The Rainbow Eyed Devil and His Songbird

Cinderella au (Douma in love with married Kotoha)

Her husband had been invited to the ball while insisting to leave her behind.  She holds her son close to her chest because she knew exactly why he wanted to leave her. He wanted to seek a possible mistress while she raised Inosuke.

She puts Inosuke down for the evening. Kotoha was of common birth and she could see why her husband would want someone more his taste.

The ball sounded fun but she needed to watch Inosuke-

"We can watch Inosuke!" She was surprised to see Kanae with her sisters. They had been helpful fairies she discovered in her garden when she first got pregnant.

"But Kanae-chan, I don't even have anything to wear." Shinobu smiles her way at that.

"Ara, Ara, Don't worry Kotoha-san, we have you covered."

—

Being a royal cousin can be so boring.

The empire had a main family that ruled with multiple supporting branch families.

Douma looked over to the twins as they seem to be just as bored as him as the ball went on. Yoriichi and Kokushibo made small talk here and there to confirm what status some passing samurai were. Douma looked to the dance floor where Akaza, one of the royal guards was dancing with his fiancée.

Douma sighed, sinking more into his fist and grabbing a jug of sake.

Being the branch that overlooked the relations of the people, he quickly got bored of the stories he heard day in and out. Never a moment for himself.

The rainbow eyes looked back to the dance floor before excusing himself, bowing to his cousin and first prince Muzan. The man waved him off, Rui, the second Prince watching his older brother's movement. Douma pity the boy, only a spare but it was better for the ruler to come from the main family.

Douma made his way to the garden, stopping at the stairs leading to the vast array of plants as he spots someone.

Under the moonlight, a lady stood.

She was beautiful, wearing a silver dress with blue highlights that complimented her hair so well. His own button jacket was black with crimson lining, silver decorating his shoulders and then his red shirt underneath.

Oh how well they would oppose each other.

Douma watched from afar, trailing from the continuing porch as the lady danced her way through the garden. His hand ran across the stone rail as he walked in pace with the woman.

She then started to sing.

His eyes sparkled as he heard her lovely voice, enchanting his soul and infecting his heart.

He licked his fangs. (an old tale would say the ruling family came from a demon and everyone in the bloodline has sharp canines.)

At the next set of stairs, he makes his way down.

—

Kotoha decided to explore the palace's gardens. One to find a flower as thanks to the butterflies and to stand clear of her husband. The music was muted at this point but she decided to sing to herself.

Singing always brought her comfort and it felt right when she had the right stage to let her heart speak.

As she made her way back closer, she started to hear the music more clearly. Her steps were uneven, missing a partner but she still laughed at the music.

She then slipped.

For a split moment, she thought she would land in the rose bush, thorns scratching her face when an arm wrapped around her waist and brought her to her feet.

The music was picking up in tempo, her mysterious savior twirling her, taking hold of one hand and keeping hold of her waist. She soon found her rhythm in the waltz. The song ends and she is soon being dipped, her eyes meeting rainbow eyes and a smile.

The man laughs, Kotoha joining him as they stand back to their full height, the man stepping back.

"I'm sorry my lady, I should have introduced myself before that dance." He bows but looks up at her with a wink. The man stands tall again, much taller than average.

"I am Douma." Kotoha gets a flush of pink on her face.

OH NO, IT WAS ONE OF THE LORDS!! How could she be so stupid??!!

Before Douma could ask, the bell struck midnight. Though Douma didn't care, only mildly looking to where the party was, everyone started to gather. He looks back and the woman is gone.

He frowns and for once his heart tightens.

He would find her again, one way or another.

—

Douma would tour the empire. Seeking maidens under the guise of searching for a bride for First Prince Muzan. He had given special orders to send any with blue hair his way.

None were her.

His search was a dead end and his heart was helplessly hopeful.

Then one day, he was asking to be hosted in the Hashibira house. He always had a distaste for the head and his mother whenever they did come to him.

Though he was hopeful the son would be better.

As he was about to knock he heard singing from the small garden.

Instead of notifying the host he was there, he found the entrance of the garden.

As he makes his way, his heart thundered more in his chest.

—

Kotoha was singing her lullaby for Inosuke, her eyes red from crying.

She had found her husband with a mistress and he had struck her.

The sister fairies were away and she was left to herself.

Sometimes she believes she won't be loved.

Her singing hitched and she looks up to see Lord Douma.

Before she knew it, he was kneeling, brushing her hair away to see the extent of her injury. His hair was gaining the attention of Inosuke. The baby squealed and Douma briefly furrowed his brow, in thought before sighing.

"My dear, who would strike beauty like you?" His smile was back, his fangs on display.

—

Douma stole Kotoha away, along with her son. He never told his host he was even present that day but did confirm the man's affair. His eyes darkening but revenge was sweeter.

He would ruin the man before asking Prince Muzan to wed him and Kotoha after a short courtship.

Her singing was for him and their son, never for her to worry again about being loved.