Thank you to a certain guest for being my first reviewer on the story, and yes, as you can see, I am continuing with another chapter! Unfortunately the chapters will come out two or three at a time but then there will be long breaks in between them. Thanks for reading though, and please review again!

I do not own Midnight Cinderella Ikémen Royal Romances.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE YOU START READING.

Whoever catches Ava on the stairs will NOT be her suitor. I'm mashing together parts from ALL of the different stories, so whoever she visits her student with will not be the only suitor. The main ones will be Alyn, Louis, and Leo, and probably Sid and Byron later on, but unfortunately their main stories are not out yet. :'(

Also, I made some changes/corrections to the earlier chapters, but the biggest thing really was that Ava's eye color is now bright green, so you don't really have to reread everything.

Now please, continue!

Chapter 7: Smiled In Front Of Louis

August 20th

The strong arms around my waist in no way reflected in the owner's voice. I sighed, allowing my face to stay buried in the man's chest a moment longer, before turning my head to find-

"Ah- Louis! How nice to see you!" Louis met my emerald green eyes with his own icy blue gaze. It also seemed that my quick reaction in no way convinced him.

"After that impressive performance you made earlier today I'd not expected you to turn in your tiara so soon." The faintest of smiles drifted across his chiseled lips, causing a small frown to come across my own. "Not that I object to your decision to quit. In fact, I'd be more than happy to assist in your escape." There was a hint of mirth in Louis' voice. The bastard thinks I'm trying to run away! I suddenly remembered the conversation we'd had earlier.

"I don't think you've got what it takes to be princess. The thought of the kingdom's future resting on a commoner like you makes me sick."

Guess I'll have to break the bad news. In a very gentle way, of course. I went to cross my arms before realizing that Louis was still holding me. I blushed a bit, hoping that the darkness would hide that, and pushed away from Louis. I then crossed my arms and smirked at the duke.

"I'm sorry to say that you are mistaken Duke Howard, I have every intention of returning to the palace." The glimmer of mirth faded as Louis' gaze grew cold again. My smirk grew. "I was merely going out to apologize to one of my students."

"For your failure to find the flower, I presume?" Damn, this guy just doesn't let up. I pursed my lips together, trying not to become angry again. I didn't answer his question.

I remembered him telling me how foolish I'd been to believe in a fairy tale. Louis had told me not to bother remembering our meeting. So I assumed he'd forgotten about it himself. Apparently not...

"And after you apologize to your student, what then?"

"I'll return to the palace to fulfill my duties." I told him quietly, frowning. He's one of the reasons I decided to stay.

"I doubt you even know what those duties are." Even with his calm delivery, Louis' words hit hard. In fact, he was right. I knew little of what the job entailed.

"I said that I would do it. I won't go back on my word. Not now."

"And why not?" To my surprise, Louis' icy gaze melted to reveal not anger, but a fleeting glimmer of sorrow. "Why not?" Louis suddenly grabbed my wrist, and I got the feeling that for some reason he was begging me.

"I told you, I gave my word. I won't abandon my responsibilities as princess elect. Besides, nobody here thinks I can do it. I can though, and I will prove it!" Louis released his hand on me and turned away. He no longer appeared sad, but almost frustrated.

"You really are a fool." I stared blankly as Louis descended the stairs. I had to keep my cool, otherwise risk being discovered. "A fool who's beyond saving now." What's he even talking about?!

"Where are you going?" Louis walked on, ignoring my question. He stopped at the door to the waiting carriage.

"Duke Howard?" Louis stepped past the befuddled Nico, and grasped the handle of the carriage door. My eyes were narrowed suspiciously as I quickly turned back, grabbing my dropped heel and taking off the other one to proceed barefooted. As I jogged up to the front entrance and towards the carriage, I pressed my hand against my chest.

"My necklace..." The princess necklace Nico had given me yesterday was gone. I must've taken it off at some point. Back at the carriage, Louis pulled the door open and looked back to me. I watched the man for a moment, not sure of what to do at this point.

"You're going to see your student, aren't you?"

"Yes," I said cautiously. Is he not going to tattle on me?

"You'd better hurry then. If Giles discovers you missing, you'll be the one to suffer the consequences." Wonderful. Now I have to worry about 'consequences'. "Quickly now." Rolling my eyes, I stepped up. Louis attempted to guide me up into the carriage, but I refused to take his hand. He sighed, and instead watched me get in myself. I can't believe this, he's actually being helpful! What is this guy going for? As always, there was no hint of emotion on Louis' perfectly composed face. I never have any idea what's going on behind those cold eyes. It's frustrating.

"Thanks, I guess." Louis bowed slightly behind me, and I suddenly stumbled even without my high heels on. Louis placed his soft hand over my own. His steadying hand allowed me to board with some semblance of grace, and I mumbled another thank you.

"Keep the horses at a trot, Nico. Proceed as quietly as possible."

"Y-yes, m'lord." And then, just as Nico was nodding his assent to the Duke's orders-

"You're-?!" Louis leapt into the carriage himself. What's he doing?!

"Move over." Louis was squeezed so close to me that I could feel his calm, steady breaths on my cheek. "Move over a little further." The carriage was small, and there wasn't much I could do.

"Why don't you sit on the other side?!" I snapped. Louis barely spared me a glance.

"You should be quiet, unless you would like Giles to discover us." I breathed out a puff of air, scowling and looking away, while also raking my fingers through my hair. To my displeasure, Louis did not move, and we remained uncomfortably squished together. I placed my elbow on the window sill, and wondered why the hell we weren't moving yet. After an irritatingly quiet minute, I stole a quick, angry glance at Louis. He had apparently been doing the same.

"What is it?"

"Why are you here?" I asked bluntly, glaring at the duke. He never got the chance to answer though.

"We're ready to depart, m'lady, Your Grace." With Nico's words, the carriage lurched into motion. I snorted again, looking back out the window and blowing a stray strand of my hair out of my face. The action reminded me of Louis and I, in the garden.

"Stay still." Louis' fingertips ran softly through my hair, rearranging it so that it parted correctly.

I realized that I had started staring, and abruptly turned away from the blonde man, the heat in my face apparent only to me. To distract myself I decided to ask him my unanswered question from earlier.

"Why are you here Louis? And why are you so against me becoming princess?"

"..."

"..." He merely glanced in my direction, before Louis averted his gaze, completely ignoring me. My angry mood only deepened, and a hideous scowl seemed to be permanently etched onto my face. I swear to God... "If everyone in the palace is like him..."

"What?"

"Nothing." I told him coldly, watching the town pass by through the window. The tension filling the carriage seemed to ease, at least for me, as I watched the familiar surroundings outside. I knew nearly every shop, and the people who ran it. I also knew many of the homes and who lived there.

Suddenly there was a pang in my chest, and I realized that I missed this place. Even though it had been barely two days, just the notion that I'd be seeing this place so little from now on, it was enough to turn my scowl into sadness, as I stared longingly at the passing buildings. I put my hand on the window, and silently watched my life pass in front of me.

Finally, Liliana's home came into view. The ride had been a long and quiet one, and I was glad to be here. Neither of us had spoken again.

"Here, Nico." I called gently. I wasn't feeling myself quite yet after the journey through town. I stood up, and moved carefully around Louis. I didn't want to touch him.

"Wait." Louis called as I stepped out of the carriage. I stopped, but didn't turn around. I knew depression was evident in my eyes, and the last thing I wanted was for the Duke to see it.

"What is it." I asked emotionlessly. I heard moving fabric, and eventually turned around and looked at Louis' outstretched hand. A bookmark made with a pressed white flower? Impossible- I stared intently at the dried flower in Louis' hand. Is that really one of the flowers that only blooms in the palace gardens?

"..." Louis continued to silently gaze at me, his eyes icy as always. It's just some random white flower, right? I'd suddenly forgotten about my previous sadness, and now stared with wide green eyes at the bookmark. I gently lifted my hand to run my fingers lightly over it, almost unbelieving.

"May I give that to my student?" That is what he wants me to do, right?

"Do with it as you will."

"Thank you so much." Despite Louis' curt reply, I couldn't stop myself from grinning ear to ear. The last strains of tension and even depression from the carriage ride had finally melted away. A warm smile came to my lips. "She really enjoys reading. I'm sure she'll be delighted." Louis remained silent as always. I was now in a good enough mood that I even gave him a small, quick curtsy, before taking the bookmark from his hand. I smiled at it fondly, cradling it in my palm. "Really Louis, thank you." I glanced at the small house that my pupil lived in behind us. "I'll be back shortly." The duke gave a nod to me, then I turned to knock on the door, a million different things running through my mind at once.

You know, I think that was the first time I've truly smiled in front of Louis. I was struck with a wave of conflicting emotions, and my gaze fell to the pressed flower. It makes me wonder, though- Why did Louis have the bookmark in the first place? I didn't get to think much further on the subject though, as the door opened, and I was met with the bright eyes of a child.

August 20th