playing with Michelle!"
"'Playing' with Michelle?" Angelique asked suspiciously.
"Uh-huh!" Emily nodded, oblivious to what her findings really meant, only glad that she'd been useful.
"Merci, little one," Angelique said. Once more, she curtsied to the princess before walking away.
"Oh dear," Cinderella thought.
The twenty-three year old princess had not known Lumiére very well before her friendship with his mother, but it didn't take long to find out he was quite popular with the ladies in the castle. Every time she saw him, he seemed to either be flirting with a maid or swearing his undying love to Angelique. She suspected he would have to do some more of the latter shortly.
Cinderella and Emily continued their way to the princess' bedchamber and when they arrived, the king was there.
"Ah there you are!" he said, "I was just about to go looking for you. May I see my grandson?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cinderella said as she handed her newborn to him, "I was just going to leave him here so I could play with Emily."
"Hello, Your Majesty," the child said, giving her best curtsy.
"Hello, Emily," he greeted back, more focused on the baby he was holding.
"How does hide and seek sound?" the princess asked her.
"Yes!" she said, jumping up and down, "You count first!"
"Alright," she said turning around, "One… two… three…"
Emily ran off to find a hiding spot in the vast castle as Cinderella counted to one hundred and the king played with the new prince.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Lumiére!"
The teenager in question broke his kiss with Michelle, turning around to see a very angry looking Angelique glaring at him.
"Ah bonjour, ma cheri," he said nervously as his face tinted red, "You look lovely."
Angelique's gaze shifted to her coworker. "You stay away from him!"
Michelle said nothing as she walked away. She knew better than to argue with the likes of Angelique Bernadette Barbot.
"Lumiére, we've been together for three months now and you still act like a single man. Is this courtship really going anywhere?"
"Oh cheri," Lumiére said to her, "You know those other women mean nothing to me. You're the only one I have eyes for."
"Then why do you keep doing it?" she asked.
"To remind myself that no woman can kiss like you," her suitor said with a smirk as he kissed her passionately.
Angelique fought to resist him at first, but then melted into his embrace and returned the kiss. Diane walked into the dining room at that moment with a pair of candelabras to set the table with and when she saw the couple, she made sure to be extra quiet in her movements so as not to disturb them. She returned to the kitchen with a smile on her face.
"What are you smiling about over there?" asked the head cook, Mr. Richard Potts.
"Oh nothing," she said, going to the sink to wash the dishes, "I'm just back from my daily observations of the lovebirds."
"Oh my," the cook's wife, Mrs. Angela Potts, said as she went to help Diane with the dishes, "Are they at it again?"
"When are they not?" Diane said as she scrubbed a china plate.
"Where was it this time?" Mrs. Potts asked.
"The dining room," the kitchen maid answered.
"Oh, Heavens! Did you stop them?"
"I couldn't. They just looked so sweet together. It reminded me of mon cher Jérôme and I when we were young."
"You know Prudence isn't going to be happy if she finds them at it out in the open," Mrs. Potts warned her.
"Oh Prudence is just an old… ooh…" she couldn't think of the words as she scrubbed harder in irritation.
"Maybe, but she is head of the household, and a duchess now too," her friend explained, "Its her job to make sure everything is running smoothly and she could get in big trouble if something goes wrong."
"Lumiére always has his duties completed in time," Diane said, "There is no reason for Prudence to complain."
"It's just how she is," Mr. Potts said, "There's nothing we can do to change her rigidness. It's part of why she got the job in the first place."
"And if you'll recall," said Mrs. Potts, "Her brother was very much the same last time he visited. It probably runs in the family."
"Ah oui," Diane recalled, "Well I'm glad he won't be visiting for this event."
Lumiére entered the kitchen at that moment.
"There he is," Mr. Potts said, "We were just talking about you, boy. Why don't you go help the ladies with the dishes?"
"Oui, mon capitan!" he saluted before joining Diane at the sink.
Mr. Potts chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Silly lad," he muttered as he stirred the stew.
"Just you wait until you see Angelique in her gown tonight," Diane told her son as she handed him the drying towel, "You'll be blown away!"
"Maman, it's hard to improve upon perfection," Lumiere said, "Every time I look into those eyes, it feels like I am drowning in them."
"Then you'd better learn to swim by tonight," Diane said with a smirk.
"Is it too early to ask for her hand?"
"Oh Lumiére de ma vie you are a hopeless romantic, just like your Maman!" his mother said pinching his cheeks, "But it is much too early. Your father and I were together for two years before getting married."
"And I waited five years before popping the question," said Mr. Potts.
"I was starting to think you'd never ask," Mrs. Potts said, "I wouldn't suggest he wait that long."
"Perhaps," the cook admitted, "But three months is still much too early, especially with the way you're always flirting with other girls."
"My one weakness," the brunette teenager admitted.
"Oh I know a certain other weakness of yours," Diane said as she skittered her fingers up and down her son's skinny torso.
Lumiére nearly dropped the plate he was drying as he doubled over giggling. "Maman! Not again!"
Diane only tickled him faster, delighting in the sound of his laughter. Nearly an adult, Diane still saw Lumiére as a mere boy and probably always would. So she wasn't shy about treating him as such.
Tears started to form in his eyes before a hand was put on Diane's shoulder.
"Alright luv," Mrs. Potts said, "I think that's enough. Let's give the poor boy a breather."
Diane stopped and pulled her son in to give him a kiss on his cheek, making him blush.
"Maman, you treat me like I'm a little boy," Lumiére complained.
"Because you are my little boy. Mon Lumiére de ma vie."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"How do I look ladies?" Cinderella asked.
"As beautiful as a precious stone," Beatrice said.
Cinderella, Beatrice, Daphne, and Anastasia were all in the princess' bedchamber, helping her ready herself for the ball. Anastasia had helped her pick a gown, Daphne did her make up, and Beatrice styled her hair.
"It's amazing how quickly you've gotten your figure back," Daphne said, "I wish I were as lucky with my daughter's birth."
Cinderella frowned, looking in the mirror. She knew it wasn't all luck. The sudden death of her husband had caused her to all but cease eating for quite some time and as a result she had lost a lot of weight while still with child. It was certainly nothing to be proud of.
Anastasia noticed the change in her stepsister's demeanor and knew what she must be thinking, so she quickly changed the subject.
"Aubin and I went to town this morning for a few last minute ingredients," she said, "And all anyone could talk about was the ball. I think it's going to be quite a crowd tonight."
"I should hope so, for the sake of the decorating staff," said the princess, "They worked very hard on this one."
"And their hard work has paid off," Beatrice said, "I was just down there and it looked lovely."
"Well let's not keep them waiting," Cinderella said, "Let's go."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"His royal highness, King Louis," said the Grand Duke as the king entered.
Cinderella gracefully walked in after him, her baby in her arms as the Grand Duke announced, "Her royal highness, Princess Cinderella."
The crowd cheered much louder for their princess than they did their king, for she had easily won their hearts. For the first time in France's history, subjects of all status were allowed to attend royal gatherings. But most importantly, the kingdom's first child protection act had been put into place. Orphanages were heavily investigated on a monthly basis to be sure no money was being hoarded for personal gain and any family suspected of child abuse was expected to be reported by witnesses. Any family found guilty had their children taken away and brought to a safer environment. This new system also created more jobs for citizens in the form of inspectors. These things had caused the princess by marriage to earn the respect and love of her people.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen," the king said, "I'd like to thank you all for coming to this momentous occasion. Tonight, we celebrate the birth of my grandson, Prince Adam Pierre de Beaumont. We shall begin the celebration with a few arias sung by the current queen of the opera world: Madame de la Grand Bouche. Enjoy!"
Opposite where the royals had been seated was a large stage where the aforementioned singer walked out in an elaborate gown and large, white wig. The orchestra began playing two bars, before Madame opened her mouth and filled the ballroom with her beautiful soprano voice.
Cinderella closed her eyes as she hummed along to the song. She, her husband, her father in law, and their closest comrades had all seen the woman perform at the royal opera years before, wearing a beautiful silk gown that she had handcrafted herself. All had fallen in love with her voice and since then had invited her to sing at many of their balls.
"I have a gift for the young prince," the king said to Cinderella.
"Oh?"
"I'm having a summer castle built on the border of the kingdom," he said, "Near the Black Forest. It's perfectly secluded, so you can both vacation there whenever you want without any interruptions from the outside world."
"Oh, Your Majesty... Thank you so much."
"Only the very best for my grandson," he said with a smile.
"Excuse me, Your Highness," said a clearly well off nobleman, "May I have this dance?"
"Of course, Monsieur," Cinderella said politely as she stood from her throne and put her son in a golden cradle.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lumiére's jaw dropped as Angelique entered the ballroom in a long sleeved blue dress, the shoulders slightly puffed, with a fake silk choker around her neck and white studs in her ears. Her shoulder length blonde hair was pulled back with a blue ribbon and on her feet were one inch blue heels. All of the blue she was wearing perfectly complimented her sky blue eyes that Lumiére had fallen in love with.
"Mon amour, you look like you've been sent from the Heavens above," he said as he kissed her cheek.
"Well I should hope so, considering my name," Angelique said with a smirk.
Cinderella had long ago set a rule that all servants under twenty would be off duty the night of balls and holidays. Angelique was nineteen and Lumiére was seventeen and both were taking full advantage of this rule for as long as they could.
"Shall we dance?" Lumiére asked, wrapping an arm around her.
Angelique leaned against his shoulder. "I believe we shall."
Lumiére led her in a slow waltz as he said, "Cheri, you could easily outshine the princess herself tonight!"
Angelique giggled. "You say that every time I'm dressed up."
"Because it's the truth," her suitor said.
Angelique sighed in contentment. When he wasn't chasing after other girls, Lumiére was quite a charmer.
The two danced several numbers before they were interrupted by a laundry maid named Veronique, dressed in a deep red gown that synched tightly around her waist and showed a fair amount of cleavage.
"Well, Lumiére," she said flirtatiously, "Are you ever going to dance with me tonight?"
Lumiére was about to reach out for her hand when he saw Angelique's glare.
"Just a dance or two, ma cheri," he said to her, "I'll be back for you."
Angelique shook her head in frustration as she watched them waltz away. Veronique was one of the most beautiful maids in the castle. All the male servants fawned over her and she took that to her full advantage. The young decorating maid wanted to believe she saw Lumiére in the same light as all the other men she flirted with. But she still couldn't help being jealous.
"Mademoiselle Angelique?" said a young voice behind her.
She turned around to see the Potts' eldest son, ten year old Caleb, shyly holding out his hand to her.
"Will you dance with me?" he asked.
Angelique smiled, knowing the young boy had a crush on her. "I'd be honored, Monsieur," she said as she bent over to take his hands in hers.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Anastasia laid her head against her husband's chest as they swayed to the music.
"Have I ever told you how glad I am that I met you?" she asked.
"Only a few times," Aubin said, "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
"Only a few times," she repeated with a giggle.
"Anastasia," he said, "I've been thinking about the conversation we had with the Grand Duke while Cinderella was in labor… and… well, we have been married for three years now. I'm thinking that maybe it's time to start a family of our own."
Anastasia bit her lip nervously. She had been afraid of this topic.
"I'm not sure Aubin," she said, "I've never really had any experience in taking care of children."
"Neither have I," her husband said, "We can learn together as they grow."
"Aubin… I'm not even sure I can carry children," Anastasia said, "I mean, look at me!" she gestured down at her lanky frame.
"Well… what if we adopted?" Aubin suggested.
Anastasia still looked doubtful. "Us Tremaine's don't exactly have a good running track of raising children that aren't ours by blood."
"But that was your mother," Aubin argued, "You're not your mother. You're you. You're Anastasia Lucille Tremaine de Parchin, lady in waiting and most trusted confidante to the princess and my one true love. I wouldn't want to raise a family with anyone but you."
Anastasia blushed. "Alright. I'll think about it."
Aubin kissed her. "We have plenty of time to sort it out."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After a few hours of music and dancing, it was time for gifts to be presented to the newborn.
"Their royal highnesses, King Eric and Queen Ariel of Denmark."
The Danish royals approached the king and princess on their thrones with a gracious bow and curtsy.
"Princess Cinderella," said the red headed queen, "As soon to be parents ourselves, we wish to congratulate you on this new addition to the royal family, while also offering our condolences in regards to your recent loss."
"Thank you," Cinderella said.
"As you're well aware," King Eric said, "Our kingdom is rich in pearls and ancient Viking jewelry. We would like to present the young prince with our very finest collections. They come in every color and will make wonderful jewelry for his future bride."
One of their servants came forward with a large chest, which he opened to reveal the vast array of pearls and Viking jewelry.
"Thank you very much, Your Majesties," Cinderella said.
"We wish nothing but a prosperous future for your son," Queen Ariel said.
"And I wish the same for your coming child," said the French princess.
The next to present their gifts was King Philip V and Queen Elisabeth of Spain.
"Thank you very much for inviting us to this extraordinary occasion," said the Spanish Queen.
"We gift your son with our finest Citrine jewels as well as several rare porcelain goods," said King Philip.
"Thank you," Cinderella said.
Many more royals and nobility came forward to offer gifts to the young prince. Gold, silver, jewels, delicate fabrics for clothing, and lavish toys were all given to the newborn.
"Thank you all for coming and being a part of this celebration," King Louis said at the end of the ball, "We hope to see you all at future gatherings. Good night, ladies and gentlemen."
Many more "Congratulations" were heard as everyone filed out of the ballroom, as well as a few "Long live the prince!" and "God save the prince!" Cinderella scooped the young prince into her arms and kissed his forehead.
"Wasn't that kind of them all, Adam?" she asked him in a high pitched voice, "Everyone loves you, my sweet little prince!"
"Of course they love him!" King Louis said, "What's not to love?!"
"Indeed," Cinderella said, nuzzling her face against the baby's, "You're the perfect little bundle of joy!"
The little prince gave a wide yawn.
"Oh it is way past your bedtime, isn't it?" his mother said, "We better do something about that!"
"I think it's past my bedtime as well," the king said with a yawn, "I really am getting too old for these late night celebrations."
"I'll see you in the morning, Your Majesty," Cinderella said as she took her son with her to their bedchamber.
"Good night my dears," the king said as he headed to his own bedchamber.
Cinderella met with her stepsister and ladies in waiting as she made her way to her bedchambers. They discussed the events of the ball and the gifts that had been given to the young prince. Cinderella told them about the summer castle her father-in-law was having built for them.
"You will take us along with you sometimes, won't you?" Beatrice asked with a wink.
"Of course I will," the princess said, "You three are my best friends. It would be dull without you."
They stopped when they got to the princess' bedchamber and her ladies in waiting bid her goodnight. But Anastasia remained.
"Cinderella," she said nervously, "Can I talk to you?"
"Of course," Cinderella said as she opened her door.
The two women entered. Anastasia lit a few candles while Cinderella put Adam in his cradle.
"What did you want to talk about?" Cinderella asked.
"It's Aubin. He wants us to have children. But I'm not so sure. I feel like I'd be a horrible mother."
"Oh Anastasia, you'd be a wonderful mother," Cinderella said, "What would make you think otherwise?"
"Well for starters, I have no experience in taking care of children," she said, "Mother worked us to the bone in etiquette, language, music… everything but parenting."
"Well…" Cinderella said, "I was never taught how to be a mother either."
"No," Anastasia admitted, "But you took care of all the mice and the chickens and Bruno. I never did any of that!"
"That's alright," said Cinderella, "You'll learn as you go. Besides, I can always help you if you need it. So can Mrs. Potts. She's had six children after all."
"I still don't know if I could do it," said Anastasia, "Mother hardly ever showed us any kindness. At least not since Father had started drinking. Everything changed after that."
"You're not your mother," said the princess.
"I was a lot like her at one point," Anastasia said, looking to her feet in shame, "You know that better than anyone else."
"But you've changed, Anastasia," Cinderella said, "You're not the same woman you were before."
"She's right, child," said another voice, "You mustn't dwell on the sins of the past, but embrace the new woman you've become and are still becoming."
The two women turned to see none other than Cinderella's fairy godmother.
"Godmother," Cinderella said, rushing up to hug the elderly woman, "It's so good to see you again!"
"Likewise, child," she said, "Congratulations! I know you will raise your son with love and kindness."
"Hello again, Madame," Anastasia said.
"Anastasia," the fairy said, "You have grown into a fine young lady. You mustn't doubt your capabilities. If it's any comfort, you were never quite as bad as your mother and sister."
"Do you really think so?" Anastasia asked.
"She's right, Anastasia," Cinderella said, "Remember when you retrieved that picture of my father for me?"
Anastasia blushed a little as she remembered that day.
Flashback
Anastasia huffed as she trudged up the long stairway to the attic. How did Cinderella climb these stairs every day?
Things had changed since the death of her stepfather last year. She had been given Cinderella's old room and Cinderella was moved to the attic. She and her older sister had also been having more lavish gifts given to them by their mother. But at the same time she noticed that the household staff was dwindling, Cinderella taking on the duties that were left behind. She now ran their errands, cleaned the chimneys, and had started making their meals among many other things. She had also had most of her things taken away and given to Anastasia and Drizella. Her toys, her books, her nicest clothes, even some of her most prized possessions.
Which was what had brought Anastasia here. She knocked on the door. It opened to reveal her stepsister, her once fine clothes dirtied and ripped in several places and her face gaunt. She looked surprised to see Anastasia there.
"Do you need something?" she asked.
"No," Anastasia said, pulling out a small portrait of her stepfather, "Um, I wanted to give you this. Mother has been throwing out most of the portraits of Stepfather, but… I thought you might want to keep this."
The truth was she felt bad about this happening. She knew Cinderella had her pictures of her parents taken away and remembered how her stepsister begged and pleaded not to part with them, only to receive a harsh slap in the face.
"Anastasia," Cinderella said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you so much!"
She hugged Anastasia tightly, catching her off guard. Anastasia pushed her off.
"Don't get your soot all over my nice dress," she said, brushing herself off.
"I'm sorry," Cinderella said looking down, "Thank you, though."
"You're welcome," Anastasia said quietly.
End Flashback
"That was a very kind thing you did for her that day," said the fairy godmother, "It shows that deep down you've always been a good person."
"I don't have anything to remember my father by," Anastasia said, "I wish I did. And I knew I'd be upset if someone took that away from me."
"Your father was a deeply troubled man," said the elderly fairy, "But I don't think he ever meant for things to turn out the way they did."
"I know," Anastasia said, her eyes watering a little as she thought of him.
"What brings you here tonight, Godmother?" Cinderella asked.
"Well I thought it might frighten people if a magical being showed up at the ball," she said with a laugh.
The two young women laughed as well. It was true. Most people did not believe in such things anymore. It'd be quite a spectacle to say the least.
"My child," the fairy said, "I have a gift I would like to bestow upon the little one. May I see him?"
"Of course," Cinderella said as she led her fairy godmother to the cradle where Adam slept.
The elderly fairy smiled down at the infant and pulled her wand out from her sleeve.
"Sweet Little Prince," she whispered as she waved the wand, "My gift for you is that one day you will find true love in a gentle and virtuous woman, one who will be by your side for all time and help you lead your subjects justly and truthfully."
Sparkles fell from the wand and landed on the sleeping prince.
"Thank you, Godmother," Cinderella said.
"You do know that the aging of your animal friends will resume now though?" the fairy said, "My magic can only do so much for so long."
Cinderella sighed, knowing this was true. Her godmother had stopped their aging as a wedding gift. Most likely none of them would be alive now without it.
"I know, Godmother."
The fairy tilted her chin up. "They'll never truly be gone. Just like your mother and father and husband, they will always watch over you."
"Yes," the princess said, "Yes, of course."
"I will take my leave now," said the fairy, "May your reign be long and peaceful."
With that, she faded into nothing.
"Isn't she wonderful?" Cinderella said to her stepsister.
"She is," Anastasia said, "Your son will definitely have everything a child could ask for."
"Perhaps a cousin to play with as well?" Cinderella asked.
Anastasia laughed. "Perhaps. Good night, Cinderella."
"Good night, Anastasia," Cinderella said as she watched her leave the room.
Cinderella glanced up at a portrait of her and Charming and smiled.
"The only thing missing is you, dear," she said, "But I know you and Maman and Papa are looking down on us. I love you all. Good night."
So I don't know what royals give each other as gifts and couldn't really find any results online so I just went with whatever jewelry each kingdom was known for, plus pearls for what I hope are obvious reasons. If you like what you're reading, please leave a review or a follow. Since Adam is just a baby right now, I can't really do much with him, so the next few chapters will be subplot. I hope you've all enjoyed. To quote Wotso videos:
Have a magical day!