Let's dive in, shall we? So last time we saw how Cinderella and the prince made a deal. The prince had to choose something he wanted from Cinderella. In return, Cinderella would get the crown. Then things got a bit... unique. The prince decided he wanted a dance. A dance in return for a crown jewel, worth millions, and even more emotional value.
This should be interesting...
They shook hands and Cinderella felt euphoric. The Boss would be happy. Cinderella only had to dance, then have the crown handed over to her and they'll be done.
'Good. Now let's go.' The prince took her arm hand and hooked in his elbow. Cinderella's hand rested on the muscular arm of the prince. She suddenly remembered something.
'So, are we not ever gonna say our names?'
The prince blinked once. Twice. He didn't stop walking when he said: 'You don't know my name? How could you not know my name? I am the most well-known male in this kingdom.'
'Sorry.' Cinderella tried to sound apologetic, but it didn't work out.
The prince sighed. 'You can call me your highness, prince or crown prince.'
'That's great, but I didn't ask for what I could call you. I asked what your name is. Besides, if everyone already knows, why are you being so secretive about it?'
'It's all about leverage, sweetheart.'
Cinderella pushed her arm in his side. The prince grunted and stumbled to the side. 'Call me sweetheart one more time and I'll-'
'You will do what?' He interrupted. 'What will you do? Cut my fingers clean off? I know, you already mentioned that.' He sighed and stopped just before the entrance to the great hall. 'Look, for you, this is probably something to laugh at, but this dance is crucial for me. So, I promise you, if you dance well, I will reveal my name. After the dance, I will give you the crown and we part our ways.'
"This was the moment I started to think that a simple dance could be important to someone. Especially to a prince. I wished I had done something different back then."
Like what?
"You didn't see the look in his eyes. He looked very... lonely, I think. Like he had no one to depend on. At that time, I was too busy with getting the crown and safely get out. But I wish that I was a bit more emphatic at that moment."
... wow that's very sweet of you, Cinderella.
"Yeah, I know. It's disgusting. Let's get on with the story, yeah?"
'Yeah, we already agreed on that. I don't get why you would repeat that.'
The prince, or his highness, grunted. 'Don't worry about it. Just, please dance well. My father has to believe it is real.'
Cinderella laughed softly. 'Don't you worry about that. I will make sure your father, the king, is blown away by our performance. It will look like it's magic.' She hooked her arm once again through his arms and entered the ballroom.