My Cinderella

Part Four

Of course the prince doesn't accept no for an answer, so the household was shocked when their visitor showed at the door. Prince Ciel.

"Could I speak to Miss Claire in privet?" The prince asked.

Claire's sisters gave her jealous looks as she entered the library with Ciel. "My prince," She curtsied.

"Why was I informed that you refused to ask for you hand in marriage? Was it too soon?"

"No, sir." Claire looked away

He took her hands in his, "What ever is the matter? I'm in love with you,"

"That's very flattering, but I cannot admit I was at the ball last night."

The prince understood rather quickly, "So shall I leave?"

"Please don't," she looked him in the eye, "I love you,"

He sighed, trying to figure a way to make this work. A prince doesn't just randomly call on a lady he had no way of knowing (since she wasn't supposed to be at the ball).

"If you tell the truth, you can marry me, Claire. And when we're married you'll move into the palace with me, as a princess." Ciel said, fingers still intertwined with Claire's.

"You may be correct, but-" Claire paused, sighing, "I'll just tell them. I want to marry you, my prince."

"If we're getting married you don't have to be so formal. You know you can call me Ciel."

(much cliché. so predict.)

"Alright, Ciel. Go formally ask my hand in marriage." Claire winked.

The duke and duchess came into the library, having a conversation with Prince Ciel.

"To get straight to the point," Ciel started, "I would like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Claire's mother gasped.

"Usually, the first daughter marries before the others..." Her father stated.

"But father! Your first daughter, my older sister, is being called on by Sir Nathaniel. She surely will be married before all of our preparations are made." Claire burst out.

"How is it the prince chose you, Claire?" Her mother asked.

The prince calmly explained the story with Claire. Of course, Claire left out the part about her older sister helping. Her parents weren't pleased, but they couldn't deny their daughter becoming royalty. Reluctantly, they agreed. Not for their daughter's happiness, but for their own benefits.