Ni No Kuni One-shots

Rags and Riches (Part 3)

A Cinderella AU where Evermore exists before Evan's birth. Violet is a Servant; Evan is Crown Prince of Evermore.

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Before long, the carriage pulled to a stop and Runcible opened the door. Violet stepped out, assisted by Hibber, to be met by the brightly illuminated lime-washed walls, rich windows, and golden trims of Evermore Castle. The glass domed roof of the castle sparkled with the light of millions of candles, the flames' reflections flickering against its golden sun emblem.

The grand foyer was supported by high pillars of marble. Paintings of past and present royals and Evermorian Sun Tapestries hung from the walls on either side, and the plush red carpet was soft underfoot as her Dream Prism slippers struck the floor.

Violet wished to dawdle and admire the decorations, but she dared not. She followed a few of the guests toward a grand wooden door in the north wing of the castle. A few soldiers stood at the entrance to the ballroom, monitoring the guests' entrances and exits. One of whom was Zane's Master, Ya Pi.

"Young Violet!" he greeted, in surprise. His golden dog-fur, shaggy hair, and vibrant red cloak ruffled in the slight breeze kicked up by the closing door. "When Madam Esmeray and Miss Annabelle arrived without you I was worried for your and your brothers' sakes."

"I am quite alright," Violet replied. "With a little help from my friends I've made it."

"Better late than never. Enjoy yourself. Zane has been stationed by the Prince's Gallery for the night. Do make an effort to say 'Hello.'"

She smiled, her lightly painted lips curving in a serene grin. "I will, thank you."

Ya Pi and a footman opened the doors for her. Her billowing skirt swirled around her feet as she walked, every gemstone, bead, and sequin sparkling as the fabric rippled. She stepped out onto the raised balcony overlooking the marbled dance floor below. Tall windows and red velvet drapes lined the walls of the mezzanine level, and swirling iron railings enclosed the space. The high vaulted ceiling was made of glass, like the dome over the main body of the castle, and from the inside the stars and full moon could be seen. From the mezzanine hung multiple small crystal chandeliers, and one large one hung from the peak of the domed ceiling. Against the far wall of the mezzanine was the King's viewing gallery.

King Leonhard himself was seated on a golden throne, surrounded by members of the Evermorian Court: his consuls, ministers, and a few guards. A golden metal-worked motif of the Evermorian Sun Emblem hung against a vivid red drape behind his throne.

Violet's brow creased as she noticed he did appear rather ill. His eyes, known for being bright and cheerful, were dull and weepy. His mane was ever so slightly slicked against his head and face. Some of his attendants were doing their best to keep him comfortable for his son's sake, but it was proving fruitless.

She stepped forward to run her fingers along the metal railing as she picked her way down the marble stairs. A platform on the landing below held a vase of beautiful flowers: roses, hueblooms of all manner of colors, convallaria, moonflowers, even daffodils. A few candelabras were placed on tables surrounding the space, and more were placed on the pillars supporting the mezzanine.

Flags of Evermore's allies hung from the wall behind the slightly raised gallery underneath the King, where she was sure the Prince was standing, greeting the young maidens who arrived to meet him. Just as Ya Pi had said, Zane was standing against one of the pillars, clad in his squire's uniform of a green greatcoat with gold cordage and buttons, white trousers, and brown leather boots. His black hair was tied back out of his face with a spare piece of cord, and his eyes scanned the room carefully.