My Cinderella

Part Three

The two danced the night away, to every song that played, everyone quite sure the prince found the girl to marry. Little did Claire know, that Prince Ciel did in fact fall in love with her.

Claire heard a grandfather clock chime. One, two, three, four. Twelve chimes. It was midnight.

She gasped, breaking away from Ciel.

"What's the matter?" He asked, his voice so calm and loving.

"I must go, it's midnight!" She exclaimed, exiting the palace.

"Wait! Miss!" He called after her.

She looked back, causing her to stumble down the stairs.

Her shoe slipped off, which she quickly slid back on, continuing to run. She was afraid. This night wasn't regrettable, but the thought of angering her parents was terrifying.
-
When the maiden finally reached her home, she discovered that bed check was being performed. The servants were silently opening and closing doors, Claire sneaking past a few.

"Lady Claire!" One maid gasped.

Claire put a finger to her lips and shushed her, casually walking into her bedroom (which had it's door open from the maid).

Everything was a success.

~

The next morning, the household was visited by a courier. He had official business with Miss Claire, to which he was invited into the parlour.

"What seems to be the matter, sir?" Claire asked, being as mannerly as possible.

"Oh, Miss Claire, I'm merely a messenger. The prince sent me to inform you that he will be speaking with your parents and you about a marriage."

"Marriage?" The maiden almost dropped her tea cup.

"Yes. The prince said he'd fallen in love with the girl he danced with last night. We double checked the guest list and who that young woman was introduced as. You were at the prince's ball last night, correct?"

"I-indeed..." Claire said quietly.

The courier stood, "That will be all, thank you, miss."

"Wait-" she grabbed his arm.

"Miss?"

The maiden looked down, "Do not let the prince call on me. I cannot accept."

"Miss Claire, are you feeling ill?" The courier was absolutely confused.

"I cannot accept." She let go of his arm.