amoret (oneshots and short stories)

enchanted (tinngun)

A classic TinnGun Cinderella AU

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Once upon a time, there was a beautiful kingdom known as Eldermere. Eldermere was believed to be a place where dreams came true, and hope was woven into the very fabric of the land. Love was as common as the gentle breeze that rustled through the fields, and granaries were forever filled to the brim with golden wheat.

Today was another vibrant morning in the realm of Eldermere. The sun cast its golden rays over the lush landscapes, creating a picturesque scene that had defined this kingdom for centuries. Eldermere was renowned as a happy, vibrant place, steeped in history and tradition since the Jirawathanakuls had established their ancestry. It was under their benevolent rule that Eldermere had flourished during its Golden Age, a time that resembled Paradise on Earth.

Amidst this idyllic kingdom lived a young man named Gun. He was known throughout Eldermere for his kindness, grace, and striking beauty. However, Gun's life was far from a fairy tale. Orphaned at a young age, he was forced to live with his wicked stepsisters and stepmother in a small cottage on the outskirts of the kingdom. Despite the hardships he endured, Gun's spirit remained unbroken, and he clung to the belief that someday his life would improve.

As soon as the morning sun bathed the kingdom in warmth and light, Gun busied himself with his daily chores. He scrubbed the floors, tended to the animals, and worked tirelessly to make the cottage a home for his ungrateful family. His only solace came from the stories of love and magic that he overheard in the streets of Eldermere.

Little did Gun know that destiny had something extraordinary in store for him on this particular morning. In the heart of Eldermere, within the opulent walls of the royal palace, Prince Tinnaphob faced a dilemma of his own. He was a young man of unparalleled charm and grace, admired by all who knew him. However, despite the endless stream of suitors vying for his attention, Tinnaphob had yet to find true love.

Years ago, when Gun was just five years old and his parents were still alive, he had a chance encounter with Prince Tinnaphob. They met in the heart of the lush forest that surrounded Eldermere. Gun, with his cherubic face, toothy grin, and sparkling eyes, had captured Tinnaphob's attention.

They spent hours playing together, their laughter echoing through the trees. But as the sun set, knowing they had to part ways soon, a mist of sadness fell upon them. The golden and orange sunrays that peeked through the forest trees and the serene atmosphere made both of their hearts ache at the thought of separation.

"It was nice meeting you," Tinnaphob bowed down charismatically, his extensive royal etiquette lessons giving him an advantage.

Little Gun awkwardly bowed back. "What's your name?" he asked the Prince.

"Tinnaphob. The first of my name," the Prince answered. "What's yours?" he asked in return.

Before little Gun could answer, his mother called out, "Kid, come back here!" from a distance, implying that their playtime was truly over.

"Goodbye, Tinn!" Gun hurriedly greeted and ran through the crunching leaves. Poor Tinnaphob couldn't recall the name of his first friend. He stood there until the royal soldiers found him and brought him back to the castle.

The young Prince couldn't plead with his father, fearing punishment for sneaking out of the castle that day. However, he never forgot his friend and the rare freedom and happiness he experienced that day. He wished he could meet him someday.

Back in the present, the kingdom's grand masquerade ball was just days away. The ball was an opportunity to arrange a marriage for Prince Tinnaphob with a royal or aristocratic family's daughter, potentially benefiting the kingdom's growth and development. However, Tinnaphob dreaded the event. He longed for a genuine connection, not just empty compliments and flattery that would result in a marriage of convenience. He yearned for a marriage filled with love and understanding, like the one his parents had.