The dance was done and over with, and just as the prince expected, his father wanted to see him. He urged the prince to bring the girl he danced with as well. Just like the prince and Cinderella planned out, Cinderella linked her arm in his. She could feel the jealous stares of almost everyone on her.
Now, this message is for the readers. Cinderella didn't agree to this mission empty-handed. The Boss and Cinderella had planned this out for months. Cinderella had learned how to fight, to talk, and how to look confident, even if she wasn't. That training came in to play right now.
Cinderella held her head high, but not too high that it could be mistaken for arrogance.
The line between confidence and arrogance is a fine line, The Boss once said. Cinderella remembered you have to soften your facial expressions, but have to strengthen your body language. So, straight back, head held high, but not too high etcetera.
Arm in arm, the prince and Cinderella walked towards the kind. The footsteps of the prince were soft but determined. He never mentioned why he wanted to help her. But whatever it was, she was happy he agreed to it. Without his help, this mission would have been over before it even began.
'Prince Aiden.' The king stepped down from his throne and shook his son's hand. Cinderella shot a glance at the prince. He had given her his name. Prince Aiden. It sounded magical. It suited him. When his eyes met hers, she knew this was intentional. She had to thank him later.
The king continued. 'I'm glad you've come to see that this ball was a good idea.' The prince clenched his jaw but bowed and showed respect towards his father. 'Now, who do we have here?' He extended his hand, and Cinderella took it as gracefully as she could.
'Your majesty.' She made a deep courtesy and hoped it would please the king. When she rose, he was slightly smiling.
'What is your name, child?'
Cinderella gritted at the words but plastered a just as polite smile on her face. 'It's Cinderella, your majesty.'
The king waited for more, probably a title, but when that didn't come, his smile became fake. 'Ah, that's alright, my dear.' He discarded his view from Cinderella and ushered his son to stand next to him. Cinderella never liked the royals, but she now knew again why she hated them so much. Those bastards think they are so high and mighty they think they can do anything. But tonight will be different.
Cinderella grinned when she took her place behind the prince. Prince Aiden. She still had to get used to it. Her place behind the prince and the king was just according to plan. She was a nobody in the eyes of everyone here. No one would pay attention to here. Especially when something unfortunate happens. Like, for example, the king falls.