Cinderelo {A Queer Cinderella Retelling)

Chapter 5

The King was a terribly frustrating man. While his wife was alive, he'd been much more sensible but losing her took away his grip on his greed, all he cared about now being his own little agendas. One day, he would be going on and on about a certain kingdom he wanted to invade and control, loudly telling stories of his war days. The next, he would go on the hunt for some expensive item like a suit of armour statue made of pure gold that he'd get bored of a day later.

Charles wished he could please his father but he wasn't the type that could ever be satisfied. The only person who could deal with his fluctuating temper died as he and his sister were born.

When they heard their father was calling for them, both siblings were immediately tense. He had become quite the shut-in, staying within his bed chambers almost always. His arrogant snobbery, rudeness and outbursts had made a mockery of their kingdom, really so he it was a good thing he'd chosen to become a recluse this late in life. The day Gwendolyn had brought in Elo and found him on the staircase was the first she'd seen his face in months.

"Hello, father. Thought you had forgotten about us both."

"Sister. Be polite. He's the King."

"He's as much a prat as you are," she spat in return, folding her arms when the old man chuckled at her words but gave her no more acknowledgement.

"Ah... Charles, my boy. You have taken such good care of the kingdom, have you not? In my absence?"

"Father, you are still our king, I was only doing my duty-"

"And a fine one at that." Charles and Gwendolyn shared a look of confusion before they turned back to him. His expression seemed so much lighter than usual. He only seemed so happy and relaxed when he'd just bought a new toy, one he would inevitably forget existed. Gwendolyn would be upset to hear it but she was a lot like him in that way. "I have made a decision. I want to retire."

"...Retire?! I- excuse my outburst, father but isn't that too rash a decision?"

"Yes, son, retire. It's rather boring, here in the Palace. I want to see the world, travel across the plains, enjoy myself like I used to in the old days. It was such fun, Charles, such fun..." The young man knelt next to his father's bedside and took his hand, nodding slowly as he tried to understand. His sister stood at the door, rolling her eyes and turning away from both. Seeing her father so lost like this pained her, although she would never admit it. Acting like it didn't matter was an easy way to hide that weakness, especially important because he didn't give much of a damn about her either.

"I understand, Your Majesty but you should get some rest. We shall speak of this tomorrow-"

"Do not tell me what I am and am not. I am your King! And I have more demands to make which you will see to- or do you not want the throne?" Charles almost let it slip that he wouldn't have minded a different life but he simply bowed his head to his father, feigning solemnity. His father nodded with a smug smile and continued. "I want the place bursting with flowers. Your mother used to love flowers. Remember the garden? She was always there, tending to them. She was so beautiful, son. Your sister looks so much like her... I will be joining her, soon so we must throw a royal ball and find you a wife to mother the continuation of our great lineage. Remember that as the future king, your marriage has nothing to do with love. Marrying your mother enriched our kingdom and gave me you, my boy. Keep that in mind as you make your choice."

Gwendolyn scoffed and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her as loudly as she could. Charles flinched and pat his father's hand gently when the man glared at the offending object which had startled him. A moment later, he looked around with a frown and mumbled, "was your sister not here a moment ago?"