A/N: I know, I know... It's about damn time this story was uploaded, right? Well, this is the second chapter... However, I do have to warn you, the story might seem a bit rushed... Sorry... I was just wanting to get it out... :)


As the years went by, the young prince Vincent grew into a handsome young man that would make his parents proud. He was kind, he was gentle, and he had his mother's eyes and his father's strong chin. Through the years, Drizella and Lady Tremaine were cruel and ruthless to him, but, he still stayed humble. He was now 16, and today was his birthday. He hummed a song while doing his daily chores. He looked over to see a young brown haired girl walking towards him. This was his best friend, Adella, her blue eyes lighting up as she ran towards him. She nearly fell as she stopped abruptly. "Happy birthday Vincent! Here! My father made you this," she said, handing him the brown package. He smirked, opening the package and removing the contents.

It was a book. In fancy handwriting, the note on the book read, 'Happy birthday Vincent! Here is a journal to write all your great adventures with. With love, Charles.' Adella couldn't hide her smile as Vincent looked at her. "You like it?" she asked, crossing her hands. He smiled, nodding. That's when he heard the back door open and Lady Tremaine walk out in the backyard. She stared intently at Adella, and then turned her attention to Vincent. "Hello Lady Tremaine. I was just—" and with that, Adella was cut off. She walked over to Vincent, who his the journal behind his back. He gave an innocent grin. "Vincent, what have I told you about having friends over before your chores are done?" she asked, placing both her hands on her walking stick.

"To wait until I'm done. But, mother, it's—" he tried to sputter something before he was cut off.

"I know it's your birthday. And since it's your 16th birthday, you are allowed to head into town for the day. But after everything is done," she said.

Vincent grinned even larger and hugged Lady Tremaine around her waist. "Thank you mother!" he exclaimed, rushing through his chores.

Although lady Tremaine wasn't too happy about letting him run into town, she couldn't deny that she needed to let him run or else he'll start asking questions. "Just stay in the village! Don't go wandering off!" she yelled as Adella and Vincent headed into town.


Meanwhile, at the castle, Cinderella paced. It was the missing Prince's 16th birthday. She was waiting for Christopher to get back, hopefully with some good news. They were still searching for him. Her handmaid was watching, holding her hand as she paced. Cinderella hadn't had much sleep since her son disappeared. "I'm positive they'll find him, your highness," she said, rubbing the back of the Queen's hand. The trumpets blew and Christopher walked in, Cinderella running to him. Christopher shook his head, causing Cinderella to break down again. It's his birthday. He's sixteen. And they can't find him to see what kind of man he's turning out to be. Cinderella looked at Christopher, her eyes filled with tears, her body shaking. They were going to throw a ball for his birthday. Even if he didn't show up.

"I'll call the bakers and the cooks," he said, wiping her tears away.

She smiled, kissing the palm of his hand. "Thank you Christopher," she said softly.


Vincent wandered through the market, the smell of fresh-baked bread hitting his nostrils. It was the best smelling thing in the world. Adella followed him. She was such a troublemaker. There were balloons with the missing Prince's name on them. There were posters, a reward for finding the lost Prince. And then there was a flyer. A flyer for a ball at the castle, in honor of the missing prince. He looked at Adella, her eyes as wide as his was. "A ball to honor the young Prince Vincent, who disappeared 16 years ago. All are welcome! Please dress in your best as there will be a contest," Adella repeated. She smiled and looked at Vincent, her blue eyes running through an idea in her head. He could always tell when she's thinking.

"What do you have planned in that scheming head of yours?" he asked, Adella now grinning from ear-to-ear.

"We're going to that ball!" she exclaimed.

Vincent shook his head. "My mother wouldn't allow it! She'd have my head if she knew I had gone anywhere without her permission," Vincent said, staring at her.

She leaned in to whisper in his ear, "What she doesn't know, won't hurt her."

Vincent looked Adella in the eyes and heard the clock chiming noon. His mother was going to kill him more if he was out too much longer. He started running toward the Tremaine house where Drizella waited on him, her arms crossed, her face turned into one of disgust. "Mother was looking for you. She's in her room," she said. When Vincent came in the door, she slammed it right in Adella's face. Vincent ran up the stairs, and into his mother's room, where he looked at her, her eyes crossing in anger. Vincent fell at her feet as he waited for her to yell at him. She put her hand on Lucifer's head, running her fingers along the cat's head. "You're late," she said, closing her eyes and listening to Lucifer purr. Vincent looked down, knowing he shouldn't make eye contact.

"I'm sorry mother. I lost track of time," he said, keeping his eyes low.

She smirked. "I guess I can forgive your tardiness just this once," she said.

Lady Tremaine heard the door bang and Vincent went running down the stairs to see who was at the door. It was the king and Queen's messenger. "Is the lady of the house currently here?" he asked, staring at the 16 year old. Vincent nodded and was pushed away from the door as Lady Tremaine held her hand out. "I am the lady of the house," she said, expecting the messenger to kiss her hand. The messenger just bowed and handed her a scroll. "The King and Queen invite you to celebrate with them the Prince's 16th birthday," he said. Lady Tremaine took the scroll and read through it, her eyes scanning for the keywords. She looked at Vincent and thanked the messenger, and then slammed the door in his face. She chuckled, Drizella reading over her shoulder.

"We've been invited to a party," she said.

"I can come too?" Vincent asked, innocently.

Lady Tremaine shook her head and laughed. "You're only 16. Who would want a kid at a party? Besides, you've got chores to finish."

Vincent looked down, defeated. "Yes mother," he said, dejected.


A/N: Is Vincent going to obey Lady Tremaine? Or is he going to defy her? Find out soon on the next chapter of Cinderella IV