by Blue Saffire
“Have you shown this to Mother?”
“No, your highness. You were the first one I wanted to see it. This information has so many implications that are above my station. I thought it best to bring it straight to you,” Williams says.
“Yes, yes, you’re right.” I lick my dry lips. I don’t even know where to begin. If my anger could set a fire, all of Verlez would burn.
“He had no right to do this.”
“I know, sir. Your mother will be furious.”
“As she should be. This isn’t who we are. It’s disgusting.”
“That it is. Forgive me for saying this, but it seems karma was swift.”
I scoff. “But the damage was done. They were gone. No one could tell them it was safe to return. How could he take my future in his hands like this? He had no right. This is sickening.”
“Indeed. However, I don’t think this is something your parents will want to come out. You will have to handle this with care. Not like a bull in a china shop,” Williams says while looking at me knowingly.
I run a hand through my hair. He’s right. I want to destroy something or someone, but the someone in question isn’t available for punishment. I feel more lost than I did in all the years I had questions.
“I want to know who else knew. If anyone else was involved, I want this dealt with before the ball. I will discuss my intentions with my mother. Enough time has been lost.”
I stand to leave my office to find my mother. However, she walks in right at the same moment. I look at her and wonder could she have known of this.
“What’s wrong?” she asks with a concerned expression as she looks at my face.
I turn the file on my desk around and slide it in her direction. She moves further into the office and takes a seat in front of my desk. I observe her intently to see her reaction as she flips through the pages.
She lifts a shaky hand to her lips as she turns a few more. Tears come to her eyes. I get the feeling she had no idea about this, which is a relief and then she speaks.
“I didn’t know he went to this length. I—I can’t believe he went this far. I just…” she trails off and shakes her head.
“Why? Can you explain this to me?”
She swallows thickly and nods her head. “My brother was what you call a purist. He believed that the bloodlines should remain untainted. It wasn’t about color if that’s what you are thinking.”
“Your uncle had affections for Queen Nia, had she not been promised to King Alvin he would have been happy to suit her. It was Princess Beverly’s choice to marry the American that he was against.”
My mother pauses to take my handkerchief and wipe at her tears. I reclaim my seat and wait for her to continue. Taking a deep breath, she looks me in the eyes.
“When we chose Princess Cinder for you, he was furious. She wasn’t a full-blooded princess. He saw her father as beneath us. I thought he let it go after your father told him our decision was final.
“Your father was furious at first, he wanted the merger of the two kingdoms. It was his hope to grow Verlez and Fru Fru Palms together. He saw a great opportunity with all of the connected land and potential,” she says and gives me a warm smile.
“Your father was much like you in his younger years. He wanted to bring Verlez into the future. He was so discouraged when that young girl ran off. He felt as if our traditions may have been as antiquated as the lands and the kingdom had become.”
“How so?”
“Why do you think your father is so lenient with you? Have you ever wondered why he agrees to the changes you suggest so easily? You father is no weak king. Yet he bends so easily for you.”
“It’s because he sees himself in you. You reflect all of the changes he once dreamed of. Your father hasn’t wanted to force your hand into marriage. He had hoped you would find love in your quest for the lost princess.”
I take in my mother’s words. It all adds up. I have so many gaps that are starting to fill in.
“This wasn’t right,” I murmur.
“No, it was not. If your uncle were alive, I would take him to task for this. My heart hurts for all the lives he changed with his menacing actions. However, we can only move forward from here,” she replies.
“How?”
“It’s time to tell her who she is. You can’t continue to keep her in the dark about this. Her parents have done that enough.”
“I understand you all have done this for her safety for one reason or another, but this will not go over well for you if you don’t tell her soon,” my mother says.
I rub the back of my neck. She hasn’t told a lie. I have to tell Cinder soon. However, I don’t know what that will mean for us.
“You love her,” my mother says more as I statement, not a question when I don’t say a word. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re in love.”
“I believe I am.”
My mother clasps her hands together. “I knew it. We’ll change the plans for the ball. It will be your engagement party. You will make the official announcement of her return then.”
“Slow down, mother. I have to tell Cinder first.”
“Yes, yes, you must tell her. I’m so pleased. You’re going to make a handsome groom and what an exquisite bride your princess will make,” she sings.
“One step at a time mother.” I chuckle.
“Oh, I’m so excited. I’ve waited for years to be able to plan your wedding. Oh, and grandchildren. I’ll finally have grandchildren!”
“Williams, I believe my mother has truly gotten beside herself. Please inform the families that I will not be looking for a bride. It’s no use stringing anyone along any further.”
“I will get right to it, your highness.”
“Also, will you inform Cinder in the morning that I’ve taken a trip, but I’d like to have dinner with her tomorrow evening,” I say as my mind races.
“Travel? Tomorrow evening?” my mother questions.
“Yes, I’ll be making a trip to find an engagement ring.”
“Silly boy, I have the perfect ring for you. You will only need to size it,” mother says with a grin.
My chest swells with pride. My grandmother’s ring. Yes, it will be perfect for Cinder. It was always meant to be hers.
“Then, I’ll be off to have it sized. It’s imperative that I leave right away. There are a few other things I want to take care of in London before tomorrow evening,” I say and stand. “Would you like to accompany me to London?”
“Oh, yes, let me get a few things and the ring,” she says excitedly.
My own excitement burns through me. I want to make this trip quick so I can return to my future. I will tell Cinder everything and then I’ll propose.
“Well, then, shall we claim us a princess?”
“That we shall.”
Chapter 13
Foolish
Cinder
I swipe at my tears as I pack my things. I’ve been so stupid. He has found a bride. A princess at that.
I won’t sit around for him to tell me that I’m not worthy and he has found a princess to marry. I sniffle and run a hand beneath my nose. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on Princeton’s conversation.
I couldn’t sleep and I’d been on my way to his office to inquire about some things for the ball. A ball that won’t be happening because he already has someone in mind to marry. His mother’s voice carried from the room as I approached.
‘We’ll change the plans for the ball. It will be your engagement party. You will make the official announcement of her return then.’
I stood there stunned. Princeton’s words from earlier returned. ‘Cinder, there’s something I need to tell you.’
He was going to tell me that he had found a bride, a princess. How stupid of me? I feel so foolish.
I have no idea why I’m so hurt. I knew this was coming. I try to hold in the sobs that want to burst free.
I need to get home. I go to check for the rest of my things and
that’s when I see it. The crown Princeton insisted I bring along.
I scoff at it. Was I always a joke to him? Some commoner to play with and make to feel special.
I inherited a castle but that still doesn’t put me in his world, on his level. I shake my head and wipe at fresh tears. Reaching for the crown, I take it and place it on the bed. It can stay here with all the lies I’ve told myself, and the hurt.
“So stupid,” I mutter to myself.
I close my bag and pull it from the bed. Moving to the next bag, I go to do the same and a shoe from the ball in New York falls out.
I stare down at it. I’ve been pretending since that night. I don’t belong here, just like I didn’t belong there.
I close my bag not bothering to pick up the shoe. It can stay here too.
I pull my phone out and call Mr. Darcy. He’s the only person I know here that can help me. I chew on my lip as I wait for him to answer.
Looking at the clock on the wall, I see that it’s pretty late. I heard Princeton tell Williams to give me a message that he and the queen were leaving for London.
I won’t be here when they return. I’m saving him the trouble of having to dump me. I’ve humiliated myself enough.
“Your highness?” Arthur answers the line.
“No, this is Cinder,” I say into the phone.
“Yes, yes. My apologies. Ms. Cinder. How can I be of service?”
“I need to get out of here. Can you help me arrange transportation to the States?”
There’s a pause on the other end. I have to check to see of the shit reception here has cut my call. It’s still connected.
“Hello?”
“Yes, yes, I’m sorry. Does the prince know you are leaving?”
I stomp my feet in anger. “I don’t need the prince to know that I want to go home. I’m a grown woman. I’d like to go home now,” I say through my tears.
“Yes, okay. Very well. I’ll send a car for you. I will make all of the arrangements for you to leave from here.”
“Thank you.” I sniffle.
“You are welcome.” He doesn’t sound too sure of himself. I think about trying something else, but he speaks again and I relax. “I’m at your service, Ms. Cinder. I will get you to your home.”
Princeton
My hair is a tousled mess and my clothes are rumpled. I was in bed when Williams called to tell me Cinder was gone. He’d gotten up in the middle of the night and found the door to my bedroom open.
Sensing something was off, he entered and found the room empty. I woke mother and we rushed back to find out what’s going on. I’ve been on edge the entire time.
“Where is she?” I demand as I climb the stairs two at a time.
“A car came for her. She’s returning to the States, your highness.”
“What?” I bellow and move to my bedroom faster.
There has to be some clue as to what’s going on. I storm the room and freeze. It feels cold and empty. I can feel it in my bones. She’s truly gone.
Sitting on the bed is the crown she wore the night of the ball. I look to the floor at the foot of the bed and one of her shoes from that night rests on its side.
I move to the shoe and squat to pick it up. I’ve spent so many nights getting to know her body. Her little feet are something that I love.
I’ve kissed them and sucked her toes into my mouth. I close my eyes against the memories that flood my mind. She can’t be gone.
I stand and reach for the crown on the bed. The diamonds twinkle at me, taunting me as my princess slips through my fingers once again. This time on her own merit.
“I leave for the States. She won’t get away from me this time,” I say without turning to face Williams or my mother.
“I will come with you,” Williams says, causing me to turn to him.
I narrow my eyes. He hasn’t come with us to America since I was a little boy. However, I’m grateful for the offer.
“As will I,” Mother says. “We will bring our princess home for good.”
I rock my jaw and tighten my hold on the shoe in my hand. Yes, I will bring her home for good. Whatever sent her running this time will not keep her from me.
Cinder you can run but you will always be mine.
Chapter 14
Miss Fire
Williams
“She has arrived,” Coraline says.
“Is she okay? Has she told you why she has returned?”
“No, the poor thing has done nothing but sob since she arrived.”
“I don’t understand. She seemed to be so enamored with him. I was sure it was all going to work out. Finally.” I sigh.
“It’s only a small misfire. He’s on his way, isn’t he?”
“Yes. He’s determined to bring her home. He has the ring and all. He’s truly in love with her.”
“Whatever has happened, there’s still hope.”
I rub my forehead. It’s been two days since Cinder ran off. Prince Princeton has been in a mood and the entire castle is on edge.
The only reason he hasn’t left as of yet is the size of the ring and his visit to the King and Queen of Heathworth. This shall all be interesting.
“I believe there is.” I sigh again. “I can’t wait for this all to be over. All the secrets and deception. Princeton has taken this so hard for so long. He finally stopped blaming himself for her disappearance and here she has run off again.”
“The poor boy. She’s a lovely girl. It will work out.”
“If the boy finds out that I knew where she was he’ll strangle me.”
“You didn’t know for that long. Besides, you were following a royal request. I thank you for all of your help, Harrison. I appreciate it.”
I rub my tired eyes. “Whatever you do, don’t let her out of your sight. We will be there soon.”
Chapter 15
Greed
Cinder
I’ve been locked away in my apartment, licking my wounds. I can’t believe I let this happen. I look around my small room and it’s a reminder of how foolish I have been.
How did I think I belonged in those castles? This is my life. My Manhattan apartment is spacious enough for me, and those cats I plan to get.
I pull my knees further into my chest. I’ve been trying to figure my life out today. I have enough money to take a break, but I honestly think I’m ready to move forward with my life.
I’ve considered going to see Bianca and her brats to discuss buying them out. I look at the clock. It’s Saturday. Those three are never in the office on Saturday.
I blow out a breath and make a final decision. It’s my family’s business. I want to make this right.
I drag my body out of bed and head into the shower. After washing my hair and getting the filth from the last three days from my body, I get dressed and braid my hair in two braids on each side of my head.
Yeah, not the most polished look, but I’m not in the mood to impress anyone. I look down at my jeans and T-shirt. My heels and blazer are the only thing keeping my outfit from screaming my mood.
Bianca and her spawns can bite me, but I’m not going to let them see me completely slipping. I grab my oversized bag and start out of my apartment. I nearly run over Ms. Randell as I step out of the door.
“Love. It’s so good to see you,” she chirps as she pulls me into an embrace.
“Hello, Ms. Randell.”
“You know. I think you should start calling me Coraline. We’ve become friends. Ms. Randell makes me feel so old,” she says with a smile.
I give a small laugh. “Okay Coraline it is. Listen, I’ll stop by when I get back. You can tell me all about what’s been going on around here since I’ve been gone,” I say.
“Oh, where are you heading. Maybe I can come along. I can catch you up and you can tell me all about your trip.”
I drop my head and look at my feet. The last thing I want to do is talk about that trip. All the wonderful things about it have been tainted by my last nig
ht there.
“Uh, I’m actually headed to see my stepmother. I’m going to buy those trolls out once and for all,” I murmur.
“Oh,” she says. I lift my head as her words come out odd. I search her face. Ms. Randell fidgets and looks around the hall. “I’ll still take the ride with you. It’s good for my bones to get out of here sometimes.”
“Um. All right. Okay.”
I don’t know what else to say. She’s been checking on me every day. I know I’ve been gone a long time. She probably missed having someone to talk to.
I shake it off and wait for her to grab her things from her apartment. When she returns she proves me right. The woman talks all the way to my stepmother’s brownstone.
“Are you sure you want to do this, love,” she says.
I look into her brown eyes and think long and hard about it. I want what’s mine. Do I want to pay them for it? No, but it means something to me. I don’t want my family’s legacy in the hands of these ungrateful monsters.
“It’s not good for the brand. Yes, I own Beauty For Ashes International, but they have their hands on my U.S. company, and I won’t allow them to ruin that. This ends here,” I say firmly.
Ms. Randell stares at me and a small smile comes to her lips. Her eyes sparkle with pride. I find myself standing straighter. She looks down at her phone and her smile grows. She sends a text faster than I think her fingers should be able to.
“Yes, it does,” she says almost to herself before she rings the bell for me.
I furrow my brows at my neighbor. She reaches for my hand and gives it a firm squeeze. The gesture calms me. In this moment, I’m glad she’s here. I’ve been feeling so alone the last few days.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Glenda snarls when she tugs the front door open.
I bite back my retort and force a smile to my lips. “I’d like to talk to you guys about buying you out.”