CinderWHAT! Chapter 4 ----------- Countdown
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A/N: Just wanna say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the really encouraging reviews/subscriptions!! You don't know how much they mean to me ^^. Please continue writing them they're pretty much the only reason I'm keeping this fanfic going :)
Previously on CinderWHAT: Kyohei found his fairy Grandbrothers(?) who helped transformed him into a nobleman. Will he get to meet his Princess and escape the life he had loathed for so long? Ponder as CinderWHAT continues....
Key:
"Talking"
Thoughts/internal conversation
Alter Ego
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Saturday, 31st October. 5.30 pm – 2 hours before the ball.
The palace was brimming with excitement; after months of preparation the awaited ball has come at last. No one stood idle – the castle grounds were littered with various guild members running with last minute errands for their masters, shouting orders to those lower in ranks as if trying to reciprocate the harsh treatment they just received. Even the King and Queen were actively participating, swiftly reviewing each guild's work and making some amendments where necessary.
King Takenaga was anxious about his wife's behaviour. Since early this morning he has observed her becoming increasingly jittery, constantly twisting her handkerchief and refusing to rest for lunch. She is nearly at her breaking point, he thought. Tenderly he held Naie and steered her away from the gardening guild members that were busy adding the last row of roses.
"That's enough stressing, Noi-chi. Let the professionals handle the rest, otherwise you'll be the only one who will miss our daughter's birthday."
"But Takenagaaa" she whined, and the King couldn't help but smile fondly at his wife. She is so terribly cute when stressed, "I kept on feeling like something's not right. Nothing is ready yet, and problems keep on coming from all directions. It's as if nature itself is going against this ball." She started to sob, and Takenaga soothed her in his arms.
"You worry too much, my love. All will be well. Now sleep and I shall oversee the rest." Silencing her protests the king carried her to her room and ordered to her to remain there until the guests arrive. Naie begrudgingly agreed and Takenaga chuckled as he left the room. I could never get tired of her.
As the sun slowly dipped itself into the horizon, so did the Wallflower Palace transformed itself into an enchanted dwelling under the golden sky. Drenched in sweat but filled with anticipation, everyone recalled the scene as being the most magical memory of their entire life.
It was going to be a magical night.
6 pm, 1 hour and 30 minutes before the ball.
The imperial princess sat motionless on a draped luxurious chair, surrounded by 5 or 6 specialised beauticians of all sorts imaginable - jeweller, hairdresser, even lip artists, all exerting their skills to perfect the pale creature before them. Occasionally the young woman would stiffen, clenching her hands into a tight ball, only to quickly relax after seeing the worried looks on her 'torturers' face.
Endure it, my dear. It won't be long now. Her eyes, which had unconsciously turned black and deadly, slowly returned to being distant and relatively docile. Only once did Sunako growl at the Head Hairdresser as she attempted to trim the princess's long black hair and expose her hidden face. The Dress Master fortunately intervened before blood could be shed, and after a long coaxing the princess finally resigned, fuming with humiliation as her hair was styled and perfumed. These mindless creatures! How dare they treat me like a lifeless doll!
Again, patience. When we reign you will be able to do as you please. Sunako smiled inwardly at her voice-sama's reassurance, knowing that soon nothing will stand in their way. Queen Naie's chief lady-in-waiting entered just as they finished the last touch of make-up, trembling in the presence of the dark princess.
"They....they are waiting for you, your highness." The rest of the usher trailed behind her, their heads bowed.
Barely acknowledging her presence, Sunako stood and walked, no, glided across the room in her black gown. All eyes were laid on her, some from neither fear nor hatred. As they followed the princess, Sunako's youngest room maid squeaked, "I didn't know our lady could look like that". They froze apprehensively as the princess stopped and turned around to smile coldly at the girl, who seemed to shrink all of a sudden. "There are many things about me you don't know, and probably never will." She resumed her pace, and the rest of the journey continued in dead silence.
It was going to an unforgettable night.
7 pm, 30 minutes before the ball.
"Ok, so let me get this straight. After I'm introduced to the other guests I'm expected to WOO Princess Sunako what's-her-name straightaway? What am I, Casanova?" Kyohei grumbled in the 'limousine', a newly invented motor carriage Ranmaru's lover so kindly offered to lend for the night.
"Bah! Casanova's just some pussy old man who used only his good looks to ensnare young women. I, on the other hand, use my brain AND looks to get what I want. That takes skill, Kyohei-chan." Ranmaru winked slyly, fiddling with a switch which caused the window to rise and fall. "And remember, it's Princess Nakahara Sunako. We don't want everything to fall apart just because you forgot her highness' name!" Ranmaru pointed to Kyohei, who gloomily nodded.
"Ne sorry for butting in, but are you sure the sleeping draught will last that long?" Yuki asked.
Ranmaru lazily answered, "Don't worry little brother, those three ladies, if you can call those octopi 'ladies', will sleep like a log until midnight. We just have to make sure our prince finds his mark before then."
"Why is it always midnight? Can't it be some other time like 1 or 3 in the morning? Damn fairy tales and their rules." Kyohei tugged at his collar, muttering to himself. I never liked these kinds of clothes, they're too tight and a bother! Too bad you got yourself into this situation, oh CinderBoy. His little alter ego answered mockingly.
Great. Just when I thought this ball couldn't get any better you showed up.
Always at your service, dear Prince.
"Is that what I think it is?!" Yuki exclaimed.
Ignoring the voice Kyohei looked up just in time to see the magnificent castle robed in all its splendour. The three young men stared in awe – the sight bewitched them instantly. From the top of the castle's turret to the lavishly decorated limestone wall, the whole palace glowed in pinkish hue like a blushing bride. Beyond the golden gate petite candles were hung on the cherry blossoms lining the road, lighting the way to a roundabout where the entrance lies behind a marbled fountain, the falling water sparkling under the moonlight. Like all the other guests they were still entranced even as they got out of the limousine and walked up the carpeted stairs. Kyohei took one last look at the garden, marvelling at the beds of roses sculpted in a way that they are able to interlink with each other to form a miniature version of the Wallflower palace.
Noticing his silence Yuki paused, "it's amazing isn't it?" For the first time during the night Kyohei smiled, "yes it is, Yuki. Yes it is."
Yet he couldn't seem to shake off a feeling of foreboding, a warning that that one step would change the course of his life forever.
It was going to be a hell of a night.
As of now I'm still unsure of how the story is going to go so any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Look forward to reading all your reviews :)