Author's Note: So I really suck at updating. But that's ok because I'm back now. Assignments and midterms have kept me away but I've managed to complete this chapter. There'll most probably 1, or even 2 chapters if the muse decides to throw something at me. But anyway, LacytheRomanWerewolf and Rugbygirrl you two are the most awesomest reviewers I could ever have! Rock on ladies. ;) by the way, how perfect can Paget Brewster get? She's just the funniest, kindest, sweetest person period. Oh and some information about Paget's return to Criminal Minds. She'll be featured in both flashbacks and normal scenes. This is what Paget said on Twitter:

"I shoot ep #200 December 5-16 so it will probaly air late January, early February."

So yay for Paget and Emily! And now onward with the chapter! Read and review my lovelies! I look forward to seeing what you think. :)

Indeed, 'twas the King and Prince who stood at the doorway of Prentiss Manor, the former who stared down imperiously at a red-faced Erin. The duo was seemingly locked in a silent battle of wills, and Emily, finally tiring of such antics cleared her throat and welcomed the royal guests in.

The brunette dipped into a curtsey as she swung the door wide open. "Your Majesties forgive me, but what brings such esteemed presence to our humble home?" King Dave smiled fatherly at her before motioning for his entourage to enter the home. "We come but for one purpose alone: to find the lady whose delicate foot matches this exquisite glass slipper."

They swept into the living room, where a startled Beth quickly whipped her feet from over the end of the settee. Erin bustled and spluttered, darting quick glances to the royal family and dark glares to her red faced daughter, "Apologies, your Highness, but what is this about a glass slipper?" Aaron took a satin pillow from the footman, and everyone in the room held their breath at the sight of the sparkling shoe. Dainty and fragile, the blue tint of the glass slipper seemed all the more apparent under the glint of sunlight. Truly, it was a craft made possible only by magic.

Emily frowned and sneaked a questioning glance towards Aaron; surely he knew it belonged to her? Why then would they come here, acting as if they knew not who the owner was? She was further mystified when her love shot her a slight wink and mouthed the words 'trust me' to her. Emily shook her head; there were times when she knew not just what went through Aaron's mind, and that of his father's for the matter.

Erin stared at the slipper in askance, "Why… I'm afraid I do not completely understand what you're implying here, your Highness. Why is this slipper of such importance?" Dave raised a brow in surprise at her, though Emily was sure there was a hint of mockery within his dancing brown eyes. "Why, do you not know, Erin? This slipper was left by the woman who has managed to capture Aaron's heart! Alas, the slipper fell of her foot as she hurried away from the palace. It was however, Aaron's idea that the slipper should be tried on by every eligible lady in the kingdom and that he would wed she whose foot fit this slipper."

Beth let out a squeal and rushed towards Aaron, who took a quick step back and thrust the pillow back to the poor footman who was promptly smothered by the overenthusiastic woman. "Let me try! I know my delicate foot will fit perfectly!" Flopping down onto the couch, she wrenched off her own silk slipper and grabbed ahold of the glass slipper. Yet Beth's large, and Dave wrinkled his nose, rather hairy foot screamed its rejection of the elegant footwear. Try and try she did, yet it simply would not fit!

Somewhat alarmed and amused, Aaron cleared his throat, motioning at the footman, "Perhaps it would be better if we seek the owner of the slipper elsewhere, father. I would hate for the slipper to be shattered before we find its rightful owner." Erin pursed her lips and squeezed Beth's shoulder sharply, cutting off any protests the silly girl might have. "It disappoints me that my daughter is not whom you seek but still I wish you luck in your endeavor, your Highness."

Emily shot a glare towards her love and his father, shaking her head furiously behind the two women. They were not leaving her here yet another day with these two harpies! Dave smirked and rolled his eyes affectionately; of course he'd rescue his cara out of this hell hole. Coughing slightly, he stopped the entourage from leaving. "Ah, correct me if I'm wrong, Erin, but is this lovely lady here not Sebastian's only daughter? Surely she should have her chance at trying on the slipper."

Beth chortled and guffawed loudly, startling everyone, "Cinder Emily? Apologies, your Highness but I hardly think a scullery maid could have worn such fine slippers and danced with the Prince! Why we all but forbade her from attending the ball!"

Erin's eyes widened as she tried to stop her daughter from exploiting their cruelties to the King and his son, who were currently turning a lovely shade of red at their mistreatment of Emily. "Pardon her, your Highness, my Beth is rather simple minded and knows not what she speaks. What she meant was that Emily could not have been to the ball, she had taken ill that day, did she not, Beth?" Her dark haired daughter shriveled beneath her laser like glare and meekly nodded, "Yes mother." Erin smiled smugly at the room's occupants, "So you see, Emily is most definitely not the owner of this slipper. Perhaps it would serve your Highness better to seek elsewhere. After all, we all wish the Prince joy in finding the girl of his dreams."

Dave snorted and gripped Emily's hand firmly, drawing her to the couch where the slipper remained still. "Nonsense, Emily is my goddaughter; of course she must try the slipper on. There you go, cara."

Emily stifled a laugh as Erin and Beth's eyes popped out, nearly out of their sockets. Looks like the cat was out of the bag. Ignoring their indignant sputters, Emily winked saucily at a grinning Aaron and effortlessly slipper her slender fit into the slipper. It was a perfect match.

Erin screeched and Dave winced, "Pipe down, Erin, you're giving me a headache." Beth wailed and pulled at her hair in dismay, "But how? How did Emily go to the ball when she was at home?" The blonde matriarch continued her tirade of disbelief, "It must be a coincidence! Certainly there are plenty of young women who could fit into this shoe, not just Emily!"

Her brunette stepdaughter just giggled in glee and reached into her apron, pulling out a matching, sparkling glass slipper. Placing it gently onto the floor, she slid her other foot into it and stood gracefully, looking Erin dead in the eye. "Not if they have the other shoe." Erin just stared at Emily, groaned once and fell into a faint on the carpeted floor. No one attempted to revive her, but it mattered not for the irate woman soon awoke from her brief fainting spell, rather annoyed she was left to lie on the dusty ground.

Aaron's dimples made its appearance, and reaching out to grasp Emily's hand, he pulled her close, resting his head onto her nestle of dark hair. "My Emily. At long last, you return to my arms." Pulling apart, he promptly dropped to his knees, eliciting little screams from Erin and Beth, the latter who burst into tears and stamped her feet petulantly, "It's not fair! It's just not fair!"

Emily held her breath; how long had she waited for her Prince to carry her off into the sunset? How long had she dreamt and waited and hoped only to have her dreams dashed but now here they were.

Aaron pressed a kiss onto her hand and looked up earnestly at her, "Aemilia Minerva Prentiss, light of my life, woman I love most, will you be my wife?"

Tears sprang to the brunette's eyes as she nodded once and pulled her Prince up and threw herself into his arms. Kissing him deeply, she smiled to feel his hands cradle her neck tenderly. It certainly was worth the wait.